Subsea Port Plug with Segmented Seals and Curved Slot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug and port systems for subsea equipment, such as suction piles, face challenges with torque limitations of remote-operated vehicles (ROVs), inconsistent sealing due to large rubber masses, and lack of verification for seal engagement, leading to poor or incomplete seals.
Innovation Solution
A plug and port system with modular seal rings and spacers that resist torsion forces, allowing for separate verification and controlled compression to ensure consistent sealing engagement, featuring a port tube with test port holes and a curved slot for precise alignment and verification by ROVs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large rubber mass sealing member is used in the plug, then the seal should cover the entire port surface, but the sealing becomes inconsistent and unpredictable due to twisting during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is divided into multiple discrete seal rings (e.g., O-rings) instead of using a single large rubber mass. Each seal ring is independently positioned around the plug body at different locations, allowing them to compress uniformly against the port surface without twisting during ROV installation, thereby ensuring consistent sealing.
2Reliability
If the ROV applies torque to tighten the plug handle, then the seal should be compressed, but the torque limitation of the ROV prevents sufficient compression
Solution Approach 1:
A spring-loaded mechanism acts as an intermediary between the ROV's limited torque and the sealing member. The spring stores mechanical energy and provides additional compressive force on the seal rings, allowing sufficient seal compression to be achieved even when the ROV applies limited torque to the plug handle.
3Reliability
If a single large sealing member is used, then the seal area is sufficient, but there is no verification of seal engagement location and completeness
Solution Approach 1:
Visual indicators (such as colored bands or markers) are incorporated on the plug body at predetermined positions corresponding to where seal rings should engage the port surface. After installation, these visual indicators allow verification that the seal rings are properly positioned and engaged, providing clear feedback on seal completeness without adding complex verification mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If the plug is twisted during installation to orient it correctly, then the seal may be compromised, but proper orientation is necessary for functional operation
Solution Approach 1:
The plug body incorporates asymmetric features such as a keyway, offset handle, or non-circular cross-section that provide natural alignment with the port during insertion. This asymmetric design guides the plug into the correct orientation without requiring twisting, thereby maintaining seal integrity while ensuring proper functional alignment of the plug with the port.
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 provides a durable, verified seal that is resistant to torsion and ensures consistent sealing engagement across multiple positions, enhancing the longevity and reliability of subsea equipment connections.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing means (70) mounted around the insert body (40) and in sealing engagement with the port tube (20)
Data Source
AI summary
The system for sealing subsea equipment includes a port tube, having a test port hole and a curved slot, a test port plug mounted in the test port hole, an insert body having an insertion tip portion, a middle sealing portion, and a base portion, an insert stem engaged to the base portion, a top cap engaged to the insert body, and a sealing device mounted around the insert body and in sealing engagement with the port tube. A locked configuration corresponds to a locking arm of the top cap at a terminal end of the curved slot. A set configuration corresponds to compression of the sealing device by actuation of the insert body by the plug stem. The sealing device aligns with the test port plug in the set configuration so as to allow verification of sealing engagement of each seal ring and the port tube.