Subsea Connector Insulation Inflatable Bag Seal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current subsea connector insulation systems are inefficient in preventing heat loss due to improper contact and seal issues, making them costly and difficult to install using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).
Innovation Solution
A subsea insulation device featuring a frame with a clamp structure and an inflatable bag that provides a substantial seal against the connector, using an insulating fluid to reduce convective heat loss and facilitate easy installation by ROVs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If molded insulation is used in a dog house configuration, then insulation coverage is provided, but heat loss prevention is insufficient due to improper contact and sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible inflatable bag made of elastomeric material that can be inflated to conform to the connector surface. This flexible membrane provides reliable contact and sealing around the connector, eliminating the improper contact issues associated with rigid molded insulation blocks in dog house configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the insulation medium from rigid solid blocks to an inflatable flexible bag. By inflating the bag with fluid, the insulation material adapts its shape and volume to match the connector contours, ensuring complete surface contact and effective sealing.
2Ease of manufacture
If molded insulation blocks are used, then insulation is provided, but installation difficulty and cost increase for ROV operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the insulation system into separate functional components: a frame structure, an inflatable bag, and a fluid provider connector. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation, as the bag can be inflated after the frame is positioned on the connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic inflation through a fluid provider connector to expand the insulation bag. This allows the insulation to be deployed remotely by an ROV without requiring complex manual assembly, significantly reducing installation complexity and cost.
3Ease of manufacture
If insulation is placed on connectors prior to installation, then insulation is pre-positioned, but moving parts and mating surfaces prevent proper insulation application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary positioning of the insulation bag within the frame structure before the frame is installed on the connector. However, the actual inflation and conforming to the connector surface occurs after installation, allowing the insulation to adapt to the final position and orientation of the connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static rigid insulation blocks to a dynamic inflatable bag that can change its shape and volume. This dynamic insulation can adapt to connectors with moving parts and mating surfaces, ensuring continuous contact and sealing regardless of the connector's final position or orientation.
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 device effectively reduces heat loss by providing a reliable and cost-effective insulation barrier, ensuring efficient operation and maintenance of subsea connectors by maintaining fluid circulation and temperature stability.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention relates to subsea connectors and devices for insulating the subsea connectors
Implementation Method 2
heat loss due to convection of seawater between the insulation and the surface of the connector may be significant
Data Source
AI summary
A subsea insulation device is described. The device includes a frame coupled to and at least partially enclosing a subsea component. A bag may be at least partially enclosed in the frame. The bag may substantially seal against at least one surface of the subsea component when the bag is at least partially inflated. A port may be attached to the bag. The port may allow the bag to be coupled to a fluid provider connector so that fluid can be provided into the bag to inflate the bag.