Pipelay Reel Flange Chute for Faster Pipe Initiation and Abandonment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of initiating and abandoning pipe onto or from a pipelay reel is time-consuming, dangerous, and requires extensive equipment and personnel, involving complex machinery and different tools for installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A pipelay reel system with a flange chute and clamshell latch that secures the starting end of the pipe, using an initiation line to pull the adapter into the chute and automatically latch it, allowing for efficient spooling and unspooling by rotating the reel, reducing the need for multiple equipment and personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pipe initiation methods are used involving cranes, manbaskets, and fall arrest equipment, then workers can help position the pipe onto the reel, but the process demands a relatively high amount of time and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for complex conventional equipment (cranes, manbaskets, fall arrest equipment) by introducing a simplified flange chute mechanism that directly receives and secures the pipe end through gravity-assisted descent and latch engagement, dramatically reducing equipment requirements and initiation time
Solution Approach 2:
The flange chute system enables self-service operation where the pipe end automatically descends into the chute under gravity and is secured by the latch mechanism without requiring external cranes or manual positioning by workers in manbaskets, thus eliminating the need for extensive equipment and reducing time loss
2Ease of operation
If conventional pipe initiation methods are used with multiple pieces of equipment, then the pipe can be positioned onto the reel, but more equipment and personnel are required
Solution Approach 1:
The flange chute mechanism serves multiple functions: it receives the pipe end, guides its descent, positions it accurately on the reel, and secures it with a latch - all in a single integrated component that replaces multiple separate equipment systems (cranes, positioning devices, safety equipment), thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the need for multiple complex equipment systems by extracting only the essential function of pipe reception and securing, implementing it through a simple flange chute with latch that eliminates cranes, manbaskets, and fall arrest equipment, thus reducing device complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If different equipment is used for pipe installation and abandonment, then both tasks can be performed, but storage demands increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flange chute mechanism is designed to perform both pipe installation (initiation) and abandonment (removal) operations through the same equipment structure. The latch can be engaged to secure the pipe during installation and disengaged to release it during abandonment, eliminating the need for different equipment sets and reducing storage requirements
Data Source
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AI summary
Pipelay reel systems and methods for use in laying flexible or rigid pipe (210) or tubing in on and offshore operations. The pipelay reel system has a pipelay reel (202) having a drum (204) arranged between two flanges (206). At least one flange of the reel has a chute (208) configured to receive an adapter (220) coupled to a starting end of the pipe (210) to be spooled on the reel (202). An initiation line (212) coupled to a winch and intersecting the flange chute may be used to position the adapter (220) with respect to a receiving end of the flange chute (208), and the reel may be rotated to pull the adapter down the chute (208) to a latching end of the chute. Moreover, a latch (234) may be used to secure the adapter (220) in the chute (208) such that the pipe (210) may be spooled onto the reel (202).