Method for protecting field joint arrangement for a pipeline
US10295111B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 2015 |
| Grant date | May 21, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 22, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49982
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method protects a field joint of a pipeline, where chamfered edges of thermally-insulating parent coatings on conjoined pipe lengths are in mutual opposition about a longitudinally-extending gap. The method includes manufacturing an hourglass-shaped inner layer around the pipe lengths, which layer may be moulded. The inner layer extends longitudinally along the gap between the chamfered edges and at least partially overlies the chamfered edges. A thermally-insulating solid insert is assembled from two or more parts to lie in the gap surrounding the inner layer, and pressure is applied radially inwardly from the insert to the inner layer. An outer layer of molten material is manufactured around the insert to form a watertight barrier and to form one or more melted interfaces with the inner layer. Corresponding field joint arrangements are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.