Relief Valve Access Tool for Flexible Pipe Annular Space Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for accessing the annular space of submarine flexible pipes through relief valves are bulky, require complex handling, and are not adaptable to different connector positions and manufacturer-specific designs, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for prior removal of accessories and complex centralization systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact device with a locking mechanism using disc springs for secure attachment and a sealing mechanism for watertight connection, allowing simultaneous hydraulic control of locking and sealing, compatible with various connector positions and manufacturers, eliminating the need for clamps and reducing interference from accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing devices use an arm that surrounds the entire connector and a central cylindrical body with sealing ring, then watertight connection is achieved, but device mass and dimensions increase making handling by ROV more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from a complex arm-and-cylindrical-body structure and implements it through a simple disc-shaped device with a single sealing element that contacts the relief valve housing directly, eliminating unnecessary structural mass while maintaining watertight connection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical arm-based support and positioning system with a disc-shaped configuration that uses hydraulic actuation and integrated locking elements, substituting complex mechanical structures with a more compact hydraulic-mechanical system
2Strength
If existing devices use an arm that surrounds the entire connector, then structural support is provided, but device dimensions increase making handling by ROV more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the arm structure that surrounded the connector and replaces it with a compact disc-shaped body that integrates support, positioning, and sealing functions into a single compact unit, dramatically reducing the device envelope for easier ROV handling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the support, positioning, and sealing functions that were previously distributed across separate arm and cylindrical body components into a single integrated disc-shaped device, reducing complexity and improving ease of operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated device is developed for each pipe manufacturer, then specific connector positions and diameters are accommodated, but device complexity and variety increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal disc-shaped device with adjustable parameters (sealing element position, locking element configuration) that can accommodate different connector positions, diameters, and manufacturer-specific features through a single standardized platform, eliminating the need for manufacturer-specific devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates adjustable and configurable elements within the disc-shaped device that can be adapted to different connector configurations, allowing the same basic device design to function across multiple manufacturers and connector types through dynamic reconfiguration
4Ease of operation
If accessories are removed from connectors before operation, then device access is enabled, but operation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the device from the category of tools requiring clear access to the entire connector by designing a compact disc-shaped device that can interface with the relief valve housing even when accessories are present, eliminating the need for preliminary accessory removal operations
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective access to the annular space for pressure measurement, fluid sampling, and depressurization, reducing operation time, preventing pipe damage, and optimizing resource use by allowing continuous pipe retrieval operations.
Implementation Method 1
locking means for fixing the device (100) to a housing (13) of the relief valve (12)
Implementation Method 2
a compensation means (10), wherein the compensation means (10) is set to cause the locking means to actuate before the sealing means
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a device and methods for access to the annular space of submarine flexible pipes through relief valves, which comprises a locking means for fixing the device to a housing of the relief valve after actuation, a means for watertight sealing of an insulation chamber of the device against an internal surface of the relief valve after actuation, and a compensation means. The compensation means is set to cause the locking means to actuate before the sealing means.