Subsea Pipe Tool for Weld Removal and Truing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools are inadequate for efficiently cutting and preparing pipes underwater, particularly in removing welds and truing the open end without thinning the pipe wall, especially when metal-to-metal seals are required.
Innovation Solution
A pipe tool with a hydraulically independent design, featuring a gripper, mandrel, and cutter, utilizing a planetary gear train and hydraulic circuits for precise cutting and truing operations, allowing for the removal of welds and preparation of pipe openings without compromising the pipe wall thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing tools are used to cut and prepare pipes underwater, then cutting operations can be performed, but the pipe wall becomes thinned and metal-to-metal seals cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting tool is divided into two independent cutting elements: an outer cutter for cutting through the pipe wall and an inner cutter for truing the inner surface. This segmentation allows the outer cutter to remove material while the inner cutter simultaneously maintains the inner surface integrity, preventing wall thinning and enabling metal-to-metal seals.
2Manufacturing precision
If welds are removed from pipes, then pipe preparation is improved, but the operation becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The tool combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: the outer cutter removes external material including welds, while the inner cutter simultaneously trues the inner surface. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate welding removal operations and reduces overall process complexity despite the sophisticated tool design.
3Productivity
If existing cutting tools are used, then cutting operations can be performed, but truing operations require separate steps and reduce productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-cutter design enables continuous simultaneous action: while the outer cutter cuts through the pipe wall, the inner cutter continuously trues the inner surface. This eliminates sequential operations and reduces total operation time, significantly improving productivity for underwater pipe preparation.
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 cutting and truing of pipes underwater, ensuring metal-to-metal seals can be achieved without thinning the pipe wall, enhancing repair capabilities in subsea environments.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a planetary gear train and hydraulic circuits for precise cutting and truing operations
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a planetary gear train and hydraulic circuits for precise cutting and truing operations
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe tool, useful for cutting, removing a weld, and/or truing a pipe, comprises a housing; a drive interface; a gripper selectively insertable into an inner annulus of a pipe and movable independently of the housing, the gripper comprising a selectively expandable grip; a radially disposed cutter adapted to selectively engage a predetermined portion of an outer surface of the pipe, the cutter movable independently of the housing and the gripper; and a motor operatively in communication with the drive interface. In embodiments, a pipe is cut by maneuvering the pipe tool proximate an open end of a pipe, moving the gripper into the pipe; extending the grip to engage an interior wall of the pipe and secure the pipe tool from movement relative to the pipe; advancing the exposed face to a predetermined position relative to the pipe; axially advancing the cutter to engage an outer wall of the pipe; and rotating the housing until the cutters perform the desired cutting operation on the pipe.