Subsea Flexible Jumper Pipe Deployment via Continuous Train
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for deploying discrete lengths of flexible jumper pipes in subsea installations are time-consuming and inefficient, as individual pipes are lowered separately through the laying system, requiring multiple vessels and complex crane operations.
Innovation Solution
Coupling jumper pipes end-to-end to form a flexible train, which is then wound onto a drum for transport and lowered collectively, allowing the leading pipe to guide subsequent pipes through the laying system, simplifying the process by maintaining continuous control and reducing the need for independent lifting and threading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If individual jumper pipes are lowered separately through the laying system, then each pipe can be independently controlled and positioned, but the deployment process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple vessels with complex crane operations
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple discrete jumper pipes are coupled end-to-end to form a continuous flexible train that is wound on a single drum. This allows the train to be deployed as one continuous unit from a single vessel, eliminating the need for multiple independent lowering operations and reducing overall deployment time while maintaining control through the continuous connection between pipes
2Ease of manufacture
If discrete lengths of flexible jumper pipes are stored individually on a vessel, then each pipe can be handled separately, but the transportation and deployment process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Individual jumper pipes are connected end-to-end to form a continuous flexible train that can be wound on a single drum for transport. This simplifies the deployment system by eliminating the need for multiple cranes and coordination between multiple vessels, while the pipes retain their discrete identities and can still be handled separately when needed through the coupling mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The jumper pipes are pre-connected end-to-end to form a continuous train before deployment. This preliminary connection simplifies the deployment process by allowing the entire train to be lowered in one continuous operation, eliminating the need for complex coordination during the actual deployment phase
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E~1F
AI summary
A method for deployment of discrete lengths of flexible jumper pipes (1,3) for installation subsea is disclosed, comprising coupling the jumper pipes together end-to- end thus forming a flexible train of jumper pipes, and winding the train of jumper pipes on a drum (7) suitable for transport to a deployment site by a pipe-laying vessel. On site, the train of jumper pipes is unreeled from the drum until the first jumper pipe is lowered into the sea, then the drum is halted and the trailing end (2) of the first jumper pipe (1) is detached from the leading end (2') of the second jumper pipe (3) in the train of jumper pipes. The trailing end (2) of the first jumper pipe (1) is shifted to a lowering wire (17), and the first jumper pipe is lowered to the sea bottom. The process is repeated until the discrete lengths of flexible jumper pipes are individually lowered into the sea.