Flexible Pipe Fitting Locking Structure for High-Pressure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing fittings to flexible pipes in harsh environments, such as the oil and gas industry, fail to provide a reliable and durable connection that can withstand high pressures and temperatures, leading to potential leaks and structural integrity issues.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a flexible pipe with a liner, reinforcement, and shield layers, where a securing mechanism is inserted into openings in the pipe layers to engage with the reinforcement layer, providing a secure connection when a pipe fitting is coupled to the end of the flexible pipe through a swaging process, ensuring metal-to-metal contact for enhanced strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional securing methods are used to attach fittings to flexible pipe, then the connection can be made, but the connection fails to withstand high pressures and temperatures in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is nested within the flexible pipe structure itself. The mechanism includes a first leg inserted through the liner and shield layers to engage the reinforcement layer, and a second leg inserted through the shield layer to engage the reinforcement layer, creating a nested configuration that integrates the securing mechanism within the pipe's layered structure to achieve reliable high-pressure and high-temperature connections
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible pipe utilizes a composite layered structure consisting of a liner layer, reinforcement layer, and shield layer. The securing mechanism engages with the reinforcement layer which provides structural strength, while the liner and shield layers provide protective functions. This composite approach allows the connection to withstand harsh environmental conditions including high pressures and temperatures
2Reliability
If the securing mechanism is inserted through multiple layers of the flexible pipe, then a secure connection is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is divided into separate legs (first leg and second leg) that can be inserted independently through different layers of the flexible pipe. The first leg passes through the liner and shield layers, while the second leg passes through the shield layer, allowing for segmented installation that simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining secure connection through engagement with the reinforcement layer
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a flexible pipe that includes a liner surrounding a bore of the flexible pipe, a reinforcement layer surrounding the liner, and a shield layer surrounding the reinforcement layer. The system also includes a pipe fitting coupled to an end of the flexible pipe and a securing mechanism at least partially disposed in an opening in at least one of the liner layer, the shield layer, or both of the flexible pipe. The securing mechanism is configured to engage with the reinforcement layer of the flexible pipe when the pipe fitting is coupled to the end of the flexible pipe.