Modular Hang-Off Collar With Load Cells for Flexible Pipe Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible pipes used for transporting production fluids face structural failures due to high tension and compression loads from environmental factors and weight, necessitating a system that provides structural resistance and reliable monitoring of deformations while ensuring easy installation on surface assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A hang-off system comprising an annular collar with load cells and a data acquisition system to measure top tension, featuring multiple parts with load cells sandwiched between top and bottom plates, fasteners for alignment, and reinforcement elements for structural integrity, allowing for easy installation and reliable deformation monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a hang-off system is designed to provide structural resistance against high tension and compression loads, then the strength and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annular collar is divided into multiple separable parts (first part, second part, third part) that can be assembled around the end fitting in a step-by-step manner. Each part contains load cells positioned between top and bottom plates, allowing the system to achieve high structural resistance through distributed loading while maintaining ease of installation through modular assembly
2Measurement precision
If load cells are integrated into the hang-off system for monitoring top tension, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load cells are integrated directly into the structural components of the annular collar, specifically positioned between the top and bottom plates of each part. This merging of measurement function with structural support function allows precise top tension monitoring without adding separate complex measurement systems
Solution Approach 2:
The top and bottom plates serve dual functions: providing structural support and housing the load cells for measurement. The same components that provide mechanical strength also enable precise tension monitoring, eliminating the need for separate measurement apparatus
3Ease of operation
If the annular collar is formed by multiple assembled parts, then ease of installation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annular collar is segmented into multiple parts that can be transported separately and assembled on-site around the end fitting. This segmentation enables easier installation in confined offshore spaces while the standardized interface between parts ensures proper alignment and structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The load cells are pre-installed between the top and bottom plates during manufacturing, allowing the collars to be assembled quickly on-site without complex field installation procedures. The modular design with pre-integrated components simplifies the installation process while maintaining measurement capability
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 maintains the flexible pipe's top section, providing structural resistance and facilitating easy installation, while ensuring accurate load measurements and operational continuity.
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
AI summary
A hang-off system (16) for measuring a top tension in a flexible pipe (12), the hang-off system (16) that includes: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).