Flexible Pipe Thermal Insulation Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unbonded flexible pipes used for transporting hydrocarbons face challenges in maintaining material integrity and reducing heat loss, especially when exposed to high temperatures or embedded in the sea floor, leading to potential deterioration of pipe materials and increased heat loss.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a thermally insulating layer between the inner sealing sheath and the outer protective layer, with selective insulation only in sections where needed, such as near support or connection components, to minimize material usage and prevent heat-related deterioration, while allowing for flexible pipe design and reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thermally insulating layer is provided along the entire length of the flexible pipe, then heat loss is reduced and material protection is improved, but material usage increases and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thermal insulation only in specific locations where heat loss is most critical - namely at sections where the pipe is embedded in the sea floor or surrounded by ancillary components. This localized approach protects materials where needed while avoiding unnecessary material usage in sections where the pipe is naturally cooled by seawater flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible pipe is divided into different thermal zones: insulated sections at the sea floor embedding and ancillary component areas, and non-insulated sections along the water column. This segmentation allows optimization of heat loss reduction while minimizing material consumption by insulating only the most critical segments.
2Loss of energy
If a thermally insulating layer is provided along the entire length of the flexible pipe, then heat loss is reduced and material protection is improved, but the pipe weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Thermal insulation is applied only where heat loss poses a significant problem - at the sea floor embedding section and around ancillary components - rather than along the entire pipe length. This reduces the overall weight of the insulated pipe system while still achieving effective heat loss reduction at critical locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe system is segmented into insulated and non-insulated sections, with insulation concentrated at the ends where the pipe interacts with the sea floor and ancillary components. This segmentation strategy minimizes the total weight of insulation material while maintaining energy efficiency where it matters most.
3Loss of substance
If the thermally insulating layer is terminated at a distal termination point rather than extending to the pipe end, then material usage is reduced and weight is reduced, but heat loss protection is reduced at the pipe ends
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation layer is strategically terminated at a distal point rather than extending to the pipe end, providing concentrated protection at the most heat-loss-prone areas (sea floor embedding and ancillary components) while accepting that minimal heat loss occurs at the free pipe ends where seawater provides natural cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing complete insulation along the entire pipe length, the patent applies partial insulation covering only the critical sections where heat loss is most significant. This partial action approach achieves sufficient heat loss protection while minimizing material usage and weight.
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 effectively reduces the risk of material deterioration and heat loss by providing targeted insulation, prolonging the pipe's lifespan, minimizing material costs, and reducing the environmental impact of hydrocarbon transport systems.
Implementation Method 1
The unbonded flexible pipe comprises at least one thermally insulating layer arranged between the internal sealing sheath and the outer protective layer in an insulated length section
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an unbonded flexible pipe having a length along a longitudinal axis, a first pipe end, and a second pipe end. The pipe comprises a plurality of whole length layers extending from the first pipe end to the second pipe end. The plurality of whole length layers comprises at least a tubular inner sealing sheath, at least one armour layer and an outer protective layer. The unbonded flexible pipe further comprises at least one thermally insulating layer arranged between the internal sealing sheath and the outer protective layer in an insulated length section. The flexible pipe comprises an inner part comprising at least the internal sealing sheath and any other whole length layers being internal to the thermally insulating layer. The flexible pipe further comprises an outer part comprising at least the outer protective layer and any other whole length layers being external to the thermally insulating layer. The at least one thermally insulating layer is terminated at a distal termination point. The distal termination point being in a distance from at least one of the first and the second pipe end of the unbonded flexible pipe. The invention further relates to a flexible pipe system and its use.