Swaged Pipe Fitting Assembly for Fast Offshore Flexible Pipe Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current end fittings for flexible pipes used in offshore applications are costly and have a long installation time, as described in API RP 17B, necessitating improvements in efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A swaged pipe fitting system comprising a fitting body with an internal pressure sheath seal and a conformally deformed fitting jacket that secures the reinforcement layer of the pipe segment, reducing installation time and costs by anchoring and sealing the pipe segment within the fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional end fittings are used for flexible pipe connections, then connection reliability is maintained, but installation time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental installation parameters by transitioning from complex multi-component end fittings to a simplified swage fitting system. The fitting body is deformed from a relaxed state to a compressed state, creating immediate mechanical anchoring of the reinforcement layers without requiring traditional assembly steps. This parameter change in the fitting's structural state enables rapid installation while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from traditional end fitting systems. By using a single integrated fitting body that combines anchoring, sealing, and connecting functions, the invention removes multiple separate components (such as separate anchoring mechanisms, sealing elements, and assembly hardware) that traditionally increased installation time and complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional end fittings are used for flexible pipe connections, then connection reliability is maintained, but material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting body is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs anchoring (through deformation-induced mechanical interlocking), sealing (through integrated sealing surfaces), and connection (through threaded or flanged interfaces). This universality eliminates the need for multiple separate components, reducing material costs while maintaining all necessary connection functions and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The swage fitting system employs composite construction combining metallic fitting body material with polymer sealing elements and reinforcement layer integration. This composite approach optimizes material selection for each function (strength for anchoring, elasticity for sealing), achieving cost-effective material usage while ensuring reliable performance across all connection requirements.
3Reliability
If complex end fittings are used, then sealing effectiveness is ensured, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (anchoring, sealing, and connecting) into a single integrated fitting body. The deformation process creates mechanical anchoring of reinforcement layers while the fitting body incorporates sealing surfaces that interface with the pipe's internal pressure sheath. This merging eliminates complex multi-component assemblies while ensuring sealing effectiveness through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The swage fitting utilizes the pipe's own reinforcement layers as part of the anchoring mechanism. When the fitting body is deformed, it mechanically interlocks with the reinforcement layers, allowing the pipe structure itself to contribute to the anchoring function. This self-service approach simplifies the fitting design while maintaining secure anchoring without requiring additional complex components.
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 swaged pipe fitting system significantly reduces installation time and costs by securely anchoring and sealing the pipe segment, enhancing the efficiency of flexible pipe connections in offshore applications.
Implementation Method 1
a fitting jacket secured to the fitting body, in which the fitting jacket is conformally deformed around the pipe segment tubing to anchor the reinforcement layer of the pipe segment tubing in the swaged pipe fitting
Implementation Method 2
an internal pressure sheath seal that seals the internal pressure sheath layer of the pipe segment tubing within the swaged pipe fitting
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for implementing and/or installing a system including pipe segment tubing and a swaged pipe fitting secured to the pipe segment tubing. The pipe segment tubing includes a carcass layer, an internal pressure sheath layer disposed around the carcass layer, a reinforcement layer disposed around the internal pressure sheath layer, and an outer sheath layer disposed around the reinforcement layer. The swaged pipe fitting includes a fitting body that defines a bore, an internal pressure sheath seal that seals the internal pressure sheath layer of the pipe segment tubing within the swaged pipe fitting, and a fitting jacket secured to the fitting body, in which the fitting jacket is conformally deformed around the pipe segment tubing to anchor the reinforcement layer of the pipe segment tubing in the swaged pipe fitting.