Slot form for pipeline buoyancy control
US8974147B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 7, 2014 |
| Grant date | Mar 10, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 7, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L1/06
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A device for controlling buoyancy of a buried pipeline, the device comprising a form placed atop the pipeline and a flexible strap extending around the form adjacent its top. The form may comprise a first trough located adjacent the first side of the pipeline, a second trough located adjacent the opposing second side of the pipeline, and a middle section with an inverted-U-shaped cross section such that the middle portion fits over the top of the pipeline and joins the first trough and the second trough. The troughs are filled with backfill when the pipeline is buried. Thus, when fully installed, the device may comprise the slot form, the strap, and the backfill. As the pipeline tends to rise, the straps deform, bringing the sides of the troughs inward and compressing the backfill therein. This prevents further upward movement of the pipeline.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.