Insulated Pipe Coupling for Subsea Hydrate Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe couplings for offshore hydrocarbon production face challenges in preventing hydrate formation, require complex insulation installation, and struggle to securely couple and uncouple components under subsea conditions, especially when subjected to mechanical loads and low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling apparatus with insulating elements that are load-bearing and have force-transmitting properties, integrated with gripping and retaining elements, and a locking mechanism that allows for secure coupling and uncoupling using an actuating tool, with insulating elements pre-mounted on pipes before deployment to prevent hydrate formation and protect against mechanical impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If insulation is added to prevent hydrate formation, then hydrate prevention is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the insulation element with the locking mechanism into a single integrated component. The insulation element is attached to the locking ring, which already exists in the pipe coupling system. This merging eliminates the need for separate insulation installation steps while maintaining hydrate prevention functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation element is pre-mounted on the locking ring before the coupling operation. This preliminary action ensures that insulation is already in place when the coupling is assembled, eliminating the need for complex post-installation insulation work and ensuring hydrate prevention from the start.
2Reliability
If insulation is installed on subsea equipment, then hydrate formation is prevented, but installation requires divers and special equipment
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the insulation element with the locking ring, the patent eliminates the need for separate insulation installation operations. The insulation comes pre-mounted on the locking ring, which is part of the standard coupling assembly, allowing installation by regular coupling procedures without requiring divers or special insulation installation equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation element is pre-mounted on the locking ring onshore before deployment. This preliminary preparation transfers the insulation installation to a controlled environment where it can be done easily, eliminating the need for complex subsea insulation installation operations.
3Reliability
If a housing is used to insulate subsea installation, then hydrate formation is prevented, but maintenance requires housing removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a segmented approach where the insulation is applied only to the pipe flange areas that require protection, rather than enclosing the entire installation in a housing. This localized insulation allows maintenance personnel to access the pipe and perform maintenance without removing any housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation element is pre-mounted on the locking ring, creating a permanent integrated solution that remains in place during maintenance operations. This eliminates the need to remove and reinstall housing structures for maintenance access.
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 provides a simpler and more effective insulation installation, prevents hydrate formation, securely couples and uncouples components, and withstands mechanical loads, ensuring reliable operation under subsea conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one insulating element which surrounds the pipe flange
Implementation Method 2
The insulating element arranged around the pipe is prepared for the attachment of an actuating tool... The insulating element arranged around the pipe comprises means for the attachment of the pipe to a structure
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe coupling apparatus for coupling together first and second opposing pipe flanges includes a number of gripping elements which are connected to the second pipe flange and are engageable with the first pipe flange. A locking element is displaceably arranged on the second pipe flange to lock the gripping elements to the first pipe flange when the pipe flanges are coupled together, and an insulating element extends around the second pipe flange and is connected to the locking element. The apparatus includes an actuating tool for displacing the first insulating element and thus the locking element.