Rolling Assemblies for Subsea Pipeline Lateral Buckling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buoyancy modules for subsea hydrocarbon pipelines cause soil compaction and increased lateral resistance, leading to pipeline buckling and 'walking,' which results in costly damage and the need for frequent repairs and anchoring.
Innovation Solution
The use of rotatable rolling assemblies that attach to the pipeline, allowing it to deform in a controlled manner without sliding on the seabed, reducing lateral resistance and the incidence of pipeline walking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional buoyancy modules are used to reduce lateral resistance and control pipeline buckling, then pipeline buckling is alleviated, but soil compaction and berm formation occur which increase lateral resistance and reduce effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic rolling modules that can rotate and adapt to pipeline movement, transforming the static buoyancy modules into dynamic elements that roll along the seabed rather than slide, thereby reducing soil compaction and berm formation while maintaining buckling control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the sliding mechanical action of conventional buoyancy modules with a rolling mechanical action, substituting the friction-based sliding mechanism with a rolling mechanism that reduces lateral resistance and minimizes seabed disturbance
2Stability of the object's composition
If pipeline anchoring is used to prevent walking, then axial stability is improved, but cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling modules enable the pipeline to self-adjust and self-stabilize through the rolling mechanism, eliminating the need for external anchoring systems while maintaining axial stability during thermal cycling and buckling events
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 rolling assemblies effectively control pipeline buckling and reduce the need for anchoring, minimizing pipeline stress and damage by allowing smooth lateral movement while maintaining axial stability.
Implementation Method 1
The rolling module is rotatable with respect to the conduit
Implementation Method 2
buoyancy modules are attached to the exterior of hydrocarbon production pipeline
Implementation Method 3
Pipeline carrying such high temperature fluids can experience thermal gradients across the pipeline during multiple production shut downs and start ups resulting in expansion, contraction, and thermal cycling of the pipeline
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods for controlling lateral deformation and reducing axial displacement, also referred to as walking, of a subsea conduit such as a pipeline for conveying produced hydrocarbon fluids. The systems and methods include the installation of rolling assemblies on the conduit at predetermined locations. The rolling assemblies include elements for forming rolling modules rotatable with respect to the conduit. Also disclosed is a system for monitoring displacement of the conduit over time.