Composite Pipe End Fitting With Wedge Clamping for Reel-Lay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting polymer composite pipes in the subsea oil and gas industry face challenges in achieving leak-tightness and mechanical strength, particularly under high pressure and temperature conditions, with existing solutions often resulting in large diameters and lengths that hinder reel-lay installation and are not suitable for deep water applications.
Innovation Solution
A fitting system that includes a tubular root portion and a movable outer wedge component, actuated by longitudinally-extending tensile elements to clamp the composite pipe securely, reducing the overall diameter and length of the connection assembly, and allowing for standard geometry that simplifies engineering and fabrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connection methods are used for polymer composite pipes, then leak-tightness and mechanical strength can be achieved, but the outer diameter and length of the connection assembly increase, hindering reel-lay installation
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting system employs a nested structure where the tubular root portion is inserted into the composite pipe, and the outer wedge component is inserted into the root portion. The tensile elements are positioned within the fitting structure, allowing all components to be nested concentrically. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall outer diameter and length of the connection assembly, enabling reel-lay installation while maintaining leak-tightness through the sealed interface between nested components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional radial clamping methods to a longitudinal tensioning mechanism. The tensile elements act in the longitudinal direction to force the outer wedge component radially inward, converting longitudinal force into radial clamping action. This dimensional transformation allows for a more compact fitting design that reduces both length and outer diameter while achieving the necessary clamping force for leak-tight connections.
2Strength
If conventional connection methods are used for polymer composite pipes, then mechanical strength can be achieved, but the overall diameter increases, making the fitting unsuitable for deep water applications
Solution Approach 1:
The concentric nesting of the tubular root portion within the composite pipe and the outer wedge component within the root portion creates a compact assembly with minimized outer diameter. This nested configuration maintains mechanical strength through the distributed clamping action of the wedge components while keeping the overall diameter small enough for deep water reel-lay installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces conventional bulk mechanical clamping structures with a tension-based system. The tensile elements provide controlled longitudinal force that is converted into radial clamping pressure through the wedge mechanism. This substitution allows for a more efficient stress distribution that achieves required mechanical strength with a smaller overall diameter compared to traditional mechanical clamping fittings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing fitting designs are used, then connection functionality is provided, but the large size increases transportation and installation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The nested concentric arrangement of fitting components minimizes the overall volume and weight of the assembly. By nesting the tubular root portion inside the composite pipe and the outer wedge component inside the root portion, the design eliminates redundant material and reduces the fitting's weight, directly lowering transportation and installation costs while preserving full connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameters of the fitting design by introducing longitudinal tensioning elements that act on the outer wedge component. This parameter change from radial to longitudinal force application enables a more compact geometry with reduced weight, while the wedge mechanism ensures that connection functionality is maintained through effective radial clamping pressure on the composite pipe.
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 solution reduces the outer diameter and length of pipe fittings, enhancing leak-tightness and mechanical strength, facilitating the use of composite pipes in deep water and reducing installation and transportation costs by enabling spoolable designs.
Implementation Method 1
an outer wedge component, such as a sleeve that encircles the root portion, that is movable longitudinally relative to the root portion to force an opposed inner wedge formation radially inwardly toward the root portion
Implementation Method 2
to clamp the composite pipe between the inner wedge formation and the root portion
Implementation Method 3
one or more longitudinally-extending tensile elements that act in tension on the outer wedge component to effect said longitudinal movement
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting is attached to a composite pipe by inserting a tubular root portion of the fitting into an end of the pipe and then tensioning longitudinally-extending tensile elements distributed around the fitting. This moves an outer wedge component of the fitting longitudinally relative to the pipe to force an opposed inner wedge formation radially inwardly toward the roof portion, clamping the fitting to the pipe. The fitting may be an end fitting to enable the pipe to be joined to another pipe or conduit, or may be an in-line fitting used to join two lengths of pipe end-to-end.