Split Boot Assembly for Secondary Containment Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boot designs for secondary containment piping systems require disconnection of primary piping to replace damaged or worn-out seals, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A split boot assembly with first and second containment housings supporting partial ring-shaped seals that can be securely attached to both sides of the piping system without disconnecting the primary piping, using a clamp to form continuous ring-shaped sealing surfaces for effective sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a traditional cylindrical elastomeric boot is used to seal the secondary containment pipe, then the sealing function is achieved, but the primary piping system must be disconnected to replace the boot when damaged or worn
Solution Approach 1:
The boot is divided into two separate halves that can be independently installed on opposite sides of the piping system. Each half contains its own sealing elements and mounting structure, allowing the boot to be assembled without disconnecting the primary piping. The two halves are then joined together using fastening mechanisms to form a complete seal around the secondary containment pipe.
2Reliability
If a cylindrical elastomeric boot is clamped to both primary and secondary pipes, then the secondary containment volume is sealed, but replacement requires disconnection of primary piping
Solution Approach 1:
The boot assembly is segmented into two independent halves that can be installed separately on opposite sides of the piping system. Each half maintains reliable sealing through its own sealing elements while allowing rapid installation and replacement without disconnecting the primary piping system.
Solution Approach 2:
The two halves of the boot are designed to be pre-assembled with their respective sealing elements and mounting structures before installation. This preliminary preparation allows for quick installation by simply positioning the halves onto the piping system and securing them together, eliminating the time-consuming disconnection and reconnection of primary piping.
3Ease of operation
If a split boot arrangement is used to attach both halves on either side of the pipe, then the boot can be installed without disconnecting primary piping, but the complexity of the sealing structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The boot is divided into two symmetrical halves that are mirror images of each other. Each half contains identical sealing elements and mounting structures, simplifying the design of individual components while enabling installation without disconnecting primary piping. The symmetry reduces design complexity compared to asymmetric alternatives.
Solution Approach 2:
The two separate halves are merged together through fastening mechanisms that join them into a unified sealing structure. This merging maintains the operational advantage of easy installation while presenting a compact, integrated appearance that minimizes structural complexity.
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
Enables reliable sealing of the secondary containment area without disconnecting the primary piping, allowing for easy replacement of damaged boots without interrupting the fueling system operation.
Implementation Method 1
The clamp secures the first containment housing relative to the second containment housing in a secured position in which a first pair of partial ring seals associated with the first containment housing and a second pair of partial ring shaped seals associated with the second containment housing cooperate to form a pair of continuous ring shaped sealing surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A boot assembly that reliably seals the secondary containment area utilizing a split boot device that can be installed without disconnecting the primary piping is disclosed. The seal includes first and second containment housings, each supporting a pair of partial ring shaped seals. The containment housings can be positioned about the primary and secondary pipes from opposing sides thereof so that disconnection of the primary pipe is not required to secure the seal in place. A clamp secures the first containment housing relative to the second containment housing in a secured position in which a first pair of partial ring seals associated with the first containment housing and a second pair of partial ring shaped seals associated with the second containment housing cooperate to form a pair of continuous ring shaped sealing surfaces including a first continuous ring shaped sealing surface including one of the first pair of partial ring shaped seals and one of the second pair of partial ring shaped seals, and a second continuous ring shaped sealing surface including a second one of the first pair of partial ring shaped seals and a second one of the second pair of partial ring shaped seals.