Structural Analysis and Experimental Study on the Spherical Seal of a Subsea Connector Based on a Non-Standard O-Ring Seal

Abstract

Underwater oil and gas pipelines are prone to alignment differences and angle offsets during docking, and the spherical flange connector can address this problem. Its main function is to enable compensation of the different angles of the pipeline during docking and to apply a non-standard spherical sealing structure using O-rings to the connection. In this paper, the study of a spherical sealing structure using O-rings was based on a spherical structural model of the connector. The Mooney–Rivlin constitutive equation and material parameters of the O-ring were determined according to nonlinear theory. The structure of the non-standard spherical sealing groove was designed and analysed with reference to the standard sealing groove, the calculation expression of the spherical groove specific size was deduced, and the width and depth of the groove were determined. A finite element analysis of the non-standard O-ring sealing structure was carried out using ANSYS Workbench software; the effects of different pressures and compression ratios on the O-ring sealing performance were analysed and studied in terms of von Mises stress, contact pressure and contact width of different contact surfaces so as to determine a more reasonable compression ratio in the sealing structure. Finally, the theoretical analysis of the non-standard spherical sealing structure using O-rings was validated by testing, and it was proven that it could maintain a good seal under high pressure.

Effects of the etching process on the surface, friction and wear characteristics of silicone rubber coated with micro-sized ceramic particles

“…Recently, silicone rubber has gained prominence as an effective material for hydraulic pistons and sealing components due to its chemical stability and heat resistance. [4][5][6] The sealing properties of hydraulic piston seals and their surface roughness, which impact friction and wear characteristics, significantly influence the performance of hydraulic systems. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the surface properties and friction and wear characteristics of piston seal materials to optimize system efficiency and enhance equipment lifespan.…”

“…Recently, silicone rubber has gained prominence as an effective material for hydraulic pistons and sealing components due to its chemical stability and heat resistance. 4–6…”

Analysis of the Reliability of Subsea Clamp Connector Based on Multiple Response Surface Methodology

“…P t (S) and P t (L) are the failure probabilities obtained from the yield failure criterion and the seal failure criteria. The combined probability of failure is: P(S ∪ L) = P(S) + P(L) − P(S) • P(L) = 0.0127 (11) Therefore, the reliability of the subsea clamp connector is:…”

“…Li et al [10] analyzed the influence of pre-tightening force, contact width, preloading compression, and operating pressure on contact stress through theoretical calculations and finite element methods. Liu et al [11] derived a calculation expression for the size ratio of a spherical sealing groove based on the spherical structure of the connector's sealing ring. They determined the width and depth 2 of 15 of the groove, and used finite element methods to study the influence of different pressures and compression ratios on the sealing performance of O-ring seals from various aspects, such as von mises stress, contact pressure, and contact width of different contact surfaces.…”

Review of Composite Marine Risers for Deep-Water Applications: Design, Development and Mechanics

“…For production risers, between 1000 and 1800 m is a good range, while drilling risers require depths exceeding 3000 m [23][24][25][26][27]41]. As a result of the weight savings from composite risers, more risers can be built at existing depths attributable to the use of FRP composite materials [211][212][213][214][215][216][217][218][219][220]. Also, production and the viable utilisation of petroleum resources will increase to even lower depths by using composites [221][222][223][224][225][226][227][228][229][230].…”