Subsea Pipeline End Tool with Recoverable Gripping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently deploying and reconnecting flexible pipelines to subsea structures, particularly in aligning and connecting the ends of pipelines on the seabed, especially when the vertical connection principle is not applicable, and there is a need for a tool that can handle both ends of the pipeline for deployment and retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A modular tool comprising a central lifting frame, guiding part, and lifting yoke with gripping mechanisms that can circumscribe and retain the pipeline end, allowing for precise alignment and connection to a subsea structure, and can be reused by releasing the pipeline end for surface retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tool is designed to deploy pipeline ends on the seabed, then connection capability is improved, but the tool cannot be retrieved for reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is designed with a recoverable structure that allows it to be detached from the pipeline end after deployment. The lifting frame and gripping mechanisms can be released from the connecting part, enabling the tool to be retrieved to the surface for reuse while maintaining its connection capability for subsequent operations
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is divided into separable components including the lifting frame, gripping mechanisms, and guiding part. This segmentation allows the tool to be assembled and disassembled efficiently, facilitating deployment operations and subsequent retrieval for reuse
2Measurement precision
If gripping mechanisms are used to retain the pipeline end, then alignment precision is improved, but the tool complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping mechanisms incorporate movable elements that can dynamically adjust to the pipeline end geometry. The gripping components can open and close around the connecting part, providing precise alignment and retention while maintaining a relatively simple overall tool structure through controlled mechanical motion
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding part with bail structure acts as an intermediary element between the lifting frame and the pipeline end. It provides the necessary alignment guidance while the gripping mechanisms secure the connection, distributing the complexity across multiple specialized components rather than one complex mechanism
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tool is designed for horizontal connecting devices, then adaptability to subsea structures is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is designed with universal features that allow it to work with horizontal connecting devices on various subsea structures. The lifting frame and guiding part can accommodate different pipeline end configurations, providing broad adaptability while maintaining a consistent basic tool structure to avoid excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The tool incorporates a bail structure in the guiding part that provides dimensional flexibility for horizontal connection operations. This structural feature enables the tool to adapt to the horizontal orientation of connecting parts on subsea structures without requiring completely different tool designs for each application
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 deployment and retrieval of pipeline ends, ensuring precise alignment and secure connection to subsea structures, reducing operational complexity and increasing tool versatility for both flexible and rigid pipelines.
Implementation Method 1
a lifting yoke having rods pivotally connected to the lifting frame via axle pins
Implementation Method 2
gripping mechanisms being actuatable to partly circumscribe and retain the pipeline end when lowering or retrieving the pipeline end
Implementation Method 3
said guiding part comprising a bail structure configured to mate with an upwardly projection Y-structure of the first connecting part
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A tool for lowering, alternatively later retrieval, of a pipeline end which is provided with a connecting part (2) designed for mating with and connection to a first connecting part (1) on the seabed is shown. The tool is so arranged that the tool (20) can be brought to the surface again for reuse. The tool (20) comprises a central lifting frame (30), a guiding part (40) forming an extension of the lifting frame (30) and a lifting yoke (50), which tool (20) includes gripping mechanisms (32, 33, 35) which, in one situation, are actuatable to partly circumscribe and retain the pipeline end (E2), and, in a second situation, the gripping mechanisms are releasable to release the pipeline end (E2) from the lifting frame (30).