Reusable Pipe Test Head for Annulus Integrity Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pipeline systems face operational inefficiencies and reliability issues due to defects like breaches, kinks, and dents in pipe segment tubing, which compromise fluid isolation and lead to fluid loss and contamination, necessitating effective integrity testing before operation.
Innovation Solution
A reusable test head system with an inflatable fastener mechanism that secures and seals the pipe segment tubing, allowing for integrity testing by flowing a test fluid through an annulus cavity, using a shell with testing ports and inflatable bladders to maintain and increase inflation for secure sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional integrity testing methods are used, then pipe segment defects can be detected, but new test heads must be created for each testing operation which reduces productivity and increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the opposite principle by creating a reusable test head instead of a disposable one. The test head with inflatable bladder is designed to be repeatedly used for multiple pipe segment testing operations, thereby improving productivity and reducing cost while maintaining reliable defect detection through consistent sealing and testing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable bladder is deflated after each testing operation to allow easy removal from the pipe segment, enabling the test head to be recovered and reused for subsequent testing operations. This recovering mechanism eliminates the need to create new test heads for each testing task
2Ease of operation
If the test head is removed from the pipe segment, then the pipe segment can be deployed, but the test head must be completely reassembled for the next testing operation which increases time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The test head employs dynamic inflatable bladders that can be inflated and deflated on demand. After testing, the bladder is deflated to allow easy removal from the pipe segment without complex disassembly operations. The bladder can then be quickly re-inflated for the next testing operation, significantly reducing time loss compared to traditional mechanical assembly methods
Solution Approach 2:
The inflation pressure of the bladder is changed from an inflated state during testing to a deflated state for removal and storage. This parameter change enables the test head to transition between different operational states (attached/detached) without permanent structural changes or time-consuming reassembly procedures
3Reliability
If the inflatable bladder is fully inflated to secure the pipe segment, then sealing is achieved, but the pipe segment tubing may be deformed which affects reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The test head uses an inflatable bladder made of flexible material that can conform to the pipe segment outer surface. This flexible shell distributes the sealing force uniformly across the contact area, achieving effective sealing while minimizing localized deformation or damage to the pipe segment tubing
Solution Approach 2:
The inflation pressure of the bladder is precisely controlled to achieve adequate sealing force without exceeding the threshold that would cause tubing deformation. By adjusting the pressure parameter, the system optimizes the balance between sealing effectiveness and tubing integrity protection
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables efficient and reusable testing of pipe segment integrity, reducing the need for new test heads and minimizing deformation, thus improving operational efficiency and reliability by ensuring accurate detection of defects and maintaining system integrity.
Implementation Method 1
increasing inflation of the inflatable bladder from the less inflated state to the more inflated state when the tubing of the pipe segment is present in the annulus cavity
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for implementing and operating a system that includes a pipe segment, which has tubing that defines a bore and a fluid conduit implemented in an annulus of the tubing, and a test head. The test head includes a shell, which defines an annulus cavity, and an inflatable bladder implemented in the annulus cavity, in which the system maintains the inflatable securing bladder in a less inflated state while pipe segment tubing is not present in the annulus cavity and increases inflation of the inflatable bladder to a more inflated state when the tubing is present in the annulus cavity to facilitate securing and sealing an open end of the pipe segment in the test head to enable integrity of the tubing to be tested at least in part by flowing a test fluid into the annulus of the tubing via a testing port on the shell.