Pipeline Joint Coating Around Fixed Annular Junctions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for applying protective joints to annular junction portions of pipelines are time-consuming, especially in pipeline-laying ships where space is limited and the pipeline cannot rotate, leading to slow advancement due to the sequential and energy-intensive process of heating and applying polymer layers.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a selectively clampable guide system, heating unit, spray unit, and extrusion die configured to perform heating, polymer application, and protective foil application along an annular path, allowing for simultaneous and quick execution of these operations with minimal revolutions and energy usage, controlled by a system to optimize the sequence and position of these units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heating and polymer application operations are performed sequentially in a single station, then the operations can be completed with proper adhesion quality, but the pipeline advancement speed is reduced and the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the protective joint application process into separate functional stations: a first station for heating the annular junction portion and a second station for applying polymer materials. This segmentation allows simultaneous operation of heating and coating processes, eliminating the sequential bottleneck while maintaining proper adhesion quality through dedicated functionality at each station.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-station sequential process to a multi-station spatial arrangement where heating and coating occur at different locations along the pipeline. This dimensional change from temporal sequencing to spatial distribution enables parallel processing, improving pipeline advancement speed without compromising adhesion quality.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple operations are performed in a single station to benefit from heating, then energy usage is optimized, but the time required for operations increases and limits pipeline advancement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates heating operations at the first station from polymer application operations at the second station. This segmentation allows the heating process to continue efficiently without interruption while the polymer application occurs simultaneously at a different location, reducing total operation time while maintaining heating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous heating of the annular junction portion as the pipeline advances through the first station, while polymer application occurs continuously at the second station. This continuity of useful action in both stations eliminates idle time and maintains optimal energy utilization without extending the overall process duration.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the pipeline is laid on the bed of a water body and cannot rotate, then the laying process is stable, but the available space is limited and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs moveable heating units and spray units that can traverse along the pipeline rather than requiring fixed positioning. This dynamic approach allows the equipment to adapt to the limited space constraints of laying on a water body bed while maintaining operational effectiveness, reducing the need for complex fixed installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the heating units and spray units to perform multiple functions within a single integrated system. The same traverse mechanism supports both heating and polymer application operations, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the stability required for laying on a water body bed.
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
Significantly reduces the time required for applying protective joints, allowing for faster pipeline advancement by minimizing the number of operations and energy consumption, while ensuring proper adhesion and quality of the protective coating.
Implementation Method 1
heat the annular junction portion to facilitate the subsequent steps in the application of polymer materials
Implementation Method 2
apply a relatively thin layer of polymer material with adhesive properties over the previous layer
Implementation Method 3
one extrusion die moveable along the annular path and configured to apply a protective foil about the annular junction portion
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A machine (12) for making a protective joint has a guide system (26), which is selectively clampable about a pipeline (1) on opposite sides with respect to the annular junction portion (8) and configured for defining an annular path about the annular junction portion (8); at least one heating unit (18) moveable along the annular path and configured for heating the annular junction portion (8) and moveable along the annular path; at least one spray unit (19) moveable along the annular path and configured for applying at least one polymer material to the annular junction portion (8); and an extrusion die (22) moveable along the annular path and configured for applying a protective foil (9) about the annular junction portion (8).