RTP Clamp Support Using an Internal Collapse-Resistant Brace
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reinforced thermoplastic pipes (RTP) are prone to collapse and tearing under clamping pressure due to low radial strength and stiffness, leading to failure during installation and use, especially when supporting segments in downhole deployments.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus involving a collapse-resistant body is used to support the RTP segments by clamping, which includes forming a brace member in the bore region to resist radial collapse, using methods like freezing, inflation, or hardening a gel to create a temporary or removable support structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external clamp is used to hold RTP at a well head, then the RTP can be temporarily supported for installing couplings, but the clamp capacity is governed by frictional load transfer between the pipe's outer sheath layer and reinforcement layer, causing tear of the polymeric cover layer at relatively low load
Solution Approach 1:
A collapse resistant body is inserted inside the RTP bore, nested within the pipe structure. This internal support element works together with the external clamp to distribute clamping forces, preventing the polymeric cover layer from tearing while enabling higher clamp capacity for reliable temporary support during coupling installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapse resistant body is positioned inside the RTP before clamping occurs, providing pre-cushioning protection to the polymeric cover layer. This internal brace prevents direct transmission of high clamping forces to the cover layer, allowing the external clamp to achieve higher capacity without causing layer tear failure.
2Reliability
If high clamping pressure is applied to hold RTP, then the RTP can be securely supported, but the pipe deforms and even crushes due to low radial strength and stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The collapse resistant body is nested inside the RTP bore, providing internal structural support that counteracts the deforming effect of external clamping pressure. This internal element maintains the pipe's cylindrical shape while allowing the external clamp to apply sufficient pressure for secure support during coupling installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapse resistant body is positioned beforehand inside the RTP to cushion against the harmful effect of high clamping pressure. This internal support prevents radial deformation and crushing of the pipe body, enabling stable support without permanent shape changes.
3Strength
If a brace member is inserted into the bore of RTP to prevent collapse, then radial strength is improved, but the bore is blocked preventing fluid transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The collapse resistant body provides localized radial strength enhancement only at the clamped section where support is needed for coupling installation. The brace is positioned locally rather than throughout the entire pipe length, allowing fluid to flow freely through the unbrazed sections while preventing collapse at the supported location.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapse resistant body is designed to be temporary and removable. After coupling installation is complete, the brace member is extracted from the bore, restoring full fluid transportation capability. This dynamic approach allows the pipe to transition between supported (brace present) and operational (brace removed) states.
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 solution effectively prevents radial collapse and tearing of the RTP segments, allowing for secure clamping and joining of segments without permanent deformation, facilitating efficient downhole deployment and fluid transportation.
Implementation Method 1
the collapse resistant body has a radial compression resistance at least able to withstand a radial clamping force sufficient for a resulting friction force on the RTP body to resist a tension force of 70 kN
Implementation Method 2
a resulting friction force on the RTP body to resist a tension force of 70 kN applied along a longitudinal axis of the RTP
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for supporting a segment of reinforced thermoplastic pipe (RTP) are disclosed. The method comprises providing an end region of a segment of RTP body and as clamping elements of a clamp disposed around a covered portion of the end region are urged together to thereby support the end region at a fixed orientation, simultaneously opposing radially inwards collapse of at least one layer of the RTP body in the covered portion via a collapse resistant body disposed in a bore region of the covered portion.