• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    FLEXIBLE TUBE NOT CONNECTED. An unconnected flexible tube with a length and a longitudinal geometry axis is described. The tube comprises an innermost sealing sheath defining a hole, at least one shielding layer surrounding the inner sealing sheath and at least one layer containing optical fiber, wherein the layer containing optical fiber comprises at least one tape and at least an optical fiber arranged at least about 3 times the length of the flexible tube. In one embodiment, the optical fiber is incorporated into at least one tape of said layer containing optical fiber to provide an integrated fiber tape where advantageously the optical fiber is arranged with S-shaped folds.
    公开号:BR112014022548B1
    申请号:R112014022548-6
    申请日:2013-03-12
    公开日:2020-10-20
    发明作者:Alexandros Nøkkentved；Bo Asp Møller Andersen；Niels Juul；Nicky Weppenaar；Kristian Glejbøl
    申请人:National Oilwell Varco Denmark I/S；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    TECHNICAL FIELD
    [0001] The invention relates to an unconnected flexible tube in particular for transporting offshore and submarine fluids such as hydrocarbons, CO2, water and mixtures thereof. TECHNICAL FUNDAMENTALS
    [0002] Unlinked flexible tubes of this type are for example described in the "Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe" standard, ANSI / API 17 B, fourth edition, July 2008, and in the "Specification for Unbonded Flexible Tube" standard, ANSI / API 17J, third edition, July 2008. Such tubes usually comprise an inner liner also often called an inner sealing sheath or an inner sheath, which forms a barrier against the outflow of fluid that is transported in the bore of the tube , and one or more layers of armor. Often the tube also comprises an external protection layer that provides mechanical protection for the shielding layers. The external protection layer can be a sealing layer, sealing against the ingress of sea water. In some unconnected flexible tubes, one or more intermediate seal layers are arranged between shield layers.
    [0003] In general, flexible tubes are expected to have a useful life of 20 years in operation.
    [0004] Examples of unconnected flexible tubes are e.g. described in US 6,978,806, US 7,124,780; US 6,769,454 and US 6,363,974.
    [0005] The term "unbound" in this text means that at least two of the layers including the shielding layers and polymer layers are not linked together. In practice, the known tube normally comprises at least two layers of shield located outside the inner seal and optionally a shield structure located within the inner seal sheath normally referred to as a housing.
    [0006] These shield layers comprise or consist of multiple elongated shield elements that are not linked together directly or indirectly via other layers along the tube. In this way the tube becomes foldable and flexible enough to be rolled up for transport.
    [0007] During transportation, installation and use such unconnected flexible tubes will be subjected to mechanical, thermal and chemical wear impacts. Usually the unconnected flexible tube will be qualified at a level beyond what is actually required and often the unconnected flexible tube will be taken out of use at a time when it is still intact and may have been used for a longer time. For numerous years, it has been attempted to incorporate various sensor arrangements in or on the unconnected flexible tube to monitor the impacts to which the tube is subjected and to monitor wear and possible damage in order to optimize the use of the tube and optionally to improve the knowledge for use in qualifying the future unconnected flexible pipe.
    [0008] US7024941 describes a method of mounting a sensor array, such as an optical sensor on a reinforcement layer of a flexible tube. The reinforcement layer takes the form of helically wound metallic shield element (s) and the sensor arrangement is mounted in a groove provided in the metallic shield element where it is fixed with an epoxy or similar material.
    [0009] W02008077410A1 describes another method of mounting an optical fiber on a flexible tube shield element, where the shield element comprises a folded metal strip and the sensor placed in a fold of the metal strip for mechanical protection.
    [00010] WO 2012/059729 describes a flexible tube with a tensile shielding layer of helically wound wires comprising an optical fiber. The optical fiber is arranged on a crush-resistant carrier rod to replace a wire wrapper in the tensile shield layer.
    [00011] EP 2065551 describes a flexible tube comprising a housing and a layer of polymer extruded on the outside of the housing in which a plurality of optical fibers are embedded in the polymer layer to monitor pressure within the extruded polymer layer. Here it is also described that a sensor fiber can be incorporated into a shielding layer being arranged on a carrier rod replacing a shielding element.
    [00012] WO2011042023 describes a flexible tube comprising an inner sheath, at least one shielding layer surrounding the inner sheath and a hole defining by the inner sheath where the flexible tube further comprises a fiber sensor arranged in the hole, such as in an protection in the form of a coil or a net made of polymer and / or metal tubes. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
    [00013] An object of the present invention is to provide an unbound flexible tube comprising an optical fiber for use in monitoring at least one tube parameter during operation, the optical fiber of which is simple to incorporate into the unbound flexible tube while simultaneously the fiber Optics are safely protected against mechanical damage even where the unconnected flexible tube is applied in dynamic applications, such as being used for a riser.
    [00014] Another object of the present invention is to provide for an unbound flexible tube comprising an optical fiber for use in monitoring at least one parameter with a relatively high resolution and a high degree of accuracy in relation to the position along the length of the tube.
    [00015] These objects were achieved by the invention as defined in the claims and described here.
    [00016] It has been found that the invention and its embodiments have a number of additional advantages that will become clear to the skilled person from the following description.
    [00017] According to the invention it has surprisingly been found that by providing the flexible tube not connected with a layer containing optical fiber comprising at least one ribbon and at least one optical fiber arranged with an excess length in the form of a length of at least about of 3 times the length of the flexible tube, an unbound flexible tube comprising an optical fiber for use in monitoring at least one parameter with a very high resolution and a high degree of precision in relation to the position along the length of the tube was obtained.
    [00018] At the same time the optical fiber is simple to incorporate into the unconnected flexible tube and it has been found that the optical fiber is safely protected against mechanical damage even where the unconnected flexible tube is applied in dynamic applications, such as in use for a tube ascending.
    [00019] Furthermore, the arrangement of the optical fiber in the unconnected flexible tube does not result in a weakening of a shield layer of the unconnected flexible tube because the arrangement of the optical fiber is not at the expense of a shielding wire, ie the fiber Optics are not arranged on a carrier rod to replace a wire wrapper with a shield layer.
    [00020] The phrase that the optical fiber is arranged with an excess length means that it has a length that exceeds the length of the unbound flexible tube. An excess length of at least about 3 times the length of the flexible tube means that the length of the optical fiber in a length section of the unbound flexible tube is at least about 3 times greater than the length section in question.
    [00021] As described above in the discussion of the prior art it is well known to arrange the optical fiber with an excess length in relation to the unconnected flexible tube, however, until today the predicted excess length was exclusively for the purpose of allowing the flexible tube not bonded bend without damaging the optical fiber, ie the excess length of the optical fiber in the tubes of the prior art is about 50% (IV2 times the length of the tube). To date, it has neither been considered nor applied to a greater excess length, nor has it been considered that nothing could be achieved using this greater excess length. In addition, using the prior art constructions does not make it possible to predict an excess length of optical fiber of at least about 3 times the length of the flexible tube and simultaneously ensure safe protection of the optical fiber.
    [00022] The term "ribbon" is used here to mean a long, flat, flexible strip comprising polymer and / or cloth, which is narrow in relation to its length, preferably with a width determined perpendicularly to its length of up to about 1m and with a thickness determined perpendicular to its width and length of up to about 20% of its width, advantageously of up to about 10% of its width.
    [00023] It should be emphasized that the term "understand / understand" when used here must be interpreted as an open term, ie it must be taken to specify the presence of specifically declared aspect (s), such as element ( s), unit (s), integer (s), step (s), component (s) and combination (s) of them, but does not prevent the presence or addition of one or more other declared aspects.
    [00024] The term "substantially" should be taken here to mean variations in common product tolerances are included.
    [00025] The terms "inside" and "outside" of a layer of the tube are used to designate the relative distance to the axis of the tube, such that "inside of a layer" means the area surrounded by the layer, ie with an axial distance shorter than the layer, and "outside a layer" means the area not surrounded by the layer and not contained by the layer, ie with an axial distance shorter than the layer.
    [00026] The term "inner side" of a layer is the side of the layer facing the axis of the tube. The term "outer side" of a layer is the side of the layer facing away from the tube axis.
    [00027] The term "innermost layer" means the layer closest to the central axis of the tube seen in the radial direction, and therefore the "outermost layer" means the layer furthest from the central axis of the tube seen in the radial direction .
    [00028] The term "winding direction" means winding direction with respect to the longitudinal geometric axis of the flexible pipe not connected unless otherwise specified.
    [00029] Filaments are continuously singular fibers (also called monofilament).
    [00030] The phrase "continuous" as used herein in connection with fibers, filaments, strands or strands means that the fibers, filaments, strands, strands and / or strands or strands mean that they generally have a significant length but should not be understood as meaning that the length is perpetual or infinite. Continuous fibers, such as filaments, strands, threads and / or strands or strands, preferably have a length of at least about 10m, preferably at least about 100m, more preferably at least about 1000m.
    [00031] The term "cord" is used to denote an untwisted bundle of filaments.
    [00032] The term "yarn" is used to denote a twisted bundle of cut filaments and / or fibers. Yarn includes strings and ropes. The yarn can be a primary yarn made directly from cut filaments and / or fibers or a secondary yarn made from yarns and / or strands and / or strings. Secondary yarns and / or cords are also referred to as cords.
    [00033] The unconnected flexible tube of the invention has length and a longitudinal geometric axis and comprises an inner sealing sheath defining a hole, at least one layer of shield surrounding the internal sealing sheath and at least one layer containing optical fiber.
    [00034] The unconnected flexible tube may have other layers eg. as described in "Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe", ANSI / API 17 B, fourth edition, July 2008, and the "Specification for Unbonded Flexible Pipe" standard, ANSI / API 17J, third edition, July 2008.
    [00035] The layer containing optical fiber comprises at least one ribbon and at least one optical fiber arranged with a length of at least about 3 times the length of the flexible tube.
    [00036] Advantageously, the layer containing optical fiber consists essentially of one or more tapes and one or more optical fibers, at least one optical fiber arranged at least about 3 times the length of the flexible tube. This layer containing optical fiber has been shown to guarantee good protection of optical fiber or optical fiber.
    [00037] In the following description the term "ribbon" element when used in the singular should be interpreted as also including the plural meaning of the term unless it is specifically stated or it is clear that it means a single ribbon.
    [00038] In the following description where the unconnected flexible tube is described with the term "optical fiber" element used in the singular, however, it should be understood that the unconnected flexible tube can comprise several optical fibers eg. in the layer containing optical fiber or in one or more other layers of the tube.
    [00039] In order to obtain a very high degree of precision in relation to the position of the parameter determined along the length of the tube, the optical fiber is advantageously arranged with a length of at least about 4 times the length of the flexible tube, such as as with a length of at least about 5 times the length of the flexible tube, such as with a length of at least about 6 times the length of the flexible tube, as with a length of at least about 7 times the length of the flexible tube, such as with a length of at least about 8 times the length of the flexible tube, such as with a length of at least about 9 times the length of the flexible tube, such as with a length of at least about 10 times the length of the flexible tube.
    [00040] Depending on the determined parameter, the degree of excess length of the optical fiber in relation to the length of the tube can be selected to provide a desired balance between optical fiber length and position accuracy for the determined parameter.
    [00041] The parameter is determined in a plurality of positions along the length of the optical fiber, and using the optical fiber configuration in relation to the unconnected flexible tube, the position for the respective determinations can be calculated with a high precision both with with respect to the parameter and with respect to the position along the tube length of the determined parameter.
    [00042] Due to the construction of the optical fiber-containing layer, the high excess length of the optical fiber can be obtained in several ways for example by providing that the optical fiber is helically wound and / or arranged with folds to ensure its length of at least about 3 times the length of the flexible tube.
    [00043] Folds are advantageously S-shaped folds. The term S-shaped folds is used to include any folds with curved folds, where the curved folds can be the same or different from each other and where the amplitude of the curved folds can be equal or different from each other. Advantageously the S-shaped folds are harmonic folds with equal curved shape and equal amplitude. Thus the parameter in question ex. the temperature along the length of the tube will be easier to determine with high precision.
    [00044] In one embodiment, at least one strip of the layer containing optical fiber is helically wound to encircle the longitudinal geometric axis of the flexible tube.
    [00045] In one embodiment, at least one strip of the layer containing optical fiber is arranged with folds along the length of the flexible tube.
    [00046] In one embodiment, at least one ribbon of the optical fiber-containing layer is folded to partially or completely encircle the longitudinal geometric axis of the flexible tube.
    [00047] In one embodiment, at least one ribbon of the layer containing optical fiber is arranged with a length direction corresponding to the longitudinal geometric axis of the flexible tube.
    [00048] Advantageously the optical fiber-containing layer comprises a plurality of tapes thereby providing a safe protection of the optical fiber. Preferably at least one strip of the optical fiber-containing layer is helically wound to encircle the longitudinal axis of the flexible tube, is arranged with folds along the length of the flexible tube, is folded to partially or completely encircle the longitudinal geometric axis of the flexible tube ( corresponding to a wrap) and / or is arranged with a length direction corresponding to the longitudinal geometric axis of the flexible (straight) tube. In principle, the layer containing optical fiber can comprise tapes arranged in a different configuration, however, for simple construction it is advantageous to apply the plurality of tapes in the layer containing optical fiber with a similar configuration selected from rolled, folded, folded or straight.
    [00049] The tape has a length direction and a width perpendicular to its length direction. The width of the tape is advantageously constant over the length of the tape for simple construction. The width of the tape can in principle be any dimension, however, for effective handling and cost-effective production it is generally desired that the width of the tape be at least about 3 cm. Preferably the width of the tape is at least about 5 cm, such as at least about 10 cm, such as at least about 15 cm, such as at least about 20 cm, preferably the width of the tape is about 5 cm to about 15 cm. In optimal solutions the tape width is in the range of about 5 to 15 cm. If the tape is too wide it can be difficult to handle and apply without unwanted wrinkles and / or irregularities.
    [00050] The layer tape containing optical fiber has a thickness determined in the axial direction of the tube. Advantageously, the thickness of the tape is relatively low to allow for high flexibility, however, at the same time a very thin tape may require a high number of tapes in order to provide a desired protection of the optical fiber. Advantageously, the thickness of the wound tape is up to about 4 mm, such as up to about 3 mm, such as up to about 2 mm. Preferably the thickness of the tape is about 1 mm to about 3 mm.
    [00051] In one embodiment the tape has a thickness of about 10% to about 200% of the diameter of the optical fiber. In one embodiment the tape has a thickness of about 50% to about 150% of the diameter of the optical fiber, such as from 1 mm to about 2.5 mm.
    [00052] The thickness of the optical fiber is determined as the thickness of the optical fiber optionally including coatings, such as coatings applied for chemical and / or mechanical coating. In principle, these coatings should advantageously be very thin, particularly where optical fiber is used for temperature monitoring. In one embodiment the optical fiber comprises a thin steel coating of about 0.1 to about 0.2 mm ex. about 0.125 mm. For corrosion protection the steel can be coated with a thin layer of polymer eg. a polymer layer containing fluoride, such as a PVDF ex. a PVDF coating of about 50 to about 200 pm.
    [00053] In order to provide good protection of the optical fiber the layer containing optical fiber advantageously has a thickness determined in the axial direction of the tube of at least about 1 mm. In one embodiment the thickness of the optical fiber-containing layer is up to about 5 mm, such as up to about 4 mm, such as up to about 3 mm. Preferably, the thickness of the optical fiber-containing layer is from about 1 mm to about 3 mm.
    [00054] In general the tape can be or comprise any polymer material and combinations thereof. In one embodiment the ribbon of the fiber-containing layer is a polymer ribbon. Advantageously the polymer strip is or comprises a homopolymer or a copolymer comprising at least one of the materials in the group comprising polyolefins, e.g. polyethylene or polypropylene (P), such as rigid linear P copolymer with a branched P homopolymer; polyoxyethylenes (POE); cycloolefin copolymers (COC); polyamides (PA), e.g. polyamide-imide, polyamide-11 (PA-11), polyamide-12 (PA-12) or polyamide-6 (PA-6)); polyimide (PI); polyurethanes such as polyurethane-isocyanurate; polyureas; polyesters; poüacetais; polyethers such as polyether sulfone (PES); polyoxides; polysulfides, such as polyphenylene sulfide (PS); thermoplastic elastomers, such as styrene block copolymers, such as poly (styrene) -blocobutadiene-block styrene block (SBS) or their selectively hydrogenated versions SEBS and SEPS; thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO) ex. comprising SEBS and / or SEPS; polysulfones, e.g. polyaryl sulfone (PAS); polyacrylates; polyethylene terephthalates (PET); polyether-ether-ketones (PEEK); polyvinyls; polyacrylonitriles (PAN); polyetherketonacetone (PEKK); and / or copolymers of the above; fluorine polymers ex. polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), vinylidene fluoride ("VF2") homopolymers or copolymers, trifluoroethylene ("VF3") homopolymers or copolymers, copolymers or terpolymers comprising two or more different members selected from VF, fluorine, tetra hexafluoropropene, or hexafluoroethylene.
    [00055] In one embodiment the tape is made of composite material comprising or consisting of polymer and reinforcement elements. Preferably the reinforcement element comprises solid and / or hollow fibers and / or microspheres (beads), e.g. made from glass, polymer, basalt or silica, more preferably the reinforcing element comprises or consists of fibers, such as glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, silica fibers such as basalt fibers, steel fibers , polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, mineral fibers, and / or any combination thereof.
    [00056] In one embodiment the ribbon comprises a cloth in the form of a woven ribbon comprising woven threads and / or strands. Preferably the tape comprises wires and / or woven strands comprising filaments selected from carbon filaments, glass filaments, basalt filaments, filament filaments and combinations thereof preferably impregnated with a thermoplastic resin, such as a thermoplastic resin comprising polyamide (PA) , polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), thermoplastic polyester (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (P), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and mixtures comprising one or more of these thermoplastic resins.
    [00057] The optical fiber is adapted to be a part of a sensor system to monitor at least one parameter. The system for monitoring at least one parameter can be configured to monitor continuously, for ad-hoc monitoring or for individual determination of one or more parameters along the length of the unconnected hose. The parameter can for example be deformation, vibration, sound, pressure and / or temperature.
    [00058] In one embodiment the optical fiber is a part of a sensor system configured to detect deformation, vibrations, pressure and / or sound.
    [00059] Advantageously the optical fiber is a part of a temperature sensor system, such as an ex distributed sensor system. an OTDR-based sensor (optical time domain reflexometry) or an OFDR-based sensor (frequency domain optical reflexometry) or an FBG-based (distributed Bragg fiber) sensor or a Brillouin scattering-based sensor . It was found that where the optical fiber is a part of a temperature sensor system, a very precise temperature determination along the length of the unconnected flexible tube can be obtained and even small temperature variations can be recorded. Since local overheating can potentially damage polymer layers, such as an outer sheath of a non-bonded flexible tube, and since a local decrease in temperature can result in unwanted formation and deposition of clathrate hydrates within the bore, it is extremely it is advantageous to monitor the temperature and optionally regulate the flow of fluid in the tube and / or provide for cooling or heating to avoid an undesired temperature.
    [00060] In one embodiment, at least one ribbon and at least one optical fiber are helically wound to surround the longitudinal geometric axis of the flexible tube.
    [00061] To obtain the desired excess length of optical fiber with respect to the unconnected flexible tube it is advantageously wound with a relatively high degree of winding or the excess length is obtained by a combination of helical winding and folds.
    [00062] The tape can in principle be wound with any degree of winding. In one embodiment the tape of the optical fiber-containing layer is wound at an angle to the longitudinal geometric axis that is at least about 35 degrees, such as from about 40 degrees to about 89 degrees, such as about 45 degrees to about 87 degrees, such as from about 55 degrees to about 85 degrees.
    [00063] In one embodiment the ribbon of the optical fiber-containing layer is wound at an angle to the longitudinal geometric axis that is at least about 55 degrees, such as from about 60 degrees to about 89 degrees, such as about 70 degrees to about 80 degrees.
    [00064] In one embodiment the tape of the optical fiber-containing layer is wound at an angle to the longitudinal geometric axis that is about 55 degrees or less, such as about 35 degrees to about 50 degrees.
    [00065] The degree of winding of the optical fiber can be equal to or different from the degree of winding of the tape.
    [00066] In one embodiment the optical fiber is wound at an angle to the longitudinal geometric axis that is substantially identical to the winding direction of the helically wound ribbon.
    [00067] Advantageously the tape is wound with a helical interstice between its windings and the optical fiber is arranged in the helical interstice. In this way, a very safe protection of the optical fiber is provided.
    [00068] In one embodiment the optical fiber-containing layer comprises a plurality of helically wound tapes, and at least one of the helically wound tapes is wound above or below the optical fiber in the helical interstitium to provide additional protection. Advantageously at least one of the helically wound tapes is wound above or below the optical fiber in the helical interstice to separate the optical fiber from a layer of metallic shield. Optionally at least one of the helically wound tapes is wound above the optical fiber in the helical interstice and at least one of the helically wound tapes is wound below the optical fiber in the helical interstice.
    [00069] The terms "above" and "below" in relation to the optical fiber are used here to mean above and below as seen in the radial direction of the tube.
    [00070] In one embodiment the optical fiber-containing layer does not comprise any helically wound ribbon above or below the optical fiber in the helical interstice.
    [00071] In one embodiment, the optical fiber is wound at an angle to the longitudinal geometric axis that is different from the winding of the helically wound ribbon (s).
    [00072] In one embodiment the optical fiber is wound at an angle to the longitudinal geometric axis that is at least about 55 degrees, such as from about 60 degrees to about 89 degrees, such as about 70 degrees at about 80 degrees.
    [00073] In a preferred embodiment the optical fiber is incorporated into at least one ribbon of the optical fiber-containing layer to provide an integrated fiber ribbon. This embodiment provides for very simple handling of the optical fiber during production and ensures precise positioning of the optical fiber along the length of the tube.
    [00074] In one embodiment the optical fiber is incorporated into the ribbon of the optical fiber-containing layer being partially or completely embedded in the ribbon. In this embodiment the tape is advantageously a thermoplastic polymer tape and the sensor is partially or completely pressed on the tape while it is plasticized or the sensor is arranged on the tape during its extrusion.
    [00075] Advantageously the optical fiber is incorporated in the ribbon of the layer containing optical fiber and is retained between two sublayers of the ribbon. This embodiment provides for a very simple and safe manufacturing method.
    [00076] The two sublayers of the tape can be the same or different from each other in thickness and / or in composition. Advantageously, the two sublayers of the tape are substantially the same at least in composition. In one embodiment, the two sublayers of the tape are substantially the same in both thickness and composition.
    [00077] In one embodiment the ribbon sublayers are fused or adhered to one another. For simple production, the two sublayers of the tape are simply fused together in the desired regions using heat. The sublayers of the tape are fused or adhered to each other allowing a gap zone along at least part of the length of the optical fiber to not be fused or adhered. In this way the optical fiber can slide with respect to the tape when the tape is subjected to stretching, for example when the unconnected flexible tube is subjected to folds.
    [00078] In one embodiment, the optical fiber is closed by the tape without being attached to it. In this way the optical fiber can slide with respect to the tape when the tape is subjected to stretching, for example when the unconnected flexible tube is subjected to folds.
    [00079] In one embodiment the optical fiber is closed by the tape and fixed to it in selected positions along its length, leaving sections of intermediate length of the optical fiber not to be attached to the tape. Advantageously, the intermediate length sections are substantially longer than the fixed positions. In this embodiment the attachment of the optical fiber to the tape in selected positions can be used to provide precise positioning of the optical fiber in relation to the tape ex. with desired folds.
    [00080] In one embodiment the optical fiber is arranged to be substantially straight along the length of the tape.
    [00081] Advantageously the optical fiber is arranged with folds along the length of the tape. In this way a simple and effective way of providing the desired excess length of the optical fiber with respect to the unconnected flexible tube is provided. As the tape with the built-in optical fiber can be produced separately from the production of the unbonded flexible tube, this method provides a very cost effective and economical method of producing an unbound flexible tube with an optical fiber with a high excess length. In this regard, it should also be noted that the unconnected flexible tube is often very long, such as 1 kilometer or more. even 2 or 3 kilometers or more, the required optical fiber length is too high, and it may be necessary to amend the optical fiber. This fiber optic splice requires special equipment and clean space installations. The production of excess length tape embedded in fiber optics separately from the production of the unbound flexible tube - ex. at a separate production site it results in great savings and at the same time a higher quality of the tape with embedded optical fiber can be separated.
    [00082] Advantageously the optical fiber is arranged with folds along the length of the ribbon to provide an excess length of the optical fiber with respect to the ribbon of at least about 2 times the length of the ribbon, such as at least about 3 times the length of the tape.
    [00083] Preferably the optical fiber is arranged with S-shaped folds, such as the S-shaped folds described above. Advantageously the S-shaped folds are harmonic folds shaped in S.
    [00084] Advantageously the tape is elastic at least in its long direction. In this way the tape can be applied to the layer containing optical fiber in any configuration while still allowing the unbound flexible tube to be wound as it will usually be before extension or and to bend as it will usually be during extension and under ex use. like a riser. By providing the tape with the incorporated optical fiber in excess length with a desired elasticity, a very effective way of providing a non-bonded flexible tube with a high excess length of optical fiber is provided.
    [00085] Advantageously the tape in its length direction has a linear elasticity of at least about 3%, preferably the tape in its length direction has a linear elasticity of at least about 5%, such as at least about 10 %, such as at least about 20%, such as at least about 30%, such as at least about 40%, such as at least about 50%.
    [00086] The elasticity of the tape is advantageously selected in such a way that the estimated folds of the unbound flexible tube result in stretching of the tape within its elastic region, that is, the tape is advantageously not stretched beyond its limit resistance point where plastic deformation takes place. In the linear elastic region of the tape, the tape will return to its original shape after stretching due to a bend in the unbound flexible tube.
    [00087] In a preferred embodiment the tape in its length direction has a linear elasticity of about 25% to about 500%, such as from about 50% to about 300%, such as from about 75 % to about 200%. This high elasticity provides a tape with embedded optical fiber that can be applied in any configuration even as a tape applied with its length direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal geometric axis of the unconnected flexible tube.
    [00088] In one embodiment the tape is or comprises a woven material. The woven material is preferably woven in such a way that it has a high elasticity in its length direction. Advantageously the woven material comprises wires and / or strands woven from filaments comprising filaments of at least one polymer, preferably at least one elastomer, such as rubber (natural or synthetic) and / or thermoplastic elastomer.
    [00089] Examples of suitable elastomers include styrenic block copolymers, mixtures of polyolefins, elastomeric alloys (TPE-v or TPV), thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic copolyester and thermoplastic polyamides.
    [00090] In one embodiment the yarns and / or strands comprise thermoplastic polymer, such as aramid filaments, polypropylene filaments, polyethylene filaments, polycarbonate filaments, thermoplastic polyester filaments and mixtures thereof.
    [00091] In one embodiment the tape is or comprises a non-woven tape, such as an extruded tape, the tape is optionally a laminated tape. Advantageously, the tape comprises or consists of polymer such as an elastomer, such as rubber (natural or synthetic) and / or a thermoplastic elastomer.
    [00092] In one embodiment the tape comprising the embedded optical fiber is arranged with its length direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis of the flexible tube.
    [00093] In one embodiment the tape comprising the incorporated optical fiber is helically wound to encircle the longitudinal geometric axis of the flexible tube or is arranged with folds along the length of the flexible tube. In this embodiment, the high excess length of the optical fiber in relation to the unconnected flexible tube can be obtained both by providing folds over the optical fiber incorporated in the ribbon and by the helical configuration of the ribbon with the incorporated optical fiber. The tape with the built-in optical fiber can thus be wound with a very low degree of winding and still provide a high length in excess of optical fiber in relation to the length of the unbound flexible tube.
    [00094] In one embodiment the tape comprising the embedded optical fiber arranged with folds along the length of the tape is helically wound to encircle the longitudinal geometric axis of the flexible tube with a degree of winding from about 10 to about 55 degrees , such as from about 20 to about 45 degrees.
    [00095] The layer containing optical fiber can in principle be arranged anywhere on the unconnected flexible tube between its innermost and outermost layer.
    [00096] In an embodiment in which the unbound flexible tube comprises a housing optionally the layer containing optical fiber is arranged between the housing and the innermost sealing sheath
    [00097] In one embodiment the layer containing optical fiber is arranged on the outside of the innermost sealing sheath.
    [00098] In one embodiment, in which the unconnected flexible tube comprises one or more layers of shield arranged on the outside of the innermost sealing sheath, the layer containing optical fiber is arranged on the outside of the one or more more layers of armor.
    [00099] In one embodiment, in which the unconnected flexible tube comprises an outer protection layer, the layer containing optical fiber is arranged on the inside of the outer protection layer.
    [000100] In a preferred embodiment, in which the unconnected flexible tube comprises one or more layers of shield arranged on the outside of the innermost sealing sheath and an external liquid-impermeable protective layer, the layer containing optical fiber it is arranged between the shield layer (s) and the external liquid-impermeable protective layer.
    [000101] Advantageously the layer containing optical fiber is arranged on the outside of the outermost layer of shield, preferably between the outermost layer of shield and an outer protective layer and the optical fiber is a part of a monitoring system temperature ex. to protect the outer protection layer against overheating. When, for example, an element such as a bend limiter and / or a buoyancy module or the like is fixed on the outer side of the outer protective layer, it will be observed that the monitored temperature will be higher than where sea water is in direct contact with the outer side of the outer protection layer. If the temperature in this position is rising to a dangerous level where the outer protective layer is at risk of being damaged, the temperature can be reduced by cooling and / or reducing the flow of heated fluid into the pipe bore. Since the temperature can be closely monitored, the production rate can be simultaneously optimized since the safety margin can be reduced.
    [000102] In one embodiment the unconnected flexible tube comprises a first and a second end and a length between the first and the second ends and a helically wound optical fiber are arranged in the layer containing optical fiber in at least part of the length of the unconnected flexible tube between the first and second ends. Advantageously, the layer containing optical fiber is arranged over the entire length of the unconnected flexible tube. However, in certain embodiments and for reasons of cost it can sometimes be advantageous to apply the layer containing optical fiber to only part of the length of the unbound flexible tube.
    [000103] The optical fiber can come out of the unconnected flexible tube by any known constructions, advantageously relatively close to one end of the unconnected flexible tube to be connected to the rest of the monitoring system.
    [000104] Alternatively the optical fiber can be connected to a remote light source and a transmitter for transmission without filament of the obtained signals.
    [000105] In one embodiment the unconnected flexible tube comprises a first end terminated with an end fitting in which at least the innermost sealing sheath is anchored as is known in the art and the optical fiber advantageously leaves the flexible tube not connected via the end fitting.
    [000106] In an embodiment where the unbound flexible tube comprises an outermost layer, the optical fiber exits the unbounded flexible tube via the outermost layer.
    [000107] For example the unconnected flexible tube may comprise a first end terminated with an end fitting in which at least the innermost sealing sheath is anchored, and the optical fiber exits the unconnected flexible tube at an exit distance from the end fitting determined along the length of the unconnected flexible tube.
    [000108] In one embodiment, the exit distance is up to about 10 m, such as up to about 20 m.
    [000109] In one embodiment the unbound flexible tube comprises an external liquid-impermeable protective sheath, the optical fiber leaves the unbound flexible tube through an opening in the liquid-impermeable external protective sheath where the opening is provided by removing a portion of the liquid-impermeable outer protective sheath.
    [000110] In one embodiment the unconnected flexible tube comprises an external liquid-impermeable protective sheath which is terminated at a terminating distance from the end fitting thereby providing a free section of the external protection blade, and the fiber optics comes out of the unconnected flexible tube coming out of the free outer blade section.
    [000111] The liquid-impermeable outer protective sheath adjacent to the opening or the outer section of the outer protective foil is advantageously sealed to at least one underlying layer by an ex-sealing material. a cement, such as epoxy.
    [000112] In one embodiment the unconnected flexible tube is as described in copying order DK PA 201270409 incorporated herein by reference. In this embodiment the unconnected flexible tube has a length and a longitudinal geometric axis and comprising an inner sealing sheath defining a hole, a pressure shield layer, an intermediate sealing sheath and a tensile shield, in which the layer pressure shielding comprises at least one elongated metal element arranged with pressure shielding interstices and is arranged in an annular zone provided between the inner sealing sheath and the intermediate sealing sheath, the traction shield being arranged on the outer side of the intermediate sealing sheath, where the intermediate sealing sheath forms a drainage layer or the unconnected flexible tube further comprises a drainage layer arranged in the annular zone, the drainage layer comprises at least one drainage path arranged along the tube length, in which the drainage path is in fluid communication with the pressure shield interstices, in q Since the drainage layer comprises a signal transmission element, the signal transmission element is preferably arranged in a drainage path. The transmission element is an optical fiber and preferably the transmission element is part of or forms an ex-sensor arrangement. for measuring temperature, chemical concentration and / or pressure in the annular zone.
    [000113] In one embodiment the transmission element is part of or constitutes a sensor array to determine at least one parameter, such as pressure, temperature, f-value, concentrations of selected components, flow speed, path clearance and / or leakage from the inner sealing sheath and / or the intermediate sealing sheath.
    [000114] In one embodiment the unconnected flexible tube is as described in copending order DK PA 2012 00185 incorporated herein by reference. In this embodiment the unbound flexible tube comprises a tensile reinforcement layer comprising a plurality of elongated reinforcement elements each comprising a plurality of elongated shield strips and an elongated support element comprising a channel, wherein the plurality of strips elongated shield strips are arranged in the channel of the elongated support element, preferably the elongated shield strips are arranged to be superimposed on the channel and the tensile shield layer further comprises at least one elongated blind element, the elongated reinforcing elements and the hair minus one elongated blind element being helically wound in a side-to-side relationship. The elongated blind element (s) is (are) provided by elongated support element (s) without shield strips and at least one elongated blind element comprises an fiber.
    [000115] All aspects of the invention including preferred ranges and ranges can be combined in various ways within the scope of the invention, unless there are specific reasons for not combining such aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [000116] The invention will be explained more fully below in association with a preferred embodiment and with reference to the drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an unbound flexible tube of the invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of another unconnected flexible tube of the invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of another unconnected flexible tube of the invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an unbound flexible tube of the invention in which the respective layers are exposed. FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of a layer of an unbound flexible tube of the invention comprising an optical fiber. FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view of a wall section of an unbound flexible tube of the invention comprising a plurality of layers. The cross-section is taken in the longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis of the tube. Only some of the layers are shown. FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view of a wall section of another non-bonded flexible of the invention comprising a plurality of layers. The cross-section is taken in the longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis of the tube. Only some of the layers are shown. FIG. 7 shows a production facility for incorporating an optical fiber into a ribbon to provide an integrated fiber ribbon. FIG. 8 is a schematic top view of an integrated fiber tape. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an unbound flexible tube of the invention comprising an integrated fiber tape in which the layers above the integrated fiber tape are removed in a section of tube to expose the integrated fiber tape.
    [000117] The figures are schematic and simplified for clarity. Throughout the description of the figures the same reference numbers are used for identical or corresponding parts.
    [000118] The flexible tube shown in Fig. 1 comprises an innermost sealing sheath 6, often also called an inner lining or simply an inner sealing sheath. The innermost sealing sheath is ex. of high density polyethylene (HDPE), cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), polyvinyl difluoride (PVDF) or polyamide (PA). The internal sealing sheath 6 has the purpose of preventing the outflow of the transferred fluid in the bore of the tube, indicated with the thick arrow. On the inside of the inner sealing sheath 6 the tube comprises a layer containing optical fiber 3 and an internal shielding layer 2, called a housing which is normally metal, and has the main purpose of reinforcing the tube against collapse as described above . Frame 2 is not liquid-tight. The unconnected flexible tube of the invention can also be provided without a housing as described above. The optical fiber-containing layer 3 comprises at least one ribbon and at least one optical fiber as described above. An optical fiber is advantageously incorporated into the tape, preferably being embedded in the tape or being sandwiched between two sublayers of the tape.
    [000119] On the outer side of the inner sealing sheath 6, the flexible tube comprises a pressure shield layer 5, which is often of helically wound metal shielding element (s) or composite material or combinations, which it is wound at an angle to the pipe axis of about 65 degrees or more e. g. about 85 degrees. The pressure shield layer 5 is not liquid-tight.
    [000120] Outside the pressure shield layer 5, the tube comprises two transversely wound tensile shield layers 7a, 7b wound from elongated shield elements. The elongated shield elements of the innermost tensile shield layer 7a are wound with a winding degree of about 55 degrees or less with the tube axis in a first winding direction and the outermost tensile shield layer 7b is wound with a degree of winding of about 60 degrees or less, such as between about 20 and about 55 degrees with the tube axis in a second winding direction, which is the direction opposite to the first winding direction. The two tensile shield layers 7a, 7b with such opposite winding directions are normally referred to as being transversely wound. The tube also comprises an external sealing sheath 1 that protects the shield layer mechanically and optionally against the ingress of sea water. As described above, the external sealing sheath does not need to be liquid-tight. The unconnected flexible tube preferably comprises anti-friction layers not shown between the shield layers 5, 7a, 7b. The anti-friction layers are usually non-liquid-tight and can for example be in the form of a rolled film.
    [000121] The flexible tube shown in Fig. 2 comprises an inner sealing sheath 16, and on the inside the inner sealing sheath 16 the tube comprises an inner shield layer 12.
    [000122] On the outer side of the inner sealing sheath 16, the flexible tube comprises a non-liquid pressure shielding layer 15 comprising helically wound shielding element (s) of metal or composite material or combinations, which it is wound at an angle like a pipe axis of about 65 degrees or more e. g. about 85 degrees.
    [000123] Outside the pressure shield layer 15, the tube comprises two layers of tensile shield rolled transversely 17a, 17b wound from elongated shield elements. On the outside of the outermost tensile shield layer 17b the unconnected flexible tube comprises a layer containing optical fiber 13.0 The tube further comprises an external sealing sheath 11 that protects the shield layer mechanically and optionally against ingress of seawater . The unbound flexible tube preferably comprises anti-friction layers between the shield layers 15, 17a, 17b not shown.
    [000124] The optical fiber-containing layer 13 comprises at least one ribbon and at least one optical fiber as described above. The optical fiber is advantageously incorporated in the tape, preferably being embedded in the tape or being sandwiched between two sublayers of the tape.
    [000125] The flexible tube shown in Fig. 3 comprises an inner sealing sheath 26, and on the inside the inner sealing sheath 26 the tube comprises an inner shield layer 22.
    [000126] On the outer side of the inner sealing sheath 26, the flexible tube comprises a layer containing optical fiber 23. The layer containing optical fiber 23 comprises at least one tape and at least one optical fiber as described above. An optical fiber is advantageously incorporated into the tape, preferably being embedded in the tape or being sandwiched between two sublayers of the tape.
    [000127] On the outer side of the layer containing optical fiber 23, the flexible tube comprises a non-liquid pressure shielding layer 25 comprising helically wound shielding element (s) of metal or composite material or combinations, which it is wound at an angle like a pipe axis of about 65 degrees or more e. g. about 85 degrees.
    [000128] On the outside of the pressure shield layer 25, the tube comprises two layers of tensile shield wound transversely 27a, 27b wound from elongated shield elements. On the outside of the outermost tensile shield layer 27b the unconnected flexible tube comprises a layer containing optical fiber 23. The tube further comprises an external sealing sheath 21 that protects the shield layer mechanically and optionally against ingress of water. of the sea. The unbound flexible tube preferably comprises not shown anti-friction layers between the shield layers 25, 27a, 27b.
    [000129] The tube of the invention can have more or less layers than the tubes of Figs. 1, 2 and 3, some layers can be replaced by other layers provided that the tube comprises at least one layer containing optical fiber as described above and according to the invention. For example, the tube may comprise additional layer or layers of polymer - ex. in the form of an intermediate seal sheath. This layer or these additional polymer layers can be applied between the respective shield layers. For example, the tube may comprise insulating layer or layers eg. applied between the outermost tensile shield layer and the outer sheath. The type of layers and the order of the layers can eg. be as described in GB 1 404 394, US 3,311,133, US 3,687,169, US 3,858,616, US 4,549,581, US 4,706,713, US 5,213,637, US 5,407,744, US 5,601,893, US 5,645,109, US 5,669,420, US 5,730,188, US 5,730,188, US 5,813,439, US 5,837,083, US 5,922,149, US 6,016,847, US 6,065,501, US 6,145,546, US 6,192,941, US 6,253,793, US 6,283,161, US 6,291,079, US 6,354,333, US 6,382,681, US 6,390,141, US 6,408,891, US 6,415,825, US 6,454,897, US 6,516,833, US 6,668,867, US 6,691,743, US 6,739,355 US 6,840,286, US 6,889,718, US 6,889,718, US 6,904,939, US 6,978,806, US 6,981,526, US 7,032. 623, US 7,311,123, US 7,487,803, US 23102044, WO 28025893, WO 2009024156, WO 2008077410 and / or WO 2008077409, as well as in the Specification for Unbonded Flexible Pipe, API, 17J, third edition, July 2008 and / or Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe, API, 17B, fourth edition, July 2008, predicted that at least one shield layer is one of reduced displacement shield layer as described here .
    [000130] The flexible tube shown in Fig. 4 comprises an inner seal sheath 36, and on the inside the inner seal sheath 36 the tube comprises an inner shield layer 32.
    [000131] On the outer side of the inner sealing sheath 36, the flexible tube comprises a non-liquid pressure shielding layer 35 comprising helically wound shielding element (s) of metal or composite material or combinations, which it is wound at a high angle with the pipe axis about 86-88 degrees.
    [000132] On the outside of the pressure shield layer 35, the tube comprises two layers of tensile shield wound transversely 37a, 37b wound from elongated shield elements. Between the shielding layers 35, 37a, 37b, the unbound flexible hose comprises ex-friction layers. in the form of a polymer-wrapped roll, such as a woven fiber tape impregnated with a resin. The outermost tensile shield layer 37b comprises pairs of fibers 24a, 34b, 34c wound in helical interstices between the elongated shielding elements eg. to monitor the integrity of the wires as described in PCT / DK2011 / 050426.
    [000133] On the outside of the outermost tensile shield layer 37b the unconnected flexible tube comprises a layer containing optical fiber composed of helically wound strips 33a, 33b and optical fibers 34, 34 'wound with a relatively winding angle high such that the length of the optical fibers 34, 34 'relative to the length of the tube is relatively high. Preferably the length of the optical fibers 34, 34 'is at least about πr2, preferably at least about 1.5πr2, more preferably at least about I.8πr2, where r is the radius of the outermost tensile shield layer 37b determined from its outer surface.
    [000134] The tube also comprises an external sealing sheath 31 that protects the shield layer mechanically and against the ingress of sea water.
    [000135] FIG. 5 shows a layer containing optical fiber from an unbound flexible tube of the invention. The optical fiber-containing layer comprises one or more strands 43 helically wound to provide a helical interstice between windings where one or more optical fibers 44 are arranged in the helical interstice. In the embodiment shown in fig. 5 the degree of winding of the optical fiber (s) 44 is about 45 degrees.
    [000136] FIG. 6a shows a wall section of an unbound flexible tube of the invention comprising a plurality of layers. The outermost layer is an outer sealing sheath 41. Inside the outer sealing sheath 41 the tube comprises a layer containing optical fiber as shown in Fig. 5 applied between a first and a second tape 49 ex. of woven polymer eg. polyester, polyamide and / or polyethylene (eg diolen®). On the inside of the second strip 49 the tube comprises two layers of transversely wound tensile shield 47a, 47b wound from elongated shield elements and with an anti-wear layer 48 arranged between the two transversely wound tensile shield layers 47a , 47b. The pipe layers on the inside of the innermost tensile shield layer 47b are not shown.
    [000137] The tapes 49 arranged above and below the layer containing optical fiber are applied for mechanical protection as well as for production reasons.
    [000138] The wall section of the tube shown in Fig. 6b is a variation of the wall section shown in FIG. 6a and comprises an outer sealing sheath 41 and on the inside the outer sealing sheath 41 the tube comprises a layer containing optical fiber ex. as shown in Fig. 5 comprising tape (s) 43a and optical fiber (s) 44a. The layer containing optical fiber is applied between a first and a second tape 49. On the inside of the second tape 49 the tube comprises an insulating layer 40, and further inwardly the tube comprises a second layer containing optical fiber as shown in Fig. 5 comprising tape (s) 43b and optical fiber (s) 44b.The layer containing optical fiber is applied between a first and a second tape 49. Further inwardly the tube comprises two layers of tensile shield wrapped transversely 47a, 47b wrapped from elongated shield elements and with an anti-wear layer 48 arranged between the two layers of transversely wound tensile shield 47a, 47b. The pipe layers on the inside of the innermost tensile shield layer 47b are not shown.
    [000139] FIG. 7 shows a production facility for incorporating an optical fiber in a ribbon to provide an integrated fiber ribbon. An optical fiber 54 is fed from a coil 54a comprising coiled optical fiber. Two sublayer tapes containing polymer 53, preferably identical tapes, are fed from respective reels 53a to incorporate optical fiber 54 between the two sublayer tapes 53. The production installation advantageously comprises a mobile control unit not shown to arrange the optical fiber 54 with S-shaped folds between the tapes 53. The production facility comprises a heating zone 51 where the tapes 53 are at least partially fused to integrate the fiber to obtain the tape containing optical fiber in the form of a fiber tape integrated 55.
    [000140] Rollers 52 are pressing the sublayer tapes 53 together to ensure a desired melting of the sublayer tapes 53 around the optical fiber 54. Additional rollers 52b are applied at the exit of the heating zone to ensure a stable melting and uniform thickness . The final integrated fiber tape 55 is optionally wound on a coil not shown for storage or it can be directly applied in the production of an unbound flexible tube of the invention.
    [000141] FIG. 8 is a schematic top view of an integrated fiber tape ex. produced as shown in Fig. 5. The integrated fiber tape comprises fiber 64 and 63 ribbon of sublayer fused melts sandwiching the optical fiber 64. The optical fiber 54 is arranged to be folded with S-shaped folds. The sublayer ribbons are fused at least along its two edges 63a, 63b to completely enclose the optical fiber 54.
    [000142] Advantageously, the sublayer tapes are not fused to each other in a gap zone not shown along the optical fiber such that the integrated fiber tape can be stretched in its LL length direction without breaking the optical fiber, ie optical fiber 54 is allowed to unfold partially or completely from its S-shaped folds. Consequently, the sublayer strips advantageously have a relatively high linear elasticity as described above. In their W-W width direction, sublayer tapes may have a lower elasticity.
    [000143] The unconnected flexible tube shown in Fig. 9 has an outer sealing sheath 71 and two layers of transversely wound tensile shield 77a, 77b comprising an outer tensile layer 77b and an innermost tensile layer 77a . Between the two transversely wound tensile shield layers 77a, 77b the tube comprises a layer containing optical fiber comprising integrated fiber tape 75 comprising an optical fiber 74. The layer containing optical fiber advantageously comprises additional helically wound strips not shown around the layer innermost traction 77a. The unconnected flexible tube further comprises an end fitting 78 with a coupling flange 78a, the end fitting 78 is terminating the respective layers of the tube. Such end connections are ex. described in "Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe", ANSI / API 17 B, fourth edition, July 2008, and the standard "Specification for Unbonded Flexible Pipe", ANSI / API 17J, third edition, July 2008. The end fitting 78 is further provided with an outlet housing 79 for exiting fiber 74.
    [000144] An additional scope of applicability of the present invention will become evident from the detailed description given here. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become evident to those skilled in the art. in the art from this detailed description.
    权利要求:
    Claims (14)
    [0001]
    1. Unconnected flexible tube, having a longitudinal length and geometric axis and comprising an inner sealing sheath (6, 16, 26, 36) defining a hole, at least one shield layer (5, 15, 25) surrounding the inner sealing sheath and at least one layer containing optical fiber (37a, 43), characterized by the fact that the layer containing optical fiber comprises at least one strip and at least one optical fiber (34, 44) arranged with a length of at least minus 3 times the length of the flexible tube, where the optical fiber (34, 44) is a part of a temperature sensor system.
    [0002]
    Unlinked flexible tube according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the tape (s) is / are woven tapes comprising woven yarns and / or strands, preferably woven yarns and / or strands comprising filaments selected from among filaments carbon, glass filaments, basalt filaments, polymer filaments and combinations thereof preferably impregnated with a thermoplastic resin, such as a thermoplastic resin comprising polyamide (PA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), thermoplastic polyester (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and mixtures comprising one or more of these thermoplastic resins, preferably the optical fiber is helically wound and / or arranged with folds to ensure its hair length minus 3 times the length of the flexible tube.
    [0003]
    Unlinked flexible tube according to either of claims 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the sensor system is additionally configured to detect deformation, vibrations, pressure and / or sound.
    [0004]
    Unlinked flexible tube according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that the helically wound ribbon (s) of the fiber-containing layer (37a, 44) is / are wound ) at an angle to the longitudinal geometric axis that is 55 degrees or less, such as from 35 degrees to 50 degrees, preferably the optical fiber (34, 44) is wound at an angle to the longitudinal geometric axis that is identical to winding direction of the helically wound ribbon (s).
    [0005]
    Unlinked flexible tube according to either of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the tape (s) is / are wound with a helical interstice between the windings of the tape (s) ) helically wound (s), the optical fiber (34, 44) is arranged in the helical interstitium, and optionally the layer containing optical fiber (37a, 43) comprises a plurality of helically wound strips, at least one of the helically wound strands is wound above or below the optical fiber in the helical interstitium, optionally at least one of the helically wound coils is wound above the optical fiber in the helical interstitium and at least one of the helically wound coils is wound below the optical fiber in the helical interstitium.
    [0006]
    6. Unlinked flexible tube according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the optical fiber is incorporated in at least one strip of the layer containing optical fiber to provide an integrated fiber strip, preferably the optical fiber (34, 44) is incorporated into the at least one strip of the layer containing optical fiber being partially or completely embedded in the strip, optionally the optical fiber is incorporated into at least one strip of the layer containing optical fiber being retained between two sublayers of the strip, optionally , the sublayers of the tape are fused or adhered to each other, preferably allowing a gap zone along at least part of the length of the optical fiber not to be fused or adhered to.
    [0007]
    Unlinked flexible tube according to claim 6, characterized in that the optical fiber (34, 44) is arranged with folds along the length of the tape, preferably with a length of at least 2 times the length of the tape , such as at least 3 times the length of the tape, preferably the optical fiber is arranged with S-shaped folds, the S-shaped folds are preferably harmonic.
    [0008]
    Unlinked flexible tube according to either of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the tape has a length and a width, the tape in its length direction has a linear elasticity of at least 3%, preferably the tape in its length direction it has a linear elasticity of at least 5%, such as at least 10%, such as at least 20%, such as at least 25% to 500%.
    [0009]
    Unlinked flexible tube according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the tape comprising the incorporated optical fiber is helically wound to encircle the longitudinal geometric axis of the flexible tube or is arranged with folds along the length of the flexible tube.
    [0010]
    10. Unlinked flexible tube according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the fact that one or more shielding layers (5, 7, 15, 17, 27, 37) arranged outside the inner sealing sheath (6, 16, 26, 36), the layer containing optical fiber (37a, 43) is arranged outside one or more shield layers.
    [0011]
    11. Unlinked flexible tube according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by the fact that it comprises one or more layers of shield (5, 7, 15, 17, 27, 37) arranged outside the sealing sheath innermost and an outer layer of liquid impermeable protection (1, 11, 21, 31), the layer containing optical fiber is arranged between the shield layer (s) and the outer layer of liquid impermeable protection.
    [0012]
    Unlinked flexible tube according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a first end terminated with an end fitting (78), and at least the innermost sealing sheath (6, 16, 26 , 36) is anchored, the optical fiber (34, 44) leaves the unconnected flexible tube via the end fitting (78).
    [0013]
    13. Unlinked flexible tube according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises a first end terminated with an end fitting (78) and in which at least the innermost sealing sheath (6, 16, 26, 36 ) is anchored, the optical fiber exits the unconnected flexible tube at an outlet distance from the end fitting determined along the length of the unconnected flexible tube, preferably the unconnected flexible tube comprises an external liquid-impermeable protective sheath (1, 11, 21, 31) and the optical fiber (34, 44) leaves the unconnected flexible tube through an opening in the external liquid-impermeable protective sheath (1, 11, 21, 31), the opening is optionally provided by removing a portion of the liquid-impermeable outer protective sheath.
    [0014]
    14. Unlinked flexible tube according to claim 13, characterized by the fact that the external liquid-impermeable protective sheath (1, 11, 21, 31) adjacent to the opening or to the external protection blade free section is sealed in at least at least one underlying layer by a sealing material for example a cement, such as epoxy.
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    法律状态:
    2018-12-04| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according art. 34 industrial property law|
    2019-07-09| B06T| Formal requirements before examination|
    2020-05-19| B09A| Decision: intention to grant|
    2020-10-20| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 12/03/2013, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    DKPA201200185|2012-03-13|
    DKPA201200185|2012-03-13|
    DKPA201270409|2012-07-06|
    DKPA201270409|2012-07-06|
    DKPA201270803|2012-12-20|
    DKPA201270803|2012-12-20|
    PCT/DK2013/050064|WO2013135244A1|2012-03-13|2013-03-12|An unbonded flexible pipe with an optical fiber containing layer|
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