Underwater Strap Joining for Elongated Elements Without Downtime
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current underwater systems require costly downtime to join elongated elements like pipes and shells, as they need to be removed from the water surface for assembly, disrupting hydrocarbon extraction and transport operations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and system for joining elongated elements underwater, featuring a frame, strap feeding device, movable arms, clamping, driving, junction, and cutting devices, operated by a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) with sensors for real-time control, allowing straps to be applied around elements without surfacing them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If elongated elements are removed from underwater system for joining operations, then joining can be performed with proper equipment, but system downtime increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The joining apparatus is divided into separate functional modules (strap feeding device, clamping device, driving device, junction device, cutting device) that can operate independently underwater, allowing joining operations to proceed without removing elements from the underwater system
Solution Approach 2:
A strap is introduced as an intermediary element to join the elongated elements underwater. The strap feeding device delivers the strap, the clamping device secures it, and the junction device connects overlapping portions, enabling joining without direct contact between the apparatus and the elements being joined
2Ease of manufacture
If elongated elements are brought to surface for joining, then joining operations can be performed, but time and resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The strap is pre-fed through the apparatus and positioned around the elongated elements before the joining operation begins. The clamping device secures the strap in advance, and the driving device advances it to the junction device for connection, streamlining the entire process and eliminating the need to bring elements to the surface
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical system of removing elements, joining them on surface equipment, and reinstalling them with an underwater strap application system that uses a feeding mechanism, clamping mechanism, and junction device to perform joining operations in situ
3Ease of manufacture
If apparatus is made bulky to handle underwater joining, then joining capability is improved, but apparatus complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus integrates multiple functions into a single compact unit: the strap feeding device delivers the strap, the movable arms guide it, the clamping device secures it, the driving device advances it, and the junction device connects it. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for bulky separate equipment while maintaining full underwater joining capability
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus employs movable arms that can dynamically adjust their position to guide the strap around elongated elements of various shapes and sizes. The arms move between a retracted position (reducing complexity) and an extended position (enabling joining operations), allowing the apparatus to adapt to different joining scenarios without requiring a bulky fixed structure
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for joining elongated elements in a body of water has a frame; a strap feeding device; two arms movable with respect to the frame and configured to guide a strap around the elongated elements; a clamping device, configured to retain an end portion of the strap; a driving device configured to advance and tighten the strap around the elongated elements; a junction device, configured to join two overlapping portions of the strap so as to close the strap around the elongated elements; and a cutting device configured to separate the strap upstream of the joined portion.