Abstract
The sealing performance of the rubber packer is of vital importance for the subsea retractable connector, and the cross-sectional shape of the rubber packer is one of the most important factors affecting it. The compression distance of the rubber packer is increased by 19.54% utilizing the established two-dimensional numerical model. In addition, a new parameter called the anti-shoulder extrusion variable was defined in this paper. Shoulder extrusion will not occur when using this variable as a constraint during simulation. In general, the upper end and the lower end of a rubber packer are subject to different constraints, and the structural parameters of the rubber packer affect each other in terms of sealing performance. Therefore, the importance and originality of this study are exploring the optimization of the thickness and chamfer angles of the upper and lower ends of the rubber packer by use of a combination of the response surface optimization method and the multi-objective genetic algorithm, taking the thickness and chamfer angles of the upper and lower ends as design variables, and the stress on the inner side of the casing wall and the axial force of the compressed rubber packer as optimization objectives. Besides that, the anti-shoulder extrusion variables are also introduced as constraints to prevent shoulder extrusion. Ultimately, the cross-sectional shape of the rubber packer with a smaller-thickness and larger-angle upper end, and a larger-thickness and smaller-angle lower end can be obtained. The result to emerge from the test in this paper is that the pipe pressure that can be sealed by the optimized rubber packer structure is 25.61% higher than that before optimization. The anti-shoulder extrusion variable and the asymmetric cross-sectional shape of the rubber packer proposed in this paper shed new light on the finite element simulation of rubber and the research on similar seals.
Highlights
Introduction published maps and institutional affilSubsea oil and gas pipelines are formed by connecting a large number of pipes and equipment [1], whose connections play a critical role in subsea oil and gas pipelines
Hubs are welded on the sides of the central pipe and of the casing wall of the subsea retractable connector so as to connect with the hub of oil and gas pipeline; the gaskets on both sides of the rubber packer are designed with metal protective covers; central pipe can move in the casing before the actuating ring compressing the rubber packer; the left end of the actuating ring is designed with a hydraulic port, which can form a hydraulic chamber in cooperation with the central pipe; the left end of the actuating ring is connected with the end cover 2 by bolts, the end cover 2 is used to limit the displacement of the compressed rubber packer
The compression distance of the rubber packer was optimized on the basis of the structural parameters of the rubber packer end face could be optimized by use of the finite element response surface optimization method
Summary
Hubs are welded on the sides of the central pipe and of the casing wall of the subsea retractable connector so as to connect with the hub of oil and gas pipeline; the gaskets on both sides of the rubber packer are designed with metal protective covers; central pipe can move in the casing before the actuating ring compressing the rubber packer; the left end of the actuating ring is designed with a hydraulic port, which can form a hydraulic chamber in cooperation with the central pipe; the left end of the actuating ring is connected with the end cover 2 by bolts, the end cover 2 is used to limit the displacement of the compressed rubber packer. Press through the hydraulic port, move the actuating ring axially and compress the rubber packer until the end cover 2 contacts the central pipe, this marks the end of compression distance, so as to realize the sealing of oil and gas pipeline. It is of vital importance to conduct the optimization of the rubber packer so as to improve its sealing performance
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
