Split Riser Collar Attachment for Stable Buoyancy Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment devices for marine riser buoyancy modules face challenges in securely fastening buoyancy modules to risers, particularly in restricted spaces and under varying operational conditions, with issues of flange damage and instability due to axial movement and fluctuating temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A split annular collar with separable flange parts that can be mounted around the riser without initial flange placement, providing increased radial extension and deeper flanges to reduce damage risk, along with a non-viscoelastic liner for enhanced friction and insulation, allowing for secure attachment and movement restriction of buoyancy modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional integral collar with flange is used to secure buoyancy modules, then the attachment provides structural support, but it causes difficulty in installation in restricted spaces and increases risk of flange damage
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is divided into two separate parts: the collar body and the flange. The collar body can be installed around the riser first in restricted spaces, and then the flange is attached separately to secure the buoyancy module. This segmentation allows easier installation in confined areas while maintaining the structural support function.
2Reliability
If flanges are extended deeper to reduce damage risk, then protection against damage improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the flange from the collar body, the design allows the flange to be extended deeper without making the entire collar structure more complex. The extended flange can be attached to the collar body through connection formations, providing enhanced protection while keeping the installation process manageable through staged assembly.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a non-viscoelastic liner is used to increase friction and provide insulation, then stability under temperature fluctuations improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liner material is selected based on its physical parameters - specifically choosing a non-viscoelastic material with high friction coefficients and good thermal insulation properties. This parameter-based selection ensures stability under temperature fluctuations while allowing the liner to be manufactured using standard processes for such materials.
4Ease of operation
If the collar is split into multiple parts for easier installation, then installation ease improves, but the number of components and assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is segmented into exactly two parts (collar body and flange) - the minimum number needed to solve the installation problem. This limited segmentation provides the benefit of easier installation in restricted spaces while avoiding excessive complexity from having too many components.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar body and flange are designed to connect through simple connection formations, merging into a functional unit after installation. This merging approach reduces the practical complexity by providing a straightforward assembly process that results in a unified structure.
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 enables easier installation and secure attachment of buoyancy modules, reducing the likelihood of flange damage and maintaining stability under operational loads and temperature fluctuations, while ensuring electrical insulation and preventing axial movement.
Implementation Method 1
acts to increase the frictional forces between the collar and the riser
Implementation Method 2
provides electrical insulation between the collar and the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment device for securing a buoyancy module to a riser, the attachment device comprising an annular collar which is split into at least two parts, and at least one flange part, which is separable from the collar and has a generally planar flange and a connecting formation by means of which the flange part may be releasably connected to the collar so that the flange extends radially outwardly relative to the collar.