Multi-Annuli Pipe Fitting for Reinforcement Corrosion Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pipeline systems face challenges in maintaining tensile strength and hoop strength due to fluid permeation through the inner and outer barrier layers, which can lead to corrosion of reinforcement layers, compromising the integrity of the pipe segments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-annuli pipe system with an inner barrier layer, intermediate layers forming fluid conduits, and an outer barrier layer, along with a multi-annuli pipe fitting that includes a fitting body, a conformally deformed jacket, and an annulus divider ring to block fluid flow between the inner and outer fitting annuli, ensuring securement through swaging techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple barrier layers and reinforcement layers are implemented in pipe segment tubing, then tensile strength and hoop strength are improved, but fluid may still permeate through the barrier layers and corrode the reinforcement layers
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe segment tubing is divided into multiple distinct layers with specific functions: an inner barrier layer, one or more intermediate reinforcement layers, and an outer barrier layer. Each layer segments the overall structure to perform its specific function, creating a multi-annuli configuration that improves both strength and fluid isolation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement layers are nested between the inner and outer barrier layers, creating a protected inner annulus that is surrounded by the outer annulus. This nested structure allows the reinforcement layers to be protected from direct exposure to permeated fluids while maintaining their structural support function.
2Strength
If reinforcement layers with higher tensile strength are used, then the pipe segment strength is improved, but the reinforcement layers become susceptible to corrosion from permeated fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The inner barrier layer acts as an intermediary between the conveyed fluid and the reinforcement layers, providing the first line of defense against fluid permeation. The outer barrier layer serves as a second intermediary, protecting the reinforcement layers from外部环境 fluids. These intermediary barrier layers prevent direct contact between corrosive fluids and the reinforcement material.
3Device complexity
If a single annulus configuration is used in pipe fitting, then device complexity is reduced, but fluid flow between inner and outer tubing annuli cannot be blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe fitting is segmented into multiple annular regions: an inner fitting annulus corresponding to the inner tubing annulus and an outer fitting annulus corresponding to the outer tubing annulus. An annulus divider ring physically divides the fitting body to maintain separation between these annuli, allowing independent fluid flow control for each annulus without requiring complex additional components.
4Reliability
If conformal deformation is applied to secure the pipe fitting, then securement reliability is improved, but the intermediate barrier layer may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The annulus divider ring is pre-positioned within the fitting body before the conformal deformation process. This preliminary positioning ensures that the divider ring is already in place to protect the intermediate barrier layer when the fitting is subsequently deformed onto the pipe segment, preventing damage to the barrier layer during the securement process.
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
This configuration enhances fluid isolation and prevents corrosive fluids from reaching the reinforcement layers, thereby improving the tensile strength and hoop strength of the pipeline system by effectively venting potentially corrosive fluids before they reach the reinforcement annuli.
Implementation Method 1
an annulus divider ring secured to the fitting jacket to divide the tubing cavity into an outer fitting annulus that is fluidly connected to the outer tubing annulus of the multi-annuli pipe segment and an inner fitting annulus that is fluidly connected to the inner tubing annulus of the multi-annuli pipe segment, in which the annulus divider ring is conformally deformed around the intermediate barrier layer of the multi-annuli pipe segment to facilitate blocking fluid flow from the inner fitting annulus to the outer fitting annulus
Implementation Method 2
a fitting jacket secured to the fitting body to define a tubing cavity, in which the fitting jacket is conformally deformed around the outer barrier layer of the multi-annuli pipe segment to facilitate securing the multi-annuli pipe fitting to the multi-annuli pipe segment
Implementation Method 3
the tubing of a pipe segment may include an inner barrier (e.g., liner or sheath) layer and an outer barrier (e.g., shield or sheath) layer that each run (e.g., span) the length of the pipe segment
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for implementing a pipeline system that includes a segment and a pipe fitting. The pipe segment includes an inner barrier layer, a first intermediate layer in an inner tubing annulus, an intermediate barrier layer disposed around the inner tubing annulus, a second intermediate layer in an outer tubing annulus, and an outer barrier layer disposed around the outer tubing annulus. The pipe fitting includes a fitting body that defines a fitting bore, a fitting jacket secured to the fitting body to define a tubing cavity, in which the fitting jacket is conformally deformed around the outer barrier layer of the pipe segment, and an annulus divider ring secured to the fitting jacket to divide the tubing cavity into an outer fitting annulus and an inner fitting annulus, in which the annulus divider ring is conformally deformed around the intermediate barrier layer of the pipe segment.