WO2007019551A2

WO2007019551A2 - A jacketed hose assembly and method

Info

Publication number: WO2007019551A2
Application number: PCT/US2006/031074
Authority: WO
Inventors: Santo Foti; Stephen M. Thomas
Original assignee: Hose Master Inc.
Priority date: 2005-08-08
Filing date: 2006-08-07
Publication date: 2007-02-15
Also published as: WO2007019551A3

Abstract

A jacketed hose assembly features an apparatus and method for connecting two jacketed hose systems in a sealing connection. The jacketed hose assembly includes an inner hose for transporting inner media between two jacketed hose systems, an outer hose that jackets the inner hose, which contains outer media, and a coupler for connecting the jacketed hose assembly to the jacketed hose systems to form a sealing connection. The coupler features a step portion having an annular groove for positioning a sealing structure for providing a sealing connection between the jacketed hose assembly and corresponding jacketed hose systems. A cylindrical flange surrounds the coupler and secures the coupler to the corresponding jacketed hose system.

Description

A JACKETED HOSE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD

CRQSS-REFRERNCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/706,400, entitled "JACKETED HOSE ASSEMBLY", filed August 8, 2005. The entirety of the above provisional patent application is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention concerns a jacketed hose assembly, more specifically, a jacketed hose assembly and method that allows for a coupling of two jacketed hose systems together to provide a sealing engagement.

BACKGROUND ART Applications exist that require a hose to have a jacketed assembly. Generally, a jacketed assembly is one where a hose assembly is covered or "jacketed" by placing an outer hose over an inner hose and sealing the two hoses such that the hoses act independently as separate fluid carriers. One example of an application using a jacketed assembly arises when the fluid or media transported by the inner hose needs to be maintained at a high or elevated temperature. In this case, the outer hose that jackets the inner hose assembly is filled with steam or a heated fluid, which surrounds the inner hose assembly and keeps the media temperature within the inner hose elevated. As such, the high temperature of the content in the outer hose aids in the transfer of the matter transported by the inner hose by reducing the matter's viscosity. Another application of a jacketed hose assembly is supplying the outer hose with reduced or relatively cold fluid or media, which acts as an insulator to reduce heat transfer conditions when it is desirable to keep the temperature of the inner hose contents in a relatively cold state, for example in cryogenic applications. Jacketed assemblies are also used to provide leak protection against contamination, particularly for environmentally hazardous material transfer. For such applications, the containment of the fluid or media is critical in case of rupture of the inner hose. If the inner hose containing the hazardous media leaks, the leak will be caught by the jacket hose instead of being released into the environment. In some applications, the user will create a vacuum in the jacket hose and install a leak detection system that will detect whenever media or fluid escapes from the inner hose into the jacket hose by sensing changes in pressure.

Jacketing is an effective tool for these applications, but there is a problem whenever a jacketed assembly is installed into a system that is also jacketed. The problem with installing the typical jacketed hose assembly into a jacketed system is how to link the jacketed components together. More specifically, issues exist on how to effectively transfer the steam, coolant, or vacuum between the jacketed components in such a way to ensure a sealing engagement is maintained between the jacketed assembly and jacketed system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The jacketed hose assembly features an apparatus for connecting two jacketed hose systems in a sealing connection. The jacketed hose assembly includes an inner hose for transporting inner media between two j acketed hose systems, an outer hose that jackets the inner hose containing outer media, and a coupler for connecting the jacketed hose assembly to the jacketed hose systems to form a sealing connection. The coupler features a step portion having an annular groove for positioning a sealing structure that provides for the sealing connection between the jacketed hose assembly and corresponding jacketed hose systems. A cylindrical flange surrounds the coupler and secures the coupler to the corresponding jacketed hose system.

Another feature of the hose assembly is a method of providing a sealing connection between two hose jacketed systems having an inner hose and outer hose containing media that can be transported between two hose jacketed systems. The method includes connecting an inner fitting to the inner hose, the inner fitting having a sealing structure for sealing the inner hose to the corresponding jacketed system and inserting the inner fitting into a receiving portion of a corresponding jacketed system to form a sealing connection for containing the inner media. The method further includes connecting an outer fitting to the inner and outer hose, the outer fitting having a step portion, sealing structure, and flat portion. The outer fitting is inserted into a receiving portion of a corresponding jacketed system to form a sealing connection for containing the outer media. A flange is then secured to the corresponding jacketed system to maintain the sealing connection obtained by the coupler.

Yet another feature of the jacketed hose assembly for connecting two jacketed hose systems in a sealing connection is an assembly having an inner hose for transporting inner media between two jacketed hose systems and an outer hose that encases the inner hose. The outer hose contains an outer media that is in communication between two jacketed systems. The assembly further comprises a cylindrical fitting for connecting the jacketed hose assembly to the jacketed hose systems to form a sealing connection, the cylindrical fitting having a first end fixedly attached to the inner hose, a second end fixedly attached to the outer hose, an undulating portion located between the first and second ends, a step portion extending from the first end towards the second end, an adjustment portion adjacent to the step portion, and an annular slot located in the step portion. A sealing structure is positioned in the annular slot for providing a sealing engagement between the jacketed hose assembly and corresponding jacketed system. The assembly includes an adjustable flange for securing the cylindrical fitting to a corresponding j acketed system by attaching the flange to the corresponding j acketed system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other advantages and features of the exemplary embodiments of the jacketed hose assembly and method are described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a first perspective view of the jacketed hose assembly; Figure 2 is a second perspective view of the jacketed hose assembly; Figure 3 is a section view of the jacketed hose assembly connected to a first and a second jacketed system; Figure 3 A is an exploded view of one example embodiment depicting a floating flange secured to a first jacketed system;

Figure 4 is a section view of the jacketed hose assembly depicting the transport of fluid or media within a first and a second passage;

Figure 5 is an end view of one example embodiment of the jacketed hose assembly; and

Figure 6 is an end view of a second example embodiment of the jacketed hose assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with one example embodiment of the present invention, a jacketed hose assembly 1, as depicted in figures 1 and 2, includes a first 2 and second 3 end. The hose assembly includes an inner hose 4 and outer hose 5 that performs as a jacket to the inner hose 4. While the exemplary embodiment as best seen in figures 3 and 4, depicts the inner hose 4 as a braided hose and the outer hose 5 as being unbraided, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any material or hose configuration could be used for the inner and outer hoses without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. For example, the jacketed assembly 1 could accommodate applications that require corrugated or interlocking hoses made from metallic or nonmetallic materials.

Figure 3 a section view of the jacketed hose assembly 1 connected to a first and second jacketed system 6 and 7, respectively. While the exemplary embodiment demonstrates the jacketed hose assembly adapted to two different jacketed systems, it is designed for adapting to an unlimited number of jacketed system configurations through features discussed below.

The jacketed hose assembly 1 in the exemplary embodiment demonstrates the adaptation of the hose assembly between two jacketed systems, allowing an inner fluid or media 8 to travel between the two systems through an inner fluid or media passage 9, as seen in figure 4. Similarly, the hose assembly 1 of the exemplary embodiment demonstrates the adaptation of the hose assembly to the two jacketed systems, allowing an outer fluid or media 10 to remain suspended or travel between the two systems through an outer fluid or media passage 11. In some applications, it is desirable to transport the outer media 10. For example, closed-loop operations having compressors or heaters may require the fluid to be circulated in order to sustain a desired temperature. Alternatively, other applications arise that desire the outer fluid or media 10 to remain static or encapsulated. For example, pressure sensing applications rely on static pressure conditions and monitor variations in pressure in order to detect leaks in the inner hose 4. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that fluid or media, as described throughout interchangeably can include any matter whether in a solid, liquid, or gaseous state. In one example embodiment, the hose assembly 1 is adapted to the first jacketed system 6 having a first system hub 12 that includes an inner port 13 that provides a connection with the inner passage 9 of the hose assembly 1 for the transfer of the inner fluid or media 8. The hub 12 features an outer port 14 that includes a connection with the outer passage 11 of the hose assembly 1 for the transfer of the outer fluid or media 10. The first jacketed system 6 further includes an adapter 15 that provides a connection with the inner and outer passages 9, 11 and ports 13 and 14 through inner and outer openings 16 and 17, respectively. The outer opening 17 can be a single or plurality of passages that are in communication with outer passage 11 and outer port 14.

Attached to both ends of the inner hose 4 is a collar 18 which is welded to a first 19 and second 20 cylindrical connector through a respective circumferential fillet weld 21. The first connector 19 is positioned at the first end 2 of the hose assembly and penetrates the adapter 15 at a receiving bore 22. A first circular groove 23 surrounds the exterior portion of the first connector 19. Positioned within the first groove 23 is a first inner gasket 24 that provides a sealing engagement on the first end 2 between the connector 19 and adapter 15 for the transfer of inner fluid 8. The first inner gasket 24 can be any geometry suitable for providing a sealing engagement and in one example embodiment, the first inner gasket 24 is an o-ring.

Attached to and circumscribing both ends of the outer hose 5 are spacers 25 and 35. The spacers are attached to the outer hose through a respective circumferential groove weld 26. Adapting the outer passage 11 of the jacketed hose assembly 1 to the first and second jacketed systems is a first and second coupler 40 and 41, respectively. The couplers 40, 41 include an inner end 42 that is attached to the respective spacers 25 and 35 by a respective circumferential fillet weld 27. The couplers 40, 41 also feature an outer end 43 that is attached to the respective connectors 19, 20 by a plurality of tack welds 28. The couplers 40, 41 further comprise a cylindrical undulating shape between the inner 42 and outer 43 ends, and encircle the inner hose 4 and connectors 19 and 20 to provide the channel for the outer fluid passage 11 between the outer hose 5 and the first and second jacketed systems 6 and 7. Located along the profile of the couplers 40 and 41 is an adjustable portion 44.

The couplers 40, 41 contain a step portion 45 about its outer end 43 as best seen in figure 3 A. Also located within the outer end 43 of couplers 40, 41 is a slot 46 that circumscribes the outer perimeter of the couplers. Positioned in the slot 46 is an outer gasket 47 that can be any geometry suitable for providing a sealing engagement between the jacketed systems 6 and 7 and the outer hose 5. hi one example embodiment, the outer gasket 47 is an o-ring. The coupler 40 is locked into position against the first jacketed system 6 in a sealing engagement by a first floating flange 50. The floating flange 50 retains the coupler 40 into a sealing engagement by locking the step portion 45 to the adapter 15 through a plurality of fasteners 51.

In another example embodiment, the hose assembly 1 is adapted to the second jacketed system 7 having a different construction from the first system 6. More specifically, the second system 7 includes a differently configured second hub 70 and completely lacks the adapter 15. Although the first and second jacketed systems are arranged differently, the adaptation of the jacketed hose assembly 1 occurs in a similar manner. In particular, the second hub 70 includes a second hub inner port 71 that provides a connection with the inner passage 9 of the hose assembly 1 for the transport of the inner fluid or media 8. The second hub 70 provides an outer port 72 that includes a connection with the outer passage 11 of the hose assembly 1 for the transport of the outer fluid 10. The outer port 72 can be a single or plurality of passages that are in communication with the outer passage 11 of the hose assembly 1. The second connector 20 penetrates a receiving bore 73 located within the second hub 70. A second inner gasket 29 resides in a second groove 30 of the second connector 20, as described above provides a sealing engagement between the second connector 20 and second hub 70 for the transfer of inner fluid 8. The second inner gasket 29 can be any geometry suitable for providing a sealing engagement and in one example embodiment, the second inner gasket is an o-ring.

Despite the absence of the adapter 15 in the second system 7, the jacketed hose assembly is designed to adapt directly to a hub without change to the hose assembly configuration. This is accomplished by attaching the second coupler 41 directly to the second hub 70. In the slot 46 surrounding the second coupler 41 is the outer gasket 47 that forms a sealing engagement between the jacketed systems 6 and 7 and the outer hose 5. The inner and outer gasket 24, 29, and 47 can be any geometry and made from any material suitable for providing a sealed connection. Such examples of suitable material include gaskets fabricated from widely used elastomers neoprene and carboxilated nitrile. The second coupler 41 is locked into position against the hub 70 by a second floating flange 80. The floating flange 80 retains the second coupler 41 by locking the step portion 45 of the coupler to the second hub 70 through a plurality of fasteners 81. The floating flanges 50 and 80 are adaptable to different jacketed system configurations since the couplers 40 and 41 include an adjustable portion 44. The adjustable portion 44 allows the flanges to move about the couplers in such a way to accommodate different receiving bore depths represented in figure 4 by dimensions d. The flexibility of the hose assembly's adaptation to different jacketed systems is achieved with the ability to vary the diameters of both the couplers 40, 41 and floating flanges 50, 80 to accommodate different sized systems. Further, the floating flanges 50 and 80 could be modified to any geometry without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. For example, the floating flange 50 in one example embodiment has a triangular shape as best seen in figure 5, and the floating flange 80 of another example embodiment operates with a circular configuration as best seen in figure 6.

It will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A jacketed hose assembly for connecting two jacketed hose systems in a sealing connection, the jacketed hose assembly comprising: an inner hose for transporting inner media between two jacketed hose systems; an outer hose that jackets the inner hose, the outer hose containing an outer media; a coupler for connecting the jacketed hose assembly to a corresponding jacketed hose system in a sealing connection, the coupler comprising a step portion having a groove; and a sealing structure positioned within said groove for providing a sealing connection between the j acketed hose assembly and the corresponding jacketed hose system.

2. The jacketed hose assembly of claim 1, wherein said coupler comprises a first end and a second end, said first and second ends having different size diameters.

3. The jacketed hose assembly of claim 1 , wherein the sealing structure is an o-ring.

4. The j acketed hose assembly of claim 1 , wherein said coupler has an undulating portion.

5. The jacketed hose assembly of claim 1, comprising a flange that circumscribes and secures said coupler to the corresponding jacketed system. 5

6. The jacketed hose assembly of claim 5, wherein said coupler includes a flat portion for adjusting the position of the flange.

7. The jacketed hose assembly of claim 5, comprising a plurality of fasteners used to L 0 attach said flange to the corresponding j acketed system.

8. The jacketed hose assembly of claim 1, wherein said coupler is fixedly attached to the inner and outer hoses through a plurality of tack welds.

15 9. The jacketed hose assembly of claim 1, wherein said inner hose is braided.

10. The jacketed hose assembly of claim 9, wherein said outer hose is unbraided.

11. The jacketed hose assembly of claim 1, wherein said inner and outer hoses are 20 metallic.

12. A method of providing a sealing connection between two hose jacketed systems comprising: transporting a media through an inner hose between two hose jacketed systems; 25 jacketing the inner hose with an outer hose, the outer hose containing outer media that communicates between two hose jacketed systems; connecting an inner fitting to the inner hose, the inner fitting having a sealing structure for sealing the inner hose to a corresponding jacketed system; inserting the inner fitting into a receiving portion of the corresponding jacketed system to form a sealing connection for containing the inner media; connecting an outer fitting to the inner hose and outer hose, the outer fitting having a step portion, sealing structure, and flat portion; inserting the outer fitting into a receiving portion of the corresponding jacketed system to form a sealing connection for containing the outer media; adjusting a flange along the flat portion of the outer fitting until a contact occurs between the flange and corresponding jacketed system; and securing the flange to the corresponding jacketed system to maintain the sealing connection.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein said connecting the outer fitting to the outer hose is achieved by welding.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein said connecting of the outer fitting to the inner hose is achieved by welding.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein connecting the inner hose to the inner fitting is achieved by welding. ^■

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the securing the flange to the corresponding jacketed system is achieved by connecting the flange to the jacketed system with a plurality of fasteners.

17. A jacketed hose assembly for connecting two jacketed hose systems in a sealing connection, the j acketed hose assembly comprising: a) an inner hose for transporting inner media between two jacketed hose systems; b) an outer hose that encases the inner hose, the outer hose containing an outer media that is in communication between two jacketed systems; c) a cylindrical fitting for connecting the jacketed hose assembly to the jacketed hose systems to form a sealing connection, the cylindrical fitting comprising: i) a first end fixedly attached to said inner hose; ii) a second end fixedly attached to said outer hose; iii) an undulating portion located between said first and second ends; iv) a step portion extending from said first end towards said second end; v) an adjustment portion adjacent to said step portion; and vi) an annular slot located in said step portion; d) a sealing structure positioned in said annular slot for providing a sealing engagement between the jacketed hose assembly and a corresponding jacketed system; e) an adjustable flange for securing said cylindrical fitting to the corresponding jacketed system by attaching the flange to the corresponding jacketed system.

18. The jacketed hose assembly of claim 17, wherein said sealing structure is an o-ring.

19. The jacketed hose assembly of claim 17, wherein, said cylindrical fitting first and second ends comprise differing diametrical sizes.

20. The jacketed hose assembly of claim 17, wherein said flange is polygonally shaped.