Subsea Pipe Jointing Structure for Automatic Welding and Elbows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea pipeline jointing devices require manual welding, limit space for automatic welding systems, and are not adaptable for pipelines with large radius elbows, resulting in suboptimal weld quality and limited compatibility with complex pipeline geometries.
Innovation Solution
A jointing device featuring four plates with hydraulic cylinders along two perpendicular adjustment axes, allowing for flexible rotations and translations, and a system for guiding the support structure along the pipeline axis, enabling automatic welding and accommodating various pipeline configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If external collars are used for jointing pipeline elements, then the jointing operation can be performed, but the space required for automatic welding systems is insufficient and manual welding method is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the pipeline element inside a mandrel that is nested within the jointing device, rather than using external collars. This nested configuration allows automatic welding systems to be integrated within the mandrel structure, providing sufficient space for automation while maintaining a compact overall device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of positioning collars externally on either side of the jointing plane, the patent inverts the approach by using an internal mandrel structure that contains the pipeline element. This inversion creates internal space for automatic welding systems while reducing the external footprint of the jointing device.
2Manufacturing precision
If external collars are used for jointing pipeline elements, then the jointing operation can be performed, but the weld quality is not always obtained due to manual welding method
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates automatic welding systems within the mandrel structure before the jointing operation begins. This preliminary integration of automation ensures that high-quality welding can be performed from the outset, eliminating the quality inconsistencies associated with manual welding methods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external collars are used for jointing pipeline elements, then the jointing operation can be performed, but only compact end parts PLET can be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the mandrel as a universal structure that can accommodate various pipeline elements including non-compact configurations and large radius elbows. The mandrel's internal geometry can be adjusted to suit different pipeline element types, providing multi-functionality and broad compatibility without requiring multiple specialized devices.
4Adaptability or versatility
If external collars are used for jointing pipeline elements, then the jointing operation can be performed, but the devices are not adapted for pipelines comprising elbows with large radius of curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a mandrel with adjustable and adaptable geometry that can dynamically accommodate different pipeline configurations including large radius elbows. The mandrel structure allows for geometric adjustments to match the specific curvature requirements of different elbow types, providing adaptability without requiring fundamentally different device architectures.
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 high-quality automatic welding and improves execution time, while accommodating complex pipeline geometries, including those with large radius elbows, enhancing the jointing process efficiency and weld quality.
Implementation Method 1
four plates each comprising a first element capable of cooperating with a rail and a second element fixed on the support structure, the first element and the second element of each plate being linked together by a first cylinder aligned along a first adjustment axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the pipeline section and a second cylinder aligned along a second adjustment axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pipeline section and to the first adjustment axis
Data Source
AI summary
A device for jointing elements of a pipeline for the transport of fluids includes a support structure on which a pipeline section to be jointed is intended to be mounted, two parallel fixed rails, four plates each comprising a first element capable of cooperating with a rail and a second element fixed on the support structure. The first and the second elements of each plate is linked by a first cylinder aligned along a first adjustment axis and a second cylinder aligned along a second adjustment axis, and a system for controlling the cylinders of the plates to achieve movements along the first and second adjustment axes and capable of cooperating with a system for guiding in translation the support structure along the longitudinal axis of the pipeline section to allow jointing of the pipeline section and the pipeline element.