Flexible Pipe End-Fitting Optical Fiber Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The connection of optical fibers in unbonded flexible pipes to processing systems is complicated and often results in poor quality, leading to a high risk of damage during the connection process.
Innovation Solution
An assembly comprising an unbonded flexible pipe with an optical fiber and an end-fitting, where the optical fiber is arranged outside the innermost sealing sheath and secured in a housing cavity of the end-fitting with an overlength in the fiber exit cavity, facilitating a simple and high-quality connection to a processing system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical fiber is connected to processing system using conventional methods, then connection can be established, but connection quality is poor and damage risk is high
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is pre-installed within the flexible pipe structure during manufacturing, with its end extending into the end-fitting's fiber exit cavity. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for complex field installation procedures and reduces the risk of damage during connection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The end-fitting serves as an intermediary component that houses the optical fiber end in a protected cavity and provides a standardized interface for connection to the processing system. This mediator simplifies the connection process by isolating the fragile fiber end from direct handling.
2Ease of operation
If optical fiber is routed through end-fitting, then fiber connection is enabled, but fiber is vulnerable to damage during connection process
Solution Approach 1:
The end-fitting includes a fiber exit cavity that provides physical protection and cushioning for the optical fiber end before connection. This pre-positioned protective structure reduces the risk of damage during subsequent connection operations by preventing direct exposure of the fragile fiber end.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber exit cavity acts as an intermediary protective zone between the internal pipe environment and the external connection interface, shielding the optical fiber from mechanical damage while enabling controlled access for connection purposes.
3Reliability
If conventional fiber connection methods are used, then connection can be established, but labor and cost are high
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is pre-installed and positioned during pipe manufacturing, eliminating the need for complex field installation procedures. This shifts the complexity to the manufacturing stage where it can be more efficiently and consistently executed, improving overall installation productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized end-fitting with fiber exit cavity provides a uniform interface that simplifies installation procedures and reduces the skill level required for connection, thereby improving installation efficiency and reducing labor costs.
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly of an unbonded flexible pipe and an end-fitting is described. The flexible pipe of the assembly comprises at least one optical fiber for mounting to a processing system or another waveguide. The unbonded flexible pipe comprises a plurality of layers including an innermost sealing sheath and an outermost armor layer. The optical fiber is arranged outside the innermost sealing sheath. At least the outermost armor layer is terminated and secured by securing material in a housing cavity of the end-fitting. The end-fitting comprises a fiber exit cavity with an entrance end and an exit opening through which the fiber can exit and the fiber is applied in an overlength in said fiber exit cavity. The assembly makes it very simple and effective to connect an optical fiber of an unbonded flexible pipe via an end-fitting to a processing system which can operate with the fiber to pump light into the fiber and collect signals and analyze the collected signals.