Flexible Underwater Pipe With PP Wear Layer for Reinforcement Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible pipelines for transporting hydrocarbons in deep and ultra-deep water are heavy, costly to install, require buoys, and suffer from corrosion and premature wear due to friction between metallic or composite reinforcement layers, especially under high pressure and temperature conditions.
Innovation Solution
A flexible underwater pipeline with a wear-resistant layer made of homopolymer polypropylene having specific flexural modulus and melt flow index, which minimizes thickness loss and protects surrounding layers from wear and corrosion, while being resistant to hydrolysis and chemical degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic or composite reinforcement layers are used in flexible pipelines, then the pipeline can withstand high pressure and provide structural strength, but the layers are susceptible to corrosion and premature wear due to friction between layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate wear-resistant layer made of polypropylene homopolymer between the metallic or composite reinforcement layers. This intermediary layer prevents direct contact and friction between the reinforcement layers, eliminating wear and corrosion issues while maintaining the structural strength provided by the reinforcement layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining polypropylene homopolymer material with metallic or composite reinforcement layers. The polypropylene homopolymer provides corrosion and wear resistance, while the reinforcement layers provide structural strength, creating a composite system that achieves both protection and mechanical performance.
2Reliability
If conventional polymeric wear-resistant layers are used, then the pipeline provides protection against wear, but the layers deteriorate rapidly under high temperature and pressure conditions above 130°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by selecting polypropylene homopolymer with specific properties: flexural modulus greater than 1500 MPa and melt flow index less than or equal to 4.0 g/10 minutes at 230°C. These parameter specifications ensure the material maintains its wear protection function while withstanding high temperatures and pressures above 130°C without rapid deterioration.
3Weight of moving object
If flexible pipelines are made lightweight using composite materials, then installation cost is reduced, but the pipelines require additional buoys for deep-water applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional pipeline structure where the polypropylene homopolymer wear-resistant layer simultaneously provides wear protection, corrosion resistance, and contributes to the overall structural integrity. This eliminates the need for separate protective layers and reduces the requirement for additional buoys in deep-water applications, simplifying installation while maintaining lightweight characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
The application relates to a flexible underwater pipe for hydrocarbon transport, comprising at least two reinforcing layers separated by a wear-resistant layer of polymeric material, each of said reinforcing layers being produced by helically winding a longitudinal element made of metal or a composite material, said wear-resistant layer being produced by helically winding at least one strip of said polymeric material, the polymeric material comprising a specific polypropylene homopolymer, to the method for preparing same and to the use thereof for transporting fluids. The application also relates to the use of the specific polypropylene homopolymer as the polymeric material of the strip of the wear-resistant layer to improve its creep resistance.