Reinforced Pipe Tape Fusing With Partial Circumference Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for reinforcing pipes with tape, such as Celstran CFR-TP, require costly and complex fusion processes to achieve optimal burst protection, which can lead to excessive thermal build-up and increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A method where only a portion (1-50%) of the pipe's outer circumference is fused using heating elements, while the remaining portion is not, simplifying the process, reducing costs, and minimizing thermal build-up.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire outer circumference of the pipe is fused using heating elements, then the reinforcing tape provides optimal burst protection and structural integrity, but the process becomes costly, time-consuming, and causes excessive thermal build-up that can damage the pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe circumference is divided into two distinct portions: a first circumferential portion (1-50% of total circumference) that is passed over heating elements for fusing, and a second circumferential portion that remains unfused. This segmentation allows selective application of the fusing process, reducing thermal build-up and process complexity while maintaining sufficient burst protection through the fused portion.
2Manufacturing precision
If the entire outer circumference of the pipe is fused using heating elements, then the reinforcing tape is denser and substantially void-free, but the production time and cost significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of fusing the entire circumference of the pipe, only a first circumferential portion comprising 1-50% of the total circumference is passed over heating elements. This partial action achieves sufficient tape density and void elimination in the critical fused region while dramatically reducing production time and cost compared to complete circumferential fusing.
3Manufacturing precision
If the reinforcing tape is heated to fuse the layers together, then the tape becomes denser and substantially void-free, but excessive thermal build-up can damage the integrity of the wrapped pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe circumference is segmented into a first portion (1-50%) that receives heating for tape consolidation and a second portion that remains unfused. This segmentation limits the total thermal energy applied to the pipe, preventing excessive thermal build-up that could damage the pipe integrity while still achieving adequate tape consolidation in the heated region.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pipe receive different treatments: the first circumferential portion undergoes heating to achieve dense, void-free tape consolidation, while the second circumferential portion remains unfused. This local differentiation allows optimal tape consolidation where needed while avoiding thermal damage in other regions.
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
This approach results in a reinforced pipe with improved physical properties, similar to fully fused pipes, but at a lower production cost and complexity, while avoiding damage from thermal build-up.
Implementation Method 1
passing the first circumferential portion over one or more heating elements to fuse said first circumferential portion
Implementation Method 2
Fusing of the tape occurs as most reinforcing tapes, such as Celstran® CFR-RP, have a thermoplastic component that softens when heated
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a reinforced pipe (7) comprising: wrapping a pipe (1) in reinforcing tape (2) to form a wrapped pipe having an outer circumference consisting of a first circumferential portion (4) and a second circumferential portion (6); and passing the first circumferential portion (4) over one or more heating elements (3) to fuse the reinforcing tape (2) of said first circumferential portion (4); wherein: the first circumferential portion (4) is between 1% and 50% of the outer circumference; and the second circumferential portion (6) is not passed over a heating element (3) and is not fused. The method is advantageous in that it can provide reinforced pipes (7) in a simpler and cheaper way because it is not essential that the entirety of the outer circumference of the reinforced pipe (7) is fused. A reinforced pipe (7) produced according to the method of the present invention is also provided.