Flexible Pipe Sheath for Sensing Device Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for incorporating sensing devices like optical fibers and cables into flexible pipes face challenges in assembly and removal, particularly in deep and ultra-deep water environments, where harsh conditions and high pressures require reliable monitoring of parameters like strain, temperature, and acoustics, but current techniques are cumbersome and induce unnecessary stress on the pipe material.
Innovation Solution
A sheath apparatus formed from extruded or injection-molded polymer, with a channel and opening design that allows easy insertion and electrical isolation of sensing tubes or cables, which can replace tensile armour wires or be housed between them, enabling continuous monitoring and easy connection to external devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensing devices are incorporated into flexible pipes using traditional methods, then monitoring capability is achieved, but assembly complexity and stress on pipe material increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath is inserted into the space between adjacent tensile armour wires, nesting the sensing device housing within the existing pipe structure. This eliminates the need for separate mounting mechanisms and reduces assembly complexity while maintaining monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath acts as an intermediary component that houses the sensing devices and provides both mechanical protection and electrical isolation. This single intermediary element replaces multiple separate functions, simplifying the overall assembly process
2Reliability
If sensing devices are incorporated into flexible pipes using traditional methods, then monitoring capability is achieved, but stress on pipe material increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath serves as a mediator that distributes mechanical loads away from the delicate sensing devices and tensile armour wires. By housing the sensing devices separately, the sheath prevents direct stress transmission to the pipe material, reducing the risk of damage during installation and operation
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing devices are extracted from direct integration with the pipe structure and placed into separate sheaths. This extraction isolates the sensing devices from high-stress areas, preventing stress-induced damage while maintaining monitoring functionality
3Reliability
If optical fibres are used for monitoring parameters, then continuous monitoring is enabled, but electrical isolation requirements increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection for the sensing devices, electrical isolation from the conductive tensile armour wires, and structural support. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate isolation components, reducing overall device complexity while enabling continuous monitoring
Data Source
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AI summary
A sheath apparatus (300) for housing tubes and/or cables, (302) for incorporation into a flexible pipe body (100), including: an elongate body portion (304), comprising an outer surface (306) and a channel (308) for receiving a tube or cable (302) within the body portion (304), and further comprising at least one opening (312) connecting the channel and the outer surface, wherein the at least one opening (312) comprises a continuous opening extending along the elongate body portion (304) or a plurality of discrete openings at predetermined positions along the elongate body portion, and wherein the channel (308) defines an inner surface (310) of the body portion (304) for contacting the tube or cable. (302)