Pipe Element Transition Segment Standardization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing high-pressure pipe elements for drilling risers, such as kill lines and choke lines, lack standardization due to complex production requirements for connecting means, making it difficult to achieve reduced weight, sufficient resistance to internal pressure, and economical design.
Innovation Solution
A pipe element design featuring a hooped metal core with composite material reinforcing layers and a transition element with a frustoconical shape, allowing for standardization of components while maintaining reduced weight and enhanced resistance to internal pressure, includes additional shrinking layers on either side of the weld between the transition element and the core, and connection means, which are welded independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If connecting means are designed with specific dimensions to be directly welded to the metal core, then the pipe element can withstand internal pressure, but the production complexity increases and standardization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe element is divided into distinct standardized modules: a metal core, connection means with standardized dimensions, and a transition element. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standardized processes, reducing production complexity while maintaining structural integrity and pressure resistance through proper welding of the transition element between components.
2Strength
If connecting means are designed with specific dimensions for direct welding, then the pipe element can withstand internal pressure, but manufacturing time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transition element serves multiple functions: it connects the metal core to the connection means, provides a standardized interface for welding, and allows the same connection means to be used across different pipe element designs. This universality reduces manufacturing time by eliminating the need to custom-design connecting means for each application while maintaining pressure resistance through its structural design and welding integration.
3Strength
If connecting means are custom-produced to meet operational specifications, then the pipe element achieves sufficient strength, but design and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transition element provides a standardized interface that enables the same connection means to be used across multiple pipe element designs, achieving operational specifications through standardized dimensions and welding procedures. This eliminates the need for custom-produced connecting means, thereby reducing design and manufacturing costs while maintaining the required strength and pressure resistance through proper transition element design and welding integration.
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
This design enables standardization of pipe elements, reduces manufacturing complexity and costs, and enhances resistance to internal pressure, particularly at transition zones, while maintaining a lightweight and economical structure.
Implementation Method 1
the reinforcing element wound around the core is stressed in tension, which introduces the placing under compressive stress of the metal core. The prestress undergone by the core is similar to that which an external pressure would produce.
Implementation Method 2
The reinforcing element is an aiongé element. it can be in the form of a tape, a thread, or preferably a set of threads or a wick coated in a polymer matrix.
Implementation Method 3
Said shrunk tube further comprises at least one transition element welded on one side to one end of said core and on the other to one end of said connection means.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The element has a fretted tube (T) whose central part is formed of a metal core (A) covered with a fretting layer. The fretted tube includes a transition element (B) welded on a side to an end of the core and on another side to an end of a connection unit (C). The layer is extended on both sides of a weld between the transition element and the core. An additional fretting layer (F') is extended on both sides of the weld between the element and the central part, where the layer is formed by reinforcement elements made of composite material e.g. fiber, coated with a polymeric matrix. An independent claim is also included for a method for forming a pipe element.