Pipeline Guide System with Motorized Trolley for Shallow Water Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guide systems for laying pipelines in shallow water with varying topography are unsuitable due to stability issues, size constraints, and inefficiencies in supporting the pipeline, particularly when the pipeline forms S-shaped curves and requires precise adjustment to maintain integrity.
Innovation Solution
A guide system comprising a float unit connected to a trolley that can roll along the pipeline, adjusted by motors to maintain optimal positioning, with grip rollers and powered rollers to ensure stable support and adaptability to different pipeline diameters, allowing for rapid and accurate movement and connection/disconnection from the pipeline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a laying ramp with variable-buoyancy tanks is used to support the pipeline in shallow water, then the stability of the pipeline is improved, but the size and weight of the tanks become excessively large and operation becomes incompatible with other laying operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the support function into two separate components: a laying ramp for initial support and controlled-buoyancy tanks for depth adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, avoiding the need for excessively large tanks while maintaining pipeline stability during laying operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The controlled-buoyancy tanks are designed to be adjustable during operation, allowing dynamic control of their buoyancy to adapt to varying water depths and topography. This dynamic adjustment capability eliminates the need for oversized tanks, as the buoyancy can be tuned precisely to match operational requirements.
2Shape
If the pipeline forms S-shaped curves in shallow water, then the pipeline can be laid from the vessel to the bed, but the radius of curvature becomes small and the specific weight of the pipeline aggravates the problem
Solution Approach 1:
The controlled-buoyancy tanks provide an upward buoyant force that counteracts the specific weight of the pipeline. This counterweight effect reduces the effective weight of the pipeline, allowing it to form S-shaped curves with smaller radii of curvature without compromising structural integrity, which is particularly important in shallow water laying operations.
3Ease of operation
If sledges are fitted to the free end of the laying ramp to rest on the bed, then the laying ramp can be supported on certain types of beds, but the sledges become bogged down and move the ramp out of line when moving in the opposite direction
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces static sledges with dynamic controlled-buoyancy tanks that can adjust their position and support characteristics. This allows the laying ramp to be moved in either direction without the risk of becoming misaligned, as the tanks can be repositioned and their buoyancy adjusted to maintain proper alignment during bidirectional operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the angle of the laying ramp is defined by the topography of the bed, then the ramp adapts to varying topography, but the angles become critical and endanger the integrity of the pipeline as depth increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controlled-buoyancy tanks provide dynamic support that allows the laying ramp to maintain optimal angles independent of bed topography. By adjusting the buoyancy and position of the tanks, the system can compensate for varying depths and topography without creating critical angles that would endanger pipeline integrity, thereby decoupling the ramp angle from direct dependence on bed topography.
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 system effectively supports the pipeline in shallow water by ensuring rapid and precise positioning of the float unit, enhancing stability and adaptability to varying topography, reducing the risk of pipeline damage and operational challenges.
Implementation Method 1
A guide system and method for guiding a pipeline from a laying vessel onto the bed of a body of water, in particular in shallow water
Implementation Method 2
at least one motor connected to the trolley to adjust the distance between the float unit and the laying vessel
Data Source
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AI summary
A guide system (1) for guiding a pipeline (2) from a laying vessel (5) onto the bed (3) of a body of water (4) has a float unit (8); a trolley (12), which is housed inside the frame (11), is selectively connectable to a pipeline (2) spanning a given path (P) between the laying vessel (5) and the bed (3) of the body of water (4), and is designed to roll along the pipeline (2), parallel to the given path (P); and at least one motor (30) connected to the trolley (12) to selectively adjust the distance between the float unit (8) and the laying vessel (5).