Offshore Flange Connection with Cuff Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flange connections in offshore structures face challenges with sealing integrity due to harsh weather conditions and seawater exposure, particularly when subjected to hydrostatic pressure, leading to potential failures of elastomeric or bituminous sealants used for additional sealing.
Innovation Solution
A flange connection design featuring a cuff that covers the butt joint externally, forming an annular space for automatic drainage via drainage openings, which allows moisture to escape due to gravity, and incorporates a circumferential sealing strip to prevent external liquid penetration, while maintaining the structural integrity of the connection profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomeric or bituminous sealants are applied to seal the butt joint, then sealing is improved, but long-term reliability deteriorates due to UV and seawater exposure causing sealant failure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the vulnerable sealant layer from the external environment by creating a cuff structure that encloses the butt joint. The sealant is extracted from direct exposure to UV and seawater, placing it inside a protected annular space that is sealed at the top and open for drainage at the bottom, thereby extending the sealant's service life while maintaining sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cuff acts as an intermediary structure between the external environment and the sealant. It provides a protective barrier that shields the sealant from harmful UV and seawater exposure while allowing controlled drainage through the bottom opening, thus resolving the contradiction between immediate sealing effectiveness and long-term durability.
2Reliability
If the butt joint is completely sealed to prevent water penetration, then sealing is improved, but automatic drainage capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff structure implements different sealing qualities at different locations: the top opening is sealed to prevent water entry into the annular space, while the bottom opening remains open to enable drainage. This local differentiation of sealing properties allows the structure to simultaneously achieve both sealing integrity and drainage functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of sealing the entire butt joint and finding ways to drain, the invention inverts the approach by creating a sealed top and an open bottom. This inverted configuration allows water to be blocked from entering the annular space while providing a dedicated drainage path at the bottom, resolving the contradiction between sealing and drainage.
3Reliability
If additional sealing measures are added to protect against hydrostatic pressure, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated cuff structure: it provides mechanical protection for the sealant, creates a drainage system, and offers structural reinforcement against hydrostatic pressure. This consolidation achieves improved sealing reliability under pressure without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one element performs multiple protective functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cuff is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously protects the sealant from environmental exposure, provides a drainage pathway, and reinforces the butt joint against hydrostatic pressure. This universal design approach improves sealing reliability without adding separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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 solution enhances the sealing reliability and durability of flange connections by allowing automatic drainage of moisture and reducing the risk of sealant failure under hydrostatic pressure, ensuring long-term integrity and adaptability to various installation methods.
Implementation Method 1
allows automatic drainage in the direction of weight force via at least one drainage opening
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a flange connection (1) on an offshore structure, comprising a first lower connection profile (2) and a second upper connection profile (3) connected to the first lower connection profile (2), wherein the first and the second connection profile (2, 3) each support each other via a flange (2a, 3a), the flanges (2a, 3a) each have through-openings (4) aligned with each other and the through-openings (4) of the flanges (2a, 3a) are penetrated by bolts, wherein the first lower connection profile (2) and/or the second upper connection profile (3) has at least one circumferential sleeve which conceals a butt joint (5) between the flanges (2a, 3a) on the outside and which forms an annular space (13) adjacent to the butt joint (5) which allows automatic drainage in the direction of gravity via at least one drainage opening.