Sealing Test Device Using Segmented Pressurization Chamber

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for testing the tightness of fluid storage tank sealing systems and pipe connection systems pose risks of leakage and pollution, requiring large quantities of test fluid and incurring additional costs, especially in large installations.

Innovation Solution

A device and method utilizing an annular pressurization chamber with a pressurization system and pressure measuring system, isolated by sealing elements such as O-rings, to test tightness without filling the entire system with test fluid, reducing the risk of leakage and pollution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the entire system is filled with pressurized test fluid to test leak-tightness, then the seal can be tested, but the risk of leakage and pollution increases and large quantities of test fluid are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleak-tightness testing accuracyVSAvoidpollution risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the testing system into two separate chambers: a pressurization chamber for holding pressurized test fluid and a storage chamber for the process fluid. The seal being tested separates these two chambers. This segmentation allows testing to be performed on a localized portion of the system rather than requiring pressurization of the entire system, thereby reducing pollution risk while maintaining testing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The seal acts as an intermediary element between the pressurization chamber and the storage chamber. By pressurizing only the pressurization chamber and observing pressure maintenance, the seal's integrity can be tested without introducing large volumes of test fluid into the storage chamber, thus reducing the harmful effects of potential leakage and pollution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the entire system is filled with pressurized test fluid to test leak-tightness, then the seal can be tested, but the quantity of test fluid required increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleak-tightness testing accuracyVSAvoidtest fluid volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The testing apparatus is segmented into a pressurization chamber and a storage chamber. Only the pressurization chamber needs to be filled with test fluid for testing purposes, rather than the entire system. This dramatically reduces the quantity of test fluid required while maintaining the ability to accurately test seal integrity through pressure monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the cover is drilled to fit a valve for pressurization, then the system can be tested, but additional leakage risk is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressurization capabilityVSAvoidleakage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the pressurization function from the cover assembly by providing a dedicated pressurization chamber with integrated pressurization means. This eliminates the need to drill holes in the cover for valve installation, thereby removing the additional leakage risk that drilling introduces while maintaining full pressurization capability for testing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution allows for efficient leak testing with minimal fluid usage, reducing the risk of pollution and costs associated with large fluid volumes, while maintaining the integrity of the testing process.

Implementation Method 1

a pressurization system arranged to pressurize a test fluid within the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressurization: Pressurisation

Implementation Method 2

a pressure measurement system arranged to measure the pressure of the test fluid within the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure measurement:

Implementation Method 3

a first sealing element, for example an O-ring, arranged to isolate the pressurization chamber from said internal space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentEP3568683B1Device and method for testing sealing
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 SUEZ INTERNATIONAL
  • EP3568683B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP3568683B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3568683B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for testing sealing, comprising a pressurization chamber, a sealing element (21) designed to isolate the pressurization chamber from a space inside a reservoir or pipe, the sealing of which is intended to be tested, a pressurization system (11) designed to put a test fluid under pressure in the pressurization chamber, and a pressure measuring system (12) designed to measure the pressure of the test fluid in the pressurization chamber. The invention also relates to a method for implementing such a device.