Flexible Pipe End Fitting With Visual Flood Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing end fittings for flexible pipes face challenges in ensuring reliable sealing and detection of flooding events, particularly when dealing with multi-layered pipes under pressure, which can lead to fluid leakage and structural failure, and require costly specialized sensors for monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A visual flood detection system is integrated into the end fitting, utilizing a dissolvable or dispersible material, such as a dye, that changes color or reflects radiation upon contact with liquid, allowing for easy detection of flooding events through a window without the need for specialized sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized sensors are used for flood detection in flexible pipes, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable indicator substance that is inexpensive and single-use, eliminating the need for expensive, complex specialized sensors. The indicator is placed in the annulus and provides flood detection through simple visual observation, representing a replacement of complex monitoring equipment with a simple, cheap indicator mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic sensor systems with a simple optical/visual indication mechanism. The indicator substance changes state or position mechanically/physically to indicate flooding, allowing detection through visual inspection rather than requiring sophisticated electronic monitoring equipment.
2Measurement precision
If specialized sensors are used for flood detection, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator substance serves as a low-cost, disposable detection mechanism that provides sufficient precision for flood detection without requiring expensive specialized sensors. The visual change in the indicator provides clear, unambiguous flood indication at minimal cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes or visual appearance changes of the indicator substance to detect flooding. This optical indication method provides clear, precise flood detection through simple visual observation, replacing the need for expensive electronic sensors while maintaining detection precision.
3Strength
If multi-layered pipe structures are used, then strength and pressure containment are improved, but sealing reliability deteriorates due to layer termination problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary indicator substance placed in the annulus between pipe layers and end fittings. This indicator serves as a mediator that detects flooding conditions that would compromise sealing, providing early warning before actual fluid leakage occurs, thus enhancing overall sealing reliability of the multi-layer structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator substance is placed in advance in the annulus to detect flooding conditions before they lead to actual sealing failure or fluid leakage. This preliminary detection allows for preventive action to be taken, maintaining the integrity and sealing reliability of the multi-layer pipe structure.
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
This solution provides a cost-effective, easily replaceable, and reliable method for detecting flooding events in flexible pipes, reducing the risk of structural failure and eliminating the need for expensive monitoring equipment.
Implementation Method 1
A visual flood detection system is integrated into the end fitting, utilizing a dissolvable or dispersible material, such as a dye, that changes color or reflects radiation upon contact with liquid
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a dissolvable or dispersible material, such as a dye, that changes color or reflects radiation upon contact with liquid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An end fitting (400) for a flexible pipe is disclosed. The end fitting comprises a window (410) and a cavity (402) disposed in the end fitting radially inwards of the window and configured to be in fluid communication with an annulus of the flexible pipe, wherein at least a portion of the cavity (402) is visible from the exterior of the end fitting via the window. The end fitting further comprises a dissolvable or dispersible material disposed within the cavity or in fluid communication with the cavity.