In-Line Structure Installation in Reeling Pipelines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mechanically Lined Pipelines (MLP) experience wrinkling during reeling and laying due to bending stresses, leading to mechanical and material issues, and excessive use of costly Corrosion Resistant Alloy (CRA) liners to prevent wrinkling.

Innovation Solution

A method involving draining fluid from the vertical part of the pipeline, cutting to create open ends, installing an In-Line Structure, using a vent hose to refill the pipeline with fluid, and optionally re-pressurizing, to allow for the installation of the In-Line Structure without fully draining the pipeline, thereby minimizing wrinkling and reducing liner material usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the pipeline is flooded and pressurised during reel-laying to minimise wrinkling, then the pipeline integrity is improved, but the complexity of fluid management during In-Line Structure installation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipeline integrityVSAvoidfluid management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pipeline is divided into a flooded section (from reel to cut location) and a drained section (vertical part through lay-tower). This segmentation allows the flooded portion to maintain structural integrity while the drained portion facilitates easier In-Line Structure installation without requiring complete system drainage or complex pressurization control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pipeline is pre-flooded and pressurized before reaching the installation zone, and the vertical section is pre-drained through the lay-tower. This preliminary action ensures the pipeline maintains its structural integrity during reel-laying while being ready for efficient In-Line Structure installation without requiring complex fluid management during the actual installation operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a thicker Corrosion Resistant Alloy liner is used to prevent wrinkling, then the pipeline reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewrinkling preventionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters (flooding and pressurization during reel-laying) rather than changing the physical parameters of the liner itself (thickness). This allows the use of thinner, more cost-effective CRA liners while still preventing wrinkling through controlled fluid pressure that counteracts bending stresses during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the pipeline is cut and space is adjusted to install an In-Line Structure, then the installation requirement is met, but the productivity of reel-laying decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation capabilityVSAvoidreel-laying speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The lay-tower serves as an intermediary structure that provides a drain path for the vertical section of the pipeline. This allows the pipeline to be efficiently drained at the installation location without requiring complete system shutdown or complex drainage operations, enabling faster In-Line Structure installation while maintaining overall reel-laying productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 method reduces wrinkling and liner material costs by allowing controlled fluid management during pipeline reeling and laying, ensuring the pipeline's integrity and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The flooding and typical pressurisation of the pipeline with a fluid such as water or MEG, maintains an internal pressure within the pipeline

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

draining fluid in the fluid-filled pipeline from the vertical part of the pipeline to create a drained portion of the vertical part of the pipeline

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity drainage: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

venting air from the drained portion of the pipeline through the vent hose

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir venting:

Data Source

PatentUS10865911B2Method of installing an in-line structure in a pipeline

Publication Date: 2020.12.15 TECH FRANCE SA

AI summary

A method of installing an In-Line Structure (ILS) to a fluid-filled pipeline extending from a reel, over an aligner, and through a lay-tower during offshore reeling, the pipeline having an oblique part from the reel to the aligner, and a vertical part from the aligner through the lay-tower, including at least the steps of: (a) draining fluid in the fluid-filled pipeline from the vertical part of the pipeline to create a drained portion of the vertical part of the pipeline up to and around the aligner; (b) cutting the pipeline at or near the draining of step (a) to create upper and lower open ends of the pipeline; (c) installing the In-Line Structure to at least the upper open end of the pipeline; (d) locating a vent hose through a vent port in the In-Line Structure; (e) adding fluid into the drained portion of the pipeline and venting air from the drained portion of the pipeline through the vent hose to wholly or substantially fill the drained portion of the pipeline with the fluid.