Pipe Ovality Reduction via Plug and Sacrificial Component
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Solution Overview
Problem
The joining of pipe ends is hindered by ovality mismatches, particularly in offshore installations where reeled pipes develop ovality due to compressive forces, leading to structural integrity issues and potential fatigue and failure, making field replacement challenging when ovality tolerances are exceeded.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a plug coupled to the inside surface of the pipe and a sacrificial component to minimize ovality changes, allowing for controlled coupling and separation to manage ovality, using the plug and sacrificial component to reduce stress-induced ovality and facilitate joining with other pipe components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If reeled pipe is used for offshore installations, then pipe handling and installation become easier, but ovality develops in the pipe circumference due to compressive forces
Solution Approach 1:
The method applies preliminary corrective forces to the pipe while it is still on the reel, before the pipe is installed. By applying expansion forces during the coiling process, the pipe is pre-corrected to compensate for the ovality that will develop during handling and installation, thereby maintaining circular shape without compromising ease of operation
2Ease of repair
If field replacement is attempted with existing ovalized pipe, then replacement becomes possible, but structural integrity and fatigue resistance are compromised due to excessive ovality mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The method changes the geometric parameters of the pipe by applying controlled expansion forces that increase the internal diameter and restore circularity. By modifying the pipe's dimensional parameters (internal diameter, cross-sectional shape) through mechanical expansion, the pipe meets the strict ovality tolerances required for maintaining structural integrity during field replacement operations
3Productivity
If pipe ends are joined with mismatched ovality, then joining can proceed, but fatigue and failure risks increase during normal pipe life
Solution Approach 1:
The corrective expansion is performed preliminarily on individual pipe sections before they are joined together. This preliminary action ensures that each pipe end meets the required circularity specifications, allowing for rapid joining while eliminating the fatigue risks associated with mismatched ovality at the joint interface
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method for reducing ovality in pipe for joining to pipe components (26) by using a plug (18) coupled on an inside surface of the pipe and a sacrificial component (22) coupled to the end (24) of the pipe to establish a coupling interface. The plug, the sacrificial component, or a combination thereof assists in minimizing ovality changes during use of the pipe, particularly at the end of the pipe. When the pipe is to be coupled with a pipe component, the pipe and sacrificial component are separated at a different location than the coupling interface along the pipe in proximity to the plug. The plug is left coupled to the sacrificial component, and generally slidably engaged with the pipe. The plug and the sacrificial component can be removed from engagement with the pipe. The pipe and the pipe component can be coupled together.