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Contenido archivado el 2022-12-27

DEVELOPMENT OF A PIPELAYING METHOD FOR MECHANICAL CONNECTIONS IN VERY DEEP WATER

Objetivo

Design, construction and shop test of two single station pipeline junction methods (mechanical connector and TIG automatic welding plant) suitable for saline j-laying procedure.
- A computer program has been developed to determine static parameters relevant to J-laying techniques, referring to selected laybarges and simulating real operational conditions. Output data have been used to specify connection parameters.
- The mechanical connector is based on elastoplastic, metal to metal sealing of a threaded joint. The joint elements are obtained by machining forged elements (API 5LX X65). The sealing is obtained by the contact of a sealing ring on the male element and a conical zone on the female element. The elastoplastic deformation ensures sealing in all load conditions. The mechanical joint has been built in various prototypes and successfully tested in accordance with applicable rules (DNV 1981).
- The TIG multitorch, automatic orbital welding machine (TIG-A-MATIC 222) has been qualified at the Italian Welding Institute, in accordance with API 1104.
The configuration allows for 8 torches to work simultaneously on the narrow-gap weld, so as to complete the junction of the pipe elements in 18 minutes. The prototype was a 3 torch system.
The machine is assembled in a ring frame which allows rapid fastening around the weld area. The torches rotate around the weld being mounted on rails.
Welding parameters are individually set for each torch and can be varied depending on the torch orbital position.
Each torch is controlled by a dedicated microcomputer, whereby a supervisor handles all the system and the operator interface.
- A laying system configuration has been designed with reference to a selected laybarge, and taking care of laying speed. A technical economical analysis has been carried out to compare J-laying vs S-laying.
The project is subdivided into three phases:
- Preliminary design of the welding machine, the mechanical connector and the laying system
- Engineering of the welding machine plant and of the mechanical connector with subsequent construction and shop tests of the prototypes.
- Studies for industrialization of the laying system.
The junction methods chosen are:
- A threaded mechanical connector where sealing is provided by metal to metal elastoplastic contact
- A TIG (tungsten inert gas) multi-torch, automatic orbital welding machine, controlled by a multi-micro computer system providing continuous welding parameter check and set up.

Convocatoria de propuestas

Data not available

Régimen de financiación

DEM - Demonstration contracts

Coordinador

TECNOMARE SPA - SOCIETA PER LO SVILUPPO DELLE TECNOLOGIE MARINE
Aportación de la UE
Sin datos
Dirección
SAN MARCO 3584
30124 VENEZIA
Italia

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Coste total
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