Wedge protrusion profiled fitting seal system and method

Abstract

The invention provides techniques for implementing a pipeline system including a pipe fitting that includes a fitting housing that defines a fitting bore and a lumen that surrounds the fitting bore. The lumen interfaces with a pipe segment tube to facilitate fluidly coupling the fitting bore to a pipe bore. The fitting housing includes a seal groove that is recessed into a fitting housing surface that facilitates defining the lumen. The pipe fitting includes a seal band having a multi-sided axial cross-sectional profile, where the seal band is to be seated in the seal groove to implement a fitting seal in the pipe fitting that includes a protruding portion having a wedge-shaped axial cross-sectional profile that protrudes beyond the fitting housing surface into the lumen to facilitate sealing a fluid conduit implemented in an annulus of the pipe segment tube in the lumen of the pipe fitting.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to pipeline systems, and more specifically, to pipe fittings that can be deployed (e.g., installed) in pipeline systems.

[0002] Pipeline systems are typically implemented and / or operated to facilitate the transport (e.g., delivery) of fluids (such as liquids and / or gases) from a fluid source to a fluid destination. For example, pipeline systems may be used to transport one or more hydrocarbons, such as crude oil, petroleum, natural gas, or any combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, pipeline systems may be used to transport one or more other types of fluids, such as produced water, fresh water, fracturing fluid, flowback fluid, carbon dioxide, or any combination thereof.

[0003] To facilitate fluid transport, in addition to pipe fittings (e.g., joints), a pipeline system may also include one or more pipe segments, such as centerline pipe fittings and / or pipe end fittings. Typically, a pipe segment may include a pipe that defines (e.g., encloses) an orifice providing a primary fluid transport (e.g., flow) path through the pipe segment. Furthermore, the pipe segment may typically be secured and sealed within one or more pipe fittings to facilitate fluid connection of the pipe segment to another pipe segment, a fluid source, and / or a fluid destination.

[0004] To facilitate securing the pipe segment therein, in some examples, the pipe fitting may include a fitting housing implemented to define (e.g., enclose) a lumen for interfacing with the pipe segment. In other words, in such examples, for example, the pipe segment may be secured in the lumen of the pipe fitting at least partially by inserting (e.g., sliding) the pipe segment into the lumen and conformally deforming (e.g., forging) at least a portion of the fitting housing around the pipe segment. Furthermore, to facilitate sealing the pipe segment within the lumen, in some examples, a fitting seal may be attached to the fitting housing such that at least a portion of the fitting seal protrudes (e.g., extends) into the lumen. At least partially due to its protrusion, the fitting seal may engage (e.g., contact and / or press against) the pipe segment in the lumen, and thus facilitate preventing fluid flow through the fitting seal. However, in at least some cases, for example, due to the unintentional displacement of the fitting seal caused by the protrusion of the fitting seal into the corresponding cavity when the pipe section is inserted into the cavity, the fitting seal that protrudes into the cavity of the pipe fitting may potentially affect (e.g., reduce) its sealing integrity and thus affect the perceived quality of the pipe fitting. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This summary is provided to introduce the selection of concepts further described in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to serve as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] In one embodiment, a piping system includes a piping fitting. The piping fitting includes a fitting housing defining a fitting orifice through which the fitting passes and a lumen surrounding the fitting orifice, wherein the lumen interfaces with a pipe segment to facilitate fluid connection of the fitting orifice to the pipe orifice defined by the pipe segment. The fitting housing includes a sealing groove leading to the lumen, wherein the sealing groove is recessed in a surface of the fitting housing that facilitates defining the lumen. The piping fitting includes a band (e.g., flat) seal having a multi-sided axial cross-sectional profile, wherein the band seal is disposed in the sealing groove to implement a fitting seal in the piping fitting, the fitting seal including a protrusion having a wedge-shaped axial cross-sectional profile that protrudes beyond the fitting housing surface into the lumen to facilitate sealing a fluid conduit implemented in an annulus of the pipe segment within the lumen of the piping fitting.

[0007] In another embodiment, a method of implementing a pipeline system includes implementing a pipe fitting at least partially by implementing a fitting housing, wherein implementing the fitting housing includes implementing a fitting body to define a fitting orifice, the fitting orifice allowing fluid to flow through the pipe fitting and engaging a fitting sheath to the fitting body to facilitate defining a lumen for interfacing with a pipe segment thereon where the pipe fitting is deployed. Furthermore, the method includes implementing a sealing groove in the fitting housing at least partially by removing material from a surface of the fitting housing adjacent to the lumen to achieve a wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal, which facilitates sealing the pipe segment within the lumen, at least partially by placing a sealing element having a multi-sided axial cross-sectional profile within the sealing groove in the pipe fitting.

[0008] In another embodiment, a pipe fitting includes a fitting housing. The fitting housing includes: a fitting conduit defining a fitting orifice through which fluid can flow; a gripping ring connected around the fitting conduit, wherein the gripping ring allows deployment equipment operable to secure the pipe fitting to a pipe segment to be connected to the pipe fitting; a fitting sheath connected to the gripping ring to define a lumen that interfaces with the pipe segment; and a sealing groove adjacent to the lumen and recessed into the fitting housing, wherein the sealing groove allows a wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal to facilitate sealing the pipe segment within the pipe fitting, the pipe fitting being implemented in the pipe fitting at least partially by accommodating a multi-sided sealing element within the sealing groove. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an example of a pipeline system including pipe sections and pipe fittings (e.g., joints) according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 According to embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1 A side view of an example of a pipe section, which includes an orifice defined by its pipe and a fluid conduit implemented within an annulus of its pipe.

[0011] Figure 3 According to embodiments of this disclosure Figure 2 A perspective view of an example of a pipe section having a helical fluid conduit implemented within the annulus of its pipe.

[0012] Figure 4 Linked to embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1 An axial cross-sectional view of an example of the deployment equipment for pipe fittings and pipe sections.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for deploying pipe fittings at a pipe section according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 6 This is an axial cross-sectional view of an example of a pipe fitting comprising one or more wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seals according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 7 According to embodiments of this disclosure Figure 6 An axial cross-sectional view of an example of a wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal, which is implemented using a sealing groove having a quadrilateral (e.g., rectangular) axial cross-sectional profile and a band (e.g., flat) seal having a wedge-shaped axial cross-sectional profile.

[0016] Figure 8 According to embodiments of this disclosure Figure 6 An axial cross-sectional view of another example of a wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal, which is implemented using a sealing groove having an axial cross-sectional profile that is at least partially inclined and a band (e.g., flat) seal having a quadrilateral default axial cross-sectional profile.

[0017] Figure 9 It is included according to the embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 8 An axial cross-sectional view of an example of a housing for a sealing groove.

[0018] Figure 10 It is included according to the embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 8 An axial cross-sectional view of another example of a housing with a sealing groove.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for implementing a pipe fitting with one or more wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seals according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0020] One or more specific embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As used herein, the terms “link” or “connected to” may indicate the establishment of a direct or indirect connection, and are therefore not limited to either, unless expressly referenced. The term “group” may refer to one or more items. Where possible, similar or identical reference numerals are used in the drawings to identify common or identical features. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. In particular, for clarification purposes, certain features and / or views in the drawings may be exaggerated proportionally.

[0021] This disclosure generally relates to pipeline systems that can be implemented and / or operated to transport (e.g., deliver) fluids (e.g., liquids and / or gases) from a fluid source to a fluid destination. Typically, a pipeline system may include: pipe fittings (e.g., joints), such as centerline pipe fittings and / or pipe end fittings; and one or more pipe segments, each comprising a pipe defining (e.g., enclosing) a corresponding pipe orifice. More specifically, the pipe segments may typically be secured and sealed within one or more pipe fittings to facilitate fluid connection of the pipe segment to another pipe segment, a fluid source, and / or a fluid destination. By way of illustrative and non-limiting example only, the pipeline system may include: a first pipe end fitting which facilitates fluid connection of a fluid source to a first pipe segment by fixing and sealing therein at least in part; a centerline pipe fitting which facilitates fluid connection of the first pipe segment to a second pipe segment by fixing and sealing therein at least in part in both the pipes of the first and second pipe segments; and a second pipe end fitting which facilitates fluid connection of the second pipe segment to a fluid destination by fixing and sealing therein at least in part in both the pipes of the second pipe segment.

[0022] To facilitate securing the pipe segment to the pipe fitting, in some examples, the fitting housing may include a fitting body and a fitting sheath, which are configured to define (e.g., enclose) a lumen for interfacing with the pipe segment. Specifically, in at least some of these examples, forging techniques can be used to secure the pipe segment within the lumen. More specifically, in such examples, the pipe fitting can be secured to the pipe segment at least partially by inserting (e.g., sliding) the pipe segment into the lumen and conformally deforming (e.g., forging) the fitting sheath surrounding the pipe segment.

[0023] Furthermore, to facilitate sealing of the pipe segment within, in some examples, the pipe fitting may include one or more fitting seals that at least partially protrude into the lumen of the pipe fitting. Therefore, when using forging techniques, the fitting seal protruding into the lumen and the pipe segment present in the lumen may press against each other. In other words, the protruding surface of the fitting seal may engage (e.g., contact) the corresponding surface of the pipe segment, and thus facilitate preventing fluid flow through the fitting seal.

[0024] Typically, the sealing integrity (e.g., the ability to prevent fluid flow) provided by a fitting seal may depend at least in part on the surface area of ​​the engagement between the fitting seal and the pipe segment. Therefore, to improve sealing integrity, in some instances, for example, a band (e.g., flat) seal with a multi-sided (e.g., rectangular) axial cross-sectional profile may be used as the fitting seal instead of an O-ring with a circular (e.g., single-sided) or semi-circular axial cross-sectional profile. However, in some instances, using a band seal as the fitting seal protruding into the corresponding lumen of the pipe fitting may potentially affect (e.g., reduce) sealing integrity and thus the perceived quality of the pipe fitting, for example, by unintentionally (e.g., undesirably) displacing the band seal due to the pipe segment being inserted into the lumen and becoming stuck at the protruding sealing angle of the band seal, causing the pipe segment to continue being inserted into the lumen.

[0025] Therefore, in order to improve perceived quality of pipe fittings, this disclosure provides techniques for implementing pipe fittings with one or more protruding (e.g., flat) fitting seals, which reduce the possibility of unintentional (e.g., undesirable) displacement in the corresponding lumen of the pipe fitting, for example, in the axial direction due to the insertion of a pipe segment into the lumen. Specifically, in order to reduce the possibility of unintentional seal displacement, this disclosure provides techniques for implementing (e.g., forming) a sealing groove in the fitting housing (e.g., fitting body and / or fitting sleeve) of the pipe fitting and implementing (e.g., placing) a strip seal with a multi-sided (e.g., rectangular or pentagonal) axial cross-sectional profile in the sealing groove, such that the protruding portion of the resulting fitting seal has a wedge-shaped axial cross-sectional profile. In other words, as will be described in more detail below, this disclosure provides a technique for implementing fitting seals with a prominent axial cross-sectional profile, the profile including a flush (e.g., first) sealing angle oriented toward a first (e.g., open) end of the corresponding lumen and a protruding (e.g., second) sealing angle oriented toward a second (e.g., closed and / or opposite) end of the lumen.

[0026] To facilitate the implementation of wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seals, in some embodiments, the sealing groove of the pipe fitting may be implemented adjacent to the corresponding lumen, such that its opening enters the lumen and the axial cross-sectional profile of its groove base surface is at least partially inclined (e.g., inclined at a non-zero angle) relative to the axial (e.g., longitudinal) extent of the lumen. In other words, in such embodiments, a first recessed groove angle of the inclined sealing groove oriented toward a first (e.g., open) end of the lumen may be recessed from an adjacent fitting housing surface by a recess distance greater than a second recessed groove angle of the inclined sealing groove oriented toward a second (e.g., closed and / or opposite) end of the lumen. Furthermore, in some such embodiments, a strip seal disposed in the inclined sealing groove may be implemented using an elastic material (e.g., rubber), and thus, when disposed therein, the strip seal typically conforms to the inclined sealing groove.

[0027] In other words, in such embodiments, when a strip seal with a rectangular default (e.g., unstretched, undeformed, and / or original) axial cross-sectional profile is disposed therein, the angled sealing groove may cause the first sealing angle of the rectangular strip seal, radially aligned with the first recessed corner of the angled sealing groove, to protrude a smaller distance from the adjacent fitting housing surface compared to the second sealing angle of the rectangular strip seal, radially aligned with the second recessed corner of the angled sealing groove. This creates an angled protruding sealing surface between the first sealing angle and the second sealing corner, and thus forms a wedge-shaped axial cross-sectional protruding profile. To facilitate flushing of the first sealing angle with the adjacent fitting housing surface, in some embodiments, for example, the first recessed corner of the angled sealing groove may be implemented with a first recess depth that matches the strip seal thickness expected when the rectangular strip fitting seal is disposed therein, while the second recessed corner of the angled sealing groove is implemented with a second (e.g., different) recess depth that is less than the expected (e.g., stretched) strip seal thickness. In other embodiments, the rectangular strip seal placed in the inclined sealing groove may be selected and / or designed so that its expected thickness when placed in the inclined sealing groove matches the first recess depth of the first recess corner.

[0028] Alternatively, to facilitate the implementation of wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seals, in some embodiments, a sealing groove for the pipe fitting may be implemented adjacent to the corresponding lumen, opening into the lumen, and having a generally (e.g., relatively) quadrilateral (e.g., rectangular) axial cross-sectional profile, for example, comprising a groove base surface that is not inclined relative to the axial (e.g., longitudinal) extent of the lumen. In other words, in such embodiments, both the first recessed groove angle of the quadrilateral (e.g., rectangular) sealing groove oriented toward a first (e.g., open) end of the lumen and the second recessed angle of the quadrilateral sealing groove oriented toward a second (e.g., closed and / or relatively) end of the lumen may be recessed by the same distance from the adjacent fitting housing. Furthermore, in some such embodiments, an elastic material (e.g., rubber) may be used to implement the seal to be disposed in the quadrilateral sealing groove, and thus, when disposed therein, it generally conforms to the quadrilateral sealing groove.

[0029] In other words, in such embodiments, when a band seal with a wedge-shaped default (e.g., unstretched, undeformed, and / or original) axial cross-sectional profile is disposed therein, the quadrilateral sealing groove may cause the first sealing angle of the wedge-shaped band seal, radially aligned with the first recessed corner of the inclined sealing groove, to protrude a smaller distance from the adjacent fitting housing surface compared to the second sealing angle of a rectangular band seal, radially aligned with the second recessed corner of the quadrilateral sealing groove. This creates an inclined protruding sealing surface between the first sealing angle and the second sealing corner, and thus forms a wedge-shaped axial cross-sectional protruding profile. To facilitate flushing the first sealing angle with the adjacent fitting housing surface, in some embodiments, the quadrilateral sealing groove may be implemented with a recess depth matching the thickness of the band seal expected to appear at the first sealing corner of the wedge-shaped band seal when disposed therein. In other embodiments, the wedge-shaped band seal disposed in the quadrilateral sealing groove may be selected and / or designed so that its expected thickness at the first sealing corner when disposed in the quadrilateral sealing groove matches the recess depth of the quadrilateral sealing groove.

[0030] In this manner, the technology described in this disclosure can facilitate the implementation of fitting seals with a wedge-shaped axial cross-sectional profile in pipe fittings. As will be described in more detail below, implementing fitting seals with a wedge-shaped axial cross-sectional profile can help reduce the likelihood of the fitting seal unintentionally shifting (e.g., rolling out) from its sealing groove, for example, at least in part due to the sealing angle of the fitting seal, which is oriented toward the open end of the corresponding lumen and flush with the adjacent surface of the lumen, thereby reducing the likelihood of the pipe segment being inserted into the lumen and becoming stuck on the sealing angle. In at least some examples, according to the technology of this disclosure, since seal integrity generally depends on the mating surface area between the fitting seal and the pipe segment, reducing the likelihood of the fitting seal being unintentionally shifted can help improve the seal integrity provided by the fitting seal, thereby improving the potential perceived quality of the corresponding pipe fitting.

[0031] To help illustrate, Figure 1 An example of pipeline system 10 is shown. As in the depicted example, pipeline system 10 may be connected between a pore fluid source 12 and a pore fluid destination 14. By way of illustrative and non-limiting example only, pore fluid source 12 may be a production well and pore fluid destination 14 may be a fluid storage tank. In other examples, pore fluid source 12 may be a first (e.g., leased facility) storage tank and pore fluid destination 14 may be a second (e.g., refinery) storage tank.

[0032] In any case, pipeline system 10 is typically implemented and / or operated to facilitate the transport (e.g., delivery) of fluids (such as gases and / or liquids) from orifice fluid source 12 to orifice fluid destination 14. Indeed, in some embodiments, pipeline system 10 can be used in a wide range of applications, including (but not limited to) onshore and offshore oil and gas applications. For example, in such embodiments, pipeline system 10 can be used to transport one or more hydrocarbons, such as crude oil, petroleum, natural gas, or any combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, pipeline system 10 can be used to transport one or more other types of fluids, such as produced water, fresh water, fracturing fluid, flowback fluid, carbon dioxide, or any combination thereof.

[0033] To facilitate fluid flow to the orifice fluid destination 14, in some embodiments, the orifice fluid source 12 may include one or more orifice fluid pumps 16, which are implemented and / or operated to inject (e.g., pump and / or supply) fluid from the orifice fluid source 12 into the orifice of the pipeline system 10. However, it should be understood that the examples depicted are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Specifically, in other embodiments, for example, when fluid flow through the orifice of the pipeline system 10 is generated by gravity, one or more orifice fluid pumps 16 may not be implemented at the orifice fluid source 12. Furthermore or alternatively, in other embodiments, one or more orifice fluid pumps 16 may be implemented in the pipeline system 10 and / or at the orifice fluid destination 14.

[0034] To facilitate the transport of fluid from orifice fluid source 12 to orifice fluid destination 14, as in the depicted example, the piping system 10 may include one or more pipe fittings (e.g., connectors) 18 and one or more pipe segments 20. For example, the depicted piping system 10 includes a first pipe segment 20A, a second pipe segment 20B, and an Nth pipe segment 20N. Furthermore, the depicted piping system 10 includes a first pipe (e.g., end) fitting 18A connecting the orifice fluid source 12 to the first pipe segment 20A, a second pipe (e.g., centerline) fitting 18B connecting the first pipe segment 20A to the second pipe segment 20B, and an Nth pipe (e.g., end) fitting 18N connecting the Nth pipe segment 20N to the orifice fluid destination 14.

[0035] However, it should be understood again that the examples depicted are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Specifically, in other embodiments, piping system 10 may include fewer (e.g., one) pipe segments 20. Additionally or alternatively, in other embodiments, piping system 10 may include fewer (e.g., two) pipe fittings 18.

[0036] In any case, as described above, pipe segment 20 typically includes tubing suitable for conveying (e.g., conveying and / or transporting) water, gas, oil, and / or any other suitable type of fluid. The tubing of pipe segment 20 can be made of any suitable type of material, such as plastics, metals, and / or composite materials (e.g., fiber-reinforced composites). In fact, as will be described in more detail below, in some embodiments, the tubing of pipe segment 20 may be implemented using multiple different layers. For example, the tubing of pipe segment 20 may include a first high-density polyethylene (e.g., internal corrosion protection) layer, one or more reinforcing (e.g., steel strip) layers outside the first high-density polyethylene layer, and a second high-density polyethylene layer (e.g., external corrosion protection) outside one or more reinforcing layers.

[0037] Furthermore, as in the depicted example, one or more (e.g., second and / or Nth) pipe segments 20 in the pipeline system 10 may be curved. In some embodiments, to facilitate the implementation of curves in the pipe segments 20, the pipe segments 20 may be flexible, for example, such that the pipe segments 20 can be wound in spools and / or coils (e.g., during transport and / or before deployment of the pipe segments 20). In other words, in some embodiments, one or more pipe segments 20 in the pipeline system 10 may be flexible pipes, such as bonded flexible pipes, unbonded flexible pipes, flexible composite pipes (FCP), thermoplastic composite pipes (TCP), or reinforced thermoplastic pipes (RTP). Indeed, at least in some examples, increasing the flexibility of the pipe segments 20 may benefit the deployment efficiency of the pipeline system 10, for example, by omitting curved (e.g., elbow) pipe fittings 18 and / or enabling the pipe segments 20 to be transported to and deployed in the pipeline system 10, or by using tighter valve cores.

[0038] To facilitate improved flexibility, in some embodiments, the pipe segment 20 defining (e.g., enclosing) its pipe orifice may include one or more openings without solid material. Indeed, in some embodiments, the openings in the pipe segment 20 may extend (e.g., span) the length of the pipe segment 20, and thus define (e.g., enclose) a fluid conduit within the annulus of the pipe, which is separate from the pipe orifice. In other words, in such embodiments, fluid may flow through the pipe segment 20 via its pipe orifice, a fluid conduit implemented within its annulus, or both.

[0039] To help illustrate, Figure 2 An example of a pipe segment 20 is shown, comprising a pipe 22 through which a fluid conduit 24 is implemented in an annulus 25 of the pipe 22. As depicted, the pipe segment 22 is implemented having multiple layers, including an inner (e.g., innermost) layer 26 and an outer (e.g., outermost) layer 28. In some embodiments, the inner layer 26 and / or the outer layer 28 of the pipe segment 22 may be implemented using composite materials and / or plastics, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and / or high-temperature polyethylene (PE-RT). In any case, as depicted, the inner surface 30 of the inner layer 26 defines (e.g., encloses) a pipe orifice 32 through which fluid can flow, for example, to facilitate the transport of fluid from an orifice fluid source 12 to an orifice fluid destination 14.

[0040] Furthermore, as depicted, an annulus 25 of the pipe segment 22 is disposed between its inner layer 26 and outer layer 28. As will be described in more detail below, the annulus 25 may comprise one or more intermediate layers of the pipe segment 22. Additionally, as depicted, a fluid conduit 24 extending along the length of the pipe segment 20 is defined (e.g., enclosed) within the annulus 25. As described above, the fluid conduit 24 in the annulus 25 may not contain solid material. Therefore, the pipe segment 22 containing one or more fluid conduits 24 may contain less solid material, and thus, for example, exert less resistance to bending compared to solid pipe segments 21 and / or pipe segments 20 that do not contain implemented fluid conduits 24. Furthermore, to facilitate further improvement in flexibility, in some embodiments, one or more layers in the pipe 22 of the pipe segment 20 may be unbonded to one or more other layers in the pipe 22, and thus, the pipe segment 20 may be an unbonded pipe.

[0041] However, it should be understood that the examples depicted are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Specifically, in other embodiments, pipe segment 22 may include fewer (e.g., one) or more (e.g., three, four or more) fluid conduits 24 defined in its annulus 25. Furthermore or alternatively, in other embodiments, for example, the fluid conduits 24 defined in the annulus 25 of pipe segment 20 may not extend parallel to the pipe orifice 32 of pipe segment 20, such that the fluid conduits 24 are inclined relative to the axial (e.g., longitudinal) extent of the pipe orifice 32.

[0042] To help illustrate, Figure 3 An example of a portion 36 of a pipe segment 20 is shown, comprising an inner layer 26 and an intermediate layer 34 included in the annulus 25 of the pipe segment 22. In some embodiments, one or more intermediate layers 34 of the pipe segment 22 may be implemented at least partially using composite materials and / or metals, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, duplex stainless steel, super duplex stainless steel, or any combination thereof. In other words, at least in some such embodiments, the intermediate layer 34 of the pipe segment 22 may be implemented using a conductive material, and in at least some examples, the conductive material may enable communication of electrical signals (e.g., control and / or sensors) via the intermediate layer 34.

[0043] In any case, as depicted, the intermediate layer 34 is helically disposed (e.g., wound and / or wrapped) on the inner layer 26, such that gaps (e.g., openings) are left between adjacent windings to define the fluid conduit 24. In other words, in some embodiments, the intermediate layer 34 may be implemented at least partially by wrapping a metal (e.g., steel) strip around the inner layer 26 at a non-zero layup angle (e.g., 54 degrees) relative to the axial (e.g., longitudinal) extent of the conduit orifice 32. In any case, as depicted, for example, the resulting fluid conduit 24 extends helically along the conduit segment 20 such that the fluid conduit 24 is inclined at 54 degrees relative to the axial extent of the conduit orifice 32.

[0044] In some embodiments, the outer layer 28 may be disposed directly on the depicted intermediate layer 34, and thus cover and / or define (e.g., enclose) the depicted fluid conduit 24. However, in other embodiments, the annulus 25 and the pipe segment 22 may include multiple (e.g., two, three, four or more) intermediate layers 34. In other words, in such embodiments, one or more other intermediate layers 34 may be disposed on the depicted intermediate layer 34. Indeed, in some such embodiments, one or more other intermediate layers 34 may also be helically disposed such that gaps are left between adjacent windings to implement one or more corresponding fluid conduits 24 in the pipe segment 22.

[0045] For example, a first additional intermediate layer 34 may be spirally disposed on the depicted intermediate layer 34 using the same non-zero layup angle as the depicted intermediate layer 34 to cover (e.g., define and / or enclose) the depicted fluid conduit 24 and implement another fluid conduit 24 in the first additional intermediate layer 34. Furthermore, a second additional intermediate layer 34 may be spirally disposed on the first additional intermediate layer 34 using another non-zero layup angle that is the reciprocal of the non-zero layup angle of the depicted intermediate layer 34 to implement another fluid conduit 24 in the second additional intermediate layer 34. Furthermore, a third additional intermediate layer 34 may be spirally disposed on the second additional intermediate layer 34 using the same non-zero layup angle as the second additional intermediate layer 34 to cover other fluid conduits 24 in the second additional intermediate layer 34 and implement another fluid conduit 24 in the third additional intermediate layer 34. In some embodiments, an outer layer 28 may be disposed on the third additional intermediate layer 34 and thus cover (e.g., define and / or enclose) other fluid conduits 24 in the third additional intermediate layer 34.

[0046] In any case, as described above, to facilitate fluid flow from the orifice fluid source 12 to the orifice fluid destination 14, the pipe segment 20 may be secured and sealed in one or more pipe fittings 18 (e.g., centerline pipe fitting 18 and / or pipe end fitting 18). Specifically, as described above, in some examples, forging techniques may be used to secure the pipe fittings 18 to the pipe segment 20, for example, forging techniques that conformally deform the pipe fittings 18 around the pipe 22 of the pipe segment 20. Indeed, in some embodiments, deployment equipment (e.g., a forging machine) may be implemented and / or operated to facilitate securing the pipe fittings 18 to the pipe segment 20 during the deployment of the pipeline system 10.

[0047] To help illustrate, Figure 4 The image shows an example cross-section of the deployment equipment 38 and a portion 40 of the piping system 10. As depicted, portion 40 of the piping system 10 includes a first pipe section 20A, a second pipe section 20B, and a pipe fitting 18 connecting the first pipe section 20A and the second pipe section 20B. Furthermore, as depicted, the fitting housing 41 of the pipe fitting 18 includes fitting sleeves 50—i.e., the first fitting sleeve 50A and the second fitting sleeve 50B—and a fitting body 42 containing a fitting conduit 44 and a gripping ring 46 implemented around the fitting conduit 44. Specifically, as depicted, the fitting conduit 44 defines (e.g., encloses) a fitting orifice 48, which is fluidly connected to a first pipe orifice 32A of the first pipe section 20A and a second pipe orifice 32B of the second pipe section 20B.

[0048] in other words, Figure 4 The pipe fitting 18 in the diagram may be a centerline pipe fitting 18. However, it should be understood that the examples depicted are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, as will be described in more detail below, the techniques described in this disclosure may be used additionally or alternatively with the pipe end fitting 18.

[0049] In any case, as depicted, in addition to the fitting housing 41, the piping fitting 18 also includes fitting seals 52 circumferentially implemented around the fitting pipe 44—namely, a first fitting seal 52A and a second fitting seal 520. Specifically, as depicted, the first pipe 22A of the first pipe segment 20A is disposed in a first cavity 54A, which is defined between the first fitting sheath 50A and the fitting body 42. Similarly, the second pipe 22B of the second pipe segment 20B is disposed in a second cavity 54B, which is defined between the second fitting sheath 50B and the fitting body 42.

[0050] However, as depicted, there is an open space 56 between the second pipe 22B and the pipe fitting 18 in the second pipe segment 20B, while there is a minimal open space between the first pipe 22A and the pipe fitting 18 in the first pipe segment 20A. In other words, for example, the pipe fitting 18 can exert greater resistance to pipe movement in the first cavity 54A, except that the first pipe 22A is sealed in the first cavity 54A via the first fitting seal 52A, and thus facilitates securing the pipe fitting 18 to the first pipe segment 20A. On the other hand, the pipe fitting 18 can exert less resistance to pipe movement in the second cavity 54B, which, at least in some examples, allows the second pipe 22B of the second pipe segment 20B to move relatively freely into and / or out of the second cavity 52B of the pipe fitting 18. Therefore, in order to facilitate the fixing and sealing of the second pipe section 20B in the pipe fitting 18, the deployment equipment 38 can be operated to deform the second fitting sleeve 50B around the second pipe 22B of the second pipe section 20B in a conformal manner (e.g., by forging), thereby consuming at least a portion (e.g., most) of the open space 56.

[0051] To facilitate conformal deformation of the fitting sleeve 50 around the pipe section 22, as in the depicted example, the deployment device 38 may include a gripping plate 58, a pressure plate 60, one or more guide rods 62, and one or more actuators 64. More specifically, in the depicted example, the deployment device 38 includes a first actuator 64A connected to the gripping plate 58 via a first guide rod 62A extending through the pressure plate 60. Furthermore, the deployment device 38 includes a second actuator 64B connected to the gripping plate 58 via a second guide rod 62B extending through the pressure plate 60. Thus, in some embodiments, the first actuator 64A and / or the second actuator 64B may be operable (e.g., controlled) to selectively push the pressure plate 60 toward the gripping plate 58 and / or selectively pull the pressure plate 60 away from the gripping plate 58.

[0052] Furthermore, as depicted, a die (e.g., one or more die segments or half-die) 64 is disposed within a die platen 60. For example, when the fitting sleeve 50 is pressed against it in the axial direction 61, the shape of the die 64 may compress the fitting sleeve 50 inward in the radial direction 63, such that the fitting sleeve 50 disposed in the corresponding cavity 54 and the pipe segment 22 are deformed conformally and / or the pipe segment 20 and the fitting seal 52 in the cavity 54 are compressed against each other. In fact, in some embodiments, different dies 64 may be selectively used in the die platen 60, for example, during continuous compression cycles and / or depending on the characteristics of the fitting sleeve 50, such as diameter and / or material thickness.

[0053] To facilitate the compression of the compression mold 60 and thus allow its compression mold 64 to abut against the fitting sleeve 50, as in the depicted example, the gripping plate 58 of the deployment device 38 can be secured to the pipe fitting 18 via one or more gripping lugs 66. Specifically, as in the depicted example, the gripping lugs 66 on the deployment device 38 can be implemented (e.g., sized and / or shaped) to interlock (e.g., interface and / or engage) with corresponding gripping notches 68 on the gripping ring 46 of the pipe fitting 18, thereby facilitating the securing of the deployment device 38 to the pipe fitting 18. As described above, the deployment equipment 38 can then push (e.g., push and / or compress) its pressing plate 60 and thus its pressing mold 64 toward (e.g., push and / or compress) its gripping plate 58, which, at least in some instances, can cause the second fitting sleeve 50B of the pipe fitting 18 and the second pipe 22B of the second pipe segment 20B to conformally deform, and thus facilitate securing the pipe fitting 18 to the second pipe segment 20B, for example, except by sealing the second pipe 22B in the second lumen 54B via the second fitting seal 52B. In this way, the deployment equipment 38 can be implemented and / or operated to facilitate the deployment of the pipe fitting 18 at the pipe segment 20.

[0054] To help further illustrate, Figure 5 An example of a process 70 for deploying a pipe fitting 18 at a pipe segment 20 is described herein. Typically, process 70 includes inserting the pipe segment into a lumen defined between the fitting body and the fitting sheath (process block 72) and deforming the fitting sheath surrounding the pipe segment (process block 74). Although described in a specific order corresponding to embodiments of this disclosure, it should be understood that the example process 70 is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Specifically, in other embodiments, process 70 for deploying the pipe fitting 18 may include one or more additional process blocks and / or omit one or more of the depicted process blocks.

[0055] In any case, as described above, the pipe fitting 18 may include a lumen 54 implemented to interface with the pipe 22 of the pipe segment 20 to which the pipe fitting 18 will be deployed. Specifically, as described above, the lumen 54 may be defined (e.g., enclosed) between the fitting body 42 and the corresponding fitting sheath 50 of the pipe fitting 18. For example, in some embodiments, the lumen 54 may be defined between the inner surface of the fitting sheath 50 and the outer surface of the fitting pipe 44 of the fitting body 42. Thus, in such embodiments, the pipe fitting 18 can be at least partially deployed by inserting the pipe 22 of the pipe segment 20 into the lumen 54 of the pipe fitting 18 (process block 72).

[0056] Furthermore, as described above, in some embodiments, one or more fitting seals 52 may protrude into the lumen 54 of the pipe fitting 18 to facilitate sealing the pipe segment 22 therein. For example, the fitting seal 52 may protrude from the outer surface of the fitting pipe 44 or the inner surface of the fitting sheath 50. Additionally, in some such embodiments, for example, the fitting seal 52 may be implemented near the open end of the lumen 54, such that the fitting seal 52 is closer to the open end of the lumen 54 than the closed (e.g., opposite) end of the lumen 54. In other words, in such embodiments, inserting the pipe segment 22 into the lumen 54 may involve inserting the pipe segment 22 through one or more fitting seals that at least partially protrude into the lumen 54 (process block 76).

[0057] Furthermore, as described above, in some embodiments, forging techniques can be used to attach the pipe fitting 18 to the pipe segment 20. Specifically, as described above, in such embodiments, forging techniques can be used to conformally deform the fitting sleeve 50 of the pipe fitting 18 around the pipe 22 of the pipe segment 20. In other words, in such embodiments, the pipe fitting 18 can be deployed at least in part by deforming the fitting sleeve 50 around the pipe 22 of the pipe segment 20 (process block 74).

[0058] Furthermore, as described above, in some embodiments, deployment equipment 38 (e.g., a forging machine) can be used to facilitate the deployment of pipe fitting 18 at pipe segment 20. Specifically, as described above, in some such embodiments, deployment equipment 38 may include gripping lugs 66 on its gripping plate 58, which are implemented (e.g., shaped and / or sized) to mate and interface with corresponding gripping notches 68 on the gripping ring 46 of fitting body 42. Furthermore, as described above, in some such embodiments, deployment equipment 38 may include a pressing plate 60 with a pressing die 64, which can compress the fitting sheath 50 in the radial direction 63 when pressed against it in the axial direction 61. In other words, in some embodiments, deforming the fitting sheath 50 surrounding pipe segment 22 may include attaching the gripping plate 58 of deployment equipment 38 to the fitting body 42 of pipe fitting 18 (process frame 77) and actuating the pressing plate 60 of deployment equipment 38 toward the gripping plate 58 (process frame 78).

[0059] Furthermore, as described above, in some embodiments, the pipe fitting 18 may include one or more fitting seals 52 that at least partially protrude into the lumen 54. For example, the fitting seal may protrude from the outer surface of the fitting pipe 44 or the inner surface of the fitting sheath 50. In other words, in such embodiments, deforming the fitting sheath surrounding the pipe segment 22 may include pressing the pipe segment 22 and one or more fitting seals 52 against each other in the lumen 54 (process block 80).

[0060] As described above, in some embodiments, to facilitate increasing the mating surface area between the fitting seal 52 in the pipe fitting 18 and the pipe 22 of the pipe segment 20, a band seal (e.g., flat) with a multi-sided (e.g., rectangular or pentagonal) axial cross-sectional profile may be used as the fitting seal, instead of an O-ring with a circular (e.g., single-sided) or semi-circular axial cross-sectional profile. However, as described above, in some examples, using a band seal as the fitting seal 52 in the pipe fitting 18 may cause multiple sealing angles of the fitting seal 52 to protrude beyond the adjacent fitting housing surface of the pipe fitting 18. Furthermore, as described above, due to movement of the pipe segment 22 in the lumen 52, the protruding sealing angles of the fitting seal 52 in the pipe fitting 18 may cause the fitting seal to unintentionally shift from its target position in the corresponding lumen 52, which, at least in some examples, may affect (e.g., reduce) its subsequent mating surface area, and thus affect its subsequent seal integrity and the potential perceived quality of the pipe fitting 18. For example, during insertion into lumen 54, pipe segment 22 may get stuck on the protruding sealing angle of fitting seal 52, which is oriented toward the open end of lumen 54, and therefore, continued insertion may inadvertently roll at least a portion of fitting seal out of the corresponding sealing cavity.

[0061] Therefore, in order to improve sealing integrity and / or perceived pipe fitting quality, this disclosure provides techniques for implementing pipe fittings 18 with fitting seals 52 having one or more protruding portions, which reduces the likelihood of unintentional (e.g., undesirable) displacement in the corresponding lumen 54 of the pipe fitting 18. In some embodiments, to further reduce the likelihood of unintentional seal displacement, the fitting seal 52 may be implemented with a wedge-shaped axial cross-sectional protruding profile, for example, oriented toward the open end of the lumen 54. In this way, as will be described in more detail below, the techniques described in this disclosure can help reduce the likelihood of the pipe segment 22 in the lumen 54 unintentionally becoming stuck and thus unintentionally displacing the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 in the lumen 54, for example, during insertion of the pipe segment 22 into the lumen 54.

[0062] To help illustrate, Figure 6 The diagram shows an example cross-section of portion 82 of pipe fitting 18, which includes one or more wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seals 52. As will be described in more detail below, in some embodiments, the depicted portion 82 may be included in a centerline pipe fitting 18. In other embodiments, the depicted portion 82 may be included in a pipe end fitting 18.

[0063] In any case, as depicted, portion 82 of pipe fitting 18 includes a portion of its fitting body 42—that is, a portion of the gripping ring 46 and a portion of the fitting conduit 44—and a fitting sheath 50 of its fitting housing 41. Specifically, as depicted, for example, the fitting housing 41 is configured to define (e.g., enclose) a lumen 54 such that the lumen 54 extends from the inner surface 84 of the fitting sheath 50 to the outer surface 86 of the fitting conduit 44. As described above, for example, the lumen 54 of pipe fitting 18 may be configured to interface with the pipe 22 of pipe segment 20, such that pipe segment 22 is secured and sealed within the lumen 54.

[0064] Furthermore, as described above, in some embodiments, to facilitate securing the pipe segment 22 within the cavity 54 defined within the fitting housing 41, forging techniques can be used to conformally deform at least a portion of the fitting housing 41 around the pipe segment 21. For example, as described above, the pipe segment 22 can be inserted from the open end 88 of the cavity 54 toward the closed end 90 of the cavity 54, and the deployment equipment 38 (e.g., a forging machine) can be operated to compress the fitting sheath 50 inward, causing the fitting sheath 50 to conformally deform around the pipe segment 20 within the cavity 54. To improve safety strength, as in the depicted examples, in some embodiments, one or more teeth (e.g., serrations) 92 can be implemented on the outer surface 86 of the fitting pipe 44, for example, such that one or more teeth 92 extend circumferentially along the outer surface 86.

[0065] However, it should be understood that the examples depicted are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Specifically, in other embodiments, the fitting housing 41 may not include teeth 92 implemented on the outer surface 86 of its fitting conduit 44. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the fitting housing 41 may include one or more teeth (e.g., serrations) 92 implemented on the inner surface 84 of one or more of its fitting sheath 50.

[0066] In any case, as depicted, the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 includes a flush sealing angle 94 oriented toward the open end 88 of the lumen 54 and substantially (e.g., relatively) flush with the adjacent surface of the fitting housing 41. Furthermore, as depicted, the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 includes a protruding sealing angle 96 oriented toward the closed end of the lumen 54 and protruding from the adjacent surface of the fitting housing 41, for example, by one or more orders of magnitude more than the flush sealing angle 94. Additionally, as depicted, the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 includes an inclined protruding sealing surface 97 connecting the flush sealing angle 94 and the protruding sealing angle 96 and oriented toward the open end 88 of the lumen 54. Therefore, in at least some instances, implementing the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 in this manner can help reduce the possibility of the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 being unintentionally displaced, for example, as the pipe segment 22 is inserted into the lumen 54 and slides along the inclined protruding sealing surface 97, rather than being stuck on the sealing angle of the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52.

[0067] However, it should be understood again that the examples depicted are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. For example, in some embodiments, the pipe fitting 18 may additionally or alternatively include (e.g., a second) a wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 that protrudes from the inner surface 84 of the fitting sheath 50. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the inclined protruding sealing surfaces 97 of one or more wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seals 52 protruding into the lumen 54 may be oriented toward the closed end 90 of the lumen 54. Additionally or alternatively, in other embodiments, for example, one or more wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seals 52 may be implemented closer to the closed end 90 of the corresponding lumen 54 rather than closer to its open end 88, such as... Figure 6 Examples described in the text.

[0068] In any case, to further reduce the possibility of unintentional seal displacement, as described above, the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 may be partially recessed into the corresponding fitting housing 41. Specifically, as depicted, the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 includes a band (e.g., flat) seal 99 having a multi-sided axial cross-sectional profile, implemented in a sealing groove 98 recessed in the fitting housing 41 of the pipe fitting 18 and leading to the lumen 54. When implemented in this manner, as in the depicted example, a first (e.g., recessed) portion of the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 may be located within the sealing groove 98, while a second (e.g., protruding) portion of the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 extends out of the sealing groove 98.

[0069] To help illustrate, Figure 7The diagram shows an example cross-section of a portion 100A of a pipe fitting 18, which includes a portion 101A of its fitting housing 41 and a wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52. As depicted, the fitting housing portion 101A includes a sealing groove 98A recessed from the fitting housing surface 102. Specifically, as depicted, the sealing groove 98A includes a groove base surface 104A that is parallel (e.g., concentric) to the fitting housing surface 101 and has a quadrilateral (e.g., rectangular) axial cross-sectional profile. In other words, Figure 7 The sealing groove 98A is a quadrilateral (e.g., rectangular) sealing groove 98A.

[0070] In some embodiments, the depicted fitting housing portion 101A may be included within the fitting conduit 44 of the pipe fitting 18. In other words, in such embodiments, the fitting housing surface 102 may be the outer surface 86 of the fitting conduit 44. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the depicted fitting housing portion 101A may be included within the fitting sleeve 50 of the pipe fitting 18. In other words, in such embodiments, the fitting housing surface 102 may be the inner surface 84 of the fitting sleeve 50. Furthermore, as will be described in more detail below, in some embodiments, the depicted portion 100A of the pipe fitting 18 may be included within the centerline pipe fitting 18, while in other embodiments, the depicted portion 100A of the pipe fitting 18 may be included within the pipe end fitting 18.

[0071] In any case, such as Figure 7 As depicted, a band (e.g., flat) seal 99A is disposed in a quadrilateral sealing groove 98A to facilitate the implementation of a wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52. As depicted, when the band seal 99A is disposed in the quadrilateral sealing groove 98A, the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 includes a flush sealing angle 94A that is substantially (e.g., relatively) flush with the fitting housing surface 102 and a protruding sealing angle 96A that protrudes beyond the fitting housing surface 102, for example, by one or more orders of magnitude more than the flush sealing angle 94A. Furthermore, as depicted, the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 includes an inclined protruding sealing surface 97A connecting the flush sealing angle 94A and the protruding sealing angle 96A. In other words, as depicted, when the band seal 99A is disposed in the quadrilateral sealing groove 98A, the resulting fitting seal 52 has a wedge-shaped axial cross-sectional profile and is therefore a wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal.

[0072] In some embodiments, the seal 99 used in the wedge-shaped protrusion profile fitting seal 52 may be implemented using an elastic material (e.g., rubber). Therefore, in such embodiments, the recessed portion of the wedge-shaped protrusion profile fitting seal 52 may generally correspond to a corresponding sealing groove 98 in which the seal 99 is disposed. For example, as Figure 7As depicted, the sealing base surface 103A of the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 generally coincides with the groove base surface 104A of the quadrilateral sealing groove 98A. Furthermore, as depicted, the first sealing side surface 108A of the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52, connecting the flush sealing angle 94A and the first recessed sealing angle 106A, generally coincides with the first groove side surface 112A of the quadrilateral sealing groove 98A, such that the first recessed sealing angle 106A is positioned within the first recessed groove angle 110A of the quadrilateral sealing groove 98A. Additionally, as depicted, the recessed portion of the second sealing side surface 116A, connecting the protruding sealing angle 96A and the second recessed sealing angle 114A of the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52, generally coincides with the second groove side surface 120A of the quadrilateral sealing groove 98A, such that the second recessed sealing angle 114A is positioned within the first recessed groove angle 118A of the quadrilateral sealing groove 98A.

[0073] In fact, when implemented using an elastic material, in some embodiments, the elasticity of the seal 99 can be utilized to facilitate securing the seal in the corresponding sealing groove 98. For example, in some such embodiments, the default (e.g., unstretched, undeformed, and / or original) circumference of the sealing base surface 103 of the seal 99 may be smaller than the circumference of the groove base surface 104 of the corresponding sealing groove 98 implemented along the outer surface 86 of the fitting conduit 44. Therefore, in such embodiments, the seal 99 can be positioned in the sealing groove 98 at least partially by stretching (e.g., expanding) the seal 99 from its default circumference to fit the sealing groove 98, thereby implementing the expectation that the seal 99 returns to its default circumference to facilitate securing the seal 99 in the sealing groove 98. In other words, when positioned in the sealing groove 98, the thickness of the seal 99 may be reduced from its default (e.g., unstretched, undeformed, and / or original) thickness.

[0074] As will be described in more detail below, in some embodiments, the construction (e.g., stretching) of the seal 99 to the corresponding sealing groove 98 can alter the general shape of its axial cross-sectional profile, for example, changing it from a rectangular axial cross-sectional profile to a hexagonal axial cross-sectional profile. However, despite Figure 7 The thickness of the sealing element 99A can be reduced from its default thickness, but in some embodiments, once placed in the quadrilateral sealing groove 98A, the general shape of its axial cross-sectional profile can match the general shape of its default axial cross-sectional profile, for example, at least in part due to the uniform recess depth of the quadrilateral sealing groove 98A. In other words, in such embodiments, the default axial cross-sectional profile of the sealing element 99A can be wedge-shaped, and therefore, Figure 7 The 99A with seal can be a wedge-shaped 99A with seal.

[0075] In any case, to facilitate the implementation of the flush seal angle 94A, as depicted, for example, the recess depth of the first recessed groove angle 110A (e.g., the length of the first groove side surface 112A) is typically matched with the thickness of the wedge-shaped protrusion profile fitting seal 52 at the flush seal angle 94A (e.g., the length of the first sealing side surface 108A), and the recess depth of the second groove angle 118A (e.g., the length of the second groove side surface 120A) is also matched with the thickness of the wedge-shaped protrusion profile fitting seal 52 at the flush seal angle 94A. However, as described above, in some embodiments, the band seal 99A used in the wedge-shaped protrusion profile fitting seal 52 may be implemented using a resilient material, and therefore, the thickness of the wedge-shaped protrusion profile fitting seal 52 may differ from (e.g., be less than) the default thickness of the band seal 99. Therefore, to facilitate the implementation of the flush sealing angle 94A, in some such embodiments, the recess depth of the first recessed groove angle 110A may be implemented to match the expected (e.g., stretched) thickness of the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52, which is expected to appear at the flush sealing angle 94A when the seal 99A is placed in the quadrilateral sealing groove 98A. In other such embodiments, the seal 99A placed in the quadrilateral sealing groove 98A may be selected and / or designed such that, when placed in the quadrilateral sealing groove 98A, the expected thickness at the flush sealing angle 94A matches the recess depth of the quadrilateral sealing groove 98A.

[0076] In any case, as described above, in some embodiments, the flush sealing angle 94A of the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 may be oriented toward the open end 88 of the lumen 54, while the protruding sealing angle 96A in the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 may be oriented toward the closed end 90 of the lumen 54. In other words, in such embodiments, the inclined protruding sealing surface 97A connecting the flush sealing angle 94A and the protruding sealing angle 96A may be oriented toward the open end 88 of the lumen 54. Thus, implementing the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 in this manner (e.g., with seal 99A and quadrilateral sealing groove 98A) can help reduce the possibility that the pipe segment 22 may unintentionally become stuck on the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 when inserted into the lumen 54, for example, because the pipe segment 22 instead slides along the inclined protruding sealing surface 97A of the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52. In other words, implementing the pipe fitting 18 in this manner can help reduce the likelihood that the fitting seal 52 will unintentionally shift (e.g., roll out) from the corresponding sealing groove 98, which can help improve seal integrity at least in some cases, and thus improve the potential perceived quality of the pipe fitting 18.

[0077] However, it should be understood that the examples depicted are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Specifically, in other embodiments, the sealing groove 98 and / or the corresponding sealing element 99 may be implemented with different... Figure 7 The axial cross-sectional profile of the example depicted. For example, in other embodiments, the sealing groove 98 may be implemented with a non-quadrilateral axial cross-sectional profile, and the seal 99 may be implemented with a quadrilateral (e.g., rectangular) default axial cross-sectional profile.

[0078] To help illustrate, Figure 8 The image shows another example cross-section of portion 100B of the pipe fitting 18, which includes portion 101B of the fitting housing 41 and a wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52. As depicted, the fitting housing portion 101B includes a sealing groove 98B recessed from the fitting housing surface 102. Specifically, as depicted, the groove base surface 104B of the sealing groove 98B includes a first portion 126 inclined (e.g., inclined at a non-zero angle) relative to the fitting housing surface 102 and a second portion 128 parallel (e.g., concentric) to the fitting housing surface 104. In other words, Figure 8 The sealing groove 98B is an inclined (e.g., pentagonal) sealing groove 98B.

[0079] In some embodiments, the depicted fitting housing portion 101B may be included within the fitting conduit 44 of the pipe fitting 18. In other words, in such embodiments, the fitting housing surface 102 may be the outer surface 86 of the fitting conduit 44. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the depicted fitting housing portion 101B may be included within the fitting sleeve 50 of the pipe fitting 16. In other words, in such embodiments, the fitting housing surface 102 may be the inner surface 84 of the fitting sleeve 50. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the depicted portion 100B of the pipe fitting 18 may be included within the centerline pipe fitting 18, while in other embodiments, the depicted portion 100B of the pipe fitting 18 may be included within the pipe end fitting 18.

[0080] To help illustrate, Figure 9 The image shows an example cross-section of a centerline pipe fitting housing 41A including an inclined sealing groove 98B. As depicted, the centerline pipe fitting housing 41A includes fitting sleeves 50—namely, a first fitting sleeve 50A and a second fitting sleeve 50B—and a fitting body 42A. Furthermore, as depicted, the fitting body 42A includes a fitting conduit 44A defining a fitting orifice 48A and a gripping ring 46A surrounding the fitting conduit 44A.

[0081] In some embodiments, Figure 9 The 46A grab ring is generally compatible. Figure 4 The grasping ring 46. Furthermore, in some embodiments, Figure 9The accessory sleeve 50 is generally compatible. Figure 4 Accessory sleeves. In other words, similar to... Figure 4 , Figure 9 The first fitting sleeve 50A is implemented to facilitate the definition (e.g., enclosure) of the first lumen 54A, while Figure 9 The second fitting sleeve 50B is implemented to facilitate the definition of the second lumen 54B. However, as depicted, for example, when Figure 4 When the first accessory sleeve 50A is in a deformed state... Figure 9 The first accessory sleeve 50A is in an undeformed state so that the pipe section 22 can be inserted into the first cavity 54A.

[0082] Furthermore, as in the depicted example, multiple inclined sealing grooves 98B may be implemented along the corresponding fitting housing surface 102 of the centerline pipe fitting housing 41A. Specifically, as depicted, to facilitate sealing the pipe segment 22 in the first cavity 54A, the inclined sealing groove 98B is implemented circumferentially along the first outer surface 86A of the fitting pipe 44A. Furthermore, as depicted, to facilitate sealing the pipe segment 22 in the second cavity 54, another inclined sealing groove 98B is implemented circumferentially along the second outer surface 86B of the fitting pipe 44A.

[0083] However, it should be understood that the examples depicted are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Specifically, in other embodiments, one or more inclined sealing grooves 98B may additionally or alternatively be implemented along the first inner surface 84A of the first fitting sleeve 50A and / or along the second inner surface 84B of the second fitting sleeve 50B. Furthermore, in other embodiments, Figure 7 One or more quadrilateral (e.g., rectangular) sealing grooves 98A may additionally or alternatively be implemented along the corresponding fitting housing surface 102 of the centerline pipe fitting housing 41A. Furthermore, as described above, in other embodiments, Figure 8 One or more inclined sealing grooves 98B may be implemented in the pipe end fitting 18.

[0084] To help illustrate, Figure 10 The image shows an example cross-section of a pipe end fitting housing 41B including an inclined sealing groove 98B. As depicted, the pipe end fitting housing 41B includes a fitting sleeve 50 and a fitting body 42B. Furthermore, as depicted, the fitting body 42B includes a fitting conduit 44B defining a fitting orifice 48B and a gripping ring 46B implemented around the fitting conduit 44B.

[0085] In some embodiments, Figure 10 The 46B grab ring is generally compatible. Figure 4 The grasping ring 46. Furthermore, in some embodiments, Figure 11 The accessory sleeve 50 is generally compatible. Figure 4 The second accessory sleeve 50B. Specifically, as depicted, Figure 10 The fitting sleeve 50 is implemented to facilitate the definition of the lumen 54, which opens toward the first end 130 of the fitting housing 41B at the pipe end.

[0086] However, as Figure 10 As depicted, for example, the second (e.g., opposite) end 132 of the pipe end fitting housing 41B includes a weld neck 134, which can be used at least partially to connect the pipe end fitting housing 41B and thus the corresponding pipe end fitting 18 to the orifice fluid source 12 and / or orifice fluid destination 14 by directly fixing (e.g., welding) the weld neck 134 to it and / or via a flange fixed (e.g., welded) to the weld neck 134. Furthermore, as in the depicted example, one or more inclined sealing grooves 98B may be implemented along one or more corresponding housing surfaces 102 of the pipe end fitting housing 41B. Specifically, as depicted, to facilitate sealing the pipe segment 22 within the lumen 54, the inclined sealing groove 98B is circumferentially implemented along the outer surface 86 of the fitting pipe 44B.

[0087] However, it should be understood that the examples depicted are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Specifically, in other embodiments, a plurality of inclined sealing grooves 98B may be implemented along the outer surface 86 of the fitting conduit 44B. Additionally or alternatively, in other embodiments, Figure 7 One or more quadrilateral (e.g., rectangular) sealing grooves 98A may be implemented along the corresponding fitting housing surface 102 of the pipe end fitting housing 41B. Furthermore, in other embodiments, one or more inclined sealing grooves 98B may additionally or alternatively be implemented along the inner surface 84 of the fitting sheath 50.

[0088] In any case, return Figure 8 As depicted, a band (e.g., flat) seal 99B is positioned within an inclined sealing groove 98B to facilitate the implementation of a wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52. Specifically, as depicted, when the band seal 99B is positioned within the inclined sealing groove 98B, the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 includes a flush sealing angle 94B that is substantially (e.g., relatively) flush with the fitting housing surface 102 and a protruding sealing angle 96B that protrudes beyond the fitting housing surface 102, for example, by one or more orders of magnitude more than the flush sealing angle 94B. Furthermore, as depicted, the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 includes an inclined protruding sealing surface 97B that connects between the flush sealing angle 94B and the protruding sealing angle 96B.

[0089] As described above, in some embodiments, the seal 99 used in the wedge-shaped protrusion profile fitting seal 52 may be implemented using an elastic material, and therefore, the recessed portion of the wedge-shaped protrusion profile fitting seal 52 may substantially coincide with the corresponding sealing groove 98 in which the seal 99 is disposed. For example, as Figure 8 As depicted, the first sealing side surface 108B of the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52, connecting the flush sealing angle 94B and the first recessed sealing angle 106B, generally coincides with the first groove side surface 112B of the inclined sealing groove 98B, such that the first recessed sealing angle 106B is positioned within the first recessed groove angle 110B of the inclined sealing groove 98B. Furthermore, as depicted, the recessed portion of the second sealing side surface 116B, connecting the protruding sealing angle 96B and the second recessed sealing angle 114B of the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52, generally coincides with the second groove side surface 120B of the inclined sealing groove 98B, such that the second recessed sealing angle 114B is positioned within the second recessed groove angle 118B of the inclined sealing groove 98B.

[0090] Furthermore, as depicted, the sealing base surface 103B of the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 generally coincides with the groove base surface 104B of the inclined sealing groove 98B. Specifically, as depicted, the first portion 136 of the sealing base surface 103B generally coincides with the first (e.g., inclined) portion 126 of the groove base surface 104B, and is therefore inclined (e.g., at a non-zero angle) relative to the fitting housing surface 102. Furthermore, as depicted, the second portion 138 of the sealing base surface 103B generally coincides with the second (e.g., parallel) portion 128 of the groove base surface 104B, and is therefore parallel (e.g., concentric) with the fitting housing surface 102.

[0091] In fact, in some embodiments, the construction of the seal 99B with the inclined sealing groove 98B may cause the axial cross-sectional profile of the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 to deviate from the default (e.g., unstretched, undeformed, and / or original) axial cross-sectional profile of the seal 99B. Specifically, as depicted, when the seal 99B is positioned in the inclined sealing groove 98B to implement the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52, it has an inclined and / or hexagonal axial cross-sectional profile. However, in some embodiments, the seal 99B may have a quadrilateral (e.g., rectangular) axial cross-sectional profile before being positioned in the inclined sealing groove 98B. In other words, in such embodiments, Figure 8 The seal 99B may have a quadrilateral default axial cross-sectional profile, and therefore may be a quadrilateral (e.g., rectangular) seal 99B.

[0092] In any case, to facilitate the implementation of the flush seal angle 94B, as depicted, for example, the recess depth of the first recessed groove angle 110B (e.g., the length of the first groove side surface 112B) is typically matched with the thickness of the wedge-shaped protrusion profile fitting seal 52 at the flush seal angle 94B (e.g., the length of the first sealing side surface 108B), while the recess depth of the second recessed groove angle 118B (e.g., the length of the second groove side surface 120B) is less than the thickness of the wedge-shaped protrusion profile fitting seal 52 at the flush seal angle 94B. However, as described above, in some embodiments, the wedge-shaped protrusion profile fitting seal 52 may be implemented using a resilient material, and therefore, the thickness of the wedge-shaped protrusion profile fitting seal 52 may differ from (e.g., be less than) the default thickness of the seal 99B. Therefore, to facilitate the implementation of the flush sealing angle 94B, in some such embodiments, the recess depth of the first recessed groove angle 110B may be implemented to match the expected (e.g., stretched) thickness of the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 expected to appear at the flush sealing angle 94B when the seal 99B is placed in the inclined sealing groove 98B. In other such embodiments, the seal 99B placed in the inclined sealing groove 98A may be selected and / or designed such that, when placed in the inclined sealing groove 98B, the expected thickness at the flush angle 94B matches the recess depth of the first recessed groove angle 110B.

[0093] In any case, as described above, in some embodiments, the flush sealing angle 94B of the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 may be oriented toward the open end 88 of the corresponding lumen 54, while the protruding sealing angle 96B of the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 may be oriented toward the closed end 90 of the lumen 54. In other words, in such embodiments, the inclined protruding sealing surface 97B connecting the flush sealing angle 94B and the protruding sealing angle 96B may be oriented toward the open end 88 of the lumen 54. Thus, implementing the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 in this manner (e.g., with seal 99B and quadrilateral sealing groove 98B) can help reduce the possibility that the pipe segment 22 may unintentionally become stuck on the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 when inserted into the lumen 54, because the pipe segment 22 instead slides along the inclined protruding sealing surface 97B of the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52. In other words, implementing the pipe fitting 18 in this manner can help reduce the likelihood that the fitting seal 52 will unintentionally shift (e.g., roll out) from the corresponding sealing groove 98, which can help improve seal integrity at least in some cases, and thus improve the potential perceived quality of the pipe fitting 18.

[0094] To help further illustrate, Figure 11The present invention describes an example of a process 140 for implementing a pipe fitting 18, which includes one or more wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seals 52. Typically, process 140 includes implementing a fitting housing (process block 142) and implementing a sealing groove in the fitting housing (process block 144). In addition, process 140 typically includes implementing a sealing element in the sealing groove (process block 146).

[0095] Although described in a specific order corresponding to embodiments of this disclosure, it should be understood that the example process 140 is intended to be illustrative and not limiting only. Specifically, in other embodiments, the process 140 for implementing the pipe fitting 18 may include one or more additional process blocks and / or omit one or more of the depicted process blocks. Furthermore, in other embodiments, one or more of the depicted process blocks may be performed in a different order. As an illustrative and non-limiting example only, in some other embodiments, for example, a sealing groove 98 and / or a seal 99 may be implemented in the pipe fitting 18 before the fitting housing 41 is implemented, such that the sealing groove 98 and / or the seal 99 are implemented before the fitting sleeve 50 is engaged with the corresponding fitting body 42.

[0096] In any case, as described above, pipe fitting 18 typically includes a fitting housing 41. Therefore, implementing pipe fitting 18 typically includes implementing its fitting housing 41 (process block 142). Furthermore, as described above, in some embodiments, the fitting housing 41 of pipe fitting 18 may include a fitting body 42 and one or more fitting sleeves 50 coupled to the fitting body 42. In other words, in such embodiments, implementing fitting housing 41 may include implementing fitting body 42 (process block 148) and coupling one or more fitting sleeves 50 to fitting body 42 (process block 150).

[0097] Furthermore, as described above, in some embodiments, the fitting body 42 of the pipe fitting 18 may include a fitting conduit 44 implemented to define (e.g., enclose) a fitting orifice 48 and a gripping ring 46 implemented around the fitting conduit 44. In other words, in such embodiments, the fitting body 42 may be implemented at least partially by implementing (e.g., milling) the fitting conduit 44 to define the fitting orifice 48 and implementing (e.g., placing) the gripping ring 46 around the fitting conduit 44. Additionally, in some embodiments, the fitting sleeve 50 may be at least partially coupled to the fitting body 42 by welding the fitting sleeve 50 to the gripping ring 46 of the fitting body 42.

[0098] Furthermore, as described above, to help reduce the possibility of unintentional seal displacement, the pipe fitting 18 may include one or more sealing grooves 98, each recessed into the fitting housing 41. In other words, implementing the pipe fitting 18 may include implementing one or more sealing grooves 98 on its fitting housing 41 (process block 144). For example, in some embodiments, the sealing groove 98 may be implemented in the fitting housing 41 at least partially by removing (e.g., milling) material from the outer surface 86 of its fitting conduit 44. Additionally or alternatively, the sealing groove 98 may be implemented in the fitting housing 41 at least partially by removing (e.g., milling) material from the inner surface 84 of the fitting sleeve 50. In other words, the sealing groove 98 may be implemented in the fitting housing 41 at least partially by engaging the corresponding fitting housing surface 102 (e.g., the inner surface 84 of the fitting sleeve 50 and / or the outer surface 86 of the fitting conduit 44).

[0099] To facilitate improved access to the accessory housing surface 102, in some embodiments, a sealing groove 98 may be implemented before the accessory housing 41 is fully assembled. For example, in some such embodiments, a sealing groove 98 may be implemented on the accessory conduit 44 of the accessory body 42 before the accessory sleeve 50 is coupled to the accessory conduit 44 of the accessory body 42. Alternatively, the sealing groove 98 may be implemented in the accessory sleeve 50 before the accessory sleeve 50 is coupled to the accessory body 42.

[0100] In addition, as mentioned above... Figure 8 As described, in some embodiments, the sealing groove 98 in the fitting housing 41 may be an inclined sealing groove 98B having a groove base surface 104B that is at least partially inclined (e.g., at a non-zero angle) relative to the adjacent fitting housing surface 102. In other words, in such embodiments, implementing the sealing groove 98 may include implementing an inclined sealing groove 98B in the fitting housing 41 (process block 152). Furthermore, as described above regarding... Figure 7 As described, in some embodiments, the sealing groove 98 in the accessory housing 41 may be a quadrilateral sealing groove 98A having a groove base surface 104A that is parallel (e.g., concentric) to the adjacent accessory housing surface 102. In other words, in such embodiments, implementing the sealing groove 98 may include implementing a quadrilateral sealing groove 98A in the accessory housing 41 (process block 154).

[0101] As described above, to facilitate sealing of the pipe segment 22 therein, the pipe fitting 18 may include one or more band (e.g., flat) seals 99, each having a multi-sided (e.g., quadrilateral or wedge-shaped) axial cross-sectional profile implemented in a corresponding sealing groove 98. In other words, implementing the pipe fitting 18 may include implementing (e.g., placing) one or more band seals 99 in a corresponding sealing groove 98 (process block 146). As described above, in some embodiments, the band seals 99 may be implemented using an elastic material (e.g., rubber), and the default (e.g., unstretched, undeformed, and / or original) circumference of its sealing base surface 103 may be smaller than the circumference of the groove base surface 104 of the corresponding sealing groove 98. Therefore, in such embodiments, the band seals 99 may be placed in the sealing groove 98 at least partially by stretching and sliding the band seals into the sealing groove 98, thereby utilizing the expectation that the band seals 98 return to their default circumference to facilitate securing the band seals 99 in the sealing groove 99.

[0102] In some embodiments, the sealing element 99 may be secured in the sealing groove 98 in a different manner, either additionally or alternatively. For example, the sealing element 98 may be secured in the sealing groove 98 at least partially using an adhesive (e.g., glue) applied between the sealing element 99 and the sealing groove 98. Alternatively, the sealing element 99 may be secured in the sealing groove 98 at least partially using clips that partially cover the sealing groove 98. In any case, the sealing element 99 may be implemented in the sealing groove 98 at least partially by interfacing with the sealing groove 98.

[0103] To facilitate improved access to the sealing groove 98, in some embodiments, the sealing element 99 may be implemented in the sealing groove 98 before the fitting housing 41 is fully assembled. For example, in some such embodiments, the sealing element 99 may be placed on the fitting conduit 44 of the fitting body 42 before the fitting sleeve 50 is coupled to the fitting conduit 44 of the fitting body 42. Alternatively, the sealing element 99 may be placed in the sealing groove 98 on the fitting sleeve 50 before the fitting sleeve 50 is coupled to the fitting body 42.

[0104] However, in other embodiments, the seal 99 may be implemented in the sealing groove 98 after the accessory housing 41 is fully assembled. In other words, in such embodiments, the seal 99 may be positioned in the sealing groove 98 at least partially by inserting (e.g., sliding) the seal 98 through the open end 88 of the corresponding lumen 54. Indeed, in some such embodiments, the seal may be implemented in the sealing groove 99 by a entity different from the entity implementing the accessory housing 41 and / or the sealing groove 98. For example, the manufacturer may implement the accessory housing 41 and the sealing groove 98 in a manufacturing facility (e.g., a factory), while the seal is positioned in the sealing groove 98 by a field maintenance technician.

[0105] In any case, as described above, placing the seal 99 within the sealing groove 98 facilitates the implementation of the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52. Specifically, as described above regarding Figure 8 As described, in some embodiments, the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 may be implemented at least in part by placing a strip seal 98 having a quadrilateral (e.g., rectangular) axial cross-sectional profile in an inclined sealing groove 98B (process block 156). Furthermore, as described above regarding... Figure 7 As described, in some embodiments, the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal 52 (process block 158) may be implemented at least in part by placing a seal 99 having a wedge-shaped axial cross-sectional profile in a quadrilateral sealing groove 98A.

[0106] In this manner, the technology described in this disclosure can facilitate the implementation of pipe fittings with one or more wedge-shaped axially projecting profile fitting seals. As described above, implementing wedge-shaped axially projecting profile fitting seals according to the technology described in this disclosure can help reduce the likelihood of the wedge-shaped projecting profile fitting seal unintentionally shifting (e.g., rolling out) from the corresponding sealing groove, for example, at least in part due to the sealing angle of the wedge-shaped projecting profile mating seal, which is oriented toward the open end of the corresponding lumen and flush with the adjacent surface of the lumen, thereby reducing the likelihood of the pipe segment being inserted into the lumen and getting stuck on the sealing angle. In other words, since seal integrity generally depends on the mating surface area between the fitting seal (e.g., the wedge-shaped projecting profile) and the pipe segment, implementing pipe fittings according to the technology of this disclosure can help improve seal integrity and thus improve the potential perceived quality of the pipe fitting, at least in some instances.

[0107] Although this disclosure has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will understand that other embodiments can be designed without departing from the scope of this disclosure as described herein. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should be limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pipeline system including pipe fittings, wherein the pipe fittings comprise: A fitting housing configured to define a fitting orifice through the pipe fitting and a cavity surrounding the fitting orifice, wherein: The lumen is configured to interface with a pipe section to facilitate fluid connection of the fitting orifice to the pipe orifice defined by the pipe section; and The fitting housing includes a sealing groove leading to the lumen, wherein the sealing groove is recessed into the surface of the fitting housing, the surface of the fitting housing facilitating the definition of the lumen, and includes a groove base surface that is at least partially inclined relative to the surface of the fitting housing, wherein the groove base surface includes: The first part, which forms a non-zero angle relative to the surface of the accessory housing; and The second part is parallel to the surface of the accessory housing; and With a seal, it has a multi-sided axial cross-sectional profile, wherein: The sealing element is configured to be placed in the sealing groove to implement a fitting seal in the pipe fitting. The fitting seal includes a protruding portion having a wedge-shaped axial cross-sectional profile that protrudes beyond the surface of the fitting housing into the lumen to facilitate sealing a fluid conduit implemented in an annulus of the pipe segment within the lumen of the pipe fitting; and The sealing element comprises a quadrilateral axial cross-sectional profile before being placed in the sealing groove.

2. The pipeline system of claim 1, wherein the fitting seal, created by placing the sealing element in the sealing groove, comprises: The first sealing angle is flush with the adjacent portion of the surface of the accessory housing; The second sealing angle protrudes beyond the surface of the accessory housing and enters the cavity; and An inclined protruding sealing surface is connected between the first sealing angle and the second sealing angle, wherein the pipe fitting is configured to allow the pipe segment to slide along the inclined protruding sealing surface of the fitting seal, thereby reducing the possibility of the pipe segment moving within the cavity and removing the sealing element from the sealing groove.

3. The pipeline system according to claim 1, wherein the fitting housing of the pipeline fitting comprises: Fitting pipe, configured to define the fitting hole through which the pipe fitting passes; A gripping ring is implemented around the fitting pipe, wherein the gripping ring is configured to be coupled to a deployment device that operates to facilitate securing the pipe segment within the lumen of the pipe fitting; and A fitting sleeve, which is attached to the gripping ring, facilitates the definition of the lumen between the inner surface of the fitting sleeve and the outer surface of the fitting conduit.

4. The pipeline system of claim 3, wherein the sealing groove of the pipe fitting is circumferentially provided along the outer surface of the fitting pipe or the inner surface of the fitting sheath.

5. The pipeline system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sealing element is configured to be disposed in the sealing groove in at least part of the following manner: Stretch the sealed element from the default circumference to a larger circumference; and The sealing element is inserted into the sealing groove through the open end of the tube, while the sealing element is stretched to the larger circumference.

6. A method of implementing a pipeline system, comprising implementing pipe fittings at least in part by: Implementing the accessory housing, wherein implementing the accessory housing includes: The fitting body is implemented to define a fitting orifice, the fitting orifice allowing fluid to flow through the pipe fitting; and The fitting sleeve is attached to the fitting body to facilitate defining a lumen for the pipe interface with the pipe section where the pipe fitting is deployed, wherein: The main body of the accessory includes: Implement fittings to define fitting orifices that allow fluid to flow through the fittings; and A gripping ring is applied around the pipe fitting to allow a deployment device, which operates to conformally deform the fitting sheath of the pipe segment existing in the cavity, to be connected to the pipe fitting; and Connecting the accessory sleeve to the accessory body includes connecting the accessory sleeve to the gripping ring; and A wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal is implemented in the fitting housing at least partially by removing material from the fitting housing surface adjacent to the lumen, which facilitates sealing the pipe segment in the lumen. This is implemented in the pipe fitting at least partially by placing a band seal having a multi-sided axial cross-sectional profile in the sealing groove. When the band seal includes a quadrilateral band seal having a quadrilateral axial cross-sectional profile before being placed in the sealing groove, implementing the sealing groove in the fitting housing involves removing material from the fitting housing surface to create a sealing base surface that is at least partially inclined relative to the fitting housing surface. The wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal is implemented in the pipe fitting at least partially by placing the quadrilateral band seal in the sealing groove.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising placing the sealing element in the sealing groove to facilitate implementation of the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal, wherein the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal comprises: The first sealing portion is recessed into the sealing groove; and A second sealing portion protrudes from the sealing groove into the cavity, wherein the second sealing portion includes a wedge-shaped axial cross-sectional profile having an inclined protruding sealing surface oriented toward the open end of the cavity.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising inserting the pipe of the pipe segment through the open end of the lumen toward the closed end of the lumen, such that the pipe of the pipe segment slides along the inclined protruding sealing surface of the wedge-shaped protruding profile fitting seal.

9. A pipe fitting comprising: Accessory housing, wherein the accessory housing includes: A fitting body defining a fitting hole through the pipe fitting, wherein the fitting body is configured to be inserted into the pipe hole of a pipe segment; A fitting sleeve, which is connected to the fitting body, to facilitate defining a lumen configured for pipe interface with the pipe section; and A sealing groove is provided on the main body of the accessory, wherein: The sealing groove is configured to accommodate multiple sealing elements on each side; and The base surface of the sealing groove includes: The first part, which is parallel to the longitudinal extent of the lumen and connected to the first recessed corner at the first end of the sealing groove; and The second part is radially inwardly inclined from the first part of the base surface to the second recessed groove angle at the second end of the sealing groove.

10. The pipe fitting of claim 9, further comprising another sealing groove implemented on the fitting sheath, wherein: The other sealing groove is configured to accommodate another multi-sided sealing element; and The other base surface of the other sealing groove includes: Another first portion, which is parallel to the longitudinal extent of the lumen and connected to another first recessed groove corner at another first end of the other sealing groove; and Another second portion, which is radially outwardly inclined from the other first portion on the other base surface to another second recessed groove angle at another second end of the sealing groove.

11. The pipe fitting according to claim 9, wherein the fitting housing comprises: A fitting conduit defining a fitting hole through the fitting, wherein the fitting conduit is configured to be inserted into the fitting hole defined by the pipe segment; A gripping ring, which is fixed circumferentially around the fitting pipe, wherein: The gripping ring is configured to interface with a deployment device, which operates to facilitate securing the pipe segment within the cavity of the pipe fitting; and The fitting sleeve is connected to the gripping ring to facilitate defining the lumen between the inner surface of the fitting sleeve and the outer surface of the fitting conduit.

12. The pipe fitting of claim 9, comprising a fitting seal implemented by providing the multi-sided sealing element within the sealing groove, the fitting seal including a protruding portion having a wedge-shaped axial cross-sectional profile that protrudes beyond the sealing groove into the pipe cavity.

13. The pipe fitting of claim 12, wherein the fitting seal is configured to seal the pipe segment to facilitate sealing a fluid conduit defined in the annulus of the pipe segment within the lumen of the pipe fitting.

14. A pipe fitting comprising: Accessory housing, wherein the accessory housing includes: The fitting body, which defines the fitting hole penetrating the pipe fitting; and A fitting sleeve, the fitting sleeve being coupled to the fitting body such that the fitting sleeve extends circumferentially around the fitting body and axially along the fitting body to facilitate defining a lumen configured to interface with a pipe segment; and A sealing groove is provided on the accessory sleeve, wherein: The sealing groove is configured to accommodate a sealing element with a quadrilateral cross-section; and The base surface of the sealing groove includes: The first part is parallel to the longitudinal extent of the lumen and is connected to the first recessed corner at the first end of the sealing groove; and The second part is radially outwardly inclined from the first part of the base surface to the second recessed groove angle at the second end of the sealing groove.

15. The pipe fitting of claim 14, comprising a fitting seal implemented by providing the sealing element within the sealing groove, wherein the fitting seal includes a protruding portion having a wedge-shaped axial cross-sectional profile that protrudes beyond the sealing groove into the lumen.

16. The pipe fitting of claim 15, wherein the fitting seal is configured to seal the pipe segment to facilitate sealing a fluid conduit defined in the annulus of the pipe segment within the cavity of the pipe fitting.

17. The pipe fitting of claim 14, wherein the fitting housing comprises: A fitting conduit defining a fitting bore through the fitting, wherein the fitting conduit is configured to be inserted into the fitting bore defined by the pipe segment; as well as A gripping ring, which is fixed circumferentially around the fitting pipe, wherein: The gripping ring is configured to interface with a deployment device, which operates to facilitate securing the pipe segment within the cavity of the pipe fitting; and The fitting sleeve is coupled to the gripping ring to facilitate defining the lumen between the inner surface of the fitting sleeve and the outer surface of the fitting conduit.

18. The pipe fitting of claim 14, further comprising another sealing groove implemented on the fitting body, wherein: The other sealing groove is configured to accommodate another multi-sided sealing element; and The other base surface of the other sealing groove includes: Another first portion, which is parallel to the longitudinal extent of the lumen and connected to another first recessed groove corner at another first end of the other sealing groove; and Another second portion, which is radially inwardly inclined from the other first portion of the other base surface to another second recessed groove angle at another second end of the sealing groove.

19. A method of implementing a pipe fitting, comprising: The fitting housing of the pipe fitting is implemented at least in part as follows: Implement the fitting body to define the fitting hole through the pipe fitting; and The fitting sleeve is attached to the fitting body such that the fitting sleeve circumferentially surrounds the fitting body and extends axially along the fitting body to define a lumen for interfacing with the pipe section. as well as A sealing groove with a quadrilateral cross-section is formed on the accessory sleeve to accommodate a sealing element, such that the sealing groove is recessed into the surface of the accessory sleeve, and the base surface of the sealing groove includes: The first part is parallel to the surface of the accessory sleeve and connected to the first recessed groove corner at the first end of the sealing groove; and The second part is radially outwardly inclined from the first part of the base surface to the second recessed groove angle at the second end of the sealing groove.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising placing the sealing element in the sealing groove to implement a fitting seal in the pipe fitting, the fitting seal including a protruding portion having a wedge-shaped axial cross-sectional profile that protrudes beyond the sealing groove into the lumen.

21. The method according to claim 19, wherein: The main body of the accessory includes: Implement fitting piping to define the fitting hole through the piping fitting; and A fixed gripping ring, the gripping ring being interfaced with deployment equipment circumferentially surrounding the fitting conduit; and Implementing the accessory housing includes attaching the accessory sheath to the accessory body via the gripping ring to facilitate defining the lumen between the inner surface of the accessory sheath and the outer surface of the accessory conduit.

22. The method of claim 19, further comprising implementing a further sealing groove on the accessory body to receive another multi-sided sealing element, such that the further sealing groove is recessed in another surface of the accessory body, and the other base surface of the further sealing groove includes: Another first part, which is parallel to the other surface of the accessory body, and connected to another first recessed groove corner at another first end of the other sealing groove; as well as Another second portion, which is radially inwardly inclined from the other first portion of the other base surface to another second recessed groove angle at another second end of the sealing groove.

23. A method for implementing a pipe fitting, comprising: The fitting housing of the pipe fitting is implemented at least in part by the following means: The fitting body is to be inserted into the pipe hole of the pipe section to define the fitting hole through the pipe fitting; and The fitting sleeve is attached to the fitting body to define a lumen for pipe interfacing with the pipe section; as well as A sealing groove with a sealing element having a quadrilateral cross-section is formed on the accessory body, such that the sealing groove is recessed into the surface of the accessory body, and the base surface of the sealing groove includes: The first part is parallel to the surface of the accessory body and is connected to the first recessed groove corner at the first end of the sealing groove; and The second part is radially inwardly inclined from the first part of the base surface to the second recessed groove angle at the second end of the sealing groove.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising placing the sealing element within the sealing groove to implement a fitting seal in the pipe fitting, the fitting seal including a protrusion having a wedge-shaped axial cross-sectional profile extending beyond the seal into the lumen.

25. The method according to claim 23, wherein: The main body of the accessory includes: Implement fitting piping to define the fitting hole penetrating the piping fitting; and A fixed gripping ring, the gripping ring being circumferentially connected to the fitting conduit and the deployment equipment; and The accessory housing includes a gripping ring that connects the accessory sheath to the accessory body to facilitate defining a cavity between the inner surface of the accessory sheath and the outer surface of the accessory conduit.

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