Nested Bellows Pressure Compensator for Subsea Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure compensators for subsea devices are bulky, heavy, and prone to corrosion, with limited utilization factor and high dead volume, making them inefficient and unreliable for high-pressure subsea applications.
Innovation Solution
A pressure compensator design featuring a dual-chamber configuration with deformable bellows portions inside the enclosure, reducing dead volume and increasing compensation capacity, while protecting the bellows from mechanical damage and corrosion by enclosing them within the outer wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bellows pressure compensators are used, then pressure compensation function is provided, but the device becomes bulky, heavy, and has high dead volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested bellows structure where a second bellows is positioned inside the first bellows, with the second bellows having a smaller diameter. This nested configuration allows both bellows to contribute to pressure compensation while significantly reducing the overall volume and dead space of the compensator system, thereby improving the utilization factor without compromising reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure compensator is divided into multiple independent bellows segments (first and second bellows) that can independently expand and contract. This segmentation allows for more efficient volume utilization and reduces the total dead volume compared to a single large bellows, while maintaining the pressure compensation function through coordinated deformation of the segments
2Reliability
If bellows are exposed to subsea environment, then pressure compensation is achieved, but corrosion and seawater ingress occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate fluid-filled space between the first and second bellows that acts as a protective barrier. This intermediate space separates the outer bellows from direct contact with the corrosive subsea environment, while still allowing the bellows to perform their pressure compensation function. The intermediate fluid layer protects against corrosion and prevents seawater ingress to the internal components
3Reliability
If large size bellows are used for large volume compensation, then compensation capacity increases, but utilization factor decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting a second bellows inside the first bellows, the patent enables both bellows to actively participate in volume compensation. The second bellows utilizes the internal space of the first bellows, thereby increasing the effective compensation capacity without proportionally increasing the external dimensions. This significantly improves the utilization factor by reducing dead volume while maintaining high compensation capacity
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 results in a more compact, reliable, and efficient pressure compensator with improved utilization factor and protection against seawater ingress, capable of effectively compensating volume variations in subsea environments.
Implementation Method 1
The first bellows portion and the second bellows portion are deformable to provide pressure compensation between the chamber of the subsea device and the second inner volume
Implementation Method 2
The pressure compensator balances the pressure and compensates variations in the volume of the liquid filling the enclosure, which may for example occur due to variations in outside pressure and/or temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure compensator for providing pressure compensation for a chamber of a subsea device is provided. The pressure compensator has an enclosure with at least an outer wall. A first compensation chamber is provided inside the enclosure. A flow connection from the first compensation chamber towards the chamber of the subsea device is further provided. As second compensation chamber is provided inside the enclosure. First and second separating walls are arranged inside the enclosure. A first bellows portion of the first separating wall and a second bellows portion of the second separating wall are deformable to provide pressure compensation between the chamber of the subsea device and a second inner volume around which the second separating wall extends.