Subsea Pipeline Connector Guide Funnels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea connection systems require precise positioning of rigid pipelines, which is challenging and costly, especially when connecting flexible pipelines to uneven seabeds, and often necessitate pre-installing inboard connecting parts before outboard parts can be landed, leading to increased complexity and maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A connector system featuring a pair of guide funnels with a fin that interacts with the seabed guideposts, allowing the outboard connecting part to be lowered and landed independently, with guideposts of varying heights and angles to accommodate uneven seabeds, and includes features like extension plates and side rails for easier mating and reduced load on the pipeline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If precise positioning of rigid pipelines is required for connection, then connection reliability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guideposts and guide funnels as intermediary elements that facilitate the connection process. The guideposts are installed on the seabed structure, and the guide funnels are attached to the pipeline end. These intermediaries create a guided path that simplifies positioning and connection while maintaining reliability, eliminating the need for complex precise positioning equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The guideposts are pre-installed on the seabed structure before the pipeline is laid. This preliminary action allows the pipeline to be guided into position during installation, reducing the complexity of real-time positioning operations while ensuring reliable connection.
2Stability of the object's composition
If inboard connecting parts are pre-installed before outboard parts, then connection stability is improved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guideposts are pre-installed on the seabed structure to provide a stable reference framework before the pipeline connection operations begin. This preliminary installation of guide elements enables subsequent outboard parts to be landed and connected more efficiently without requiring sequential pre-installation of all inboard connecting parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into separate functional components: guideposts fixed to the structure, guide funnels attached to the pipeline, and the connecting parts. This segmentation allows independent installation and positioning of each component, enabling outboard parts to be landed before inboard parts while maintaining connection stability through the guiding mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If guideposts of varying heights and angles are used to accommodate uneven seabeds, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guideposts are designed with varying heights and angles specifically at different locations to match the local seabed conditions. Each guidepost is customized to its specific position on the uneven seabed, providing adaptability without requiring the entire structure to be complex. The local variations in guidepost geometry address local seabed irregularities.
Solution Approach 2:
The guideposts employ asymmetric designs with different heights and angles to accommodate the asymmetric nature of uneven seabeds. This asymmetric configuration allows the system to adapt to irregular seabed topography while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that mirrors the natural asymmetry of the installation environment.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for landing or retrieving a pipeline end on the seabed, the device comprising an outboard connecting part (2) being adapted to connect with the pipeline end and lowered from the surface towards a landing structure (3) on the seabed or alternatively lifted from the landing structure (3) on the seabed towards the sea surface. The invention is distinctive in that the outboard connecting part (2) comprising a pair of guide funnels (5a, 5b) adapted to engage with a pair of corresponding guideposts (4a, 4b) arranged on the landing structure (3), at least one fin (8) is attached to the outboard connecting part (2) and is adapted to bear against the landing structure (3), said pair of guide funnels (5a, 5b) are adapted to be in contact with the corresponding pair of guideposts (4a, 4b) when the outboard connecting part (2) is resting on the landing structure (3).