Flexible Pipe End Fitting Re-Termination With Axial Seal Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional end fittings for flexible pipes used in deep and ultra-deep water environments face challenges such as time-consuming and costly re-termination processes, limited ability to provide vent paths or retrofit elements, axial creep of fluid retaining layers, and inability to monitor or control the temperature of the fluid retaining layer, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for re-terminating the end of a flexible pipe that allows for the replacement of end fitting components without removing the entire end fitting, providing a new fluid-tight seal, vent paths, and temperature control, while enabling the monitoring of fluid retaining layer characteristics without disassembly, using a kit of parts that includes seal ring members, spacer ring members, and heater/cooler elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If conventional end fittings are used for flexible pipes in deep water environments, then the pipe can be terminated and sealed, but the re-termination process becomes time-consuming and costly requiring complete removal and cutting of the pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The end fitting is divided into multiple replaceable components including the seal ring member, spacer ring member, and end fitting body. This segmentation allows individual components to be replaced without removing the entire end fitting from the pipe, enabling maintenance without cutting the pipe and significantly reducing re-termination time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The end fitting is designed with dynamic replaceability where the seal ring member can be removed and replaced along the axial direction. This dynamic design allows the sealing component to be accessed and replaced from the end of the pipe without requiring complete disassembly, making the maintenance process flexible and efficient.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional end fittings are used, then the pipe can be sealed, but the ability to provide vent paths or retrofit elements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The end fitting is designed with multi-functionality to serve both sealing and venting purposes. The spacer ring member can be configured with through-holes to provide vent paths when needed, while maintaining the sealing function through the seal ring member. This universal design allows a single end fitting structure to adapt to different operational requirements without increasing overall complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional end fittings are used, then the pipe can be terminated, but axial creep of the fluid retaining layer occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer ring member serves as an intermediary component between the seal ring member and the end fitting body. It provides a stable reference surface and positioning structure that prevents axial creep of the fluid retaining layer. The spacer ring member with its specific thickness and positioning features ensures the seal ring member remains at a fixed axial position, maintaining sealing stability without allowing the fluid retaining layer to shift axially.
4Temperature
If conventional end fittings are used, then the pipe can be sealed, but temperature monitoring and control of the fluid retaining layer is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer ring member is designed to integrate temperature monitoring and control functionality directly into the end fitting structure. The through-holes in the spacer ring member can accommodate temperature sensors that directly monitor the temperature of the fluid retaining layer. Additionally, the spacer ring member can serve as a mounting structure for heating or cooling elements, enabling the system to self-regulate temperature without requiring external complex monitoring systems.
Data Source
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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.