Pipe Closing Apparatus for Ruptured Riser Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in effectively closing and re-opening a ruptured riser pipe in a high-pressure underwater environment, such as at depths of 5000 feet, due to the immense hydrostatic pressures and the need for materials that can withstand corrosion and maintain a watertight seal.
Innovation Solution
A pipe closing apparatus comprising a stainless steel or strong material construction with a disk-shaped top member, a cylinder tube, and a piston that can be lowered to seal vent openings and secure to the riser pipe using explosive bolts or welding, ensuring a high-pressure watertight seal and capable of withstanding the pressures at such depths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pipe closing apparatus is deployed to seal a ruptured riser pipe at great depths, then the ability to close and re-open the pipe is achieved, but the immense hydrostatic pressure and corrosion make maintaining a watertight seal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs materials and sealing mechanisms specifically designed to withstand extreme pressure parameters and resist corrosion at great depths. The sealing surfaces and gasket materials are selected and configured to maintain their sealing properties under the specific pressure and chemical environment conditions of deep-sea operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe closing apparatus utilizes composite construction combining stainless steel components with specialized sealing materials that resist both hydrostatic pressure and corrosion. This multi-material approach creates a sealing system that can withstand the harsh deep-sea environment while maintaining reliability.
2Strength
If the apparatus uses explosive bolts or welding to secure to the riser pipe, then a strong connection is achieved, but the complexity of installation and operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is pre-configured with explosive bolts or welding mechanisms prepared for immediate installation. The connection mechanism is designed to be activated quickly during the closing operation, reducing the time and complexity of the installation process while ensuring strong attachment to the riser pipe.
3Reliability
If the piston is lowered to seal vent openings, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston mechanism is designed to be actuated by the pressure differential that naturally exists when the apparatus is installed on the ruptured pipe. The pressure from the ruptured side automatically drives the piston to seal the vent openings, eliminating the need for external actuation systems and reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for installing a pipe closing apparatus in an oil well rig system positioned at least partially in a body of water, comprising the steps of shutting off a flow of oil through a well head, removing a section of riser pipe from the oil well rig system and connecting the pipe closing apparatus to a remaining portion of riser pipe and positioning the pipe closing apparatus between the remaining portion of riser pipe and the well head.