Tubular Joint With Polymeric Layer for Subsea Pipe Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea and offshore piping systems require costly and complex metrology for precise alignment, and existing flexible joints are either expensive or heavy, limiting design flexibility and increasing installation size.
Innovation Solution
A tubular joint with a polymeric layer and a flange configuration that allows for rotational movement between piping elements, featuring a radially extending elastomeric material and a ring to prevent fluid contact, enabling flexible alignment while maintaining structural integrity and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional rigid piping systems are used with precise alignment requirements, then structural integrity is maintained, but installation complexity and cost increase due to costly subsea metrology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the rigidity parameter of the piping system by introducing a flexible element with a polymeric layer that can deform elastically. This allows the system to accommodate misalignment without requiring precise metrology, resolving the contradiction between installation complexity and alignment precision requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic flexible element that can adapt its configuration during installation and operation. The inner part can rotate and the polymeric layer can deform to accommodate relative movements between piping elements, eliminating the need for rigid precise alignment
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing flexible joints are used to reduce alignment requirements, then installation flexibility improves, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a metal outer part, a polymeric flexible layer, and a PTFE coating. This composite material approach provides the necessary flexibility and adaptability while keeping the joint lightweight, resolving the contradiction between installation flexibility and weight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a thin polymeric layer as a flexible element that provides the necessary adaptability for misalignment compensation. This thin film approach achieves high flexibility with minimal weight addition, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and weight
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible element with polymeric layer is used, then alignment flexibility improves and metrology costs decrease, but fluid tightness may be compromised under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a PTFE coating on the inner part before assembly to create a protective barrier. This beforehand cushioning prevents direct contact between the polymeric layer and fluid, maintaining tightness under pressure while preserving alignment flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The PTFE coating acts as an intermediary layer between the polymeric flexible element and the fluid. It allows the flexible element to maintain its tightness function under pressure while the polymeric layer provides alignment flexibility, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability
4Stability of the object's composition
If the inner part is constrained to prevent rotation, then structural stability improves, but the ability to accommodate misalignment decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces controlled rotational freedom for the inner part about the first axis, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to misalignment while maintaining stability through the constraining flange and polymeric layer. This resolves the contradiction between structural stability and misalignment accommodation
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 tubular joint provides flexible alignment with reduced need for subsea metrology, lowers installation costs, and allows for more compact designs by enabling movement and pressure resistance without deforming under fluid pressure, while maintaining tightness and limiting friction.
Implementation Method 1
a layer of polymeric material extending radially between the outer part and the inner part... the inner part being movable in rotation with respect to the outer part about the first axis
Implementation Method 2
a flange attached on the outer part and axially abutting against a shoulder formed by the inner part in order to prevent the spigot end from exiting the fitting end
Implementation Method 3
a ring comprising a polymer material, preferably a fluoroelastomer, the ring being radially located in between the outer part and the inner part and configured to prevent contact between the layer and said fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A tubular joint having an outer part formed by a fitting end of a piping element, and defining a first axis, an inner part formed by a spigot end of another piping element, the spigot end received in the fitting end. The fitting end and the spigot end define a fluid internal circulation space. A flange attached on the outer part and axially abutting against a shoulder formed by the inner part. A layer of polymeric material, extending radially between the outer and inner part, having a radially outer and inner surface both surrounding the first axis and bonded respectively to the outer and inner parts. The inner part rotatable with respect to the outer part about the first axis, and the inner part defining a second axis forming a pitch angle with the first axis. The inner part, the outer part, and the flange limit the pitch angle to lower than 5°.