Segmented Hang-Off Collar for Flexible Pipe Top Tension Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hang-off systems for flexible pipes fail to provide reliable structural resistance and accurate monitoring of top tension, leading to potential structural failures due to environmental forces and operational stresses.
Innovation Solution
A hang-off system featuring an annular collar with load cells and a data acquisition system, designed to maintain the top end-fitting on a surface assembly, comprising multiple parts with load cells sandwiched between top and bottom plates, and reinforcement elements for enhanced structural integrity and easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an annular collar with load cells is used to monitor top tension, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annular collar is divided into multiple segments (at least two parts) that can be assembled around the end-fitting. Each segment contains its own load cell, allowing the measurement function to be distributed and the overall system to be more manageable despite the added complexity of multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular collar structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support to maintain the end-fitting on the surface assembly, enables top tension measurement through integrated load cells, and offers a platform for data acquisition. This multi-functionality justifies the increased device complexity by consolidating multiple systems into one integrated component.
2Ease of operation
If multiple parts are assembled to form the annular collar, then ease of installation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The annular collar is segmented into at least two separate parts that can be transported and installed independently around the end-fitting. This segmentation allows for easier installation in confined spaces and reduces the need for heavy lifting equipment, directly improving ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The load cells are pre-installed and positioned within the collar segments before the final assembly. This preliminary action ensures that the measurement components are correctly aligned and secured, reducing the precision requirements during the final installation phase while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Strength
If load cells are sandwiched between top and bottom plates, then structural resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load cell measurement function is merged with the structural support function by sandwiching the load cell between the top and bottom plates of the collar segments. This integration creates a compact assembly where the load cell is both a measurement device and a structural element, improving strength while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar structure uses a composite arrangement of different components (top plate, load cell, bottom plate) that work together to provide both structural resistance and measurement capability. This composite structure optimizes the strength-to-complexity ratio by combining elements with complementary functions.
4Strength
If reinforcement elements are added to the collar parts, then strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Reinforcement elements are added only to specific locations on the collar parts where structural strength is most needed, rather than uniformly throughout the entire structure. This localized reinforcement improves structural integrity while minimizing the increase in manufacturing complexity and cost.
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 system effectively monitors and manages top tension, ensuring structural resistance and easy installation, reducing the risk of failures by providing accurate load measurements and maintaining the end-fitting securely under varying environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one part comprising at least one load cell arranged in the intermediate space (86) and sandwiched between the top plate and the bottom plate
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hang-off system (16) for measuring a top tension in a flexible pipe (12), the hang-off system (16) comprising: - an annular collar (66) intended to be arranged around a top end-fitting (26) of a flexible pipe, the annular collar (66) being formed by at least two parts assembled to each other, each part comprising a top plate (82) and a bottom plate (84) assembled to each other, said top plate (82) and bottom plate (84) delimiting an intermediate space (86) between them, at least one part comprising at least one load cell (88) arranged in the intermediate space (86) and sandwiched between the top plate (82) and the bottom plate (84), the bottom plate (84) being intended to be assembled on a surface assembly, - a data acquisition system (68) connected to the load cell (86).