Underwater Pipeline Sinking via Ground Mass Fluidification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for laying underwater pipelines are highly energy-intensive, especially at greater depths, due to the need for trench digging and backfilling, which increases energy consumption exponentially with trench depth.
Innovation Solution
A method that fluidifies the broken ground mass beneath the pipeline, allowing it to sink into the fluidified material, reducing the need for trench digging and minimizing energy consumption by transferring only a small amount of ground mass, with the pipeline itself assisting in burying by sinking into the fluidified ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If trench digging and backfilling is performed using traditional methods, then the pipeline is protected from environmental stressors, but energy consumption increases exponentially with trench depth
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the necessary amount of ground mass (sufficient to bury the pipeline) from the trench area, rather than removing all ground to create a complete trench. This selective extraction dramatically reduces the volume of material that must be pumped and transported, thereby reducing energy consumption while still achieving pipeline burial and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies partial action by removing only the minimum necessary ground mass required for pipeline burial, rather than performing complete trench excavation. The ground removal is sufficient to allow pipeline placement and backfilling, but stops before creating a full-depth trench, thus reducing energy expenditure proportionally.
2Reliability
If complete trench excavation is performed, then the pipeline can be properly buried and protected, but the amount of ground mass to be transferred increases with trench depth
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential portion of ground mass needed for pipeline burial, leaving the surrounding ground in place. This selective extraction minimizes the quantity of ground material that must be pumped, transported, and later replaced during backfilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground removal operation is performed to the extent necessary for pipeline burial but no further. The trench is partially excavated only where ground mass is needed for burial purposes, avoiding unnecessary removal of additional ground material that would increase transfer quantities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional trenching equipment is used, then the pipeline can be laid at any depth, but the process is highly energy-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs hydraulic or pneumatic systems to fluidize the ground mass, allowing it to flow and be easily removed or replaced. This fluidification process requires significantly less energy than mechanical trenching, while still enabling pipeline burial at various depths by controlling the fluidization and backfilling processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the ground mass from solid to fluidized state through the application of fluidization agents or energy. This parameter change allows the ground to be easily manipulated, transferred, and compacted with minimal energy input, while maintaining the ability to achieve burial at different depths.
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 approach significantly reduces energy consumption and minimizes the amount of ground mass to be transferred, eliminating the need for extensive trenching and backfilling, while providing horizontal stability and protecting the pipeline from environmental stressors.
Implementation Method 1
sucking part of the broken ground mass hydraulically from a first area beneath the underwater pipeline
Implementation Method 2
fluidifying the broken ground mass beneath the underwater pipeline to sink the underwater pipeline into the fluidified ground mass
Implementation Method 3
transferred by means of at least one tube slightly longer than the depth of the broken ground mass said part of the broken ground mass to a second area on the underwater pipeline and above the first area, to assist burying the underwater pipeline under a ground layer
Data Source
Figure 1~4
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AI summary
A method of laying underwater pipelines in the bed (3) of a body of water (2), the method including laying an underwater pipeline (4) along a given path (P) on the bed (3) of the body of water (2); breaking up a ground mass along the path (P) to a given depth in the bed (3); and fluidifying the broken ground mass beneath the underwater pipeline (4) to sink the underwater pipeline (4) into the fluidified ground mass.