Composite Pipe Venting With Gore-Tex for Annulus Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible composite pipes used for oil and gas transportation face pressure buildup in the annulus due to gas diffusion, leading to potential pipe failure, and existing venting solutions allow moisture ingress, weakening the reinforcing layer.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a Gore-Tex membrane as a vent seal in the pipes and crimp fittings, which is impervious to water and pervious to air and gas, to equalize pressure while preventing moisture entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If venting is provided through apertures in the exterior polyolefin layer or at connection points, then pressure buildup in the annulus is relieved, but moisture from the external environment can enter the annulus through such apertures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous membrane material that allows gas and vapor transmission while blocking liquid water. This membrane is integrated into the venting mechanism, enabling pressure equalization through gas diffusion while preventing moisture ingress that would otherwise occur through open apertures. The porous structure selectively permits gas molecules to pass while excluding larger liquid water molecules.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting system combines multiple materials with complementary properties: a hydrophobic membrane layer that repels water while allowing gas transmission, integrated with the polyolefin pipe structure. This composite approach creates a venting pathway that is selective to gas molecules while blocking liquid water, resolving the contradiction between pressure relief and moisture protection.
2Stress or pressure
If the reinforcing layer is exposed to moisture and freeze/thaw cycles, then the reinforcing layer strength decreases, but providing open venting is necessary to prevent pressure buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The porous membrane provides a selective barrier that allows pressure equalization through gas transmission while blocking liquid water from reaching the reinforcing layer. This prevents the reinforcing layer from being exposed to moisture and subsequent freeze/thaw damage, maintaining its structural strength while still enabling necessary venting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophobic membrane acts as an intermediary between the annulus and the external environment. It mediates the venting function by allowing gas to pass through while blocking liquid water, thereby protecting the reinforcing layer from moisture exposure while maintaining pressure equalization capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a Gore-Tex membrane is used as vent seal, then moisture ingress is prevented while allowing gas diffusion, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Gore-Tex membrane performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a barrier to liquid water, a selective pathway for gas diffusion, and a protective layer for the reinforcing fabric. By integrating this multi-functional material into the venting mechanism, the patent reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing complexity while achieving superior performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the unique physical parameters of the Gore-Tex membrane material, specifically its pore size and hydrophobic properties, to achieve selective permeability. The membrane's pore structure allows small gas molecules to pass while excluding larger liquid water molecules, and its hydrophobic surface tension properties prevent water ingress. This exploitation of material parameter changes enables a relatively simple integrated solution.
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 Gore-Tex membrane effectively equalizes pressure in the annulus, preventing pipe failure while maintaining the integrity of the reinforcing layer by excluding moisture, thus enhancing the reliability and longevity of the pipes.
Implementation Method 1
Components of this oil or gas may diffuse out of the polymer and into the annulus
Implementation Method 2
a Gore-Tex membrane as a vent seal in the pipes and crimp fittings, which is impervious to water and pervious to air and gas
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible polymeric pipe for transportation of oil, gas or water, having an unbonded reinforcing intermediate layer between two polymeric layers. The pipe has a vent for the intermediate layer which allows venting of gas from the intermediate layer through to the exterior environment. The vent is generally impervious to water but pervious to air and gas.