Segmented Silicone Fabric Collar for Tube Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collars used in nuclear power plants and similar applications face challenges with degradation and difficult installation, especially when replacing worn-out collars in already operational systems, due to limited accessibility of tube ends and the need for secure, tight sealing of tubes carrying fluids or substances.
Innovation Solution
A collar composed of alternating layers of silicone adhesive and fabric, applied using a mould with a specific method that allows for easy installation by being open over a determined angular sector, enabling flexible introduction and secure sealing around tubes, even in confined spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a collar is designed to provide secure sealing around a tube, then tightness and reliability are improved, but installation difficulty increases due to limited accessibility of tube ends
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is divided into multiple alternating layers of fabric and silicone adhesive, allowing each layer to contribute specific properties (strength, flexibility, sealing) while the modular structure enables easier handling and installation in confined spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The collar uses thin layers of fabric and silicone adhesive that can flex and conform to the tube surface, enabling installation in tight spaces while maintaining effective sealing. The flexible nature of these thin film layers allows the collar to be manipulated and positioned even when tube ends are not easily accessible
2Strength
If a collar is made from a single block of reinforced ethylene and propylene, then pressure resistance is improved, but adaptability and ease of replacement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is constructed from composite materials including fabric layers (for structural strength and pressure resistance) and silicone adhesive layers (for flexibility and sealing). This composite structure maintains the required mechanical strength while improving adaptability and ease of replacement compared to homogeneous reinforced plastic blocks
Solution Approach 2:
The collar design incorporates dynamic flexibility through the silicone adhesive layers, allowing the rigid fabric structure to adapt to slight variations in tube dimensions and installation conditions. This dynamic property enables easier replacement while maintaining secure fitting
3Reliability
If a collar is designed to withstand high pressure, then durability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is segmented into alternating layers of fabric and silicone adhesive, where each layer can be manufactured and prepared separately before assembly. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process compared to creating a single complex high-pressure component, while the layered structure collectively withstands high pressure through distributed stress
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 collar provides effective sealing and easy installation, maintaining tightness and flexibility, allowing for replacement of existing collars without requiring extensive access, thus addressing the challenges of wear and accessibility in operational systems.
Implementation Method 1
applying a first layer of silicone adhesive on top of one surface of a mould... applying a first fabric, previously cut to a defined template, to the first layer of silicone adhesive... repeating steps a/ and b/ in order to obtain a predetermined number of superimposed alternating layers of silicone adhesive and fabrics
Data Source
AI summary
The invention proposes a collar intended to be placed around a portion of a tube and in contact with a separator between a first space and a second space. The collar has a generally annular shape and comprises a superimposition of alternating layers of silicone adhesive and fabrics and an upper layer of silicone elastomer.