Compression-Sealed Penetration Fitting for Chemical-Resistant Sump Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional penetration fittings for underground storage tank fueling sites have components with low chemical resistance that degrade quickly, requiring frequent replacement and the use of adhesives, which complicates achieving a fluid-tight seal due to environmental factors like temperature and humidity.
Innovation Solution
A penetration fitting assembly comprising a pipe gasket, inner and outer ring assemblies, and a clamp that compresses gaskets to form a liquid-tight seal without adhesives, using a configuration of semi-annular portions, ribs, and channels to secure the pipe and conduit, and shield components from hydrocarbons, allowing for easy installation and extended service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional penetration fittings with low chemical resistance materials are used, then initial installation is simple, but the components degrade quickly requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The penetration fitting is divided into multiple components: a clamp assembly, a boot, and a gasket. Each component can be independently selected with appropriate materials for its specific function, allowing the boot and gasket to be made from chemically resistant materials while keeping the clamp structure simpler.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction combining different materials with complementary properties. The boot is made from chemically resistant material (such as rubber or plastic) to withstand the harsh sump environment, while the clamp provides structural support. This composite approach ensures both chemical resistance and mechanical strength.
2Ease of operation
If conventional penetration fittings requiring adhesives are used, then sealing can be achieved, but the installation process becomes messy, cumbersome, and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (adhesives) with a mechanical bonding system. The clamp assembly mechanically compresses the boot and gasket against the pipe and sump wall, creating a seal through physical compression rather than chemical adhesion. This eliminates the need for adhesive application and curing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The boot and gasket are pre-formed with specific geometries that enable them to be compressed into sealing positions. The clamp is designed to apply compression force in advance, securing the components in their final sealed position without requiring subsequent adhesive application or curing.
3Reliability
If adhesives are used to seal the penetration fitting, then a seal can be formed, but it becomes difficult to ensure a fluid-tight seal due to environmental factors like temperature and humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (adhesives) with a mechanical bonding system. The clamp assembly mechanically compresses the boot and gasket against the pipe and sump wall, creating a seal through physical compression rather than chemical adhesion. This eliminates the need for adhesive application and curing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism relies on mechanical compression parameters (clamp force, compression distance) rather than chemical curing parameters (temperature, humidity, time). By changing from a chemical process to a mechanical process, the seal quality becomes independent of environmental factors like temperature and humidity variations.
4Ease of repair
If conventional penetration fittings are replaced, then worn components can be substituted, but excavation of the backfill area surrounding the sump is required
Solution Approach 1:
The penetration fitting is divided into separable components (clamp, boot, gasket) that can be independently replaced. The clamp assembly can be removed and repositioned, and the boot and gasket can be replaced without affecting the overall structure, allowing maintenance without extensive excavation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly is designed to be dynamically adjustable and removable. It can be loosened, removed, and repositioned to accommodate pipe movement or replacement, and then resecured. This dynamic design enables easy maintenance and replacement without permanent installation.
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 reliable, long-lasting liquid-tight seal around pipes and conduits in containment sumps without adhesives, simplifying installation and reducing maintenance, while protecting components from environmental degradation.
Implementation Method 1
the clamp compresses the ring gasket assembly between the inner ring assembly and the outer ring assembly
Implementation Method 2
the clamp compresses the pipe gasket against the pipe or conduit
Implementation Method 3
the outer ring assembly compresses the wall gasket against the wall of the sump
Data Source
AI summary
A penetration fitting assembly includes a pipe gasket having an annular portion defining a central opening and first and second stem portions extending in opposite directions from the annular portion, an inner ring assembly configured to surround the pipe gasket and including first and second inner ring halves, a ring gasket assembly configured to surround the inner ring assembly and including first and second ring gasket halves, a wall gasket, an outer ring assembly configured to surround the ring gasket assembly and including first and second outer ring halves, and a clamp configured to surround the outer ring assembly. When the penetration fitting assembly is installed, the outer ring assembly compresses the wall gasket against the wall of the sump, the clamp compresses the ring gasket assembly between the inner ring assembly and the outer ring assembly, and the clamp compresses the pipe gasket against the pipe or conduit.