A model to support decision systems regarding the quantification, location and opening adjustment of control valves in a network system, with the main objective to minimise pressures and consequently leakage levels is developed. This research work aims at a solution that allows simultaneously optimising the number of valves and its location, as well as valves opening adjustments for simulation in an extended period, dependently of the system characteristics. EPANET model is used for hydraulic network analysis and two operational models are developed based on the Genetic Algorithm optimisation method for pressure control, and consequently leakage reduction, since a leak is a pressure dependent function. In these two modules, this method has guaranteed an adequate technique performance, which demands a global evaluation of the system for different scenarios. A case study is presented to show the efficiency of the system by pressure control through valves management.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

A flexible joint riser inspection and cleaning robot must be small and powerful to perform its mission. Hydraulic units are commonly used in submerged operations for power. We designed a custom hydraulic unit as a robot. As the hydraulic manifold is complex, we developed it to be fabricated by additive manufacturing. The objective was to reduce the volume and mass of the hydraulic power unit. We achieved several computational analyzes and analytical methods to validate the designed concept. As a result, we obtained a more compact and lighter structure at the end of the process.

A flexible joint riser inspection and cleaning robot needs to be small and powerful to carry out its mission. For power, hydraulic units are commonly used in submerged operations. In this context, a custom hydraulic unit was designed for a robot. Due to its complexity, the hydraulic manifold was redesigned to be manufactured by additive manufacturing. The objective was to reduce the volume and mass of the hydraulic power unit. Several computational analyzes were performed and analytical methods were used to validate the designed concept. At the end of the process, a more compact and lighter structure was obtained.