Helical Load Carrying Bundle for Subsea Umbilical Strain Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current monitoring systems for subsea umbilicals and power umbilicals face challenges in reliably measuring loads and ensuring the integrity of optical fibre sensors due to harsh environments and susceptibility to physical damage, while also requiring effective strain measurement and minimal impact on the umbilical cross-section.
Innovation Solution
A load carrying bundle comprising individual elongated strength elements, such as carbon fibre or metal rods, laid in a helix around a fibre optic cable to provide protection and frictional bonding, allowing for robust strain measurement and integration into the umbilical structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical fibre sensors are deployed in harsh subsea environments, then monitoring capability is provided, but the fibres are susceptible to physical damage and environmental degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary protective structure consisting of a rod element and matrix material that mediates between the harsh subsea environment and the optical fibre sensor. The rod element acts as a mechanical shield, while the matrix material provides environmental isolation, allowing the fibre to function reliably without direct exposure to damaging conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by embedding the optical fibre within a protective matrix material and positioning it adjacent to rod elements before deployment. This pre-established protective arrangement cushions the fibre against potential physical damage from handling, installation, and operational environments.
2Reliability
If fibre optic cables are protected within composite carriers, then resistance to damage and hydrostatic pressure is provided, but the complexity of integration into umbilical structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rod elements serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical strength to the bundle, act as spacers to maintain geometric arrangement, and serve as protective elements for the fibre. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components, thereby simplifying overall integration despite the protective requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the protective structure into discrete rod elements arranged in a specific geometric pattern around the fibre, rather than using a monolithic protective carrier. This segmentation allows for easier integration into existing umbilical structures and simplifies the manufacturing process.
3Measurement precision
If monitoring systems are integrated into power umbilicals, then continuous strain and temperature monitoring is achieved, but the cross-sectional area and complexity of the umbilical structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin-walled rod elements and a relatively thin matrix material to provide adequate protection and strain transfer while minimizing the cross-sectional area occupied by the monitoring system. This allows precise monitoring capability to be integrated without significantly increasing the overall umbilical dimensions.
4Reliability
If elongated strength elements are laid in helix around fibre optic cable, then frictional bonding and protection are provided, but the manufacturing and assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a helical arrangement of rod elements around the optical fibre, which creates a curved, self-interlocking configuration. This helical geometry naturally generates frictional bonding through contact between the rods and the fibre, as well as between adjacent rods, providing strong mechanical attachment without requiring additional fastening mechanisms.
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 solution enables reliable continuous monitoring of umbilical integrity, displacements, and strain measurements with enhanced protection and ease of assembly, ensuring minimal impact on the umbilical cross-section and improved durability in harsh subsea conditions.
Implementation Method 1
laid in a helix around the, in the bundle, centrally located fibre optic cable, said elongated strength elements being laid adjacent to each other enabling to perform both a protective enclosure of the fibre optic cable and to provide frictional bonding between the fibre optic cable and the elongated strength elements
Data Source
AI summary
A load carrying bundle of elongate elements combined with a fiber optic cable for integration with an elongated structure to perform global strain monitoring using fiber optic strain sensors is described. The load carrying bundle is made up by a number of individual elongated strength elements, which individual elongated strength elements are laid in a helix around the, in the bundle, centrally located fiber optic cable sensor. The elongated strength elements are laid adjacent to each other enabling to perform both a protective enclosure of the fiber optic cable sensor and to provide frictional bonding between the fiber optic cable sensor and the elongated strength elements.