Flexible Pipe Defect Detection via Conductive Transmission Line
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible pipes used in deep and ultra-deep water environments for oil and gas extraction face challenges in detecting defects and changes in condition, such as seawater ingress and structural integrity compromise, which are often only detectable through hazardous visual inspections.
Innovation Solution
A detection apparatus comprising electrically conductive members forming a transmission line, a signal generator, receiver, correlator, and processor to apply a pulse code modulated signal and detect variations indicative of pipe defects or changes in condition, allowing for non-visual inspection and timely maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection methods are used to detect defects in flexible pipes, then defect detection capability is improved, but operational safety deteriorates due to hazardous working conditions in deep water environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical visual inspection methods with an electrical transmission line system. Electrical conductive members are integrated into the flexible pipe structure to form a transmission line that can detect defects electrically, eliminating the need for hazardous visual inspections in deep water environments while maintaining defect detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical conductive members as intermediaries within the flexible pipe structure. These members serve as both structural components and sensors, acting as mediators that enable remote defect detection through electrical signal transmission without requiring direct visual access to the pipe
2Strength
If thicker and stronger materials are used in armour layers to improve load response, then structural strength is improved, but pipe weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite armour layer structures combining metallic and polymer layers. The pressure armour layers use interlocking wound wires with specific cross-sectional profiles that provide strength through geometric interlocking rather than increased material thickness, while tensile armour layers use helically wound wires that efficiently resist tension loads
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the cross-sectional profile parameters of the wound wires in pressure armour layers. By changing the geometric parameters of the pressure-resistant profile, the wires can interlock more effectively to resist radial forces, achieving improved strength-to-weight ratio without increasing material thickness
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 the detection of defects and changes in flexible pipes without periodic visual inspection, improving safety and maintaining structural integrity by identifying breaches and other conditions, such as seawater ingress, through continuous monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
the test signal comprising a pulse code modulated electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
an electrical return signal comprising a reflection of the test signal
Implementation Method 3
a correlator arranged to correlate the test signal with the return signal and to determine a correlation signal
Data Source
AI summary
A first embodiment of a detection apparatus arranged to detect defects within a flexible pipe body comprises a signal generator, a receiver, a correlator and a processor. A second embodiment of a detection apparatus arranged to detect defects within a flexible pipe at least partially surrounded by seawater comprises an impedance monitor and a processor. Methods of detecting defects within a flexible pipe body, a pipeline apparatus and methods of forming pipeline apparatuses are also disclosed.