Rotating Pipe Coupling With Bearing Rings for Wear Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large diameter pipelines face challenges in assembly, maintenance, and rotation due to abrasive and corrosive media, leading to uneven wear and requiring complex and costly processes that involve disconnecting sections, which can result in fluid loss and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system that allows pipe elements to rotate relative to each other while maintaining a secure connection, using torsion-resistant and rotational couplings with features like bearing rings and seals to minimize friction and prevent slippage, enabling efficient rotation of pipeline sections without disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bolted flanges are used to join pipe elements, then the connection is secure and stable, but the joints require precise rotational alignment and cannot accommodate rotation of pipeline sections
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into separate functional components: a first coupling member attached to the pipeline section, a second coupling member attached to the stationary pipeline, and a bearing assembly that bridges them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to enable rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing assembly acts as an intermediary between the first and second coupling members. It transmits the mechanical connection while permitting relative rotation, thus mediating between the requirement for secure connection and the need for rotational capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If grooved joints are used to eliminate rotational alignment requirements, then rotation is permitted, but the joints have lower rotational resistance and allow individual pipe elements to slip
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly utilizes curved or spherical contact surfaces to enable smooth rotation between the coupling members. This curvature allows for continuous rotational motion while maintaining constant contact and force transmission, preventing slippage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical interlocking of grooved joints with a bearing-based rotational mechanism. This substitution provides controlled rotational resistance through the bearing's friction characteristics while maintaining the ability to rotate.
3Ease of operation
If pipeline sections are disconnected for rotation, then rotation can be performed, but fluid loss occurs and the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device maintains continuous fluid flow through the pipeline during rotation operations. By keeping the pipeline connected end-to-end while enabling rotation at the coupling point, the system eliminates the need to disconnect sections, thus preventing fluid loss and maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling members are pre-installed on the pipeline sections before rotation is needed. This preliminary installation prepares the system for rotation operations, allowing the pipeline to be rotated without disconnecting, thereby preventing fluid loss and reducing operational complexity.
4Ease of operation
If heavy equipment is used to rotate large diameter pipelines, then rotation can be achieved, but the process becomes hazardous and requires specialized machinery
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device enables the pipeline section to rotate itself or be rotated with minimal external assistance. The bearing assembly reduces friction to such an extent that the weight and size of the pipeline no longer require heavy specialized equipment, allowing simpler, safer rotation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the need for heavy mechanical lifting and rotating equipment with a bearing-based system that reduces rotational friction. This substitution eliminates the requirement for specialized tracked vehicles and complex lifting arrangements.
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 coupling system extends the life of pipeline sections by evenly distributing wear and reducing maintenance costs by allowing rotation of entire sections without fluid loss, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
using torsion-resistant and rotational couplings with features like bearing rings and seals to minimize friction
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling permitting rotation of pipe elements about their longitudinal axes includes a first ring attachable to a first of the pipe elements. The first ring has a first collar projecting outwardly therefrom and defining a low friction bearing surface. A housing defines a bore therethrough surrounding a longitudinal axis arranged coaxially with the bore. The housing has a first end and a second end oppositely disposed from one another. The first end is adapted to receive the first ring coaxially within the bore. The housing comprises a first shoulder and a first channel. When the first ring is received within the bore at the first end, the first collar is positionable between the first shoulder and the first channel. The bearing surface is engageable with the first shoulder. Engagement between the bearing surface and the first shoulder allows rotation of the first ring with respect to the housing.