Reinforced Welded-Lap Pipe Joint for Compressive Load Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Welded-lap joints in steel pipelines are prone to failure under severe compressive loading conditions due to localized deformation and stress concentrations, posing a risk to the structural integrity of pipelines during seismic events and other movement-induced forces.
Innovation Solution
A bell-shaped reinforcing sleeve is positioned around the welded-lap joint to enhance the structural integrity, which can be welded to the pipe segments for added security, and is designed to expand simultaneously with the pipe end to form a reinforced bell-end receptacle, minimizing gaps and stress concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If welded-lap joints are used in steel pipelines, then installation cost is reduced and field assembly is easier, but the joint strength and resistance to compressive loading is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing sleeve is divided into multiple segments that can be assembled separately and then joined together. This allows the sleeve to be installed in sections around the welded-lap joint, providing localized reinforcement without requiring complete disassembly or complex single-piece installation, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving joint strength
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing sleeve is positioned inside the bell-end receptacle, nesting the reinforcement structure within the existing joint geometry. This nested configuration provides enhanced compressive loading resistance without adding external complexity or requiring additional space, maintaining ease of installation while significantly improving joint strength
2Ease of operation
If welded-lap joints are used in steel pipelines, then field assembly is easier than butt-welded joints, but the joints are prone to localized deformation and folding under severe compressive loading
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing sleeve is pre-positioned within the bell-end receptacle before the spigot-end is inserted and welded. This preliminary placement ensures that the reinforcement is already in place to counteract compressive forces, preventing localized deformation and folding during the welding process and subsequent service, thereby improving reliability without complicating field assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing sleeve acts as a cushioning element positioned beforehand within the bell-end receptacle. This pre-positioned reinforcement provides structural support that absorbs and distributes compressive loads, preventing the localized deformation and folding that would otherwise occur at the welded-lap joint under severe compressive loading, thus enhancing reliability while maintaining ease of operation
3Strength
If a reinforcing sleeve is added to the welded-lap joint, then the strength and resilience of the joint is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing sleeve serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides compressive loading resistance, prevents localized deformation, distributes stress concentrations, and maintains the structural integrity of the welded-lap joint. This multi-functionality allows a single additional component to address multiple strength-related issues without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing sleeve is nested within the existing bell-end receptacle geometry, utilizing the available internal space without requiring external additions or modifications to the overall joint structure. This nested configuration enhances joint strength while minimizing increases in device complexity, as the reinforcement integrates seamlessly with the existing joint design
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 reinforcing sleeve significantly increases the strength and resilience of welded-lap joints, delaying buckling and fracture under compressive loads, as demonstrated by finite element analysis, thereby improving the pipeline's resistance to failure.
Implementation Method 1
a spigot-end of a second pipe segment extending into and welded to the bell-end receptacle to form a welded-lap joint
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for reinforcing a welded-lap pipe joint includes a first pipe segment having a bell-end presenting a receptacle, a spigot-end of a second pipe segment extending into and welded to the bell-end receptacle to form a welded-lap joint, and a bell-shaped reinforcing sleeve surrounding the welded-lap joint. In exemplary embodiments the reinforcing sleeve is welded to the first or second pipe segments. Also disclosed are a method of assembling a reinforced welded-lap pipe joint.