Dynamic Closure Pipe Regulates Water Height for Seabed Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laying pipes in deep water is challenging due to weight limitations of laying equipment, and partially filled pipes experience dynamic movement causing water expulsion, which is dangerous and complicates assembly and welding operations.
Innovation Solution
A pipe with a dynamic closure member that regulates water height based on heave-induced pressure, allowing controlled flooding to maintain a stable water level, preventing water expulsion and facilitating safe and efficient laying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the pipe is filled with water to increase weight for stabilization, then the pipe stabilizes on the seabed, but the water weight causes heaving and dynamic movement that expels water from the pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic closure member that can open and close based on pressure conditions. When the pipe is lowered and water pressure increases, the closure member opens to allow water entry for stabilization. Once at the desired depth, the closure member closes to prevent water expulsion during heaving movements. This dynamic response resolves the contradiction between needing water for stabilization and preventing water expulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure member is designed to automatically respond to pressure changes without external control. The system uses the natural pressure differential between the external water environment and the internal pipe environment to trigger opening and closing actions. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for complex external control systems while effectively managing water retention for stabilization.
2Ease of operation
If the pipe is made lighter by reducing water content, then the pipe is easier to handle and lay, but the pipe becomes susceptible to currents and movement on the seabed
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic closure member allows the pipe to transition between different water fill states. During the laying operation, the closure member remains closed, keeping the pipe lighter and easier to handle. Once positioning is complete, the closure member opens to allow water entry, providing the necessary weight for current resistance and seabed stabilization. This dynamic weight adjustment resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and stability.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a plug is inserted to prevent water expulsion, then water is contained in the pipe, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member is designed as a self-actuating pressure-responsive device that automatically opens and closes based on the pressure differential between internal and external environments. This eliminates the need for manual plug insertion and removal operations. The system performs the water containment function automatically through pressure-driven mechanical action, significantly improving assembly productivity while maintaining effective water containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of plug insertion with an automated pressure-responsive mechanical system. The closure member uses the natural pressure differential forces in the underwater environment to actuate the water containment mechanism, eliminating the need for human intervention and complex control systems while maintaining effective water retention.
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 allows for safe and efficient laying of pipes by maintaining a stable water level, reducing the risk of water expulsion and simplifying assembly and welding operations, while ensuring the pipe remains heavy enough to stabilize on the seafloor.
Implementation Method 1
The closure member is configured to open when the difference between the pressure outside the conduit, applied on the closure member, and the pressure in the internal passage, applied on the closure member, is greater than or equal to a threshold value Pc
Implementation Method 2
The water applies increasing pressure to the bottom end as a function of the depth outside the closure member
Implementation Method 3
parameter representative of the heave in the conduit as a function of the variation in height
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a pipe (14) extending between a surface end (20) and a bottom end (22), and defining an inner passage (24) ending at the bottom end (22) and at the surface end (20). The pipe (14) comprises a dynamic closing body (30) at the bottom end (22), which opens above a threshold pressure applied from the outside towards the inside of the pipe (14), and closing below the threshold pressure. The threshold pressure is defined according to at least one parameter representing the heaving of the pipe under the effect of the height variation.