Tapered Sealing Ring for Flexible Pipe End Fittings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid seal technologies in flexible pipe end fittings face challenges with high-pressure leakage and material compromise, as traditional sealing rings struggle to effectively seal both polymer and metal surfaces under extreme conditions.
Innovation Solution
A sealing ring element with a tapered portion and annular body is positioned between the fluid retaining layer and inner collar, urging the layer radially outward against the collar and utilizing a separate seal element to enhance sealing, allowing for optimized material selection for each interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional sealing ring is used to seal both polymer and metal surfaces, then the sealing structure is simple, but the sealing effectiveness deteriorates under high pressure due to material compromise
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is divided into two separate sealing elements: a first sealing element for sealing against the polymer fluid retaining layer and a second sealing element for sealing against the metal end fitting body. This segmentation allows each sealing element to be optimized for its specific sealing interface, improving overall sealing effectiveness under high pressure while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sealing elements are used for different sealing locations: the first sealing element (softer material) is positioned at the polymer interface where compliance is needed, while the second sealing element (harder material) is positioned at the metal interface where structural support is needed. This local quality differentiation optimizes sealing performance at each specific interface.
2Reliability
If a single sealing ring material is used for both polymer and metal interfaces, then material selection is simplified, but sealing performance deteriorates due to inability to optimize for each interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different materials for different sealing elements based on their specific sealing requirements. The first sealing element uses a softer material (e.g., elastomer or polymer) optimized for sealing against the polymer fluid retaining layer, while the second sealing element uses a harder material optimized for sealing against the metal end fitting body. This local quality differentiation enables optimal sealing performance at each interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system employs composite material construction with two distinct sealing elements made from different materials. This composite approach allows each material to be selected for its specific properties suitable for its sealing interface, achieving superior overall sealing performance compared to a single material solution.
3Reliability
If high preload is applied to achieve tight seal, then sealing effectiveness improves, but the risk of layer rupture increases due to pressure armour layer failure
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing force is segmented and applied in two stages: the first sealing element applies a gentler sealing force against the polymer layer, while the second sealing element provides additional sealing against the metal body. This segmentation distributes the sealing load, achieving tight sealing without concentrating excessive preload that could rupture the pressure armour layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The first sealing element acts as an intermediary between the sealing mechanism and the polymer fluid retaining layer. This intermediary softer element distributes the sealing force more evenly across the polymer surface, preventing localized stress concentrations that could lead to layer rupture while still achieving effective sealing.
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 configuration provides a tighter seal under high pressures, reducing leakage and material compromise issues, with the tapered portion and seal element working together to maintain fluid integrity and withstand deep-water conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a tapered portion of the sealing ring element is urged under an end region of the fluid retaining layer thereby urging the fluid retaining layer radially outwardly against an abutment surface of the inner collar member
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid sealing element, a fluid sealing assembly, a method of providing a fluid seal, and a method of terminating a flexible pipe body in an end fitting are disclosed. The fluid sealing element (802) has an annular body portion locatable between an end fitting body (801) and an inner collar member (808) of an end fitting, and a tapered portion extending substantially perpendicular to the annular body portion at a radially inner region thereof. The method includes urging a fluid retaining layer (804) of a flexible pipe radially outwardly against an abutment surface of the inner collar member of the end fitting.