Flexible Pipe Thermal Insulation Mesh Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible pipes used in deep and ultra-deep water environments face issues with thermal insulation, as existing methods are complex, costly, and inefficient, leading to pipe blockages due to paraffin formation and increased risk of fluid cooling.
Innovation Solution
A flexible pipe body with a thermal insulation layer formed as a mesh layer comprising a plurality of pockets, located between the internal pressure sheath and the outer sheath, which includes a weave or punched-out sheet structure to increase thermal resistance and reduce heat flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional thermal insulation layers are provided around the barrier layer, then thermal insulation effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous insulation layer with cellular structure that provides effective thermal insulation. The porous material traps air pockets within its structure, creating thermal resistance without requiring complex multi-layer constructions. This single porous layer replaces traditional complex insulation assemblies, maintaining thermal performance while simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing production costs.
2Reliability
If complex insulating layers are manufactured with careful alignment and heating/cooling steps, then thermal insulation is achieved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase change materials or materials with temperature-dependent properties that allow the insulation layer to be formed through simple heating and cooling cycles. The insulation layer can be applied in a molten or pliable state and then set through controlled cooling, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures and multiple heating/cooling steps required by traditional insulation methods.
3Ease of manufacture
If no thermal insulation is provided, then manufacturing remains simple and cost-effective, but paraffin formation and pipe blockage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary porous insulation layer between the barrier layer and the external environment. This intermediate layer serves as a thermal buffer that prevents excessive heat loss from the transported fluid, thereby preventing paraffin crystallization and pipe blockage while maintaining manufacturing simplicity. The porous structure provides thermal resistance without adding significant manufacturing complexity.
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
The solution effectively delays or prevents paraffin crystallization and deposit on the pipe's interior surface, reducing the need for pipeline pigging and enhancing the pipe's ability to operate in extreme environments.
Implementation Method 1
at least one insulating layer comprising a mesh layer comprising a plurality of pockets
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible pipe body and a method for manufacturing flexible pipe body is disclosed. The flexible pipe body includes an internal pressure sheath, at least one insulating layer comprising a mesh layer comprising a plurality of pockets and an outer sheath.