Heated Flexible Pipe Tape Structure for Uniform Offshore Flow Assurance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flexible pipes face challenges in uniform temperature control and heat loss during the transportation of fluids, especially in low-temperature conditions, which can lead to precipitation issues like wax and hydrate formation, and existing heating methods are complex and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A flexible pipe design featuring a multilayer structure with an interior lining, a non-conductive first exterior layer, an electrically conductive intermediate layer with embedded metallic conductors that do not touch, and a non-conductive second exterior layer, allowing for targeted heating by applying electrical current through the conductive layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional heating methods (electrically conductive cables or temperature-controlled medium passages) are used, then the pipe can be heated to prevent precipitation, but the design becomes complicated and temperature control becomes irregular
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is merged with the existing anti-wear tape structure. The tape integrates multiple functions (thermal insulation, abrasion protection, and heating) into a single component by embedding conductors within the tape layers, eliminating the need for separate heating systems and reducing overall design complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The wound tape serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it provides thermal insulation, prevents abrasion on the metal structure through friction, and functions as a heating element when conductors are embedded. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the pipe system
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a thermoplastics anti-wear tape is introduced between reinforcement layers, then abrasion on metal structure is prevented, but the tape can become brittle and crack at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The tape is constructed as a composite structure with multiple layers including thermoplastics, thermosets, and fabric reinforcements. This composite design combines the abrasion resistance of thermoplastics with the flexibility and low-temperature toughness of thermoset matrices and fabric layers, preventing brittleness while maintaining protective functions
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the tape are adjusted by changing the polymer matrix from purely thermoplastic to a combination including thermoset materials. This parameter change in material composition maintains abrasion protection while improving flexibility and preventing cracking at low temperatures
3Ease of manufacture
If the pipe structure is simplified to reduce cost, then manufacturing becomes more economical, but the ability to control temperature uniformly throughout the pipe is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heating conductors are embedded within the existing wound tape structure rather than requiring separate heating systems. This integration uses the tape's inherent position against the reinforcement layers to achieve uniform heat distribution, maintaining temperature control effectiveness while avoiding additional manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The wound tape acts as an intermediary medium that distributes heat uniformly across the pipe structure. The tape's position between the reinforcement layers and its material properties facilitate even heat distribution, achieving uniform temperature control without requiring complex heating system design
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
This design enables efficient and uniform heating of the pipe, preventing precipitation and maintaining fluid transportability in cold conditions without significant cost increases, as it allows heating only in required sections and reduces heat loss, making it suitable for Arctic and deep-sea applications.
Implementation Method 1
the intermediate layer comprises at least two metallic conductors embedded into the plastic molding composition along an entire length of the tape in such a way that, the two conductors do not touch one another
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible pipe which can be heated efficiently, and may therefore be used for conveying oil in cold regions, is provided. The pipe comprises in order from inside to outside: an interior lining; a wound tape; and at least one reinforcement layer. The wound tape contains a first exterior layer of a plastics molding composition that is not electrically conductive; an intermediate layer of an electrically conductive plastics molding composition; and a second exterior layer of a plastics molding composition that is not electrically conductive. A volume resistivity to IEC 60093 of the intermediate layer is in the range from 10−3 to 1010 Ωm, and the intermediate layer comprises at least two metallic conductors embedded into the plastic molding composition along an entire length of the tape in such a way that, the two conductors do not touch one another.