Inflatable Bore Plug Assemblies for Flexible Pipe Pressurization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible pipes often deform inadvertently during deployment from coils into pipeline systems, leading to kinking and flattening, which reduces operational efficiency and reliability by altering pipe bore dimensions and increasing the risk of breaches.
Innovation Solution
A pipe handling system employing inboard and outboard bore plug assemblies with inflatable bladders to maintain elevated fluid pressure within the pipe bore, preventing deformation by plugging the pipe ends and using securement mechanisms to prevent plug disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible pipe is unwound from pipe coil for deployment, then the pipe can be installed into pipeline system, but the pipe bore deforms (kinking and flattening) during the unwinding process
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe bore is pressurized with fluid before and during the unwinding process to maintain its circular shape. This preliminary action prevents deformation before it occurs during deployment
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid (water or air) is introduced as an intermediary substance into the pipe bore to provide internal pressure that counteracts the external forces causing deformation during unwinding. The fluid acts as a mediator between the pipe wall and external environmental forces
2Reliability
If pipe bore is pressurized to prevent deformation, then pipe integrity is maintained, but additional equipment (plug assemblies, fluid supply) is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the pressurization function into separate components: inboard plug assembly, outboard plug assembly, and fluid supply system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as a complete system
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic or hydraulic principles by introducing compressible fluid into the pipe bore to generate internal pressure. This allows for controlled pressurization that can be adjusted during the unwinding process to maintain pipe shape without excessive complexity
3Volume of moving object
If pipe is kept in coiled form for storage and transport, then space is saved, but the pipe bore may deform during storage and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe is pressurized with fluid before being coiled for storage and transport. This preliminary pressurization maintains the pipe bore shape during the coiling process and throughout storage, preventing deformation that would occur if the pipe were unpressurized
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 system effectively reduces the likelihood of deformation during deployment, maintaining pipe integrity and operational efficiency by keeping the pipe bore pressurized and securely plugged, thus enhancing pipeline system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a first inflatable plug having a first inflatable bladder that defines a first fluid cavity and a first inflation port opening that opens to the first fluid cavity
Implementation Method 2
enabling the pipe bore in the flexible pipe to be pressurized to an elevated fluid pressure at least while the flexible pipe is being unwound from the pipe coil
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for implementing and/or operating a pipe handling system that includes an inboard bore plug assembly and an outboard bore plug assembly, which facilitate plugging a pipe bore in a flexible pipe. The inboard bore plug assembly includes a first inflatable plug having a first inflatable bladder that defines a first fluid cavity and a first inflation port opening and a first inflation fluid port secured within the first inflation port opening. The outboard bore plug assembly includes a second inflatable plug having a second inflatable bladder that defines a second fluid cavity, a second inflation port opening, and a bore port opening, a second inflation fluid port secured within the second inflation port opening, and a bore fluid port secured in the bore port opening to enable the pipe bore in the flexible pipe to be pressurized to an elevated fluid pressure.