Subsea Pipe Plug with Counter-Rotating Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to effectively seal open pipes subsea using only a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for the installation of the seal, as existing methods are inadequate for this specific application.
Innovation Solution
A large diameter, low pressure plug system comprising a nose with a convex leading face, a collar, a slip bowl, counter-rotating rings, and O-rings, which can be hydraulically or mechanically actuated to create a seal within a tubular structure, utilizing an ROV for positioning and sealing, with features like serrated edges and springs to maintain the seal under pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If existing sealing methods are used for subsea pipes, then sealing can be achieved, but installation cannot be performed using only a remotely operated vehicle (ROV)
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is designed to be self-setting through counter-rotating rings that automatically engage and rotate in opposite directions when the plug is inserted into the pipe, causing the O-rings to radially expand and seal against the pipe wall without requiring additional ROV operations or complex installation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical installation systems with a simplified mechanism where the plug's own insertion motion drives the counter-rotating rings to automatically seal, eliminating the need for complex ROV-manipulated sealing mechanisms
2Reliability
If O-rings are expanded radially to create a seal, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the plug must resist internal pressure to maintain the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The O-rings are pre-compressed between the counter-rotating rings before the plug is fully inserted into the pipe. When the plug is inserted, the counter-rotating rings rotate and further compress the O-rings radially outward, creating a pre-established seal that is ready to resist internal pressure from the moment of insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The seal mechanism changes the radial parameter of the O-rings by compressing them radially outward through the rotation of counter-rotating rings. This radial compression increases the contact pressure between the O-rings and the pipe wall, creating a reliable seal that can withstand internal pressure differentials
3Area of stationary object
If a large diameter plug is used to seal subsea pipes, then sealing coverage is improved, but the complexity of the sealing mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism is segmented into counter-rotating rings that can rotate independently in opposite directions. This segmentation allows each ring to independently compress O-rings at different locations, achieving large diameter sealing through a modular, less complex mechanism rather than a single complex moving part
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanism to push the O-rings outward, the invention uses the counter-rotation of rings to create radial compression through friction and mechanical advantage. The rotation motion is inverted into radial sealing force, simplifying the mechanism while maintaining large diameter sealing capability
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 system allows for reliable sealing of subsea pipes by radially expanding O-rings to create a seal, resisting internal pressure and maintaining the seal through axial forces, enabling secure and efficient pipe closure using remotely operated vehicle technology.
Implementation Method 1
radially expanding O-rings to create a seal
Implementation Method 2
O-rings, which may comprise a large cross section and/or a large diameter, typically comprises a soft elastomeric material
Implementation Method 3
configured to produce an axial force to compress O-ring 123
Implementation Method 4
a friction fit between the two ramps may be present to help produce the radial compression
Implementation Method 5
The convex portion of the leading face of the nose may be configured to withstand internal pressure
Implementation Method 6
Slip 104 may comprise teeth and/or a serrated outer surface
Implementation Method 7
In contemplated embodiments, slip 104 comprises a tapered edge and slip bowl 101 comprises a complementarily tapered edge in sliding communication with the slip tapered edge
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments, a large diameter, low pressure plug can be used to seal a pipe subsea. The large diameter, low pressure plug comprises a nose, two or more counter-rotating rings, and one or more seals. Other embodiments disclosed have varying additional structure. The large diameter, low pressure plug is inserted into the inner annulus of a tubular and a sealing action created by rotating the counter-rotating rings to create axial compression, in turn causing radial expansion in the seal against the inner annulus of the tubular, sealing the tubular.