Gravity Pile Tower Cradle for Low-Stress Subsea Pipeline Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea pipelines require secure elevation above the sea floor for various reasons, necessitating a tool that can securely cradle the pipeline without causing excessive stress concentration and ensuring stability.
Innovation Solution
A tool comprising a pile tower, roller carriage assembly, and jacking assembly that embeds into the sea floor, using gravity to support the pipeline, with adjustable components and cathodic protection to distribute weight evenly and prevent corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the pipeline is directly placed on the sea floor, then the device complexity is reduced, but the pipeline experiences excessive stress concentration and potential corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gravity-driven pile tower device as an intermediary structure between the sea floor and the pipeline. This device includes a pile tower that embeds into the sea floor and a cradle assembly that supports the pipeline, thereby mediating the contact between the pipeline and sea floor to distribute stress and prevent direct harmful contact
Solution Approach 2:
The pile tower device is designed as a temporary, gravity-driven structure that can be deployed and removed without complex anchoring systems. The use of gravity as the primary retention mechanism simplifies the device while providing sufficient support during pipeline installation or maintenance operations
2Strength
If the pipeline is elevated above the sea floor, then the pipeline stress is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The pile tower device utilizes its own weight as a gravity-driven anchor to stabilize the structure in the water column. The weighted design allows the device to embed into the sea floor and maintain position without requiring complex anchoring systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while providing stable pipeline support
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle assembly incorporates adjustable and movable components that can adapt to different pipeline positions and orientations. The roller arms and positioning mechanisms allow dynamic adjustment to accommodate pipeline installation requirements while maintaining simple overall device architecture
3Device complexity
If a simple support structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the corrosion protection capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pile tower device incorporates cathodic protection systems as an integrated component of the structural design. The combination of the pile tower structure with electrochemical protection creates a composite system that simultaneously provides mechanical support and corrosion protection without significantly increasing 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 tool effectively elevates subsea pipelines while minimizing stress on the pipeline, providing sufficient surface area for support and preventing corrosion, ensuring stable and secure positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a tool for securely cradling a subsea pipeline which land on one side of the pipeline and embed into the sea floor near the pipeline
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for securely cradling a subsea pipeline is claimed that lands on one side of the pipeline, is embedded into the sea floor, reaches under the pipeline, positions the cradling structure, and then lifts the pipeline. The system typically comprises a gravity driven pile based device, comprising a pile tower, a roller carriage assembly, and a jacking assembly that engages the roller carriage assembly and pile tower rails.