Intermediate Coupling for Underwater Pipe Thermal Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater hydrocarbon transport pipe couplings face issues with thermal insulation and electrical connectivity in cold water environments, leading to reduced fluid flow rates and potential hydrate plug formation due to inadequate insulation and wet electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
An intermediate coupling design featuring a rigid outer shell with a thermally insulating layer and electric lines in contact with the inner shell, providing continuous thermal insulation and dry electrical connections between heating lines, preventing cold points and electrical deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a T coupling with a single metal shell is used to connect pipe elements, then the coupling structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the thermal insulation is insufficient leading to cold points and reduced fluid flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into two separate shells: an inner metal shell that connects to the pipe elements and an outer shell that provides thermal insulation. This segmentation allows each shell to perform its specific function optimally - the inner shell provides structural connection while the outer shell provides thermal insulation, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and insulation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling combines two different materials with complementary properties: metal (for structural strength and electrical conductivity) and thermally insulating material (for thermal insulation). This composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating both the ease of manufacture of metal couplings and the superior thermal insulation of insulating materials.
2Ease of manufacture
If electric connecting lines are positioned in water around the coupling to connect heating lines, then the installation is simple, but the electrical connections deteriorate or short circuits occur due to wet environment
Solution Approach 1:
The outer shell acts as an intermediary that creates a protected space between the electrical connecting lines and the water environment. This intermediary structure allows electrical connections to be made without direct water contact, preventing deterioration and short circuits while maintaining installation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling creates a dry, water-free environment (inert environment) for the electrical connecting lines by enclosing them within the outer shell. This protects the electrical connections from the harmful water environment while allowing simple installation procedures.
3Productivity
If the coupling provides adequate thermal insulation to prevent cold points, then fluid flow rate is maintained, but the coupling structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is segmented into an inner metal shell and an outer insulating shell, allowing the thermal insulation function to be separated from the structural connection function. This segmentation provides adequate thermal insulation to maintain fluid flow rates while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and modular.
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 ensures reliable fluid extraction by maintaining high thermal insulation and preventing electrical issues, ensuring consistent heating and reducing the risk of hydrate plug formation in underwater hydrocarbon transport systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electric connecting line, intended to heat the fluid flowing in the inner shell
Implementation Method 2
a thermally insulating layer positioned in the intermediate space across from the inner section and across from the inner branch
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling that includes a rigid inner shell, a rigid outer shell positioned around the inner shell to define an intermediate space that contains an electric line and a thermally insulating layer, and an electric connecting line for heating fluid that flows in the inner shell.