Flexible Pipe End Fitting Re-Termination With Modular Re-Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional end fittings for flexible pipes face challenges such as time-consuming and costly re-termination processes, limited ability to retrofit vent paths, axial creep of fluid retaining layers, and difficulty in monitoring or controlling the temperature of the fluid retaining layer, which hinders efficient maintenance and extension of the pipe's service life.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that allow for the re-termination of flexible pipe ends without removing the entire end fitting, enabling the replacement of components, creation of vent paths, and monitoring of fluid retaining layers, while maintaining a fluid-tight seal and allowing for temperature control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the entire end fitting is removed and replaced for re-termination, then a complete fluid-tight seal can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid-tight sealVSAvoidre-termination process time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The end fitting is divided into multiple separable components: a retention portion that remains attached to the flexible pipe body, and replaceable components (sealing portion, vent path components, temperature control components) that can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows partial re-termination without removing the entire end fitting assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful or failed components (sealing rings, vent paths, temperature control elements) are extracted as separate replaceable parts from the end fitting assembly. This allows selective replacement of only the defective components while retaining the functional retention portion, reducing re-termination time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional end fittings are used, then the pipe can be terminated, but the ability to retrofit vent paths is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretrofit capabilityVSAvoidend fitting structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The end fitting assembly is designed with universal interfaces and modular components that can accommodate multiple functions: sealing, venting, and temperature control. The retention portion provides a universal base that can support various replaceable components, enabling the same end fitting to be adapted for different operational requirements through component replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The end fitting transitions from a static, fixed design to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Components can be added, removed, or replaced based on operational needs, allowing the end fitting to adapt its functionality over time. The replaceable sealing portions and vent path components enable dynamic modification of the pipe system's characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the entire end fitting is removed for component replacement, then proper sealing can be achieved, but maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing integrityVSAvoidmaintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The end fitting is segmented into a permanent retention portion and replaceable components. This allows maintenance personnel to replace only the sealing rings or other worn components without removing the entire end fitting from the pipe, significantly reducing maintenance time, labor costs, and downtime while maintaining sealing integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of discarding the entire end fitting when components wear out, the design allows recovery and retention of the functional retention portion while replacing only the worn sealing components. This extends the service life of the end fitting assembly and reduces maintenance costs by preserving valuable components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Temperature

If conventional end fittings are used, then termination is achieved, but temperature monitoring and control of the fluid retaining layer is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid retaining layer temperatureVSAvoidmonitoring system

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Temperature sensors and control components are introduced as intermediary elements between the heating/cooling source and the fluid retaining layer. These intermediaries enable precise temperature monitoring and control by mediating the thermal energy transfer, allowing the system to maintain optimal temperatures for fluid transport while preventing blockages from wax or hydrate formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12078272B2Termination of a flexible pipe

Publication Date: 2024.09.03 BAKER HUGHES ENERGY TECH UK LTD

AI summary

A method and apparatus are disclosed for re-terminating an end of a flexible pipe. The method comprises removing at least one original end fitting component (310, 335) from a multicomponent end fitting, secured to flexible pipe body at an end of a flexible pipe, leaving a retained portion (330, 360) of the end fitting in situ and subsequently securing at least one superseding end fitting component (310, 335) to the retained portion thereby providing a new fluid tight seal against a fluid retaining layer of the flexible pipe at a new sealing location axially displaced from an original sealing location.