Flexible Pipe Support via Adjustable Buoyancy Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible pipes used for transporting production fluids face challenges in maintaining a controlled height above the sea bed, especially in shallow water applications where buoyancy aids are ineffective due to sensitivity to content density changes and external environmental variations, leading to issues like floating or sinking, and increased costs from strengthening the pipe structure.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where buoyancy modules with adjustable weight chains or biasing elements, such as weight chains or elastic components, are used to automatically vary the support provided to the flexible pipe, maintaining it at a desired height and configuration by counteracting buoyancy with additional weight, ensuring the pipe remains within predetermined limits regardless of internal fluid density changes or external environmental variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If buoyancy modules are attached to the flexible pipe, then the pipe can be supported at desired height, but the pipe becomes sensitive to content density changes and external environmental variations causing floating or sinking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the weight chain adjustable rather than fixed. The weight chain can be reconfigured to have different lengths and distribution along the pipe, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions such as content density variations and environmental changes. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by enabling the same buoyancy module to maintain stability across varying operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of weight distribution along the pipe by allowing the weight chain to be adjusted. By varying the length and position of weight chain segments, the system can compensate for changes in buoyancy force caused by content density changes or environmental variations, thereby maintaining the pipe at the desired height without becoming overly sensitive to these changes.
2Reliability
If the overall strength of the pipe section at lower regions is increased, then the effects of heave and surge motion are mitigated, but the cost increases and life expectancy and integrity are impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing support through buoyancy modules and weight chains at specific locations rather than increasing the overall strength of the entire pipe section. The weight chain is positioned to provide localized support near the sea bed touch down area, mitigating vessel motion effects only where needed. This avoids the cost and integrity issues associated with strengthening the entire pipe while still achieving the desired reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If weight chains are used to counteract buoyancy, then the pipe configuration is controlled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by allowing the weight chain to automatically adjust and balance the buoyancy force. The system uses the natural gravity force on the weight chain to counteract buoyancy without requiring external control mechanisms. The weight chain self-adjusts to maintain the pipe configuration, reducing system complexity while achieving stable control.
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 solution allows for cost-effective and efficient maintenance of the flexible pipe's height and configuration, suitable for various water depths, reducing installation costs and time while ensuring the pipe remains operational and intact, even in unstable or sensitive sea bed conditions.
Implementation Method 1
buoyancy modules with adjustable weight chains or biasing elements, such as weight chains or elastic components, are used to automatically vary the support provided to the flexible pipe
Implementation Method 2
weight chains or elastic components, are used to automatically vary the support provided to the flexible pipe, maintaining it at a desired height and configuration by counteracting buoyancy with additional weight
Implementation Method 3
buoyancy modules with adjustable weight chains or biasing elements, such as weight chains or elastic components
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus are disclosed for supporting a flexible pipe. The method includes the steps of responsive to a change in at least one condition experienced by a flexible pipe, varying an amount of support provided at at least one location on the flexible pipe.