Underwater Pipe Connection Assembly with Curved Guide
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Connecting a riser pipe to a flexible pipe at great depths is challenging due to increased length and weight, causing higher forces on fragile and costly connectors, which are prone to damage from impacts during alignment and connection.
Innovation Solution
An underwater connection assembly where a curved pipe is fixed to the flexible pipe's lower end, with a connector at the other end, guided through a longitudinal frame with ramps to protect it from impacts, allowing coaxial engagement with the riser pipe's upper end, ensuring precise alignment and protection during connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the riser pipe and flexible pipe are connected at greater depths, then the connection capability is improved, but the connector is subjected to higher forces and is more prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
A curved guide pipe is introduced as an intermediary component between the connector and the riser pipe. The guide pipe receives the connector and guides it along a controlled curved path through the frame, preventing direct impact and reducing mechanical stress on the connector during the connection process at great depths.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved guide pipe structure provides beforehand cushioning by pre-defining a gentle curved trajectory for the connector. This trajectory cushions the connector against sudden impacts and excessive forces that would otherwise occur during alignment and connection at greater depths, preserving connector integrity.
2Ease of operation
If the connector is moved closer to the frame during connection, then the connection is established, but impacts can damage the connector integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The guide pipe is configured with a curved geometry that defines a smooth arc-shaped path for the connector. This curvature eliminates sharp angles and sudden directional changes, ensuring the connector moves along a gentle trajectory that prevents impacts and mechanical damage during the connection operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved guide pipe acts as a mediating structure between the frame and the connector. It controls the connector's movement path, preventing direct contact between the connector and potentially damaging surfaces, thereby protecting connector integrity while enabling the connection process.
3Ease of manufacture
If a retractable flange is used to engage the connector, then the connection is achieved, but the connector is subjected to high forces during retraction
Solution Approach 1:
The curved guide pipe serves as an intermediary that supports the connector during the retraction of the retractable flange. By guiding the connector along a curved path, the guide pipe distributes and reduces the forces exerted on the connector during flange retraction, preventing damage while maintaining the connection mechanism's functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An underwater connection assembly, and a connection method, for connecting a riser (12) and a flexible pipe (26). The riser (12) has an upper connection end (52) and the flexible pipe (26) has a lower connection end (30). The connection assembly includes a longitudinal frame (36) having a foot (46) rigidly connected to the upper connection end (52) and a head (42) linked to a float (20). A connector (34), and a curved pipe (32) having two opposing ends (62, 64). The opposing end (62) is rigidly connected to the lower connection end (30), and the connector (34) is mounted to the other opposing end (64), to be able to pull the connector (34) towards the upper connection end (52) in a direction oriented from the head (42) to the foot (46).