Pipe Gripping Plug With Discrete Rollers for Subsea Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe gripping systems fail to securely hold pipes in various industrial settings, such as refineries and petro-chemical plants, especially during hydro testing and subsea applications, due to inadequate gripping forces and susceptibility to sand and saltwater accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A gripping apparatus with a body featuring an angled slot, a first discrete gripping device biased beyond the pipe's inside radius, and a wedge cone with a second discrete gripping device, allowing for secure engagement and disengagement, and incorporating features like textured surfaces and spring-actuated balls or rollers to maintain grip without damaging the pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing pipe gripping systems are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the gripping force and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device is divided into multiple discrete gripping elements (balls, rollers, or jaws) that can independently engage with the pipe surface. Each element is mounted on a separate actuator that can control its position and gripping force, allowing the system to achieve high reliability through distributed contact points while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping device employs dynamic actuators (hydraulic cylinders, electric motors, or pneumatic actuators) that can adjust the gripping force and position of each discrete gripping element in real-time. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to different pipe diameters, surface conditions, and loading requirements, significantly improving gripping reliability under varying operational conditions
2Force
If gripping devices are extended to grip the pipe, then the gripping force increases, but the risk of pipe damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each discrete gripping element is equipped with a localized compliant element (rubber pad, foam liner, or spring mechanism) that provides cushioning between the gripping element and the pipe surface. This local compliance allows the system to generate high gripping forces through mechanical advantage while distributing the contact pressure to prevent surface damage, scratches, or deformation of the pipe
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping elements are pre-equipped with protective compliant materials or cushioning layers before contact with the pipe. This beforehand cushioning ensures that even when high gripping forces are applied, the pipe surface is protected from direct contact with hard gripping surfaces, preventing damage while maintaining effective grip
3Adaptability or versatility
If discrete gripping devices are used, then the adaptability to different pipe diameters improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device uses multiple discrete gripping elements distributed around the pipe circumference, each mounted on an independent actuator. This segmentation allows each element to independently adapt to the pipe diameter and surface geometry, providing versatility across different pipe sizes while the modular structure manages overall system complexity through standardized components
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable parameters including actuator stroke length, gripping element diameter, and spring pre-load forces that can be modified to accommodate different pipe diameters and wall thicknesses. This parametric adjustability allows a single device design to adapt to various pipe specifications without requiring complete redesign, balancing versatility with manageable complexity
4Reliability
If gripping devices are made robust for subsea conditions, then the reliability improves, but the susceptibility to sand and saltwater accumulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discrete gripping elements use spherical balls or cylindrical rollers with smooth curved surfaces that naturally resist sand and saltwater accumulation compared to flat or angular surfaces. The curved geometry prevents crevices where debris could trap, while maintaining effective contact with the pipe surface. This spherical/cylindrical design provides robust subsea operation while minimizing susceptibility to harmful accumulation
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 provides a secure, reliable, and damage-free gripping mechanism that withstands hydro testing and subsea conditions, preventing sand accumulation and ensuring consistent performance across different pipe diameters.
Implementation Method 1
spring-actuated balls or rollers to maintain grip without damaging the pipe
Implementation Method 2
textured surfaces and spring-actuated balls or rollers to maintain grip without damaging the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a gripping plug for use in a pipe wherein the pipe defines an inside radius, having a body of the gripping plug; an angled slot defined on the body; a first discrete gripping device slidably engaged with the angled slot and biased beyond the inside radius of the pipe; a wedge cone of the gripping plug; and a second discrete gripping device slidably engaged with the wedge code, wherein the second discrete gripping device is disengaged with the inside radius of the pipe.