Subsea Flex Joint Inspection and Cleaning Robot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for inspecting and cleaning subsea flexible pipe joints are inefficient and unsafe, often requiring human divers which disrupt operations and pose safety risks due to the difficulty in accessing and cleaning elastomeric materials encrusted with marine life.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operated device with a support assembly, tool positioning assembly, cleaning assembly, and clamping assembly that allows for controlled rotation, radial movement, and axial extension/retraction, equipped with a camera and cavitation nozzle for enhanced inspection and cleaning capabilities, enabling remote operation without the need for human divers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If human divers are used to clean subsea flexible joints, then cleaning can be performed manually, but operational safety is compromised and platform operations must be halted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human divers with an automated robotic system that uses mechanical arms, water jets, and cleaning tools to perform flex joint cleaning operations. This substitution eliminates the safety risks associated with human divers working in harsh subsea environments while maintaining effective cleaning capability through programmed mechanical actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system is designed to autonomously navigate to the flex joint, position itself, and execute cleaning operations without continuous human intervention. The system includes self-positioning mechanisms, automated tool deployment, and programmable cleaning sequences that enable the device to service itself in the subsea environment.
2Ease of operation
If human divers are deployed for flex joint cleaning, then cleaning tasks can be performed, but platform operations must be reduced or halted
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing human divers with an autonomous robotic system, the patent enables cleaning operations to proceed independently of platform operational status. The robotic system can be deployed and operated without halting production activities, as it requires no dive support equipment or human safety protocols that would otherwise interrupt platform workflows.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic cleaning system is designed to perform maintenance operations continuously without interrupting platform production. The system can operate during normal platform activities, eliminating the need to schedule cleaning operations during production shutdowns or reductions, thereby maintaining continuous useful action for both maintenance and production.
3Ease of operation
If conventional cleaning methods are used on elastomeric materials, then cleaning can be performed, but cleaning effectiveness is reduced due to marine life encrustation
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system incorporates high-pressure water jet systems and hydraulic cleaning tools specifically designed to remove tough marine life encrustation from elastomeric flex joint materials. The hydraulic system delivers concentrated water streams at pressures sufficient to dislodge encrustations without damaging the underlying elastomeric components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system employs specialized tools and nozzles tailored for elastomeric materials, with adjustable pressure zones and targeted cleaning heads that adapt to the specific geometry and material properties of the flex joint components. This localized approach ensures effective cleaning of encrusted areas while preserving the integrity of the elastomeric materials.
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
Facilitates safe and efficient remote inspection and cleaning of subsea flexible joints, reducing operational disruptions and improving cleaning power with three degrees of movement and cavitation technology.
Implementation Method 1
equipped with a camera and cavitation nozzle for enhanced inspection and cleaning capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A remotely operated device for inspecting and/or cleaning a subsea flexible pipe joint comprises a support assembly. In addition, the device comprises a tool positioning assembly coupled to the support assembly. The tool positioning assembly includes a rotating member disposed about a central axis. The tool positioning assembly is rotatable relative to the support assembly about the central axis. Further, the device comprises a cleaning assembly including a cleaning device adapted to clean the flexible pipe joint. The cleaning device is axially moveable relative to the rotating member. Still further, the device comprises a clamping assembly coupled to the support assembly. The clamping assembly has an open position disengaged with the section of the flexible pipe joint and a closed position engaging the section of the flexible pipe joint.