Flexible Pipe Armour Layers With Integrated Cathodic Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flexible pipes used in deep-sea oil and gas transportation face challenges with corrosion protection due to attenuation effects from cathodic protection systems, requiring frequent end fittings and complex installation methods, which increase costs and complexity, and lack effective means for attaching ancillary equipment along their length.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating helically wound electrically insulating and conductive tape elements as intermediate layers between armour layers in flexible pipes to provide electrical continuity, reduce attenuation effects, and enable secure mounting of cathodic anodes and ancillary equipment at desired locations, thus eliminating the need for frequent end fittings and simplifying the installation of corrosion protection systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional flexible pipes are used with traditional cathodic protection systems, then corrosion protection is provided, but attenuation effects require frequent end fittings and complex installation methods which increase costs and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrically conductive tape elements directly into the intermediate layers of the flexible pipe structure, merging the cathodic protection function with the pipe's structural layers. This integration eliminates the need for separate external cathodic protection systems and frequent end fittings, reducing installation complexity while maintaining corrosion protection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate layers serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, electrical insulation between armour layers, and electrical continuity through conductive tape elements for cathodic protection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall system.
2Reliability
If frequent end fittings are used to provide cathodic protection, then corrosion protection is maintained, but costs and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive tape elements are wound continuously along the length of the flexible pipe within the intermediate layers, providing continuous electrical continuity and cathodic protection throughout the pipe's length. This eliminates the need for discrete end fittings and maintains protection continuity without increasing manufacturing complexity.
3Strength
If traditional flexible pipe structure is used, then pipe integrity is maintained, but electrical continuity between armour layers is insufficient for effective cathodic protection
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive tape elements act as intermediaries between the armour layers, providing electrical continuity through the intermediate layers while the insulating properties of the intermediate layers maintain structural integrity. This mediator approach allows both structural strength and electrical continuity to coexist.
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 reduces electrical resistance along the pipe length, minimizes the frequency of anode placement, and allows for secure attachment of ancillary equipment, thereby reducing costs and complexity while maintaining effective corrosion protection and pipe integrity.
Implementation Method 1
each winding of the electrically conductive tape element in an intermediate layer bridges and thereby electrically connects metallic windings of an underlying armour layer with metallic windings of an overlying armour layer
Implementation Method 2
said intermediate layer comprising a helically wound electrically insulating tape element and a helically wound electrically conductive tape element
Data Source
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AI summary
A flexible pipe body and a method of providing electrical continuity are disclosed. The flexible pipe body comprises a first armour layer formed from a helical winding of a metal tape element, a further armour layer formed from a helical winding of a further metal tape element, and at least one intermediate layer between the first and further armour layers, said intermediate layer comprising a helically wound electrically insulating tape element (8000, 8001, 8002, 8003, 8004) and a helically wound electrically conductive tape element (8100, 8101, 8102, 8103, 8104).