Valved Fitting Encasement for Leak-Tight Pipe Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connections between mains water pipes and service pipes, typically using ferrules with shut-off valves, often fail due to corrosion or leaks, necessitating the shutdown of the mains pipe flow for maintenance or repairs, which is disruptive and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for permanent sealing of valved fittings between larger and smaller diameter pipes using a settable sealing material, allowing for the installation of a new ferrule without shutting off the flow, by encasing the fitting and connection with a settable material like cement or concrete, and using high tensile steel components coated to prevent corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ferrule with shut-off valve is used to connect service pipe to mains pipe, then the service pipe can be isolated for maintenance without shutting off mains flow, but the shut-off valve may fail due to corrosion or leaks requiring mains flow shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
A new ferrule is pre-installed adjacent to the old failing ferrule while the mains flow is still on. This preliminary action creates a backup connection that can immediately take over if the old ferrule fails, eliminating the need to shut off mains flow for repairs
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational state of the system by installing a second ferrule in parallel with the first. This allows the system to transition from a single-point-failure configuration to a redundant configuration where one ferrule can be maintained while the other remains operational
2Ease of repair
If the shut-off valve in the ferrule fails or leaks occur at the connection, then the fitting must be replaced or leak sealed, but this requires shutting off the mains pipe flow
Solution Approach 1:
The second ferrule is installed in advance as a backup before the first ferrule fails completely. This preliminary installation of redundant hardware eliminates the need for time-consuming shut-off procedures when repairs are needed
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into two separate ferrules instead of relying on a single ferrule. This segmentation creates independent failure zones, allowing maintenance on one ferrule without affecting the other and avoiding mains flow shutdown
3Productivity
If a second ferrule is installed adjacent to the old one without shutting off flow, then maintenance can proceed without disruption, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second ferrule serves multiple functions: it acts as a backup connection, a maintenance access point, and a flow redundancy mechanism. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing continuous productivity
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 maintenance and repairs of service pipes without shutting off the mains pipe flow, preventing disruptions and costs associated with shutting down the water supply, while ensuring a leak-tight and durable seal.
Implementation Method 1
The settable sealing material is then introduced into the chamber to encase the fitting and seal the connection between the fitting and the larger diameter pipe
Implementation Method 2
using high tensile steel components coated to prevent corrosion
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) and method for permanent sealing of a connection between a larger diameter water pipe (2) and a smaller diameter water pipe (3) provided by a valved fitting. The device (1) comprises a first member (7) and a second member (8) for securing the first member (7) to the larger diameter pipe (2). The first member defines a chamber (23) for receiving the valved fitting and has a profile for engagement with the external surface of the larger diameter pipe (2) surrounding the valved fitting and an inlet to the chamber (23) for introducing a settable sealing material.