Subsea Insulation Repair Equipment
Subsea Insulation Repair Equipment
DTI has developed an innovative (patented) insulation repair system for subsea flowlines and jumpers. Initially developed for the insulation of flowline connectors, the technology was adapted for wider application as its suitability became apparent.
The insulation repair system consists of two-part ROV installable clamps with spring-loaded cylinders mounted to the outer walls, which store gel insulation. The clamps feature an integral containment bag into which the gel insulating material is injected by the cylinders. The insulation bag conforms to the shape of the pipeline when filled with the insulation gel under pressure. The gel filled bag seals the flow paths and the gel acts as an insulator ensuring that there is no connective heat loss.
The advantages of the gel based insulation system designed by Deepsea Technologies, Inc. are:
- Superior insulation properties of the gel, reducing heat transfer.
- The pressure of the insulation gel ensures the sealing bag makes contact on all surfaces of the pipeline increasing thermal resistance as compared to the conventional solid foam based method which shrinks upon installation subsea leaving venues of heat escape.
- Flexible bag ensures multiple sizes of piping can be accommodated with minimal change in design thus reducing the overall cost of the system.
- ROV compatibility and ease of installation reducing installation time.
