Pipeline Cladding Overpressure During Reeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for laying pipelines with inner corrosion-proof metallic cladding from a lay barge often result in deformation (buckling/wrinkling) and loss of contact between the cladding and the outer pipe material, leading to reduced corrosion resistance during operation.
Innovation Solution
Applying an overpressure of 5-25 bar within the pipeline sections using a pressurized fluid to maintain contact and prevent deformation during reeling and laying, with no mechanical movement of the pipeline sections when the overpressure is not applied.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the inner cladding is fitted mechanically tightly against the carbon steel pipeline without any room in between, then the cost is reduced, but the inner cladding becomes deformed by buckling/wrinkling during laying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a controlled internal pressure (parameter change) to the pipeline during the laying process. This pressure counteracts the buckling forces that would otherwise deform the tightly fitted inner cladding, allowing the cladding to maintain both tight contact with the outer pipe and structural integrity throughout the laying operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the inner cladding is fitted mechanically tightly against the carbon steel pipeline, then the cost is reduced, but the inner cladding loosens from the carbon steel pipeline's interior surface during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains a specific internal pressure range during laying to ensure the cladding remains in tight contact with the outer pipe. This controlled pressure parameter prevents the cladding from loosening during operation while maintaining the cost-effective mechanical contact configuration.
3Device complexity
If the pipeline section is reeled onto the pipe laying drum without overpressure, then the laying process is simpler, but the inner cladding deforms and buckles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic pressure (internal pressure applied to the pipeline) to prevent buckling of the inner cladding during the reeling process. This pneumatic support system maintains the cladding's shape integrity while allowing the pipeline to be reeled onto the drum, adding minimal complexity to the laying process.
4Productivity
If mechanical movement is allowed during joining of pipeline sections, then the joining process is faster, but the inner cladding becomes deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies internal pressure to the pipeline sections before joining them together. This preliminary pressurization ensures that the inner cladding is already in tight contact with the outer pipe when the sections are connected, preventing deformation during the joining operation and eliminating the need for complex deformation-free joining procedures.
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 method effectively prevents buckling and maintains the integrity of the inner cladding's corrosion resistance by ensuring a consistent, moderate overpressure is maintained during the laying process, avoiding deformation and ensuring proper contact between the cladding and the outer pipe material.
Implementation Method 1
a section of the pipeline is reeled onto a pipe laying drum, whilst an overpressure of 5-25 bar is maintained within the section by means of a pressurized fluid inside the section
Data Source
AI summary
Method for laying a pipeline onto a seabed from a lay barge, the pipeline having an inner corrosion proof metallic cladding that is closely fitted with metallic contact to an outer pipe material that is less corrosion proof. The method includes reeling a section of the pipeline onto a pipe laying drum, while an overpressure of 5-25 bar is maintained within the section by a pressurized fluid inside the section, b) joining a further pipeline section to the section already reeled onto the pipe laying drum, while the pipeline is motionless without mechanical movement, as the overpressure can he relieved as long as the sections are without mechanical movement, c) applying an overpressure of 5-25 bar within the sections and the further section is reeled onto the pipe laying drum, d) and joining several sections together and reeling the joined sections onto one or several pipe laying drums by repeating step b) and c) until the predetermined pipeline length is achieved. The pipeline is laid from the lay barge onto the seabed using a conventional method, while an overpressure of 5-25 bar is maintained within the pipeline by means of a pressurized fluid until the pipeline is correctly placed onto the seabed.