Flexible Pipe Connection Tip Sealing Against Gas Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible fluid transport pipes used for hydrocarbon transport across bodies of water face challenges in sealing aggressive compounds like CO2, CH4, and H2S, which migrate through the polymeric layers, compromising the integrity and load capacity of the pipe, especially at connection ends.
Innovation Solution
A connection end piece with a sealing assembly that includes a sealing ring with a wedge-like cross-section and a locking mechanism, along with a sealing ring and clamping flange system, to ensure effective sealing and prevent compound migration, combined with a method of assembling the end piece that involves welding and crimping to secure the barrier layer and armor elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the connection fitting structure is simplified to reduce manufacturing complexity, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the sealing effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing elements utilize flexible O-rings that can deform to conform to the connection fitting surfaces and barrier layer. This flexibility allows effective sealing with relatively simple sealing structures, maintaining sealing effectiveness while avoiding complex sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection fitting employs composite sealing structures combining different materials: elastomeric O-rings for sealing, metallic sealing rings for structural support, and polymeric barrier layers for chemical resistance. This composite approach achieves effective sealing without requiring overly complex single-material solutions.
2Reliability
If multiple sealing elements are added to ensure barrier layer sealing, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection fitting structure is designed to perform multiple functions with integrated components: the clamping flange simultaneously secures the pressure sheath and positions the sealing elements, the sealing ring both seals the barrier layer and distributes clamping forces, and the O-rings provide both sealing and stress relief. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
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 enhanced sealing at the connection ends, reducing the risk of aggressive compound migration and maintaining the structural integrity and load capacity of the flexible pipe, thereby ensuring reliable fluid transport.
Implementation Method 1
A connection end piece with a sealing assembly that includes a sealing ring with a wedge-like cross-section and a locking mechanism, along with a sealing ring and clamping flange system, to ensure effective sealing and prevent compound migration
Implementation Method 2
combined with a method of assembling the end piece that involves welding and crimping to secure the barrier layer and armor elements
Implementation Method 3
combined with a method of assembling the end piece that involves welding and crimping to secure the barrier layer and armor elements
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connection tip for a flexible pipe, comprising: - an end arch (62) and an outer connection cap defining an intermediate space, - a front region of a pressure sheath inserted in the outer cap and defining a central passage, - end sections of a reinforcement layer disposed around the pressure sheath, inserted in the intermediate space, - a terminal region (52) of a barrier layer disposed between the pressure sheath and the reinforcement layer and comprising at least one barrier strip (42) wound on the pressure sheath. The connection tip comprises a sealing ring (78) disposed on the pressure sheath at the front of the free edge (56) of the barrier strip. The sealing ring (78) comprises a rear edge of complementary shape and fixed to the free edge (56), the latter being held abutting one another circumferentially.