Threaded Pipe Connection Without Preload for High-Pressure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temporary piping systems in high-pressure fluid transfer systems, such as those in the oil and gas industry, require rapid assembly and disassembly, but existing solutions like the hammer union cause injuries and have short component lifespans due to the need for extreme preload to maintain seals under pressure.
Innovation Solution
A non-preloaded threaded pipe connection system using a connection pin, connection box with external threads, and an outer sleeve with internal threads, along with a locking mechanism, to create a fluidic seal without the need for hammering, utilizing mating threads and a positive lock to secure the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hammer union connection is used to maintain seal under pressure, then seal integrity is improved, but operator safety deteriorates due to hand injuries from hammering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hammering mechanical action with a threaded engagement system. The connection box and connection pin use external and internal threads respectively, allowing the seal to be maintained through rotational engagement rather than impact loading. This substitution eliminates the harmful hammering action while preserving seal integrity under pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the loading parameter from impact force (hammering) to gradual threaded engagement force. The connection components are designed with threaded interfaces that distribute the sealing force gradually through rotation, transforming the extreme transient preload into a controlled, progressive loading process that maintains seal integrity without causing injury.
2Reliability
If extreme preload is applied to maintain seal under pressure, then seal integrity is improved, but component lifespan deteriorates due to frequent inspection and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the extreme preload application system (hammering) with a threaded engagement system. The connection box and connection pin use mating threads to achieve seal maintenance through gradual engagement, eliminating the extreme transient forces that cause component fatigue and failure. This extends the service life of the connection components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the force application parameter from extreme transient preload to controlled gradual threading. The threaded interfaces distribute sealing forces evenly and progressively, preventing the concentrated extreme loads that lead to component failure. This parameter change extends component lifespan while maintaining adequate seal integrity.
3Reliability
If hammering is used to create preload in connection, then seal integrity under pressure is improved, but assembly time deteriorates due to the complexity of the hammering process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex hammering process with a simple threaded engagement process. The connection box and connection pin use external and internal threads that can be engaged by manual rotation, eliminating the need for hammering operations. This substitution significantly reduces assembly time while maintaining seal integrity through the threaded connection mechanism.
4Reliability
If a threaded connection with seal requiring significant preload is used, then seal integrity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for hammering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the difficult hammering operation with an easy manual threading operation. The connection box and connection pin feature threaded interfaces that can be engaged by simple rotational motion, eliminating the need for hammering tools and techniques. This makes the connection process much easier to operate while maintaining adequate seal integrity through the threaded engagement mechanism.
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
Enables quick and safe assembly of high-pressure fluidic connections by hand, maintaining seal integrity equivalent to or exceeding that of hammer unions, while extending component lifespan and reducing injury risks.
Implementation Method 1
an outer sleeve including internal threads for threadingly engaging the external threads of the connection box to secure the box with respect to the inner pipe
Implementation Method 2
a connection box including external threads and a second sealing surface for engaging the first sealing surface of the connection pin to create a fluidic seal
Data Source
AI summary
A temporary piping system is disclosed for use in a high pressure fluidic system. The temporary piping system including a connection pin including a first sealing surface, a connection box including external threads and a second sealing surface for engaging the first sealing surface of the connection pin to create a fluidic seal, an outer sleeve including internal threads for threadingly engaging the external threads of the connection box to secure the box with respect to the inner pipe to maintain the fluidic seal, and a locking system for preventing the connection box from being separated from the connection pin.