Field Joint Coating Material for Rapid Deepwater Pipeline Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current field joint coating systems for pipelines fail to provide rapid application and solidification while maintaining protective and insulation properties, especially in deep water applications, where they often require multiple injections and high temperatures, compromising compatibility and hydrolysis resistance.
Innovation Solution
A fast curable olefin liquid formulation is used, comprising olefin monomers or oligomers that undergo polymerization and cross-linking, activated by a catalytic system such as Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerisation, applied with a modified olefin adhesive layer and epoxy primer to ensure quick curing and chemical welding with the parent coating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polypropylene injection is used to coat field joints, then protective properties and insulation performance are improved, but application time and solidification time increase due to high viscosity requiring multiple injections and high temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the coating material from traditional polypropylene to a fast-curable olefin formulation with modified molecular weight and reactivity characteristics. This allows the material to achieve rapid curing at lower temperatures, reducing application time while maintaining protective properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical injection process (requiring high pressure and multiple injections) with a chemical curing process activated by catalytic systems. The olefin formulation cures through chemical reaction rather than relying on mechanical forcing of high-viscosity material, enabling single-step application
2Reliability
If polypropylene injection is used to coat field joints, then protective properties and insulation performance are improved, but device complexity increases due to requirement for powerful injection equipment and solid mould construction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical injection equipment with simpler application devices. The fast-curable olefin formulation can be applied using less sophisticated equipment since it cures rapidly through chemical reaction rather than requiring high-pressure mechanical injection systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the rheological parameters of the coating material to reduce viscosity and improve flow characteristics. This allows the material to be injected or applied with simpler equipment that does not require the high pressure and robust construction needed for traditional polypropylene
3Reliability
If thick insulating pipe coating is requested, then insulation performance is improved, but application and solidification time increase making the system incompatible with offshore deep water pipe lay methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical reactivity parameters of the coating material by using olefin monomers with high polymerization rates and efficient catalytic systems. This enables thick coatings to cure rapidly even at the high thicknesses required for deep water insulation, maintaining compatibility with fast offshore laying methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a staged curing approach where the fast-curable olefin formulation undergoes rapid initial polymerization to establish structural integrity quickly, followed by complete curing. This periodic action allows thick coatings to be applied without delaying the overall laying schedule
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
This method allows for rapid field joint coating with enhanced hydrolysis resistance and heat resistance, reducing cycle time to minutes, even for thick coatings, and provides a watertight seal without the need for additional primers or surface treatments, ensuring pipeline integrity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one olefin monomer or at least one oligomer able to undergo polymerisation and optionally cross linking
Implementation Method 2
able to undergo polymerisation and optionally cross linking
Implementation Method 3
one catalytic system able to activate polymerisation and optionally cross linking process of the said monomer or oligomer
Implementation Method 4
modified olefin adhesive layer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a field joint coating material based on a fast curable olefin liquid formulation and a process of making a field joint wherein this coating material is used.