Shoulderless Subsea Pipeline Connector for Splash-Zone Repairs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors for subsea pipelines and risers face challenges in the splash zone due to excessive corrosion and require a shoulder that does not clear obstructions or previous repairs, necessitating temporary solutions and complex welding processes.
Innovation Solution
A connector design without a shoulder at one end, utilizing elastomeric packing seals and dual fastener bolt circles to secure the seals, allowing installation over obstructions and eliminating the need for welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connectors are used in the splash zone, then corrosion protection is provided for submerged surfaces, but excessive corrosion occurs and frequent repairs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional metals to elastomeric polymer material, which fundamentally alters the corrosion resistance properties. The elastomeric material inherently resists corrosion from saltwater and atmospheric exposure, eliminating the degradation issues that plague metal connectors in the splash zone and thereby extending service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector employs composite construction combining elastomeric material with embedded fastening mechanisms. This composite approach provides both corrosion resistance from the elastomeric matrix and structural integrity for securing pipeline components, solving the reliability-durability contradiction through material synergy.
2Productivity
If temporary repair solutions are installed on the riser, then immediate repair is achieved, but obstructions are created that prevent subsequent connector installation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into modular components including separate fastening elements and sealing elements. This segmentation allows the connector to be adapted to various existing repair configurations on the riser, accommodating obstructions from previous repairs while maintaining installation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates universal mounting capabilities that can interface with multiple types of existing repairs. The elastomeric material and fastening system can adapt to different riser surface conditions and previous repair types, making the connector versatile enough to work with temporary repair solutions already in place.
3Reliability
If a shoulder is provided on the connector body, then sealing is improved, but installation becomes impossible when obstructions are present on the riser
Solution Approach 1:
The connector uses an elastomeric shell that can flex and deform to accommodate obstructions on the riser surface. This flexible material maintains sealing effectiveness by conforming to the underlying geometry while allowing installation over temporary repairs and surface irregularities that would block rigid shouldered connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism transitions from a static rigid shoulder to a dynamic flexible elastomeric seal. The elastomeric material can dynamically adjust its shape and position during installation and operation, maintaining contact and sealing pressure around obstructions while preserving sealing effectiveness.
4Strength
If welding is used for connector installation, then strong connection is achieved, but operational safety is reduced due to welding requirements in the splash zone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal welding process with a mechanical fastening system using fasteners and an elastomeric seal. This substitution eliminates the safety hazards of welding in the corrosive splash zone while maintaining strong mechanical connection through the fastener assembly and friction between the elastomeric material and riser surface.
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
Enables reliable sealing and repair of subsea pipelines and risers in the splash zone without requiring a habitat for welding, accommodating previous repairs and obstructions, and facilitating both split and sleeved applications.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elastomeric packing seals (38) positioned between the body (34) and the pipeline (10)
Implementation Method 2
an annulus pressure test ring (40) positioned between pairs of the plurality of elastomeric packing seals (38)
Data Source
AI summary
A connector (30) for pipelines and risers has a body (34) with a packing and scaling (36) is connected thereto. A plurality of elastomeric packing seals (38) are provided between the body (34) and a pipe or riser. A packing and scaling reaction ring (42) is provided at an end of the body (34) opposite the packing/seal flange (36) and abuts the last of the plurality of elastomeric packing seals (38). An outer fastener bolt circle (44) is formed through the packing and sealing flange (36), and fasteners of the outer fastener bolt circle (44) extend through the packing/seal flange (36) into the body (34) of the connector (30). An inner fastener bolt circle (46) is formed through the packing and sealing flange (36), and fasteners of the inner fastener bolt circle extend through passageways of the elastomeric packing seals (38) to be received by the packing/seal reaction ring (42).