Subsea Split Collar for Flanged Coupling Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea flowline maintenance poses a risk of rupture or fluid loss due to extreme depths and the need for intervention in flanged couplings, which are critical for maintaining the integrity of subsea conduit systems.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a gripping mechanism and lifting frame to straddle and secure flanged couplings, combined with a split collar for axial force application, allowing for remedial operations while maintaining fluid integrity and minimizing the risk of rupture during lifting or movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If intervention is performed on flanged couplings during operational conditions, then system downtime is eliminated, but the risk of fluid leakage or rupture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is divided into two separable parts that can be independently positioned and secured. This segmentation allows the collar to be fitted around the flanged coupling without requiring complete disassembly, enabling intervention during operational conditions while maintaining system integrity and preventing fluid leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is pre-positioned around the flanged coupling before the actual intervention takes place. The fasteners are prepared and the collar is aligned in advance, allowing the intervention to proceed without downtime while the pre-positioned collar prevents any potential fluid leakage during the process.
2Ease of operation
If loadings are applied to flanged couplings during lifting operations, then components can be moved for maintenance, but the coupling may shear or part causing fluid loss
Solution Approach 1:
The collar acts as an intermediary structural element that bridges the two flanged components. It distributes and transfers loadings through its own structure rather than through the flanged coupling, allowing lifting and movement operations to proceed while the coupling remains protected from excessive stresses that could cause shearing or parting.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is installed beforehand to provide structural support and load distribution capability. This pre-installation creates a protective framework that cushions the flanged coupling against the high loadings encountered during lifting operations, preventing damage while enabling component mobility for maintenance.
3Reliability
If flanged couplings are secured with fasteners, then fluid integrity is maintained, but the complexity of overhaul operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a structural support element for load distribution and as a securing mechanism for maintaining fluid integrity. The integrated design combines multiple functions into a single component, reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying overhaul operations while maintaining reliability.
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 'live' interventions on operational systems without downtime, maintaining fluid integrity and reducing the risk of leakage by transferring loadings through the gripping mechanism and applying compressive forces to enhance the seal between flanges.
Implementation Method 1
the split collar having tensioning devices connecting two collar members to apply an axial force between the collar members to draw them together
Implementation Method 2
the straddle gripping mechanism typically allows the loadings encountered during a lifting or other movement of the flanged coupling to be transferred through the gripping mechanism to the lifting frame which acts as a load bridge over the flanged coupling
Implementation Method 3
The collar applies compressive force to the flanges, and does not typically apply any forces to the existing fastenings, received within the axial recesses. Thus the flanges are pressed together by the flat inner faces of the collar members
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for overhauling a flanged coupling of joined conduit components including a gripping mechanism that straddles the flange-coupling and grips both flange-coupled components. The gripping mechanism is mounted on a lifting frame and bears the loadings upon the gripped tubular components during a moving operation. The apparatus also includes a collar sized to fit over the flange-coupling and located in spaced apart cradles supported on a base frame. The cradles are configured to receive the flange-coupled tubular components and position the collar for closure about the flange-coupling. The collar is provided with fasteners for closure of the collar about the flange-coupling, and a fastening mechanism operating the fasteners to secure the collar when closed about the flange-coupling.