Pipe End Seal Assembly with Malleable Graphite
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea pipelines with corrosion-resistant alloy (CRA) cladding face challenges in repair due to media interaction with bare pipe ends, leading to degradation and reduced repair integrity, especially with complex tolerances and thermal dynamics.
Innovation Solution
A pipe end connector assembly with a modified MORGRIP design incorporating disc-shaped end plates, gripping segments, annular rings, and malleable exfoliated graphite seals to securely engage and seal the pipe ends, minimizing media interaction and accommodating geometric irregularities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If mechanical connectors are used to repair subsea pipelines, then the repair can be performed in the subsea environment, but the media within the pipeline can come into contact with the bare end faces of the cut pipes, leading to degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with sealing surfaces and gripping segments that are pre-configured to immediately seal and protect the pipe end faces upon installation, preventing media contact before degradation can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary component between the pipe ends and the external environment, with its sealing surfaces and gripping segments serving as a barrier that prevents direct contact between media and bare pipe ends
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connector accommodates tolerances and irregularities in pipe dimensions, then it can fit various pipe conditions, but the complexity of the connector design increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping segments are designed to be movable and adaptable, allowing them to conform to variations in pipe outer diameter and surface conditions, while the sealing surfaces can adjust to accommodate tolerances in pipe dimensions and cut face irregularities
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates adjustable parameters such as the positioning and configuration of gripping segments and sealing surfaces, allowing the same connector structure to accommodate a range of pipe dimensions and conditions without requiring multiple specialized designs
3Productivity
If the connector is designed to inhibit media flow reduction, then pipeline productivity is maintained, but the sealing and gripping mechanisms become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates flexible sealing surfaces and thin film-like gripping segments that can conform to the pipe geometry, providing effective sealing and engagement while maintaining a streamlined profile that minimizes flow restriction within the connector
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 solution effectively seals the pipe ends, reducing degradation and maintaining pipeline integrity while allowing minimal reduction in media flow, suitable for subsea environments with varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a malleable exfoliated graphite seal configured to deform plastically upon engagement with the pipe end
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of gripping segments positioned adjacent to an outer surface of the pipe and configured to frictionally engage the outer surface of the pipe
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An end seal assembly configured to seal with a pipe. The seal assembly may include a cylindrical finned insert including an insert portion to be received in the pipe and a base portion at least partially facing the end face of the pipe, the insert portion having at least one annular fin extending radially outwardly, a pocket being formed between the at least one annular fin and the base portion, the at least one annular fin being deformable against the inner surface of the pipe; and a malleable annular end seal positioned near the pocket, the end seal being axially compressed between the base portion and the end face of the pipe and flowing around the end face to the inner surface of the pipe and into the pocket to inhibit fluid from passing from the inner surface of the pipe to the end face of the pipe.