Subsea Tube Obstruction Location via Vortex Shedding Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow rate testing methods for subsea equipment cannot accurately determine the location of obstructions within small diameter tubes, such as umbilicals and hydraulic flying leads, as they only measure flow rate at constant inlet pressures, failing to pinpoint issues like fluid deposits or tube deformations.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus and method involve a closed-loop system with a hydraulic power unit, flow meter, pressure gauge, and accelerometer to measure flow rate, pressure, and vibration data, using vortex shedding and pressure oscillations to identify obstruction locations by analyzing phase and time differences in pressure and vibration signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow rate testing is performed at constant inlet pressure, then flow rate measurement is simple, but obstruction location cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by using vortex shedding phenomena that occur when fluid flows past obstructions in the tube. The vortex shedding generates characteristic pressure oscillations and vibrations that can be detected by sensors, enabling location identification of obstructions without adding complex testing equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring pressure oscillations and flow rate variations, then using this information to calculate and identify obstruction locations. The system processes the measured signals through correlation analysis and time-delay calculations to provide location feedback
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurement points are added to locate obstructions, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from spatial dimension (multiple physical measurement points along the tube) to temporal dimension (time-based analysis of pressure oscillations and flow rate variations). By analyzing the time delay and phase differences in pressure oscillations at a single location, the system can identify obstruction positions without adding multiple spatial sensors
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
This approach allows for the precise identification and correction of defects like tube buckling during fabrication, enhancing the reliability of subsea equipment by locating obstructions within the tubes.
Implementation Method 1
using vortex shedding and pressure oscillations to identify obstruction locations by analyzing phase and time differences in pressure and vibration signals
Implementation Method 2
an accelerometer to measure vibration of the tube
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic power unit, a flow meter, and a pressure gauge couple to a first end of a tube under testing. The hydraulic power unit provides an inlet pressure to move a testing fluid through the tube. The flow meter measures a flow rate of the testing fluid and the pressure gauge measures the inlet pressure. An accelerometer measures sound and vibration of the tube. A reservoir couple to an outlet of the tub and an inlet of the hydraulic power unit. The reservoir supplies the testing fluid to the hydraulic power unit and collects the testing fluid from the tube. Hoses interconnect the components in a closed loop that reuses the testing fluid. By analyzing the flow rate, it is determined if an obstruction exist in the tube. By analyzing the inlet pressure and the sound and vibration of the tube, a location of the obstruction is determined.