Split Sleeve Pipe Repair Near Connections With Deferred Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe repair techniques are inadequate for situations involving proximity to connections and specific dimensions, as they do not provide a suitable sealant material that remains effective after welding, and require welding of sleeves before removal of the compression unit.
Innovation Solution
A split sleeve device with a compressed sealant material is used to reinforce and repair pipes by allowing for the attachment and welding of the device to the pipe while in operation, utilizing a compression unit to hold the sleeves united until a definitive weld can be performed later.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If welding of sleeves is performed before removal of compression unit, then sleeves can be held united during operation, but welding access is restricted and operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression unit is installed and adjusted before the welding operation, holding the sleeves in proper alignment and unity. This preliminary positioning enables subsequent welding to be performed more easily and reliably, as the components are already in their correct spatial relationship.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression unit acts as an intermediary device that temporarily maintains the sleeves in unity during operation. It facilitates the welding process by holding components in place, and can be removed after welding is complete, serving its mediating function throughout the repair process.
2Reliability
If standard sealant materials are used in pipe repair, then initial sealing is achieved, but sealant deforms during welding compromising long-term effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies sealant materials with particular properties that remain stable at welding temperatures. By changing the parameters of the sealant material selection criteria (temperature resistance, chemical compatibility, deformation resistance), the sealant maintains its sealing effectiveness throughout the welding process and beyond.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution involves selecting or developing composite sealant materials that combine properties of chemical compatibility with pipe materials, resistance to welding heat, and maintenance of sealing characteristics. These composite material properties ensure the sealant survives the welding process without deforming.
3Productivity
If pipe repair is performed while in operation, then unscheduled shutdowns are avoided, but welding quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The compression unit is installed and adjusted while the pipe is in operation, achieving initial unity and positioning of the sleeves before welding begins. This preliminary action enables the welding process to be performed with proper alignment even under operational conditions, maintaining both productivity and welding quality.
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 seals leaks and reinforces pipe mechanical strength, preventing unscheduled shutdowns and environmental hazards, while allowing for the choice of chemically compatible sealant materials that do not deform during welding.
Implementation Method 1
a compression unit, characterized by: a body (9) with a first end (91) and a second end (92), comprising a first chain (12) and a second chain (12), said first chain (12) and said second chain (12) being connected to each other at said first end (91) and said second end (92) of the body (9), respectively
Implementation Method 2
The device comprises a split sleeve (1), a sealant (8) and a compression unit (9), wherein the split sleeve (1) comprises a first part (11) and a second part (12), said first part (11) and said second part (12) being arranged to form a channel (6) therebetween, said channel (6) being arranged to accommodate the sealant (8)
Implementation Method 3
The structural features, i.e. width, thickness, way of overlapping the parts of the sleeves, and the internal space for accommodating the sealant, associated with the method of welding the sleeves, will allow the choice of a sealant material that is chemically compatible with the pipe material, preventing galvanic or crevice corrosion
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the repair of pipes, comprising a two-part ring fixed initially by a compression unit which allows the execution of longitudinal welding in order definitively to fix the two-part ring, via apertures, before the compression unit is removed. The two-part ring will be completely welded to the pipe, especially in regions close to connections, but it is necessary for the two-part ring to be fixed initially by the compression unit for the purpose of shaping and definitive geometry of the ring relative to the pipe, normalization of fluid conveyance and in order that it is possible for welding to be planned for the opportune moment.