Push-fit Pipe Sealing Element with Radicidal Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Underground pipe assemblies connected by push-in fittings often experience root growth into the annular gap between sealing elements, leading to displacement of the elastomeric sealing elements, leaks, and potential pipe bursting, necessitating costly repairs and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a radically active substance, such as derivatives of carboxylic acid, into the sealing element material in a spatially non-uniform distribution to prevent or significantly reduce root growth, maintaining mechanical properties and ensuring effective sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomeric sealing elements are used in push-in fittings, then effective sealing is achieved, but root growth occurs in the annular gap causing displacement and leaks
Solution Approach 1:
A coating layer is applied to the sealing element as an intermediary substance. This coating contains radicidal agents that actively prevent root growth, while the coating itself acts as a protective barrier between the root system and the sealing element surface, maintaining sealing effectiveness without root interference
Solution Approach 2:
The chemical composition of the sealing element surface is modified by applying a coating with radicidal properties. This changes the surface parameters to include herbicidal activity, transforming the sealing element from a passive component vulnerable to root growth into an active protective element that repels roots chemically
2Reliability
If sealing elements are made from elastomeric material, then good sealing properties are obtained, but mechanical properties may be compromised when substances are added
Solution Approach 1:
The radicidal coating is applied only to the surface of the sealing element where root contact occurs, rather than mixing radicidal substances throughout the entire elastomeric material. This localized application preserves the bulk mechanical properties of the elastomer while providing root protection at the critical surface interface
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element becomes a composite structure combining the elastomeric base material with a coating layer containing radicidal agents. This composite construction allows the elastomer to maintain its mechanical integrity and sealing properties while the coating provides the additional radicidal functionality
3Object-affected harmful factors
If root growth is prevented using herbicides in sealing elements, then root damage is reduced, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coating layer is applied as a relatively thin, cost-effective surface treatment rather than incorporating expensive radicidal substances throughout the entire sealing element volume. This approach uses a smaller quantity of chemical agents, reducing material costs while maintaining effective root protection at the surface
Solution Approach 2:
The coating acts as a concentrated delivery system for radicidal agents, placing the chemical protection exactly where it is needed at the surface interface. This intermediary approach is more cost-efficient than bulk incorporation, as it minimizes the total amount of expensive chemical substances required while maximizing their protective effect
4Reliability
If roots grow in the annular gap, then sealing elements are displaced and leaks occur, but pipe replacement is required which is costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The radicidal coating is applied to the sealing element during manufacturing, providing root protection in advance before the fitting is installed in the ground. This preliminary protective measure prevents root growth issues before they can develop, eliminating the need for future maintenance interventions and pipe replacements
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 effectively prevents root growth at pipe connections, maintaining the integrity of the pipe arrangement, reducing leaks, and extending the service life of the pipe system by preventing root-related damage and maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
By providing the substance with a radical effect, which the material of the sealing element contains, root growth in the area of the sealing element is prevented or significantly reduced
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A pipe arrangement for receiving, storing and transporting liquid and/or gaseous media or for receiving energy and/or signal lines, wherein the pipe arrangement comprises pipes (1) and/or pipe fittings which are connected to each other by push-fit connections in which sealing elements (5) are arranged, is characterized in that the material (7) of the sealing element (5) contains at least one radioactive substance (6) embedded within it.