In the turbulent deep sea, a "red dragon" is slowly sinking into the seabed - this is the latest flat tube vortex induced vibration suppression device developed by China, called the spiral plate. It is like putting a tough layer of armor on the pipeline, guarding the safety of energy transmission in the turbulent sea of undercurrents.

The 'invisible killer' of deep-sea pipelines

When deepwater pipelines operate in the ocean, they are affected by complex ocean currents, resulting in vortex induced vibrations. This continuous vibration can accelerate pipeline fatigue damage and even pose a risk of fracture. In the past, China relied on foreign countries to suppress technology, resulting in high costs and weak autonomy. To this end, CNOOC has teamed up with the Research Institute to develop its own vibration suppression equipment.

Core breakthrough from research and development to application

Researchers focused on the adaptability of materials and flow fields, and ultimately successfully developed the first set of domestically produced spiral plates. This device is suitable for pipe diameters ranging from 6 to 20 inches and has obtained three national patents, filling the domestic technological gap. Its unique structure can effectively reduce pipeline fatigue, extend service life, and significantly reduce the operation and maintenance costs of deep-sea oil and gas projects.

Reliability verification in extreme environments

In a recent engineering application, the team successfully laid approximately 800 meters of spiral plates in complex sea areas with strong ocean currents and multiple suspended spans. The device can withstand up to 60 tons of roller support reaction force and has proven its stability under harsh conditions such as S-shaped pipe laying. The project leader Yang Jiadong stated that this marks China's comprehensive mastery of the design, manufacturing, and installation capabilities of this technology, providing a Chinese solution for pipeline protection in complex sea areas worldwide.keywords:Engineering equipment,Equipment,Construction machinery

Currently, the R&D team is continuously improving the design of spiral plates based on the ocean currents, water depths, and other conditions in different sea areas, further enhancing their environmental adaptability. This technological breakthrough from catching up to leading is injecting new strength into China's energy security and autonomous ocean engineering.Editor/Yang Meiling