Pipe Deployment Timing Detection Using Tension and Vessel Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline deployment methods from self-propelled vessels face challenges in accurately detecting the start and stop times of deployment operations and recording elapsed times, particularly in varying sea conditions and pipe sizes, which affects the control of pipeline geometry and tension.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a computer system on the pipeline deployment vessel that uses sensors to measure pipe motion, tension, and geodetic position to automatically detect the start and stop times of deployment operations, allowing for precise recording of elapsed times and optimization of pipeline deployment processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual methods are used to detect and record operation times, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of operation time detection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects operation start and stop times using sensor data without requiring manual intervention. The computer system self-services by processing sensor inputs (pipe motion, tension, geodetic position) to autonomously determine operation timing, eliminating the need for manual time recording while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical timekeeping methods are replaced with an automated computer-based system that processes sensor data. The mechanical/manual operation of recording times is substituted with electronic sensor detection and computer processing, significantly improving measurement precision.
2Productivity
If automated sensor-based detection is implemented, then measurement precision and productivity improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computer system serves multiple functions: it processes data from multiple sensors (pipe motion, tension, geodetic position), detects operation start and stop times, records elapsed times, and provides information for controlling pipeline geometry and tension. This multi-functionality improves productivity while managing system complexity through consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors sensor data and uses this feedback to automatically detect operation timing. The feedback loop enables real-time detection of deployment operation start and stop times, improving productivity through automated, real-time monitoring without requiring complex manual coordination.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are used to monitor pipe motion, tension, and position, then reliability of operation detection improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensors measuring different parameters (pipe motion, tension, geodetic position) are merged into a single integrated computer system for processing. This consolidation improves detection reliability by combining multiple data sources while managing complexity through unified processing architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The computer system acts as an intermediary that receives and integrates data from multiple sensors. It mediates between the various sensor inputs and the operation detection function, combining information from pipe motion, tension, and position sensors to reliably determine operation timing.
4Manufacturing precision
If real-time monitoring of pipeline geometry and tension is implemented, then manufacturing precision of pipeline deployment improves, but use of energy and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous real-time monitoring of pipeline geometry and tension through continuous sensor data collection and processing. This continuous useful action maintains high manufacturing precision for pipeline deployment by constantly tracking and enabling control of geometric parameters.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for determining start and stop times of at least one selected operation on a pipe deployment vessel includes measuring either or both tension on a pipe deployed from a reel on the vessel and velocity of pipe motion with respect to the vessel. Rotational velocity of the reel is measured. Geodetic position of the vessel with respect to time is measured. The start and stop times of the at least one selected operation are determined from the measured tension, motion velocity, rotational velocity and geodetic position. The start and stop times are recorded.