Marine Riser Side Tension Members Load Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional marine risers face increased tension requirements with deeper water depths, leading to heavier and more burdensome central pipes, which necessitate redesigning connector geometry and increasing the weight on riser tensioners.
Innovation Solution
The marine riser design incorporates a plurality of central pipes connected by slip-type or threaded pipe connections, with tension members formed by side pipes that are connected using load-transfer pipe connections, and buoyancy modules to reduce the burden on central pipes, allowing for adjustable tension requirements without altering the central pipe geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the diameter and wall thickness of the central pipes are increased to withstand higher tension loads, then the main conduit becomes stronger, but the marine riser becomes heavier and the burden on the system of riser tensioners increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tension load-carrying function into separate components: the main conduit is segmented into modular sections connected by standardized connectors, while tension members are separate elements that can be independently configured. This allows the main conduit to be optimized for fluid transport without needing to be oversized for tension support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the tension support function from the main conduit by introducing separate tension members. These tension members are taken out as distinct components that carry the axial tension loads, allowing the main conduit to be designed solely for its primary function of fluid transport with appropriate diameter and wall thickness.
2Strength
If the diameter and wall thickness of the central pipes are increased to withstand higher tension loads, then the main conduit becomes stronger, but the connector geometry between riser segments has to be redesigned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal standardized connectors that can join modular conduit sections regardless of the specific tension requirements. The connectors serve multiple functions: mechanical joining of sections, alignment, and sealing. This standardization allows the same connector design to be used across different riser configurations without redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the conduit into standardized modular sections that can be assembled using identical connectors. This segmentation allows the connector design to remain simple and standardized while the overall riser system achieves the required strength through the combination of multiple sections and separate tension members.
3Length of moving object
If more riser segments are joined together to form the desired marine riser length for deeper waters, then the marine riser can reach greater depths, but the number of pipe connections increases and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the marine riser into standardized modular segments of consistent length and configuration. Each segment is pre-assembled with identical connectors, allowing for rapid assembly by simply repeating the same connection procedure multiple times rather than customizing each joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent standardizes the geometric parameters of connectors and segment interfaces, creating a modular system where the same connection parameters apply regardless of the total number of segments. This allows assembly procedures to be optimized and repeated efficiently across the entire riser length.
Data Source
AI summary
A marine riser includes a plurality of central pipes assembled end to end to form a main conduit. A plurality of tension members runs the length of the main conduit. The tension members are coupled to the main conduit to support and constrain an axial motion of the main conduit.