Flexible Pipe Thermal Detection for Entrenchment and Upheaval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting entrenchment or upheaval of flexible pipes and external features in deep and ultra-deep water environments face challenges, particularly in environments with minimal thermal gradients between the pipe and the external environment, leading to difficulties in accurately monitoring changes in pipe conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing a temperature sensing element and a heating element placed radially outward from a flexible pipe layer, with a controller to compare temperature responses at multiple locations along the pipe, allowing for detection of entrenchment or upheaval and external features by analyzing heat dissipation patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional temperature monitoring techniques are used to detect pipe entrenchment or upheaval, then the detection method is simple, but the detection sensitivity is insufficient in environments with minimal thermal gradients
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the pipe before temperature monitoring to create an artificial thermal gradient. The heating element is activated to raise the pipe temperature above ambient levels, ensuring that subsequent temperature changes due to entrenchment or upheaval are detectable even in environments with minimal natural thermal gradients.
Solution Approach 2:
A heating element is introduced as an intermediary component between the pipe and the temperature sensing system. This intermediary creates a controlled thermal environment that enhances the detectability of pipe condition changes by establishing a baseline thermal state and amplifying temperature variations caused by external factors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If temperature monitoring relies on temperature differences between pipe fluid and external environment, then the system is simple to operate, but it fails for insulated pipes or in deep water environments with minimal thermal gradients
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary heating to the pipe regardless of insulation or environmental conditions. By actively heating the pipe before monitoring, the system creates its own thermal gradient independent of ambient temperature differences, enabling detection in insulated pipes and deep water environments where natural thermal gradients are minimal or absent.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the thermal parameter of the pipe by actively heating it to a predetermined temperature. This parameter change creates a detectable thermal state that is independent of environmental conditions, allowing the system to adapt to various operating conditions including insulated pipes and deep water environments where natural thermal gradients are insufficient.
3Measurement precision
If a heating element and temperature sensing element are added to enhance detection sensitivity, then detection accuracy improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element and temperature sensing element are nested within the existing pipe structure, with the heating element positioned radially outward from a pipe layer and the temperature sensing element positioned similarly. This nested arrangement integrates the additional components into the pipe's existing geometry, simplifying manufacturing compared to external attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element serves multiple functions: it creates the thermal gradient for detection, acts as a reference for temperature measurements, and can potentially provide thermal insulation. The temperature sensing element both monitors the pipe temperature and detects temperature changes due to entrenchment or upheaval. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
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
Enhances sensitivity in detecting entrenchment or upheaval and external features, regardless of operating temperatures, and is effective for insulated pipes, providing accurate detection without relying on temperature differences between the pipe fluid and the external environment.
Implementation Method 1
controlling the heating element to heat to a predetermined temperature
Implementation Method 2
measuring the temperature at a first longitudinal location and a second longitudinal location
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b~5
AI summary
A method and apparatus for detecting pipe entrenchment or upheaval of a flexible pipe and/or the presence of an external feature to the flexible pipe are disclosed. The method includes helically winding a temperature sensing element (204) around a layer of a flexible pipe; helically winding a heating element (206) around a layer of a flexible pipe; heating the heating element to a pre-determined temperature; measuring the temperature at at least two locations along the flexible pipe; comparing the measured temperature response at the at least two locations; and making a determination, from the comparison of measured responses, regarding the exterior vicinity of the pipe at one of the at least two locations.