Subsea Pipeline Stabilizing Structure Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea hydrocarbon production pipelines experience costly and complex issues due to thermal expansion, contraction, and movement-related stresses, particularly 'pipeline walking' and buckling, which lead to overstrain and fatigue failures, especially in uneven terrain and unsupported spans, necessitating expensive anchoring solutions and periodic monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that stabilize subsea pipelines by connecting them to a stabilizing structure using load-bearing members, such as cables or pipes, to restrain movement in axial and lateral directions, and optionally incorporating monitoring devices within these members to track pipeline conditions over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If expensive anchoring mitigation using large suction driven piles is employed to hold the pipeline in place, then pipeline stability is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stabilizing structure as an intermediary element that is easier to implement than traditional suction piles. This stabilizing structure acts as a mediator between the pipeline and the seabed, providing stability through a simpler configuration that reduces both cost and complexity while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a more economical stabilizing structure that replaces expensive, complex anchoring systems. The simplified design uses fewer materials and requires less complex installation and maintenance, effectively reducing the overall system cost while providing adequate stability for the pipeline
2Measurement precision
If periodic surveys by remotely operated vehicles are conducted to monitor pipeline movement, then measurement capability is improved, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring capabilities through the stabilizing structure that can track pipeline movement in real-time. This eliminates the need for periodic shutdowns and ROV surveys, allowing continuous production while maintaining measurement precision. The monitoring system operates continuously without interrupting the useful action of hydrocarbon production
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing structure incorporates self-monitoring capabilities that automatically track and report pipeline movement without requiring external intervention. The system serves itself by providing its own monitoring function, eliminating the need for separate ROV surveys and reducing both time loss and operational complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If free spans of pipeline are routed through uneven terrain, then adaptability to terrain is improved, but pipeline reliability decreases due to vibrations and movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pipeline system into segments, with stabilizing structures placed at specific intervals along the pipeline route. This segmentation allows the pipeline to adapt to terrain variations while the stabilizing structures provide localized support to prevent vibrations and movements in critical sections, thereby maintaining reliability without sacrificing terrain adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies stabilizing structures selectively at locations where terrain conditions require additional support. Rather than uniformly supporting the entire pipeline, the stabilizing structures are placed locally at critical points such as canyon crossings or scarp areas, providing enhanced stability where needed while maintaining terrain adaptability in other sections
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for controlling axial, lateral and/or vertical movements of subsea pipelines which reduce the need for expensive pipeline anchoring or other mitigation solutions. The pipeline is connected to a stabilizing structure generally adjacent to the pipeline using a plurality of load-bearing members attached to the pipeline and the stabilizing structure at a plurality of predetermined locations. Also described are systems and methods for monitoring operating parameters of the pipeline over time.