Valve Tapping Sleeve Assembly for Lined Pipe Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conduit systems with lined host pipes face challenges in maintaining a secure and fluid-tight connection at the valve, as existing solutions often result in restricted flow due to the installation of reinforcing components, and there is a need for improved methods to reinforce the coupling between the valve and the lined host pipe.
Innovation Solution
A fitting device assembly comprising a service sleeve and a reinforcing sleeve, where the reinforcing sleeve is secured within the service sleeve using annular ratchets, forming seals with the liner and valve to prevent axial movement and maintain fluid communication, while minimizing flow restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reinforcing sleeve is installed within the service sleeve to strengthen the coupling between the valve and the lined host pipe, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the additional components and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing sleeve is nested within the service sleeve, with the reinforcing sleeve's outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the service sleeve. This nested configuration allows the reinforcing components to be contained within the existing service sleeve structure, strengthening the connection without adding external complexity to the overall assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is divided into distinct functional segments: the service sleeve that provides the primary connection interface, and the reinforcing sleeve that provides additional structural support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular assembly.
2Strength
If reinforcing components are installed to secure the valve coupling, then the connection strength is improved, but the flow area is reduced due to the installation of these components
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing sleeve is positioned within the service sleeve, utilizing the annular space between the service sleeve's inner surface and the reinforcing sleeve's outer surface. This nesting ensures that the reinforcing components do not protrude into the flow path, thereby maintaining the flow area while still providing the necessary connection strength through the reinforced coupling interface.
3Reliability
If the service sleeve flange is positioned to rest in the epoxy layer between the liner and host pipe, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the installation precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The epoxy layer is applied between the liner and host pipe before the service sleeve is installed. This preliminary action creates a pre-positioned sealing interface that guides the service sleeve flange into the correct position. The flange's engagement with the pre-applied epoxy layer ensures proper sealing without requiring high precision during the actual installation process, as the epoxy itself provides positioning tolerance.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method for tapping and reinforcing a valve of a liner lined host pipe with a fitting device assembly that includes a service sleeve having a flange, a cylindrical body, and an engaging end and a reinforcing sleeve having a flange, a cylindrical body, an engaging end having at least one annular ratchets configured to engage with the engaging end of the service sleeve in order to secure the service sleeve and the reinforcing sleeve together, and a plurality of cutouts in the cylindrical body. A cork assembly that includes the service sleeve and a cork having at least one radial appendage is inserted into the valve, then the host pipe is lined with a liner. The cork assembly is located, and the cork is removed from the cork assembly. The reinforcing sleeve is then installed into the service sleeve in the valve.