Telescopic Insulated Pipe Coupling for Stray-Current Corrosion

Solution Overview

Problem

Metal pipes near electrical sources suffer from corrosion due to stray currents, leading to time-consuming and costly on-site welding and rework processes to connect pipe sections effectively.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable-length anti-corrosion pipe system with telescopic sections and insulating fixation members that allow for easy length adjustment and electrical insulation, using annular seals and grip rings to prevent electrical current transfer between sections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pipe sections are welded or connected on site to prevent corrosion, then corrosion protection is improved, but installation time and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion protectionVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe system is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can be connected without welding. Each section has independent corrosion protection, and the segmentation allows for easier installation and replacement without time-consuming welding operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary coupling mechanism is introduced between pipe sections that provides both mechanical connection and electrical insulation. This intermediary component eliminates the need for welding while maintaining corrosion protection through continuous insulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If pipe sections are welded or connected on site to prevent corrosion, then corrosion protection is improved, but labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion protectionVSAvoidlabor cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe system is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can be connected without welding. Each section has independent corrosion protection, and the segmentation allows for easier installation and replacement without time-consuming welding operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary coupling mechanism is introduced between pipe sections that provides both mechanical connection and electrical insulation. This intermediary component eliminates the need for welding while maintaining corrosion protection through continuous insulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If seals are used to provide electrical resistance between pipe sections, then corrosion protection is improved, but the connection process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion protectionVSAvoidconnection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function and electrical insulation function are merged into a single integrated component. The coupling mechanism simultaneously provides mechanical connection, sealing, and electrical insulation, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying the overall connection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: mechanical connection between sections, sealing to prevent fluid leakage, and electrical insulation to block stray currents. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system effectively reduces corrosion by allowing for precise on-site length adjustment and electrical insulation, minimizing labor costs and time delays associated with traditional welding methods.

Implementation Method 1

a fixation member that clamps a portion of the second pipe section to a portion of the first pipe section, the fixation member including an insulator which is electrically insulating and passes no electrical current between the first and second pipe sections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS10900597B2Anti-corrosion pipe system with adjustable length

Publication Date: 2021.01.26 KRAUSZ IND

AI summary

A pipe system includes a first pipe section and a second pipe section arranged, and together defining a total length, along a longitudinal axis. The first and second pipe sections are movable with respect to each other so as to shorten or lengthen the total length. A fixation member clamps a portion of the second pipe section to a portion of the first pipe section. The fixation member includes an insulator which is electrically insulating and passes no electrical current between the first and second pipe sections.