Sliding Pipe Support Assembly for Seismic Displacement Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional piping systems lack sufficient flexibility to accommodate large differential movements in multiple directions during seismic events, which can lead to system failure, especially in jacketed cryogenic piping arrangements where differential displacements are exacerbated by seismic activity and thermal contractions.
Innovation Solution
A sliding pipe supporting arrangement that includes a spring assembly for vertical displacement and a ball transfer unit with rollers for lateral displacement, combined with expansion joints to attenuate axial displacement, providing flexibility in all directions and ensuring the piping system's integrity during seismic events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid piping is used to connect equipment or buildings, then structural strength and stability are improved, but flexibility to accommodate differential movements during seismic events deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The piping system is divided into multiple segments with movable supports positioned at intervals along the pipe length. Each support unit independently accommodates movements in specific directions, allowing the rigid pipe segments to maintain structural integrity while the system as a whole gains flexibility through the distributed arrangement of movable elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Fixed supports are replaced with movable support units that incorporate rollers and spring mechanisms, transforming the static support system into a dynamic one. The rollers enable lateral movement while springs provide vertical compliance, allowing the supports to adapt to seismic displacements in real-time while maintaining continuous structural support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If movable supports with rollers are used for lateral displacement, then lateral flexibility is improved, but vertical displacement control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support unit merges two distinct mechanisms: rollers for lateral movement and springs for vertical support. The roller assembly allows free lateral displacement during seismic events, while the spring elements simultaneously provide vertical load-bearing capacity and compliance, combining lateral flexibility with vertical stability in a single integrated support unit.
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 effectively decouples differential displacements in multiple directions, ensuring the safety and sustainability of cryogenic piping systems by isolating and attenuating seismic and thermal-induced movements, thereby preventing pipe failure and maintaining system functionality even under extreme conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the spring arrangement comprises a plurality of springs substantially positioned in between the top plate and the middle plate facilitating the vertical displacement of the said pipe
Implementation Method 2
the ball transfer unit comprises plural rollers mechanically positioned between the bottom plate and middle plate facilitating lateral displacement of the said pipe
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5(a)
AI summary
A sliding pipe supporting arrangement (2) adapted to receive and support at least one pipe or jacketed pipe assembly comprising main support means (9) comprising at least one opening to support a pipe. The arrangement further comprises an assembly of spring arrangement (6) and ball transfer unit (7), coupled to the main support means so as to isolate differential displacement in lateral and vertical direction of the pipe. The assembly unit comprises a top plate (3), middle plate (4) and a bottom plate (5). The spring arrangement further comprises a plurality of springs positioned in between the top plate (3) and the middle plate (4) facilitating the vertical displacement of the pipe. The ball transfer unit (4) also comprises plural rollers positioned between the bottom plate (4) and middle plate (5) facilitating lateral displacement of the pipe and an expansion joint arrangement (8) placed in between pipe lengths of a pipe to attenuate the axial displacement of the said pipe.