Flexible Pipe Integrity Testing via Segmented Tubular Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flexible pipe testing methods are time-consuming and costly, involving destructive sampling and re-fitting of end fittings, which can lead to errors and do not accurately represent the intact pipe's condition, especially concerning micro-crazing and micro-cracking in polymer layers under high pressure.
Innovation Solution
An in-line testing method where a tubular test layer is connected to the flexible pipe, allowing simultaneous application of conditioning and test cycles, including a factory acceptance test, without damaging the pipe, and enabling analysis of the test layer for characteristics like micro-crazing after the test.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional destructive sampling methods are used for pipe testing, then manufacturing precision can be improved through direct inspection, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming re-fitting and re-sealing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe body is segmented into a test section and a remaining pipe section. The test section is removed after testing, allowing inspection without affecting the main pipe. This resolves the contradiction by enabling direct inspection (improving manufacturing precision) while avoiding time-consuming re-fitting operations (maintaining productivity).
Solution Approach 2:
The test section is extracted from the pipe body before testing. This allows the test section to be inspected destructively or extensively without impacting the main pipe, thereby improving inspection accuracy while eliminating the need for re-sealing operations that reduce productivity.
2Measurement precision
If the pipe is cut through destructively for testing, then measurement precision of polymer layer integrity is improved, but the pipe structure is damaged requiring complex re-assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe is divided into a removable test section containing the polymer layer and a remaining pipe section. The test section can be removed and inspected for micro-crazing and micro-cracking with high measurement precision, while the remaining pipe stays intact and requires no re-assembly, eliminating device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The test section is extracted from the pipe body before testing. This allows destructive testing and precise measurement of polymer layer integrity without damaging the main pipe structure, thereby avoiding any re-assembly complexity.
3Ease of operation
If end fittings are removed and re-sealed for testing, then access to pipe interior is improved, but loss of time occurs during re-sealing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe is segmented into a test section with accessible ends and a remaining pipe section. End fittings are only removed from the test section, providing ease of operation for testing while the remaining pipe requires no re-sealing operations, eliminating time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The test section is extracted from the pipe body before testing. This provides direct access to the pipe interior for testing purposes without requiring removal of end fittings from the main pipe, thereby improving ease of operation while eliminating re-sealing time loss.
4Ease of manufacture
If the test specimen is not identical to the intact pipe, then testing can be simplified, but reliability of test results deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe is segmented into a test section that retains the same polymer layers, armour layers, and construction characteristics as the intact pipe. This segmentation allows simplified testing procedures while ensuring the test section is representative, thereby maintaining reliability of test results.
Solution Approach 2:
The test section is designed with the same local quality and material properties as the corresponding section of the intact pipe, including polymer layer thickness, armour layer configuration, and bonding characteristics. This ensures test results are reliable and representative while allowing simplified testing compared to testing the entire intact pipe.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are disclosed for testing one or more layers of a flexible pipe. The method includes the steps of applying a test cycle to a flexible pipe and simultaneously applying the same test cycle to a tubular test layer connected in an in-line configuration with the flexible pipe.