Pipe Tensioner Load Pads for Real-Time Clamping Force Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing subsea pipeline tensioners lack real-time monitoring capabilities for clamping force and axial, side, and normal loading, which can lead to unstable pipeline handling and potential damage during laying or recovery operations.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating load sensors into the pipeline tensioner pads to measure axial, normal, and side loading in real-time, providing accurate and continuous data on the loading conditions during pipeline handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If load sensors are incorporated into the tensioner pads to enable real-time monitoring of clamping force and axial, side, and normal loading, then measurement precision and operational safety are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping force measurementVSAvoidtensioner structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces indirect mechanical measurement methods with direct electronic load sensors that convert mechanical forces into electrical signals for digital processing and monitoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces load sensors as intermediary devices between the mechanical components (pads and pipeline) to enable measurement of forces without directly modifying the pipeline or requiring complex mechanical measurement apparatus

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If load sensors are incorporated into the tensioner pads to provide real-time data on loading conditions, then reliability of pipeline handling is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipeline handling stabilityVSAvoidtensioner system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback system where load sensors continuously monitor forces and provide real-time data to operators, enabling dynamic adjustment of clamping force to maintain optimal pipeline handling conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual or indirect assessment of pipeline handling conditions with automated electronic sensing and data processing systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple load sensors are installed to measure axial, normal, and side loading separately, then measurement precision of different force components is improved, but device complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce component measurementVSAvoidsensor array

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the force measurement function into three separate sensor types (axial, normal, and side load sensors), each dedicated to measuring a specific force component independently for improved precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11543055B2Pipe tensioner

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 TECH FRANCE SA

AI summary

A pipe tensioner for laying or recovering a subsea pipeline comprising at least two opposing continuous tracks able to hold the subsea pipeline, each track having a plurality of pads mounted on the continuous track for contacting the subsea pipeline, characterised in that at least one pad is a load pad comprising one or more load sensors for measuring loading on the load pad during handling of the subsea pipeline.