Stepped Flexible Pipe Joint Structure for High-Pressure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-pressure flexible pipe end portion connection structures in fracturing operations face issues with safety and reliability due to leakage risks and deformation under high pressure, and defects such as cracks and pores in welding connections.
Innovation Solution
A flexible pipe end portion connection structure featuring a joint with stepped structures and a pressure-bearing ring, where the flexible pipe body is securely fitted with the joint using a combination of stepped and zigzag designs, and an adhesive-filled through-hole system, ensuring strong bonding and sealing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding connection is used to connect flexible pipe body to joint, then connection strength can be improved, but defects such as cracks and pores occur reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding connection system with a mechanical connection system consisting of stepped structures and adhesive bonding. The stepped structures provide mechanical interlocking while adhesive provides chemical bonding, eliminating the harmful effects of welding (cracks, pores) while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure uses composite bonding approach combining mechanical interlocking (stepped structures) with chemical adhesion (adhesive material). This composite connection method leverages both mechanical and chemical bonding mechanisms to achieve superior connection reliability without welding defects.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional connection structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but leakage risks increase under high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by adding stepped structures specifically at the connection interface between flexible pipe body and joint. This localized structural modification creates multiple sealing surfaces and mechanical interlocking zones precisely where sealing is critical, without complicating the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface is segmented into multiple stepped levels, creating multiple sealing zones. This segmentation distributes the sealing function across multiple interfaces, reducing leakage risk at any single point while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through additive design.
3Ease of operation
If simple insertion connection is used, then ease of operation is improved, but deformation occurs under high pressure reducing stability
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into multiple stepped levels that progressively engage with corresponding features on the flexible pipe body. This segmented design provides gradual mechanical interlocking during insertion, maintaining ease of operation while preventing deformation under high pressure through distributed load bearing.
Solution Approach 2:
The stepped structures are pre-formed on the joint before assembly, creating predetermined engagement surfaces that guide the flexible pipe body during insertion. This preliminary structuring ensures proper alignment and gradual engagement, preventing deformation while maintaining operational simplicity.
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 prevents deformation and leakage, enhancing the service life of the flexible pipe by providing a reliable and secure connection that can withstand pressures above 70 MPa, while maintaining sealing performance and resisting erosion.
Implementation Method 1
each through hole is filled with adhesive
Implementation Method 2
an inner sidewall of the first end of the joint has a plurality of first stepped structures, and an inner diameter of a portion of the channel corresponding to the first stepped structure gradually decreases in the direction from the first end to the second end. At least a part of an end of the flexible pipe body is inserted into the first end of the joint to fit with the first stepped structure.
Implementation Method 3
the inner sidewall of the joint with a plurality of first stepped structures is provided with a plurality of zigzag structures, and the plurality of zigzag structures directly contact with the surface of the portion of the flexible pipe body inserted into the joint.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible pipe end portion connection structure is provided. The flexible pipe end portion connection structure includes a flexible pipe body and a joint. The joint includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other and has a channel extending through the joint in a direction from the first end to the second end. An inner sidewall of the first end of the joint has a plurality of first stepped structures, and an inner diameter of a portion of the channel corresponding to the first stepped structure gradually decreases in the direction from the first end to the second end. At least a part of an end of the flexible pipe body is inserted into the first end of the joint to fit with the first stepped structure.