Threaded Component Pressure Testing with Intermediary Sealing Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for pressure testing threaded components risk damaging the sealing surfaces, leading to potential leaks or rendering components unsuitable for use due to permanent deformation of the annular lip during testing, and often require power tools for makeup.
Innovation Solution
A method employing a cap/plug with a selected diametrical clearance between the radially outward surface of the lip and the facing surface, allowing the lip to bear without plastic deformation under test pressure, using a tapered and/or cylindrical portion to ensure elastic deformation and prevent permanent damage, and allowing manual makeup without interfering threadings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an interfering metal-on-metal contact is used between the sealing surface and the cap/plug, then the seal is established, but the sealing surface deteriorates and the component cannot be considered new
Solution Approach 1:
A non-metallic ring (rubber or plastic) is introduced as an intermediary element between the metal sealing surface and the cap/plug. This ring establishes the seal during pressure testing without causing deteriorating interfering contact, thereby preserving the sealing surface quality while maintaining seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-metallic sealing ring is used as a disposable or sacrificial element that can be replaced after testing. It absorbs the wear and deformation that would otherwise occur on the expensive, precision-machined metal sealing surface, allowing the component to be considered new after testing.
2Reliability
If the annular lip is allowed to deform radially outwardly under test pressure, then the seal is tested, but the lip undergoes permanent plastic deformation rendering the component unsuitable for use
Solution Approach 1:
The non-metallic ring acts as a mediator that bears the radial deformation and sealing forces during pressure testing. The metal annular lip does not directly contact the cap/plug sealing surface, preventing plastic deformation while still allowing the seal to be effectively tested through the intermediary ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter of the sealing element from metal to a softer non-metallic material (rubber or plastic). This material change allows the sealing surface to deform elastically under test pressure without undergoing permanent plastic deformation, preserving the component's structural integrity.
3Ease of operation
If interfering threadings are used for makeup, then the component can be assembled, but power tongs are required increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using interfering (tapered) threadings that require power tools for tight tolerance assembly, the invention uses non-interfering (parallel) threadings. This inversion of the threading approach allows for easier manual assembly without requiring power tongs, reducing device complexity while maintaining assembly capability.
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
Ensures the component remains functional post-test with no permanent deformation, maintaining the seal integrity and allowing for manual assembly, reducing the risk of leaks and enabling reusable components.
Implementation Method 1
the lip bears on said facing surface practically without undergoing plastic deformation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for pressure testing a threaded component is provided. A cap includes a female threading that is matched with a threading of a first male threaded element. The cap is made up onto the first male threaded element of a component to be tested so as to compress a sealing ring between metal surfaces of the first element and the cap, and a test pressure is established inside the component. The male element has an annular lip which is capable of deforming radially outwardly under the effect of the test pressure. Between a radially outward surface of the lip and a facing surface of the cap, at the end of makeup there exists a clearance having a value which has been selected sufficiently small so that, under the effect of the test pressure, the lip bears on said facing surface without undergoing plastic deformation.