U.S. patent application number 13/794175 was filed with the patent office on 2013-09-12 for system for dynamically sealing a conduit sleeve through which a pipe or cable extends.
This patent application is currently assigned to Beele Engineering B.V.. The applicant listed for this patent is BEELE ENGINEERING B.V.. Invention is credited to Johannes Alfred Beele.
Application Number | 20130234405 13/794175 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36763837 |
Filed Date | 2013-09-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130234405 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Beele; Johannes Alfred |
September 12, 2013 |
SYSTEM FOR DYNAMICALLY SEALING A CONDUIT SLEEVE THROUGH WHICH A
PIPE OR CABLE EXTENDS
Abstract
A system for dynamically sealing an opening through which at
least one pipe, cable or duct extends via a conduit sleeve wherein
the system comprises at least an elastically deformable plug which
is fittingly and sealingly insertable in the conduit sleeve, the
plug having two ends, an outer side and an inner side, the outer
side comprising a number of outer ribs having tops spaced apart in
a longitudinal direction of the plug, the inner side comprising a
number of inner ribs having tops spaced apart in the longitudinal
direction of the plug, the inner side comprising a number of inner
ribs having tops spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the
plug, wherein the inner side and/or the outer side is provided with
at least one hingeable surface area.
Inventors: |
Beele; Johannes Alfred;
(Aalten, NL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BEELE ENGINEERING B.V. |
Aalten |
|
NL |
|
|
Assignee: |
Beele Engineering B.V.
Aalten
NL
|
Family ID: |
36763837 |
Appl. No.: |
13/794175 |
Filed: |
March 11, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12225346 |
Oct 6, 2010 |
|
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PCT/EP2007/002478 |
Mar 20, 2007 |
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13794175 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
277/606 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 5/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
277/606 |
International
Class: |
F16L 5/10 20060101
F16L005/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 20, 2006 |
EP |
06005629.8 |
Claims
1. A system for providing a sealed transit for a situation wherein
one or a plurality of cables, pipes or ducts extend through the
transit, wherein the system comprises a frame which, using a
sealing gasket, is sealingly fixable onto an opening, wherein the
frame comprises a conduit which is suitable for receiving at least
one of the plurality of cables, pipes or ducts and for receiving an
elastically deformable plug for sealingly filling space between an
inner circumferential wall of the conduit and the at least one of
the plurality of cables, pipes or ducts, wherein the system further
comprises a blocking element for hindering in the conduit movement
of one end of a plug which is inserted in that conduit, the
blocking element comprising a substantially ring shaped element,
wherein the blocking element is fixed and integrally connected to
the frame, the frame and the blocking element comprising together a
single piece, the frame being provided with a flange for bolting to
a part of a partition that surrounds an opening.
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the frame is machined out
of a single block of material.
3. A system according to claim 1, wherein the conduit has an inner
circumferential wall with a surface which has a low coefficient of
friction.
4. A system according to claim 1, wherein the frame is made of an
engineering plastic.
5. A system according to claim 4, wherein the engineering plastic
is a hard plastic comprising polyetherimide (PEI) or,
alternatively, polyethersulfonamide (PES).
6. A system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises at
least one additional blocking element for hindering in the conduit
simultaneous and equal movement of both ends of a plug relative to
the conduit sleeve in which that plug is inserted.
7. A system according to claim 1, wherein the system further
comprises at least one elastically deformable plug which is
fittingly and sealingly insertable in the conduit.
8. A system according to claim 1, wherein the conduit has a length
which is suitable for receiving a plug in its entirety.
9. A system according to claim 8, wherein each conduit has a length
which is suitable for receiving two plugs neighbouring each other
in axial direction.
10. A system according to claim 9, wherein each conduit has a part
of the at least one blocking element positioned in the conduit such
that on either side of the blocking element the conduit has a
length which is suitable for receiving a plug in its entirety.
11. A system according to claim 10, wherein the plug has two ends,
an outer side and an inner side, each end having dimensions which
allow for fitting of that end in the conduit, the outer side
comprising a number of outer ribs having tops spaced apart in a
longitudinal direction of the plug for realising annular contact
surfaces between the plug and the inner circumferential wall of the
conduit, the inner side comprising a number of inner ribs having
tops spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the plug for
realising annular contact surfaces between the plug and the at
least one cable pipe or duct extending through the conduit sleeve,
wherein the inner side and/or the outer side is provided with at
least one hingeable surface area for facilitating compression of
the plug in the longitudinal direction and a transverse movement of
at least one of the inner or outer ribs.
12. A system according to claim 11, wherein the hingeable surface
is provided by two adjacent sloped surfaces of two adjacent
ribs.
13. A system according to claim 11, wherein the hingeable surface
is provided on the inner side.
14. A system according to claim 11, wherein the plug is an assembly
of at least two segmental longitudinal parts.
15. A system according to claim 1, wherein the blocking element is
provided by a decrease of diameter of the conduit.
16. A system according to claim 12, wherein the hingeable surface
is provided on the inner side.
17. A system according to claim 12, wherein the plug is an assembly
of at least two segmental longitudinal parts.
18. A system according to claim 13, wherein the plug is an assembly
of at least two segmental longitudinal parts.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a system for sealing an opening
through which at least one pipe, cable or duct extends via a
conduit sleeve which is fittingly and sealingly fixed to a
circumference of the opening or which corresponds to the
opening.
[0002] Such an opening may comprise a tubular passage in a floor,
deck, wall or partition. Another possibility is that the opening
comprises a tube in which another tube is at least partly
received.
[0003] Such a system is used for, for instance, two tubes having
mutually different diameters connected with each other so that a
fluid can flow through both tubes. One of the tubes may, for
instance, form a house service connection and have a smaller
diameter than a tube which forms the main line or is a branch
thereof. Such tubes may be used for, for instance, transporting
water, gas, oils, liquid, chemicals etc. The space located between
the tubes is meant to be sealed by a system to which the invention
relates.
[0004] It is also possible that cables for, for instance,
telephone, electricity, and television are fed through such tubes
connected with one another. Another possibility is using the system
as a seal between glass fiber cables and protective tubes. Such a
system may also be used for walls of buildings, in particular
foundation walls and floors but also ceilings or roofs where, by
means of "lost plastic tube parts", passages are left open in the
poured concrete for feeding through tubes for water or gas or
cables. Of course, the passage may also be provided in a concrete
base with the aid of a boring method. The space between the duct
and the inner wall of the "lost tube part" or the bore hole may
later be sealed with a system to which the invention relates.
[0005] Further, a system to which the invention relates can be used
in the construction and/or maintenance of new buildings, ships and
offshore installations. Sections in such constructions are usually
formed by placing prefabricated partitions according to a
predetermined plan, in the case of vessels, in a dock of the
shipyard. Even before the partitions are placed, feed-through tubes
can be provided in the partitions, for instance with the aid of a
welding method. Such a feed-through tube may be a conduit sleeve as
referred to above. After the duct is fed through the feed-through
tube, a system to which the invention relates can be provided for
sealing a space between the inner wall of the feed-through tube and
the fed-through duct. It is further possible that the feed-through
tube and the duct, cable or tube fed through it are manufactured
from different metal-comprising materials. This is possible because
there will be no contact between the feed-through tube and the
duct, cable or tube fed through it so that galvanic corrosion is at
least virtually precluded. It is also possible that the duct, cable
or tube fed through it are manufactured from plastic-comprising
material.
[0006] The space between the inner wall of the conduit sleeve and
at least one tube or duct is herein below often simply referred to
as "the space".
[0007] GB 2186442 describes a transit system for cables and pipes.
The system comprises a metal frame having an opening filled with
lead-through blocks and blanking blocks. The lead-through blocks
comprise two half-blocks which can together form a block having an
opening through which a pipe, cable or duct can be fed. In other
words, two halves of the lead-through blocks can surround a pipe,
cable or duct. Each pipe, cable or duct is thus surrounded by at
least two blocks. The remaining space in the opening is filled up
with blank blocks. In this way the space between the inner wall of
the conduit sleeve, in this case a metal frame, and the pipes,
ducts or cables extending through the conduit sleeve or metal frame
is filled up with blocks. It is possible that a stay plate is
positioned between each layer of blocks. Pressure is then applied
to the assembled blocks to compress the blocks around the cable,
pipe or duct to seal the lead-through blocks around the cable, pipe
or duct and to clamp them together and against the side walls of
the frame or the conduit sleeve and to the stay plate. For this
purpose, the system comprises a compression and packer system.
Pressure can be applied by a system that requires tightening of
nuts or compression bolts. The forces needed for compression are
very high and partly passed on to the ducted pipe or cable, often
non-hydrostatically. This system cannot distribute the load evenly
throughout the stacking of blocks. In fact, the ducted pipe or
cable will carry a part of the load and prevent an even
distribution. The blocks which are much less subjected to
compression "in the shade of the ducted pipe or duct" can easily be
forced out. Another problem is the irreversible deformation of the
rubber, which reduces the flexibility of the transit system which
can be detrimental when a part of the system is suddenly exposed to
a much higher pressure.
[0008] Apart from the fact that the system is difficult to install,
time-consuming, costly, and requiring a large inventory control,
the system further works unsatisfactorily in the long-run. Rubber,
even well vulcanised rubber, has a natural relaxation occurring
over time. When the rubber has not properly been saturated or
vulcanised, also chemical relaxation can occur. This enhances the
overall relaxation of the rubber. As a consequence of this,
compression bolts or nuts of the compression and packer system of
the system described in GB 2186442, needs to be retightened
frequently. A further problem is that a change in temperature will
due to thermal expansion or shrinkage result in loosening or
over-tightening of the compression bolts, resulting in respectively
weakening the sealing and irreversible deformation of the
rubber.
[0009] In particular when plastic pipes or cables with plastic
braidings extend through the metal frame or conduit sleeve, the
outer surface of these tubes or cables is subjected to radial
inward pressure and the outer diameter of these plastic pipes may
decrease due to a phenomenon known as "creep". If this occurs,
compression bolts and nuts of the compression and packer system
should be retightened even more frequently as the integrity of the
sealing provided by the compressed rubber blocks and the radially
compressed plastic pipes, diminishes by both physical phenomena,
creep and relaxation. However, no matter how frequently the
compression bolts and/or nuts are retightened, immediately after
retightening, the phenomena of relaxation of the rubber and creep
of a plastic pipe will continue to occur so that the integrity of
the sealing immediately further deteriorates.
[0010] Thunderhorse, the largest and most advanced semi-submersible
platform in the world, was found to have a list of some 20-30
degrees after experiencing hurricane "Dennis" in the Gulf of
Mexico. Although as yet no conclusive explanation for this listing
has been reported, preliminary findings from the investigation
indicate that water movement among the access spaces occurred
through multi-cable transits which were equipped with a system
similar to that GB 2186442.
[0011] Known are systems where a rubber ring is coaxially placed in
a conduit sleeve around a pipe ducted through the conduit. The
rubber ring is then compressed between steel ring shaped plates.
Although this leads to the building up of radial forces angularly
equally applied, the problems of relaxation of the rubber and, in
case of plastic pipes, the problems of creep, requires frequent
retightening of the compressing steel plates.
[0012] WO 2004/111513 describes a system, in more detail a plug,
made of an elastically formable material for insertion in a space
between an inner wall of a conduit sleeve, and a pipe, cable or
duct extending through that sleeve. The plug may comprise two
segmental longitudinal parts for forming a sealing plug which can
be received in the space. The longitudinal parts are each provided
with an outside which comprises a number of outer ribs spaced apart
in a longitudinal direction for realizing, in use, annular contact
surfaces which are each closed in itself in a circumferential
direction between the sealing plug and the inner wall of the
opening. Each of the longitudinal parts is further provided on the
inside with a number of inner ribs for realizing, in use, annular
contact surfaces which are each closed in itself in a
circumferential direction between the sealing plug and the pipe,
cable or duct extending through the opening. Each of the
longitudinal parts is further provided with an outer collar
intended to be placed against an outer edge of the opening. When
the plug is assembled these collars are part of a flange which is
such that forces can be exerted onto the flange for inserting the
longitudinal parts. The flange is designed such that it can be
placed against the outer edge of the opening. The outer edge of the
opening is thus covered by the flange. The flange further ensures
equal insertion, so that the outer ribs of the longitudinal parts
are lined up to form the annular contact surfaces and such that the
inner ribs are lined up to form the annular contact surfaces.
[0013] An advantage of this sealing system is that it is very easy
to insert, and after applying grease to the longitudinal parts,
manual insertion may even be possible. A further advantage is that
it is highly unlikely that the plug will be further pushed into the
conduit sleeve or opening, even not when a very high pressure is
applied to the flange. It has turned out that this sealing system
retains its sealing integrity also when a very high pressure is
applied to the side of the plug that is first inserted into the
opening or conduit sleeve. Only after application of a very high
pressure on that end of the plug, the plug may be forced out of the
conduit sleeve or opening. Another advantage is that the ribs
provide some flexibility in the sealing system, so that no
retightening is needed. When the rubber relaxes, the ribs are still
providing annular contact surfaces and thus a sealing remains
intact. This response also applies to the unlikely occurrence of
creep which would result in a smaller diameter of a plastic pipe
extending through the opening or conduit sleeve. However, as
indicated, the creep itself is already unlikely to occur, as the
actual radial load applied to a plastic pipe extending through the
conduit sleeve will, due to the relaxation of the rubber, decrease
in time, so that the possible occurrence of creep will come to a
slowdown rather than an acceleration.
[0014] Although the system described in WO 2004/111513 A1 works
satisfactorily, there remains a need for sealing systems that can
sustain a sudden increase of a pressure applied to one end of the
sealing system.
[0015] It is an objective of the invention to meet this need.
[0016] It is also an objective to provide a system which is
suitable for providing a sealed transit for a situation wherein one
or a plurality of cables, pipes or ducts extend through the
transit.
[0017] This objective of the invention is achieved by providing a
system for dynamically sealing an opening through which at least
one pipe, cable or duct extends by a conduit sleeve which is
fittingly and sealingly fixed to a circumference of the opening or
which corresponds with the opening. The system comprises of at
least an elastically deformable plug which is fittingly and
sealingly insertable in the conduit sleeve. The plug has two ends,
an outer side and an inner side. Each end has dimensions that allow
for fitting of that end in the conduit sleeve, the outer side
comprises a number of outer ribs having tops spaced apart in the
longitudinal direction of the plug for realizing annular contact
surfaces between the plug and the inner circumferential wall of the
conduit sleeve. The inner side comprises a number of inner ribs
having the tops spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the
plug for realizing annular contact surfaces between the plug and
the at least one pipe, cable or duct. The inner side and/or the
outside is provided with at least one hingeable surface area for
facilitating compression of the plug in the longitudinal direction
and a transverse movement of at least one of the inner or outer
ribs.
[0018] As each of the ends have dimensions that allow for fitting
of that end in the conduit sleeve, the plug can in its entirety be
inserted into the sleeve. When at one of the ends of the plug a
very high pressure is applied, that end will initially be pressed
towards the other end. The hingeable surface area will facilitate
the compression of the plug in the longitudinal direction. The
transverse movement of at least one of the inner or outer ribs
ensures that the sealing is actually improved when the compression
occurs. When a high pressure is applied on one end of the sealing
plug, the sealing tightens itself thus further in the space between
the inner wall of the conduit and the pipe, cable or duct that
extends through the conduit sleeve. In other words, the sealing
starts acting dynamically.
[0019] It is to be noted that the system does not constantly apply
a very high pressure on a plastic pipe that extends via the conduit
sleeve through the opening. A very high radial pressure occurs only
when a high pressure is applied to one of the ends of the plug.
Consequently, the occurrence of creep of the plastic pipe, is
unlikely to occur to a large extent.
[0020] In an embodiment of a system according to the invention, the
hingeable surface is provided by two adjacent sloped surfaces of
two adjacent ribs. In such an embodiment it is facilitated that at
least two ribs move in a transverse direction when the plug is
being compressed in the longitudinal direction.
[0021] Furthermore, there can be a high number of ribs for a
longitudinal length. It is possible that between each set of two
adjacent ribs, a hingeable surface is provided. In other words, the
longitudinal length of the plug is very efficiently used. This
enhances the overall sealing capacity after insertion without the
application of a pressure wave to one end of the plug, and even
more so, when a pressure wave is applied to one end of the
plug.
[0022] An embodiment of a system according to the invention further
comprises a blocking element for hindering, when in use, an
external pressure gradient is present between both ends of the
plug, movement of the downstream end of the plug downstream the
pressure gradient. This not only ensures that equal insertion can
occur, leading to lining up of ribs so that the annular contact
surfaces are correctly formed, it also ensures that the plug will
be compressed rather than moved in its entirety in the conduit
sleeve downstream the external pressure gradient. This further
facilitates the improvement of the sealing capacity. Such a system
may withstand a shock wave due to, for instance, a sudden sinking
down in the water, an explosion, hurricane or perhaps even a
tsunami. Experiments have indicated that the plug will retain its
sealing integrity when the pressure difference between both ends of
the plug is up to 15 bar (which is a pressure present at 150 meters
below water surface).
[0023] This applies in particular for an embodiment of a system
according to the invention wherein two plugs as described above are
situated in the conduit sleeve and a blocking element is situated
between these two plugs. In this case the system will dynamically
seal independent of the direction of the external pressure
gradient. In either situation, one of the plugs will be compressed,
thus increasing its sealing contact surfaces and applying a higher
load normal to these contact surfaces so that the sealing overall
greatly improves.
[0024] Also an embodiment of a system according to the invention
wherein at least two blocking elements are applied for hindering,
in use, relative to the conduit simultaneous and equal movement of
both ends of the plug downstream an external pressure gradient, has
these advantages. Independent of the direction of the pressure
gradient, the plug will always compress and improve its sealing
role.
[0025] The invention further relates to a transit system comprising
a plug as described above and a conduit sleeve.
[0026] The invention is further related to a system for providing a
sealed transit for a situation wherein one or a plurality of
cables, pipes or ducts extend through the transit, wherein the
system comprises a frame which is sealingly fixed or fixable into
or onto an opening.
[0027] The invention is now elucidated by describing a non-limiting
example with the aid of a drawing. In the drawing:
[0028] FIG. 1 shows schematically in perspective an embodiment of a
system according to the invention;
[0029] FIG. 2 shows schematically in perspective a longitudinal
part of an embodiment of a system according to the invention;
[0030] FIG. 3 shows schematically a view on a longitudinal part of
a system according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0031] FIG. 4 shows schematically a cross-section of a longitudinal
part of a system according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3;
[0032] FIG. 5 shows schematically a plug as assembled by
longitudinal parts according to FIG. 3 and as received in the space
between an inner wall of a conduit sleeve and one pipe, cable or
duct received in the conduit sleeve;
[0033] FIG. 6 shows schematically a partial cross-section of a
longitudinal part according to FIG. 3 as received in the space
shown in FIG. 5;
[0034] FIG. 7 shows schematically a further embodiment of a system
according to the invention;
[0035] FIG. 8 shows schematically a further embodiment of a system
according to the invention;
[0036] FIG. 9 shows schematically a further embodiment of a system
according to the invention.
[0037] FIG. 10 shows schematically a further embodiment of a system
according to the invention; and
[0038] FIG. 11 shows schematically a further embodiment of a system
according to the invention.
[0039] FIG. 12 shows schematically in perspective a part of an
embodiment of a system according to the invention;
[0040] FIG. 13 shows schematically in perspective a part of an
embodiment of a system according to the invention.
[0041] In the drawings, like parts have like references.
[0042] FIG. 1 shows a partition 1 which is for the sake of clarity
shown with a part cut out. The partition 1 divides two compartments
I, II. The partition 1 comprises an opening through which a pipe 2
extends. Wherever in this specification a pipe is referred to
below, the pipe may also be a duct or a cable. A conduit sleeve 3
corresponds to the opening. It is also possible to consider the
conduit sleeve 3 as fittingly and sealingly fixed to a
circumference of the opening. In general, the conduit sleeve is an
example of a conduit which is suitable for receiving one or more
cables, pipes or ducts. Such a conduit is further suitable for
receiving an elastically deformable plug for sealingly filling
space between an inner circumferential wall of the conduit and the
number of pipes, cables or ducts extending therethrough. The system
may in an embodiment comprise such an elastically deformable plug 4
which is fittingly and sealingly insertable in the conduit sleeve 3
as shown in FIG. 1. The partition wall 1 may be a steel wall. The
conduit sleeve 3 may also be made of steel and may in fact comprise
a steel tube. The steel tube may be welded into the opening of the
partition 1. The plug 4 may comprise a single piece as suitable for
situations where the plug 4 can be inserted into the conduit sleeve
3 before the pipe 2 extends through the conduit sleeve 3. However,
as most often the plug 4 will be an assembly of at least two
segmental longitudinal parts 5. In that case, the plug 4 can also
be formed and inserted when a pipe 2 extends through the conduit
sleeve 3, before insertion of the plug 4. The division between
these two segmental longitudinal parts 5 of plug 4 in FIG. 1 is
shown by a dashed line. A perspective view of one longitudinal part
5 of the plug 4 is shown in FIG. 2.
[0043] FIG. 3 shows schematically a view of an inner side 6 of a
longitudinal part 5 of a system according to an embodiment of the
invention. Two of such longitudinal parts 5 can together form a
plug 4. The upper part UP and the lower part LP of FIG. 3
correspond to a cross-section along a longitudinal direction L of a
longitudinal part 5. The cross-section shown in the upper part UP
of FIG. 3 is shown enlarged in FIG. 4. The longitudinal segmental
part 5 is provided with an outer side 7. This outer side 7
comprises a number of outer ribs 8 having tops 8a spaced apart in
the longitudinal direction of the plug 4 for realizing annular
contact surfaces 9 (see FIG. 5) between the plug 5 and an inner
circumferential wall 10 of the conduit sleeve 3. The inner side 6
is comprised of a number of inner ribs 11 having tops 11a spaced
apart in a longitudinal direction of the plug 4 for realizing
annular contact surfaces 12 between the plug 4 and the pipe 2. The
term "spaced apart" encompasses a situation in which ribs have a
part that is unconnected to the neighboring rib. However, "spaced
apart" does not exclude a situation in which the ribs are adjacent
each other.
[0044] In this exemplary embodiment, the inner side 6 is provided
with a number of hingeable surface areas 15 for facilitating
compression of the plug 4 in the longitudinal direction L and a
transverse movement of at least one of the inner 11 and/or outer
ribs 8. This hingeable surface area 15 is in FIG. 4 indicated by a
circle represented by a dashed line. In this embodiment, the
hingeable surface area 15 is provided by two adjacent sloped
surfaces 14 of two adjacent inner ribs 11. In this example the
hingeable surface area 15 is provided on the inner side 6. It can
be seen that the inner side is provided with four hingeable surface
areas 15. It is of course also possible that the inner side 6 is
provided with only one hingeable surface area 15. However, the more
hingeable surface areas 15 are provided, the more compression of
the plug 4 in the longitudinal direction is facilitated.
Furthermore, the more hingeable surface areas are provided by two
adjacent sloped surfaces 14 of two adjacent inner ribs 11, the
larger the number of inner ribs 11 that experience facilitation of
a transverse movement. How the hingeable surface areas 15 result in
the possibility of sealing dynamically is explained later. At this
stage it is pointed out that although the hingeable surface areas
15 are in this example shown to be provided on the inner side 6,
one or more hingeable surface areas may also, or alternatively, be
provided on the outer side 7.
[0045] At this stage the longitudinal segmental parts 5 are
described in more detail. Each inner rib 11 has preferably the
shape of a trapezium. Each of the inner ribs 11 is provided with an
abutting surface 13 that extends in the longitudinal direction L
and that, in use, abuts the pipe 2. Each inner rib 11 is on either
side of the abutting surface 13 provided with a sloped surface 14
which extends away from the abutting surface 13. The slope of each
sloped surface 14 encloses an angle .gamma., with a transverse
direction T of the segmental longitudinal part 5 such that bending
of each inner rib 11 is substantially inhibited when the segmental
longitudinal part 5 is inserted. The insertion will be described
later. One could also say that due to the shape of the inner rib 11
and the size of angle .gamma. the inner ribs slide easily over the
pipe 2 during insertion of the plug 4.
[0046] The slope of the sloped surface 14 is substantially constant
from the abutting surface 13, from which it extends up to a point P
where it meets the sloped surface 14 of an adjacent inner rib 11.
Although it is shown that each slope of the sloped surface 14 of
one of the inner ribs 11 is substantially the same, it is also
possible that the slopes vary somewhat. The slopped surfaces 14 of
the two adjacent inner ribs 11 form together a V-shaped groove,
i.e. the hingeable surface area. In the example shown, all slopes
of all inner ribs 11 are substantially the same. The angle .gamma.,
is between 60 and 80 degrees, preferably between 65 and 77 degrees
and even more preferably between 70 and 75 degrees.
[0047] One end of the plug 4 and of each longitudinal part 5 may be
denoted as the distal end 17 as this end will be distal from the
part of the conduit sleeve 3 at which the plug 4, or the
longitudinal parts 5, are inserted. The other end of the plug 4 and
of each of the longitudinal parts 5 may be denoted as the proximal
end 18, as this end remains, relative to the distal end, proximal
to the part of the conduit sleeve at which insertion of the plug 4
or longitudinal part 5 occurs.
[0048] The outer ribs 8 have each substantially the shape of a
sawtooth 19 with a rising surface 20 rising toward the proximal end
18. It is of course possible that only one outer rib 8 has the
shape of a sawtooth 19, or that some but not all outer ribs 8 have
the shape of a sawtooth 19. In this example, all outer ribs 8 have
the shape of a sawtooth 19. The part 21 of the rising surface 20
adjoining the top 8a of the sawtooth 19 is, with respect to a part
22 of the rising surface located further from the top 8a, provided
with a levelling which includes an angle .alpha. with the
longitudinal direction L. The part 21 provides a pressing surface
23 that in use presses against the inner wall 10 of the conduit
sleeve 3. The pressing surface 23 includes the angle .alpha. with
the longitudinal direction L. This angle .alpha. is smaller than an
angle .beta. included by the surface of the part 22 of the rising
surface 20 located further from the top 8a and the longitudinal
direction L. The angle .alpha. is in any case larger than zero.
[0049] A meeting of the levelling part 21 and part 22 of the rising
surface 20 forms an outwardly directed bend 24 located in the
rising surface 20. Although, in this example, the bend 24 is formed
by a meeting of straight surfaces, it is also possible that the
bend is formed by a meeting of surfaces which merge more gradually
with regard to the orientation of the surfaces. A falling surface
25 of the sawtooth 19 is provided with a part 26 located relatively
far from the top 8a, which is designed so as to be inclined towards
the proximal end 18 with respect to a part 27 of the falling
surface 25 adjoining the top 8a. The part 27 of the falling surface
25 adjoining the top 8a of the sawtooth 19 includes an angle
.theta. with a longitudinal direction L. The angle .theta. is
larger than the angle .omega. which is included by the part 26 of
the falling surface 25 located further from the top 8a and the
longitudinal direction L.
[0050] A meeting 28 of the part 27 of the falling surface 25
adjoining the top 8a of the sawtooth 19 and the part 26 of the
falling surface 25 located further from the top 8a forms an
inwardly directed bend 28 located in the falling surface 25. The
bend or meeting 24 is in transverse direction located further
outwardly than the bend 28. The note made above for the bend formed
by meeting 24 also holds for bend 28. That is, a more gradual merge
from the part 27 of the falling surface and the part 26 is in this
specification also understood to be a bend. It is further noted
that it is also possible to provide a sawtooth 19 with a bend in
the falling surface 25 without the rising surface 20 of the
sawtooth 19 comprising a levelling.
[0051] It is further visible in FIG. 4 that an imaginary transverse
plane of the first type A intersects an outer surface 29 on the
outer side 7 and an abutting surface 13 on the inner side 6. The
outer surface 29 and the abutting surface 13 which both intersect
the same imaginary transverse plane A, have a similar length in the
longitudinal direction L. Over the entire length of the
longitudinal direction of the outer surface 29 and/or the abutting
surface 13, which both intersect the same imaginary transverse
plane A, that outer surface 29 and that abutting surface 13 are
substantially parallel to each other.
[0052] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show schematically in more detail how the
longitudinal parts 5, and thus the plug 4, cooperate with the inner
wall 10 of the conduit sleeve and with the pipe 2 as received in
the opening. FIG. 5 shows the inner wall 10 of the conduit sleeve 3
in cross-section, while the sealing plug 4 formed with the aid of
the longitudinal parts 5 is shown in a view such as would be seen
when one half of the conduit sleeve 3 would have been removed. In
general, when the pipe 2 extends through the conduit sleeve 3
before insertion of the plug 4 occurs, the longitudinal parts 5 are
tightly applied around the tube 2 and then, by a movement in the
longitudinal direction L, forcefully pushed into the space 30
between the inner wall 10 of the conduit sleeve 3 and the pipe
2.
[0053] As towards the distal end 17, each longitudinal part 5
comprises on the outside 7 a run-in rib 31, insertion is
facilitated. The run-in rib 31 extends up to an outer
circumferential level that is in transverse direction less outward
than an outer circumferential level up to which each other outer
rib 8 extends.
[0054] Upon further pressing in the longitudinal direction L, also
inner ribs 11 will contact the inner wall 10 of the conduit sleeve
3. Particularly the top 8a and at least a part of the pressing
surface 23 will contact the inner wall 10. In order to overcome
frictional forces occurring during the insertion, it is most often
necessary to provide the longitudinal parts and/or the inner wall
10 of the conduit sleeve 3 and/or pipe 2 with a lubricant such as
for instance Vaseline or soft soap. Particularly when inner wall 10
is manufactured from concrete, this provides a good solution for
reducing the high frictional forces.
[0055] The plug 4, and the longitudinal parts 5 should be manually
insertable. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to move the
sealing plug 4 as then formed by the longitudinal parts 5 further
distally in the direction L by using, for instance, a hammer. An
assisting workpiece made of for instance wood, or a hard plastic,
and having a shape such that it can freely be inserted into the
space 30, may be helpful for placing against the proximal end 18 of
the plug 4 so that the hammer can hammer instead of the plug the
workpiece distally into the longitudinal direction, so that the
longitudinal parts 5 of the plug 4 will not be damaged by the
hammer.
[0056] It will be clear that when the plug 4 has fully been
inserted into the conduit sleeve, at least a part of each pressing
surface 23 will be pressing against the inner wall 10 of the
conduit sleeve 3.
[0057] FIG. 6 shows the inner wall 10 of the conduit sleeve 3 in
cross-section. The plug 4 as inserted is presented as viewable in
the same cross-sectional plane. The annular contact surface 12
formed by the abutting surfaces 13 of the longitudinal parts 5 are
shown in dashed lines. It will be clear that the plug 4 can be
inserted much further distally than shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0058] It will also be clear that any attempt to move the plug 4 as
inserted in the conduit sleeve 3 proximally, due to for instance a
high pressure applied on the distal end 17, the frictional forces
at the annular contact surfaces 9 and 12, will resist such a
movement. It has been found that, in some cases, a plug 4 assembled
from longitudinal parts 5 will resist movement up to a pressure of
7 bar as applied to the distal end 17.
[0059] Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed
that the sealing system according to the invention works as follows
in a dynamic fashion. The illustration of FIG. 6 might be helpful
in understanding this possible working of the invention. When the
proximal end 18 and distal end 17 of the plug 4, either as a
one-piece plug, or as composed of longitudinal parts 5, are
compressed to each other, the hingeable surface area 15 responds in
the sense that the two adjacent sloped surfaces 14 of two adjacent
inner ribs 11, tend to enclose a smaller angle than before the
compression. The two inner ribs to which the adjacent sloped
surfaces 14 belong, experience a transverse inward force. The width
of the annular contact surfaces 12 will as a result thereof
increase. The width is a dimension of the annular contact surfaces
in the longitudinal direction. This improves the sealing between
the plug 4 and the surface of pipe 2. However, as pipe 2 is not
giving way, the pipe 2 exerts a reaction force onto the inner ribs
11. A response of the plug 4 is that the outer ribs 8 are pushed
outwardly in a transverse direction, i.e. radially outwardly in
this example. As a consequence thereof, a larger surface area of
the pressing surface 23 will contact the inner wall 10 of the
conduit sleeve 3. In other words, the width of the annular contact
surface 9 will also increase. Also in this case the width is
dimension in longitudinal direction of the annular contact surfaces
9. Consequently, the sealing between the plug 4 and the inner wall
10 of the conduit sleeve 3 is also greatly improved.
[0060] It will easily be understood that when the compression of
the plug 4 in the longitudinal direction L ceases, the plug 4 will
tend to relax back towards its position that it had before the
compression occurred. As such, the system responds dynamically upon
compression of the plug in the longitudinal direction by improving
the sealing integrity when the pressures exerted on the distal and
proximal ends of the plug increase.
[0061] The plug remains somewhat flexible when uncompressed,
allowing for vibration and shock absorption and a relatively low
load applied to the pipe and inner wall of the conduit.
[0062] FIGS. 7 to 11 show further embodiments of a system according
to the invention. In these embodiments the system further comprises
a blocking element 37 for hindering, when in use an external
pressure gradient is present between both ends of the plug,
movement of the downstream end of the plug downstream the pressure
gradient.
[0063] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a system according to the
invention as suitable in a situation wherein the hazardous side of
the partition 1 is known. In this situation a high pressure is
expected to occur, when it occurs, in compartment II rather than in
compartment I. The system comprises a blocking element for
hindering, when in use an external pressure gradient is present
between both ends 17, 18 of the plug 4, movement of the downstream
end 17 of the plug downstream the pressure gradient. In other words
when a very high pressure is present in compartment II and a low
pressure is present in compartment I, the plug 4 will be compressed
by movement of proximal end towards distal end 17. When the
pressure in compartment II is thus very high, the plug will
compress and the annular contact surfaces 9, 12 will enhance as
explained when discussing FIG. 6. In this particular embodiment
blocking element 37 is fixed to the conduit sleeve 3. In fact, in
this embodiment the blocking element 37 may even be considered as a
part of the conduit sleeve 3. Although the blocking element 37 may
be welded to the conduit sleeve 3, it is preferred that the conduit
sleeve 3 and the blocking element 37 are formed by a milling
process. Inner wall of the conduit sleeve 3 has preferably a
surface with a low coefficient of friction. The surface may have
been polished. This facilitates movement of proximal end 18 towards
distal end 17 and thus compression of the plug 4 in the
longitudinal direction L. In this embodiment, the blocking element
is substantially annularly shaped. A side of the blocking element
37 facing the distal end 17 of the plug 4, may at least partly have
a shape that matches the shape of the distal end 17 and the running
rib 31 of the plug 4. It is further important to note that the
blocking element should not extend radially inward too much, to
avoid contact with pipe 2 not only when pipe 2 has been inserted in
the conduit sleeve 3 but also when the pipe 2 is being inserted in
the conduit sleeve 3. To avoid any damage to pipe 2 should the pipe
2 make contact with blocking element 37, the blocking element has
edges which are rounded off.
[0064] Another embodiment of a system according to the invention is
shown in FIG. 8. This embodiment is also suitable for a situation
wherein the hazardous side is known, i.e. the high pressure is
expected to occur in compartment II rather than in compartment I.
In this embodiment, the conduit sleeve 3 and the blocking element
37 are separate pieces. Conduit sleeve 3 is provided with a collar
3a that extends radially outward from an end of the conduit sleeve
3 by which in use the distal end 17 of the plug will be surrounded.
The blocking element 37 may comprise two parts that form together
in use an annular retainer ring. This ring can be fixed around pipe
2 and to the collar 3a of conduit sleeve 3, once the pipe has been
inserted, by for instance making use of bolts and nuts and suitably
aligned bore holes in respectively retainer ring 37 and collar 3a.
Although it is shown that the blocking element can extend radially
inward a little bit further and even very close to pipe 2, it is
still preferred that a retainer ring has a much smaller radial
inward length. It is also preferred that the edges of the retainer
ring facing the pipe 2 are rounded off. If conduit sleeve 3 happens
to be a very long conduit sleeve, i.e. much longer than the length
of plug 4, it is preferred that a rubber sleeve is inserted first
in the annular space between the inner wall of the conduit sleeve 3
and the pipe 2 before fixing the blocking element 37. This rubber
sleeve (not shown in FIG. 8) surrounds pipe 2 and ensures that in
the case of a very high pressure in compartment II as opposed to
the pressure in compartment I, plug 4 does not need to move through
the entire length of the conduit sleeve 3 before compression of the
plug 4 occurs. Instead, but compression can start almost straight
away, leading to a fast response of the dynamic sealing system. An
improvement of the sealing integrity may further be in line with
the mechanism as proposed when discussing FIG. 6.
[0065] FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the system according to the
invention that is suitable for a situation wherein it is unknown
from which side of the partition 1 a hazardous event may approach
the conduit sleeve 3. This embodiment is particularly suitable for
resisting a fire that may break out on either side of the partition
1. The system comprises two plugs 4. One of those two plugs 4 is
inserted from compartment I into the conduit sleeve 3 and the other
one of the plugs 4 is inserted from compartment II into the conduit
sleeve 3. In this embodiment, the blocking element 37 is situated
between the two plugs 4. Although it is possible that the blocking
element 37 is again a retainer ring that is for instance welded to
an inner wall 10 of the conduit sleeve 3, it is, as shown, also
possible that the opening in partition 1 is actually smaller than
the diameter of the conduit sleeve 3 which is coaxially welded
around a circumference of the smaller opening in the partition 1. A
part of the partition 1 is then within the conduit sleeve 3 acting
as a retainer ring, i.e. as a blocking element 37. Although, again
the blocking element as shown extends radially inward to a rather
large extent, it is preferred that the radial inward length of the
blocking element is somewhat shorter.
[0066] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a system according to the
invention, that is also suitable for a situation in which one does
not know from which side the hazardous event, like for instance a
fire, could approach the conduit sleeve 3. The system comprises
again blocking elements 37 which are, as shown, fixable to the
conduit sleeve 3 in a way described when the embodiment of FIG. 8
is discussed. It is preferred that the volume of the air entrapped
in the conduit sleeve between the distal end 17 of the two plugs 4,
is as short as possible. This may be achieved by providing a
conduit sleeve 3 having a length that is just a little bit more
than the total length of two plugs 4, or by insertion of a rubber
sleeve (shown in dashed line) in the conduit sleeve 3 so that the
sleeve is positioned between the two plugs 4. The air gap between
the plugs 4 works as thermal insulation. If as a result of thermal
expansion the pressure of the air in the air gap is built up, the
air gap itself may work as a blocking element, facilitating
compression of the plug that experiences a high pressure on the
proximal end 18. This may even occur without the thermal expansion.
In particular, in situations where the volume of the air gap is
small, a slight further reduction of that volume, will raise the
pressure of the air trapped in the gap. The gap may then act as a
blocking element.
[0067] Finally, FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a system according
to the invention, wherein the conduit sleeve itself is rather
short. In this embodiment the plugs 4 are each provided with an
annular slot that extends from the outer side of the plug 4
inwardly in a transverse direction. This slope is provided between
the outer rib that is closest to the proximal end 18 of the plug 4
and the proximal end 18 itself. After insertion of the plug 4 this
annular slot can as shown receive the blocking element 37 which is
further fixable to the collar 3a of conduit sleeve 3, as described
when discussing the embodiment shown in FIG. 8
[0068] It will be clear that a blocking element 37 that is fixable
to the conduit sleeve is preferably a multiple part element or at
least an element that can surround a pipe without the need for
sliding the blocking element over the pipe at one of the ends of
the pipe.
[0069] A further blocking element 37 may be provided between plugs
4 as shown, but this is not necessary.
[0070] When an explosion occurs in compartment II, the embodiment
shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 will ensure that at least the
plug present in the conduit sleeve and extending or facing the
compartment I, will remain in the conduit sleeve 3 when the
complete partition is moved into the direction of compartment I
along the longitudinal direction L. The embodiment shown in FIG. 10
and FIG. 11 will hold both the plugs 4 independent of the direction
into which partition 1 is blasted along the longitudinal direction
L. A particular advantage is that there is not only a dynamic
response of the sealing system available, but also that in a
situation wherein the entire partition is moved in a longitudinal
direction L due to for instance an explosion, the conduit sleeve 3
including the plugs 4 will equally move up with partition 1 during
that movement.
[0071] Elastic material employed for the production of the
segmental longitudinal parts 5, i.e. for the plug 4, is preferably
of a fire resistant quality. The rubber may be designed such that
it expands upon exposure to elevated temperatures. It is also
possible to use silicon rubber. A suitable EPDM may also be
employed. The hardness may, for instance, be 70 Shore A. Any rubber
with sufficient flexibility and a compression set similar to the
compression set of EPDM is suitable. Also electrically conductive
rubber is among the possibilities. During the manufacture of the
longitudinal parts, use will usually be made of a mold suitable for
this purpose. Such a production process is known per se. For
instance, injection molding or compression molding may be used. The
blocking element may be of metal, but in cases where the blocking
element is fixable to the conduit sleeve 3 these may also be made
of a hard plastic, such as for instance polyetherimide (PEI) or,
alternatively, polyethersulfonamide (PES).
[0072] The invention is not limited to the embodiment shown above.
It is for instance possible that the plugs are suitable for sealing
a conduit sleeve through which a plurality of pipes extend. Further
reference is made to WO 2004/111513, in particular the figures for
plugs designed for filling space in a conduit through which more
than one pipe extends.
[0073] Although, preferably, the sealing plug 4 has a substantially
cylindrical design, a deviation from this shape is also among the
possibilities. Thus, the system can be designed such that the
system is suitable for conduit sleeves which are quadrangular
and/or rectangular. Embodiments suitable for multi-angular conduit
sleeves are not precluded either. Even embodiments for other
non-circular, for instance, oval shaped conduit sleeves, are among
the possibilities. The same holds true for the suitability with
regard to the pipes and cables and ducts to be fed through the
conduit sleeve. The system can be designed such that, in use, pipes
and the like with a cross-section deviating from a circular shape
can be enclosed by the plug. If desired, the skilled person will be
able to adjust the dimensions to the required circumstances.
[0074] The way the blocking element is fixed or fixable to the
conduit sleeve can be according to many different mechanisms.
[0075] The blocking element may be fixed at the conduit sleeve by
welding. However, the blocking element may also be fixed to the
conduit sleeve by being integrally connected, or as a result of
being machined out of one simple piece of metal, or being moulded
in one single mould. The blocking element 37 may be fixable by for
instance a mechanical connection, using for example one or more
screws, or a latch mechanism, all well known in the art.
[0076] According to one aspect of the invention a sealed transit is
provided for a situation wherein one or a plurality of cables,
pipes or ducts extend through the transit. In an embodiment, the
system comprises a frame which is sealingly fixed (not shown) or
fixable into or onto an opening. It will later be explained how
such a frame can be fixed into or onto an opening. The frame
comprises basically a conduit 3 The FIG. 1 and FIGS. 5-11 show, as
discussed above, only embodiments which comprise as a conduit 3 a
single conduit sleeve 3. Those figures also show a frame. However,
the frame shown in those figures comprise each only one conduit
sleeve 3. Hence, each of those frames comprise a single
conduit.
[0077] Each conduit shown in the drawings of this specification is
suitable for receiving at least one of a plurality of cables, pipes
or ducts 2. Each conduit is further suitable for receiving the
elastically deformable plug 4 for sealingly filling the space 30
between the inner circumferential wall 10 of the conduit and the
cables, pipes or ducts 2 extending through that conduit. The
systems shown in the FIGS. 1 and 5-11 comprise at least one
blocking element 37 for hindering in each conduit 3 movement of one
end of a plug 4 which is inserted in that conduit 3.
[0078] The blocking element 37 is fixed to the frame. In fact, in
the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, each blocking element 37
is integrally connected to the frame. The blocking elements 37 are
each fixed within one of the conduits 3. The embodiment shown in
FIG. 7 can be fabricated by machining the conduit 3 in a single
block of material. The decrease of diameter of the conduit 3
provides the blocking element 37. The blocking element 37 and
conduit 3 shown in FIG. 9 may be integrally connected as a result
of welding conduits 3 against the partition 1 around an opening in
partition 1. The blocking element 37 inside the conduit 3 as shown
in FIG. 11 may be integrally connected as a result of a machining
process whereby out of a single piece of metal the conduit 3 and
that blocking element 37 are formed. The inner circumferential wall
10 of each conduit sleeve 3 has preferably a surface with a low
coefficient of friction formed by, for instance, a suitable milling
process. This facilitates insertion of the plug 4 and accelerates
the response of the plug 4, as described earlier, upon a sudden
high pressure exerted on the proximal end of the plug 4.
[0079] The block of material out of which such a frame comprising a
conduit is machined, is preferably of steel or aluminium. This
allows for welding of the frame to a similar countermaterial of
which, for instance, a partition is made. The frame may be provided
with a flange (not shown) for welding the frame to a steel or
aluminium construction element (not shown). Such a flange may
provide a buffer zone for accommodating thermal stresses occurring
during or after welding, thereby avoiding excessive alteration of
dimensions of the conduit 3. However, it is also possible that such
a buffer zone is provided by providing the blocking element 37 at a
relatively long distance from the position of the frame that would
be affected by the welding procedure. The buffer zone may, of
course, also be provided by the blocking element 37 itself.
[0080] A flange may also be suitable in cases where the frame is
preferably bolted to a part of a partition that surrounds an
opening. A flange is further suitable for openings which have
dimensions which cannot be covered by the frame without the flange.
When bolting is applied a sealing gasket will be used, as known in
the art.
[0081] The system may comprise an elastically deformable plug 4 as
fittingly and sealingly insertable in the conduit sleeve 3.
Preferably, the conduit 3 has a length suitable for receiving a
plug 4 in its entirety. As shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 each
conduit may have a length which is suitable for receiving two plugs
4 neighbouring each other in axial, say longitudinal,
directions.
[0082] If the conduit 3 is suitable for receiving a plug in its
entirety, the proximal end of the plug may be flush with a front
side of the frame. Suitable plugs 4 may be as described earlier on
in the specification.
[0083] FIG. 12 shows an example of such a plug 4 as suitable for a
conduit through which three pipes, tubes or cables extend.
[0084] FIG. 13 shows a so-called blind plug 101. Such a plug can be
inserted temporarily for a period during which no pipe, tube or
cable or duct extends through the conduit.
[0085] Finally, as mentioned before, the frame may indeed be made
of a metal, but may alternatively be made of a engineering plastic
such as a hard plastic comprising polyetheremide (PEI) or,
alternatively, polyethersulfonamide (PES). Such frames may be
employable in, for instance, on-shore constructions and be placed
in or onto openings in a concrete wall, with the aid of a suitable
sealing kit, well-known in the art. Also an embodiment with a
flange may be of an engineering plastic. In that case the flange
will be made suitable by bolding the frame, preferably using a
gasket, to the partitioning construction element.
[0086] All such variations are understood to fall within the scope
of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *