Subsea Pipeline Repair Connector With Graphite Packing for OD Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subsea pipeline repair connectors face limitations in sealing performance due to the inability of existing graphite seals to overcome surface imperfections and accommodate varying outer diameters and ovalities, requiring substantial pipeline preparation.
Innovation Solution
The use of a graphite seal with a material composition greater than 98% carbon, combined with a composite stack of organic thermoplastic polymer and synthetic rubber, allows for a seal that can flow under compression to accommodate varying diameters and ovalities without requiring extensive pipeline preparation, providing a positive seal even under thermal cycling and high pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If graphite seals are used in subsea pipeline connectors, then temperature range and thermal cycling stability are improved, but the ability to accommodate surface imperfections and varying outer diameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite sealing structure combining graphite seal elements with elastomeric seal elements. The graphite component provides temperature range and thermal cycling stability, while the elastomeric component accommodates surface imperfections and varying outer diameters through its compliance and ability to flow under compression. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating the strengths of both materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system is divided into separate graphite and elastomeric seal elements that work together. The graphite seal element addresses high-temperature and thermal cycling requirements, while the elastomeric seal element addresses adaptability to pipeline surface variations. This segmentation allows each material to optimize its performance for its specific function without compromising the other.
2Adaptability or versatility
If elastomeric seals are used in pipeline repair connectors, then the ability to form effective seals on pipelines with imperfect surface finishes and varying outer diameters is improved, but temperature range and thermal cycling stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines elastomeric seal elements with graphite seal elements in a composite sealing system. The elastomeric material provides compliance and ability to flow into gaps for accommodating surface imperfections, while the graphite material provides thermal stability and wide temperature range performance. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by allowing each material to contribute its superior properties.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sealing system use different materials optimized for local requirements. The elastomeric seal elements are positioned to contact pipeline surfaces requiring compliance and gap-filling, while graphite seal elements are positioned to handle thermal cycling and high-temperature conditions. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between adaptability and thermal stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple seal packs are used to cover different pipeline sizes, then adaptability to various nominal pipe sizes is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal sealing system where a single connector assembly can accommodate multiple nominal pipe sizes through the use of scalable elastomeric and graphite seal elements. The elastomeric seals can be compressed to accommodate varying outer diameters, and the graphite seals provide consistent thermal performance across different sizes. This universality eliminates the need for multiple specialized seal packs for different pipe sizes, reducing inventory complexity while maintaining adaptability.
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 seamless installation and effective sealing across a wide range of outer diameter tolerances, reducing operational complexity and inventory costs by eliminating the need for multiple seal packs, while maintaining a robust seal under extreme conditions.
Implementation Method 1
graphite seal...flow under compression to accommodate varying diameters and ovalities
Implementation Method 2
seal that can flow under compression to accommodate varying diameters and ovalities
Data Source
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AI summary
A tubular connection system comprises a slip (300) sized to fit about an outer diameter of a tubular, one or more pipeline connectors (200) sized to fit within a tubular housing (310) and comprising a graphite packer (201) and a set of slip limiting rings (220) disposed on either the first side or the second side of the graphite packer (201) against the graphite packer's first C-shaped ring or the second C-shaped ring, and a connector activator (330) operatively in communication with the tubular housing (310) and operative to compress or decompress the first graphite packer.