Pipeline Cable Mat Assembly for Multi-Cable Low-Strain Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cable-laying machines for pipelines are bulky, expensive, and inefficient, particularly when installing multiple cables or those that require helical configurations, and can introduce strain that leads to defects, making it difficult to locate and fix faults, especially in subsea applications.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a pliant substrate mat with longitudinally-extending cables that is wrapped around the pipeline, secured with circumferential bands, and inserted into an outer pipe, allowing simultaneous and continuous installation of multiple cables in straight or wavy configurations, reducing strain and simplifying the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional cable-laying machines are used to install cables on pipelines, then cables can be installed, but the machines are bulky, expensive, and slow to set up and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cable-laying function from complex traditional machines and integrates it directly into the pipeline manufacturing line. The cable attachment device is incorporated into the existing pipeline production equipment, eliminating the need for separate bulky cable-laying machines while maintaining cable installation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cable attachment process with the pipeline manufacturing process. By combining these operations into a single integrated system, the patent eliminates the need for separate cable-laying machines, reduces equipment complexity, and improves overall productivity by performing both operations simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If helical cable configurations are installed using adapted machines, then cables can be laid on curved pipelines, but the machines are not appropriate for straight or wavy configurations and require separate facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal cable attachment device that can accommodate multiple cable configurations (straight, wavy, and helical) and pipeline types (straight and curved). This multi-functional device eliminates the need for specialized machines for different configurations, reducing equipment complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic cable guidance mechanisms that can adapt to different cable paths. The system can adjust cable tension and routing dynamically to accommodate straight, wavy, or helical configurations, as well as straight or curved pipelines, using a single versatile device.
3Ease of manufacture
If cables are installed using traditional machines, then cables can be laid, but the process introduces strain that leads to defects and faults in the cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs cable attachment during the pipeline manufacturing process before the pipeline is subjected to installation stresses. By pre-attaching cables to the pipeline while it is still in the manufacturing line, the system ensures proper cable positioning and minimizes subsequent strain that would occur if cables were attached later during field installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the pipeline itself as an intermediary to support and guide the cables during attachment. The cable attachment device uses the pipeline's structure to maintain proper cable tension and positioning, preventing strain-induced defects that would occur with traditional free-standing cable-laying machines.
4Quantity of substance
If multiple cables are installed using traditional machines, then cables can be laid, but the process is extremely slow and requires sequential installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cable attachment operations into a single integrated process. The cable attachment device can handle multiple cables simultaneously during the pipeline manufacturing process, eliminating the need for sequential installation and dramatically improving productivity while installing the required quantity of cables.
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 simplifies and speeds up the cable-laying process, reduces costs, and improves cable reliability by allowing simultaneous installation of multiple cables, eliminating the need for bulky machinery and minimizing strain on cables, making it suitable for both straight and curved pipeline configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a pliant substrate mat with longitudinally-extending cables that is wrapped around the pipeline
Implementation Method 2
secured with circumferential bands
Data Source
AI summary
A method of attaching a plurality of cables such as trace heating cables to an elongate pipeline comprises bringing together the pipeline and an elongate mat along a common longitudinal direction, wrapping the mat around at least a majority of the circumference of the pipeline, and fixing the wrapped mat to the pipeline. The mat comprises at least two longitudinally-extending cables that are supported by a pliant substrate so that when the mat is wrapped around the pipeline, the cables are positioned at respective angular positions about a longitudinal axis of the pipeline. The mat may be guided from a planar configuration on exiting a reel into a configuration that is curved about the longitudinal axis. Centraliser spacers and thermal insulation may be added around the pipeline and the wrapped mat before the assembly is inserted into an outer pipe.