Flexible Fire-Resistant Cover for Riser Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seals for riser tubes on oil or gas installations are inadequate in accommodating lateral movement, are difficult to install and remove, and fail to provide sufficient fire and blast protection, especially on floating structures where risers experience significant horizontal and vertical motion.
Innovation Solution
A continuous, flexible cover sheet with gussets and brackets that can fold to match the diameter of the riser tube, reinforced with embedded wires for strength, and composed of multilayer materials for fire and explosion resistance, allowing for easy installation and effective sealing across varying diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bulky rubber buffers are pressed between the riser and opening perimeter to close the opening, then the opening is sealed, but the rubber buffers wear significantly and must be frequently changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible cover made of fire-resistant material that can accommodate lateral movement of the riser tube while maintaining sealing. The cover is attached to the opening perimeter and can flex with the tube's movement, eliminating the need for bulky rubber buffers that wear out quickly.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is made of composite material that combines fire resistance with flexibility. This allows the cover to withstand high temperatures and pressures while still being able to move with the riser tube, solving both the sealing reliability and durability issues.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rubber buffers are used to accommodate lateral movement of the tube, then some movement is tolerated, but the buffers are difficult to install and remove when tube shifting is necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed as a dynamic structure that can adapt to the riser tube's movement. It is attached in a way that allows lateral displacement while maintaining the seal, and can be easily detached when tube shifting is needed, combining movement accommodation with operational ease.
3Ease of operation
If a flexible cover with a split is used to enable mounting after pipe installation, then the cover can be installed easily, but the split cannot withstand high explosion pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is provided with a split that can be separated into segments. This allows the cover to be installed easily around the riser tube, and the segments can be joined together to form a complete seal that can withstand explosion pressures when properly assembled.
4Reliability
If the cover is designed to close tightly around the riser tube, then fire and blast protection is improved, but the cover cannot accommodate large lateral movements
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is made of flexible fire-resistant material that can move with the riser tube while maintaining its sealing and protective functions. The flexibility allows lateral movement accommodation, and the fire-resistant properties ensure continued protection during fire or explosion events.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cover (5) for preventing fire and explosion propagating through an opening around tube (1), such as a drilling riser, intervention riser, or similar tubular element. The cover (5) extends as a continuous flexible sheet from an attachment near the edge of the opening to the tube (1) and is attached to the tube (1) at a position away from the opening.