Subsea Pipe Connection System Using Hydraulic Landing Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea pipe connection techniques are complex, expensive, and cumbersome, especially when attempting to establish horizontal connections between pipes, often resulting in time-consuming installations and height restrictions.
Innovation Solution
A subsea pipe connection system that includes a frame with a post and a landing structure for moving the hub of one pipe to align with another, using hydraulic actuators and a clamp mechanism to secure the pipes in a horizontal orientation without human intervention, allowing for easy and reliable connections on the seabed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional subsea pipe connection techniques are used to establish horizontal connections, then connections can be made between pipes, but the installation process becomes complex, expensive, and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate functional modules: a landing structure for receiving the pipe, hydraulic actuators for positioning, and a clamp mechanism for securing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture, reducing complexity while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The landing structure acts as an intermediary between the pipe and the clamp mechanism. It receives the pipe hub, provides a stable mounting platform, and coordinates the actions of multiple hydraulic actuators. This intermediary structure simplifies the connection process by centralizing control and reducing the complexity of direct pipe-to-clamp interactions
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional connection methods are used for horizontal pipe connections, then connections can be established, but height restrictions and interference issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism incorporates movable jaws actuated by hydraulic cylinders that can dynamically adjust to accommodate pipes in different orientations. The landing structure can also be positioned at various heights and angles, allowing the system to adapt to horizontal, vertical, or angled connections without height restrictions, while maintaining ease of operation through automated positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is designed with universal applicability to handle multiple connection orientations (horizontal, vertical, angled) and different pipe configurations. The clamp mechanism and landing structure can be reused for various connection scenarios without requiring specialized equipment, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining ease of operation through standardized procedures
3Reliability
If manual or ROV-assisted alignment methods are used for pipe connections, then connections can be made, but the process requires human intervention and becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The landing structure incorporates self-aligning features where the pipe hub automatically centers itself within the landing structure upon insertion. The hydraulic actuators then automatically adjust the clamp jaws to match the pipe dimensions and orientation, eliminating the need for manual alignment interventions while maintaining high connection precision through built-in sensing and feedback mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Manual alignment operations are replaced by an automated control system that uses hydraulic actuators with position sensors and feedback control. The system automatically positions the clamp jaws and adjusts clamping force based on real-time measurements, substituting human-operated mechanical alignment with an automated electromechanical system that achieves equal or superior precision while increasing automation level
4Reliability
If complex connection equipment is deployed for horizontal pipe connections, then connections can be established, but the equipment must be retrieved and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism is merged with the landing structure to form an integrated connection assembly that remains permanently installed on the pipe. This eliminates the need for separate retrieval operations and reduces overall system cost by removing the need for multiple equipment deployments. The integrated design maintains high connection success rate through coordinated positioning and clamping functions while improving ease of manufacture through reduced equipment inventory requirements
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 efficient, reliable, and cost-effective horizontal connections between subsea pipes, overcoming height restrictions and simplifying the installation process by using remote-operated vehicle (ROV) controlled mechanisms to pivot and clamp the pipes in place.
Implementation Method 1
a landing structure and means for moving the landing structure along the post
Implementation Method 2
The frame has a clamp in a position suitable for extending against the hub of the second pipe
Implementation Method 3
The receptacle is suitable for receiving a portion of the first pipe therein such that the first pipe can pivot thereabout
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for connecting a hub of a first pipe to a hub of a second pipe in a subsea environment includes a frame suitable for receiving the hub of the second pipe, a post extending outwardly of the frame, a landing structure slidably positioned on the post, and an actuator for moving the landing structure along the post such that the hub of the first pipe is juxtaposed against the hub of the second pipe. The landing structure includes a receptacle formed thereon. This receptacle is suitable for receiving a slotted portion of an arm extending from a trunnion extending around the first pipe such that the first pipe can pivot from a generally vertical orientation to a generally horizontal orientation. A clamp can extend against the hubs of the first and second pipes so as to join the pipes together.