Two-Stage Pressurization for Internally Clad Pipeline Liner Wrinkling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Corrosion-resistant pipelines with inner metallic liners face deformation issues such as buckling or wrinkling during reeling and unreeling, which can restrict the internal bore and affect performance, and existing methods require pressurization within a limited pressure range to prevent deformation, posing challenges in manufacturing and safety.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage pressurization method is employed, where the pipeline is initially filled with fluid at an elevated pressure, and then the pressure is raised above 25 bar absolute using a high-pressure pump or accumulator, minimizing the likelihood of deformation during reeling or unreeling, and pressurization is maintained during winding and laying to prevent wrinkling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pipeline is pressurized to prevent liner deformation during reeling, then the liner maintains structural integrity, but the pressure must be maintained within a limited range (5-25 bar) which complicates the process
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurization process is divided into two distinct stages: initial filling at atmospheric pressure and subsequent pressurization to the required level. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, simplifying the overall process control while ensuring liner integrity throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipeline is pre-filled with fluid before reeling begins, ensuring that the liner is already supported and prevented from deformation from the start of the operation. This preliminary action eliminates the risk of deformation during the critical initial phases of reeling.
2Manufacturing precision
If higher pressures are used during reeling to prevent wrinkling, then liner deformation is minimized, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure parameter is dynamically adjusted throughout the reeling process, starting at atmospheric pressure during initial filling and then increasing to the required level only when the liner is fully supported. This controlled parameter change achieves precise deformation control while maintaining safety by avoiding excessive pressures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares the pipeline by filling it with fluid beforehand, creating a cushioning effect that prevents liner deformation from occurring in the first place. This proactive measure eliminates the need for high pressures during critical phases, thereby reducing safety risks.
3Ease of manufacture
If the pipeline is filled and drained repeatedly for welding operations, then pipe sections can be joined, but significant time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline is pre-filled with fluid and pressurized before welding operations begin. This preliminary preparation allows welding to proceed without requiring repeated filling and draining cycles, significantly reducing operational time while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid filling is maintained continuously throughout the welding process, eliminating the need to drain and refill multiple times. This continuous useful action keeps the pipeline in a ready state for welding operations, minimizing interruptions and reducing overall operational time.
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 two-stage pressurization method effectively minimizes or avoids wrinkling of the inner liner, allowing for efficient winding and laying of pipelines while maintaining structural integrity and safety, even at higher pressures, thus extending the length of pipeline sections and reducing operational time.
Implementation Method 1
the said length of pipeline is internally pressurised in a two-stage pressurising process, in the first stage of which the said length of pipeline is filled with fluid at an elevated pressure and in the second stage of which the fluid pressure is raised to a higher pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for reeling or unreeling a pipeline having an inner corrosion-resistant metallic liner that is tightly fitted within the pipeline. To minimize or avoid wrinkling of the liner during the reeling or unreeling, a length of the pipeline is internally pressurized in a two-stage pressurizing process, and then the length of pipeline is reeled or unreeled, as the case may be. In the first stage of the pressurizing process, the length of the pipeline is filled with fluid at an elevated pressure, and in the second stage the fluid pressure is raised to a higher pressure, which may be 25 bars or more, absolute.