Pipeline adapter and pipeline adaptation system

Abstract

The invention relates to a pipeline adapter and a pipeline adaptation system. The present invention relates to a pipeline adapter suitable for connecting misaligned pipelines wherein at least one of the pipelines is a plastic pipeline, the pipeline adapter comprising: a first pipeline section extending along a first longitudinal axis and having a flange end, the flange end comprising: a flange forming a mating surface; a back plate formed of a material that is more rigid than the flange, the back plate having a plurality of holes; the line adapter comprises a second conduit section extending along a second longitudinal axis, the first conduit section being in fluid communication with the second conduit section, and the first longitudinal axis forming a first predefined angle with the second longitudinal axis, the first predefined angle (alpha) being greater than or equal to 5 degrees.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a line adapter and a line adaptation system intended for use in liquid or gas pipeline systems. Background Art

[0002] Pipeline systems are critical infrastructure that enable the efficient transfer of fluids, including water, oil, and gas, over long distances. Typically, these pipeline networks are laid underground, under the sea, or onshore to ensure safety and reduce environmental impact. These networks often span different terrains, covering a wide range of geographic and geological complexities. Given these factors, it is not uncommon to encounter situations during construction where two pipelines need to be connected but are not perfectly aligned due to existing site conditions or unavoidable circumstances.

[0003] Misaligned pipelines or the problem of redirecting pipelines to avoid obstacles (such as existing pipelines) presents serious challenges in pipeline construction and maintenance, directly affecting the safety, efficiency and integrity of the entire pipeline system. Misalignment can occur for a variety of reasons, including soil movement, geological damage, differential settlement, imprecise installation, material expansion and contraction, or seismic activity. The degree of misalignment can vary significantly from minor deviations requiring simple adjustments to major differences requiring extensive remediation.

[0004] One solution to the problem of connecting misaligned lines is to use custom or made-to-order adapters. These adapters are designed to bridge the gap between two lines that are not perfectly aligned, effectively solving the misalignment problem. However, this approach is not without its complications and limitations.

[0005] First, the design and production of custom line adapters is often a complex and time-consuming process. It involves precise calculations to determine the exact dimensions and angles required to correct the misalignment. Once these specifications are determined, the adapters must be manufactured, a process that requires specialized equipment and expertise. Depending on the complexity of the misalignment and the specific requirements of the project, this can significantly extend the project timeline.

[0006] Second, using custom line adapters can introduce an additional financial burden to a project. The cost of designing and manufacturing a custom adapter is often higher than purchasing a standard, off-the-shelf part. Furthermore, this cost does not include the potential expenses associated with testing and certifying the adapter to ensure it meets the necessary industry standards.

[0007] Third, there are issues with long-term reliability and maintenance. Customized adapters inherently lack the performance and reliability track record of standardized components that have been used and tested in the industry for many years. This raises concerns about the long-term viability of the solution and the potential need for regular maintenance or replacement of the adapter.

[0008] Therefore, a solution is needed to alleviate or solve the above problems. Summary of the invention

[0009] A first aspect of the present invention provides a pipeline adapter suitable for connecting misaligned pipelines, wherein at least one of the misaligned pipelines is a plastic pipeline, and the pipeline adapter comprises: a first pipe section, which extends along a first longitudinal axis and includes a flange end, wherein the flange end includes: an outwardly extending annular flange and a back plate, the outwardly extending annular flange forms a mating surface, the back plate is formed of a material that is more rigid than the outwardly extending annular flange, and the back plate includes a plurality of holes; wherein the pipeline adapter also includes a second pipe section, which extends along a second longitudinal axis, the first pipe section is fluidically connected to the second pipe section; and wherein the first longitudinal axis forms a first predefined angle with the second longitudinal axis, wherein the first predefined angle is greater than or equal to 5 degrees.

[0010] According to the present invention, a new and improved pipeline adapter is provided for connecting misaligned pipelines and changing the route of the pipeline to avoid obstacles. A significant advantage of the adapter described herein is the presence of a back plate with multiple holes and a first predefined angle between the first pipe section and the second pipe section. These features are combined to allow the user to rotate the pipeline adapter to meet the angle required to adjust the direction of the first portion of the misaligned pipeline to face the second pipeline or at least improve the relative alignment. The second pipeline section can be truncated (for example, by cutting) or extended (by attaching another straight pipeline section or another pipeline adapter according to the present invention). In this way, the misaligned pipelines can be aligned and, optionally, connected using the provided outwardly extending annular flange and back plate.

[0011] In an embodiment, the backing plate is free to rotate relative to the first duct section.

[0012] While providing multiple holes in the back plate allows for a variety of discrete connection options, allowing the back plate to rotate relative to the first pipe segment allows for connection at any angle between the line adapter and the line.

[0013] In an embodiment, the flange end comprises a metal support ring having an inner radius greater than an inner radius of the first pipe section.

[0014] The metal support ring strengthens the connection and provides a secure support for the fluid seal between the tubing adapter and the tubing.

[0015] In an embodiment, the first pipe section and the second pipe section are butt welded together.

[0016] By butt welding the first and second pipe sections together, a strong connection is created with minimal internal variations, allowing for a seamless connection with minimal disruption to fluid flow.

[0017] In an embodiment, the outer diameter of the first pipe section and the second pipe section is equal to or greater than 90 mm.

[0018] In an embodiment, the first predefined angle is one of 5 degrees, 11.25 degrees, 22.5 degrees, 45 degrees, and 90 degrees.

[0019] In an embodiment, the outwardly extending annular flange is formed as a rim of material around the opening of the first pipe section.

[0020] In an embodiment, the outwardly extending annular flange is stepped relative to an outer diameter of a remainder of the first pipe section.

[0021] In an embodiment, the pipeline adapter includes a third pipe segment, which is fluidically connected to the second pipe segment and extends along a third longitudinal axis, wherein the third longitudinal axis forms a second predefined angle with the second longitudinal axis; the third pipe segment also includes another flange end, which includes: another outwardly extending annular flange, which forms another mating surface; another back plate, which is formed of a material that is more rigid than the other outwardly extending annular flange, and the other back plate includes a plurality of holes.

[0022] In an embodiment, the second duct segment is further defined by a transverse plane spanning a diameter of the duct, the transverse plane being perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis, and wherein the first duct segment and the third duct segment are at a rotational angle to each other about the transverse plane.

[0023] In an embodiment, the second pipe section and the third pipe section are butt welded together.

[0024] In an embodiment, the first predefined angle and the second predefined angle are equal.

[0025] Another aspect of the invention includes a line adapter system comprising a plurality of line adapters as described above, each of which is connected to at least one other line adapter such that when constructed the line adapter system connects two differently positioned lines or systems.

[0026] In an embodiment, a line adapter is connected using said flange.

[0027] In an embodiment, a pipeline adapter system includes at least one straight segment and a reinforcement ring, wherein the at least one straight segment includes a straight pipe segment having a first end and a second end, at least one of the first end and the second end including an outwardly extending annular flange, and the reinforcement ring is formed of a material that is more rigid than the straight pipe segment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or action, the highest digit(s) in the reference number refers to the figure number in which the element is first introduced.

[0029] Figure 1A A side view of a line adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0030] Figure 1B A top view of a line adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0031] Figure 2A A perspective view of a line adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0032] Figure 2B A top view of a line adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0033] Figure 3 A tubing line is shown attached to a tubing adapter according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0034] Figure 4 A tubing line is shown connected to a second tubing line using a tubing adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Figure 1A A pipeline adapter 100 according to an aspect of the present invention is shown. The pipeline adapter 100 includes a first pipeline segment 102 connected at an angle to a second pipeline segment 104. The first pipeline segment 102 includes a flange end including an outwardly extending annular flange 106 and a back plate 108 including a hole 120 for an attachment means. The outwardly extending annular flange 106 includes a mating surface 112 for abutting an equivalent surface on the pipeline.

[0036] In use, the outwardly extending annular flange 106 abuts the pipeline that needs to be realigned. Prior to attachment, the backing plate 108 can rotate freely relative to the first pipe segment 102 so that even if the equivalent of the backing plate on the pipeline is attached to the pipeline, the backing plate 108 rotates freely. This allows the user to orient the second pipe segment 104 in the correct direction to align it with the next segment of the pipeline or pipeline terminal or any other feature. In addition, an optional metal support ring 118 can be used to provide additional strength and rigidity to the mating surface 112.

[0037] Figure 1B A top view of the line adapter 100 is shown. The first pipe segment 102 extends along a first longitudinal axis 114, and the second pipe segment 104 extends along a second longitudinal axis 116. The first longitudinal axis 114 and the second longitudinal axis 116 are at an angle α relative to each other, which is defined as the deviation from the main axis of the second pipe segment 104. That is, the first pipe segment 102 and the second pipe segment 104 extend along different longitudinal axes, and the angle α between them is defined as the deviation from the main axis of the second pipe segment 104. The back plate 108 can be freely rotated relative to the first pipe segment 102, so that the second pipe segment 104 allows the connection between the outwardly extending annular flange 106 and the pipeline to have any exit angle. The angle α can be any value between 1 degree and 90 degrees, or even larger. Ideally, a set of line adapters 100 will include angles of 11.25 degrees, 22.5 degrees, 45 degrees, and 90 degrees. By including multiple pipeline adapters 100 in the fitting system and reducing the length of the second pipe section 104, an operator is allowed to change the angle, depth, deflection, and height of the pipeline relative to the existing pipeline.

[0038] Figure 2A 1 shows a pipeline adapter 200, which includes a first pipeline segment 102, a second pipeline segment 104 and a further third pipeline segment 204. The first pipeline segment and the second pipeline segment are connected to Figure 1A and Figure 1B The third duct segment 204 is substantially identical to the first duct segment 102 , including a second backing plate 208 , an outwardly extending annular flange, and a metal support ring, but is located at the opposite end of the second duct segment 104 .

[0039] Figure 2BA top view of the pipeline adapter 200 is shown. The third pipe segment 204 extends along a third longitudinal axis 210, which is at a second predefined angle β relative to the second longitudinal axis 116. The second predefined angle β is measured from the deviation of the third longitudinal axis 210 relative to the second longitudinal axis 116. The second predefined angle β can be equal to the first predefined angle α, or can be different. The second predefined angle β can be any value between 1 degree and 90 degrees, or even larger. In addition, the pipeline adapter 200 has a transverse plane 218 spanning the diameter of the second pipe segment 104, the transverse plane is perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis 116, and the first pipe segment 102 and the third pipe segment 204 can be rotated at an angle (δ) relative to each other about the transverse plane 218. That is, Figure 2B A rotation angle δ is depicted, and different examples of line adapter 200 may have a rotation angle of δ±180 degrees, wherein first pipe segment 102 remains in its depicted position, and third pipe segment 204 appears to fade into the page or to emerge from the page. Angle δ may be any value from 0 degrees to 360 degrees.

[0040] Figure 3 A first pipeline segment 304 is shown being adapted using a pipeline adapter 100 to change the angle of the pipeline in order to provide the fit. The pipeline adapter 100 is attached to the first pipeline segment 304 by an outwardly extending annular flange 106 that abuts the flange of the first pipeline segment 304 and is fixed in position by a back plate 108 of the pipeline adapter 100 with the back plate or flange portion of the first pipeline segment 304. Attachment means 302 (such as bolts or rivets) are used to force the outwardly extending annular flange 106 against the first pipeline segment 304 to create a fluid tight connection. The first pipeline segment 102 and the first pipeline segment 304 and the second pipeline segment 104 are then all in fluid communication with the same internal annular diameter, thereby allowing connection to change the direction of the pipeline without changing the diameter. Prior to installation, the back plate 108 is free to rotate so that the angle of the second pipeline segment 104 relative to the first pipeline segment 304 can be determined to point the pipeline in a desired direction.

[0041] Figure 4An adapted pipeline 400 is shown that includes a first pipeline segment 404 connected to a second pipeline segment 406 via a pipeline adapter 200. The first pipeline segment 404 and the second pipeline segment 406 are misaligned and require an adapter to correct the misalignment. The pipeline adapter 200 can be connected to either of the first pipeline segment 404 and the second pipeline segment 406 to produce the adapted pipeline 400. The outwardly extending annular flange 106 abuts the flange end of the second pipeline segment 406, and the back plate 108 is connected to the back plate or flange of the second pipeline segment 406. The back plate 208 of the pipeline adapter 200 and the back plate of the second pipeline segment 404 are connected by attachment means 402 (such as bolts, rivets, etc.) that pass through the holes 120 of the second back plate 208.

[0042] In this specification, the term "degree" is defined as a unit of measurement for an angle. Each degree represents a fraction of a full circle rotation. A circle of 360 degrees can serve as a reference for this measurement system. Thus, one degree is equal to one-three-hundred-sixtieth (1 / 360) of the total 360 degrees that make up a full circle. This unit of measurement is used to quantify the size of an angle, thereby representing the amount of rotation or turn between two intersecting lines or planes.

[0043] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of these words, such as "comprising" and "comprises" mean "including but not limited to", and are not intended to (and do not) exclude other parts, additives, components, integers or steps.

[0044] In the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating both plurality as well as singularity unless the context otherwise requires.

[0045] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

[0046] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents filed concurrently with or before this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0047] All features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) and / or all steps of any method or process so disclosed may be combined in any combination, except combinations in which at least some of these features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0048] Unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by an alternative feature serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose. Therefore, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is only an example of a general series of equivalent or similar features.

[0049] The invention is not limited to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one or any novel combination of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one or any novel combination of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A pipeline adapter suitable for connecting misaligned pipelines, wherein: At least one of the misaligned pipelines is a plastic pipeline, and the pipeline adapter includes: a first pipe section (102) extending along a first longitudinal axis and including a flange end, Wherein, the flange end comprises: An outwardly extending annular flange (106) forms a mating surface, a back plate (108) formed of a more rigid material than the outwardly extending annular flange, the back plate (108) including a plurality of apertures; The pipeline adapter further comprises: a second pipeline segment (104), the second pipeline segment extending along a second longitudinal axis, the first pipeline segment (102) being in fluid communication with the second pipeline segment (104); and Wherein, the first longitudinal axis forms a first predefined angle (α) with the second longitudinal axis, wherein the first predefined angle (α) is greater than or equal to 5 degrees.

2. The line adapter according to claim 1, wherein: The back plate (108) is free to rotate relative to the first duct section (102).

3. The pipeline adapter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The flange end includes a metal support ring having an inner radius greater than an inner radius of the first pipe section.

4. The line adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The first pipe section (102) and the second pipe section (104) are butt-welded together.

5. The line adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The inner diameter of the first pipe section (102) and the second pipe section (104) is greater than 125 mm.

6. The line adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The first predefined angle (α) is one of 5 degrees, 11.25 degrees, 22.5 degrees, 45 degrees, and 90 degrees.

7. The line adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The outwardly extending annular flange (106) is formed as an edge of material around the opening of the first pipe section (102).

8. The line adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The outwardly extending annular flange (106) is stepped relative to an outer diameter of a remainder of the first pipe section.

9. The pipeline adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: a third conduit segment in fluid communication with the second conduit segment and extending along a third longitudinal axis, wherein the third longitudinal axis forms a second predefined angle (β) with the second longitudinal axis; The third pipeline section further comprises another flange end, wherein the other flange end comprises: Another annular flange extending outwardly forms another mating surface, Another back plate is formed of a more rigid material than the other outwardly extending annular flange, the other back plate including a plurality of apertures.

10. The line adapter of claim 9, wherein: The second duct segment is further defined by a transverse plane spanning a diameter of the duct, the transverse plane being perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis, and wherein the first duct segment and the third duct segment are at a rotational angle (δ) relative to each other about the transverse plane.

11. The line adapter according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The second pipe section and the third pipe section are butt-welded together.

12. The line adapter according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: The first predefined angle and the second predefined angle are equal.

13. A line adapter system comprising a plurality of line adapters according to any one of the preceding claims, each of the line adapters being connected to at least one other line adapter such that when constructed the line adapter system connects two differently located pipelines or systems.

14. The pipeline adapter system according to claim 13, wherein: The pipeline adapter is connected using a flange.

15. The pipeline adaptation system according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising: At least one straight section and a reinforcement ring, the at least one straight section comprising a straight pipe section having a first end and a second end, at least one of the first end and the second end comprising an outwardly extending annular flange, the reinforcement ring being formed of a material more rigid than the straight pipe section.

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