Telescopic Pipeline Joint Sealing for Cryogenic Thermal Contraction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipeline joints used for cryogenic fluid transfer are prone to damage and leakage due to thermal contraction, with existing solutions like bellows expansion joints being bulky and costly, and telescopic joints having hydraulic seal weaknesses.

Innovation Solution

A pipeline telescopic joint with a polymeric annular gasket and spring configuration, housed in an annular seat with releasable connections, allowing for relative movement of pipe sections and preventing fluid leakage through a simple and non-bulky design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If bellows expansion joints are used to compensate for thermal contraction, then the pipeline joint can accommodate temperature changes, but the joint becomes bulky and installation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal contraction compensationVSAvoidjoint volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The joint is divided into multiple pipe sections (first pipe section, second pipe section, third pipe section) that can slide relative to each other, allowing thermal contraction compensation through segmented movement rather than a single bulky expansion joint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second pipe section is arranged at least partly within the first pipe section, creating a telescopic configuration where smaller components are nested within larger ones, reducing overall joint volume while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If telescopic joints with hydraulic seals are used, then thermal contraction can be compensated, but the sealing system becomes complex and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal contraction compensationVSAvoidsealing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses simple annular gaskets made of elastomeric material instead of complex hydraulic seals, accepting that these simpler components may need periodic replacement but significantly reducing system complexity and improving reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing approach changes from hydraulic pressure-based sealing to elastomeric material-based sealing, utilizing the elastic properties of the gasket material to maintain seals under varying thermal and pressure conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If expansion loops are used to absorb thermal contractions, then the pipeline can accommodate temperature changes, but the installation costs and pressure losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal contraction absorptionVSAvoidpressure loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The pipeline is segmented into movable pipe sections with seals between them, allowing controlled telescopic movement that absorbs thermal contraction without the energy losses associated with large-radius expansion loops

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If telescopic joints with fixed sealing systems are used, then thermal contraction is compensated, but maintenance and component replacement become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal contraction compensationVSAvoidgasket replacement ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The joint is segmented into modular pipe sections with independently replaceable gaskets, allowing maintenance personnel to access and replace sealing components by simply disconnecting the releasable connections without removing the entire joint assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 seal and reduces installation and maintenance costs by allowing for easy access and replacement of components, while preventing fluid leakage and accommodating temperature changes during cryogenic fluid transfer.

Implementation Method 1

at least one annular gasket, which is housed within the annular seat and comprises a polymeric casing and a spring housed within the polymeric casing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring elasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

during the transfer operations, the cryogenic fluid flows through the pipeline causing its contraction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal contraction: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentUS11746940B2Pipeline telescopic joint

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 SAIPEM SPA

AI summary

A pipeline telescopic joint configured to compensate for dimensional changes has: a first pipe section having a first diameter; a second pipe section having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter is slidingly coupled to the first pipe section; an end assembly, which is fixed to the second pipe section an annular seat bounded by two facing cylindrical faces; and an annular gasket, which is housed within the annular seat and has a polymeric casing and a spring housed within the polymeric casing, wherein the polymeric casing is in contact with the cylindrical faces.