Helical Inserted Flexible Pipe for Flow Disturbance Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible pipes used in the oil and gas industry often experience flow disturbances and vibrations due to the helical gaps in their internal carcasses, which can lead to resonance and pulsation issues, and existing solutions either lack structural integrity during depressurization or require complex manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A flexible pipe design featuring a helical insert with an L-shaped section that closes the gap between the carcass turns, made from a thinner steel strip with a specific profile that allows for axial and radial movement, reducing buckling and flow disturbances while maintaining simplicity and cost-effectiveness in manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional helical carcass with gaps between turns is used, then the pipe structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but flow disturbances and vibrations occur due to the helical gaps
Solution Approach 1:
An insert element is introduced as an intermediary component between the carcass turns to close the helical gaps. This insert acts as a mediator that eliminates flow disturbances without requiring fundamental changes to the carcass structure or manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The solution segments the gap-closing function from the carcass structure itself by using a separate insert element. This allows the carcass to maintain its simple helical structure while the insert provides the gap-closing function, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and flow quality
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the internal carcass is removed to achieve smooth bore, then flow disturbances are eliminated, but the pipe becomes susceptible to deformation or crushing during depressurization
Solution Approach 1:
The insert serves as an intermediary that provides flow smoothing without requiring complete removal of the carcass structure. The carcass remains in place to provide structural support during depressurization, while the insert eliminates flow disturbances
Solution Approach 2:
The solution applies local quality modification by adding the insert only where needed (in the gap regions) rather than removing the entire carcass. This localized approach maintains overall structural integrity while addressing flow issues
3Object-generated harmful factors
If an extended S-shaped insert is used to close the gaps, then flow disturbances are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases and buckling occurs during spiraling
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex S-shaped profile, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple L-shaped profile. This inversion simplifies manufacturing while achieving the same gap-closing function, and the simpler geometry prevents buckling during spiraling
Solution Approach 2:
The solution changes the geometric parameters of the insert profile from an extended S-shape to a simpler L-shape. This parameter change reduces manufacturing complexity and eliminates buckling issues while maintaining the effectiveness of gap closure
Data Source
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AI summary
Said pipe (10) comprises: - an internal carcass (26) comprising a first folded strip (31) defining a helical gap (40) which opens towards the central axis (A-A'); - a helical insert (28) closing off the helical gap (40) towards the inside. The helical insert (28) is made of steel and comprises, in cross section in a median axial plane, a radial outer region (44) arranged at least partially in the helical gap (40), and an axial inner region (46) projecting from the radial region (44), the axial inner region (46) at least partially closing off the helical gap (40). The helical insert (28) has an outer free edge (51) arranged inside the helical gap (40), and an inner free edge (55) arranged outside the helical gap (40).