Slip Joint Containment Structure for Pressure and Vibration Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slip joints in open box systems are prone to failure due to pipe separation under high internal pressure, vibration, or incorrect assembly, especially when pipes are not fixed, leading to potential joint failure.
Innovation Solution
A slip joint apparatus with a containment feature, such as a recess on the inlet pipe and a sliding skirt section on the slip flare, limits linear movement to prevent excessive separation, ensuring the joint remains intact by allowing controlled sliding within a predetermined range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional slip joint is used in an open box system, then the pipes can accommodate length deviations and allow relative movement, but the pipes may separate under high internal pressure or vibration, leading to joint failure
Solution Approach 1:
A containment component is introduced as an intermediary element between the two pipes. This containment feature physically restricts the maximum separation distance between the pipes, preventing complete joint failure while still allowing the slip joint to accommodate normal thermal expansion and length deviations. The intermediary containment structure mediates between the need for movement freedom and the need for separation prevention.
2Reliability
If the pipes are fixed to rigid mountings to prevent separation, then joint integrity is maintained, but the slip joint cannot accommodate length deviations or thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The containment feature is designed as a segmented or modular structure that can be independently positioned along the pipe assembly. This segmentation allows different portions of the system to have different degrees of freedom - some sections can move to accommodate thermal expansion while the containment structure prevents excessive separation. The segmented design enables localized constraint without global fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment feature is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing controlled movement within defined limits. Rather than being a completely rigid constraint, the containment structure permits thermal expansion and contraction while preventing catastrophic separation. This dynamic approach maintains joint integrity while preserving necessary adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If no containment feature is provided, then the slip joint allows free movement and easy assembly, but excessive separation occurs under high pressure or vibration, causing joint failure
Solution Approach 1:
The containment feature is pre-installed or pre-positioned during the assembly process, establishing movement limits before the system enters service. This preliminary action ensures that the containment structure is properly positioned to prevent separation while not interfering with the initial ease of assembly. The containment feature is integrated into the assembly process rather than being a separate retrofit modification.
Data Source
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Figure 2a
AI summary
Slip joint apparatus is provided. The slip joint apparatus (100) includes a first component (4) having a first end (18) and a second component (6) having a second end. The second end of the second component arranged such that it can be brought into overlapping engagement with the first end of the first component in use. An intermediate joining element (108) is provided for helping to join the first and second components together in use. Movement limitation means (20) are provided on or associated with, at or adjacent the first end (18) of the first component (4) for limiting movement of at least part of the intermediate joining element (108) in at least one direction relative to said first component (4) in use.