Patent Application
20170198847
Field of the Disclosure
The present invention relates in general to pipe seals and, in particular, to a system, method and apparatus for a low profile pipe seal.
Description of the Prior Art
Conventional spline-type, restrained pipe joint systems typically have splines and seals that are separate from and axially spaced-apart from the splines. The splines and seals can be lost during transportation or disassembly of the pipe joint systems. Examples of such designs include U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,360, U.S. Pat. No. 7,284,310, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,537,248. Some users would prefer a more reliable installation of restrained joint pipe that provides a robust, sealed pipe joint system. Thus, improvements in pipe restrained seals and joints continue to be of interest.
Embodiments of a pipe seal assembly may include a stiffener formed from a polymer, annular in shape and having an axis, an inner diameter (ID) and an outer diameter (OD). The seal assembly also may include an elastomer that is annular in shape, coupled to and extending though the stiffener, such that the elastomer is located on both the ID and the OD of the stiffener.
Other embodiments may include a pipe system or pipe assembly. Such versions may include a polymer tubular member having an axis. A polymer pipe may be configured to be axially mounted inside the polymer tubular member. In addition, a seal assembly may be configured to be located between the polymer tubular member and the polymer pipe. The seal assembly may include a stiffener formed from a polymer, annular in shape and having a seal axis, an inner diameter (ID) and an outer diameter (OD). An elastomer that is annular in shape, may be coupled to and extend though the stiffener, such that the elastomer is located on both the ID and the OD of the stiffener.
In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a tubular member may include forming the tubular member with a female end; locating a seal assembly having an extension inside the female end, pressing the seal assembly into an interior of the female end to form a seal groove, and belling the tubular member using the seal assembly to form a belled shape on an exterior of the female end, and pressing the extension into the interior of the female end to form a spline groove inside the female end adjacent the seal groove; and then sacrificially removing the extension, but leaving the seal assembly to form a final assembly.
The foregoing and other objects and advantages of these embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the appended claims and the accompanying drawings.
So that the manner in which the features and advantages of the embodiments are attained and can be understood in more detail, a more particular description may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. However, the drawings illustrate only some embodiments and therefore are not to be considered limiting in scope as there may be other equally effective embodiments.
The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.
Embodiments of a system, method and apparatus for a low profile seal are disclosed. For example, as shown in
Embodiments of the seal assembly 11 also may include an elastomer 21. The elastomer 21 can be annular in shape, and coupled to and extending though the stiffener 13. Examples of the elastomer 21 can be located on both the ID ad the OD of the stiffener 13. The elastomer 21 may be coaxial with the axis 15 of the stiffener 13. In some versions, the elastomer 21 may include at least one of isoprene rubber (IR), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), IR/SBR blend, nitrile, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber and Viton. For some applications, such materials may satisfy the chemical compatibility requirements of ASTM standard F477. In an example, the elastomer 21 can have a hardness in a range of about 40 Shore A to about 80 Shore A.
Embodiments of the seal assembly 11 are configured to be installed in an interior 33 of a polymer tubular member, such as a coupling or pipe 31 (
In some versions (
Embodiments of seal assembly 11 may include an OD profile with a dome shape (
Embodiments of the elastomer 21 may include a plurality of ridges 23 (
Versions of the seal assembly 11 may include the stiffener 13 having curved or planar surfaces 17 adjacent the ridges 23 on each axial side thereof. In another example, axial portions 27 of the elastomer 21 can taper from respective ones of the curved or planar surfaces 17 to the ridges 23, as shown. In some versions, only the stiffener 13 extends to the axial ends of the seal assembly 11, such that the elastomer 21 can be shorter in axial length than the stiffener 13. Thus, examples of the stiffener 13 may extend beyond both axial sides of the elastomer 21.
Embodiments of the seal assembly 11 may include at least one of the stiffener 13, the elastomer 21 and the seal assembly 11 being substantially symmetrical. In some examples, at least one of the stiffener 13, the elastomer 21 and the seal assembly 11 can be substantially symmetrical both axially and radially. Such designs can eliminate a need for orientation of the seal assembly 11 during assembly and installation in a tubular member.
Referring now to
In some versions, the extension 151 may extend directly from the stiffener 113, but not from the elastomer. Examples of the extension 151 may be formed from a same material as the stiffener 113. For example, the extension 151 may be molded with the stiffener 113. Versions of the extension 151 may comprise a variety of shapes, such as generally trapezoidal in radial sectional shape, as shown in
Embodiments of the seal assembly 111 may use the extension 151 sacrificially. For example, the extension 151 may be used to simulate a spline (
In still other embodiments, a method of manufacturing a tubular member 31 (
In some versions, the tubular member 31 may include a substantially consistent wall thickness in a radial direction on each axial side of the seal assembly 111, as well as over an axial range of the seal assembly 111. In one example, a wall thickness of the belled portion 39 of the polymer tubular member 31 is approximately equal to a wall thickness of an unbelled portion of the female end 35 of the polymer tubular member 31. In another example, the female end 35 of the tubular member 31 may include a wall thickness that is greater than a wall thickness of the tubular member 31 before belling. For example, the enhanced wall thickness of the female end 35 can be about 5% to about 20% thicker than the wall thickness of the tubular member 31 before belling. In another version, the enhanced wall thickness of the female end 35 can be axially located at and adjacent to only the belled shape 39.
Embodiments of the seal assembly 111 may include a compression ratio of about 10% to about 35%, over a range of pipe-to-pipe angular deflection of about 0% to about 3%. For example, about 0% to about 3% of pipe-to-pipe deflection (e.g., the angle formed between a central axis of a first pipe and a central axis of a second pipe, as measured at opposite pipe ends may be defined deflection or pipe flex.
In one version of the method, no cutting or machining of the female end 35 is required to form the final assembly. In another version of the method, neither the spline groove 155 nor the seal groove 37 requires machining operations after belling. In still another version, the spline groove 155 is machined to a final geometry after belling (compare the shape of spline groove 155 in
Embodiments of the method may further comprise coupling the seal assembly 111 to a second pipe 233 (
Alternative embodiments of the seal assembly may comprise an aspect ratio (AR) of axial length (AL) to radial height (RH). For example, the AR can be in a range of about 3.0 to about 5.0, without the extension. In another example, the AR is in a range of about 6.0 to about 9.0, with the extension. Embodiments of the stiffener also may comprise an aspect ratio (AR) of axial length (AL) to radial height (RH). Without the extension, the stiffener AR can be in a range of about 5.0 to about 7.0. With the extension, the stiffener AR can be in a range of about 10.0 to about 15.0. Embodiments of the elastomer may comprise an aspect ratio (AR) of axial length (AL) to radial height (RH), as well. The elastomer AR can be in a range of about 2.0 to about 3.0.
Other versions of the present disclosure may comprise one or more of the following embodiments:
A seal assembly, comprising:
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the seal assembly is configured to be installed inside a polymer tubular member and form a seal with an exterior of a polymer pipe.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the polymer tubular member is a coupling or a belled pipe.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the seal assembly is configured to be installed inside a bell of a polymer tubular member, and the bell of the polymer tubular member is formed by a heat forming and belling process.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein a wall thickness of the bell is approximately equal to a wall thickness of an unbelled portion of the polymer tubular member.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the polymer comprises at least one of polypropylene, high density polyethylene, acetal, nylon and flexible polyvinyl chloride; and
the polymer comprises at least one of the following reinforcements: glass, carbon, fibers, talc and a structural filler.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the elastomer comprises at least one of isoprene rubber (IR), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), IR/SBR blend, nitrile, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber and a synthetic rubber and fluoropolymer elastomer.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the seal assembly has a seal diameter in a range of about 3 inches to about 48 inches, and a seal axial length of about 0.125 inches to about 3 inches.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein an exterior of the seal assembly comprises a dome-shaped radial profile, relative to the axis, comprising both the stiffener and the elastomer.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the seal assembly comprises a compression ratio of sealing surfaces defined as a percentage of the seal assembly that changes shape from an uncompressed configuration prior to installation, to a compressed configuration in operation, and the compression ratio is about 10% to about 35%.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein each of the stiffener and the elastomer comprises a radius of curvature (ROC), and the stiffener ROC and the elastomer ROC are substantially similar.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the elastomer comprises a plurality of ridges on an interior thereof.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the ridges are symmetrically spaced apart from axial ends of the seal assembly.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein each of the ridges is configured to have a compression ratio of about 10% to about 35% against a mating tubular member.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the ridges protrude radially inward from a body of the elastomer in a range of about 0.1 inches to about 1 inch.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the ridges comprise at least one of following radial shapes with respect to the axis: triangular prism, half ellipse, asymmetrical prism, angled element and kidney-shaped element.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the stiffener has planar or curved surfaces adjacent the ridges on each axial side thereof.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein axial portions of the elastomer taper from respective ones of the planar surfaces to the ridges.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein only the stiffener extends to axial ends of the seal assembly.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein at least one of the stiffener, the elastomer and the seal assembly is substantially symmetrical both axially and radially.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the stiffener has a modulus of elasticity in a range of about 1E9 N/m2 to about 4E9 N/m2.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the elastomer has a hardness in a range of about 40 Shore A to about 80 Shore A.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, further comprising an extension protruding axially from the seal assembly.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the extension extends directly from the stiffener, but not from the elastomer.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the extension is formed from a same material as the stiffener.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the extension protrudes from only one axial end of the seal assembly.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the extension is sacrificial.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the extension is injection molded with the stiffener.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the extension simulates a spline for a pipe or coupling, and the extension is configured to form a spline groove in a pipe or coupling during manufacturing of the pipe or coupling.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the extension is removed from the pipe or coupling after manufacturing and discarded, and the seal assembly remains in the pipe or coupling.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the extension is joined to the seal assembly with a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart ribs, which are sacrificial.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the extension is generally trapezoidal in radial sectional shape.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the stiffener extends beyond axial ends of the elastomer.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the seal assembly comprises an aspect ratio (AR) of axial length (AL) to radial height (RH), and the AR is in a range of about 3.0 to about 5.0.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the seal assembly comprises an aspect ratio (AR) of axial length (AL) to radial height (RH), and the AR is in a range of about 6.0 to about 9.0.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the stiffener comprises an aspect ratio (AR) of axial length (AL) to radial height (RH), and the AR is in a range of about 5.0 to about 7.0.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the stiffener comprises an aspect ratio (AR) of axial length (AL) to radial height (RH), and the AR is in a range of about 10.0 to about 15.0.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the elastomer comprises an aspect ratio (AR) of axial length (AL) to radial height (RH), and the AR is in a range of about 2.0 to about 3.0.
A pipe system, comprising:
a polymer tubular member having an axis;
a polymer pipe configured to be axially mounted inside the polymer tubular member; and
a seal assembly configured to be located between the polymer tubular member and the polymer pipe, the seal assembly comprising:
a stiffener formed from a polymer, annular in shape and having a seal axis, an inner diameter (ID) and an outer diameter (OD); and
an elastomer that is annular in shape, coupled to and extending though the stiffener, such that the elastomer is located on both the ID and the OD of the stiffener.
The pipe system of any of these embodiments, wherein the polymer tubular member comprises a coupling or a belled pipe.
A pipe assembly, comprising:
a polymer tubular member having an axis;
a polymer pipe axially mounted inside the polymer tubular member; and
a seal assembly located between the polymer tubular member and the polymer pipe, the seal assembly comprising:
a stiffener formed from a polymer, annular in shape and having a seal axis, an inner diameter (ID) and an outer diameter (OD); and
an elastomer that is annular in shape, coupled to and extending though the stiffener, such that the elastomer is located on both the ID and the OD of the stiffener.
The pipe assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the polymer tubular member comprises a coupling or a belled pipe.
A method of manufacturing a tubular member, comprising:
(a) forming the tubular member with a female end;
(b) locating a seal assembly having an extension inside the female end, pressing the seal assembly into an interior of the female end to form a seal groove, and belling the tubular member using the seal assembly to form a belled shape on an exterior of the female end, and pressing the extension into the interior of the female end to form a spline groove inside the female end adjacent the seal groove; and then
(c) sacrificially removing the extension, but leaving the seal assembly to form a final assembly.
The method of any of these embodiments, wherein the tubular member has a substantially consistent wall thickness in a radial direction on each axial side of the seal assembly as well as over an axial range of the seal assembly.
The method of any of these embodiments, wherein the seal assembly provides a compression ratio of about 10% to about 35%, over a range of pipe-to-pipe angular deflection of about 0% to about 3%.
The method of any of these embodiments, wherein no cutting or machining of the female end is required to form the final assembly.
The method of any of these embodiments, wherein the seal assembly comprises a stiffener and an elastomer, and the method further comprises co-molding the elastomer to the stiffener.
The method of any of these embodiments, wherein, when the seal assembly is coupled to a second pipe with a mechanical restraint, the final assembly and second pipe have a tensile strength in a range of about 5,000 lbs to about 250,000 lbs.
The method of any of these embodiments, wherein the tubular member is a restrained joint type of pipe or coupling.
The method of any of these embodiments, wherein neither the spline groove nor the seal groove requires machining operations after belling.
The method of any of these embodiments, wherein the spline groove is machined to a final geometry after belling.
The method of any of these embodiments, wherein the female end of the tubular member has a wall thickness that is greater than a wall thickness of the tubular member before belling.
The method of any of these embodiments, wherein the wall thickness of the female end is about 5% to about 20% thicker than the wall thickness of the tubular member before belling.
The method of any of these embodiments, wherein the wall thickness of the female end is axially located adjacent to only the belled shape.
A seal assembly, comprising:
a stiffener formed from a polymer, annular in shape and having an axis, an inner diameter (ID) and an outer diameter (OD);
an elastomer that is annular in shape, coupled to the stiffener on both the ID and the OD of the stiffener; and
an extension protruding axially from the seal assembly.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the extension extends directly from the stiffener, but not from the elastomer.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the extension is formed from a same material as the stiffener.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the extension protrudes from only one axial end of the seal assembly.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the extension is configured to be sacrificial.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the extension is molded and integrally formed with the stiffener.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the extension simulates a spline for a pipe or coupling, and the extension is configured to form a spline groove in a pipe or coupling during manufacturing of the pipe or coupling.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the extension is configured to be removed from the pipe or coupling after manufacturing and discarded, and the seal assembly is configured to remain in the pipe or coupling.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the extension is joined to the seal assembly with a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart ribs, which are configured to be sacrificial.
The seal assembly of any of these embodiments, wherein the extension is generally trapezoidal in radial sectional shape.
This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiments, including the best mode, and also to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
Note that not all of the activities described above in the general description or the examples are required, that a portion of a specific activity may not be required, and that one or more further activities may be performed in addition to those described. Still further, the order in which activities are listed are not necessarily the order in which they are performed.
In the foregoing specification, the concepts have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of invention.
As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).
Also, the use of “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.
Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims.
After reading the specification, skilled artisans will appreciate that certain features are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any subcombination. Further, references to values stated in ranges include each and every value within that range.
This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Prov. App. No. 62/277,357, filed Jan. 11, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62277357 | Jan 2016 | US |
