Field Joint Transfer Along Curved Pipe Supports Without Coating Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
In S-lay pipelay operations, the deployment of pipelines is hindered by the need for hot field joints to complete their curing process before progressing, which delays the pipeline's movement and deployment due to the requirement for controlled cooling and support during the application of complex anti-corrosion and thermal insulation coatings.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow a hot field joint to traverse a curved path by retracting adjustable pipe support units and using a mobile pipe support system, enabling the pipeline to move downstream of the tensioner towards the stinger even when the coating is only partially cured, ensuring continuous deployment without damaging the coating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pipeline is supported by pipe support units along the curved path, then the pipeline is adequately supported during deployment, but the hot field joint cannot pass through without contact until the coating is fully cured, causing deployment delays
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe support units are made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. Each support unit can be independently repositioned between an engaged position (providing support) and a retracted position (allowing passage). This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt its support configuration in real-time, resolving the contradiction between maintaining continuous support and allowing hot field joint passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by retracting the pipe support units in advance before the hot field joint arrives, and then re-engaging them after passage. This anticipatory adjustment eliminates waiting time and ensures continuous deployment flow, addressing the productivity issue while maintaining support reliability through pre-positioned support units.
2Manufacturing precision
If the pipeline waits for the field joint coating to complete curing, then the coating quality is ensured, but the deployment process is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment process is segmented into distinct phases: coating application, partial curing, support unit retraction, passage through curved path, and support unit re-engagement. This segmentation allows the coating to cure to an adequate state without requiring complete curing before movement, separating the quality assurance function from the deployment timing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous deployment action by eliminating idle waiting time. While the coating cures to an adequate state, other operations continue uninterrupted. The support units are dynamically adjusted to maintain support continuity, ensuring that the useful action of deployment proceeds without unnecessary interruptions while still achieving the required coating quality.
3Reliability
If the pipe support units remain in position, then continuous support is provided, but contact with the hot field joint may damage the partially cured coating
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe support units act as intermediaries that can dynamically change their state. When the hot field joint approaches, the support units retract to create a clear passage, eliminating the harmful contact. After passage, they re-engage to restore support. This intermediary mechanism with variable state resolves the contradiction between maintaining support and avoiding damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The support units transition from a static support configuration to a dynamic one where they can be retracted and re-engaged. This dynamic behavior allows the system to temporarily remove support (to avoid damage) and then restore it (to maintain continuity), resolving the contradiction through temporal separation of the support function.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A field joint transfer system for transferring a hot field joint along a curved path between a tensioner (2) and a stinger (5) during deployment of a pipeline (6) from a pipelay vessel (4). The system comprises a plurality of adjustable pipe support units (3) defining a curved path between the tensioner (2) and the stinger (5), wherein one or more of the pipe support units (3) can be moved out of engagement with the pipeline (6) to allow the hot field-joint to pass the respective pipe support unit (3) without contact, while maintaining support for the pipeline (6) along the curved path. A mobile pipe support (12) may be provided on an overhead gantry to follow the pipe (6) as it passes along the curved path.