Polymer Pipe Coupling With Internal Seal for Barrier Layer Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for joining multilayer polymer pipes, such as butt fusion and electrofusion, disrupt the chemical barrier layer, exposing the structural layer to fluids and compromising the pipe's integrity, especially in applications prone to chemical attack.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling assembly featuring an insert with an adhesive that forms a fluid-tight seal between the insert and the pipe ends, combined with an external coupler, ensures the chemical barrier layer remains intact, using an annular gap sealed by the adhesive to prevent fluid exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional joining methods (butt fusion or electrofusion) are used to join multilayer polymer pipes, then the pipes can be connected together, but the chemical barrier layer is disrupted and the structural layer becomes exposed to pipeline fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: an insert positioned within the pipe bore to seal the joint internally, and an external coupler that joins the pipe ends externally. This segmentation allows the internal chemical barrier layer to remain intact while still achieving secure mechanical joining of the pipe sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is nested within the pipe bore, and the pipe sections are nested within the external coupler. This nested configuration allows the insert to seal the joint from the inside without interfering with the external joining process, maintaining the chemical barrier while enabling secure connection.
2Ease of manufacture
If the chemical barrier layer is interrupted at pipe joints to enable conventional joining, then the pipes can be joined, but the structural layer becomes vulnerable to chemical attack
Solution Approach 1:
The insert acts as an intermediary element that seals the joint from the inside of the pipe. By positioning the seal within the pipe bore rather than relying on external fusion processes, the chemical barrier layer remains continuous and protects the structural layer from chemical attack while still enabling secure joining.
3Ease of operation
If butt fusion is used to join pipe ends, then the pipes can be connected, but polymer is expelled and the chemical barrier layer is completely absent from the joint area
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful expulsion of polymer and disruption of the chemical barrier layer is extracted from the joining process by using a separate sealing mechanism (the insert) that does not involve melting or expelling materials. The insert seals the joint without requiring the polymer expulsion that occurs in butt fusion, thereby maintaining the chemical barrier integrity.
4Ease of operation
If electrofusion couplers are used to join pipes, then the pipes can be connected with proper positioning, but the cut ends of pipes remain exposed to bore fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is moved from the external surface (where electrofusion operates) to the internal dimension of the pipe bore. The insert seals the joint from the inside, creating a fluid-tight seal that prevents bore fluids from exposing the pipe ends, while the external coupler maintains the positioning accuracy provided by electrofusion technology.
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 reliable, fluid-tight seal that maintains the chemical barrier layer's integrity, allowing multilayer polymer pipes to operate without chemical derating, thus enhancing the pipe's durability and performance in chemically challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive configured for sealing the annular gap between the insert and the end regions
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe coupling assembly for joining two sections of polymer pipe, the pipe coupling assembly comprising: an insert configured for positioning within an end region of a first section of polymer pipe and an end region of a second section of polymer pipe, such that an annular gap is formed between the insert and the end regions of polymer pipe; an adhesive configured for sealing the annular gap between the insert and the end regions; and an external coupler for positioning over the end regions and joining the first and second sections of polymer pipe.