Tank Support Sealing Joint for Faster Hydrostatic Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrostatic acceptance testing methods require time-consuming and attention-intensive preparation to avoid leaks, which can distort test results due to the need for screwing sealing joints between the tank and the test fluid feed line.
Innovation Solution
A support and connection structure featuring a sealing joint with a frustoconically-shaped centering portion and a toggle lever linkage, allowing for easy assembly and secure fluid connection between the tank and feed line, eliminating the need for screwing the sealing joint to the feed line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealing joints are screwed to both the tank and the feed line, then the connection is secure and leak-free, but the preparation process becomes time-consuming and requires particular attention
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing joint is divided into separate components: a base engagement element that attaches to the tank and a connecting nipple that attaches to the feed line. This segmentation allows each part to be independently prepared and assembled, reducing the overall preparation time while maintaining connection reliability through the modular design with integrated sealing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The base engagement element is pre-assembled with the tank before the actual testing process. This preliminary action includes pre-attaching the sealing components to the tank, so that during the test setup, only the final connection to the feed line is needed, significantly reducing the time and attention required during the critical test preparation phase.
2Reliability
If sealing joints are screwed to both the tank and the feed line, then the connection is secure and leak-free, but the operation becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sealing joint into a base engagement element and a connecting nipple, the assembly process is simplified. The base engagement element with its integrated sealing components attaches to the tank in one operation, and the connecting nipple attaches to the feed line separately, reducing the complexity and potential for errors compared to screwing a single complex joint to both components.
Solution Approach 2:
The base engagement element acts as an intermediary component between the tank and the feed line. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies the connection process, making the operation easier and less error-prone by mediating the connection between the two main components with pre-integrated sealing mechanisms.
3Extent of automation
If a frustoconically-shaped centering portion is used in the sealing joint, then the assembly is simplified and automation is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frustoconical centering portion uses asymmetric geometry to provide self-alignment and guidance during assembly. This asymmetric shape enables automated assembly by providing unique orientation cues that guide the connecting nipple into the correct position relative to the base engagement element, facilitating automation while the standardized conical form keeps the added complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The frustoconical shape provides a curved, tapered surface that guides assembly through natural alignment. This curvature enables automated positioning by allowing the components to self-center during insertion, facilitating automation while the simple geometric form minimizes the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a
Figure 2
AI summary
This invention relates to a support and connection structure (1) suitable to support a tank (2) during a hydrostatic acceptance test and suitable to connect the tank to a feed line (3) of a test fluid. Said structure comprises a sealing joint (5) and a support and housing base (4) for supporting the tank. The sealing joint (5) is suitable to connect the support and housing base (4) with the tank (2) and fluidically connects the feed line (3) with the inside of the tank. In addition, the sealing joint (5) comprises a connecting nipple (52) and a base engagement element (51) sealingly engageable with the support and housing base (4). The base engagement element (51) comprises a centering portion (510) engageable in the joint housing seat (41) with shape and/or force coupling, and a head (511) that surmounts said centering portion (510) in axial succession.