Subsea Wye Fitting with Movable Diverter for Bidirectional Pigging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipeline systems face challenges in allowing reverse flow of pigs, leading to jamming and operational inefficiencies, and require additional infrastructure and resources for pigging operations, especially in subsea tie-back systems, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A subsea fitting with a diverter mechanism that allows for open and closed positions, enabling fluid flow and pig passage in both directions, reducing the need for multiple pipeline runs and infrastructure by allowing pigs to be launched and received through a single pipeline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a piggable wye fitting is used to combine flow from two pipelines, then smooth transmission of pigs is achieved in normal flow direction, but pigs jam when reverse flow occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable diverter component that can dynamically change position between open and closed states. This diverter is positioned within the wye fitting to actively redirect pig flow paths, transforming the static piggable wye into a dynamic system that adapts its geometry based on flow direction requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the single wye fitting into functionally distinct zones: a first passage for primary flow, a second passage for reverse flow, and a movable diverter that separates or connects these passages. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each flow path for pigging operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If two pipeline runs are installed to form a pigging loop for subsea tie-back, then pigging capability is achieved, but load carrying capacity and physical space requirements on host platform increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single pipeline run serve multiple functions by enabling bidirectional pigging capability. The wye fitting with movable diverter allows the same pipeline to function as both forward and reverse flow paths, eliminating the need for dedicated separate pipeline runs for pigging operations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple pipeline runs into a single integrated system. By combining the first and second passages through the movable diverter mechanism, the patent consolidates what would traditionally require separate pipeline infrastructure into one unified pipeline run
3Adaptability or versatility
If two pipeline runs with pig launchers and receivers are installed, then pigging operations are enabled, but manufacturing, installation, and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The movable diverter wye fitting enables a single pipeline run to perform the functions of multiple pipeline runs, reducing the overall quantity of pipeline infrastructure required. This universality extends to pig launchers and receivers, which can be strategically positioned to serve multiple branches through the diverter mechanism
4Ease of manufacture
If a single pipeline run is used without diverter mechanism, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but reverse flow pigging is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable diverter that transforms a simple single-pipeline configuration into a dynamically adaptable system. This single component enables the pipeline to switch between forward and reverse flow modes, providing multi-directional pigging capability without requiring multiple permanent pipeline runs
Data Source
AI summary
A piggable pipeline system is disclosed. One or more pig launcher/receivers may be coupled to a pipeline. At least one fitting may be coupled to the pipeline. The fitting may include a body and at least two passages through the body. The passages are in fluid communication within the body. A diverter is located in at least one of the passages. The diverter is movable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the diverter allows open flow between two of the passages. In the closed position, the diverter inhibits flow between the two passages. The pipeline may allow a pig to be launched from at least one of the pig launcher/receivers and returned through the pipeline to at least one of the pig launcher/receivers.