Universal Pipe Coupling Assembly for Lined and Unlined Pipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling assemblies for connecting lined and unlined pipes often require custom designs and struggle to provide a smooth transition, leading to potential fluid leakage and internal corrosion issues due to unique metal-to-metal torque shoulders and seal areas.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly featuring a coupling member with beveled and undercut recesses, a corrosion barrier ring, and a ring member with a flange, designed to securely connect lined and unlined pipes or accessories, ensuring a smooth transition and preventing internal corrosion by using a resilient elastomeric material for the barrier ring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom built liner or coupling assembly is used for unique pipe end constructions, then fluid leakage is prevented, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly is designed with a standardized configuration that can accommodate multiple pipe end constructions and thread designs through a single universal design. The coupling member includes a body with a first inlet and a second inlet, each capable of receiving different pipe configurations, eliminating the need for custom-built assemblies for each unique pipe type while maintaining reliable fluid leakage prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a coupling member for mechanical connection, a liner for internal corrosion protection, and a barrier ring for sealing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together as a universal assembly that can adapt to various pipe end constructions without requiring complete custom design
2Strength
If metal-to-metal torque shoulders and seal areas are used in pipe connections, then connection strength is improved, but internal corrosion risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
A liner is introduced as an intermediary component between the internal fluid environment and the metal coupling member. The liner extends into the coupling member and provides a corrosion-resistant barrier that prevents direct contact between corrosive fluids and metal-to-metal torque shoulders and seal areas, while the coupling member maintains its full mechanical strength for secure pipe connection
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly combines different materials with complementary properties: the coupling member provides mechanical strength for connection, while the liner provides corrosion resistance. This composite structure allows the system to simultaneously achieve high connection strength and internal corrosion protection by leveraging the strengths of different materials in appropriate locations
3Object-affected harmful factors
If lined pipes are connected to unlined pipes or accessories, then corrosion protection is maintained, but smooth transition is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly serves multiple functions in a single integrated design: it provides a smooth transition between lined and unlined pipes, maintains corrosion protection through the liner and barrier ring, and ensures secure mechanical connection. The universal design accommodates both lined and unlined pipe configurations at the inlets while providing internal corrosion protection throughout the assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
A coupling assembly includes first and second pipes, each having a threaded portion and a non-threaded portion. The non-threaded portion of each of the pipes is located at a free end of each of the pipes. The coupling assembly also includes a coupling member for fixedly connecting the first and second pipes. The coupling member includes a first inlet for receiving the first pipe, a second inlet for receiving the second pipe and a non-threaded portion extending between the first and second inlets. A cross-section of an annular recess of the non-threaded portion includes a vertical leg, a first angled leg extending from the vertical leg, a horizontal leg extending from the first angled leg, a second angled leg extending from the horizontal leg and a third angled leg extending from the second angled leg to the first threaded inlet.