Segmented Tube Design for Pressure Transfer Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tube-equipped, flanged, pressure transfer structures are costly due to the use of corrosion-resistant alloys and have manufacturing risks, especially when trying to prevent condensation or crystallization in large temperature difference environments, requiring a large volume and mass for the tube.
Innovation Solution
A tube-equipped, flanged, pressure transfer structure with a form-retaining front section and intermediate section of varying diameters, where the front section has a larger diameter and shorter axial length than the intermediate section, and a hydraulic path with a small bore diameter, using corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel with optional plating for media-contacting regions, and a sealing surface with a recess for a peripheral sealing ring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tube fills the tubular opening as much as possible to prevent condensation or crystallization, then the reliability of pressure transfer is improved, but the volume and mass of the tube increase, leading to higher material costs
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is divided into two distinct sections: a front section with larger diameter for reliable sealing and pressure transfer, and an intermediate section with smaller diameter for cost reduction. This segmentation allows the tube to fulfill its sealing function while minimizing material usage and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the tube have different diameters tailored to their specific functions. The front section has a larger diameter where sealing and pressure transfer are critical, while the intermediate section has a smaller diameter where material cost reduction is the priority. This local differentiation optimizes both performance and cost.
2Weight of stationary object
If a thin-walled tube with capillary line is used to reduce material expense, then the tube mass is reduced, but manufacturing risks increase due to the complex capillary line connection
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is segmented into front and intermediate sections with different diameters, creating an integrated structure that eliminates the need for separate capillary lines. The hydraulic path is formed within the tube structure itself, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining cost efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic path function is merged into the tube structure itself through the bore formed in the front and intermediate sections. This eliminates the need for separate capillary line components and their complex connections, reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving the same pressure transfer function.
3Reliability
If corrosion-resistant alloys are used for the entire tube, then the reliability and durability are improved, but the material cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Corrosion-resistant material properties are applied locally only where needed - in the front section that contacts the process medium. The intermediate section uses less expensive material since it does not contact the corrosive environment, optimizing both corrosion resistance and material cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube employs a composite construction with different materials in different sections: corrosion-resistant alloy in the front section and more economical material in the intermediate section. This composite approach achieves the required corrosion resistance while significantly reducing overall material cost.
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
This design reduces material costs and manufacturing risks while maintaining effective pressure transfer by minimizing the volume of pressure transfer liquid and using efficient sealing to prevent condensation and crystallization, ensuring accurate pressure measurement.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure chamber and the hydraulic path are filled with a pressure transfer liquid, in order to transfer a pressure presiding at the isolating diaphragm to the second opening
Data Source
AI summary
A tube-equipped, flanged, pressure transfer structure comprises a flange for connecting to a counterflange; a tube, which is secured to the flange; a hydraulic path, which extends from a first opening in a front end surface of the tube facing away from the flange to a second opening in the rear end surface of the flange facing away from the tube; and an isolating diaphragm, which covers the first opening and is connected pressure-tightly with the front end surface of the tube along a peripheral edge, wherein the hydraulic path is filled or fillable with a pressure transfer liquid, in order to transfer a pressure presiding at the isolating diaphragm to the second opening, wherein the tube has a front section having the end surface and a first diameter and an intermediate section with a second diameter, which is less than the first diameter, and wherein the front section is shorter than the intermediate section.