Diverless pipeline repair clamp, Phase 3
- Stress Engineering Services, Inc., Houston, TX (United States)
The objective of this project is to develop a system suitable for repairing small leaks in deep water pipelines. It is assumed that leak repair operations at the water depths in question will be performed by Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV`s). This report summarizes the results of the third and final phase of this project. Phase 3 work included design, manufacture, and dry testing of (1) a one-half scale model of a 12 inch repair clamp, (2) a full-scale bolt test fixture to demonstrate bolt containment and startup under realistic misalignment of the clamp halves, and (3) a full-scale one-way cylinder for end seal activation. Phase 3 also included a study commissioned from Oceaneering directed at defining the interfaces of the clamp package and the ROV, including suggested procedures for deployment and positioning of the clamp package on the pipeline. Issues regarding bolt make-up by the ROV were also studied in detail and limitations in bolting capability were outlined. The conclusion of this work is that the clamping system described herein may be implemented in a direct manner. The design issues causing the most concern have been resolved through laboratory tests. Note however that all testing performed was mechanical in nature and performed in a dry environment. The recommended next development step, prior to declaring the system operational, is to manufacture a fully outfitted clamp package and to perform installation tests in a controlled underwater environment using a typical deepwater ROV. Wet tests are required in order to demonstrate ROV interfaces and installation procedures, however, the major mechanical features represented by the clamp design as well as its operation have been proven.
- Research Organization:
- American Gas Association, Inc., Arlington, VA (United States); Stress Engineering Services, Inc., Houston, TX (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- American Gas Association, Inc., Arlington, VA (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 10169134
- Report Number(s):
- AGA--94015621; ON: UN94015621; CNN: Project PR-201-019
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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