Marine Riser Assembly Segmented Ring Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine riser assemblies face challenges in accommodating relative movement between a floating platform and a wellhead due to wave and current forces, while maintaining sealing integrity, especially when composed of individual pipe sections with varying connections.
Innovation Solution
A riser assembly design featuring tubular members with complementary formations and a segmented ring, along with an annular sleeve, that applies radially inward compressive force to engage and seal the tubular members, utilizing resilient C-seal rings for pressure-energized sealing against both internal and external pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If threaded connections or weld-on connectors are used to connect pipe sections, then the riser assembly can be assembled from individual sections, but the connections cannot reliably maintain sealing integrity under flexing and moving forces from waves and currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane seal that can deform and conform to the relative movement between pipe sections while maintaining sealing integrity. The membrane is designed to flex with the movement caused by waves and currents, preventing leakage without requiring rigid fixed-position connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary sealing mechanism between the pipe sections that mediates the connection by accommodating movement through a compliant sealing element. This intermediary component absorbs the relative motion while maintaining the seal, resolving the contradiction between movement accommodation and sealing reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the riser assembly is made from multiple individual pipe sections, then assembly and disassembly become easier, but the connections between sections must withstand complex flexing and moving forces
Solution Approach 1:
The riser assembly is divided into modular pipe sections that can be easily assembled and disassembled using the connection mechanism. Each section maintains structural integrity while the connection system allows for simple joining and separation, facilitating ease of operation during assembly and maintenance activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism utilizes parameter changes in the sealing elements, transitioning from a relaxed state during assembly to a compressed or engaged state that provides strength under dynamic forces. This allows the connection to be simple during assembly but strong during operation under wave and current forces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional connection methods are used, then the riser assembly can be constructed, but the connections fail to maintain sealing integrity under high pressure and temperature conditions combined with movement
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane seal is designed to maintain its sealing properties under high pressure and temperature conditions while remaining compliant enough to accommodate movement. The material and design of the membrane allow it to withstand harsh environmental conditions without losing its ability to flex and seal effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism may utilize composite materials that combine the properties of heat resistance, pressure resistance, and flexibility. These composite materials enable the seal to withstand high pressure and temperature while maintaining the adaptability to move with the pipe sections, ensuring reliability under combined environmental stresses.
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 design effectively maintains sealing integrity and accommodates movement between the platform and wellhead, ensuring fluid-tight sealing and mechanical integrity under varying forces, even in high-pressure and temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The segmented ring and said annular sleeve have inner and outer surfaces, respectively, the engagement of the inner and outer surfaces exerting the compressive force
Implementation Method 2
utilizing resilient C-seal rings for pressure-energized sealing against both internal and external pressures
Data Source
AI summary
A marine riser assembly having a first tubular member having an external surface with a plurality of first axially spaced formations, a second tubular member having an external surface with a plurality of second axially spaced formations thereon, a segmented ring in surrounding relationship to the first and second tubular members, the segmented ring having an inner surface with a plurality of formations engageable with the formations on the first and second tubular members, the engageable formations serving to urge the first and second tubular members toward each other when the segmented ring is subjected to radially inwardly directed compressive forces, a sleeve in surrounding relationship to force the engageable formations together and a seal assembly for sealing against external and internal pressure.