Patent Application
20230407493
The present disclosure generally relates to electrolysis, including sealed couplings that are positionable between at least two pipes that are mountable on one another in an electrolysis facilities.
Sealing pipe-in-pipe connections are required in particular in electrolysis facilities. There are electrolysis facilities for obtaining chlorine, hydrogen, or sodium hydroxide. The respective materials are obtained in this case inside cells of the electrolysis facilities, and have to be conveyed out of the cells for the further use. Collecting channels made of metal are typically used for this purpose, which establish a connection to the respective cell via discharge pipes made of plastics.
Because of constricted space conditions and cost pressure, the connection between collecting channels and discharge pipe has to enable rapid and reliable installation, on the one hand, and also a sealed connection over the entire operating time of the cell, on the other hand. In particular the following factors can be obstacles to a good seal: different expansions in the case of collecting channel and discharge pipe, in particular at temperatures up to approximately 100° C., larger manufacturing tolerances in the case of plastic in comparison to metal. A universal connection with different geometries of the discharge pipes is also sought in particular in this case.
To satisfy as many of these requirements as possible, for example, a conical connecting piece is provided on the collecting channel, onto which the discharge pipe can be pushed. Good leak-tightness can be achieved with simple installation because of an axial pre-tension. However, it has been shown that this type of coupling is accompanied by disadvantages in particular in the case of temperature variations. At elevated temperatures, the discharge pipe made of plastic expands more strongly than the metallic components of the cell, so that the axial pre-tension increases. In some cases, it is then not possible to prevent bending of the discharge pipe from occurring from a critical pre-tension. This is accompanied by the risk that undesired contact occurs between discharge pipe and electrode, with the result of undersupply of the electrode with electrolytes and/or excessively high pressure on the membrane of the facility. Malfunctions and shortened service life accompanying this are to be avoided, however.
Thus a need exists for a device, whereby a seal having good operational reliability can be ensured in the case of pipes that are to be mounted on one another with a certain axial play relative to one another. A need also exists for a coupling that can also ensure a reliable seal with respect to thermally-related relative movements or in the case of different materials of the coupling elements, in particular having high operational reliability over a long service life.
Although certain example methods and apparatus have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents. Moreover, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that reciting “a” element or “an” element in the appended claims does not restrict those claims to articles, apparatuses, systems, methods, or the like having only one of that element, even where other elements in the same claim or different claims are preceded by “at least one” or similar language. Similarly, it should be understood that the steps of any method claims need not necessarily be performed in the order in which they are recited, unless so required by the context of the claims. In addition, all references to one skilled in the art shall be understood to refer to one having ordinary skill in the art.
The present disclosure generally relates to a sealed coupling that is positionable between at least two pipes that are mountable on one another in an electrolysis facility, and which are to be mounted on one another with a certain axial play relative to one another. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a pipe-in-pipe arrangement for providing such a sealing device. The present disclosure also relates to sealed couplings.
In some examples, a sealed coupling may be positioned between at least two pipes mounted/mountable on one another of an electrolysis facility, in particular between at least one discharge pipe connected to a cell of the electrolysis facility and at least one collecting pipe. The sealed coupling may be formed on at least one pipe pair in an overlap region of the pipes by lateral surfaces abutting one another. The pipes of the (respective) pipe pair may be mounted/mountable in a floating manner one inside the other in relation to one another in the axial direction to form a seal. At least one intended deformation point may be formed at a predefined circumferential position having predefined axial length on a free end of the outer pipe of the (respective) pipe pair in the overlap region, which intended deformation point defines a region for an (elastic) deformation of the outer pipe. This supplies high operational reliability in a broad temperature range.
In this case, at least one lateral surface of the inner lateral surface of the outer pipe and the outer lateral surface of the inner pipe can define a sealing surface, which sealing surface overlaps the intended deformation point in the axial direction, in particular in the direction axially inward into the pipe. The sealing surface can also be arranged here in a large component farther inward and/or farther away from the free end of the pipe than the intended deformation point. For example, the intended deformation point extends over a length z7, and the sealing surface extends over a length z11, z13, which is greater than the length z7 by the factor 1.5 to 3.
The pipes, in particular a plastic pipe and a metallic pipe, can adapt to one another based on elastic forces. The sealing effect can also firstly be completely achieved in this case, depending on the application, in the operating/working point, in particular if the final relative position of the pipes in relation to one another first results in a specific operating/working point. Pre-tension forces are thus not necessarily required during the installation. Rather, plugging together can take place without defined (pre-tension) force. This is one of the advantages of the sealed coupling. The installation can be performed in a very simple manner, and the sealing can be performed by startup of the respective facility, without further interventions being required. The sealed coupling can thus be described as a self-sealing coupling which is self-locking in operation.
It has been shown that a satisfactory sealing effect can already be achieved from an overlap of approximately 3 mm, for example, at an internal diameter of the outer pipe in the range of 30 mm, i.e., approximately 10% overlap with respect to the absolute value of the diameter.
In particular, a reliable and leak-tight connection between a collecting channel and a discharge pipe in a facility for NaCl electrolysis can be ensured using this sealed coupling, which is also substantially independent of thermal expansions, discharge pipe lengths, or geometric shapes and/or can be implemented in a simple manner. The one pipe, in particular the discharge pipe, can be fastened on a flange in the lower part of a cell of an electrolysis facility. With this arrangement of the sealed coupling, a relative movement results between discharge pipe (in particular made of plastics) and cell (in particular made of metal) due to thermal expansion during operation of the cell (approximately 90° C.).
The axial floating mounting enables a relative displacement in this case, for example, in the case of temperature variations because of different coefficients of thermal expansion. This enables the tensions in the respective pipe to be minimized, in particular axial tensions and bending tensions. An at least approximately uniform leak-tightness can also be ensured in this case in a comparatively uncomplicated, robust manner.
The outer pipe (in particular made of PTFE) expands in the working point, for example, by approximately 10 mm in the longitudinal direction. The sealed coupling is configured to absorb such a length change, in particular a length change in the range of 0.8 to 1.2% of the length of the pipe.
In certain applications, the sealing effect only has to be ensured in certain states. This can be performed in particular by adapting the intended deformation points to further properties of the sealed coupling, for example, with respect to a slope of a conicity of one of the pipes. Upon reaching the working point, an elastic deformation of the plastic pipe results, which encloses the inner pipe to form a seal. The overlap region, in which a deformation and surface pressure takes place, does not always have to remain constant and can be selected so that the tolerances occurring in the production are also compensated for.
The sealing surface is preferably formed circumferentially, except for the intended deformation point(s) on the outer pipe.
According to one exemplary embodiment, multiple intended deformation points are provided, which are arranged circumferentially, in particular at uniform spacing in the circumferential direction. In this way, deformation forces and relative movements in the circumferential direction can be absorbed at different points.
According to one exemplary embodiment, at least one pair of intended deformation points arranged opposite to one another is provided, in particular diametrically. This provides a symmetrical arrangement, having comparatively homogeneous force distribution, and thus also a symmetrical load of the corresponding pipe, and thus also only little risk with respect to bending or buckling. Two or three diametric pairs can optionally also be provided. This can improve the deformation behavior. In particular, it can be ensured that a location change required in reaction to axial pre-tensions takes place symmetrically distributed over the circumference. The risk of buckling or bending thus decreases still further.
According to one exemplary embodiment, the (respective) intended deformation point is formed in the axial direction parallel to the/to a center longitudinal axis of the pipe. Advantageous force relationships can be implemented in this way, and the sealing function can also be ensured over a comparatively large range of axial relative movements.
The respective intended deformation point can be formed as a compensation slot. The introduction of the compensation slots can be performed on the sealing end of the discharge pipe. The compensation slot is formed so that the discharge pipe, with an existing longitudinal expansion and also with respect to manufacturing deviations, conforms to the conical geometry of the inner pipe, in particular metallic pipe.
According to one exemplary embodiment, the (respective) intended deformation point comprises a compensation region, in particular a rounded recess at a lower, inner end of the intended deformation point. This can reduce or avoid tension peaks, in particular in a region of high local strains on the respective pipe. This can in particular prevent plastic deformations in the case of particularly large relative movements.
The compensation region can be dimensioned in dependence on the diameter of the pipe. In particular, a compensation borehole at the end of a slot can be dimensioned according to a ratio of borehole diameter to pipe diameter in the range of 0.03 to 0.1, in particular 0.05 (corresponding to 5%).
The depth of the intended deformation point (in particular in the embodiment as a slot) can be in the range of, for example, 5 to 10 mm, in particular 7 mm. For this example, the compensation region can be formed, for example, by a 1.5 mm borehole or a correspondingly round recess (radius) at the lower end of the slot.
According to one exemplary embodiment, the intended deformation point is configured for conical widening of the free end. This provides a high axial tolerance and can reduce bending and pre-tension forces.
According to one exemplary embodiment, a wall or the (outer) lateral surface of the inner pipe has a conicity, on which the sealing surface is formed, in particular at a free end of the pipe, in particular over a length section of at least 20 mm or at least 50% of the diameter of the outer pipe. A relaxation or a relief of the coupling can also take place in an advantageous manner in this way.
The conicity is, for example, in the range of 10 to 20°. The inclination of the lateral surface in relation to the center longitudinal axis is, for example, in the range of 5 to 10°. The conicity extends, for example, over a range of 35 to 45 mm.
The inner pipe has, for example, a maximum diameter in the range of 30 to 50 mm. A free end of the inner pipe has, for example, a diameter in the range of 25 to 35 mm.
According to one exemplary embodiment, the sealing surface defined by a/the conicity of a wall or the (outer) lateral surface of the inner pipe has a slope in the range of 10 to 20°, in particular at least 12° and at most 18°. This comparatively moderate slope provides comparable reaction forces substantially independently of the respective axial relative position.
For example, the conicity can be formed by an angle in the range of approximately 15°, in particular 15°+/−2.5°. It has been shown that with this embodiment of the conicity, a good sealing effect can be ensured in conjunction with a strain of the intended deformation point(s) which is not excessively high.
According to one exemplary embodiment, the inner pipe has a free end on which one or more pins or tabs or projections are formed, which are geometrically delimited from the sealing surface. In this way, an insertion aid for the coupling procedure can be provided in a simple manner, and at the same time a clear functional separation can also be produced between pipe sections provided for the installation and pipe sections provided for the sealing.
For example, two tabs are provided, which protrude in the axial direction approximately 10 to 20 mm, wherein a conicity of the lateral surface is preferably also formed on the tabs.
According to one exemplary embodiment, both the inner lateral surface of the outer pipe and also the outer lateral surface of the inner pipe define a/the sealing surface, which overlap the intended deformation point axially in the direction inward, so that a seal is ensured farther inward than the intended deformation point. In this way, the sealing effect can be ensured independently of a load state of the intended deformation point. This is advantageous in particular if the intended deformation point is formed as a slot.
According to one exemplary embodiment, the inner lateral surface of the outer pipe defines a/the sealing surface, which is arranged farther inward than the intended deformation point, wherein the outer lateral surface of the inner pipe defines a/the sealing surface, which extends up to a free end of the inner pipe. The seal can be displaced far inward in this case, i.e., where a sealing contact can be ensured with comparatively high consistency and independently of the degree of the axial overlap.
The respective surface preferably has no interruptions or irregularities at all, except for intended deformation points. The surfaces or sealing surfaces are preferably formed rotationally-symmetrical around the entire circumference.
According to one exemplary embodiment, the intended deformation point has an axial length which is in the range of 10 to 30% of the diameter of the outer pipe, in particular 15 to 25%. In this way, a good compromise can be ensured between axial movement tolerance and intrinsic stability and/or achievable surface pressure.
The depth of the intended deformation point, in particular in the form of a slot, is, for example, 7 mm at the lowest point. A compensation borehole/rounding, for example, having 1.5 mm diameter, can be provided there. Still further factors can also be taken into consideration in the reconciliation of the size ratios, for example, the angle of a conicity. Fine-tuning can be performed depending on the material pairing and usage case (in particular temperature variations) and length and diameter of the pipes. It has been shown that the size ratios mentioned here can also ensure a good sealing effect in the case of scaling.
According to one exemplary embodiment, the intended deformation point is larger and/or wider than 0.3 mm or greater than 1% of the diameter of the outer pipe in the circumferential direction. This enables sufficient deformation even with comparatively inelastic materials.
According to one exemplary embodiment, the intended deformation point, in the circumferential direction, is smaller and/or narrower than 1 mm or less than 5% of the diameter of the outer pipe. In this way, on the one hand, a large amount of material and/or surface can be preserved, on the other hand, tilting can be avoided and/or good accessibility to a compensation region or the arrangement and introduction of the compensation region with the least possible tension can be enabled.
According to one exemplary embodiment, the intended deformation point (in the final-installed state or in the operating state) is overlapped in the axial direction by the inner pipe by at least 5% of the diameter of the outer pipe or at least 3 mm, in particular by at least 10%. In this way, a sufficient seal can be produced in a region axially adjacent to the intended deformation point even in the case of comparatively strong relative movements.
According to one exemplary embodiment, the sealing surface overlaps the intended deformation point in the axial direction by at least 3 mm or at least 5% of the diameter of the outer pipe to the inside, in particular by at least 10%. This provides a good sealing effect, substantially independently of the type of the relative movement in the intended deformation point.
According to one exemplary embodiment, the respective intended deformation point is formed as a compensation slot having a hole as a compensation region. In this way, a simple, robust structure can be provided to the intended deformation point. The deformation behavior can also be predefined in a comparatively simple manner.
According to one exemplary embodiment, the sealed coupling is formed by a friction-locked, axially-tolerant pipe-in-pipe arrangement configured to seal upon friction lock by elastic deformation. The above-mentioned advantages result in this way.
According to one exemplary embodiment, one pipe of the pipe pair or at least its free end consists of metal and the other pipe of the pipe pair or at least its free end consists of plastic, in particular of PTFE. In particular, the outer pipe can be embodied completely from plastic, without a risk of plastic bending over or buckling existing.
According to one exemplary embodiment, the sealed coupling is configured for axial relative movements of the pipes of a pipe pair in relation to one another in the range of 5 to 15 mm or 20 to 40% of the diameter of the inner pipe, in particular 10 mm or 30% of the diameter of the inner pipe. This provides a high level of operational reliability even in the event of comparatively strong axial relative movements and/or in a broad temperature range. This is achieved, according to disclosure, by a sealed coupling between at least two pipes mounted on one another of an electrolysis facility, in particular by an above-described sealed coupling, produced by coupling two pipes at the free ends thereof on lateral surfaces abutting one another and by mounting the pipes in a floating manner relative to one another by means of the coupling, wherein the sealing occurs in the overlap region of the pipes, and wherein at least one intended deformation point is arranged on at least one predefined circumferential position having predefined axial length in the overlap region, by means of which intended deformation point abutting of the lateral surfaces on one another to form a seal is ensured in the case of at least approximately uniform axial pre-tension force on the overlap region even in the event of axial displacement of the pipes relative to one another. This provides the above-mentioned advantages.
According to one exemplary embodiment, the sealed coupling is configured and/or formed as a self-locking thermal expansion coupling which is axially mounted in a floating manner, in particular having a coefficient of thermal expansion of the outer pipe greater than a coefficient of thermal expansion of the inner pipe. This provides the above-mentioned advantages. In this case, the outer pipe can consist of a material which is softer than the material of the inner pipe. A deformation then takes place predominantly or exclusively in the outer pipe. In this case, the intended deformation points can act particularly effectively. This is achieved, according to the disclosure, by use of a pipe-in-pipe arrangement as a sealed coupling between at least one pipe made of metal and at least one pipe made of plastic in an electrolysis facility, in particular of an inner overlapping collecting pipe made of metal and an outer overlapping discharge pipe made of plastic, wherein the outer pipe made of plastic having slotted intended deformation points is axially mounted in a floating manner on a conical sealing surface of the inner pipe made of metal in an overlap region and sealed by surface pressure. This provides the above-described advantages.
A sealing surface 11.31, 13.11 is formed on the two pipes 11, 13, respectively having the axial extension z11, z13. The inner pipe 11 is formed conically at a free end 11.5. The conicity 11.7 also extends in this case up to tabs 11.51 at the free end. The sealing occurs on an outer lateral surface 11.3 of the inner pipe 11 and on an inner lateral surface 13.1 of the outer pipe 13. No contact takes place on an outer lateral surface 13.3 of the outer pipe 13 and on an inner lateral surface 11.1 of the inner pipe 11.
Two intended deformation points 13.7 extending in the axial z direction are formed on the outer pipe 13, respectively at a circumferential position u1, u2, in particular diametrically opposing, i.e., offset by 180° in the circumferential direction u. In the circumferential direction u, the respective intended deformation point 13.7 has a uniform width u7, except for a rounded, in particular circular compensation region 13.71, which is formed on a base or bottom of the intended deformation point 13.7.
The intended deformation point 13.7 overlaps the sealing surface 13.11 in the axial direction. The sealing surface 13.11 extends farther in the axial direction than the intended deformation point 13.7. The intended deformation point 13.7 is formed as a slot in the axial direction at a free end of the pipe 13. The axial extension or length z7 of the intended deformation point 13.7 is in the range of 10 to 30% of the diameter of the outer pipe.
In this sealed coupling 10, an elastic deformation is possible in the region of the intended deformation point 13.7 in the event of axial relative movement of the pipes 11, 13. A surface pressure, which is advantageous for the sealing effect, on the sections of the lateral surfaces abutting one another can be ensured by the pre-tension of the outer pipe 13.
The following is also to be noted with respect to the functionality of the electrolysis facility 1: The cell 3 consists of two halves, of which only one half is shown in
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2017 207 263.6 | Apr 2017 | DE | national |
This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/608,918, filed Oct. 28, 2019, which is a U.S. National Stage Entry of International Patent Application Serial Number PCT/EP2018/060869, filed Apr. 27, 2018, which claims priority to German Patent Application No. DE 10 2017 207 263.6, filed Apr. 28, 2017, the entire contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16608918 | Oct 2019 | US |
| Child | 18241723 | US |
