Pipeline Liner Fitting Element With Fiber-Bonded Composite Joint
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for connecting liners in pipeline rehabilitation are time-consuming and prone to delamination due to the limitations of existing fitting elements, which lack a strong and reliable joint with the liner, especially when the liner shrinks after curing.
Innovation Solution
A fitting element comprising a composite article with a fully cured resin composition and dry reinforcing fibers that can accept a curable resin from the liner, forming a functional joint through an interface layer, ensuring structural connection and adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steel flanges are welded to the damaged host pipe to connect liners, then the connection between liner and pipe is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires expert workers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the connection function from the traditional steel flange welding process and integrates it directly into the fitting element itself. The fitting element incorporates a bondable surface with exposed reinforcing fibers that can directly bond to the liner, eliminating the need for separate steel flange components and welding operations. This integration maintains reliable connections while dramatically reducing installation time and skill requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the structural function of the fitting element with the connection function by integrating a bondable surface directly into the fitting element. The exposed reinforcing fibers on the bondable surface allow direct bonding to the liner, combining what were previously separate components (fitting element, steel flange, and connection mechanism) into a single integrated unit that achieves both structural support and reliable connection.
2Ease of operation
If a fitting element with a bondable surface is used to connect liners, then the connection process is simplified, but the joint may delaminate when the liner shrinks after curing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by pre-exposing the reinforcing fibers on the bondable surface before the liner is installed. The exposed fibers are prepared in advance to optimally receive and bond with the curable resin composition from the liner. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the liner is later installed and cured, the bondable surface is already optimally positioned to maintain strong adhesion even when the liner shrinks during curing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes composite materials by exposing the reinforcing fibers themselves as the bondable surface, rather than using a separate adhesive or coating. The exposed reinforcing fibers, when combined with the curable resin composition from the liner, create a strong composite joint that resists delamination. This approach leverages the inherent strength of the fiber-resin composite system to maintain joint stability under shrinkage forces.
3Ease of manufacture
If gel is used to expose reinforcing fibers for bonding, then fiber exposure is achieved, but the gel particles and prepreg resin remain on the fibers reducing bonding strength
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potential harm of having resin on the fibers by using a different approach altogether - instead of using gel to displace resin and then removing the gel, the invention exposes the reinforcing fibers directly without introducing any gel or intermediate substance. This eliminates the contamination problem entirely while maintaining fiber exposure for bonding purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the unnecessary intermediate step of using gel to expose fibers. Instead of applying gel, curing it, and then removing it, the invention directly exposes the reinforcing fibers through manufacturing processes that leave them clean and ready for bonding. This eliminates the source of contamination (gel particles and prepreg resin) while achieving the desired fiber exposure for strong bonding.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a strong, durable joint that mitigates delamination issues and ensures the structural integrity of the pipeline rehabilitation by allowing the fitting element to be cured in place with the liner, maintaining adhesion even after curing.
Implementation Method 1
a second part of the fitting element comprises dry reinforcing fibers that can accept a curable resin composition that originates from the liner to form a functional joint between the fitting element and at least a part of the liner
Implementation Method 2
Hot water, UV light, ambient cured or steam for instance may subsequently be used as medium to cure the resin and solidify the liner
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting element for use in rehabilitation of pipelines with a liner. The fitting element is a composite article of reinforcing fibers and a resin composition. A first part of the fitting element has reinforcing fibers and a substantially fully cured resin composition, and a second part has dry reinforcing fibers that can accept a curable resin composition that optionally originates from the liner to form a functional joint between the fitting element and the liner. An interface layer of the fitting element structurally connects the first and the second part. A method for manufacturing the fitting element, as well as a method for rehabilitation of a pipeline with a tubular liner and a joined assembly of the fitting element and a liner for use in rehabilitating a pipeline.