Collapse-Resistant Hose Fitting Assembly With Dual Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hose fitting assemblies used in high-pressure subsea applications often experience leaks at the interface with the installed hose fitting assembly, leading to corrosion and potential failure.
Innovation Solution
A unique hose fitting assembly that enhances sealing by incorporating a sleeve, a fitting with an internal cavity, a nipple, and at least one seal that seals against the inner layer of the hose, rather than just the outer sheath layer, to prevent seawater ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional sealing method using only an outer sheath layer seal is used, then the assembly process is simpler, but sealing reliability deteriorates due to high-pressure leaks at the fitting interface
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into two independent sealing mechanisms: an outer seal engaging the outer sheath layer and an inner seal engaging the inner layer. This segmentation allows each seal to perform its specific sealing function independently, ensuring comprehensive sealing reliability under high external pressures while maintaining a modular fitting assembly structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting assembly employs a nested sealing structure where the inner seal is positioned within the outer seal assembly. The inner seal engages the inner layer of the hose while the outer seal engages the outer sheath layer, creating a nested configuration that provides dual sealing protection without significantly increasing overall assembly complexity.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If seawater ingress is allowed at the fitting interface, then the assembly process remains simple, but corrosion and failure occur over time
Solution Approach 1:
The dual seal configuration provides preliminary anti-action against seawater ingress by creating two independent barriers before seawater can penetrate into the hose construction. The outer seal prevents seawater from reaching the fitting-hose interface, while the inner seal provides a second line of defense, thereby preventing corrosion and extending hose assembly longevity in subsea environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting assembly incorporates beforehand cushioning against corrosion by establishing dual sealing barriers that prevent seawater contact with metal surfaces. This protective measure is built into the assembly design, cushioning the hose and fitting against corrosive effects before they can occur, thereby extending service life in harsh subsea conditions.
3Ease of manufacture
If the carcass is manipulated for hose installation, then the hose can be installed, but the installation process becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted from the carcass manipulation process and assigned to dedicated seal elements that engage the inner layer. This extraction eliminates the need to manipulate the carcass for sealing purposes, simplifying the installation process while maintaining effective sealing. The seals are installed independently of carcass manipulation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner seal acts as an intermediary between the fitting and the hose inner layer, providing a sealing interface that does not require direct carcass manipulation. This intermediary sealing mechanism facilitates easier installation by decoupling the sealing function from the complex carcass structure, allowing for simpler assembly operations.
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 effectively precludes seawater ingress, reducing the risk of corrosion and extending the longevity and performance of the hose assembly by achieving higher burst pressures and simplifying the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one seal operatively mounted in the internal cavity of the fitting and configured to seal against an outer surface of the at least one inner layer of the collapse-resistant hose
Implementation Method 2
The external subsea pressure may energize the seal against the inner layer to improve sealing performance
Data Source
AI summary
A hose fitting assembly for a collapse-resistant hose, includes a sleeve having a forward and rearward sleeve end portion, the rearward sleeve end portion having an opening adapted to receive a hose end portion; a fitting having an optionally flared rearward fitting end portion operatively coupled to the forward sleeve end portion, the rearward fitting end portion having an internal surface forming an internal cavity configured to receive the hose end portion; and an optionally threaded nipple operatively couplable to the fitting and extending rearwardly through the internal cavity of the fitting, the nipple being configured to fit within an internal hose passage. The fitting assembly may include a seal mounted in fitting and sealable against the core tube upon crimping. The fitting assembly may include a support ring between skived and unskived hose regions. A collapse-resistant hose includes a carcass with an optional unbonded sacrificial layer is also provided.