Compliant Gripping Pad for Pipe Tensioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear pipe tensioners face challenges in maintaining consistent tension during offshore pipeline laying and recovery operations, particularly in accommodating varying pipe sizes and shapes, and in preventing slippage and wear on gripping pads.
Innovation Solution
The linear pipe tensioner design incorporates a compliant gripping pad with multiple slots and gripping members that compress to engage the pipe, combined with a drive motor flow control system that synchronizes the rotation of upper and lower tracks to prevent slippage and adjust for pipe diameter changes, using hydraulic cylinders and swivel members for compliance and rotational movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rigid gripping pads are used, then the structure is simple, but the device cannot accommodate varying pipe sizes and shapes, causing slippage and inconsistent tension
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping pad is segmented into multiple independent gripping members (teeth) that can move relative to each other. Each gripping member is positioned in a slot that allows it to move independently, enabling the pad to conform to different pipe diameters and shapes while maintaining a relatively simple overall pad structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping members are designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. They can move within their slots to adjust their positions, allowing the gripping pad to adapt to varying pipe sizes and shapes. This dynamic capability provides versatility without requiring multiple different pad designs.
2Reliability
If hydraulic pressure is increased to maintain tension, then tension consistency improves, but wear on gripping pads increases due to higher forces
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping force is segmented across multiple gripping members distributed along the pad. This distributes the total load and wear across many contact points rather than concentrating it on a few areas, reducing wear per unit area while maintaining the necessary total gripping force for consistent tension.
Solution Approach 2:
Different gripping members can engage with different portions of the pipe surface. The compliant nature of the gripping members allows them to locally adapt to the pipe surface characteristics, distributing wear more evenly and preventing concentrated wear spots that would occur with rigid pads under high pressure.
3Reliability
If the upper and lower tracks rotate independently, then the device is simpler to operate, but slippage occurs and tension consistency is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses load cells to continuously monitor the tension in the pipe and provides feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts the rotation of the upper and lower tracks to maintain consistent tension, preventing slippage while automatically adapting to pipe movements and barge motion.
Solution Approach 2:
A hydraulic flow control system acts as an intermediary between the independent track drive systems. It synchronizes the rotation of upper and lower tracks by controlling hydraulic fluid flow, enabling coordinated operation without requiring complex direct mechanical linkages or sophisticated electronic control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If compliant gripping members are used, then adaptability to pipe variations improves, but the number of components and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping members are designed as flexible, compliant elements that can deform to conform to the pipe surface. This flexibility provides adaptability to various pipe shapes and sizes while allowing the gripping members to be manufactured as simple, uniform components that can be mass-produced and assembled into the pad structure.
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
This solution ensures consistent pipe tension, reduces wear on components, and facilitates smooth linear movement of pipes through the tensioner, accommodating variations in pipe size and shape, while preventing slippage and maintaining efficient operation during both laying and recovery processes.
Implementation Method 1
a compliant member (92) having a plurality of slots (96) and a plurality of gripping members (100) disposed within the slots (96) such that compression of the compliant member (92) causes at least a portion of the gripping members (100) to be exposed from the slots (96)
Implementation Method 2
combined with a drive motor flow control system that synchronizes the rotation of upper and lower tracks to prevent slippage and adjust for pipe diameter changes, using hydraulic cylinders and swivel members for compliance and rotational movement
Implementation Method 3
the gripping member (100) engages a pipe segment to facilitate linear movement of the pipe segment through the linear pipe tensioners
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A linear pipe tensioner (10) comprising: a frame (12); a first track assembly secured to the frame and having a first track operatively associated with two first track axles; a second track assembly secured to the frame and having a second track operatively associated with two second track axles; wherein: (a) the frame has an upper frame member (13) and a lower frame member (14); and/or (b) the second track assembly is secured to the frame spaced; and/or (c) the first track has a first gripping pad (75); and/or (d) a first drive assembly (23) is operatively associated with at least one of the two first track axles (21, 22).