Sacrificial Conduit Liner With Flange and Modular Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe lining systems for conduits are cumbersome to install, prone to weakness at seams, and require frequent replacement, especially when conveying abrasive particulate materials, limiting their useful life and adaptability to varying conduit lengths.
Innovation Solution
A sacrificial conduit lining system with a seamless, flange-free distal end and an adjustable length, allowing for easy insertion and reorientation to maximize wear resistance and extend the protective life, using a liner portion made of rigid materials like cast urethane and a flange portion for secure attachment at the proximal end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flat sheet liner is inserted and fastened inside the spout, then the spout is protected from wear, but the installation is tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is divided into multiple modular sections with interlocking features. Each section can be independently installed and connected to adjacent sections, transforming a single complex installation into multiple simple repetitions. The sections include engagement protrusions and recessions that automatically connect when sections are joined end-to-end within the spout.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner sections are pre-assembled with engagement features and fastening mechanisms before insertion into the spout. The modular design allows sections to be prepared in advance and then quickly installed as complete units, eliminating the need for on-site cutting, shaping, and complex fastening operations.
2Reliability
If a flat sheet liner is used with seams where edges meet, then the spout is lined, but the seams form points of weakness and can result in gaps in protection
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is constructed as a series of overlapping modular sections rather than a single continuous sheet. Each section has engagement protrusions and recessions that create interlocking joints, distributing stress along the length of the liner and eliminating weak seam points. The overlapping design ensures continuous coverage without gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
Adjacent liner sections are merged through interlocking engagement features that combine multiple sections into a unified continuous lining. The engagement protrusions and recessions create a mechanically integrated structure where sections work together as a single protective element, eliminating the weakness of separate seams.
3Reliability
If the liner is fastened with fastening elements, then the liner is secured in place, but it may pull loose and collapse inside the spout, causing blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is divided into modular sections with distributed engagement features along their lengths. Multiple small engagement points replace fewer large fastening elements, spreading the securing load throughout the liner-spout interface. This distribution prevents localized failure that could cause pulling loose or collapse.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner sections are pre-formed with engagement protrusions and recessions that automatically engage with corresponding features in the spout or adjacent sections during installation. This preliminary configuration ensures proper positioning and secure attachment without requiring additional fastening operations that could fail.
4Loss of time
If the liner is made as a single piece, then installation is straightforward, but when one portion wears, the entire liner must be replaced regardless of the condition of the remainder
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is divided into multiple replaceable modular sections that can be independently removed and replaced. When one section becomes worn, only that specific section needs to be replaced while the remaining sections continue to provide protection. This extends the overall service life of the liner system and reduces material waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows selective replacement of only the worn sections while retaining and reusing the unworn sections. This partial replacement approach recovers and continues to utilize the majority of the liner material that remains serviceable, reducing the frequency of complete replacements and minimizing material loss.
5Reliability
If flanged areas are included on the liner, then the liner can be secured, but the liner must be closely tailored to the size and length of a particular pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is constructed as a series of standardized modular sections that can be combined in different quantities to match various conduit lengths. Each section has universal engagement features that work with any adjacent section or with the conduit flange, allowing the same modular components to adapt to different conduit sizes and lengths without requiring custom-tailored liners.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner sections are designed with universal engagement features that can interface with both conduit flanges and adjacent liner sections. This multi-functional design allows the same standardized sections to be used across different conduit configurations, lengths, and applications, eliminating the need for custom-tailored liners for each specific conduit.
Data Source
AI summary
A sacrificial lining system for a conduit is disclosed and comprises a liner portion having a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end defining a proximal opening and the distal end defining a distal opening. The lining system further comprises a flange portion positioned at and being united to the proximal end of the liner portion. The flange portion surrounds the proximal opening. The distal end of the liner portion is free of any flange structure to permit the distal end to be freely insertable into and through the lumen of the conduit.