Flexible Pipe Intermediate Sealing Integrity Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing end fittings for flexible pipes in ultra-deep water applications face challenges in ensuring reliable sealing integrity, particularly due to elastic material behavior under pressure, making it difficult to test and verify the effectiveness of seals during assembly, which can lead to potential leaks and reduced pipe lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A method and assembly design that includes test ports and strategically oriented sealing rings and O-rings, allowing for the application of high pressure to test sealing integrity before deployment, ensuring reliable sealing performance under extreme conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sealing elements are used in ultra-deep water applications, then the pipe can be deployed, but the sealing integrity cannot be verified before deployment due to inability to test under high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a testing mechanism that allows seal integrity to be verified before the flexible pipe is deployed into ultra-deep water. A testing assembly with a piston and fluid reservoir is integrated into the end fitting, enabling high-pressure testing of the sealing element (such as an O-ring) through accessible ports on the landward side of the end fitting. This preliminary testing action ensures sealing reliability is confirmed prior to deployment.
2Reliability
If high pressure testing is performed on sealing elements, then seal integrity can be verified, but the testing mechanism adds complexity to the end fitting assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the testing mechanism with the existing end fitting structure. The piston is received within a cavity in the end fitting, the fluid reservoir is integrated into the end fitting body, and the testing ports are formed as part of the end fitting. This merging of functions reduces overall complexity compared to having separate testing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluid as an intermediary medium to transmit pressure from the testing mechanism to the sealing element. The fluid (typically water or oil) allows indirect application of high pressure to the seal, enabling verification without direct mechanical contact with the sealing element itself. This intermediary approach simplifies the testing mechanism while maintaining verification capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If sealing elements are not tested before deployment, then the assembly process is simpler, but potential leaks may occur during ultra-deep water operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary testing of the sealing element during the assembly process itself. The testing assembly is configured to allow pressure testing to be performed immediately after the sealing element is installed in the end fitting, before the flexible pipe is deployed. This preliminary verification action detects potential leaks early, preventing them from becoming operational failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the result of the pressure test (pass/fail) provides information about seal integrity. If the seal fails to maintain pressure during testing, this feedback indicates a defective sealing element that should be replaced before deployment. This feedback loop ensures that only properly sealed pipes are deployed into ultra-deep water service.
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 solution enhances the reliability of sealing systems by allowing pre-deployment testing of sealing elements, ensuring the integrity of seals under high pressure, thus extending the flexible pipe's lifespan and maintaining seal performance even under extreme conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the materials used in the construction of the end fitting elements exhibit elastic material behaviour when subjected to loading
Implementation Method 2
allowing for the application of high pressure to test sealing integrity before deployment
Data Source
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AI summary
A sealing arrangement and a method for testing the integrity of a sealing arrangement of a flexible pipe are disclosed. The method includes locating a first annular sealing element and a second annular sealing element in a joint between two elements of a flexible pipe, with a region of the joint therebetween; and pressurising the region between the first sealing element and the second sealing element through a port extending towards the region to a predetermined pressure of 0.2 MP a or greater.