Telescopic Pipeline Coupling for Axial Length Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-pressure pipelines in mine shafts face challenges with axial length changes, particularly in large diameter pipes, where traditional expansion spirals and hoses are inadequate for pressure compensation, leading to potential kinking and deformation.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a pipe element with a flange and ring, a sliding sleeve, and an outer bushing, which allows axial movement and pressure compensation through balanced annular surfaces, enabling flexible connection and maintenance-friendly design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional expansion spirals or hoses are used to compensate for axial length changes, then the pipeline can accommodate thermal expansion, but the device becomes unsuitable for high-pressure applications (above 400 bars) and large diameter pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline system is divided into discrete segments connected by telescopic coupling devices. Each coupling device independently handles expansion compensation for its segment, allowing the overall system to maintain high-pressure integrity while accommodating thermal expansion through the segmented telescopic mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic coupling device employs nested structures where inner pipe elements slide within outer pipe elements. The flange with annular surface nests within the compensating element, and the pressure-compensating structure nests within the telescopic housing, creating a compact high-pressure capable assembly.
2Strength
If rigid pipe connections are used to maintain structural integrity, then the pipeline can withstand high pressures, but the pipeline cannot accommodate axial length changes without deforming or kinking
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates dynamic telescopic elements that allow axial movement between pipe segments. The sliding flange mechanism enables the connection to dynamically adjust to length changes while maintaining pressure containment, transforming the rigid connection into a dynamically adaptable joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic coupling device acts as an intermediary element between rigid pipe segments. It mediates between the need for rigid high-pressure containment and the need for flexible length accommodation, providing a transition zone that handles both requirements through its telescopic and pressure-balanced design.
3Reliability
If telescopic connections with pressure-compensating elements are used, then axial length changes can be compensated without kinking, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device integrates multiple functions into a single assembly: telescopic expansion compensation, high-pressure containment, and alignment maintenance. The flange with annular surface serves both as a structural connector and as a pressure-balancing element, reducing the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the telescopic mechanism with the pressure containment structure into a unified coupling device. The compensating element is integrated with the pipe connection geometry, combining expansion accommodation and pressure resistance functions in one compact assembly rather than using separate mechanisms.
4Strength
If permanent pipe connections are used to ensure pressure integrity, then the pipeline maintains structural stability, but the pipeline cannot be easily dismantled for maintenance and cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline is segmented into modular sections connected by standardized telescopic coupling devices. This segmentation allows individual sections to be easily disconnected and reconnected, enabling maintenance and cleaning operations without compromising the pressure integrity of the overall system through the standardized coupling interfaces.
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 device effectively compensates for axial length changes in high-pressure pipelines, preventing kinking and allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, while maintaining pressure balance and preventing deformation.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding sleeve (4), the internal diameter of which corresponds to the external diameter of the flange (2) and one end of which has an opening for receiving the pipe element (1), the flange (2) being arranged such that it can move axially in the sliding sleeve (4)
Implementation Method 2
the ring (3) forms a pressurised annular surface which is substantially the same size as the annular surface
Data Source
AI summary
A device for connecting pipelines subjected to axial length changes, comprising a pipe element with a flange having an end-face annular surface and a ring encompassing the pipe element, a sliding sleeve, the internal diameter of which corresponds to the external diameter of the flange and one end of which has an opening for receiving the pipe element, the flange being arranged such that it can move axially in the sliding sleeve, and by an outer bushing which is attached to the sliding sleeve and is arranged around the pipe element and the ring and the internal diameter of which corresponds to the external diameter of the ring and the interior of which is connected to the interior of the line by at least one opening in the pipe element and in which the ring forms a pressurized annular surface which is substantially the same size as the annular surface.