Flexible Pipe Joint With Internal Vent Passages for Annulus Gas Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing flexible pipes end-to-end often rely on fragile jumper tubes, which create obstructions and can lead to uncontrolled gas escape or moisture ingress, damaging the pipes and degrading performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that uses an elongate tubular element with a raised central region and vent passages to establish a direct internal vent path between the annulus regions of connected flexible pipes, eliminating the need for external jumper tubes and reducing obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If jumper tubes are used to transmit gases between connected flexible pipes, then gas venting is achieved, but the jumper tubes are fragile and create obstructions that can lead to uncontrolled gas escape or moisture ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the gas venting function from the external jumper tube system and integrates it directly into the connector body. The vent passage is now an inherent feature of the connector rather than a separate component, eliminating the fragile jumper tube while maintaining the gas transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the gas venting pathway with the connector structure itself. The vent passage is formed as an integral part of the connector body, combining the functions of mechanical connection and gas venting into a single unified component, thereby eliminating the need for separate jumper tubes.
2Ease of operation
If external jumper tubes are used for gas transmission, then gas venting is provided, but device complexity increases and obstructions are created during rehabilitation work
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the external jumper tube component from the system and extracts its gas transmission function into the connector body. This simplification reduces device complexity and eliminates obstructions that would interfere with rehabilitation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the gas venting pathway with the connector structure, merging two previously separate functions (connection and venting) into one integrated component. This reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall system, making rehabilitation work easier.
3Ease of manufacture
If jumper tubes with machined vent holes are used, then gas transmission through end fittings is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase and fragility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the vent passage formation with the connector manufacturing process itself. Rather than requiring separate machining operations on assembled components, the vent passage is formed as an integral feature during connector production, simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs the vent passage creation as a preliminary action during connector manufacturing, before assembly with the flexible pipes. This allows the vent passage to be formed as part of the base structure rather than requiring subsequent machining or assembly of separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for securing a flexible pipe to a further flexible pipe in an end-to-end configuration, wherein the apparatus includes and the method utilizes an elongate tubular element having a first and second end and an outer surface comprising a raised central region. At least one vent passage extends at least partially across the raised central region.