Patent Publication Number: US-2022221085-A1

Title: Containment sleeve for pressurized piping system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This Application is a Continuation of Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/747,278, filed Jan. 20, 2020, entitled “CONTAINMENT SLEEVE FOR PRESSURIZED PIPING SYSTEM” which is a Non-Provisional Application of Provisional Patent Application No. 62/794,300, filed Jan. 18, 2019, entitled “CONTAINMENT SLEEVE FOR PIPING SYSTEMS CONVEYING PRESSUREIZED MATERIAL” both of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Liquid mixtures are often pumped through piping systems under high pressure. Over time, pipes may become worn and fail, particular at pipe bends, where such bends are often formed using pipe elbows joined to straight pipe sections or other pipe elbows via couplings. If a pipe or joint ruptures (e.g., due to wearing and/or obstructions), pressurized material may be ejected from rupture point at a high velocity and potentially injure bystanders and damage adjacent property. 
     Pressurized piping systems are commonly employed to pump concrete mixtures to desired locations on construction sites, such as to successive floors of multi-story structures. Such systems typically includes a delivery piping system which is connected to an outlet pipe of a concrete pumping vehicle via a piping transition system. Typically, such piping transition systems include a first 90-degree coupling connected to the outlet pipe of the truck, a second 90-degree coupling connected to the delivery pipe, and a straight transition pipe connected between the first and second 90-degree couplings. 
     Cement trucks pump concrete at pressures of about 1200 pounds per square inch (psi). The flow of high-pressure cement can cause internal wear of the pipes, particularly at the couplings, which can eventually lead to a catastrophic failure of the piping system. The ejection of high pressure cement represents a hazard to people and objects in the vicinity of the rupture. Unfortunately, it is difficult to predict when such failures may occur (e.g., such event may be precipitated by unpredictable obstructions or blockages in the piping system). 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and together with the description serve to explain principles of embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages of embodiments will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar parts. 
         FIG. 1  is a block and schematic diagram generally illustrating a pressurized piping system for transporting concrete, according to one example. 
         FIG. 2A  is a top view generally illustrating a containment sleeve, according to one example. 
         FIG. 2B  is a bottom view generally illustrating the containment sleeve of  FIG. 2A , according to one example. 
         FIG. 2C  is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating a pleat, according to one example. 
         FIG. 2D  is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating a longitudinal pleat, according to one example. 
         FIG. 2E  is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating a strap, according to one example. 
         FIG. 2F  is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating the containment sleeve of  FIG. 2A  installed about a pipe, according to one example. 
         FIG. 3A  is a top view generally illustrating a containment sleeve, according to one example. 
         FIG. 3B  is a bottom view generally illustrating the containment sleeve of  FIG. 2A , according to one example. 
         FIG. 3C  is a perspective view generally illustrating the containment sleeve of  FIG. 2A , according to one example. 
         FIG. 3D  is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating a transverse pleat, according to one example. 
         FIG. 3E  is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating a buckle and strap length adjustment system, according to one example. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view generally illustrating the containment sleeve, according to one example. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following Detailed Description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “leading,” “trailing,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. 
     It is to be understood that the features of the various exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined with each other, unless specifically noted otherwise. 
     Liquid mixtures are often pumped through piping systems under high pressure. Over time, pipes may become worn and fail, particular at pipe bends, where such bends are often formed by coupling pipe elbows to straight pipe sections or to other pipe elbows. If a pipe or joint ruptures (e.g., due to wearing and/or obstructions), pressurized material may be ejected from the rupture point at a high velocity and potentially injure bystanders and/or damage adjacent property. 
     Pressurized piping systems are commonly employed to pump concrete mixtures to desired locations on construction sites, such as to successive floors of multi-story structures. Such systems typically include a delivery piping system which is connected to an outlet pipe of a concrete pump via a piping transition system. Typically, such piping transition systems include a first 90-degree elbow coupled to the outlet pipe of the truck, a second 90-degree elbow coupled to the delivery pipe system, and a straight pipe section coupled between the first and second 90-degree elbows. 
     Concrete may be pumped at pressures of about 1200 pounds per square inch (psi). The flow of high-pressure cement causes internal wear of the piping system, particularly at the couplings and elbows, where such wear can eventually lead to a catastrophic failure of the piping system if undetected. The ejection of high pressure concrete represents a hazard to people and objects in the vicinity of the rupture. Unfortunately, even with regular inspections of the piping system, it is difficult to predict when such failures may occur, as such events may result from unexpected blockages within the piping system. 
     As will be described in greater detail herein, the present disclosure describes a pliable containment sleeve to wrap around pipes and couplings of a piping system to arrest the energy and contain concrete materials (or other materials in the case of piping systems other than concrete piping systems) in the case of a pipe failure (e.g., pipe rupture, coupling failure, etc.). In examples, the containment sleeve may be formed in different shapes and configurations for different applications (e.g., to fit different piping configurations). 
     In examples, each containment sleeve is made from a single, monolithic piece of fabric that includes no seams, as seams represent failure points that may not withstand the forces associated with a pipe rupture. In examples, the containment sleeves may include longitudinal pleats (to run in an axial direction of piping when installed thereon) and/or transverse pleats (running crossways to longitudinal axis of the piping system), wherein the pleats comprise regions of gathered material which are sewn with breakaway stitching to hold the pleats in place during installation on a piping system. The pleats improve the ease of installation of the containment sleeves by reducing the bulkiness of the containment sleeve to provide a more form-fitting installation, and reduce in interior volume of the containment sleeve when installed about a piping system. 
     During operation, upon rupture of a pipe, the breakaway stitching of the pleats “breaks away” under the pressure of the rupture and expands the internal volume of the warp from an initial volume to an expanded volume, thereby arresting the energy of the blowout and enabling the sleeve contain the contents of the blowout and providing protection to bystanders and property (as well protecting the environment and simplifying cleanup). In examples, the material of the containment sleeve is a high-strength (to withstand forces of a pipe blowout without tearing), light weight (to enable easy installation), liquid resistant, semi-permeable fabric that allows small amounts of gasses and liquids to seep through (e.g., water), but prevents the passage of particles (such as sand and aggregate of a concrete mixture, for example) and the spraying or “misting” of pressurized liquids. In one example, the material of the warp comprises ballistic nylon (e.g. 1050 ballistic nylon). While small amounts of liquid may seep through a containment sleeve of such fabric, high velocity ejection of liquids and solid particles is prevented. 
     The sleeves described herein represent an improvement over a netting type device that is designed to arrest energy as concrete ejects from the plumbing of a concrete pumping device. The containment sleeves disclosed herein contain the energy of a pipe rupture and direct expelled product along the pipe to remove risk to an operator. By containing the product, an operator that was exposed to mist and slurry that was too small to be contained by the netting type device, is protected from potential chemical burns and ejected solid particles. Secondarily, a containment sleeve, as described herein, contains expelled product so that cleanup can be performed in a more environmentally friendly fashion. 
       FIG. 1  generally illustrates an example of a high-pressure concrete piping system  10 , where a concrete pumping vehicle  12  (e.g., concrete truck), having an outlet pipe  13 , is connected to a delivery piping system  14  via a transition piping system  16 . According to the illustrated example, transition piping system  16  includes first and second 90-degree elbows  18  and  20 , a straight transition pipe  22 , and a number of couplings  24   a - 24   d,  where first elbow  18  is coupled to outlet pipe  13  via coupling  24   a,  and transition pipe  22  is coupled between first and second elbows  18  and  20  via couplings  24   b  and  24   c.  Second elbow  20  is connected via coupling  24   d  to a pipe section  26  of delivery piping system  14 . Delivery piping system  14  includes additional piping to extend to a desired pumping location, such as illustrating by pipe section  28  coupled to pipe section  26  via coupling  29 . It is noted that  FIG. 1  is for illustrative purposes, and that any number of piping configurations are possible, including transition piping systems including different numbers of straight pipe sections and elbows other than 90-degree elbows (e.g., 45-degrees, 30-degrees, etc.). 
       FIGS. 2A-2E  illustrate an example of a containment sleeve  40 , in accordance with the present disclosure, which is configured to provide containment for a straight pipe section and corresponding couplings, such as straight pipe section  26  and corresponding couplings  24   d  and  29  of  FIG. 1 , for example. Containment sleeve  40  includes a main body  42  having a first major surface  44  and an opposing second major surface  46  extending between opposing first and second longitudinal edges  48   a  and  48   b,  and opposing first and second transverse edges  49   a  and  49   b.  First and second major surfaces  44  and  46  are respectively referred to as exterior and interior surfaces  44  and  46 , as first major surface  44  forms an exterior surface and second major surface  46  forms an interior surface of containment sleeve  40  when installed (i.e., wrapped around) around a pipe section.  FIGS. 2A and 2B  are top and bottom plan views respectively illustrating exterior major surface  44  and interior major surface  46 . 
     In one example, main body  42  is formed of a single, monolithic piece of fabric which includes no seams, as seams represent failure points that may not withstand the forces associated with pipe ruptures. In one example, main body  42  is formed of a light weight, high-strength, liquid resistant, semi-permeable fabric. In one example, the material of the main body  42  comprises ballistic nylon (e.g. 1050 ballistic nylon). 
     In examples, main body  42  includes a number of pleats  50  (e.g., one or more) which extend across at least a portion of main body  42 . In one example, as illustrated, pleats  50  extend longitudinally across main body  42  between opposing transverse edges  49   a  and  49   b.  In one example, as illustrated, main body  42  includes a pair of pleats  50   a  and  50   b.  In one example, pleats  50  extend in parallel with first and second longitudinal edges  48   a  and  48   b.    
       FIGS. 2C and 2D  respectively show transverse and longitudinal cross-sectional views of portions of containment sleeve  40  of  FIG. 2A  illustrating an example of a pleat  50 , such as pleat  50   a.  As illustrated, pleat  50   a  is formed by gathering fabric of main body  42  from interior surface  46  such that pleat  50   a  extends from interior major surface  46  (away from exterior major surface  44 ). In other examples, pleats  50  may be arranged so as to extend from exterior major surface  44  (away from interior major surface  46 ). As illustrated by  FIG. 2D , in one example, longitudinal pleats  50  are rectangular in shape. 
     In one example, opposite sides  52   a  and  52   b  of pleat  50   a  are sewn together with breakaway stitching  54  at a base  56  of pleat  50   a,  where sidewalls  52   a  and  52   b  extend from interior major surface  46 . In examples, breakaway stitching  56  is configured to hold pleats  50  in place under normal operating conditions (e.g., storage, installation/removal from piping systems), but to breakaway in response to forces from a piping system rupture so as to release pleat  50   a  such that containment sleeve  40  expands from an initial interior volume to an expanded interior volume. A depth, D, of pleat  50   a  and a length of pleat  50   a  in the longitudinal directions determines a change in interior volume provided by pleat  50   a.  In one example, the ends of pleats  50  at transverse edges  49   a  and  49   b  are sewn closed (i.e., sewn to main body  44 ) with non-breakaway stitching, as indicated at  58   a - 58   d  (see  FIG. 2A ), such that the ends of pleats  50  remain closed in response to forces from a pipe rupture so as to retain expelled material within the interior volume of containment sleeve  40 . By expanding from an initial volume to an expanded volume, containment sleeve  40  arrests the energy released by a pipe rupture and contains a volume of material expelled from the rupture (e.g., concrete). 
     Returning to  FIG. 2A , containment sleeve  40  further includes a first end strap  60   a  disposed along and in parallel with first transverse edge  49   a,  a second end strap  60   b  disposed along and in parallel with second transverse edge  49   b,  and a number of transversely extending middle straps  62 , illustrated as middle straps  62   a - 62   c,  spaced between first and second end straps  60   a  and  60   b.  Each end strap  60  and middle strap  62  is a continuous strap (e.g., nylon webbing) having a closure system disposed at opposite ends thereof, such as an interlocking ring-type buckle system (sometimes referred to as a quick buckle system), as indicated by buckle rings  64   a  and  64   b.  In one example, first and second end straps  60   a  and  60   b  are continuous straps which are sewn with non-breakaway stitching along their entire length to exterior major surface  44  so that straps  60   a  and  60   b  do not detach from main body  42  in response to a pipe rupture. Although illustrated as having three middle straps, more or fewer than three middle straps  62  may be employed. 
       FIG. 2E  is a cross-sectional view of containment sleeve  40  generally illustrating a middle strap  62 , such as middle strap  62   a,  according to one example. In contrast to end straps  60 , which are sewn with non-breakaway stitching along their entire lengths to main body  42 , middle straps  62 , as illustrated by middle strap  62   a,  are sewn to main body  42  with non-breakaway stitching only at their opposing ends, as indicated by stitching  66 , so as to be permanently sewn between a longitudinal pleat  50  and longitudinal edge  48 . As illustrated, each middle strap  62  is permanently sewn to main body  42  on opposite sides of longitudinal pleats  50 . Between permanently sewn opposing ends, middle straps  62  are provided with slack  63  to jump over longitudinal pleats  50 , such as longitudinal pleats  50   a  and  50   b,  where such slack  63  enables the longitudinal pleats  50  to expand outwardly (toward exterior surface  44 ) under a pipe rupture condition. In one example, each middle strap  62  is folded over onto itself one or more times to form a stack  68  which is stitched with breakaway stitching to main body  42  between longitudinal pleats  50 , such as longitudinal pleats  50   a  and  50   b,  to prevent slack in strap  62  from accidentally catching on or becoming entangled with equipment and/or operators. 
     In one example, with reference to  FIG. 2A , one end of each of the end straps  60  is spaced a distance D 2  from longitudinal edge  48   a,  and one end of each of the middle straps  62  is spaced a distance D 3  from longitudinal edge  48   a  such that a portion of main body  42  between longitudinal pleat  50   b  and longitudinal edge  48   a  forms a flap  70 . In one example, containment sleeve  40  includes a hook and loop type closure system, with a hook portion  72  permanently sewn along on exterior major surface  44  along longitudinal edge  48   a  and a corresponding loop portion  74  permanently sewn on interior major surface  46 . 
       FIG. 2F  is a cross-sectional view illustrating containment sleeve  40  installed about a pipe section, such as pipe section  26  in  FIG. 1  (as illustrated by the dashed lines in  FIG. 1 ). As illustrated, when wrapped around straight pipe section  26 , flap  70  tucks under longitudinal edge  48   b  with hook portion  72  engaging loop portion  74  to assist in holding containment sleeve  40  about straight pipe section  26  (which may be extending vertically). Buckles  64   a  and  64   b  at opposing ends of each of end strap  60  and each middle strap  62  interlock with one another to secure containment sleeve  40  to the pipe section (e.g., pipe section  26 ). In one example, each of the end straps  60  and middle straps  62  is non-adjustable in length. In other examples, each of the end straps  60  and middle straps may be adjustable in length (such as illustrated by  FIG. 3E  below), so that the straps may be tightened or cinched, particularly end straps  60 , to better fit containment sleeve  40  about pipe  26 . 
       FIGS. 3A-3E  illustrate another example of a containment sleeve  80 , in accordance with the present disclosure. Since transition piping systems often include two 90-degree elbows joined by a straight pipe section which together form a curved or U-shaped piping transition, such as 90-degree elbows  18  and  20 , and straight pipe section  22  of transition piping system  16  of  FIG. 1 , containment sleeve  80  is arranged with a curved or U-shaped pocket to wrap around and contain such a transition piping system (such as indicated by the dashed lines in  FIG. 1 ). 
       FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C  respectively illustrate top, bottom, and perspective views of containment sleeve  80 , according to one example. Similar to containment sleeve  40 , containment sleeve  80  includes main body  42  having exterior major surface  44 , interior major surface  46 , first longitudinal edge  48   a,  second longitudinal edge  48   b,  first transverse edge  49   a,  and second transverse edge  49   b.  In contrast to containment sleeve  40 , which is configured for containment of straight pipe sections, as described above, containment sleeve  80  is arranged for containment of a U-shaped transition piping system, such as transition piping system  16  of  FIG. 1 , and is arranged with a central straight section  82  (for straight pipe  22 ), a first angled section  84   a  (for elbow  18 ) at one end of straight section  82  and including first transverse edge  49   a,  and a second angled section  84   b  (for elbow  20 ) at an opposing end of straight section  82  and including second transverse edge  49   b.    
     In one example, a number of transverse pleats  90   a - 90   c  extending from interior major surface  46  and extending between longitudinal edge  48   a  and a fold line  86 , and a number of corresponding transverse pleats  92   a - 92   c  extending from interior major surface  46  and extending between longitudinal edge  48   b  and a fold line  86  together create the angle of first angled section  84   a.  The angle is created by pleats transverse  90   a - 90   c  and  92   a - 92   c  having more fabric respectively gathered along first longitudinal edge  48   a  and second longitudinal edge  48   b  than along fold axis  86  so that the pleats are wedge-shaped in cross-section. 
       FIG. 3D  is a side view generally illustrating transverse pleat  90   a,  according to one example. As illustrated, transverse pleat  90   a  is wedge-shaped, with more fabric of main body  42  gathered along first longitudinal surface  48   a  than at fold axis  86 . Breakaway stitching  54  at a base of transverse pleat  90   a  holds transverse pleat  90   a  in place during normal operating conditions, but breaks away to enable transverse pleat  90  to expand outwardly (toward exterior surface  44 ) in response to forces of a pipe rupture. 
     Returning to  FIGS. 3A-3C , In one example, a number of transverse pleats  94   a - 94   c  extending from interior major surface  46  and extending between longitudinal edge  48   a  and a fold line  86 , and a number of corresponding transverse pleats  96   a - 96   c  extending from interior major surface  46  and extending between longitudinal edge  48   b  and a fold line  86  together create the angle of second angled section  84   b.  Similar to the of first angled section  84   a,  the angle of second angled section  84   b  is created by transverse pleats  94   a - 94   c  and  96   a - 96   c  having more fabric respectively gathered along first longitudinal edge  48   a  and second longitudinal edge  48   b  so that the pleats are wedge-shaped in cross-section (see  FIG. 3D ). 
     It is noted that any number of various angles may be achieved for angled sections  84   a  and  84   b  relative to central straight section  82  based on a number of transverse pleats employed and a depth of each pleat (see depth, D 4 , in  FIG. 3D ). Although three transverse pleats are illustrated as being employed to form first and second angled sections  84   a  and  84   b,  more or fewer than three transverse pleats may be employed. 
     In one example, with reference to  FIG. 3C , containment sleeve  80  further includes a longitudinal pleat  98  extending between first and second transverse edges  49   a  and  49   b,  where longitudinal pleat  98  forms fold line or axis  86 , and where longitudinal pleat  98  is similar to longitudinal pleats  50   a  and  50   b  of containment sleeve  40  (e.g., rectangular in cross-section, see  FIG. 2D ). 
     According to one example, containment sleeve  80  further includes a first end strap  100   a  disposed along and in parallel with first transverse edge  49   a,  a second end strap  100   b  disposed along an in parallel with second transverse edge  49   b,  and a number of transversely extending middle strips  102 , illustrated as middle straps  102   a - 102   c,  which are disposed between and do not cross over any of the transverse pleats  90 ,  92 ,  94 , and  96 . Each end strap  100  and middle strap  102  is continuous strap (e.g., formed of nylon webbing) having a closure system disposed at opposite ends thereof, such as an interlocking ring-type buckle system (sometimes referred to as a quick buckle system), as indicated by buckle rings  110   a  and  110   b.  In one example, end straps  110   a - 110   b,  and middle straps  102   a - 102   c  are adjustable in length at an end proximate to buckle  110   a  adjacent to longitudinal edge  48   a  via an adjust slide  110   c  (see also  FIG. 3E ). 
     In one example, each end strap  100   a  and  100   b  is permanently sewn at one end, proximate to second longitudinal edge  48   b,  as indicated by stitching  120  and continuously extends through, and is free to slide within, corresponding belt loops  106   a/   106   b  and  106   c/   106   d.  As such, each end strap continuously extends about a portion of exterior major surface  44  of main body  42 . In one example, each middle strap  102   a - 102   c  is permanently sewn to exterior major surface  44  of main body  42  on only one side of longitudinal pleat  98 , as indicated by stitching  122  and  124 , so as to enable longitudinal pleat  98  to expand in response to forces of a pipe rupture when containment sleeve  80  is disposed thereon. In one example, as illustrated, middle straps  102   a - 102   c  are sewn to main body  42  between second longitudinal edge  48   b  and fold line  86 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 3C , forming transverse pleats  90   a - 90   c  and  92   a - 92   c  to form first angled section  84   a,  and transverse pleats  94   a - 94   c  and  96   a - 96   c  to form second angled section  84   b  results in main body  42  “folding over” along fold line or fold axis  86  to form a curved or U-shaped pocket  130  to receive transition piping system  16  (see  FIG. 1 ). In one example, central straight section  82  is to receive straight pipe section  22 , first angled section  84   a  is to receive first elbow  18 , and second angled section  84   b  is to receive second elbow  20  (as illustrated by dashed line  80  in  FIG. 1 ). After containment sleeve  80  has been slid onto transition piping system  16 , such that transition piping system  16  is within pocket  130 , first and second end straps can be respectively coupled and cinched about piping sections beyond couplings  24   a  and  24   d  to tightly secure first and second transverse edges  49   a  and  49   b  thereto. Middle straps  102   a - 102   c  are coupled and cinched about couplings  24   b  and  24   c,  and about straight pipe section  22 . 
     In accordance with the present disclosure, a containment sleeve may include any number straight sections and angled sections, where each angled section can be at any desired angle based on a depth and number of wedge-shaped transversely extending pleats are employed. Additionally, by employing such wedge-shaped transversely extending pleats, such angled and straight sections may be formed from a single, monolithic piece of fabric forming main body  42  without requiring seams, thereby improving the strength and performance of the containment sleeve (as seams represent weak spots that may be susceptible to tearing in response to forces caused by a pipe rupture). 
       FIG. 4 , for example, illustrates a containment sleeve  130 , which is similar to containment sleeve  80 , but includes three transversely extending pleats  132   a,    132   b,  and  132   c  extending between a longitudinally extending pleat  134  and first longitudinal edge  48   a  of main body  42 , and three transversely extending pleats  136   a,    136   b,  and  136   c  extending between longitudinal pleat  134  and opposing second longitudinal edge  48   b.  Such arrangement provides does not include a central straight section, with containment sleeve  130  configured to receive and wrap around a pipe elbow, such as pipe elbow  20 , for example (see  FIG. 1 ). It is noted that any number of configurations may be arranged from main body  42  using transversely extending, wedge-shaped pleats. 
     Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.