Deformable Insulating Cover for Subsea Pipe Thermal Repair
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulating clamps for submerged pipes in fluid exploitation facilities are complex, costly, and difficult to install, especially on complex geometries and in congested areas, due to the need for precise geometry matching and manual deployment using cranes and remotely operated vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A deformable insulating cover with a hollow internal volume containing freely moving thermally insulating elements, allowing selective flooding and suction of liquid for deployment and application, which can adapt to various pipe configurations and be easily installed using a remotely operated vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid clamps with conjugate geometry are used to insulate submerged pipes, then thermal insulation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing rigid, fixed-geometry clamps with a flexible cover that can dynamically adapt to various pipe geometries. The cover includes a deformable body made of flexible material that can conform to different shapes (linear sections, swan necks, manifolds) without requiring multiple specialized clamp designs. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by maintaining insulation effectiveness across diverse geometries while eliminating the complexity of designing and manufacturing multiple rigid clamp variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the physical state of the insulating structure from rigid to flexible. The deformable cover can change its shape parameters to match different pipe configurations, and the insulating material transitions from fixed-position rigid insulation to flexible insulating elements that can be positioned optimally once the cover conforms to the pipe. This parameter change enables universal application while maintaining thermal insulation performance.
2Manufacturing precision
If custom-fitted clamps are designed for each damaged pipe section, then insulation precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single deformable cover structure that can serve multiple functions across different pipe geometries and damage locations. Instead of manufacturing custom-fitted clamps for each specific pipe section (linear, swan neck, manifold), the universal deformable cover can adapt to all these configurations. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized components, reducing manufacturing complexity and enabling rapid deployment without custom fitting for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service through the self-adjusting capability of the deformable cover. Once deployed over the pipe section requiring insulation, the flexible cover automatically conforms to the pipe's geometry and the surrounding environment without requiring precise manual positioning or custom fabrication. The cover essentially installs itself by deforming to match the target structure, significantly reducing installation time and eliminating the need for pre-measurement and custom manufacturing.
3Measurement precision
If remotely operated vehicles are used to deploy precise clamps, then installation accuracy is improved, but operational complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the flexible shells principle by using a deformable cover made of flexible material that can be easily manipulated and deployed. Unlike rigid clamps that require precise positioning mechanisms, the flexible cover can be simply placed over the target pipe section and will naturally conform to the geometry. This dramatically simplifies the deployment operation, reducing the need for complex remote manipulation while maintaining accurate coverage of the damaged area.
4Reliability
If the outer layer of submerged pipes is damaged, then corrosion and thermal bridging risks increase, but the complexity of existing repair solutions fails to address easy implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing insulating elements inside a deformable cover structure that encapsulates the damaged pipe section. The insulating elements are nested within the deformable body, which itself is nested over the pipe. This nested structure provides multiple functions: the inner insulating elements address thermal bridging, while the outer deformable cover provides mechanical protection and conforms to the pipe geometry, creating a comprehensive repair solution that is both effective and simple to deploy.
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 deformable cover provides effective thermal insulation with reduced installation complexity and cost, accommodating complex geometries and congested areas, while maintaining the integrity of the submerged element's outer layer, preventing corrosion and thermal bridging.
Implementation Method 1
at least one opening for selective access to the internal volume through the deformable jacket, for allowing the internal volume to be flooded by a liquid during the deployment of the cover towards the submerged element, and for allowing suction of the liquid contained in the internal volume during the application of the cover on the submerged element
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of insulating elements arranged in the internal volume, able to move freely relative to one another
Data Source
AI summary
A cover that includes a deformable jacket, intended to be placed around the submerged element. The deformable jacket has an internal volume. The cover includes a plurality of insulating elements arranged in the internal volume, able to move freely relative to one another; at least one opening for selective access to the internal volume through the deformable jacket, for allowing the internal volume to be flooded by a liquid during the deployment of the cover towards the submerged element, and for allowing suction of the liquid contained in the internal volume during the application of the cover on the submerged element.