Underwater Pipe Buckling Support Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for installing rigid underwater pipes on a seabed require pre-deployment of longitudinal supports and precise alignment, which is time-consuming and weather-dependent, and do not facilitate the initiation of lateral buckling to manage thermal and pressure-induced stresses.
Innovation Solution
An underwater support device with a longitudinal support and link member that can be deployed from the surface, allowing the rigid pipe to buckle laterally by being secured to the seabed at precise locations, enabling the support to be positioned directly under the pipe during deployment, and featuring a groove and cam mechanism for secure attachment and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If longitudinal supports are pre-deployed on the seabed before pipe installation, then the pipe can be properly positioned and lateral buckling can be initiated, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and requires precise alignment operations that are affected by weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe is equipped with attachment means (such as protrusions or connection elements) at specific locations before deployment. These pre-positioned attachment means allow the longitudinal supports to be automatically engaged and positioned correctly during the pipe laying process, eliminating the need for separate pre-deployment and alignment operations of the supports.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of pipe deployment and support installation are merged into a single simultaneous operation. The attachment means on the pipe and corresponding receptacles on the longitudinal supports enable both components to be installed together during one continuous laying process, rather than requiring separate sequential operations.
2Reliability
If longitudinal supports are pre-deployed on the seabed, then buckling points can be predefined, but the process requires underwater intervention and separate deployment operations
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe itself provides the positioning function through its attachment means, which are pre-positioned at the locations where longitudinal supports are needed. The pipe's own structure serves the dual purpose of conveying fluid and providing attachment points for buckling initiation, eliminating the need for separate positioning operations or complex underwater intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment means act as an intermediary mechanism between the pipe and the longitudinal supports. These connection elements facilitate the automatic engagement and precise positioning of supports during deployment without requiring complex underwater manipulation or separate positioning systems.
3Measurement precision
If precise alignment of pipe and supports is required, then proper buckling initiation is achieved, but weather and sea conditions significantly affect installation time
Solution Approach 1:
Attachment means are pre-positioned on the pipe at exact locations where longitudinal supports are required. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the pipe is deployed, the supports will automatically engage at the correct positions without requiring complex alignment operations during installation, thereby maintaining precision while improving speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system allows for dynamic engagement during deployment. The attachment means on the pipe and receptacles on the supports are designed to automatically align and connect during the laying process, accommodating natural movements and variations while maintaining precise positioning, thus reducing weather dependency.
Data Source
AI summary
An underwater support device and an installation method for initiating the buckling of a section of rigid underwater pipe (16) deployed on a seabed (14). The device has a longitudinal support (22) capable of being installed between the seabed and the section of rigid underwater pipe (16) in a transverse direction, in such a way as to be able to locally detach the section of rigid underwater pipe (16) from the seabed (14) and allow the rigid underwater pipe (16) to be moved relative to said longitudinal support (22) in the direction of the longitudinal support. The device also has a link member (36) to secure the rigid underwater pipe (16) and the longitudinal support (22) in such a way as to be able to install said longitudinal support (22) on the seabed (14) by deploying the section of rigid pipe (26) on the seabed (14).