Seismic Pipe Joint With Buckle-Inducing Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline joints are prone to bending or buckling at the joint during geohazard events, increasing the risk of failure and loss of pressure containment due to severe axial and/or bending loads.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of pipes with deformations, such as annular bulges or recesses, spaced apart from the pipe joints, which are designed to induce buckling at specific locations along the pipe axis, thereby redirecting stress away from the joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If pipes are designed with traditional welded joints, then the joint provides structural connection between pipes, but the joint becomes prone to bending or buckling during geohazard events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming buckle-inducing deformations in the pipe sections before assembly. These deformations are intentionally created at specific locations away from joints, so that during seismic events, the pipe buckles at these predetermined locations rather than at the vulnerable welded joints, thereby protecting the joint integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of buckling away from joints into a beneficial protective mechanism. By designing controlled buckle-inducing deformations, the pipe is encouraged to buckle in predetermined safe locations, transforming what would be a failure mode into a protective feature that preserves joint integrity during geohazard events
2Reliability
If pipes include buckle-inducing deformations spaced from joints, then the pipe buckles at predetermined locations protecting the joint, but the pipe structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing buckle-inducing deformations only at specific predetermined locations in the pipe sections, rather than modifying the entire pipe structure. These localized deformations are positioned away from joints at optimal distances, providing seismic protection only where needed while maintaining simplicity in other areas of the pipe
3Reliability
If the deformation crest height is increased to ensure buckling away from joints, then joint protection is improved, but the deformation may extend beyond acceptable limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the crest height of buckle-inducing deformations to be between 50% and 500% of the pipe wall thickness. This parameter range ensures that the deformations are sufficient to induce buckling away from joints for joint protection, while simultaneously maintaining the deformation dimensions within acceptable limits for pipe functionality and manufacturing
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe joint has a first pipe having an end portion and a first pipe wall thickness, and a second pipe having an end portion. The end portion of the first pipe is welded to the end portion of the second pipe to seal the joint between the first pipe and the second pipe. The first pipe has an outwardly-extending, buckle-inducing deformation that is spaced apart from the pipe joint. A crest height of the deformation is 50% to 500% of the first pipe wall thickness.