Dual-Layer Silicone Insulation Structure for Hot Subsea Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal insulation materials for subsea equipment become brittle and lose mechanical flexibility at high temperatures above 150 degrees Celsius, compromising their effectiveness in maintaining fluid temperature and withstanding mechanical stress.
Innovation Solution
A thermal insulation structure comprising an inner and outer layer, where the inner layer is a reaction product of alkenyldialkyl terminated polydialkylsiloxane or its mixtures with a hydrosilylation catalyst, and the outer layer is a reaction product of alkenyldialkyl terminated polydialkylsiloxane or its mixtures with an alkenylated MQ silicone resin, both designed to maintain flexibility and mechanical integrity at high temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional thermal insulation materials are used, then thermal insulation performance is achieved, but mechanical flexibility is lost at high temperatures above 150°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite material system consisting of a silicone resin base polymer combined with specific additives including micronised polymer particles and a curing catalyst. This composite formulation creates a multi-phase structure where the silicone resin matrix provides flexibility and temperature resistance, while the dispersed polymer particles maintain mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. The composite nature allows the material to exhibit both thermal insulation and mechanical flexibility simultaneously across a wide temperature range.
2Loss of energy
If thermal insulation material is applied to subsea equipment, then fluid temperature is maintained, but the material becomes brittle at high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the polymer chemistry, specifically employing a silicone resin base polymer with controlled molecular weight and composition, combined with a curing catalyst system that creates a flexible crosslinked network. The micronised polymer additive further modifies the physical parameters of the cured material, creating a structure that maintains elasticity and prevents brittleness even at temperatures above 150°C, thereby ensuring long-term reliability in high-temperature subsea environments.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single-layer insulation structure is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but performance at high temperatures is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the insulation system into functional segments within a single applicatable coating. The formulation separates the curing catalyst and micronised polymer additive as distinct components that are mixed with the silicone resin base polymer before application. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the catalyst enables curing, the base polymer provides flexibility, and the micronised particles maintain high-temperature properties - while the material remains applicable as a unified coating system.
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 insulation structure maintains low thermal conductivity and mechanical flexibility even at high temperatures, with the inner layer providing damping and the outer layer protecting against external conditions, effectively insulating subsea equipment while withstanding stress and pressure.
Implementation Method 1
the inner layer providing damping
Implementation Method 2
thermal insulation structure for a substrate for use subsea... to maintain the temperature of the extracted fluids
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal insulation structure for a substrate for use subsea, and a method of providing a thermal insulating structure. The structure comprises: an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer is the reaction product of a first part and a second part, wherein the weight ratio of the first part to the second part is from about 15:1 to 1:1. The first part comprises any of alkenyldialkyl terminated polydialkylsiloxane, alkenyldialkyl terminated polydialkylalkenylmethylsiloxane or mixtures thereof, which will individually or collectively have a viscosity of from 250 to 10000mPa.s at 25°C, and a hydrosilylation catalyst. The second part comprises a mixture of organohydrogensiloxane having two Si-H bonds per molecule and organohydrogensiloxane having at least three Si-H bonds per molecule. The outer layer is the reaction product of a first part and a second part, wherein the weight ratio of the first part to the second part is from about 15:1 to 1:. The first part comprises any of alkenyldialkyl terminated polydialkylsiloxane, alkenyldialkyl terminated polydialkylalkenylmethylsiloxane or mixtures thereof, which will individually or collectively have a viscosity of from 250 to 10000mPa.s at 25°C, and a hydrosilylation catalyst. The second part comprises organohydrogensiloxane having at least two Si- H bonds per molecule and alkenylated MQ silicone resin, wherein said M group comprises at least two Si-alkenyl bonds per molecule.