Flexible Pipe End-Fitting Seal for External Pressure Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible pipe end-fittings for transporting fluids face challenges in maintaining sealing integrity under varying pressure gradients, particularly when the external pressure exceeds internal pressure, leading to potential micro-leaks and reduced sealing effectiveness, especially in deep-water applications.
Innovation Solution
The end-fitting design incorporates an annular seal with a deformable central region and two stiffened peripheral regions that can radially deform to enhance sealing, utilizing materials like fluoroelastomers and rigid polymers, and includes a housing structure for activating this deformation to maintain sealing under differential pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a crimping ring is used to seal the polymer sheath, then sealing is effective under high internal pressure, but sealing fails when external pressure exceeds internal pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing assembly transitions from a static crimping ring to a dynamic system where the polymer sheath itself deforms under external pressure to maintain sealing. The sheath's elastic deformation allows it to adapt to varying pressure conditions, becoming more effective when external pressure exceeds internal pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the sealing mechanism from relying on mechanical crimping force to relying on the polymer sheath's material properties and deformation characteristics. By utilizing the sheath's elasticity and deformability, the sealing effectiveness becomes dependent on pressure differential parameters rather than fixed mechanical constraints.
2Reliability
If the polymer sheath is made more deformable to improve sealing under external pressure, then sealing integrity improves, but structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing assembly design allows different regions of the polymer sheath to have different functional requirements. The portion engaged in sealing can be more deformable, while other portions maintain structural strength. The armor elements and end-fitting structure provide localized reinforcement where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing assembly combines the polymer sheath with armor elements and end-fitting structures to create a composite system. The polymer provides deformability for sealing, while the armor elements and metal components provide structural strength, achieving both sealing integrity and mechanical strength simultaneously.
3Strength
If armor elements are arranged around the polymer sheath in the end region, then mechanical protection improves, but sealing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the mechanical protection function and sealing function into a single integrated assembly. The armor elements serve dual purposes: protecting the polymer sheath mechanically and being contained within the end-fitting structure that provides the sealing interface, eliminating the need for separate protection and sealing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The end-fitting structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the armor element ends, provides the sealing surface against the polymer sheath, and protects the end region mechanically. This multi-functionality reduces overall assembly complexity despite the presence of armor elements.
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 design ensures robust sealing across varying pressure conditions, maintaining integrity even when external pressures exceed internal pressures, thereby preventing micro-leaks and enhancing the reliability of flexible pipe connections.
Implementation Method 1
the cone is compressed radially with respect to the axis of the sheath, the diameter thereof decreases and the cone deforms plastically by penetrating partially inside the sheath
Implementation Method 2
the annular seal includes an annular central region deformable radially toward the polymer sheath
Data Source
AI summary
An end-fitting of a flexible pipe for transporting fluid, that includes at least one sealing assembly with at least one crimping ring comprising at least one bulge inserted radially into a polymer sheath of the flexible pipe,the end-fitting including an annular seal, disposed in contact with the polymer sheath at a distance from the crimping ring,the annular seal having an annular central region that is deformable radially towards the polymer sheath, and two stiffened annular peripheral regions that are situated on either side of the central region along a central axis of the flexible pipe, the peripheral annular regions being movable towards one other to activate radial deformation of the central region towards the polymer sheath from a rest configuration to an active sealing configuration around the polymer sheath.