Adaptive Hang-Off Blocks for Variable-Diameter Offshore Pipelines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hang-off systems for elongate elements in offshore operations require multiple, costly, and space-consuming inserts to accommodate elements of varying diameters, and are prone to slippage due to surface conditions, necessitating downtime for bespoke inserts.

Innovation Solution

A hang-off system with movable support blocks comprising arrays of plates that adapt to the contour of the elongate element, allowing engagement without the need for specific inserts, ensuring a reliable mechanical interface and reducing setup time and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional hang-off systems use multiple inserts to accommodate elements of varying diameters, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying diametersVSAvoidnumber of inserts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support block is designed as a universal device that can accommodate elongate elements of various diameters through a single structure. The block includes a contoured engagement face with multiple surfaces (first, second, third surfaces) that can engage different types of hang-off features, eliminating the need for multiple diameter-specific inserts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The support block incorporates movable plates that can adjust their positions to adapt to different element diameters. The plates are movable relative to each other, allowing the engagement face contour to be dynamically adjusted to match the specific diameter and hang-off feature configuration being supported.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If friction-based hold-back devices are used to support suspended weight, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to slippage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of supportVSAvoidresistance to slippage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces friction-based mechanical holding with a positive mechanical engagement system. The support block uses a contoured engagement face with multiple surfaces that physically engage with hang-off features (flanges, collars, armour pots) through geometric interlocking, eliminating reliance on friction and preventing slippage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If hold-back devices are moved away from the launch axis to accommodate wider equipment, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of wider equipmentVSAvoidalignment with launch axis

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support block employs asymmetric engagement surfaces designed to accommodate asymmetric hang-off features. The first, second, and third surfaces are configured with different orientations and geometries to match various asymmetrical configurations of flanges, collars, and armour pots, allowing precise engagement without requiring symmetric positioning relative to the launch axis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Adaptability or versatility

If bespoke inserts are used for different element diameters, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to setup requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different diametersVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The support block serves as a universal device that eliminates the need for multiple diameter-specific inserts. A single support block configuration can accommodate various element diameters and hang-off feature types, dramatically reducing setup time by eliminating the need to select and install different inserts for different pipeline specifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable plates within the support block can be dynamically adjusted to match different element diameters. This dynamic adaptability allows the single support block to be quickly reconfigured for different pipeline sizes without requiring physical replacement of inserts, significantly reducing setup time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12529271B2Hanging-off elongate elements during offshore operations

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 SUBSEA 7 DO BRASIL SERVICOS LTDA

AI summary

A hang-off system comprises support blocks that are movable toward a launch axis for engagement with an elongate element such as a flexible pipeline being laid from a vessel into water. Each support block comprises an array of plates that together define an engagement face of the support block and are movable relative to each other to conform a contour of the engagement face to a contour of the element.