Flexible Pipe End Fitting Cavity for Ultrasonic Water Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible pipes for transporting hydrocarbons underwater face challenges in reliably detecting water in the annular space, which can lead to corrosion of metallic armor wires due to the absorption of ultrasound by thick polymeric external sheaths, making current inspection methods unreliable.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a cavity in at least one end fitting of the flexible pipe that communicates with the annular space, where the metal cap serves as the outer wall of the cavity, allowing for reliable ultrasonic inspection of water presence using an ultrasonic transducer, simplifying the structure and reducing costs by eliminating the need for additional sealing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a thick polymeric external sheath is used to protect the flexible pipe, then the protective function is improved, but the ultrasonic inspection reliability deteriorates due to strong absorption of ultrasound
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is segmented into two parts: the thick polymeric external sheath remains for protection, while a separate metal cap is added at the end fitting to provide the ultrasonic inspection interface. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal cap acts as an intermediary element between the ultrasonic transducer and the annular space. It provides a suitable acoustic interface for ultrasonic wave transmission, mediating the inspection process without requiring modification of the protective polymeric sheath.
2Measurement precision
If additional sealing components are added to create an inspection cavity, then the inspection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection cavity is merged with the existing end fitting structure. The metal cap, which is already part of the end fitting assembly, is configured to form the cavity wall, combining the sealing function with the inspection interface function in a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal cap serves multiple functions: it provides structural closure for the end fitting, creates the inspection cavity boundary, and acts as the ultrasonic inspection interface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function.
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
Enables reliable detection of water in the annular space through improved ultrasonic inspection, reducing the risk of corrosion and enhancing the structural integrity and cost-effectiveness of the flexible pipe inspection process.
Implementation Method 1
An ultrasonic wave is sent into the annular space of the flexible pipe through the external sheath by using an ultrasonic transducer disposed outside the flexible pipe and in the vicinity of the polymeric external sheath of the flexible pipe. This wave is partially reflected in the annular space, in particular by the metallic armor layers, the intensity of the reflected wave depending on the possible presence of water in the annular space.
Implementation Method 2
This wave is partially reflected in the annular space, in particular by the metallic armor layers, the intensity of the reflected wave depending on the possible presence of water in the annular space.
Implementation Method 3
This inspection method is not reliable enough, in particular when the external sheath of the flexible pipe is thick and is composed of a polymeric material which strongly absorbs ultrasound.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible conduit for transporting a fluid in a submarine environment, suitable for being inspected by an ultrasonic control method for detecting the presence of water in the annular space.