Metal Seal Plug Sealing for Subsea Hot Taps on Pipe Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hot tapping methods for subsea pipelines are limited by the need for manual diver intervention, which is not feasible at deeper water depths, and existing automatic systems rely on metal sealing at flanges or tees, which is not effective for sealing against the pipe wall.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operated vehicle (ROV)-compatible hot tap clamping system that uses a soft metal gasket seal and a metal seal plug to create a secure connection on the pipe wall, allowing for pressure testing and sealing without interrupting pipeline flow, featuring a clamp with movable gripper arms and an actuator interface for precise alignment and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual diver-based hot tapping is used, then metal sealing can be achieved at flanges or tees, but the method is not feasible at deeper water depths outside diver range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual diver operations with an automated robotic system that performs hot tapping operations remotely. The robotic apparatus includes automated drilling, threading, and seal installation capabilities, eliminating the need for human divers while maintaining sealing effectiveness through precisely controlled mechanical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a robotic intermediary system that acts as a mediator between the control system and the pipeline. This robotic platform carries out the hot tapping operations at depth, serving as an intermediary that extends human capability to environments where divers cannot operate, while the actual sealing is achieved through automated metal seal application at the tap connection.
2Reliability
If traditional annular seals with wellhead compression preload are used, then sealing can be achieved at flanges or tees, but the seal is not effective for sealing against the pipe wall directly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional sealing approach by moving the metal seal application from the flange or tee connection point to the actual tap connection on the pipe wall. Instead of sealing at the accessory connection, the system drills through the pipe wall, threads the tap, and applies the metal seal directly at the pipe wall interface, reversing the conventional sequence and location of seal application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the metal seal specifically at the tap connection on the pipe wall rather than at the flange or tee. This localized sealing approach concentrates the sealing function exactly where the fluid path is interrupted by the tap, ensuring effective sealing at the critical interface between the tap and the pipe wall.
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments, a hot tap clamping system comprises a clamp which fits over and secures against a pipe, an actuator interface, an actuator operatively in communication with clamp, and a hot tap assembly. In a further embodiment, a system for sealing a flowline with a metal seal after hot tapping comprises a sealer, a hot tap drill/plug running tool, and a metal seal plug which is typically configured for use in sealing a flowline, e.g. a pipe, with a metal seal after hot tapping where the metal plug seal is inserted into the pipe and engages with and seals as a hot tap.