Subsea Vertical Connector Angular Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing subsea vertical connectors face challenges in securely connecting pipe ends with angular deviations and tolerances, requiring precise alignment and often necessitating external guiding means, while also being difficult to replace sealing rings without removing the entire connector.

Innovation Solution

A new connector design featuring a stationary part with an upwards projecting pipe sub and a mobile part with integrated internal guiding means that allow for angular deviation up to 8° and include a sealing ring shielded during installation, enabling secure alignment and replacement without external guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional vertical connectors are used, then connection security is maintained, but external guiding means are required and alignment precision must be very high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidexternal guiding means

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the guiding function into the connector body itself by creating an L-shaped configuration where the first connector part extends horizontally and the second connector part extends vertically. This integration eliminates the need for separate external guiding means while maintaining connection security and alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If rigid pipes with bays are used to accommodate tolerances, then flexibility is improved, but the pipes become intractable and difficult to handle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetolerance accommodationVSAvoidpipe tractability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the connector by creating an L-shaped configuration with specific horizontal and vertical extensions. This geometric transformation allows the connector to accommodate angular deviations and tolerances without requiring long, flexible pipes with bays, thereby maintaining ease of operation while adapting to position variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If sealing rings are exposed during installation, then installation is simpler, but damage to sealing surfaces is more likely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing ring installationVSAvoidsealing surface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates the sealing ring into the second connector part before the connector assembly is installed. The sealing ring is pre-positioned in a protected location within the connector body, and the sealing surface is exposed only when the connector is properly mated with the pipe flange, thereby preventing damage during handling and installation while ensuring proper sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9068676B2Vertical connector

Publication Date: 2015.06.30 ONESUBSEA AS

AI summary

A vertical connector composed of three main components; one stationary connector part on a submerged connecting point, one mobile connector part intended for submerging and connecting to the stationary connector part and a connector which subsequent to the mating of the connector parts locks the connector parts together into permanent sealing connection. The stationary connector part has an upwards projecting pipe boss, and the mobile connector part has integrated, internally shielding and guiding means to assist the entering of the mobile connector part onto the stationary connector part.