Track Tensioner Load Pins for Direct Squeeze Pressure Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea pipeline tensioner systems struggle to continuously and accurately monitor squeeze pressure, leading to potential slippage and damage during pipeline installation, as they rely on indirect measurements and complex instrumentation that can be unreliable and difficult to retrofit.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of load pins on roller shafts that sense normal loads applied to rollers, allowing for direct measurement of squeeze forces and distribution along the track length, which can be integrated with a SCADA system for real-time monitoring and control, enabling precise load data collection and automatic adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If indirect measurements and complex instrumentation are used to monitor squeeze pressure, then measurement capability is provided, but reliability and ease of retrofit are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical instrumentation with a simple mechanical load pin that directly measures squeeze pressure through mechanical means. The load pin is a solid rod that experiences bending moments proportional to the applied load, eliminating the need for complex sensors and wiring while improving reliability through mechanical simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The load pin is designed as a simple, inexpensive mechanical component that can be easily replaced if needed. Its straightforward construction from solid material makes it cheaper and more reliable than complex electronic instrumentation systems
2Measurement precision
If complex instrumentation is used to monitor squeeze pressure, then measurement capability is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical instrumentation with a simple mechanical load pin that directly measures squeeze pressure through mechanical means. The load pin is a solid rod that experiences bending moments proportional to the applied load, eliminating the need for complex sensors and wiring while improving reliability through mechanical simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex instrumentation and isolates it into a single, simple mechanical component - the load pin. This separates the core measurement capability from unnecessary complexity, leaving only the essential load-sensing element
3Productivity
If existing tensioner systems are used without load pins, then operational capability is maintained, but continuous accurate monitoring of squeeze pressure is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The load pin is pre-installed on the roller shaft before operation, establishing continuous measurement capability from the outset. This preliminary installation ensures that squeeze pressure is monitored throughout the entire pipeline installation process without interruption or additional setup
Solution Approach 2:
The load pin acts as an intermediary element between the roller shaft and the external measurement system. It converts the mechanical squeeze pressure into measurable bending moments while maintaining the operational integrity of the existing tensioner system
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 solution allows for continuous, precise monitoring and control of squeeze forces, reducing the risk of slippage and damage, and can be easily retrofitted into existing tensioner systems, improving operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Each roller is mounted for rotation on a respective shaft. At least one of the shafts comprises a load pin that is arranged to sense loads applied to a surrounding roller of the array in directions normal to an axis of rotation of that roller.
Data Source
AI summary
A tensioner system holds back elongate products such as subsea pipelines being laid into water. The system comprises at least one endless circulatory track and an array of rollers supporting the track. Each of the rollers of the array is mounted for rotation around a respective shaft. At least one of the shafts comprises a load pin that is arranged to sense loads applied to the surrounding roller in directions normal to an axis of rotation of that roller.