Subsea Nut Guide Geometry for Faster Torque Tool Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for coupling a subsea torque tool to nuts in flange joints of pipelines are complex and time-consuming, relying heavily on the skill of the ROV operator, leading to increased operational costs and inefficiency due to the need for numerous alignment maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A nut guide is proposed, pre-assembled to the nut using adhesive or suitable joining means, featuring a conical to hexagonal geometry that facilitates smooth alignment and coupling of the torque tool, allowing it to move as a single element between the screws of the flange, reducing the need for operator alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a torque tool is coupled to a nut in subsea flange joints using conventional methods, then the operation can be performed, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming due to the need for numerous alignment maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element is pre-assembled to the nut before the torque tool is applied. This preliminary action creates a pre-positioned guidance structure that automatically aligns the torque tool with the nut, eliminating the need for complex real-time alignment maneuvers by the ROV operator and significantly reducing coupling time
Solution Approach 2:
The guide element acts as an intermediary component between the nut and the torque tool. It provides a geometric interface that guides the torque tool into proper alignment with the nut, simplifying the coupling operation and reducing the skill level required by the operator while minimizing alignment time
2Reliability
If conventional coupling methods are used without a guide element, then the system remains simple, but the coupling process becomes highly dependent on operator skill and requires multiple alignment attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element enables the coupling system to be self-aligning. The geometric features of the guide element automatically guide the torque tool into the correct position on the nut, making the coupling process independent of operator skill and eliminating the need for multiple alignment attempts, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex active control systems
3Productivity
If multiple alignment maneuvers are performed to couple the torque tool to the nut, then the coupling can be achieved, but operational costs increase due to time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
By pre-assembling the guide element to the nut, the alignment function is prepared in advance. This eliminates the need for repeated alignment maneuvers during the actual torque application, significantly reducing the time required for each coupling operation and thereby increasing maintenance productivity and reducing operational costs
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention aims at solving the difficulty of coupling a subsea torque tool, which is usually used by ROVs, to the nuts of cases used to join flanges in pipelines and pipes. In this way, a nut guide (3) is proposed, which is used in pre-assembly and which is coupled to the nut (2) through an adhesive means or any other appropriate joining means, wherein the torque tool is quickly and smoothly guided to the ideal position for tightening or loosening the flanges by using the screw (1) and nut (2) assembly, facilitating the fitting and minimizing the number of alignment maneuvers between the torque tool and the nut (2).