Split Sleeve Pipe Repair With Compression Fixing Before Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe repair techniques face challenges such as high production costs, complex designs, durability issues, pressure resistance concerns, and compatibility with various pipe sizes and types, especially when dealing with leaks near connections and requiring in-operation repairs.
Innovation Solution
A split sleeve with a compressed sealant material is used, allowing for attachment to the pipe during operation and enabling welding at a later opportune moment, with a compression unit that ensures tightness and compatibility with the pipe material, preventing galvanic or crevice corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a robust repair set with pins and screws is used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The repair device is divided into two independent parts: a compression unit for initial assembly and a welding unit for definitive joining. This segmentation allows the compression unit to be simpler in design while the welding unit provides the robust connection, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression unit is used to preliminarily assemble and secure the repair components before the definitive welding operation. This preliminary action allows for easier initial installation while the subsequent welding provides the robust permanent connection needed for reliability.
2Productivity
If welding is carried out immediately, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential overheating of sealant material
Solution Approach 1:
The compression unit is applied in advance to secure the repair components and sealant in position before welding begins. This preliminary action allows the welding process to proceed without delay while ensuring the sealant is properly positioned and protected from excessive heat damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression unit acts as an intermediary device that holds the repair components in place during the transition from assembly to welding. It maintains proper positioning and applies controlled compression that protects the sealant while allowing the welding process to proceed safely.
3Reliability
If a compression unit is used to hold sleeves united, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression function is extracted as a separate, dedicated unit rather than being integrated into the welding assembly. This allows the compression unit to be optimized for its specific function of providing reliable tightness while keeping the overall system modular and manageable in complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression unit is applied in the preliminary assembly stage to establish reliable tightness and positioning. Once this function is fulfilled, the compression unit can be removed or left in place as appropriate, while the definitive welding provides the permanent structural connection.
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 provides a cost-effective, durable, and compatible pipe repair method that maintains mechanical strength, prevents leaks, and allows for in-operation repairs without damaging the sealant or pipe, even under high temperatures, suitable for various pipe dimensions and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a compressed sealant material against the outer surface of the pipe
Implementation Method 2
definitive welding thereof
Implementation Method 3
even under high temperatures
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
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.