Double-Walled Pipe Segment with Bayonet Joint for Thermal Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor-to-surface link tubes face challenges in thermal insulation and installation complexity, particularly at great depths or low-temperature hydrocarbon deposits, leading to potential blockages and inefficiencies in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A double-walled pipe segment design with reinforced ends and a thermal insulator, featuring a female bayonet-piece and metal cover-piece, providing effective thermal insulation and simplified assembly, allowing for screw-fastening of pipe segments without external protection, using high-strength steels and specific welding techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective marine riser is used to provide thermal protection and mechanical protection, then thermal insulation and mechanical strength are improved, but installation time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe system is divided into modular pipe segments that can be pre-assembled with thermal insulation and protective layers in a controlled environment, then quickly installed in sequence at the installation site, reducing overall installation time while maintaining protective functions
Solution Approach 2:
Thermal insulation layers, protective coatings, and mechanical reinforcement elements are applied to pipe segments before installation. This preliminary preparation ensures thermal protection is already in place, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site installation of protective structures
2Productivity
If pipe segments are assembled with threaded tool joints for quick connection, then installation speed is improved, but thermal insulation effectiveness deteriorates due to heat loss at connection points
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pipe segments are nested together with threaded tool joints, and thermal insulation material is placed in the annular space between adjacent segments. This nested configuration maintains the quick-connection advantage while restoring thermal insulation continuity at connection points
Solution Approach 2:
Thermal insulation material serves as an intermediary substance filled in the gaps between threaded pipe segments. This intermediary layer prevents direct thermal contact between segments, reducing heat loss at connection points while allowing the threaded joints to maintain their quick-connection function
3Ease of operation
If threaded tool joints are used for quick assembly, then ease of installation is improved, but structural strength and sealing reliability worsen compared to welded connections
Solution Approach 1:
Sealing elements and reinforcement features are built into the threaded joint design during manufacturing. This beforehand preparation ensures that when segments are assembled, the joints immediately possess enhanced sealing capability and structural strength, approaching welded connection performance while retaining assembly ease
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded joint structure combines multiple materials and features - threaded metal connections for mechanical strength, sealing rings or gaskets for leakage prevention, and potentially coating layers for corrosion resistance. This composite approach achieves both ease of assembly and high joint reliability
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 enhances thermal insulation and mechanical strength, enabling longer lifespan and easier installation, while maintaining thermal protection without external heating, and allowing for rapid assembly of pipe segments, even in harsh marine environments.
Implementation Method 1
The pipe is equipped with a thermally insulating material held around the pipe by a sheath made of a plastics material
Implementation Method 2
welding or otherwise bonding the narrower portion of the female bayonet-piece to said tightening portion of said first reinforced end
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a pipe segment for a link tube between the sea floor and a petroleum drilling rig disposed on the sea surface, wherein it consists in:providing a transport pipe segment that is resistant to open-sea conditions;disposing a female bayonet-piece around one reinforced end of the transport pipe segment;welding or otherwise bonding a narrower portion of the bayonet-piece to said reinforced end;disposing an insulator around the transport pipe segment and around the bayonet-piece;inserting the transport pipe segment into an outer wall segment;welding or otherwise bonding a narrower portion of the outer wall segment to the other reinforced end of the transport pipe segment;disposing a cover-piece around the bayonet-piece;welding or otherwise bonding the cover-piece to the outer wall segment and to the bayonet-piece;it being possible to apply tightening torque to the outer wall segment and to transmit it to the transport pipe segment.