Hinged Collet Insulation for Subsea Heat Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subsea connector insulation systems cannot effectively insulate collet connections before installation, leading to heat loss and potential hydrate formation, and existing solutions are either expensive or require complex installation processes.
Innovation Solution
A collet connection insulation apparatus with a hinged frame and latching mechanism that can be remotely operated, allowing for easy installation around the collet connection using a remotely-operated vehicle (ROV), comprising semi-circular frame portions with insulation sections and a latching assembly for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If insulation is pre-installed on piping before subsea installation, then heat loss is reduced, but connectors with moving parts and mating surfaces cannot be insulated
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation system is divided into separate components: a frame structure that can be assembled around the connector, with insulation material applied to the frame segments. This allows the insulation to be installed in sections rather than requiring a single pre-formed piece, making it adaptable to connectors with complex geometries, moving parts, and mating surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation material is applied to the frame components before the frame is assembled around the connector. This preliminary application allows the insulation to be prepared in advance while still enabling post-installation insulation of the connector itself, resolving the timing conflict between pre-installation benefits and post-installation necessity.
2Manufacturing precision
If molded insulation is used that conforms to connector contours, then insulation fit is improved, but installation complexity increases requiring ROV operation
Solution Approach 1:
The molded insulation is divided into multiple segments or blocks that can be separately handled and assembled. Each segment can be individually positioned and secured to the frame, simplifying the installation process compared to installing a single large custom-molded piece, while still achieving overall contour conformity when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure with attached insulation segments is designed to be movable and adjustable during installation. The segments can be positioned and secured in different configurations to accommodate various connector sizes and shapes, reducing the need for highly complex custom molding while maintaining good fit.
3Ease of operation
If insulation is placed on connectors after installation, then connector functionality is maintained, but heat loss increases and hydrate formation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation is applied to the frame components before the frame is installed around the connector, but the frame itself is installed after the connector is in place. This allows the insulation to be prepared in advance while ensuring the connector remains fully accessible and functional during the insulation application process, and the final assembly provides immediate thermal protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure serves as an intermediary between the connector and the insulation material. The frame can be installed around the connector without interfering with connector operations, and then the insulation is applied to the frame, effectively mediating between the need for connector accessibility and the need for thermal protection.
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 apparatus effectively maintains fluid temperature, prevents hydrate formation, and is cost-effective, enabling efficient insulation of collet connections during subsea operations.
Implementation Method 1
the pipeline and the piping in the PLETs, manifolds, trees, and jumpers are insulated so as to reduce heat loss to the surrounding seawater
Implementation Method 2
a latching means for locking the first and second portions of the frame in the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A collet connection insulation apparatus has a frame having a first portion hingedly connected to a second portion such that the first and second portions are movable between an open position and a closed position, a first insulation section affixed to the first portion of the frame, a second insulation section affixed to the second portion of the frame, and a latch for locking the first and second portions of the frame in the closed position. The interior volume of the insulation sections is suitable for receiving the collet connection therein. The latch is slidably mounted on one portion of the frame so as to engage a sloted flange on another portion of the frame. The latch can be manipulated by a remotely-operated vehicle.