Composite Pipe-Laying Stinger for Corrosion and Weight Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional stingers used in maritime pipe laying operations are prone to corrosion, cracking, and high maintenance costs due to their steel composition and weight, which limits their use in higher sea states and increases operational costs.

Innovation Solution

A stinger formed from non-metallic materials, such as composite materials made from fibers and polymers, which reduces weight, corrosion, and maintenance costs, while allowing operation in higher sea states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional steel stingers are used, then structural strength is sufficient, but corrosion and cracking occur in saltwater environments increasing maintenance costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidmaintenance costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The stinger is constructed using composite materials consisting of a foam core surrounded by a fibrous reinforcement layer. This composite structure provides both the necessary structural strength and corrosion resistance, eliminating the rust and degradation issues associated with conventional steel stingers while reducing weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If conventional steel stingers are used, then structural strength is adequate, but weight is high causing damage near attachment points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidstinger weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The composite construction with foam core and fibrous reinforcement achieves high strength-to-weight ratio. The foam provides buoyancy and structural support while the fibrous layer adds tensile strength, creating a stinger that is both strong and lightweight, eliminating the excessive weight problems of steel stingers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The foam core provides inherent buoyancy that counteracts the weight of the stinger, reducing the net downward force and hydrodynamic loads. This buoyant effect compensates for the stinger's weight, preventing damage at attachment points while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional steel stingers are used, then initial construction cost is lower, but maintenance costs are high due to corrosion and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial construction costVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

While composite materials may have higher initial material costs, the resulting stinger requires minimal maintenance and has extended service life. The corrosion-resistant and damage-resistant composite structure eliminates the need for frequent repairs and replacements, reducing total cost of ownership despite potentially higher initial investment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Strength

If conventional steel stingers are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but operation must be suspended in rough seas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidsea state adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The buoyant foam core reduces the stinger's net weight and hydrodynamic loads, enabling it to withstand rougher sea conditions. This buoyancy compensation allows the stinger to maintain structural integrity in higher sea states where conventional steel stingers would fail or require operation suspension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 non-metallic stinger is lighter, more buoyant, and resistant to corrosion, enabling pipe laying operations in rougher seas without suspension, thereby reducing operational costs and time.

Implementation Method 1

The non-metallic stinger is lighter, more buoyant, and resistant to corrosion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS20250075827A1Stinger for a pipe laying operation

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 J RAY MCDERMOTT SA

AI summary

A stinger including a first member formed from a first non-metallic material, a second body member formed from a second non-metallic material, and a plurality of cross-support members disposed between the first body member and the second body member. The first body member includes a first lower portion, a first upper portion, and a first intermediate portion disposed between the first lower portion and the first upper portion. A width of the first lower portion is greater than a width of the first intermediate portion and a width of the first upper portion, and wherein the width of the first upper portion is greater than the width of the first intermediate portion. The second body member includes a second lower portion, a second upper portion, and a second intermediate portion disposed between the second lower portion and the second upper portion.