WO2013136062A1 - Improved electrofusion fittings and methods - Google Patents
Improved electrofusion fittings and methods Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2013136062A1 WO2013136062A1 PCT/GB2013/050606 GB2013050606W WO2013136062A1 WO 2013136062 A1 WO2013136062 A1 WO 2013136062A1 GB 2013050606 W GB2013050606 W GB 2013050606W WO 2013136062 A1 WO2013136062 A1 WO 2013136062A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- electrofusion fitting
- electrofusion
- pipe
- weld
- fitting
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
- B29C65/34—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement"
- B29C65/3404—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" characterised by the type of heated elements which remain in the joint
- B29C65/342—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" characterised by the type of heated elements which remain in the joint comprising at least a single wire, e.g. in the form of a winding
- B29C65/3432—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" characterised by the type of heated elements which remain in the joint comprising at least a single wire, e.g. in the form of a winding comprising several wires, e.g. in the form of several independent windings
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
- B29C65/34—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement"
- B29C65/3468—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated elements which remain in the joint, e.g. "verlorenes Schweisselement" characterised by the means for supplying heat to said heated elements which remain in the join, e.g. special electrical connectors of windings
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/82—Testing the joint
- B29C65/8207—Testing the joint by mechanical methods
- B29C65/8246—Pressure tests, e.g. hydrostatic pressure tests
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
- B29C66/12—Joint cross-sections combining only two joint-segments; Tongue and groove joints; Tenon and mortise joints; Stepped joint cross-sections
- B29C66/122—Joint cross-sections combining only two joint-segments, i.e. one of the parts to be joined comprising only two joint-segments in the joint cross-section
- B29C66/1222—Joint cross-sections combining only two joint-segments, i.e. one of the parts to be joined comprising only two joint-segments in the joint cross-section comprising at least a lapped joint-segment
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
- B29C66/12—Joint cross-sections combining only two joint-segments; Tongue and groove joints; Tenon and mortise joints; Stepped joint cross-sections
- B29C66/122—Joint cross-sections combining only two joint-segments, i.e. one of the parts to be joined comprising only two joint-segments in the joint cross-section
- B29C66/1224—Joint cross-sections combining only two joint-segments, i.e. one of the parts to be joined comprising only two joint-segments in the joint cross-section comprising at least a butt joint-segment
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
- B29C66/12—Joint cross-sections combining only two joint-segments; Tongue and groove joints; Tenon and mortise joints; Stepped joint cross-sections
- B29C66/128—Stepped joint cross-sections
- B29C66/1282—Stepped joint cross-sections comprising at least one overlap joint-segment
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
- B29C66/12—Joint cross-sections combining only two joint-segments; Tongue and groove joints; Tenon and mortise joints; Stepped joint cross-sections
- B29C66/128—Stepped joint cross-sections
- B29C66/1284—Stepped joint cross-sections comprising at least one butt joint-segment
- B29C66/12841—Stepped joint cross-sections comprising at least one butt joint-segment comprising at least two butt joint-segments
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/20—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines
- B29C66/23—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being multiple and parallel or being in the form of tessellations
- B29C66/232—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being multiple and parallel or being in the form of tessellations said joint lines being multiple and parallel, i.e. the joint being formed by several parallel joint lines
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/52—Joining tubular articles, bars or profiled elements
- B29C66/522—Joining tubular articles
- B29C66/5221—Joining tubular articles for forming coaxial connections, i.e. the tubular articles to be joined forming a zero angle relative to each other
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/52—Joining tubular articles, bars or profiled elements
- B29C66/522—Joining tubular articles
- B29C66/5229—Joining tubular articles involving the use of a socket
- B29C66/52291—Joining tubular articles involving the use of a socket said socket comprising a stop
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/52—Joining tubular articles, bars or profiled elements
- B29C66/522—Joining tubular articles
- B29C66/5229—Joining tubular articles involving the use of a socket
- B29C66/52291—Joining tubular articles involving the use of a socket said socket comprising a stop
- B29C66/52293—Joining tubular articles involving the use of a socket said socket comprising a stop said stop being external
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/52—Joining tubular articles, bars or profiled elements
- B29C66/522—Joining tubular articles
- B29C66/5229—Joining tubular articles involving the use of a socket
- B29C66/52296—Joining tubular articles involving the use of a socket said socket comprising sealing elements, e.g. gaskets
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/53—Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars
- B29C66/534—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars
- B29C66/5346—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars said single elements being substantially flat
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/61—Joining from or joining on the inside
- B29C66/612—Making circumferential joints
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/72—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined
- B29C66/723—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined being multi-layered
- B29C66/7232—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined being multi-layered comprising a non-plastics layer
- B29C66/72321—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the structure of the material of the parts to be joined being multi-layered comprising a non-plastics layer consisting of metals or their alloys
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/73—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
- B29C66/739—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
- B29C66/7392—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of at least one of the parts being a thermoplastic
- B29C66/73921—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of at least one of the parts being a thermoplastic characterised by the materials of both parts being thermoplastics
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- 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
- F16L13/00—Non-disconnectible pipe-joints, e.g. soldered, adhesive or caulked joints
- F16L13/02—Welded joints
- F16L13/0218—Welded joints having an inner or outer ring
- F16L13/0227—Welded joints having an inner or outer ring having an inner ring
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- 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
- F16L13/00—Non-disconnectible pipe-joints, e.g. soldered, adhesive or caulked joints
- F16L13/02—Welded joints
- F16L13/0254—Welded joints the pipes having an internal or external coating
- F16L13/0263—Welded joints the pipes having an internal or external coating having an internal coating
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- 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
- F16L47/00—Connecting arrangements or other fittings specially adapted to be made of plastics or to be used with pipes made of plastics
- F16L47/02—Welded joints; Adhesive joints
- F16L47/03—Welded joints with an electrical resistance incorporated in the joint
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
- G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
- G01M3/26—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
- G01M3/28—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds
- G01M3/2853—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds for pipe joints or seals
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
- B29C66/12—Joint cross-sections combining only two joint-segments; Tongue and groove joints; Tenon and mortise joints; Stepped joint cross-sections
- B29C66/128—Stepped joint cross-sections
- B29C66/1284—Stepped joint cross-sections comprising at least one butt joint-segment
- B29C66/12841—Stepped joint cross-sections comprising at least one butt joint-segment comprising at least two butt joint-segments
- B29C66/12842—Stepped joint cross-sections comprising at least one butt joint-segment comprising at least two butt joint-segments comprising at least three butt joint-segments
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
- B29C66/12—Joint cross-sections combining only two joint-segments; Tongue and groove joints; Tenon and mortise joints; Stepped joint cross-sections
- B29C66/128—Stepped joint cross-sections
- B29C66/1286—Stepped joint cross-sections comprising at least one bevelled joint-segment
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
- B29C66/14—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections the joint having the same thickness as the thickness of the parts to be joined
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the field of electrofusion fittings such as employed to join sections of lined pipe. More specifically, the present invention concerns improvements to electrofusion fittings that enable the integrity of a weld between an electrofusion fitting and a pipe lining to be tested in the field, and corresponding methods of installation and testing.
- Background to the invention It is known that the life and performance of new and existing pipelines can be extended and optimised by lining lengths of metal pipe with polymer liners.
- the Applicant's Swagelining® pipe lining service allows existing pipelines to be remediated and new pipelines to be provided with corrosion resistance by installing a polymer liner that remains in tight contact with the inside of a host pipe.
- the Applicant's earlier International Application Publication Number WO 2010/041016 discloses an electrofusion fitting 101 and a method of forming a pipe joint between two lined metal pipe lengths 103a, 103b incorporating such a fitting 101.
- the electrofusion fitting 101 is a sleeve largely comprised of a thermoplastic material and includes heating coils 107a, 107b disposed at either end of the fitting 101. In use, the lining 105a is stripped back and the electrofusion fitting 101 inserted into the end of metal pipe length 103a.
- the heating coils 107a are then provided with electrical power which causes the fitting 101 and the lining 105a in the vicinity of the coils to melt and fuse together.
- the process is repeated to fuse the fitting 101 to the lining 105b of the other metal pipe length 103b, after which the metal pipe lengths themselves 103a, 103b are welded together at 109. While the effect is such that a very effective weld is formed between the fitting 101 and the pipe linings 107a, 107b, there is to date no suitable way to test the integrity of the weld in the field.
- an electrofusion fitting for joining sections of lined pipe, the electrofusion fitting comprising one or more heating elements disposed on a surface of the electrofusion fitting and configured to create, in use, at least one weld between the electrofusion fitting and a pipe lining, and a channel extending at least partially through the electrofusion fitting to provide fluid access to a test region between the electrofusion fitting and the pipe lining to leak test the at least one weld.
- the aperture is longitudinally spaced from the test region and the channel extends substantially longitudinally through the electrofusion fitting.
- the aperture is formed on an outer surface of the electrofusion fitting.
- such an aperture is located so as to be proximal the end of a pipe into which the electrofusion is configured for insertion.
- the aperture is configured to receive a conduit for the supply of leak test or pressure test fluid.
- the aperture is configured to receive a probe via a hole drilled through a closed bevel between the lined pipe sections.
- the aperture is radially proximal to the test region and the channel extends substantially radially through the electrofusion fitting.
- the aperture is formed on an inner surface of the electrofusion fitting.
- the aperture is configured to cooperate with a probe for the supply of leak test or pressure test fluid.
- the aperture is configured to receive a sealing plug.
- the aperture is located within a recess sized to receive the sealing plug.
- the aperture and/or channel can be filled with a filler material.
- the electrofusion fitting further comprises one or more electrical contacts disposed on an inner surface of the electrofusion fitting and connected to the one or more heating elements through the electrofusion fitting.
- the electrofusion fitting further comprises one or more electrical contacts disposed on an outer surface of the electrofusion fitting and connected to the one or more heating elements, the one or more electrical contacts configured to receive a probe for the supply of electrical power to the heating elements via one or more holes drilled through a closed bevel between the lined pipe sections.
- the channel is at least partially drilled through the electrofusion fitting.
- a suitable tube or pipe is inserted into the electrofusion fitting during manufacture by a casting or injection moulding process.
- the one or more heating elements comprises at least one pair of heating coils disposed towards an end of the electrofusion fitting.
- the electrofusion fitting comprises at least two pairs of heating coils disposed at either end of the electrofusion fitting defining at least one test region at each end of the electrofusion fitting.
- the electrofusion fitting comprises at least two channels extending through the electrofusion fitting to provide fluid access to corresponding at least two test regions.
- both of two channels extending through the electrofusion fitting extend substantially longitudinally through the electrofusion fitting.
- both of two channels extending through the electrofusion fitting extend substantially radially through the electrofusion fitting. Further alternatively, one of the two channels extends
- the at least one pair of heating coils comprises two longitudinally separated but electrically connected portions of a continuous coil.
- the at least one pair of heating coils comprises two electrically separate heating coils.
- the electrofusion fitting comprises a thermoplastic material.
- the electrofusion fitting comprises a cylindrical sleeve of thermoplastic material.
- the electrofusion fitting is configured for insertion into the end of a lined pipe section.
- the electrofusion fitting is configured to be received in a recess in the end of the pipe lining.
- the electrofusion fitting is configured to be received in a recess formed in an inner surface of the pipe lining.
- the electrofusion fitting is configured to be received in a recess formed in an outer surface of the pipe lining.
- the electrofusion fitting is configured to abut the end of the pipe lining.
- the heating elements are preferably arranged on an outer surface of the electrofusion fitting.
- the heating elements are arranged on an inner surface of the electrofusion fitting.
- the heating elements are arranged on an abutting end of the electrofusion fitting.
- the electrofusion fitting is formed by an injection moulding process.
- a method of testing a weld between an electrofusion fitting and a pipe lining comprising creating at least one weld between the electrofusion fitting and the pipe lining, and providing fluid through a channel in the electrofusion fitting to a test region between the electrofusion fitting and the pipe lining to leak test the at least one weld.
- the method comprises creating two annular welds between the
- the method comprises creating a recess in the pipe lining to receive the electrofusion fitting.
- the recess may be created on an inner surface of the pipe lining, or on an outer surface of the pipe lining.
- the method comprises cooling the electrofusion fitting and the pipe lining after creating the at least one weld and prior to leak testing the at least one weld.
- the method comprises drilling one or more holes in a closed bevel formed between corresponding lined pipe sections.
- the method comprises providing fluid to the test region via the one or more holes.
- the method comprises providing electrical power to one or more heating coils of the electrofusion fitting via the one or more holes to create the at least one weld.
- the electrofusion fitting may be provided with electrical contacts on an outer surface.
- Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention may comprise features corresponding to the preferred or optional features of the first aspect of the invention or vice versa.
- a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of testing a weld between an electrofusion fitting and a pipe lining, comprising creating two spaced welds between the electrofusion fitting and the pipe lining, and performing a pressure test between the welds.
- Embodiments of the third aspect of the invention may comprise features corresponding to the preferred or optional features of the first or second aspects of the invention or vice versa.
- a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of laying a pipeline, the method comprising creating at least one weld between a first lined pipe section and an electrofusion fitting and providing fluid through a channel in the
- an electrofusion fitting for joining sections of lined pipe, the electrofusion fitting comprising one or more heating elements disposed on a surface of the electrofusion fitting and configured to create, in use, at least one weld between the electrofusion fitting and a pipe lining and a test region for leak testing of the at least one weld, wherein the test region is located so as to cooperate with a channel extending at least partially through the pipe lining to provide fluid access to the test region for the leak test.
- a method of testing a weld between an electrofusion fitting and a pipe lining comprising creating at least one weld between the electrofusion fitting and the pipe lining, and providing fluid through a channel in the pipe lining to a test region between the electrofusion fitting and the pipe lining to leak test the at least one weld.
- the channel may be located within the pipe lining, or along an inner or an outer surface of the pipe lining.
- a method of laying a pipeline comprising creating at least one weld between a first lined pipe section and an electrofusion fitting and providing fluid through a channel in the pipe lining to a test region between the electrofusion fitting and the pipe lining to leak test the at least one weld.
- the channel in the pipe lining can be pre-formed in the lining.
- the channel can be drilled through the lining from an end face of the lining to a point coincident with the test region. An access hole may then be drilled, or the access hole may have been pre-drilled, to allow fluid communication between the test region and the end of the pipe lining.
- Embodiments of the fifth, sixth and seventh aspects of the invention may comprise features corresponding to the preferred or optional features of the first, second, third or fourth aspects of the invention or vice versa.
- a pipe lining configured to receive an electrofusion fitting and comprising a channel extending at least partially through the pipe lining to provide fluid access to a test region of the electrofusion fitting for leak testing a weld to be formed there between.
- a pipe section comprising a pipe lining according to the eighth aspect.
- Embodiments of the eighth and ninth aspects of the invention may comprise features corresponding to the preferred or optional features of the first to seventh aspects of the invention or vice versa.
- an electrofusion fitting for joining sections of pipe, the electrofusion fitting comprising one or more heating elements disposed on a surface of the electrofusion fitting and configured to create, in use, at least one weld between the electrofusion fitting and the pipe, and a channel extending at least partially through the electrofusion fitting to provide fluid access to a test region between the electrofusion fitting and the pipe to leak test the at least one weld.
- a method of testing a weld between an electrofusion fitting and a pipe comprising creating at least one weld between the electrofusion fitting and the pipe, and providing fluid through a channel in the electrofusion fitting or through a channel in the pipe to a test region between the electrofusion fitting and the pipe to leak test the at least one weld.
- a method of testing a weld between an electrofusion fitting and a pipe comprising creating two spaced welds between the electrofusion fitting and the pipe, and performing a pressure test between the welds.
- an electrofusion fitting for joining sections of pipe, the electrofusion fitting comprising one or more heating elements disposed on a surface of the electrofusion fitting and configured to create, in use, at least one weld between the electrofusion fitting and the pipe and a test region for leak testing of the at least one weld, wherein the test region is located so as to cooperate with a channel extending at least partially through the pipe to provide fluid access to the test region for the leak test.
- a pipe configured to receive an electrofusion fitting and comprising a channel extending at least partially through the pipe to provide fluid access to a test region of the electrofusion fitting for leak testing a weld to be formed there between.
- the tenth to fifteenth aspects of the invention recognise the that utility of the first to ninth aspects in relation to metal pipes with thermoplastic linings (for example) may be equally be employed in the joining or fitting of stand-alone thermoplastic pipes.
- Embodiments of the tenth to fifteenth aspects of the invention may therefore comprise features
- a pipe comprising two lined pipe sections joined by an electrofusion fitting according to the first or the fifth aspect, or two pipe sections joined by an electrofusion fitting according to the tenth or the fourteenth aspect.
- a pipe comprising two lined pipe sections, an electrofusion fitting and a weld tested according to the second, the third or the sixth aspect, or two pipe sections, an electrofusion fitting and a weld tested according to the eleventh or the twelfth aspect.
- a pipeline laid according to the method of the fourth, the seventh or the thirteenth aspect there is provided a pipe comprising a plurality of pipe linings according to the eighth aspect or pipes according to the fifteenth aspect.
- Embodiments of the sixteenth to nineteenth aspects of the invention may comprise features corresponding to the preferred or optional features of the first to fifteenth aspects of the invention or vice versa.
- a plug for closing a pipe or a lined pipe section comprising one or more heating elements disposed on a surface of the plug and configured to create, in use, at least one weld between the plug and a pipe or pipe lining, and a channel extending at least partially through the plug to provide fluid access to a test region between the plug and the pipe lining to leak test the at least one weld.
- FIG. 1 is a partial reproduction of Figure 1 of the Applicant's earlier International Application Publication Number WO 2010/041016, showing a schematic sectional view of an electrofusion fitting according to the prior art
- Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of an electrofusion fitting according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention
- Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of an electrofusion fitting according to an alternative embodiment of an aspect of the present invention
- Figure 4 is a schematic sectional view of an electrofusion fitting according to another alternative embodiment of an aspect of the present invention
- Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view of an electrofusion fitting according to a further alternative embodiment of an aspect of
- An improved electrofusion fitting 201 is formed by a cylindrical sleeve of a thermoplastic material having pairs of heating coils 207a, 207b disposed toward either end of the fitting 201.
- the electrofusion fitting 201 is shaped and sized to be inserted into the end of a lined pipe section 203a/203b and received in a recess 206a/206b in the end of the pipe lining 205a/205b.
- the heating coils 207a/207b are embedded in the outer surface of the fitting 201 , so as to be adjacent to and facing an inner surface of the pipe lining 205a/205b, such that when provided with electrical power the thermoplastic material of the fitting 201 and of the lining 205a/205b in the vicinity of the coils melts and fuses together, thus creating circumferential or annular welds between the fitting 201 and the pipe lining 205a/205b.
- the electrofusion fitting 201 is also provided with a channel 21 1 that extends from an aperture 213 towards the middle of the fitting 201 to a point between the heating coils 207a, thus providing a means of fluid communication between a point proximal the end of the pipe 203a and a test zone (or test region) 215a.
- the test zone 215a comprises an annular, or substantially annular, space between the fitting 201 and the lining 205a.
- a conduit 214 allows the air (or water, oil, etc.) to be provided to the aperture 213 from an external supply.
- the welds produced at either end of the electrofusion fitting can be tested simultaneously, in sequence, or piece-wise as each weld is created (i.e. the first weld created and tested, then the second weld created and tested).
- the integrity test can be carried out as a leak test rather than as a pressure test, because this reduces complexity and means that the test can be performed in situations where pressure tests might be unsuitable (e.g. where there are explosion or ignition risks).
- the electrofusion fitting has been described as comprising two heating coils, it will be understood that the coils could in fact be a single coil configured to provide two distinct weld zones (e.g. by forming discrete coil portions). It will also be understood that the weld zones could be created using different heating element types than heating coils, although this is a preferred arrangement. In other words, any arrangement that provides spaced welds between the electrofusion fitting and a pipe lining may be employed.
- the channel 21 1 has been formed in an injection moulding process to manufacture the electrofusion fitting 201.
- a same or similar channel can be formed by drilling through the material of the electrofusion fitting.
- two substantially radial blind holes can be created (e.g. by drilling or milling) in the outer surface of the electrofusion fitting - one proximal to the test region and one proximal to the middle of the fitting - and a longitudinal channel created (e.g. by drilling or milling) between them.
- a suitably sized and shaped tube, microbore pipe or similar can be placed into the electrofusion fitting when it is manufactured, e.g. as part of a casting process.
- electrofusion fitting 201 provides access to the test zone 215a from a position external to the pipeline
- access to the test zone could be provided from a position internal to the pipeline.
- An alternative electrofusion fitting 301 is now described with reference to Figure 3, which comprises a similar test zone 315a between heating coils 307a and a corresponding channel 31 1 that extends between the test zone 315a and an aperture 313 on an inner surface of the electrofusion fitting 301.
- fluid access to the test zone 315a is achieved either through the bore of the lined pipe section (e.g. by inserting a rod or probe (not shown) in the direction of arrow X) or from the opposite end through the bore of the electrofusion fitting (e.g.
- a leak test or pressure test is performed on the test zone 315a via fluid channel 315a. Assuming the applied pressure is maintained for a predetermined time period, the weld process can be repeated at the opposite end of the electrofusion fitting 301 for the next lined pipe section 303b, and thereafter the pipe sections 303a, 303b welded together. Note that a recess 319 formed in the outer surface of the electrofusion fitting 301 may be provided with an insulating material or cladding to prevent damage to the electrofusion fitting 301 when the pipe sections 303a, 303b are welded together.
- the aperture 313 should be plugged or sealed after testing. This can be effected by inserting a solid plug, injecting an epoxy or other setting or hardening substance, or the like.
- This embodiment of the electrofusion fitting 301 is particularly useful in situations where it is undesirable, impractical or impossible to accommodate a conduit (such as 214 in Figure 2) to supply leak test or pressure test fluid to a channel leading to a test zone. This may be the case in narrow gap weld operations (such as typically used in s-lay pipe installation methods) where there is effectively no useable gap provided between adjacent pipe sections.
- fluid access is provided to corresponding test regions 215b, 315b between coils 207b, 307b at the opposite end of the electrofusion fittings 201 ,301 via same or similarly arranged channels (disposed in the opposite side of the electrofusion fitting and hence not shown, although these could equally be disposed on the same side or at any other location in the electrofusion fittings 201 ,301).
- FIG. 5 illustrates an electrofusion fitting 501 having channels 51 1a, 51 1 b at both ends of the electrofusion fitting 501 of a type similar to the channel 31 1 provided in electrofusion fitting 301 illustrated in Figure 3. Also in this embodiment, electrical supply to the heating coils 507a, 507b is provided via contacts disposed on an inner surface of the electrofusion fitting 501 (as indicated by reference numerals 523b).
- channel 511 a has been sealed by the insertion of a solid plug 512a which not only closes the channel but electrically isolates the contacts (not visible, accordingly).
- the contacts and the aperture could be located within a recess and the plug shaped to fit the recess so as to maintain a constant inner diameter within the electrofusion fitting.
- the plug could instead be bevelled to provide a smooth and gradual change of cross section in this area to reduce or minimise turbulent effects.
- the embodiments described above with reference to Figures 2 to 5 illustrate a preferred arrangement in which the heating elements (coils, in these examples) are disposed on an outer face of the electrofusion fitting so as to create a weld between that outer face and an inner face of the pipe lining.
- electrofusion fitting 601 has been illustrated as having a first channel 61 1a at one end of the electrofusion fitting 601 of a type similar to channel 211 of the electrofusion fitting 201 illustrated in Figure 2, and a second channel 61 1 b at the opposite end of the electrofusion fitting 601 of a type similar to channel 31 1 of the electrofusion fitting 301 illustrated in Figure 3, it will now be realised that two same channels of either kind, similar, or equivalent, may be employed.
- a recess 706a is provided in the outer face of the pipe lining 705a and the corresponding end of the electrofusion fitting has an outer diameter commensurate with an inner diameter of the pipe section 703a, and an inner diameter commensurate with an outer diameter of the recessed pipe lining 705a.
- the heating coils 707a are therefore disposed on an inner surface of the electrofusion fitting 701.
- the test region 705a is effectively in almost the same location as in previous embodiments.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a non-symmetrical electrofusion fitting 701 with different interfaces
- an electrofusion fitting could be configured to be symmetrical; i.e. where both ends of the electrofusion fitting have an outer diameter commensurate with an inner diameter of the pipe section, and an inner diameter commensurate with an outer diameter of a recessed pipe lining.
- Each of the above described embodiments benefit from the Applicant's realisation that by creating discrete welds there are resulting un-welded zones there between that can be subjected to leak tests or pressure tests to test the integrity and/or effectiveness of the weld between the electrofusion fitting and the pipe lining; and exemplary electrofusion fittings have been described which incorporate and/or accommodate this functionality.
- Figure 8 presents an alternative embodiment in which rather than a channel being provided through the electrofusion fitting 801 to the test region 815a, a channel 81 1 a is instead provided through the pipe lining 805a to the test region 815a.
- Leak testing or pressure testing can be carried out in an analogous manner to that described in relation to embodiments in which the channel is provided through the electrofusion fitting itself.
- This embodiment is particularly advantageous as it permits the benefits of the invention to be realised without requiring modifications to an electrofusion fitting other than to ensure discrete welds which define a test region therebetween.
- a channel 811 b can be drilled substantially radially through the pipe section 803b and the pipe lining 805b. This step can be performed before or after the electrofusion fitting 801 is in place; in either case, direct access is then provided to the test region 815b to allow leak testing or pressure testing to be performed post-welding. It will of course be understood that while the present invention has been illustrated with reference to electrofusion fittings for joining lined pipe sections, such an electrofusion fitting can be employed to join standalone plastic pipes, or indeed to provide a plug or to blank off the end of a lined pipe section or standalone plastic pipe.
- Figure 9 illustrates such a plug 901 that has been inserted into the end of a lined pipe 903 to provide a temporary or a permanent closure.
- the plug 901 is received in a recess in the pipe lining 905, and has heating coils 907 which, when supplied with electrical power, fuse the plug 901 to the lining 905.
- a test region 915 is provided between the distinct weld zones formed by the heating coils 907, and fluid access is via channel 21 1 which extends through an end face of the plug 901. It will be understood that, similar to channel 81 1 b in Figure 8, a channel could be drilled through the pipe 903 and lining 905 to provide fluid access to the test region 915.
- a pipeline consisting of several lined pipe sections can be constructed according to the electrofusion fitting methods of the invention herein described, and the integrity of the weld between fittings and linings checked in situ as part of the pipeline fabrication process.
- subsequent lengths of lined pipe which may be one or several km long rather than, say, 12 m long as used in length-by-length on-deck fabrication methods
- the joint integrity tested - and of course the continuous pipe might itself consist of several lined pipe sections so joined and tested onshore.
- Very fast modern pipeline welding makes use of a closed bevel.
- Applicant's earlier International Application Publication Number WO 2010/041016 sought to overcome this problem by providing electrical leads which extend through the fitting to an inner surface to allow the heating coils to be energised from within the pipeline bore and thus avoid weld contamination.
- the Applicant has developed an alternative approach which permits laybarge productivity to be improved by allowing the use of a closed bevel approach that does not require access to the pipeline bore to energise the heating coils. Furthermore (or alternatively) access to leak test or pressure test the weld can be achieved through a closed bevel.
- Figure 10 shows adjacent ends of lined pipe sections 1003a, 1003b comprising J-bevels machined in preparation for automatic welding.
- the hole 1016 drilled through the closed bevel allows access through the closed bevel to channel 101 1 which extends to a test region (not shown but as or similar to those described in previous embodiments).
- a probe 1014 can be inserted through the closed bevel and received in the channel 1011 to supply leak test or pressure test fluid to the test region.
- An insulating layer is shown in recess 1019 of the electrofusion fitting 1001 which protects the electrofusion fitting 1001 from heat damage while the ends of pipe sections 1003a, 1003b are welded together.
- a further insulating ribbon 1020 is provided immediately below the closed bevel to protect the insulating layer and the electrofusion fitting from welding arcs particularly during the root bead pass.
- the probe 1014 can be withdrawn and the ends of pipe sections 1003a, 1003b welded together, beginning with the root bead pass.
- Molten metal created in the weld pool of the root pass melts the nibs 1008a, 1008b and as the molten metal cools and solidifies the hole (or holes) 1016 are filled with solid weld metal.
- a weld can be created between the ends of pipe sections 1003a, 1003b that is not compromised in the way that prior art welds have been compromised.
- the probe 1014 is described as providing a means for supplying leak test or pressure test fluid to the test region through the closed bevel, it will also be understood that a similar probe and a similar arrangement will provide a means for similarly, simultaneously or alternatively supplying electrical power to the heating coils of the electrofusion fitting through the closed bevel - for example via a contact or contacts disposed on an outer surface of the electrofusion fitting (and in electrical communication with the heating coils) that receives the probe.
- Two sections of lined pipe can therefore be joined and/or the joint tested using a closed bevel approach, which allows high speed automatic pipeline welding techniques to be employed.
- the final costs of a pipeline are dependent on the rate of laybarge progress, which in turn is dependent on welding production rates.
- the present invention also permits an increase in welding productivity with a corresponding reduction in the cost of producing a given length of pipeline.
- the invention provides improvements to electrofusion fittings that enable the integrity of a weld between an electrofusion fitting and a pipe lining (or stand-alone pipe) to be tested in the field, and corresponding methods of installation and testing.
- An electrofusion fitting for joining sections of lined pipe has heating elements configured to create at least one weld between the electrofusion fitting and a pipe lining, and a channel provides fluid access to a test region between the electrofusion fitting and the pipe lining to allow leak testing to be performed.
- the channel may be provided through the fitting itself, or alternatively through the pipe lining.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US14/384,683 US9377148B2 (en) | 2012-03-12 | 2013-03-12 | Electrofusion fittings and methods |
EP13717807.5A EP2825369B1 (en) | 2012-03-12 | 2013-03-12 | Improved electrofusion fittings and methods |
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
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GB1204294.1 | 2012-03-12 | ||
GBGB1204300.6A GB201204300D0 (en) | 2012-03-12 | 2012-03-12 | Electrofusion fitting |
GB1204300.6 | 2012-03-12 | ||
GBGB1204294.1A GB201204294D0 (en) | 2012-03-12 | 2012-03-12 | Electrofusion fitting |
GB1217883.6A GB2500285B (en) | 2012-03-12 | 2012-10-05 | improved electrofusion fittings and methods |
GB1217883.6 | 2012-10-05 |
Publications (1)
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WO2013136062A1 true WO2013136062A1 (en) | 2013-09-19 |
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PCT/GB2013/050606 WO2013136062A1 (en) | 2012-03-12 | 2013-03-12 | Improved electrofusion fittings and methods |
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EP (1) | EP2825369B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013136062A1 (en) |
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