Flexible Pipe End Fitting Spacer Ring for Re-Termination and Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional end fittings for flexible pipes face challenges such as time-consuming and costly re-termination processes, limited ability to provide vent paths or retrofit elements, axial creep of fluid retaining layers, and difficulty in monitoring or controlling the temperature of the fluid retaining layer, which complicates maintenance and extends the service life of flexible pipes.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a spacer ring member between the core and termination portions of the end fitting, which allows for re-termination without removing the entire end fitting, provides vent paths, and includes heating/cooling elements and sensors to monitor the fluid retaining layer, enabling selective re-sealing and temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire end fitting is removed for re-termination, then a fluid-tight seal can be re-established, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The end fitting is divided into separable components: the body portion remains attached to the flexible pipe while the seal assembly (including seal ring and spacer ring) can be independently removed and re-installed. This segmentation enables re-termination without removing the entire end fitting, reducing time and cost while maintaining fluid-tight sealing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The seal ring and spacer ring are extracted as removable components from the end fitting assembly. The seal ring can be removed to access the fluid retaining layer for re-sealing, while the spacer ring maintains proper spacing between components. This extraction allows localized maintenance without complete disassembly
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional end fittings are used, then the structure is simple, but the ability to provide vent paths or retrofit elements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer ring is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides spacing between end fitting portions, supports seal rings for fluid-tight sealing, and incorporates vent passages for pressure equalization. This multi-functionality enables vent path provision without adding separate complex structures
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer ring acts as an intermediary component between the body portion and seal assembly, providing a platform that mediates multiple functions: mechanical spacing, seal support, and fluid venting. This intermediary structure enables adaptability while maintaining overall structural simplicity
3Measurement precision
If the end fitting is fully disassembled for inspection, then the fluid retaining layer can be monitored, but the entire end fitting must be taken apart
Solution Approach 1:
The seal ring is extracted as a removable component that can be independently removed from the end fitting body. This extraction provides direct access to the fluid retaining layer for inspection and monitoring while leaving the rest of the end fitting assembly intact, simplifying the disassembly process compared to complete take-apart
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are disclosed for terminating flexible pipe body. The apparatus comprises an end fitting core portion (330), an end fitting termination portion (310) and a spacer ring member (335) locatable between the core portion (330) and the termination portion (310) for maintaining a whole anterior end surface of the core portion (330) and an opposed whole posterior end surface of the termination portion (310) in a spaced apart relationship.