Sealant material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealant materials for pipe joints are not suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature applications, particularly when exposed to fluids like steam, hydrocarbons, and chemicals, as they fail to maintain a sealed joint effectively.
Innovation Solution
A multifilament or spun yarn coated with a non-curable joint sealing composition, including corrosion inhibitors and fillers, is used to seal pipe joints, which are resistant to fluids at temperatures above 150°C and pressures above 10 bar, utilizing materials like polyamide or polypropylene yarns with linseed oil, silicone oil, or mineral oil, and fillers such as calcium carbonate or polytetrafluoroethylene powder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sealant materials are used for pipe joints, then they are suitable for low-pressure water plumbing applications, but they fail to maintain sealed joints under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions with corrosive fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite sealing material consisting of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) as the base material combined with specific filler materials. This composite structure provides both the chemical inertness and low friction properties of PTFE while the fillers enhance the material's ability to maintain sealing under high pressure and temperature conditions, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the sealing material by controlling the molecular weight, melt flow rate, and filler content of the PTFE-based composition. These parameter changes enable the material to maintain its sealing properties across a broader range of operating conditions including high pressure, high temperature, and exposure to corrosive fluids, thus expanding adaptability while maintaining reliability.
2Temperature
If sealant materials are designed for high-temperature resistance, then they can withstand steam and hot fluids, but they lose effectiveness in maintaining joint integrity under combined high-pressure and chemical exposure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing composition combines PTFE with specifically selected filler materials that complement each other's properties. The PTFE provides high-temperature stability and chemical resistance, while the fillers contribute to pressure resistance and structural integrity. This synergistic composite structure allows the material to simultaneously withstand high temperature, high pressure, and chemical exposure without compromising joint integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a sealing material design that accepts controlled degradation mechanisms. The fillers are selected to provide temporary structural support that degrades in a predictable manner, allowing the PTFE matrix to maintain sealing function even as the filler gradually breaks down under extreme conditions. This approach ensures joint integrity is maintained throughout the service life of the sealant.
Data Source
AI summary
Use of a sealing material which is a multifilament or spun yarn coated with a joint sealing composition to seal a joint in a pipe system in which system a fluid having corrosion inhibitors such as diammonium dimolybdate or benzotriazole; and/or sludge removers; and/or an alcohol such as propane diol, or ethylene glycol; and/or a hydrocarbon such as diesel, including biodiesel, fuel oil, or hydraulic oil; and/or steam at a temperature of at least 180° C. and a pressure of at least 10 bar (1000 kPa); is to be passed through the sealed joint. It is surprising that the sealing materials of the invention can maintain a sealed joint despite exposure to such materials.