WO2017037541A1 - Améliorations relatives à des tuyaux garnis de polymère - Google Patents

Améliorations relatives à des tuyaux garnis de polymère Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017037541A1
WO2017037541A1 PCT/IB2016/001400 IB2016001400W WO2017037541A1 WO 2017037541 A1 WO2017037541 A1 WO 2017037541A1 IB 2016001400 W IB2016001400 W IB 2016001400W WO 2017037541 A1 WO2017037541 A1 WO 2017037541A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
plp
pipe
connector
assembly
polymer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2016/001400
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jitender Kumar RAI
Tomasz Tkaczyk
Ludovic Lucien KRAUSS
Original Assignee
Technip France
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Technip France filed Critical Technip France
Publication of WO2017037541A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017037541A1/fr

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Classifications

    • 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
    • F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
    • F16L55/07—Arrangement or mounting of devices, e.g. valves, for venting or aerating or draining
    • 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
    • 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
    • F16L58/00—Protection of pipes or pipe fittings against corrosion or incrustation
    • F16L58/02—Protection of pipes or pipe fittings against corrosion or incrustation by means of internal or external coatings
    • F16L58/04—Coatings characterised by the materials used
    • F16L58/10—Coatings characterised by the materials used by rubber or plastics
    • F16L58/1009—Coatings characterised by the materials used by rubber or plastics the coating being placed inside the pipe
    • F16L58/1036—Coatings characterised by the materials used by rubber or plastics the coating being placed inside the pipe the coating being a preformed pipe
    • 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
    • F16L58/00—Protection of pipes or pipe fittings against corrosion or incrustation
    • F16L58/18—Protection of pipes or pipe fittings against corrosion or incrustation specially adapted for pipe fittings
    • F16L58/181—Protection of pipes or pipe fittings against corrosion or incrustation specially adapted for pipe fittings for non-disconnectible pipe joints
    • 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
    • F16L59/00—Thermal insulation in general
    • F16L59/14—Arrangements for the insulation of pipes or pipe systems
    • F16L59/16—Arrangements specially adapted to local requirements at flanges, junctions, valves or the like
    • F16L59/18—Arrangements specially adapted to local requirements at flanges, junctions, valves or the like adapted for joints
    • F16L59/20—Arrangements specially adapted to local requirements at flanges, junctions, valves or the like adapted for joints for non-disconnectable joints
    • 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
    • F16L1/00—Laying or reclaiming pipes; Repairing or joining pipes on or under water
    • F16L1/12—Laying or reclaiming pipes on or under water
    • F16L1/16—Laying or reclaiming pipes on or under water on the bottom
    • F16L1/161—Laying or reclaiming pipes on or under water on the bottom the pipe being composed of sections of short length

Definitions

  • the term 'cylindrical end' as used here relates to a tubular end or substantially tubular end, with a hollow inner bore, and the outer shaft of each end being substantially cylindrical, i.e. almost fully cylindrical except in one or more limited areas, such as comprising chamfers or circumferential grooved areas.
  • the inner bore of cylindrical central section and the inners bore of both cylindrical ends are coaxial and have the same diameter.
  • Each inner polymer liner terminates before one ends of each outer metal pipe, optionally before both ends of the outer metal pipe where it is intended to extend the pipeline using further PLP pipe sections.
  • the inner polymer liner is provided as a longer length relative to the outer metal pipe, and then 'cut back' to terminate before the end of the outer metal pipe.
  • the male outer shafts of the connector are adapted to mate by interference fit with the female inner bores of the inner polymer liners of PLP pipe sections, to form a continuation of the liner along the PLP assembly, i.e. along the bore of the PLP assembly, and so-formed PLP pipeline where extended further.
  • Mating by interference fit avoids forming or developing any stress concentrations, and therefore any conventional weak spots or fatigue during or after mating, thus increasing the integrity of the PLP assembly in use.
  • the calculation (Dl-D2)/2 is in the range 0.2mm - 1mm prior to mating.
  • the calculation (Dl-D2)/2 is in the range 0.3mm to 0.7mm prior to mating, preferably within the range 0.45mm to 0.55mm.
  • the length L of the interference fit between the male outer shaft of the connector and the female inner bore of the inner polymer liner is >30mm, and preferably >50mm.
  • the length L of the interference fit is in the range 70mm to 200mm, and preferably in the range 100mm and 150mm.
  • the present invention further comprises adhesive between the male outer shaft of the connector and the female inner bore of the inner polymer liner.
  • the adhesive may be applied either on the male outer shaft, or the female inner bore or both, by any method known in the art, including coating, spraying or painting, etc., to provide additional securement and/or sealing between the mating surfaces.
  • the ends of the male outer shafts of the connector are chamfered to assist their introduction to the female inner bores.
  • the female inner bores of the inner polymer liners are wholly cylindrical.
  • the outer diameter of the central section of the connector is less than the inner diameter of the outer metal pipes, to form an annulus between the central section and the outer metal pipes. Any such annulus may have a depth of a few millimetres, such as in the range between 1.5mm and 3mm.
  • the annulus includes a thermal insulation such as a fire blanket, intended to be located below the ends of the PLP outer metal pipes where they are to be welded together, such that during welding, the heat does not affect the nature of the connectors.
  • the PLP assembly of the present invention claims further comprises a lock ring within the inner polymer liner of each PLP pipe section, prior to the end of the final portion of the inner polymer liner.
  • a lock ring can be an integrity check of the PLP assembly, and may also assist prevention of any sliding of an inner polymer liner during deep water installation or SCR service.
  • a lock ring may also ensure a central position of the connector with respect to the welding of the outer metal pipes together. This assists in ensuring the correct location of any thermal insulation in an annulus between the central section and the outer metal pipes as discussed hereinabove.
  • the PLP assembly comprises at least one circumferential grove in the male outer shafts of the connector, optionally at least two circumferential grooves in each male outer shaft of the connector.
  • each such circumferential groove wholly or substantially houses a sealing ring, and the sealing ring can be compressed into the height of the groove to achieve the same height dimension as the remainder of the male outer shaft.
  • Such sealing rings can be compressed by the surface of the female inner bores to achieve a compression ratio of ⁇ 20%, optionally ⁇ 30%.
  • the connector has a cylindrical central section between opposing cylindrical ends, each connector end having a smooth male outer shaft with an external diameter of Dl wherein Dl > D2, and adapted to mate by interference fit with the female inner bores of the inner polymer liners of the PLP pipe sections to form a continuation of the liner along the PLP assembly.
  • each PLP pipe section comprising an outer metal pipe and a fitted inner polymer liner, each inner polymer liner terminating before one end of each outer metal pipe, and the final portion of each such end of each liner having a smooth female inner bore with an internal diameter D2;
  • a PLP pipe section comprising an outer metal pipe having an end, a fitted inner polymer liner terminating a first distance before the said end of the outer metal pipe, the final portion of the end of the liner having a smooth female inner bore with an original internal diameter D2, and a clad ring, fitted at the end of the outer metal pipe and extending along the outer metal pipe to a second distance less than the first distance, and
  • a metallic cylindrical connector extending between the first distance and the second distance, and having at one end a smooth male outer cylindrical shaft with an original external diameter of Dl, wherein Dl > D2 prior to mating, and adapted to mate by interference fit with the female inner bore of the inner polymer liner of the PLP pipe section to form a continuation of the liner along the PLP assembly, and whose other end is able to form a seal with the clad ring.
  • the other end of the metallic cylindrical connector could form a seal with the clad ring by welding.
  • a metallic cylindrical connector for a PLP pipe section comprising an outer metal pipe having an end, a fitted inner polymer liner terminating a first distance before the said end of the outer metal pipe, the final portion of the end of the liner having a smooth female inner bore with an original internal diameter D2, and a clad ring fitted at the end of the outer metal pipe and extending along the outer metal pipe to a second distance less than the first distance,
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a longitudinal cross sectional view of a PLP pipe section and a connector for use in the present invention:
  • Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the connector shown in Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross section of the PLP pipe section shown in Figure 1;
  • Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of a variation of the connector shown in Figure 2
  • Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the connector in Figure 6 with the PLP section shown in Figure 3;
  • Figure 8 is a variation of Figure 7;
  • Figure 8a is an enlarged portion of Figure 8.
  • Figure 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of a variation of Figure 7;
  • Figures 11-0 to 11-6 are schematic steps of a method of forming a PLP assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 12 is a perspective view of an insertion tool useable with the present invention
  • Figure 13 is a variation of Figure 9;
  • Figure 14 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of a variation of the connectors shown in Figures 2 and 6;
  • Figure 15 is a perspective view of a transverse cross sectional view of a variation of a seal ring useable for the connector shown in Figures 6 and 7;
  • Figure 16 is a perspective view of a transverse cross sectional view of another variation of a seal ring useable for the connector shown in Figures 6 and 7;
  • Figure 17 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of an end termination of a PLP pipe section.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective longitudinal cross sectional view of a polymer lined pipe (PLP) section 2 discussed hereinafter in more detail, a connector 4 discussed hereinafter in more detail, and a lock ring 6 discussed in more detail hereinafter.
  • Figure 2 shows the connector 4 having a cylindrical central section 10 between opposing cylindrical ends 12, each connector end 12 having a smooth male outer shaft 14 with an external diameter of Dl. The ends of the male outer shafts 14 are chamfered 16. Between the male outer shafts 14 and the central section 10 are shoulders 18.
  • Figure 3 shows one end of a PLP pipe section 2, having an outer metal pipe 20, optionally formed of carbon steel in a manner known in the art, and optionally having a length starting from several metres, such as 12m or 24m, up to 1km or longer.
  • Inner polymer liners for use in PLP pipe sections are known in the art, and are generally formed from a polymer or plastic material intended to be fitted within the outer metal pipe 20 and be wholly or substantially the same length.
  • the inner polymer liner 22 terminates before the end 24 of the outer metal pipe 20. This can easily be achieved by inserting a preformer polymer liner into the outer metal pipe 20, and cutting the end of the preformer using a suitable tool within the outer metal pipe 20 to a desired 'cut back' length having an end 25.
  • a final portion 26 of the end 25 of inner polymer liner 22 is formed with a smooth female inner bore 28 with an internal diameter D2, providing a shoulder 29 with the remainder of the inner polymer liner 22.
  • Figure 4 shows the combination of the connector 4 shown in Figure 2 and the PLP pipe section 20 shown in Figure 3, wherein the smooth male outer shaft 14 mates by interference fit with the female inner bore 28 to form a continuation of the liner therein between.
  • Figure 4 also shows a length L of the interference fit between the male outer shaft 14 and the female inner bore 28, L being greater than 50mm.
  • Figure 4 also shows the end 25 of the inner polymer sleeve 22 abutting the shoulder 18 of the connector 4 between the central section 10 and the cylindrical ends 12.
  • the best mode of the invention is achieved by the calculation of (Dl - D2) /2 before mating being in the range of 0.2mm - 1mm, optionally in the range 0.3mm to 0.7mm, and preferably being in the range of 0.45mm to 0.55mm, such as 0.5mm.
  • the temperature of the end portions of the inner polymer liner and/or of the connector is controlled and maintained in a suitable range before and during mating.
  • the range is above a low temperature, as the polymer material of the inner polymer liner could become brittle and damaged during mating and below a high temperature where the mechanical properties of the polymer material of the inner polymer liner could be reduced, which would then reduce the contact pressure between the connector and the liner.
  • the temperature of the final portion of the end of the liner and the temperature of the connector are preferably maintained in the range 5° Celsius to 35° Celsius, more preferably in the range 10° Celsius to 30° Celsius, more preferably in the range 15° Celsius to 25° Celsius.
  • Well known heating and/or cooling devices are used to achieve this temperature control.
  • the arrangement shown in Figure 4 has the advantages of being easy to implement with a simple press, and reducing the risk of damaging the inner polymer liner, when compared to conventional arrangements using notched or toothed surfaces instead of smooth surfaces.
  • Figure 4 also shows the lock ring 6 within the inner polymer liner 22 of the PLP pipe section 2 prior to the final portion 26.
  • the lock ring 6 constrains the inner polymer liner 22 axially, and this can provide an integrity check of the connector-liner connection, helps prevents the inner polymer liner 22 sliding during deep water installation or SCR service, and ensures a central position of the connector 4 with respect to the outer metal pipe 20 when being welded, as discussed hereinafter.
  • Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the present invention, being a polymer lined pipe (PLP) assembly comprising two PLP pipe sections 2, each PLP pipe section 2 comprising an outer metal pipe 20 and a fitted inner polymer liner 22, each inner polymer liner 22 terminating before the end 24 of each outer metal pipe 20, and the final portion 26 of each end of each inner polymer liner 28 having a smooth female inner bore 28 with an original internal diameter D2; and a connector 4 having a cylindrical central section 10 between opposing cylindrical ends 12, each cylindrical end 12 having a smooth male outer shaft 14 with an original external diameter Dl and adapted to mate by interference fit with the female inner bores 28 of the inner polymer liners 22 of the PLP pipe sections 2 to form a continuation of the liner along the PLP assembly.
  • the interference fit has a length L, and the outer metal pipes 20 of each PLP pipe section 2 are joined by a girth weld 34 to form the complete PLP assembly.
  • Figure 5 also shows the formation of an annulus 32 between the top surface of the central section 10 of the connector 4 and the inner surface of the outer metal pipes 20.
  • This annulus 32 is also formed by the ends 25 of the final portions 26 of the inner polymer liners 22.
  • thermal insulation (not shown) is located in the annulus 32 to protect the connector 4 from excessive heat generated during the forming of the weld 34 between the outer metal pipes 20.
  • Figure 6 shows a variant of the connector shown in Figure 2, wherein two circumferential grooves 36 are located along each end 12 of the connector 4a in the surface of the male outer shafts 14. Within the grooves 36 are located sealing rings 38, optionally O-rings, i.e. i.e. an elastomeric toric joint of substantially circular transverse cross section, such that a portion of the sealing rings 38 extends beyond the surface of the male outer shafts 14.
  • sealing rings 38 optionally O-rings, i.e. i.e. an elastomeric toric joint of substantially circular transverse cross section, such that a portion of the sealing rings 38 extends beyond the surface of the male outer shafts 14.
  • O-rings can be made of any suitable elastic material, such as ethylene propylene or AFLAS, or fluoroelastomer, or copolymer nitrile or indeed other elastomers with similar thermo-mechanical characteristics, including high resistance to heat, tear, abrasion and high tensile strength.
  • Suitable O-rings may have a diameter between 1-lOmm, with a nominal compression range between 4% and 40%.
  • the majority of the O- ring is accommodated within the grooves 36 to avoid displacing O-rings during the mating step, and in order to achieve a compression ratio of approximately 7-20%.
  • Figures 15 and 16 show in enlarged cross-sectional form two possible variants of toric sealing rings that can be used instead of O-rings.
  • Figure 15 shows a first variant sealing ring 102 comprising an elastomeric body 100, preferably made of a high modulus elastomer, reinforced by one anti-extrusion Inconel spring 104 which is embedded in the elastomeric body 100.
  • the transverse cross section of this sealing ring 102 is similar to a letter 'D'.
  • Such sealing rings 102 are called D-rings and are commercialized by PPE (Precision Polymer Engineering).
  • FIG 16 shows a second variant sealing ring 106 comprising an elastomeric body 108, preferably made of a high modulus elastomer, reinforced by two anti-extrusion Inconel springs 110 which are embedded in the elastomeric body 108.
  • the transverse cross section of this sealing ring 106 is similar to an inverted letter ', both springs 110 being located symmetrically in both branches of the ', the summit of the inverted 'T' having further a smooth rounded shape.
  • Such sealing rings 106 are called spring seals and are also commercialized by PPE (Precision Polymer Engineering).
  • Figure 7 shows the interference fit of the connector 4a shown in Figure 6 with a PLP pipe section 2 shown in Figure 3, mated in a similar manner to that shown in Figure 4, and further comprising the compression of the sealing rings 38 during the mating of the male outer shaft 14 with the female inner bore 28 of the PLP pipe section 2.
  • the interference fit between the connector 4a and PLP pipe section 2 shown in Figure 7 is still substantially achieved by the interference fit between the male outer shaft 14 and female inner bore 28, with the O-ring compression being in addition to the strength of the interference fit, and assisting resistance to water penetration along the seal between the male outer shaft 14 and the female inner bore 28 as a further or additional safety measure, especially in a failure of the interference fit between the male outer shaft 14 and female inner bore 28.
  • Figure 8 shows a further variation of the arrangement shown in Figure 4 between the connector 4 and a PLP pipe section 2.
  • Figure 8a shows the location of an elastic seal such as an O-ring 40 located in a corner of the connector 4 between the shoulder 18 and the beginning of the male outer shaft 14 on each connector end 12 of the connector 4.
  • Figures 8 and 8a also show the end of the final portion 26 of the inner polymer liner 22 being chamfered in a complementary position 42 when PLP pipe section 2 is mated with connector 4.
  • Figure 9 shows a further variant of mating between a PLP pipe section 2 and a connector 4b, wherein the connector 4b has a circular groove 44 located in the shoulder 18 between the central section 10 and the connector ends 12 of the connector 4b, and an elastic seal such as an O-ring 46 housed within the groove 44.
  • Figure 9 shows the compression of O-ring 46 between the end of the final section 26 of the inner polymer liner 22 and the shoulder 18 of the connector 4b. In this way, the sealing integrity formed by the mating of the PLP pipe section 2 and the connector 4b can be maintained during reeling of a PLP pipeline formed with the PLP assembly, as the O-ring 46 is only compressed in an axial direction.
  • Figure 13 shows a further variant of the connector 4b shown in Figure 9, wherein the connector 4c instead has an elastic V-ring 47 located against the shoulder 18 between the central section 10 and the connector ends 12 of the connector.
  • This V-ring 47 seats on a circumferential seal ring support 48 upstanding from the connector end 12 close to the shoulder 18.
  • Figure 13 also shows two circumferential grooves 36 as shown in Figures 6 and 7 along each end 12 of the connector 4c in the surface of the male outer shafts 14.
  • the present invention allows for the use of any one of, or any combination of, the arrangements for sealing rings or elastic seals as shown by the examples in the accompanying drawings, and as described herein.
  • the skilled man can see that combinations of the arrangements shown in Figures 6-9, 13-16 can further assist sealing integrity between the PLP pipe sections and the connector, and the skilled man will select the most appropriate arrangement to suit the location and use of the PLP assembly and PLP pipeline.
  • Figure 10 shows a perspective cross sectional view of another connector 50 for use with the present invention, the connector having a cylindrical central section 52 between opposing cylindrical ends 54.
  • the connector 50 can be used in the present invention to connect PLP pipe sections in the same manner as the connectors 4, 4a, and 4b described and shown herein.
  • the connector 50 includes a series of pressure relief valves 60 arranged in an equidistant circumferential pattern around the middle of the central section 52. It is known that some materials used for inner polymer liners are not completely impermeable to some gases carried by fluids being transported by the PLP pipeline, for example carbon dioxide, methane and hydrogen sulphide carried in hydrocarbon fluids. As such there can be defusing of gases from the hydrocarbon fluid through the liner over time. Such defused gases tend to collect in suitable spaces or open locations, one being any annulus 32 created in the connection of PLP pipe sections.
  • the pressure relief valves 60 shown in Figure 10 are designed to be able to open at a differential pressure lower than the pressure that could collapse the inner polymer liners, thereby avoiding catastrophic failure of the PLP pipeline.
  • Such differential pressure could be approximately 5 bar, and be for example the difference between gas pressure in the annulus 32 shown in Figure 5, and the bore of the pipeline (reference 33 and Figure 5). In this way, gases that have slowly defused from the bore 33 to the annulus 32 through the inner polymer liner 22 can be released when the pressure relief valves 60 are open, to depressurise the annulus 32.
  • the number of pressure relief valves 60 on each connector 50 may comprise between 2 to 8, and have a diameter up to 10 mm.
  • Figures 11-0 to 11-6 are a series schematic cross sectional drawings showing a method of connecting two polymer lined (PLP) sections to form a PLP assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 11-0 shows providing two PLP pipe sections 62, each PLP pipe section 62 comprising an outer metal pipe 64.
  • each PLP pipe section 62 comprising an outer metal pipe 64.
  • the traction used to stretch the inner polymer liner is released, so that the inner polymer liner 'swells' and comes into direct contact with the inner surface of the outer metal pipe 64 in order to form a fitted inner polymer liner 66.
  • One example includes means to attach itself to the PLP pipe section 62, followed by centering means that enables the longitudinal axis of the machine to be adjusted so as to brought into coincidence with the longitudinal axis of the PLP pipe section 62, thus making it possible to machine the inside of the inner polymer liner 66 at its ends in a manner that is accurately concentric with the PLP pipe section 62.
  • Such machining makes it possible to achieve a smooth female inner bore 70 having the required cylindrical geometry for the present invention, with an accurate internal diameter D2 so that the intended interference fit can be achieved.
  • An example of such machinery is shown in US7722085.
  • Figure 11-2 shows the location of a lock ring 72 within the inner polymer liner 66 of each PLP pipe section 62, prior to the final portion 68 of each polymer liner 66.
  • the lock rings 72 can be push fitted into place.
  • the lock rings 72 may alternatively be located within the inner polymer liner 66 prior to machining of the final portions 68 as shown in Figure 11-1. Machinery suitable for locating the lock rings 72 is also well known in the art, such as described in US5992897.
  • FIG. 12 An example of such an insertion tool is shown in Figure 12, and includes an outer metal pipe clamp 74, a guide locator 76, and a plunger 78 moveable by a hydraulic jack 80 to press items located within the firing line of the insertion tool and along as longitudinal axis of the PLP pipe section 72.
  • a connector 82 is provided, having a cylindrical central section 84 and opposing cylindrical ends 86, each such end having a smooth male outer shaft with an external diameter of Dl, wherein D1>D2 prior to mating with the PLP pipe sections 62.
  • the connector 82 may be pressed into the first PLP pipe section 62 by means of the insertion tool shown in Figure 12, to achieve mating by interference fit of the female inner bores 70 of the inner polymer liners 66 with the smooth male outer shafts of the connector 82, such that there is an equalising of Dl and D2 either by reduction of Dl or expansion of D2, or both.
  • Figure 11-4 shows the pressing of the other PLP pipe section 62 against the other end 86 of the connector 82 to form a continuation of the liner along the now formed PLP assembly 88. It is noted that the continuation of the liner between the PLP pipe sections 62 shown in Figure 11-4 may not be with a continuous same diameter.
  • Figure 11-5 shows the conduction of a leak test, by the location of a sealing clamp 90 placed over the junction between the outer metal pipes 64, and the application of a suitable fluid such as air from an air pump (not shown) against the outer metal pipe 64 junction, to determine if there is any drop in pressure (indicating that the sealing created between connector 82 and the PLP pipe sections 62 is leaking).
  • a suitable fluid such as air from an air pump (not shown) against the outer metal pipe 64 junction
  • Figure 11-6 shows the application of a girth weld 92 between the outer metal pipes 64 in a manner known in the art, in order to complete the formation of the PLP assembly ready for use.
  • the girth weld 92 can be applied either prior to or during laying of a PLP pipeline using the PLP assembly 88 shown in Figure 11-4.
  • each of the PLP pipe section 62 shown in Figures 11-0 to 11-6 are not limited by the present invention, so that the present invention is able to form a PLP pipeline comprising of plurality of PLP pipe sections 62 connected together by at least one PLP assembly 88 to any suitable length.
  • all the PLP pipe sections of such a PLP pipeline are connected together by PLP assemblies as shown and described herein.
  • Figure 14 shows a variant of the connector shown in Figure 2, wherein the central cylindrical section 10 of the connector 4d comprising a wide cylindrical groove 56 on its outside surface.
  • the groove 56 can be located at equal distance to both ends of the connector 4d.
  • the width of the groove 56 is preferably larger than 50mm, more preferably comprised between 100mm and 180mm.
  • a thermal protection 57 such as a fire blanket or a thermal insulation layer is located inside the groove 57, so that during welding of the outer metal pipe, the heat does not damage the connector 4d.
  • FIG 17 shows an end termination of another possible PLP section 112.
  • the PLP section 112 comprises an outer metal pipe 120 and a fitted inner polymer liner 122 terminating a first distance before the end 125 of the outer metal pipe 120.
  • the end of the inner polymer liner 122 has a smooth female inner bore 128 with an original internal diameter D2.
  • the end of the outer metal pipe 120 has been internally cladded with a Corrosion Resistant Alloy (CRA) cladding 132, along a length of around 100mm to 400mm, usually being shorter than the first distance.
  • the termination comprises a tubular end connector 130 having a first cylindrical end 112 and a second opposite thick tubular end 124.
  • the end connector 130 is metallic and made with a Corrosion Resistant Alloy.
  • the present invention provides a method of forming a PLP assembly which is easy to implement using a series of simple press operations, thereby reducing the risk of damaging the inner polymer liners when compared to conventional arrangements using notched surfaces between liners to form a connection and continuation of the liner there across. This avoids creating easy locations for large stress concentrations to occur where liner material has been deliberately machined to form sharp turns or edges such as teeth or notches, significantly reducing the risk of generating cracks in the seals of the connection, leading to failure and leaks in such liner arrangements.
  • the present invention provides an arrangement based on smooth cylindrical surfaces being made and brought together by an interference fit which is sufficiently calculated to still achieve the required sealing integrity, whilst avoiding excessive forces during press fitting that could affect the integrity of the inner polymer liners.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Lining Or Joining Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Rigid Pipes And Flexible Pipes (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un ensemble tuyau garni de polymère (PLP) comprenant : deux sections de tuyau PLP (2), chaque section de tuyau PLP comprenant un tuyau métallique externe (20) et une garniture de polymère interne ajustée (22), chaque garniture de polymère interne se terminant avant une extrémité de chaque tuyau métallique externe, et la portion finale (26) de chacune desdites extrémités (25) de chaque garniture comportant un trou interne femelle lisse (28) ayant un diamètre interne d'origine D2, et un raccord (4) comportant une section centrale cylindrique (10) entre des extrémités cylindriques opposées (12), chaque extrémité de raccord comrpenant un arbre externe mâle lisse (14) qui possède un diamètre externe d'origine D1, D1 > D2 avant accouplement, et est apte à s'accoupler par ajustement serré avec les trous internes femelles des garnitures de polymère internes des sections de tuyau PLP afin de former un prolongement du revêtement le long de l'ensemble PLP. De cette manière, l'accouplement lisse des trous internes femelles et des arbres externes mâles peut être effectué sans provoquer de concentrations de contraintes ou de points faibles entre eux, ce qui permet d'obtenir une étanchéité et un raccord plus fiables et d'obtenir une conduite fiable lors de son utilisation.
PCT/IB2016/001400 2015-09-04 2016-09-05 Améliorations relatives à des tuyaux garnis de polymère WO2017037541A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1515682.1A GB2543026B (en) 2015-09-04 2015-09-04 Improvements relating to polymer lined pipes
GB1515682.1 2015-09-04

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2017037541A1 true WO2017037541A1 (fr) 2017-03-09

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PCT/IB2016/001400 WO2017037541A1 (fr) 2015-09-04 2016-09-05 Améliorations relatives à des tuyaux garnis de polymère

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GB (1) GB2543026B (fr)
WO (1) WO2017037541A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

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GB2588919A (en) * 2019-11-13 2021-05-19 Barnes Stephen Improved methods for joining lines pipes and associated apparatus

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
RU2664275C1 (ru) * 2017-09-05 2018-08-15 Виктор Васильевич Кузнецов Способ повышения прочности трубопровода изнутри

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GB2094915A (en) * 1981-03-16 1982-09-22 Uniroyal Inc Method of welding lined pipe
WO1995022713A1 (fr) 1994-02-19 1995-08-24 Coflexip Stena Offshore Limited Perfectionnements relatifs aux canalisations transportant des fluides
US5992897A (en) 1995-02-23 1999-11-30 Bg Plc Joining lined pipe items
US20060145479A1 (en) * 2002-07-25 2006-07-06 Mcintyre Stuart Pipe liner connector
US7722085B2 (en) 2004-10-19 2010-05-25 Saipem S.A. Undersea pipe including an internal liner

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US5566984A (en) * 1994-04-01 1996-10-22 Abbema; William D. Cylindrical corrosion barrier for pipe connections
GB0917539D0 (en) * 2009-10-07 2009-11-25 Camlintec Ltd Connector
GB2481065B (en) * 2010-06-11 2012-09-05 Subsea 7 Contracting Uk Ltd Techniques for joining lined pipelines

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2094915A (en) * 1981-03-16 1982-09-22 Uniroyal Inc Method of welding lined pipe
WO1995022713A1 (fr) 1994-02-19 1995-08-24 Coflexip Stena Offshore Limited Perfectionnements relatifs aux canalisations transportant des fluides
US5992897A (en) 1995-02-23 1999-11-30 Bg Plc Joining lined pipe items
US20060145479A1 (en) * 2002-07-25 2006-07-06 Mcintyre Stuart Pipe liner connector
US7722085B2 (en) 2004-10-19 2010-05-25 Saipem S.A. Undersea pipe including an internal liner

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2588919A (en) * 2019-11-13 2021-05-19 Barnes Stephen Improved methods for joining lines pipes and associated apparatus
WO2021094734A1 (fr) * 2019-11-13 2021-05-20 Stephen Barnes Procédés améliorés pour assembler des tuyaux à revêtement et appareil associé
GB2588919B (en) * 2019-11-13 2022-01-26 Flowlining Ltd Improved methods for joining lined pipes and associated apparatus
EP4350189A1 (fr) * 2019-11-13 2024-04-10 Flowlining Limited Procédés améliorés pour assembler des tuyaux à revêtement et appareil associé

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2543026B (en) 2019-01-02
GB201515682D0 (en) 2015-10-21
GB2543026A (en) 2017-04-12
GB2543026A9 (en) 2017-04-26

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