WO1991008372A1 - Fire protected pipe and pipeline - Google Patents
Fire protected pipe and pipeline Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1991008372A1 WO1991008372A1 PCT/GB1990/001854 GB9001854W WO9108372A1 WO 1991008372 A1 WO1991008372 A1 WO 1991008372A1 GB 9001854 W GB9001854 W GB 9001854W WO 9108372 A1 WO9108372 A1 WO 9108372A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- covering
- pipe
- fire protection
- fire
- containing compounds
- Prior art date
Links
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 239000006185 dispersion Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 229920000058 polyacrylate Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 17
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 8
- 229920001084 poly(chloroprene) Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethene Chemical compound C=C VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000005977 Ethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920001577 copolymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 claims description 4
- XTXRWKRVRITETP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Vinyl acetate Chemical compound CC(=O)OC=C XTXRWKRVRITETP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- OYPRJOBELJOOCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N Calcium Chemical compound [Ca] OYPRJOBELJOOCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N Magnesium Chemical compound [Mg] FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 150000001412 amines Chemical class 0.000 claims description 2
- 150000001642 boronic acid derivatives Chemical class 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052791 calcium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000011575 calcium Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 150000004677 hydrates Chemical class 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052749 magnesium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000011777 magnesium Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910044991 metal oxide Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 150000004706 metal oxides Chemical class 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000011701 zinc Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- WPBNNNQJVZRUHP-UHFFFAOYSA-L manganese(2+);methyl n-[[2-(methoxycarbonylcarbamothioylamino)phenyl]carbamothioyl]carbamate;n-[2-(sulfidocarbothioylamino)ethyl]carbamodithioate Chemical compound [Mn+2].[S-]C(=S)NCCNC([S-])=S.COC(=O)NC(=S)NC1=CC=CC=C1NC(=S)NC(=O)OC WPBNNNQJVZRUHP-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 claims 1
- MXRIRQGCELJRSN-UHFFFAOYSA-N O.O.O.[Al] Chemical compound O.O.O.[Al] MXRIRQGCELJRSN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract description 4
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 4
- BIKXLKXABVUSMH-UHFFFAOYSA-N trizinc;diborate Chemical compound [Zn+2].[Zn+2].[Zn+2].[O-]B([O-])[O-].[O-]B([O-])[O-] BIKXLKXABVUSMH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract description 4
- 238000005299 abrasion Methods 0.000 abstract description 3
- 125000000816 ethylene group Chemical group [H]C([H])([*:1])C([H])([H])[*:2] 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000010779 crude oil Substances 0.000 description 5
- XLOMVQKBTHCTTD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc monoxide Chemical compound [Zn]=O XLOMVQKBTHCTTD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- AMWRITDGCCNYAT-UHFFFAOYSA-L hydroxy(oxo)manganese;manganese Chemical compound [Mn].O[Mn]=O.O[Mn]=O AMWRITDGCCNYAT-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 4
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 3
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003345 Elvax® Polymers 0.000 description 2
- BRPQOXSCLDDYGP-UHFFFAOYSA-N calcium oxide Chemical compound [O-2].[Ca+2] BRPQOXSCLDDYGP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000000292 calcium oxide Substances 0.000 description 2
- ODINCKMPIJJUCX-UHFFFAOYSA-N calcium oxide Inorganic materials [Ca]=O ODINCKMPIJJUCX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000009970 fire resistant effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000383 hazardous chemical Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011256 inorganic filler Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910003475 inorganic filler Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000011787 zinc oxide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000021355 Stearic acid Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000003963 antioxidant agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003078 antioxidant effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000006708 antioxidants Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920005601 base polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000005422 blasting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007767 bonding agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000006229 carbon black Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000019504 cigarettes Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000003431 cross linking reagent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009787 hand lay-up Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012212 insulator Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011068 loading method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000314 lubricant Substances 0.000 description 1
- -1 magnanese Chemical compound 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012764 mineral filler Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 1
- QIQXTHQIDYTFRH-UHFFFAOYSA-N octadecanoic acid Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(O)=O QIQXTHQIDYTFRH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- OQCDKBAXFALNLD-UHFFFAOYSA-N octadecanoic acid Natural products CCCCCCCC(C)CCCCCCCCC(O)=O OQCDKBAXFALNLD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000003129 oil well Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000008117 stearic acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003051 synthetic elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000005061 synthetic rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004034 viscosity adjusting agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003313 weakening effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
- E21B17/01—Risers
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B35/00—Methods or apparatus for preventing or extinguishing fires
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L57/00—Protection of pipes or objects of similar shape against external or internal damage or wear
- F16L57/04—Protection of pipes or objects of similar shape against external or internal damage or wear against fire or other external sources of extreme heat
Definitions
- This invenion relates to fire protected pipelines which carry hazardous materials, particularly inflammable materials, such as risers on off shore installations and crude oil feed pipes at refineries.
- the invention further relates to a method of forming said pipelines.
- a protected pipe comprising a pipe having anti- corrosion protection, a fire protection covering around the pipe, and a retaining covering around the fire protection covering, said retaining covering being flexible and substantially water impermeable and including a base matrix material having a dispersion of one or more metal containing compounds therein which fuse together upon exposure to a temperature of about 500°C or more to form a stable coating which in turn retains the fire protection covering in position.
- a method of pacifying a pipe against fire comprising forming on the pipe anti-corrosion protection, a fire protection covering around said anti-corrosion protection, and forming a retaining covering around said fire protection-covering, said retaining covering being flexible and substantially water impermeable and including a base matrix material having a dispersion of one or more metal containing compounds therein which fuse together upon exposure to a temperature of about 500°C or more to form a stable coating which in turn retains the fire protection covering in position.
- the metal containing compounds should have a sufficiently low melting point, that they will melt on exposure to the heat of a hydrocarbon fire, which may typically be about 800°C to 1400°C, more particularly 1000°C to 1100°C, to form an inorganic type coating which will be stable in the high temperatures of the fire at least about 10 to 15 minutes preferably 1 to 4 hours. In this way even though the base matrix material may char the fused metal containing coating will hold the outer retaining coating together and thereby retain the fire protection covering on the pipe long enough to prevent an immediate blow out, and thereby allow time to evacuate the danger area.
- the inventor has therefore achieved a method of applying and modifying materials in such a way that the combined protection of anti-corrosion and passive fire protection is achieved for steel pipelines. Furthermore for risers and like structures on both off-shore and on-shore installations, the invention can be used both above and below the water line.
- a ceramic-type or glass-type coating which is sufficiently flame resistant to retain the fire protection material in place and thereby delay a blow out of the hydrocarbons in the pipe.
- ceramic-type we mean a crystalline, inorganic metal and by glass-type we mean a non-crystalline solid.
- the metal containing compounds can be one or more of metals, metal oxides, borates, hydrates, amines and similar compounds which will melt and fuse and remain stable in a hydrocarbon fire, .
- the metals of said compounds can be zinc, aluminium, magnanese, magnesium, calcium and iron.
- the preferred metal containing compounds have been aluminium trihydrate, zinc borate, calcium oxide, zinc oxide, manganese oxide, or a combination thereof.
- the outer retaining coating should in normal operating conditions provide a water impermeable barrier and should be sufficiently flexible to allow both thermal and mechanical movement of the pipe, and protect it again abrasion or impact such as from wave loadings.
- Suitable base matrix material which have been found to date to display the desired properties comprise one or more of an ethylene acrylic polymer, copolymer based on vinyl acetate, polychloroprene, and polyurethane. Preferably a smaller amount of said copolymer is mixed with a major amount of an ethylene acrylic polymer as a viscosity modifier.
- Conventional fire protection material is suitable for use in the invention and could be applied in a number of forms.
- several connected slabs of such material could be striated and wound around the pipe. This would allow a thick and flexible covering of fire resistant material to be easily applied to the pipe.
- relatively thin sheets of fire protection material could be wrapped round the pipe. In this manner thin layers of fire protection material are built up, which could be different grades.
- the fire protection material should typically be able to withstand temperatures of about 1400°C for a minimum of about 10 to 15 minutes, preferably one to four hours.
- Fig. 1 - is a longitudinal section through a riser pipe having various protective coverings (which includes a field joint) , in accordance with the invention
- Fig. 2 - is a plan view of the pipe shown in Fig. 1 but having the protective coverings partially cut away for clarity;
- Fig. 3 - is a plan view of a pipe being formed with protective coverings in accordance with the invention.
- Fig. 4 - is a cross-sectional view through the field joint shown in Fig. 1.
- a riser carries the crude oil from the well onto the oil rig.
- the well is sub-sea and that the rig is off-shore. If there is a fire on the oil rig the riser above the water line will be liable to damage by the fire and this may lead to a blow out.
- the length of riser pipe illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 is pacified against fire in accordance with the invention and mitigates this problem.
- the protected pipes are factory-prepared and then transported to the oil rig where they are welded together and set vertically in place.
- Each pipe 1 is coated with an anti-corrosion covering 2, a fire protection covering 3, and retaining covering 4 as follows.
- uncured polychloroprene (neoprene) and bonding agents are extruded onto its outer surface apart from about 50 to 70cm at either end la of the pipe 1. This extrudate is cured to form the anti-corrosion covering 2.
- the fire protection covering 3 which comprises a plurality of flat blocks each of which is formed from a conventional fibrous fire protection material such as discussed in the aforementioned PCT application, and has a width of about 30 to 50cm and a depth of about 5cm.
- One major face of each block (not shown) is deeply grooved (striated) across the width to form a plurality of parallel spaced bars interconnected by webs.
- the blocks are then joined end to end by webbing to form a continuous strip which, because of the imparted flexibility, of the striations can be spirally wound round the pipe 1, as shown in Fig. 3, to form a continuous relatively thick fire resistant covering 3.
- this latter covering stops just short of either end of the anti- corrosion covering 2.
- thin sheets of fire protection material can be applied in a cigarette wrap type fashion.
- the whole pipe 1 apart from the exposed ends la are then encapsulated (by e.g. extrusion, hand layup or casting) in the outer retaining covering 4 which tapers over the exposed ends of the anti-corrosion 2 and fire protection coverings 3.
- the retaining covering 4 is formed from a base matrix material of modified elastomer containing inorganic fillers. Other materials are employed to convert the base polymer into a synthetic rubber with a range of desired properties.
- the retaining covering 4 is also extruded. Both these coverings 2 and 4 are then cured to form the finished pipe.
- the retaining covering 4 is impermeable to water and due to its elastomeric properties will also lend some abrasion and impact resistance to the system.
- the outer retaining covering is prepared as follows (all parts are by weight) . 80 parts of Vamac (trade mark of Dupont) which is an ethylene acrylic polymer is mixed with 20 parts of Elvax (trade mark of Dupont) which is a copolymer based on vinyl acetate.
- the outer coating was modified by substituting the aluminium trihydrate and zinc borate with a mixture of calcium oxide, zinc oxide, and manganese oxide at from 10 to 60 parts. These oxides melt/fuse at about 450°C.
- the finished protected pipes are connected by welding at their exposed ends la and then a field joint 5 applied (see Figs. 1 and 4) , again in accordance with the invention. Therefore an anti-corrosion covering 2, fire protection covering 3 and retaining covering 4 will be applied, generally diverging outwardly to conform with the coverings of the two adjacent pipe ends and thereby form a fire protected encapsulated pipeline.
- the high temperatures of the fire will burn away the elastomeric retaining covering 4 and fuse the inorganic fillers to form a brittle ceramic-type fibrous coating which does not disintegrate and retains the fire protection material in place.
- the riser can therefore be protected against serious damage from the external fire for about one to four hours depending on the type and thickness of the fire protection covering 3. This short period could be critical in the evacuation of the oil rig.
- the ceramic-type retaining covering will also provide additional mechanical strength and flame protection.
- the fire protected pipe of the invention could also be used as crude oil feed pipe to refineries.
- the invention would be applicable for any conduit carrying hazardous materials, not necessarily inflammable materials, which may be exposed to an external fire either on shore or off-shore.
- the fire protection covering is also acting as a heat insulator.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Rigid Pipes And Flexible Pipes (AREA)
- Thermal Insulation (AREA)
- Protection Of Pipes Against Damage, Friction, And Corrosion (AREA)
Abstract
An oil carrying pipe for an oil rig riser comprises an anti-corrosion covering (2), a fire protection covering (3) over the anti-corrosion covering (2) and an outer coating (4) to retain the fire protection cover (3) in place. A field joint (5) comprising the three protective coverings (2, 3 and 4), is applied at the base ends of two connected pipes (1). The outer retaining covering (4) comprises a base matrix of a modified ethylene acrylic polymer having a dispersion of metal containing compounds, such as aluminium trihydrate and zinc borate. Under normal conditions the outer coating will protect the pipe against impact, abrasion and the like. Even though the base matrix material will char on exposure to a fire, the metal containing compounds will fuse to form a continuous stable outer coating which will retain the fire protection coating in position long enough to prevent an immediate blow out and thereby allow time to evacuate the larger area.
Description
FIRE PROTECTED PIPE AND PIPELINE
This invenion relates to fire protected pipelines which carry hazardous materials, particularly inflammable materials, such as risers on off shore installations and crude oil feed pipes at refineries. The invention further relates to a method of forming said pipelines.
Following the tragedy of Piper Alpha, there has been heightened concern about the potential dangers of pipelines carrying inflammable materials. For example the riser, which carries the crude oil from the undersea oil well up to the oil rig, would be exposed to temperatures in the region of 1400°C if there was a fire on the rig platform. At such high temperatures the riser may be damaged allowing the crude oil to ignite and cause a blow out, and thus giving the rig workers have very little warning or chance to escape.
Currently available systems are generally based on concrete which takes twenty eight days to set, is porous and therefore not suitable for risers.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a protected pipe comprising a pipe having anti- corrosion protection, a fire protection covering around the pipe, and a retaining covering around the fire protection covering, said retaining covering being flexible and substantially water impermeable and including a base matrix material having a dispersion of one or more metal containing compounds therein which fuse together upon exposure to a temperature of about 500°C or more to form a stable coating
which in turn retains the fire protection covering in position.
In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of pacifying a pipe against fire comprising forming on the pipe anti-corrosion protection, a fire protection covering around said anti-corrosion protection, and forming a retaining covering around said fire protection-covering, said retaining covering being flexible and substantially water impermeable and including a base matrix material having a dispersion of one or more metal containing compounds therein which fuse together upon exposure to a temperature of about 500°C or more to form a stable coating which in turn retains the fire protection covering in position.
When two protected pipes in accordance with the first aspect of the invention are connected, a field joint in accordance with the second aspect of the invention can then be applied to the bare connected ends. In this way an encapsulated protected pipeline of desired length is formed. Such a protected pipeline and the method of forming it constitute further aspects of the invention.
The metal containing compounds should have a sufficiently low melting point, that they will melt on exposure to the heat of a hydrocarbon fire, which may typically be about 800°C to 1400°C, more particularly 1000°C to 1100°C, to form an inorganic type coating which will be stable in the high temperatures of the fire at least about 10 to 15 minutes preferably 1 to 4 hours. In this way even though the base matrix material may char the fused metal
containing coating will hold the outer retaining coating together and thereby retain the fire protection covering on the pipe long enough to prevent an immediate blow out, and thereby allow time to evacuate the danger area.
The inventor has therefore achieved a method of applying and modifying materials in such a way that the combined protection of anti-corrosion and passive fire protection is achieved for steel pipelines. Furthermore for risers and like structures on both off-shore and on-shore installations, the invention can be used both above and below the water line.
When exposed to high temperatures there may be produced from the retaining coating a ceramic-type or glass-type coating which is sufficiently flame resistant to retain the fire protection material in place and thereby delay a blow out of the hydrocarbons in the pipe.
By ceramic-type we mean a crystalline, inorganic metal and by glass-type we mean a non-crystalline solid.
The metal containing compounds can be one or more of metals, metal oxides, borates, hydrates, amines and similar compounds which will melt and fuse and remain stable in a hydrocarbon fire, . The metals of said compounds can be zinc, aluminium, magnanese, magnesium, calcium and iron. To date, the preferred metal containing compounds have been aluminium trihydrate, zinc borate, calcium oxide, zinc oxide, manganese oxide, or a combination thereof. Suitably there should be about 10 to 50% by weight, preferably about 30 to 40% by weight of metal containing compounds dispersed in the outer retaining coating.
The outer retaining coating should in normal operating conditions provide a water impermeable barrier and should be sufficiently flexible to allow both thermal and mechanical movement of the pipe, and protect it again abrasion or impact such as from wave loadings.
Our research to date has shown that a modified elastomeric type material would be desirable as said base matrix material. This could .therefore display normal rubber properties, and even though it may char when exposed to high temperatures, the fused metal containing coating would hold it in place thereby retaining the ire protection covering in position on the pipe.
Suitable base matrix material which have been found to date to display the desired properties comprise one or more of an ethylene acrylic polymer, copolymer based on vinyl acetate, polychloroprene, and polyurethane. Preferably a smaller amount of said copolymer is mixed with a major amount of an ethylene acrylic polymer as a viscosity modifier.
Conventional fire protection material is suitable for use in the invention and could be applied in a number of forms. Firstly, for example, several connected slabs of such material could be striated and wound around the pipe. This would allow a thick and flexible covering of fire resistant material to be easily applied to the pipe. For further details reference should be made to our co-pending PCT application no. GB/88/00443 which describes the application of a striated insulation block to a pipe. Alternatively, relatively thin sheets of fire protection
material could be wrapped round the pipe. In this manner thin layers of fire protection material are built up, which could be different grades.
The fire protection material should typically be able to withstand temperatures of about 1400°C for a minimum of about 10 to 15 minutes, preferably one to four hours.
Although anti-corrosion protection of sorts is necessary to prevent excessive pitting and weakening of the pipe, this protection could be realised in a number of ways, such as by a conventional cured polychloroprene (neoprene) based coating, and should not therefore be construed in a limited manner.
The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-
Fig. 1 - is a longitudinal section through a riser pipe having various protective coverings (which includes a field joint) , in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 2 - is a plan view of the pipe shown in Fig. 1 but having the protective coverings partially cut away for clarity;
Fig. 3 - is a plan view of a pipe being formed with protective coverings in accordance with the invention; and
Fig. 4 - is a cross-sectional view through the field joint shown in Fig. 1.
A riser carries the crude oil from the well onto the oil rig. In this embodiment, it is to be understood that the well is sub-sea and that the rig is off-shore. If there is a fire on the oil rig the riser above the water line will be liable to damage by the fire and this may lead to a blow
out.
The length of riser pipe illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 is pacified against fire in accordance with the invention and mitigates this problem. The protected pipes are factory-prepared and then transported to the oil rig where they are welded together and set vertically in place.
Each pipe 1 is coated with an anti-corrosion covering 2, a fire protection covering 3, and retaining covering 4 as follows.
After preparing the pipe by shot blasting, uncured polychloroprene (neoprene) and bonding agents are extruded onto its outer surface apart from about 50 to 70cm at either end la of the pipe 1. This extrudate is cured to form the anti-corrosion covering 2.
Next is applied the fire protection covering 3 which comprises a plurality of flat blocks each of which is formed from a conventional fibrous fire protection material such as discussed in the aforementioned PCT application, and has a width of about 30 to 50cm and a depth of about 5cm. One major face of each block (not shown) is deeply grooved (striated) across the width to form a plurality of parallel spaced bars interconnected by webs. The blocks are then joined end to end by webbing to form a continuous strip which, because of the imparted flexibility, of the striations can be spirally wound round the pipe 1, as shown in Fig. 3, to form a continuous relatively thick fire resistant covering 3. As best shown in Figs. 1 and 2 this latter covering stops just short of either end of the anti- corrosion covering 2. For larger diameter pipes, thin
sheets of fire protection material can be applied in a cigarette wrap type fashion.
The whole pipe 1 apart from the exposed ends la are then encapsulated (by e.g. extrusion, hand layup or casting) in the outer retaining covering 4 which tapers over the exposed ends of the anti-corrosion 2 and fire protection coverings 3. The retaining covering 4 is formed from a base matrix material of modified elastomer containing inorganic fillers. Other materials are employed to convert the base polymer into a synthetic rubber with a range of desired properties. As with the anti-corrosion covering 2 the retaining covering 4 is also extruded. Both these coverings 2 and 4 are then cured to form the finished pipe. The retaining covering 4 is impermeable to water and due to its elastomeric properties will also lend some abrasion and impact resistance to the system. Furthermore in normal use it will hold the fire protection covering firmly in place. The outer retaining covering, is prepared as follows (all parts are by weight) . 80 parts of Vamac (trade mark of Dupont) which is an ethylene acrylic polymer is mixed with 20 parts of Elvax (trade mark of Dupont) which is a copolymer based on vinyl acetate. To this mixture is then added 1 to 2 parts of an anti-oxidant, 2 to 4 parts of stearic acid, 1 to 2 parts of another lubricant or mixing processing agent, 80 to 130 parts of aluminium trihydrate, 10 to 20 parts of zinc borate, 80 to 130 parts of a mineral filler or re-inforcing agent (such as carbon black) , 1 to 2 parts of a vulcanising agent and 2 to 4 parts of cross- linking agent, such as a polysulphate. The metal containing
compounds are well dispersed within the base matrix material. The above polymers (Elvax and Vamac) are non- based polymers with flame resistant elastomers.
In a second example, the outer coating was modified by substituting the aluminium trihydrate and zinc borate with a mixture of calcium oxide, zinc oxide, and manganese oxide at from 10 to 60 parts. These oxides melt/fuse at about 450°C.
The finished protected pipes are connected by welding at their exposed ends la and then a field joint 5 applied (see Figs. 1 and 4) , again in accordance with the invention. Therefore an anti-corrosion covering 2, fire protection covering 3 and retaining covering 4 will be applied, generally diverging outwardly to conform with the coverings of the two adjacent pipe ends and thereby form a fire protected encapsulated pipeline.
In use, if there is a fire on the oil platform, the high temperatures of the fire will burn away the elastomeric retaining covering 4 and fuse the inorganic fillers to form a brittle ceramic-type fibrous coating which does not disintegrate and retains the fire protection material in place. The riser can therefore be protected against serious damage from the external fire for about one to four hours depending on the type and thickness of the fire protection covering 3. This short period could be critical in the evacuation of the oil rig. The ceramic-type retaining covering will also provide additional mechanical strength and flame protection.
The fire protected pipe of the invention could also be used as crude oil feed pipe to refineries. In fact the
invention would be applicable for any conduit carrying hazardous materials, not necessarily inflammable materials, which may be exposed to an external fire either on shore or off-shore.
It will be appreciated that the fire protection covering is also acting as a heat insulator.
The advantage of the invention over currently available systems are:
(1) shorter production times;
(2) capability of serving both above and below water- line;
(3) capability of being tailored to meet differing requirements; and
(4) capability of being applied as a field joint.
Claims
1. A protected pipe comprising a pipe having anti- corrosion protection, a fire protection covering around the pipe, and a retaining covering around the fire protection covering, said retaining covering being flexible and substantially water impermeable and including a base matrix material having a dispersion of one or more metal containing compounds therein which fuse together upon exposure to a temperature of about 500°c or more to form a stable coating which in turn retains the fire protection covering in position.
2. A protected pipe as claimed in claim 1 wherein the metal containing compounds are selected from the group consisting of metals, metal oxides, metal borates, metal hydrates and metal amines.
3. ■ A protected pipe as claimed in claim 2 wherein the metals of metal containing compounds are selected from the group consisting of zinc, aluminium, magnesium, manganese, calcium and iron.
4. A protected pipe as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the metal containing compounds are present at from about 10 to 50% by weight.
5. A protected pipe as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the base matrix material includes at least one of the materials selected from the group consisting of an ethylene acrylic polymer, copolymer based on vinyl acetate, polychloroprene, and polyurethane.
6. A method of pacifying a pipe against fire comprising forming on the pipe anti-corrosion protection, a fire protection covering around said anti-corrosion protection, and forming a retaining covering around said fire protection covering, said retaining covering being flexible and substantially water impermeable and including a base matrix material having a dispersion of one or more metal containing compounds therein which fuse together upon exposure to a temperature of about 500°C or more to form a stable coating which in turn retains the fire protection covering in position.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
BR909007880A BR9007880A (en) | 1989-11-29 | 1990-11-28 | PROTECTED PIPING AND PROCESSING PROTECTION AGAINST RISK OF FIRE |
NO92922115A NO922115L (en) | 1989-11-29 | 1992-05-27 | FIRE PROTECTED BEARS AND PIPE PIPE |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB898926967A GB8926967D0 (en) | 1989-11-29 | 1989-11-29 | Fire protected pipe and pipeline |
GB8926967.4 | 1989-11-29 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1991008372A1 true WO1991008372A1 (en) | 1991-06-13 |
Family
ID=10667114
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/GB1990/001854 WO1991008372A1 (en) | 1989-11-29 | 1990-11-28 | Fire protected pipe and pipeline |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0502908A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU6881191A (en) |
BR (1) | BR9007880A (en) |
GB (1) | GB8926967D0 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1991008372A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2256662A (en) * | 1991-05-03 | 1992-12-16 | Munroe Paul Hydraulics | Passive fire protective systems for articulating joints and flexible connections |
GB2259929A (en) * | 1991-09-27 | 1993-03-31 | Munroe Paul Hydraulics | Passive fire protection system for marine risers. |
US7844028B2 (en) * | 2002-01-25 | 2010-11-30 | Isis Innovation Limited | X-ray diffraction method |
EP2933543A1 (en) * | 2014-04-15 | 2015-10-21 | Espiroflex, S.A. | Sleeve for covering wiring and piping |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN107654757A (en) * | 2017-09-07 | 2018-02-02 | 沪东中华造船(集团)有限公司 | A kind of marine fireproof flexible pipe |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1983004041A1 (en) * | 1982-05-07 | 1983-11-24 | A/S Norsk Kabelfabrik | Fire resistant material |
GB2138168A (en) * | 1983-04-13 | 1984-10-17 | Norsk Kabelfabrik As | Fire resistant optical fibre cable |
WO1988005885A1 (en) * | 1987-01-29 | 1988-08-11 | Eb Norsk Kabel A.S | Method and device for fire and corrosion protected objects |
DE3722359A1 (en) * | 1986-05-14 | 1989-01-19 | Certified Technologies Corp | FLAME-RETARDANT COATING COMPOSITION |
DE3730204A1 (en) * | 1987-09-09 | 1989-03-30 | Bayer Ag | FIRE PROTECTIVE |
-
1989
- 1989-11-29 GB GB898926967A patent/GB8926967D0/en active Pending
-
1990
- 1990-11-28 EP EP19900917573 patent/EP0502908A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1990-11-28 AU AU68811/91A patent/AU6881191A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1990-11-28 BR BR909007880A patent/BR9007880A/en unknown
- 1990-11-28 WO PCT/GB1990/001854 patent/WO1991008372A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1983004041A1 (en) * | 1982-05-07 | 1983-11-24 | A/S Norsk Kabelfabrik | Fire resistant material |
GB2138168A (en) * | 1983-04-13 | 1984-10-17 | Norsk Kabelfabrik As | Fire resistant optical fibre cable |
DE3722359A1 (en) * | 1986-05-14 | 1989-01-19 | Certified Technologies Corp | FLAME-RETARDANT COATING COMPOSITION |
WO1988005885A1 (en) * | 1987-01-29 | 1988-08-11 | Eb Norsk Kabel A.S | Method and device for fire and corrosion protected objects |
DE3730204A1 (en) * | 1987-09-09 | 1989-03-30 | Bayer Ag | FIRE PROTECTIVE |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2256662A (en) * | 1991-05-03 | 1992-12-16 | Munroe Paul Hydraulics | Passive fire protective systems for articulating joints and flexible connections |
GB2256662B (en) * | 1991-05-03 | 1995-04-12 | Munroe Paul Hydraulics | Passive fire protective systems for articulating joints and flexible connections |
GB2259929A (en) * | 1991-09-27 | 1993-03-31 | Munroe Paul Hydraulics | Passive fire protection system for marine risers. |
US7844028B2 (en) * | 2002-01-25 | 2010-11-30 | Isis Innovation Limited | X-ray diffraction method |
EP2933543A1 (en) * | 2014-04-15 | 2015-10-21 | Espiroflex, S.A. | Sleeve for covering wiring and piping |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
BR9007880A (en) | 1992-10-20 |
GB8926967D0 (en) | 1990-01-17 |
EP0502908A1 (en) | 1992-09-16 |
AU6881191A (en) | 1991-06-26 |
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