Split-Shell Valve Containment for Retrofit Leak Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secondary containment systems for primary piping systems are often complex, costly, and not easily applicable to existing systems for retrofitting, failing to provide effective and practical solutions for preventing leakage and environmental pollution.
Innovation Solution
A secondary containment system comprising longitudinally divided shells with a sealing gasket and removable clamp, allowing for easy assembly and maintenance without disrupting the sealing arrangement, and compatible with various actuators for valve operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex restraint couplings and welded joints are used to join containment pipes, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The containment system is divided into modular sections that can be assembled using simple couplings rather than complex welded joints. The primary and secondary containment pipes are segmented into manageable sections connected by straightforward coupling mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining sealing integrity through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary containment pipe is nested within or alongside the primary containment pipe, with both systems integrated through simple coupling mechanisms. This nested arrangement allows the two containment systems to work together without requiring complex restraint couplings or welding, simplifying the overall assembly while ensuring both layers provide their containment function.
2Reliability
If secondary containment systems are designed for new installations, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the ease of retrofitting existing systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary containment system is designed with pre-fabricated modular sections that can be easily attached to existing primary pipes. The coupling mechanisms are prepared in advance with standardized interfaces that simplify the retrofitting process, allowing installation teams to quickly assemble the secondary containment around existing piping without complex field modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment system incorporates adjustable and removable coupling mechanisms that allow the system to adapt to various existing pipe configurations during retrofitting. The couplings can be easily installed and removed, providing flexibility for retrofit applications while maintaining the same high sealing effectiveness as new installations.
3Reliability
If valves are permanently enclosed in secondary containment, then the leak prevention is improved, but the ease of maintenance and operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Valves are extracted from permanent enclosure and instead passed through the secondary containment system via openings or penetrations in the containment pipe. This allows the valves to remain accessible for operation and maintenance while the secondary containment continues to provide leak prevention for the piping system, separating the valve access function from the containment function.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary mechanism such as a sealed penetration or access port is introduced in the secondary containment pipe at valve locations. This intermediary element allows valve stems or actuation mechanisms to pass through while maintaining the integrity of the secondary containment seal, enabling valve operation without compromising leak prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
A secondary containment system for a primary pipe system having primary pipes connected by a connection point having a valve. The secondary containment system having longitudinally divided first and second shells larger than and disposed around the connection point of the primary pipes. Each shell having longitudinally extended edges on opposite sides and arcuate openings at opposite ends. A sealing gasket is provided having arcuate end portions connected by longitudinally extending strips. A series of removable clamps is used for clamping the edges of the first and second shells together, with the sealing gasket being sandwiched between the two shells. A valve stem adapter extends through one of the shells and is configured to rotate the valve in the primary piping system.