Subsea Conduit Spring Movement Resistor Mitigates Thermal Buckling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore hydrocarbon pipelines experience costly buckling and movement issues due to thermal gradients, leading to potential damage and shutdowns, which existing anchoring solutions fail to address economically.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a movement resistor apparatus with spring elements attached to subsea conduits to resist forces and mitigate displacement, utilizing a sleeve with resistor portions that can absorb and distribute thermal expansion forces, thereby reducing pipeline movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If expensive anchoring mitigation using large suction or driven piles is employed to hold the pipeline in place, then pipeline stability is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the pipeline system by introducing spring elements that modify the mechanical properties of the pipeline-conduit connection. The springs provide elastic compliance that allows thermal expansion and contraction without inducing excessive stresses, thereby maintaining stability without requiring expensive anchoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure by combining the rigid pipeline with flexible spring elements and compliant conduit sections. This composite system absorbs thermal stresses through the elastic deformation of springs and conduit, reducing the need for heavy anchoring while maintaining pipeline stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If pipeline anchoring systems are installed to prevent walking, then pipeline displacement is reduced, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the mechanical parameters of the connection system by introducing elastic springs with specific stiffness values that allow controlled displacement. This enables the system to accommodate thermal expansion while limiting excessive movement, achieving displacement control without complex anchoring mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements act as intermediary components between the pipeline and the conduit/anchoring system. These springs absorb and dissipate thermal stresses, mediating the interaction between the pipeline and external constraints, thereby reducing the complexity of the overall anchoring system.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid anchoring structures are used to prevent pipeline movement, then pipeline position is stabilized, but stress concentration and fatigue failure risk increase at vulnerable locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the stiffness parameter of the connection system by introducing compliant spring elements and flexible conduit sections. This allows the system to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction through elastic deformation rather than rigid constraint, thereby stabilizing pipeline position while reducing stress concentration and fatigue risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements and compliant conduit sections serve as pre-installed cushioning elements that absorb thermal stresses before they can cause damage to the pipeline or anchoring system. This beforehand cushioning prevents stress concentration and fatigue failure by dissipating energy through elastic deformation.
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 reduces pipeline displacement and stress, minimizing the need for expensive anchoring solutions by absorbing thermal expansion forces, thus enhancing the durability and operational reliability of subsea conduits.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one spring therein
Implementation Method 2
Pipeline carrying such hydrocarbon fluids can experience thermal gradients across the pipeline during multiple production shut down and start up cycles resulting in expansion, contraction, and thermal cycling of the pipeline or conduit
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are apparatus, systems and methods for reducing displacement of a subsea conduit such as offshore hydrocarbon production pipeline, also referred to as pipeline walking or buckling, thus reducing the need for expensive pipeline anchoring or other mitigation solutions. A movement resistor adapted to be installed on a subsea conduit is provided having an inner portion adapted to receive and securely attach to a subsea conduit and at least one resistor portion adapted to resist induced forces. The at least one resistor portion includes a spring element therein. At least one movement resistor can be installed along the length of a subsea conduit.