Modular Hot Stab Connection Flange Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art hot stab connectors for sub-sea environments face manufacturing cost issues and potential failure points due to difficult welds between dissimilar metals, particularly in weld-o-let connections.
Innovation Solution
A modular hot stab connection assembly featuring a stab receptacle with a swivel flange and adapter nipple that eliminates the need for a weld between the adapter nipple and the receptacle body, using a swivel flange to secure the adapter nipple and an o-ring seal for a robust, metal-to-metal face seal, allowing for easier manufacturing and reduced failure risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If weld-o-let connection or butt-weld branch connection is used to connect the outlet to the receptacle body, then the connection is structurally integrated, but the manufacturing cost increases and potential failure points are introduced due to difficult welds between dissimilar metals
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet assembly is segmented from the receptacle body through the use of an adapter nipple and swivel flange connection. This allows the outlet assembly to be manufactured separately and attached via mechanical means rather than welding, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural integrity through proper flange design and bolting arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
An adapter nipple serves as an intermediary component between the outlet and the receptacle body. This intermediary element enables connection without direct welding between dissimilar metals, using instead a swivel flange mechanism that simplifies manufacturing while ensuring reliable structural connection.
2Strength
If weld-o-let connection is used between dissimilar metals, then structural connection is achieved, but potential failure points are introduced and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter nipple with swivel flange acts as a mediator that eliminates direct welding between dissimilar metals. This intermediary component allows structural connection to be achieved through mechanical fastening and sealing, thereby removing the unreliable welded joints while maintaining strong structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The welding process is extracted from the connection methodology between the outlet assembly and receptacle body. By removing the welding operation entirely and replacing it with a swivel flange mechanical connection, the source of potential failure points is eliminated while the structural connection function is preserved through alternative means.
3Ease of manufacture
If modular design with adapter nipple and swivel flange is used, then manufacturing cost decreases and ease of manufacture improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While segmentation into multiple components (outlet assembly, adapter nipple, swivel flange, receptacle body) does increase the number of parts, each segment is simpler to manufacture individually without complex welding requirements. The overall device complexity is managed through standardized connection interfaces that simplify assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The swivel flange connection design provides universal applicability for connecting different outlet configurations to the receptacle body. This multi-functional connection mechanism handles both structural support and sealing functions, as well as accommodating various orientations, thereby justifying the additional components through their versatile utility.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection assembly for connecting sub-sea lines and devices includes a stab receptacle assembly and a stab assembly. The stab receptacle assembly includes a receptacle body and an outlet assembly, which in turn, includes an adapter nipple configured for attachment to the first sub-sea line. A swivel flange secures the adapter nipple to the first side of the receptacle body. The use of the adapter nipple and swivel flange eliminates a difficult weld between the adapter nipple and the receptacle body. The connection assembly further includes a stab assembly that has a base, a line end connected to the base and a stab body connected to the base. The stab body is configured for insertion into the stab receptacle. The line end is configured for connection to the second sub-sea line.