Flexible Inner Pipe in Pipe-in-Pipe Apparatus for Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe-in-pipe apparatuses for subsea hydrocarbon production face challenges such as increased field fabrication requirements, thermal expansion issues, buckling risks, corrosion problems, and structural integrity concerns, particularly when both the outer and inner pipes are made of steel, which complicates installation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The engineered pipe-in-pipe apparatus features an inner flexible pipe within an outer pipe, with the inner pipe designed to absorb thermal expansion and resist fatigue and corrosion, while the outer pipe acts as a stabilizer and protective barrier, allowing for reduced buckling risks and enhanced durability, and includes end fittings for easy connection and access for operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If both outer and inner pipes are made of steel, then structural strength is improved, but thermal expansion issues and buckling risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inner pipe is replaced with a flexible engineered pipe that can accommodate thermal expansion and movement, eliminating buckling risks while maintaining structural integrity through the flexible composite construction
Solution Approach 2:
The inner pipe uses composite materials (polymer layers, fabric reinforcement, adhesive bonding) to achieve both flexibility for thermal expansion and sufficient structural strength for pressure containment
2Stress or pressure
If conventional steel pipe-in-pipe apparatus is used, then pressure containment is improved, but corrosion problems and fatigue resistance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The engineered pipe uses multiple polymer layers (including corrosion-resistant materials) and fabric reinforcement to provide both pressure containment and immunity to corrosion and fatigue that plague steel pipes
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible polymer construction inherently resists corrosion and fatigue while maintaining pressure containment through the multi-layer composite structure designed for subsea environmental resistance
3Strength
If rigid steel pipe configuration is used, then structural integrity is improved, but field fabrication requirements and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible engineered pipe can be bent and configured on reels for easier handling and installation, reducing field fabrication requirements while maintaining structural integrity through its composite construction
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible pipe allows for dynamic configuration and movement during installation, enabling easier field assembly and reduced fabrication complexity compared to rigid steel pipes
4Stability of the object's composition
If inner pipe is constrained within outer pipe, then structural stability is improved, but thermal expansion absorption and movement capability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible inner pipe can expand and move within the outer pipe to accommodate thermal effects while the overall pipe-in-pipe structure maintains structural stability through the outer pipe's rigid framework
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 configuration reduces the risk of buckling, enhances resistance to fatigue and corrosion, and simplifies installation and maintenance by allowing the inner pipe to move within the outer pipe, providing improved thermal performance and structural integrity, while minimizing field fabrication and connections.
Implementation Method 1
the inner pipe is designed to absorb thermal expansion
Implementation Method 2
an inner flexible pipe within an outer pipe
Implementation Method 3
the outer pipe acts as a stabilizer and protective barrier
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a pipe-in-pipe apparatus comprising an inner pipe disposed within an outer pipe wherein the inner pipe is an engineered pipe or umbilical. The outer pipe will shield the inner pipe. As a result, the design of the inner pipe only needs to address the functions required for the engineered pipe-in-pipe apparatus. The end fittings of the system are designed for enabling maximum operation and intervention flexibility. The engineered pipe-in-pipe apparatus will allow longer sections of the inner pipe to be used which will reduce the amount of field fabrication and streamline the installation process. The apparatus may be used for both new piping systems as well as the updating or retrofitting of an existing onshore or offshore piping system.