Underwater Pipe Jointing with Internal Mandrel Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing jointing devices for subsea pipelines face challenges such as the need for manual welding due to insufficient space for automatic systems, inconsistent weld quality, and limited adaptability for pipelines with large radius elbows.

Innovation Solution

A jointing device with a support structure connected to a guide structure, featuring four plates with cylinders aligned along two perpendicular adjustment axes, allowing for various combinations of rotations and translations to facilitate jointing and accommodate automatic welding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If external collars are used for jointing pipeline elements, then the jointing operation can be performed, but the space required for automatic welding systems becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic welding capabilityVSAvoidjointing space

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a mandrel that is inserted inside the pipeline element to be jointed, creating a nested configuration where the mandrel is contained within the pipeline. This internal positioning of the mandrel frees up external space, allowing automatic welding systems to be installed and operated without the spatial constraints imposed by external collar configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Manufacturing precision

If external collars are used for jointing pipeline elements, then the jointing operation can be performed, but the weld quality becomes inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweld qualityVSAvoidmanual welding requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual welding process with an automatic welding system that is enabled by the mandrel configuration. The mandrel provides a stable internal reference and support structure that facilitates automated welding operations, thereby eliminating the inconsistency associated with manual welding while improving overall weld quality through automated precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If external collars are used for jointing pipeline elements, then the jointing device can be installed, but it cannot accommodate pipelines with large radius elbows

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of large radius elbowsVSAvoidjointing device configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of positioning the mandrel outside the pipeline as with external collars, the patent inverts the approach by placing the mandrel inside the pipeline element. This internal positioning allows the jointing device to accommodate pipelines with large radius elbows, as the mandrel can be configured to match the internal geometry without the spatial constraints of external configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS12280456B2Method for joining elements of underwater pipe for transporting fluids

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 SAIPEM SA

AI summary

A device for jointing elements of a pipeline for the transport of fluids includes a support structure on which a pipeline section to be jointed is intended to be mounted, two parallel fixed rails, four plates each comprising a first element capable of cooperating with a rail and a second element fixed on the support structure. The first and the second elements of each plate is linked by a first cylinder aligned along a first adjustment axis and a second cylinder aligned along a second adjustment axis, and a system for controlling the cylinders of the plates to achieve movements along the first and second adjustment axes and capable of cooperating with a system for guiding in translation the support structure along the longitudinal axis of the pipeline section to allow jointing of the pipeline section and the pipeline element.