Elastomeric Pipeline Damping Sleeve for Offshore Expansion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deep offshore oil extraction and pipeline installations face challenges in securing pipelines against environmental stresses like swell movements, currents, and temperature-induced expansions, with existing solutions being complex, costly, and impractical for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A device with a cylindrical coupling and a profiled component with elastic deformation capacity is inserted between the pipeline and a fixed support, providing radial damping and elastic return functions to control and absorb axial and radial movements, allowing for easy installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanical means with metal hoops and foam thermal insulation are used to secure pipelines, then the pipelines are securely fixed to support structures, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible elastomeric component with radial flexibility to secure the pipeline. This elastomeric element can deform radially to accommodate the pipeline while maintaining secure contact, replacing the complex metal hoop and foam insulation system with a simpler flexible shell that provides both securing and damping functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric component's physical parameters (radial flexibility, damping characteristics) are optimized to provide both securing and shock absorption functions. By changing the material parameters of the elastomer, the system achieves reliable pipeline fixation without requiring complex mechanical structures.
2Reliability
If complex mechanical clamping means are used to secure pipelines, then the pipelines are firmly fixed, but the installation and maintenance become impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The securing device is segmented into distinct functional components: a cylindrical coupling for positioning, and a separate elastomeric component for damping and securing. This segmentation allows the device to be assembled by simply placing the elastomeric component within the coupling, enabling easy installation and maintenance without complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric component provides self-adjusting securing through its radial flexibility. When the pipeline is inserted, the elastomer automatically deforms and contacts the pipeline, providing secure fixation without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or specialized installation procedures.
3Measurement precision
If rigid mechanical means are used to control pipeline position, then the pipeline position is precisely controlled, but the pipeline expansion stresses cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric component acts as a flexible shell that maintains precise radial positioning of the pipeline while accommodating axial expansion movements. The radial flexibility of the elastomer provides position control, while its elastic properties allow it to absorb expansion stresses without causing damage to the pipeline or support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric component provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing the expansion stresses before they can cause damage to the pipeline or support structure. The elastic deformation capacity of the elastomer预先 cushions the impact of thermal expansion and environmental stresses.
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 simplifies the securing and maintenance of pipelines by effectively managing environmental stresses, reducing damage risks, and facilitating easy assembly and disassembly, particularly in deep offshore oil production and other fluid distribution scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a profiled component having an elastic deformation capacity and providing at least radial damping and elastic return functions, the said component being temporarily deformed when it thrusts against the said fixed support
Implementation Method 2
providing at least radial damping and elastic return functions
Data Source
AI summary
A device for maintaining very long tubes or pipelines in position and damping same in relation to fixed support structures is inserted between a pipeline and a fixed support which can be used to position a plurality of pipelines. The device includes a cylindrical sleeve comprising a central hub and side walls which project out externally, such that a pipeline can be passed through a central hole. An elastically-deformable shaped component is provided around the central hub and between the side walls of the sleeve in order to provide damping at least radially and to perform an elastic return function. The component deforms temporarily when it abuts against the fixed support in accordance with the movements of the pipeline owing to environmental stresses. The device controls and absorbs axial and radial movements following the positioning of the pipeline and the expansion thereof.