Patent Application
20060201570
This invention relates generally to fluid transport systems and, more particularly, to high pressure fluid supply systems operable in harsh environments.
At least some known systems for transporting fluids use rigid pipe that is joined together in relatively short sections by couplings. Misalignment of the coupling flanges facilitates leakage of the fluid to the environment surrounding the couplings and reduces the amount of fluid available at the destination. Other known fluid transport systems use flexible conduits to transport the fluid. The flexible conduits are fabricated in longer sections than the rigid pipe. Couplings joining the flexible conduits are generally less prone to leakage because alignment of the coupling flanges is simpler to maintain, however the flexible conduits are not capable of transporting fluids at relatively high pressure and are more prone to puncture damage and abrasion than the rigid pipe.
In one embodiment, a flexible hose assembly includes a core tube including a substantially fluid-impervious body including an inner surface and an outer surface, and an aramid sleeve including aramid yarn, the aramid sleeve circumferentially covering the core tube.
In another embodiment, a method of forming a conduit assembly for transporting high pressure fluids includes forming an elongate core tube including an inner surface and a radially outer surface wherein the core tube is formed from a substantially fluid-impervious material and circumferentially covering the core tube with at least one aramid sleeve wherein the aramid sleeve includes aramid yarn circumferentially surrounding the core tube.
In yet another embodiment, a flexible reinforced hose system includes a hose assembly and a clamping assembly. The hose assembly includes a core tube that includes a polyester reinforcing sleeve co-extruded with urethane, the core tube including an inner surface and a radially outer surface. The hose assembly also includes at least one aramid sleeve including aramid yarn, the aramid sleeve circumferentially covering the radially outer surface, and a polyester layer circumferentially covering the aramid sleeve. The polyester layer includes a topcoat configured to facilitate making the polyester layer substantially impervious to liquid intrusion and to ultraviolet light. The clamping assembly includes an inner coupling end including at least one of a circumferential ridge and a circumferential groove extending about an exterior surface of the inner coupling. The exterior surface is configured to couple to the inner surface. An outer sleeve end includes at least one of a circumferential ridge and a circumferential groove extending about an interior surface of the outer sleeve, the ridges and grooves are complementary to the ridges and grooves of the inner coupling sleeve. A clamp is configured to draw the inner coupling end and the outer sleeve end together when at least a portion of the hose assembly is positioned between the inner coupling end and the outer sleeve end such that the ridge and the groove form an interference fit with the portion of the hose assembly.
As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.
Core tube 102 is capable of resisting a predetermined pressure. An aramid sleeve 114 including aramid yarn arranged in interlocking engagement, such as by weaving, is position over core tube 102 circumferentially covering outer surface 112. In the exemplary embodiment, the aramid yarn is fabricated of substantially continuous length multi-filament extruded yarns and is woven such that circumferential weft yarns are interleaved with longitudinal warp yarns. In an alternative embodiment, the aramid yarns are woven in other interleaved patterns. The weave may be configured in various selectable mesh orientations. For example, the mesh may be substantially open wherein yarns or groups of yarns are spaced from adjacent yarns or groups of yarns, or the mesh may be substantially closed wherein yarns or groups of yarns are in contact or nearly in contact with adjacent yarns or groups of yarns. In various embodiments, polyester yarns are interweaved with the aramid yarns to pad the aramid yarns from abrading each other. The polyester yarn limits the contact made between adjacent aramid yarn strands. Sleeve 114 is sized such that an inner radius of sleeve 114 is substantially equal to an outer radius of core tube 102 when a predetermined amount of pressure is contained within core tube 102. In the exemplary embodiment, when core tube 102 contains fluid at approximately 500 psig, the outer diameter of core tube 102 is approximately equal to the inner diameter of sleeve 114. At such pressure an inner surface of sleeve 114 is fully engaged with outer surface 112 to facilitate limiting further radial expansion of core tube 102. Sleeve 114 provides reinforcement to permit a working pressure within core tube 102 of greater than 500 psig.
Core tube 202 is capable of resisting a pressure of up to approximately 500 psig without further reinforcement. A sleeve 214 including aramid yarn is positioned over core tube 202 to circumferentially cover core tube 202. In the exemplary embodiment, the aramid yarn is fabricated of substantially continuous length multi-filament extruded yarns and is woven such that circumferential weft yarns are interleaved with longitudinal warp yarns. In an alternative embodiment, the aramid yarns are woven in other interleaved patterns. In various embodiments, polyester yarns are interweaved with the aramid yarns to pad the aramid yarns from abrading each other. The polyester yarn limits the contact made between adjacent aramid yarn strands. Sleeve 214 is sized such that an inner radius of sleeve 214 is substantially equal to an outer radius of core tube 202 when a predetermined amount of pressure is contained within core tube 202. In the exemplary embodiment, when core tube 202 contains fluid at approximately 500 psig, the outer diameter of core tube 202 is approximately equal to the inner diameter of sleeve 214. At such pressure an inner surface of sleeve 214 is fully engaged with outer surface 212 to facilitate limiting further radial expansion of core tube 202. Sleeve 214 provides reinforcement to permit a working pressure within core tube 202 of greater than 500 psig.
Core tube 302 is capable of resisting a predetermined pressure. An aramid sleeve 314 including aramid yarn arranged in interlocking engagement, such as by weaving, is position over core tube 302 circumferentially covering outer surface 312. In the exemplary embodiment, the aramid yarn is fabricated of substantially continuous length multi-filament extruded yarns and is woven such that circumferential weft yarns are interleaved with longitudinal warp yarns. In an alternative embodiment, the aramid yarns are woven in other interleaved patterns. The weave may be configured in various selectable mesh orientations. For example, the mesh may be substantially open wherein yarns or groups of yarns are spaced from adjacent yarns or groups of yarns, or the mesh may be substantially closed wherein yarns or groups of yarns are in contact or nearly in contact with adjacent yarns or groups of yarns. In various embodiments, polyester yarns are interweaved with the aramid yarns to pad the aramid yarns from abrading each other. The polyester yarn limits the contact made between adjacent aramid yarn strands. Sleeve 314 is sized such that an inner radius of sleeve 314 is substantially equal to an outer radius of core tube 302 when a predetermined amount of pressure is contained within core tube 302. In the exemplary embodiment, when core tube 302 contains fluid at approximately 500 psig, the outer diameter of core tube 302 is approximately equal to the inner diameter of sleeve 314. At such pressure an inner surface of sleeve 314 is fully engaged with outer surface 312 to facilitate limiting further radial expansion of core tube 302. Sleeve 314 provides reinforcement to permit a working pressure within core tube 302 of greater than 500 psig.
A second woven sleeve 316 also including aramid yarn is slid over sleeve 314. Second woven sleeve 316 at least partially covers sleeve 314. In the exemplary embodiment, the construction of sleeve 316 is substantially similar to the construction of sleeve 314. In an alternative embodiment, the construction of sleeve 316 is different than the construction of sleeve 314. Sleeve 316 is sized such that an inner radius of sleeve 316 is substantially equal to an outer radius of sleeve 314 when a predetermined amount of pressure is contained within core tube 302. In the exemplary embodiment, when core tube 302 contains fluid at approximately 500 psig, the outer diameter of sleeve 314 is approximately equal to the inner diameter of sleeve 316. At such pressure an inner surface of sleeve 316 is fully engaged with the outer surface of sleeve 314 to facilitate limiting further radial expansion of core tube 302. Sleeve 316 provides reinforcement to permit a working pressure within core tube 302 of greater than 500 psig.
Core tube 402 is capable of resisting a pressure of up to approximately 500 psig without further reinforcement. An aramid sleeve 414 including aramid yarn arranged in interlocking engagement, such as by weaving, is position over core tube 402 circumferentially covering outer surface 412. In the exemplary embodiment, the aramid yarn is fabricated of substantially continuous length multi-filament extruded yarns and is woven such that circumferential weft yarns are interleaved with longitudinal warp yarns. In an alternative embodiment, the aramid yarns are woven in other interleaved patterns. The weave may be configured in various selectable mesh orientations. For example, the mesh may be substantially open wherein yarns or groups of yarns are spaced from adjacent yarns or groups of yarns, or the mesh may be substantially closed wherein yarns or groups of yarns are in contact or nearly in contact with adjacent yarns or groups of yarns. In various embodiments, polyester yarns are interweaved with the aramid yarns to pad the aramid yarns from abrading each other. The polyester yarn limits the contact made between adjacent aramid yarn strands. Sleeve 414 is sized such that an inner radius of sleeve 414 is substantially equal to an outer radius of core tube 402 when a predetermined amount of pressure is contained within core tube 402. In the exemplary embodiment, when core tube 402 contains fluid at approximately 500 psig, the outer diameter of core tube 402 is approximately equal to the inner diameter of sleeve 414. At such pressure an inner surface of sleeve 414 is fully engaged with outer surface 412 to facilitate limiting further radial expansion of core tube 402. Sleeve 414 provides reinforcement to permit a working pressure within core tube 402 of greater than 500 psig.
A second aramid sleeve 416 also including aramid yarn is positioned over sleeve 414. Second aramid sleeve 416 at least partially covers sleeve 414. In the exemplary embodiment, the construction of sleeve 416 is substantially similar to the construction of sleeve 414. In an alternative embodiment, the construction of sleeve 416 is different than the construction of sleeve 414. Sleeve 416 is sized such that an inner radius of sleeve 416 is substantially equal to an outer radius of sleeve 414 when a predetermined amount of pressure is contained within core tube 402. In the exemplary embodiment, when core tube 402 contains fluid at approximately 500 psig, the outer diameter of sleeve 414 is approximately equal to the inner diameter of sleeve 416. At such pressure an inner surface of sleeve 416 is fully engaged with the outer surface of sleeve 414 to facilitate limiting further radial expansion of core tube 402. Sleeve 416 provides reinforcement to permit a working pressure within core tube 402 of greater than 500 psig.
Core tube 502 is capable of resisting a predetermined pressure. An aramid sleeve 514 including aramid yarn arranged in interlocking engagement, such as by weaving, is positioned over core tube 502 circumferentially covering outer surface 512. In the exemplary embodiment, the aramid yarn is fabricated of substantially continuous length multi-filament extruded yarns and is woven such that circumferential weft yarns are interleaved with longitudinal warp yarns. In an alternative embodiment, the aramid yarns are woven in other interleaved patterns. The weave may be configured in various selectable mesh orientations. For example, the mesh may be substantially open wherein yarns or groups of yarns are spaced from adjacent yarns or groups of yarns, or the mesh may be substantially closed wherein yarns or groups of yarns are in contact or nearly in contact with adjacent yarns or groups of yarns. In various embodiments, polyester yarns are interweaved with the aramid yarns to pad the aramid yarns from abrading each other. The polyester yarn limits the contact made between adjacent aramid yarn strands. Sleeve 514 is sized such that an inner radius of sleeve 514 is substantially equal to an outer radius of core tube 502 when a predetermined amount of pressure is contained within core tube 502. In the exemplary embodiment, when core tube 502 contains fluid at approximately 500 psig, the outer diameter of core tube 502 is approximately equal to the inner diameter of sleeve 514. At such pressure an inner surface of sleeve 514 is fully engaged with outer surface 512 to facilitate limiting further radial expansion of core tube 502. Sleeve 514 provides reinforcement to permit a working pressure within core tube 502 of greater than 500 psig.
A second aramid sleeve 516 also including aramid yarn is positioned over sleeve 514. Second aramid sleeve 516 circumferentially covers sleeve 514. In the exemplary embodiment, the construction of sleeve 516 is substantially similar to the construction of sleeve 514. In an alternative embodiment, the construction of sleeve 516 is different than the construction of sleeve 514. Sleeve 516 is sized such that an inner radius of sleeve 516 is substantially equal to an outer radius of sleeve 514 when a predetermined amount of pressure is contained within core tube 502. In the exemplary embodiment, when core tube 502 contains fluid at approximately 500 psig, the outer diameter of sleeve 514 is approximately equal to the inner diameter of sleeve 516. At such pressure an inner surface of sleeve 516 is fully engaged with the outer surface of sleeve 514 to facilitate limiting further radial expansion of core tube 502. Sleeve 516 provides reinforcement to permit a working pressure within core tube 502 of greater than 500 psig.
A polyester layer 518 at least partially covers second aramid sleeve 516 to facilitate providing abrasion resistance to the aramid sleeves 514 and 516. In the exemplary embodiment, polyester layer 518 includes a top coat layer 520 configured to facilitate making the polyester layer substantially impervious to liquid intrusion and to ultraviolet light, which may adversely affect the aramid yarns in sleeves 514 and 516. As fully assembled, hose 500 permits a working pressure within core tube 502 of approximately 2250 psig.
Core tube 602 is capable of resisting a pressure of up to approximately 500 psig without further reinforcement. An aramid sleeve 614 including aramid yarn arranged in interlocking engagement, such as by weaving, is position over core tube 602 circumferentially covering outer surface 612. In the exemplary embodiment, the aramid yarn is fabricated of substantially continuous length multi-filament extruded yarns and is woven such that circumferential weft yarns are interleaved with longitudinal warp yarns. In an alternative embodiment, the aramid yarns are woven in other interleaved patterns. The weave may be configured in various selectable mesh orientations. For example, the mesh may be substantially open wherein yarns or groups of yarns are spaced from adjacent yarns or groups of yarns, or the mesh may be substantially closed wherein yarns or groups of yarns are in contact or nearly in contact with adjacent yarns or groups of yarns. In various embodiments, polyester yarns are interweaved with the aramid yarns to pad the aramid yarns from abrading each other. The polyester yarn limits the contact made between adjacent aramid yarn strands. Sleeve 614 is sized such that an inner radius of sleeve 614 is substantially equal to an outer radius of core tube 602 when a predetermined amount of pressure is contained within core tube 602. In the exemplary embodiment, when core tube 602 contains fluid at approximately 500 psig, the outer diameter of core tube 602 is approximately equal to the inner diameter of sleeve 614. At such pressure an inner surface of sleeve 614 is fully engaged with outer surface 612 to facilitate limiting further radial expansion of core tube 602. Sleeve 614 provides reinforcement to permit a working pressure within core tube 602 of greater than 500 psig.
A second aramid sleeve 616 also including aramid yarn is positioned over sleeve 614. Second aramid sleeve 616 at least partially covers sleeve 614. In the exemplary embodiment, the construction of sleeve 616 is substantially similar to the construction of sleeve 614. In an alternative embodiment, the construction of sleeve 616 is different than the construction of sleeve 614. Sleeve 616 is sized such that an inner radius of sleeve 616 is substantially equal to an outer radius of sleeve 614 when a predetermined amount of pressure is contained within core tube 602. In the exemplary embodiment, when core tube 602 contains fluid at approximately 500 psig, the outer diameter of sleeve 614 is approximately equal to the inner diameter of sleeve 616. At such pressure an inner surface of sleeve 616 is fully engaged with the outer surface of sleeve 614 to facilitate limiting further radial expansion of core tube 602. Sleeve 616 provides reinforcement to permit a working pressure within core tube 602 of greater than 500 psig.
A polyester layer 618 at least partially covers second aramid sleeve 616 to facilitate providing abrasion resistance to the aramid sleeves 614 and 616. In the exemplary embodiment, polyester layer 618 includes a top coat layer 620 configured to facilitate making the polyester layer substantially impervious to liquid intrusion and to ultraviolet light, which adversely affect the aramid yarns in sleeves 614 and 616. As fully assembled, hose 600 permits a burst pressure within core tube 602 of approximately 2250 psig.
Examples of exemplary fluid transfer conduits are described above having one or two aramid sleeves. The above descriptions are exemplary only and additional aramid sleeves are contemplated as well as intermediate layers and or sleeves positioned between the aramid sleeves. Such intermediate layers and/or sleeves may add padding between aramid sleeves, imperviousness to materials, fluids, and/or radiation.
Coupling assembly 702 includes an outer sleeve end 712 that includes one or more ridges 714, grooves 716, or combinations thereof that extend circumferentially about an interior surface 718 of outer sleeve end 712. Interior surface 718 is configured to engage top-coat layer 720. A clamp member 722 is configured to draw inner coupling end 704 and outer sleeve end 712 together when at least a portion of conduit 703 is positioned between inner coupling end 704 and outer sleeve end 712 such that ridges 706 and 714, and grooves 708 and 716 mesh with compressible engagement with conduit 703 to form an interference fit with the portion of conduit 703.
Coupling assembly 802 includes an outer sleeve end 813 that includes one or more ridges 814, grooves 816, or combinations thereof that extend circumferentially about an interior surface 818 of outer sleeve end 813. Interior surface 818 is configured to engage an outer surface 819 of conduit 803 and an outer surface 820 of conduit 804. A clamp member 821 is configured to draw inner splice end 805 and outer sleeve end 813 together when at least a portion of conduits 803 and 804 are positioned between inner splice end 805 and outer sleeve end 813 such that ridges 806 and 814, and grooves 808 and 816 mesh with compressible engagement with conduits 803 and 804 to form an interference fit with the portion of first conduit 803 and second conduit 804.
Although the embodiments described herein are discussed with respect to a fuel transport system, it is understood that the hose assemblies, couplings, and splices described herein may be used with other fluids such as water, gases, and slurries.
It will be appreciated that the use of first and second or other similar nomenclature for denoting similar items is not intended to specify or imply any particular order unless otherwise stated.
The above-described embodiments of a fluid transport system provide a cost-effective and reliable means for transporting substantial volumes of, for example, fuel, water, gases, and slurries under high pressure over rough terrain and harsh environments. Specifically, the reinforced core tube and aramid yarn reinforcement provide a significant pressure resisting hose and the top-coated polyester cover provides abrasion and ultraviolet light protection to the hose materials.
Exemplary embodiments of fluid transport systems and apparatus are described above in detail. The fluid transport system components illustrated are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of each system may be utilized independently and separately from other components described herein. For example, the fluid transport system components described above may also be used in combination with different fluid transport system components.
While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/661,414 filed Mar. 14, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60661414 | Mar 2005 | US |
