Composite Pipe End Fitting With Compressed Liner Transition Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Composite pipes used in the oil and gas industry face challenges in reliable termination and connection to non-composite piping due to differences in structural properties and thermal expansion, leading to instability and sealing issues in hostile subsea environments.
Innovation Solution
A termination apparatus for composite pipes comprising a liner layer with an extension piece, an annular transition element, and a connector, where compression means compress the extension piece into sealing engagement with the annular transition element, ensuring fluid communication and stability, utilizing a polymer matrix with reinforcing fibers like carbon or glass fibers, and metal components for structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If composite pipe material is used, then resistance to harsh environmental conditions is improved, but reliable connection to steel piping deteriorates due to differences in structural properties and thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
A transition piece is introduced as an intermediary component between the composite pipe and steel piping. This transition piece includes a first end connected to the composite pipe and a second end connected to the steel piping, effectively mediating the connection between two incompatible materials with different structural properties and thermal expansion characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition piece itself is constructed as a composite structure with a composite material portion and a metal portion. This composite construction allows the transition piece to bridge the gap between composite and steel materials, combining the advantages of both material types to achieve reliable connection while maintaining resistance to harsh environmental conditions.
2Weight of moving object
If composite pipe material is used, then lightweight and buoyancy are improved, but stability on sea floor deteriorates due to low specific gravity
Solution Approach 1:
An armouring layer comprising metal wires or rods is integrated into the composite pipe structure. This composite construction combines the lightweight composite material with denser metal armouring, achieving a balance between maintaining low overall weight and increasing specific gravity for improved sea floor stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If armouring layer is added to increase specific gravity, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional layers and winding requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The armouring layer is constructed using flexible metal wires or rods that can be spirally wound around the composite pipe. This flexible armouring approach allows for simplified installation and adaptation to the pipe's curvature, reducing the complexity associated with rigid armouring systems while maintaining stability improvements.
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 reliable and stable connection that withstands harsh conditions, maintaining pipe stability and ensuring effective fluid passage through the composite and steel interfaces, addressing the buoyancy and instability issues of composite pipes.
Implementation Method 1
compression means compresses the extension piece into sealing engagement with the exterior surface of the annular transition element
Data Source
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AI summary
According to the invention, an apparatus for terminating a composite pipe is provided, comprising: • - a pipe (1) having a liner layer (2) surrounded by a composite layer (3) and a pipe end, the liner layer comprising an extension piece (4) which extends axially beyond the composite layer at the pipe end; • - a connector (5); • - an annular transition element (6) located between the pipe end and the connector, the annular transition element having an exterior surface (7); • - compression means;