Pipe-Laying Vessel Prefabrication for Flexible Joint Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipelaying vessel operations face inefficiencies in prefabrication and storage due to limitations in the length and configuration of pipe sections, leading to delays and reduced productivity, especially in laying pipelines with varying diameters and in deep water conditions.
Innovation Solution
A pipelaying vessel with multiple pipe processing stations across its deck, capable of operating in two modes to form jointed pipe sections using single-length pipe sections of different lengths, allowing for flexible storage and processing configurations, including separate areas for welding and storage that can accommodate longer pipe sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pipe sections are preassembled on board the vessel in fixed configurations, then prefabrication efficiency is improved, but flexibility to accommodate varying pipeline diameters and water depths is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe processing stations are designed with adjustable and reconfigurable components that allow the system to dynamically adapt its configuration. The stations can be repositioned and reconfigured along the vessel deck to accommodate different pipe diameters, lengths, and assembly requirements, enabling the same equipment to maintain high productivity across varying operational conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe processing stations are designed as multi-functional units capable of performing multiple operations including welding, non-destructive testing, and coating application. This universal design allows a single station to serve different purposes depending on the operational requirements, thereby maintaining both efficiency and adaptability without requiring separate dedicated equipment for each function
2Ease of operation
If the vessel operates with fixed pipe processing and storage areas, then operational simplicity is maintained, but productivity is reduced due to downtime when adapting to different pipeline requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel is equipped with pre-configured processing stations and storage areas that can be quickly repositioned and reconfigured for different operational requirements. The preliminary arrangement of equipment and modular design elements allows rapid adaptation without extensive setup time, maintaining both operational simplicity and high productivity when transitioning between different pipeline projects
3Device complexity
If pipe strings are stored in limited onboard space, then vessel design is simplified, but supply reliability to the firing line is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel utilizes three-dimensional storage space optimization by arranging pipe string storage areas vertically and along the length of the vessel deck. Multiple storage levels and strategic positioning of storage zones maximize the use of available space, ensuring sufficient pipe string supply to the firing line without requiring an excessively large or complex vessel design
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~2d
AI summary
A method of laying pipeline from a vessel (10) is disclosed. The vessel (10) includes many pipe processing stations (36, 42), arranged across the width of the vessel. In one embodiment, there are two pipe processing areas (38, 40) separated along the length of the vessel. The pipe processing stations (36, 42) may be operable in two modes of operation, for example, a first mode of operation where the vessel produces triple joint pipe strings (from three lengths of pipe section welded together) and a second mode of operation where double joint pipe strings are produced, for example, from two single length pipe sections having a significantly greater length than the single length pipe sections used in the first mode of operation. In one embodiment, a triple joint pipe section is part welded in one pipe processing area (38), then moved along the length of the vessel (10) to a different pipe processing area, where further welding operations are performed on the triple joint. In order for the vessel to operate in two modes of operation, the storage bin facilities (12) for storing single length pipe sections are configured to be able to accommodate different lengths of single length pipe section arranged end to end in a single bin.