Flexible Pipe End Piece Assembly Using Shaping Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for mounting flexible pipe end pieces, particularly in deep water applications, can lead to mechanical weakening due to friction and stress at the point of detachment, where the armor wires are more susceptible to damage, affecting the long-term mechanical strength of the pipe.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a pre-assembly process with guides and collars that minimize the curvature and contact points of the armor plies during the mounting process, using a rear and front locking collar system with anti-wear strips and guides to prevent friction and stress, ensuring the armor wires are not subjected to excessive curvature or contact, thereby reducing the risk of damage and maintaining mechanical integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the anti-wear strip is cut as close as possible to the detachment point of the outer ply, then the detachment process is more efficient and the assembly is simpler, but the armor wires are subjected to friction and stress at the detachment point where their mechanical strength is lower, leading to mechanical weakening
Solution Approach 1:
A guide made of material allowing preservation of the armor wire surface (such as nylon) is introduced as an intermediary between the locking collar and the armor plies. This guide mediates the detachment process by providing a smooth surface that reduces friction and stress on the armor wires at the critical detachment point, while still enabling the anti-wear strip to be cut close to the detachment point for assembly simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide is placed on the locking collar before the detachment process begins. This beforehand cushioning protects the armor wires from direct contact with the metal locking collar and the cutting process, preventing mechanical damage at the point where the armor wires are most vulnerable due to hardened state and lower mechanical strength.
2Ease of manufacture
If the end sections of the armor plies are folded back and unfolded multiple times during assembly, then the end piece can be properly assembled with the crimping assembly and vault in place, but the armor wires are subjected to repeated mechanical stress and friction, potentially damaging their surface and reducing longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The guide serves as a protective intermediary throughout the entire process of folding back and unfolding the armor plies. By maintaining contact between the guide and the armor wire surface during these maneuvers, friction is minimized and the armor wire surface is preserved, ensuring reliability and longevity even though multiple folding/unfolding cycles are necessary for proper assembly.
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
This method comprises the steps of: - installing a rear locking collar (62) around an outer ply (25), - installing a first shaping guide (82) for shaping the folding of the end sections (32) of the outer ply (25), - folding the end sections (32) of the outer ply (25) rearwards, - folding the end sections (32) of an inner ply (24) rearwards. Before the step of folding the end sections (32) of the inner ply (24) rearwards, a second shaping guide (84) is installed for shaping the folding of the end sections (32) of the inner ply (24), the second shaping guide (84) being separate from the first shaping guide (82), the end sections (32) of the inner ply (24) bearing on the second shaping guide (84) after the folding step.