J-Lay Winch Coupling Alignment for Safer Pipeline Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current J-lay systems for deploying pipelines face challenges such as manual intervention for winch handling, offset abandonment and recovery systems, potential rope damage due to tension issues, and limited flexibility in accommodating different pipe sizes and angles, which can lead to inefficiencies and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a retractable winching element with a catcher element to maintain alignment and tension, traversable clamping elements for controlled movement, and a workstation for easy access to the pipeline, allowing for automatic latching and compliance to prevent over-tensioning, and enabling maintenance and operations at various positions along the pipeline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the abandonment and recovery system is positioned offset from the firing line, then the system can avoid interference with the pipeline deployment, but the connection requires manual intervention and additional operations
Solution Approach 1:
A catcher element is introduced as an intermediary device positioned on the firing line to receive and guide the coupling element. This mediator enables automatic connection operations while maintaining the abandonment and recovery system's offset position, thus resolving the contradiction between system reliability and operational ease
2Stability of the object's composition
If the winch rope is made taut to prevent swinging, then the frame stability improves, but the rope may be damaged by excessive tension
Solution Approach 1:
A compliance element is incorporated into the winch system to provide beforehand cushioning against excessive tension. This element allows the rope to remain sufficiently taut for frame stability while preventing damage from over-tensioning, thus resolving the contradiction between frame stability and rope integrity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the J-lay tower angle is changed to accommodate different pipe sizes, then the system versatility improves, but tension loads may damage the winch rope
Solution Approach 1:
The compliance element provides beforehand cushioning that absorbs tension shocks when the J-lay tower angle is changed for different pipe sizes. This allows the system to maintain versatility while protecting the rope from damage during angle transitions
4Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling element is allowed to swing freely, then the system flexibility improves, but connection precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The catcher element acts as an intermediary that guides and constrains the coupling element's movement. It allows sufficient flexibility for the coupling element to reach its target while maintaining precise alignment through the catcher's guiding structure, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and precision
Data Source
AI summary
System for use in building and deployment of an elongate element (202) in a J-lay operation. The system includes an upright structure (206); a winching element (204) retractable along an axis within the upright structure (206); a coupling element (210) connected to the winching element (204), for coupling the winching element (204) to an elongate element (202); and a catcher element (212) configured to retain the coupling element (210) in alignment with a predetermined axis within the upright structure (206) during retraction or extension of the winching element (204).