Pipeline Laying Digging Assembly with Real-Time Bathymetric Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pipeline laid in the bed of a body of water often varies in depth, leading to mechanical stress due to temperature variations and poor protection against scouring, as it does not conform to project specifications.
Innovation Solution
A method and digging assembly that acquire bathymetric profile data of the pipeline, compare it with permissible values, and emit error signals for corrections, ensuring precise conformance with design parameters by adjusting the trench depth and coverage height in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional pipeline laying methods are used, then the laying process is simple and quick, but the pipeline depth varies and does not conform to specifications, causing mechanical stress and poor scouring protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where bathymetric sensors continuously measure the actual pipeline depth and profile, compare these measurements against the design profile, and provide real-time feedback to the control system. This enables automatic adjustments to be made to maintain precise pipeline depth consistency throughout the laying process, directly resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity by making the complexity serve the precision goal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical depth control methods with an automated system combining bathymetric sensors, GPS positioning, and computer-controlled trench depth regulation. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with sensor-based automation enables precise depth control while managing system complexity through integrated electronic control rather than complex mechanical adjustments.
2Measurement precision
If real-time bathymetric monitoring is implemented, then pipeline depth accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs self-service by automatically processing the bathymetric data it acquires, comparing measurements against the design profile, and making autonomous corrections to trench depth and pipeline placement. This eliminates the need for external manual intervention and complex separate data processing systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device serves multiple functions: it acquires bathymetric data, processes the data, compares measurements with design specifications, controls trench depth, and monitors pipeline profile. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional system rather than separate specialized systems, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement and control precision.
3Productivity
If manual inspection and correction methods are used, then the process is simpler, but corrections cannot be made quickly enough to ensure pipeline conformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring and continuous correction, eliminating the stop-start nature of manual inspection and correction. The bathymetric sensors continuously measure pipeline depth, the control system continuously processes data and compares it against specifications, and the trench depth control continuously adjusts to maintain conformity. This continuous action enables both high productivity and precise depth conformance simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by proactively detecting depth deviations before they result in non-conforming pipeline sections. The continuous monitoring identifies potential issues early, and the control system makes preventive adjustments to trench depth and pipeline placement, preventing quality problems rather than correcting them after they occur. This enables fast correction while maintaining continuous laying operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of laying a pipeline in the bed of a body of water advancing a digging assembly along a pipeline laid along a path on the bed of the body of water, and digging a trench along the path in the bed of the body of water by means of the digging assembly, so a portion of pipeline settles onto the bottom of the trench. The method also includes acquiring, by means of the digging assembly, data related to the bathymetric profile of the portion of pipeline laid on the bottom of the trench, and comparing the acquired data with a set of permissible values. Further, the method includes emitting an error signal when the acquired data does not fall within the set of permissible values.