Composite Pipe Radial Fiber Distribution for Thermal and Mechanical Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing composite pipes used in the oil and gas industry lack the ability to customize properties along their length, leading to inefficiencies in mechanical and thermal performance, and are not optimized for varying environmental conditions, which can result in increased material usage and costs.
Innovation Solution
The pipe features a composite material with a continuous matrix structure and embedded reinforcing fibers, where local variations in construction, such as fiber alignment, pre-stress, and material distribution, are introduced along the circumference and length to create specific mechanical and thermal properties in designated segments, allowing for tailored performance and reduced material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If uniform construction is used throughout the pipe, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but mechanical and thermal performance cannot be optimized for varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the construction of circumferential segments along the pipe length. Different segments have different numbers of layers, fiber orientations, and material compositions to optimize mechanical and thermal properties for specific environmental conditions at different locations, while maintaining overall structural integrity through the continuous matrix.
2Reliability
If local variations in construction are introduced, then mechanical and thermal performance is optimized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pipe into multiple circumferential segments along its length, where each segment can have customized construction parameters such as number of layers, fiber orientation angles, and material composition. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each segment's mechanical and thermal properties while maintaining manufacturability through systematic layering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes construction parameters (number of layers, fiber orientation, material composition) across different circumferential segments to optimize performance. For example, segments experiencing higher thermal loads have increased insulation layers, while segments under higher mechanical stress have enhanced fiber reinforcement, all within a unified manufacturing framework.
3Productivity
If uniform material distribution is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but material usage efficiency decreases for optimized performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality in material distribution by varying the concentration and orientation of reinforcing fibers within the matrix across different circumferential segments. Areas requiring higher strength have increased fiber density, while areas needing thermal insulation have optimized matrix composition, reducing overall material usage while maintaining performance.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A pipe (70) having a pipe wall (72) comprises a composite material formed of at least a matrix (74) and a plurality of reinforcing fibres (76) embedded within a matrix (74). The matrix (74) defines a continuous structure and the fibres (76) are variably distributed within the continuous matrix structure (74). In one embodiment the fibres (76) are distributed radially throughout the continuous matrix (74) from zero at the region of the inner surface (78) of the pipe wall, and are increased in a direction towards the outer wall (80).