A method to establish a thermally compliant protection from environmental attack on machinery connections and a thermally compliant protection liner coupling system

Abstract

The present disclosure concerns a method for establishing a heat-expansion compliant protection against environmental damage on a surface of a material susceptible to environmental attack and connecting a first surface of a material non-susceptible to environmental attack, i.e. a material resistant to and / or protected from and / or not-exposed to environmental attack and a second surface of the same or a different material non-susceptible to environmental attack, i.e. a material resistant to and / or protected from and / or not-exposed to environmental attack, in particular a connection opening through a machinery casing, the method comprising the following steps: - covering the surface of material susceptible to environmental attack with a protective liner of a resistant material, - rigidly coupling and sealing a first end of the protective liner to one of the surfaces of material non-susceptible to environmental attack, - rigidly or non-rigidly coupling the second end of the protective liner with the other surface of material non-susceptible to environmental attack. The disclosure also concerns a thermally compliant protection liner coupling system, configured to establish a heat-expansion compliant protection against environmental damage on a surface (1) of a material susceptible to environmental attack and connecting a first surface (2) of a material non-susceptible to environmental attack and a second surface (4, 4') of the same or a different material non-susceptible to environmental attack, in particular a connection opening through a machinery casing, the system comprising a protective liner (10) of a resistant material, a rigid coupling and seal (14, 14') at a first end (11) of the protective liner (10), configured to rigidly couple said first end (11) with the first surface (2) of material (3) non-susceptible to environmental attack, and a rigid or non-rigid coupling at a second end (12) or portion (13) of the protective liner (10), the rigid or non-rigid coupling being configured to rigidly or non-rigidly couple said second end (12) or portion (13) of the protective liner (10) with the second surface (4, 4') of material non-susceptible to environmental attack.

Description

A method to establish a thermally compliant protection from environmental attack on machinery connections and a thermally compliant protection liner coupling systemDescriptionTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure pertains to the field of protective engineering measures against environmental damage for materials susceptible to such damage. Specifically, it relates to a method for establishing heat-expansion compliant protection on a surface of a material susceptible to environmental attack and connecting surfaces of the same or different materials non susceptible to environmental attack. This method is particularly applicable for connecting components of a machine that open through a machinery casing. The invention involves covering the susceptible surface with a protective liner of a resistant material, rigidly coupling and sealing a first end of the protective liner to one of the surfaces non susceptible to environmental attack, and rigidly or non rigidly coupling the other end of the protective liner to another surface non susceptible to environmental attack, using welding or other mechanical couplings. The invention can also involve sealing systems, additional liners, and fillers. This technology has significant implications for machinery and equipment design, particularly in environments where materials are prone to environmental attack and is also applicable to equipment designed for oxy-fuel or oxy-combustion cycles operating under CO2 supercritical conditions.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In the field of machine manufacturing and maintenance, machinery casings are typically constructed using metal alloys such as ferritic and martensitic steels, aluminum, anticorodal, and GAI Si due to their favorable mechanical properties, diffusion characteristics, and cost-effectiveness. However, when these casings are exposed to high-temperature fluids or specific contaminants like, for example but not limited to CO2, supercritical CO2 (SCO2), H2S, HeFe, ammonia, or high-temperature steam, the base materials can undergo environmental degradation.

[0003] It is known that substituting these materials with more environmentally resistant options, such as nickel-based alloys, may improve resistance but often comes at the cost of reduced mechanical properties and increased expenses.

[0004] To address this challenge, a solution according to the prior art is to introduce an environmentally resistant barrier between the operating fluids and the base material. The most prevalent approach is to apply welding overlays, also known as “cladding”, of an environmentally resistant material onto the internal surfaces of the casing and relevant machinery connections.

[0005] Moreover, it is commonplace to encounter situations where two components, the surface of which is made of a material resistant to and / or protected from and / or not-exposed to environmental attack are connected through connection passages with surfaces susceptible to environmental damage. Such connections can typically be openings through machinery casings, namely passages between the surface on the inside of the casing and the surface on the outside of the casing, the two surfaces being cladded. In fact, welding overlays may not be feasible for connection openings with certain aspect ratios, particularly in case of openings with small cross section.

[0006] In such situations, an alternative solution involves placing a liner inside the machinery connection openings and welding this liner at both ends of the openings, namely at both the first surface of material non-susceptible to environmental attack and the second surface of a same or different material non-susceptible to environmental attack.

[0007] This liner-based solution is suitable for lower temperatures but can introduce significant mechanical stress on the welds in case of high temperature gradients. By way of example, Ni -based superalloy liners, when inserted in a steel casing connection opening with fixed ends, develop high steady state and transient thermal axial stress due to large differences in thermal expansion coefficient. Consequently, specific design solutions need to be created to contain steady state and transient thermal stresses while protecting high pressure casing from environmental attack. Moreover, containing this force through flexible components is made uneasy by the large pressures involved.

[0008] Additional limitation arises when dealing with materials having different thermal expansion coefficients, a common occurrence since machinery components are typically composed of a variety of materials for optimal performance. In such cases, applying a uniform liner might lead to inconsistent protection across the different material types due to differential expansion under varying temperature conditions.

[0009] Further on, while welding has been widely used as a connection method owing to its strength and reliability, it might not always provide an adequate seal against environmental contaminants. In particular, sealing is not granted if the welds are subjected to repeated mechanical stress, which can cause cracks and fissures in the welds.

[0010] To summarize, existing technologies within this field confront several shortcomings ranging from differential thermal expansion coefficients among differing materials; potential inadequacies arising from welding alone as a connector or sealer and limited options for securing both ends of applied liners.

[0011] While efforts have been made to improve upon these areas individually - such as developing advanced welds or alternative couplings - they often fall short in providing comprehensive solutions addressing all aforementioned issues collectively within single assemblies or operational setups.

[0012] Accordingly, an improved method for establishing heat-expansion compliant protection against environmental damage on a surface of a material susceptible to environmental attack and connecting two surfaces of the same or different materials non- susceptible to environmental attack would be beneficial and would be welcomed in the technology.SUMMARY

[0013] In one aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to a method for establishing heat-expansion compliant protection against environmental damage on a surface of a material susceptible to environmental attack connecting two surfaces of the same or different materials non-susceptible to environmental attack, i.e. materials resistant to and / or protected from and / or not-exposed to environmental attack, while also reducing mechanical stress due to differing thermal expansion coefficients be-tween the protective liner, the surface intended for protection and the connected surfaces non-susceptible to environmental attack. Particularly, the subject matter disclosed herein concerns a method for safeguarding surfaces susceptible to environmental damage by covering them with a protective liner made from resistant material. This protective liner extends from one surface (first surface) of a component of a material non-susceptible to environmental attack to another surface (second surface) of the same or a different component of a same or different material non-susceptible to environmental attack, especially in instances where these surfaces form part of an opening through machinery casing. A key aspect of this procedure involves rigidly coupling one end of the protective liner onto a first surface made of material non-susceptible to environmental attack and the other end of the protective liner is then rigidly or non rigidly coupled with a second surface made of a different or similar material non-susceptible to environmental attack. This rigid or non-rigid coupling can be achieved through welding, other mechanical connections, or sealing systems. This approach ensures that any gaps between components are adequately sealed off, thereby enhancing overall protection against environmental damage.

[0014] In another aspect, the rigid or non-rigid coupling may also serve as a sealing system. This dual functionality enhances efficiency by providing both mechanically coupling and sealing capabilities within one single system. In certain scenarios, the sealing system may involve coupling the second end of the protective liner with the second surface via welding. Following this step, an additional protective liner can be added by covering the existing protective liner with another liner made from similar or different resistant material.

[0015] In another aspect, when the first and the second surfaces are made of materials non-susceptible to environmental attack, the materials having different thermal expansion coefficients and lengths, special considerations are taken into account when coupling the ends of the protective liner with these surfaces. The length of the second surface between its connection point with first surface and its welding point with protective liner is calculated based on thermal expansion coefficients and lengths of materials making up first surface, second surface, and protective liners. This calculation ensures optimal fit between all components despite their differing thermal expansion characteristics thereby reducing potential mechanical stress caused by these differences.

[0016] A further aspect of the present disclosure is drawn to a method that involves using a sealing system that includes an embossment on the surface of the protective liner on the side of the second surface non-susceptible to environmental attack. This embossment is designed to make sliding contact with the second surface ensuring effective seal despite any relative movements between these parts due to thermal expansions.

[0017] Alternatively, sealing system may comprise an elastic folding configured for sliding contact with the second surface of material non susceptible to environmental attack. Like embossments, elastic foldings allow for effective seals despite relative movements between parts due to thermal expansions.

[0018] In some cases, a filler material may be positioned in interspaces among second surface, connection point between first and second surfaces, protective liner and sealing system. Use of fillers further enhance overall protection against environmental damage by filling out any potential gaps within assembly that could expose underlying surfaces to damaging elements.

[0019] Sealing systems used in this method could also include energized seals which provide enhanced sealing effectiveness under varying operational conditions including changes in pressure and temperature levels.

[0020] Finally, considering potential axial expansions due to thermal effects within protective liners during operation; pre-tightening measures might be applied along axis of expansion within these liners ensuring effective seal maintenance throughout operational cycles irrespective of any dimensional changes occurring within liners due to heat-induced expansions.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] A more complete appreciation of the disclosed embodiments of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:Fig. l illustrates a schematic section view of a thermally compliant protection liner coupling system, according to a first embodiment;Fig.2 illustrates a section view of a thermally compliant protection liner coupling system, according to a second embodiment;Fig.3 illustrates a schematic section view of a thermally compliant protection liner coupling system, according to a third embodiment;Fig.4 illustrates a schematic section view of a thermally compliant protection liner coupling system, according to a fourth embodiment;Fig.5 illustrates a schematic section view of a thermally compliant protection liner coupling system, according to a fifth embodiment;Fig.6 illustrates a schematic section view of a thermally compliant protection liner coupling system, according to a sixth embodiment;Fig.7 illustrates a schematic section view of a thermally compliant protection liner coupling system, according to a seventh embodiment;Fig.8 illustrates a schematic section view of a thermally compliant protection liner coupling system, according to a eighth embodiment;Fig.9 illustrates a schematic section view of a thermally compliant protection liner coupling system, according to a ninth embodiment;Fig.10 illustrates a schematic section view of a thermally compliant protection liner coupling system, according to a tenth embodiment;Fig.11 illustrates a schematic section view of a thermally compliant protection liner coupling system, according to an eleventh embodiment;Fig.12 illustrates a schematic section view of a thermally compliant protection liner coupling system, according to a twelfth embodiment;Fig.13 illustrates a section view of a thermally compliant protection liner coupling system, according to a thirteenth embodiment;Fig.14 illustrates a schematic section view of a thermally compliant protection liner coupling system, according to a fourteenth embodiment;Fig.15 illustrates a schematic section view of a thermally compliant protection liner coupling system, according to a fifteenth embodiment; andFig.16 illustrates a schematic section view of a thermally compliant protection liner coupling system, according to a sixteenth embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0022] According to one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a method for establishing a heat-expansion compliant protection against environmental damageon a surface of a material susceptible to environmental attack and connecting a first surface of a material non susceptible to environmental attack, that is a material resistant to and / or protected from and / or not-exposed to the environmental attack and a second surface of the same or a different material non susceptible to environmental attack, that is a material resistant to and / or protected from and / or not-exposed to the environmental attack, in particular a connection opening through a machinery casing, the method comprising the following steps:- covering the surface of material susceptible to environmental attack with a protective liner of a resistant material,- rigidly coupling and sealing a first end of the protective liner to one of the surfaces of material non susceptible to environmental attack,- rigidly or non-rigidly coupling the second end of the protective liner with the other surface of material non susceptible to environmental attack.

[0023] According to another aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to a thermally compliant protection liner coupling system configured to establish a heatexpansion compliant protection against environmental damage on a surface of a material susceptible to environmental attack and connecting a first surface of a material non susceptible to environmental attack and a second surface of the same or a different material non susceptible to environmental attack, in particular a connection opening through a machinery casing, the system comprising a protective liner of a resistant material, a rigid coupling and seal at a first end of the protective liner, configured to rigidly couple said first end with the first surface of material non susceptible to environmental attack, and a rigid or non-rigid coupling at a second end or portion of the protective liner, the rigid or non-rigid coupling being configured to rigidly or non- rigidly couple said second end or portion of the protective liner with the second surface of material susceptible to environmental attack.

[0024] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the disclosure, not limitation of the disclosure. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodi-ment” or “some embodiments” means that the particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter disclosed. Thus, the appearance of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” or “in some embodiments” in various places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment s). Further, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0025] When introducing elements of various embodiments the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0026] Referring now to the drawings, Fig.1 shows a schematic of an exemplary thermally compliant protection liner coupling system, configured to establish a heat-expansion compliant protection against environmental damage on a surface 1 of a material 3 susceptible to environmental attack. In particular, in the exemplary embodiment of figure 1, the surface 1 of a material 3 susceptible to environmental attack is a connection opening 6 through a machinery casing 7. The thermally compliant protection liner coupling system comprises a protective liner 10 of a resistant material, covering the surface 1. In particular, the surfaces 2 and 4 of the material 3 are protected from environmental attack by means of a protective treatment, such as cladding, and will be consequently identified in the rest of the present disclosure, as a first surface 2 and a second surface 4 of material non susceptible to environmental attack. The protective liner 10 of a resistant material, covering the surface 1, extends from the first surface 2 of a material non susceptible to environmental attack to the second surface 4 of material non susceptible to environmental attack. In particular, in the exemplary embodiment of figure 1, a first end 11 of the protective liner 10 is rigidly coupled with the first surface 2 of material non susceptible to environmental attack, and a portion 13 of the protective liner 10, in an intermediate position between the first end 11 and the second end 12 of the protective liner 10, is rigidly or non-rigidly coupled with the second surface 4 of material non susceptible to environmental attack, that is through a weld 15.

[0027] Several embodiments of possible thermally compliant protection liner coupling system will be described below with reference to the following Figs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16.

[0028] With continuing reference to Fig.l, Fig.2 illustrates a second embodiment of a thermally compliant protection liner coupling system. The same reference numbers designate the same or corresponding parts, elements or components already illustrated in Fig.l and described above, and which will not be described again. In the embodiment of Fig. 2, a second liner 20 is used to cover the protective liner 10. The second liner 20 can be made of the same material of the protective liner 10. Alternatively, the second liner 20 can be made of a different resistant material. This embodiment reduces heat transfer to the protective liner 10, which is consequently subjected to reduced axial thermal stress.

[0029] With continuing reference to Figs 1 and 2, a further embodiment of a thermally compliant protection liner coupling system is shown in Fig.3. The same reference numbers designate the same or corresponding parts, elements or components already illustrated in Fig.2 and described above, and which will not be described again. The thermally compliant protection liner coupling system of Fig.3 connects a first surface 2 of a material 3 non-susceptible to environmental attack to a second surface 4’ of a material non-susceptible to environmental attack. The embodiment of Fig. 3 differs from the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2 mainly in that the rigid or non-rigid coupling at the portion 13 of the protective liner 10 is not welded but is slidingly contacted to the second surface 4’. In particular, an embossment 16 is present at the portion 13 of the protective liner 10. As a consequence, when a temperature change causes a thermal expansion or contraction of the liner 10 with respect to the material susceptible to thermal attack and the material or materials non susceptible to environmental attack, any mechanical stress is compensated by the second end 12 of the liner being free to slidingly contact with respect to the second surface of material non-susceptible to environmental attack.

[0030] With continuing reference to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, Fig. 4 illustrates a further embodiment of a thermally compliant protection liner coupling system. The same reference numbers used in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 are used in Fig. 4 to designate the same or corresponding parts, components or elements, which will not be described again. Theembodiment of Fig. 4 differs from the embodiment of Fig. 3 mainly in that the rigid or non-rigid coupling at the second end 12 of the protective liner 10 is slidingly contacted to the second surface 4’ non-susceptible to environmental attack through an elastic folding 17, configured to slidingly contact the second surface 4’.

[0031] Referring to Fig.5, with continuing reference to Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4, a further embodiment of the thermally compliant protection liner coupling system is disclosed. The thermally compliant protection liner coupling system of Fig. 5 differs from that of Fig.3 only in that a filler 18 is positioned in the interspace amongst the second surface 4’, the protective liner 10 and the rigid or non-rigid coupling.

[0032] With continuing reference to Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, Fig. 6 illustrates a further embodiment of a thermally compliant protection liner coupling system. The same reference numbers used in Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are used in Fig. 6 to designate the same or corresponding parts, components or elements, which will not be described again. According to the embodiment of Fig. 6, the liner 10 is composed of two separate portions, with an intermediate energized seal 19 arranged in between.

[0033] Referring to Fig.7, with continuing reference to Figs. 1-6, a further embodiment of the thermally compliant protection liner coupling system is disclosed. According to the thermally compliant protection liner coupling system of Fig. 7, the protective liner 10 is made of two components of different materials, namely a first protective liner component 10’ and a second protective liner component 10”. The first protective liner component 10’ and a second protective liner component 10” are chosen by considering the thermal expansion coefficient a and the length 1 to be protected of the surface of material susceptible to environmental attack and choosing the first protective liner component 10’ so that, if the first protective liner component 10’ has a thermal expansion coefficient al and the second protective liner component 10” has a thermal expansion coefficient a2, then a first end 11’ of the first protective liner component 10’ is rigidly coupled and sealed to the first surface 2 of material non susceptible to environmental attack, a first end 11” of the second protective liner component 10” is rigidly or non-rigidly coupled to the second surface 4 of material non-susceptible to environmental attack; and the second end 12’ of the first protective liner component 10’ is rigidly coupled and sealed to the surface of the second protective liner component 10”, at a distance (12) from the position of the coupling between the firstmaterial non-susceptible to environmental attack, the length (11) of the first protective liner component, is11 = 1 + 12 = 1 [1 + (al - a) / (a2 - al)].

[0034] Referring to Fig.8, with continuing reference to Figs. 1-7, a further embodiment of the thermally compliant protection liner coupling system is disclosed. The same reference numbers used in Figs. 1-7 are used in Fig. 8 to designate the same or corresponding parts, components or elements, which will not be described again. According to the thermally compliant protection liner coupling system of Fig. 8, pretightening means are present to pre-tighten the protective liner 10 along its axis of thermal expansion. In particular, the pre-tightening means comprise a threaded ring 21. According to this embodiment, thermal expansion is compensated through the pretightening system creating an axial pre-load so that in actual working condition the liner 10 is unloaded by the thermal load. The embodiment of Fig. 8 also shows the rigid coupling and seal at a first end 11 of the protective liner 10 including a thrust pad 14’ and a sealing weld 14”.

[0035] With continuing reference to Figs. 1-8, Fig. 9 discloses a further embodiment of the thermally compliant protection liner coupling system. The thermally compliant protection liner coupling system of Fig. 9 differs from that of Fig.8 only in that the rigid coupling and seal at the first end 11 of the protective liner 10 includes a structural weld 14.

[0036] Referring to Fig.10, with continuing reference to Figs. 1-9, a further embodiment of the thermally compliant protection liner coupling system is disclosed. The same reference numbers used in Figs. 1-9 are used in Fig. 10 to designate the same or corresponding parts, components or elements, which will not be described again. The thermally compliant protection liner coupling system of Fig. 10 differs from that of Fig.9 only in that the pre-tightening means comprise a structural weld 22. According to this embodiment, the welding is performed after a preliminary step of pre-tightening.

[0037] Referring to Fig.11, with continuing reference to Figs. 1-10, a further embodiment of the thermally compliant protection liner coupling system is disclosed. Thethermally compliant protection liner coupling system of Fig. 11 differs from that of Fig.9 only in that an external piping 23 is coupled, through a weld 24, with the surface 4 non susceptible to environmental attack.

[0038] With continuing reference to Figs. 1-11, Fig. 12 illustrates a further embodiment of a thermally compliant protection liner coupling system. The same reference numbers used in Figs. 1-11 are used in Fig. 12 to designate the same or corresponding parts, components or elements, which will not be described again. The thermally compliant protection liner coupling system of Fig. 12 differs from that of Fig.9 only in that a thermal expansion compensation collar 25 is interposed between the second surface of material 4 non-susceptible to environmental attack and the pre-tightening threaded ring 21, to compensate the thermal expansion.

[0039] Referring to Fig.13, with continuing reference to Figs. 1-12, a further embodiment of the thermally compliant protection liner coupling system is disclosed. The thermally compliant protection liner coupling system of Fig. 13 mainly differs from that of Fig.12 in that it shows a section view of a real application of the system. Additionally, the embodiment of Fig.13 also shows a second liner 20 of resistant material, covering the protective liner 10.

[0040] Referring to Fig.14, with continuing reference to Figs. 1-13, a further embodiment of the thermally compliant protection liner coupling system is disclosed. The thermally compliant protection liner coupling system of Fig. 14 differs from that of Fig.12 in that the rigid coupling and seal at a first end 11 of the protective liner 10 is obtained by welding the protective liner 10 with a thrust pad 14’. According to this embodiment, the protective liner 10 and the thrust pad 14’ are inserted in the opening through the material 3 from two opposite sides and subsequently sealed to one another by means of a sealing weld 26. Subsequently, pre-tightening is obtained by means of the threaded ring 21.

[0041] With continuing reference to Figs. 1-14, Fig. 15 illustrates a further embodiment of a thermally compliant protection liner coupling system. The thermally compliant protection liner coupling system of Fig. 15 differs from that of Fig.14 in that the rigid coupling and seal at a first end 11 of the protective liner 10 is additionally ob-tained by welding the thrust pad 14’ to the first surface 2 non-susceptible to environmental attack by means of a sealing weld 14”.

[0042] Finally, with continuing reference to Figs. 1-15, Fig. 16 illustrates a last embodiment of a thermally compliant protection liner coupling system. The thermally compliant protection liner coupling system of Fig. 16 differs from that of Fig.12 in that the protective liner 10 is rigidly coupled and sealed at the first end 11 with the first surface 2 non-susceptible to environmental attack, through a structural weld 14the other side of the protective liner 10 being slidingly coupled with a thermal expansion compensation collar 25. In such a case, the thermal expansion compensation collar 25 is configured to maintain the protective liner 10 aligned along its axis, at the same time limiting the stress on the structural weld 14 due to the axial expansion of the protective liner 10. According to the embodiment shown in Fig.16, the thermal expansion compensation collar 25 is slidingly coupled to a second compensation collar 27 through a conical coupling surface, interposed between the thermal expansion compensation collar 25 and the surface of material 4 non susceptible to environmental attack. The external surface of the second compensation collar 27 is threated to couple with a threaded ring 21, configured to slide the thermal expansion compensation collar 25 with respect to the conical coupling surface, tightening the thermal expansion compensation collar 25 to the protective liner 10. Alternatively, the thermal expansion compensation collar 25 can be realized as a solid continuous ring, an open ring, a ring including one or more partial cuts or can be made of a plurality of sectors. This embodiment can be for example applicable to operate at high pressure.

[0043] While aspects of the invention have been described in terms of various specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications, changes, and omissions are possible without departing form the spirt and scope of the claims. In addition, unless specified otherwise herein, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for establishing a heat-expansion compliant protection against environmental damage on a surface of a material susceptible to environmental attack and connecting a first surface of a material non-susceptible to environmental attack, i.e. a material resistant to and / or protected from and / or not-exposed to environmental attack and a second surface of the same or a different material non-susceptible to environmental attack, i.e. a material resistant to and / or protected from and / or not- exposed to environmental attack, in particular to protect the surface of a connection opening through a machinery casing, the material susceptible to environmental attack having a thermal expansion coefficient (a), the method comprising the following steps:- covering the surface of material susceptible to environmental attack with a protective liner of a resistant material with a thermal expansion coefficient (a’) different from the thermal expansion coefficient (a) of the material susceptible to environmental attack,- rigidly coupling and sealing a first end of the protective liner to one of the surfaces of material non-susceptible to environmental attack,- rigidly or non rigidly coupling the second end of the protective liner with the other surface of material non-susceptible to environmental attack, wherein the step of rigidly or non rigidly coupling the second end of the protective liner with the other surface of material non-susceptible to environmental attack comprises one of the following sub-steps:- sealing the second end of the protective liner with the other surface of material non-susceptible to environmental attack, by placing a filler amongst the second end of the protective liner and the other surface of material non-susceptible to environmental attack,- providing a protective liner composed of two components of different materials, the first protective liner component having a thermal expansion coefficient (a’ 1) greater than the thermal expansion coefficient (a) of the material susceptible to environmental attack and the second protective liner component having a thermal expansion coefficient (a’ 2) smaller than the thermal expansion coefficient (a) of the material susceptible to environmental attack, to compensate the differential thermal expansion,- pre-tightening the protective liner along its axis of thermal expansion and interposing a thermal expansion compensation collar between the second surface of material non-susceptible to environmental attack and the pre-tightening protective liner.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of rigidly coupling and sealing includes welding the first end of the protective liner to the surface of material non-susceptible to environmental attack.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the step of rigidly coupling and sealing includes the following sub-steps:- rigidly coupling the first end of the protective liner to the surface of material non-susceptible to environmental attack, and separately sealing the first end of the protective liner to the surface of material non-susceptible to environmental attack.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the step of separately sealing includes welding.

5. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the sub-step of sealing the second end of the protective liner with the other surface of material non-susceptible to environmental attack includes providing the second end of the protective liner with a spring energized seal.

6. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the sub-step of sealing the second end of the protective liner with the other surface of material non-susceptible to environmental attack includes providing a protective liner composed of two or more components connected with a spring energized seal.

7. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the sub-step of sealing the second end of the protective liner with the other surface of material non-susceptible to environmental attack includes welding.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising a step of covering the protecting liner with a second liner of a same or different resistant material.

9. The method according to any of the previous claims 1-8, wherein the material susceptible to environmental attack has a thermal expansion coefficient (a) and a length (1) to be protected and the step of covering the surface of material susceptible to environmental attack with a protective liner includes the following sub-steps:- providing a protective liner composed of two components of different materials, the first protective liner component having a thermal expansion coefficient (al) and a length (11) greater than the length (1) to be protected of the surface of material susceptible to environmental attack and the second protective liner component having a thermal expansion coefficient (a2);- rigidly coupling and sealing a first end of the first protective liner component to one of the surfaces of material non-susceptible to environmental attack;- rigidly or non-rigidly coupling an end of the second protective liner component with the other surface of material non-susceptible to environmental attack;- rigidly coupling and sealing a second end of the first protective liner component to the surface of the second protective liner component, wherein the length (11) of the first protective liner component is11 = 1 [1 + (al - a) / (a2 - al)].

10. The method according to any of the previous claims 1 -8, wherein the material susceptible to environmental attack has a thermal expansion coefficient (a) and a length (1) to be protected and the material non-susceptible to environmental attack has a thermal expansion coefficient (a2) and wherein the step of covering the surface of material susceptible to environmental attack with a protective liner includes the following sub-steps:- providing a protective liner having a thermal expansion coefficient (al) and a length (11) greater than the length (1) to be protected;- rigidly coupling and sealing a first end of the protective liner to one of the surfaces of material non-susceptible to environmental attack;- rigidly or non-rigidly coupling a second end of the protective liner with the other surface of material non-susceptible to environmental attack;- wherein the length (11) is11 = 1 [1 + (al - a) / (a2 - al)].

11. The method according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the step of rig-idly or non-rigidly coupling the second end of the protective liner with the other surface of material non-susceptible to environmental attack includes slidingly coupling the second end of the protective liner with the other surface of material non-susceptible to environmental attack.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the step of slidingly coupling the second end of the protective liner with the other surface of material non- susceptible to environmental attack includes providing the second end of the protective liner with an embossment configured to slidingly contact the other surface of material non-susceptible to environmental attack.

13. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the step of slidingly coupling the second end of the protective liner with the other surface of material non- susceptible to environmental attack includes providing the second end of the protective liner with an elastic folding configured to slidingly contact the other surface of material non-susceptible to environmental attack.

14. A thermally compliant protection liner coupling system, configured to establish a heat-expansion compliant protection against environmental damage on a surface (1) of a material susceptible to environmental attack and connecting a first surface (2) of a material non-susceptible to environmental attack and a second surface (4, 4’) of the same or a different material non-susceptible to environmental attack, in particular a connection opening through a machinery casing, the material susceptible to environmental attack having a thermal expansion coefficient (a), the system comprising a protective liner (10) of a resistant material with a thermal expansion coefficient (a’) different from the thermal expansion coefficient (a) of the material susceptible to environmental attack, a rigid coupling and seal (14, 14’) at a first end (11) of the protective liner (10), configured to rigidly couple said first end (11) with the first surface (2) of material (3) non-susceptible to environmental attack, and a rigid or non- rigid coupling at a second end (12) or portion (13) of the protective liner (10), the rigid or non-rigid coupling being configured to rigidly or non-rigidly couple said second end (12) or portion (13) of the protective liner (10) with the second surface (4, 4’) of material non-susceptible to environmental attack, wherein- the rigid or non-rigid coupling is configured as a sealing system and a filler (18) is positioned amongst the second surface (4, 4’), the protective liner (10) and therigid or non-rigid coupling,- the protective liner is composed of two components of different materials, the first protective liner component having a thermal expansion coefficient (a’ l) greater than the thermal expansion coefficient (a) of the material susceptible to environmental attack and the second protective liner component having a thermal expansion coefficient (a’2) smaller than the thermal expansion coefficient (a) of the material susceptible to environmental attack, to compensate the differential thermal expansion,- the rigid or non-rigid coupling comprises pre-tightening means configured to pretighten the protective liner (10) along its axis of thermal expansion and a thermal expansion compensation collar (25) interposed between the second surface of material non-susceptible to environmental attack and the second end of the pre-tightened protective liner (10), to compensate the thermal expansion.

15. The coupling system according to claim 14, wherein the rigid coupling and seal (14, 14’) at a first end (11) of the protective liner (10) includes a structural weld (14).

16. The coupling system according to claim 14, wherein the rigid coupling and seal (14, 14’) at a first end (11) of the protective liner (10) includes a thrust pad (14’) and a sealing weld (14”).

17. The coupling system according to claim 14, wherein the rigid or non- rigid coupling comprises a spring energized seal (19).

18. The coupling system according to claim 14, wherein the rigid or non- rigid coupling is a weld (15).

19. The coupling system according to any of the previous claims 14-18, further comprising a second liner (20) of a same or different resistant material, configured to cover the protective liner (10).

20. The coupling system according to any of the previous claims 14-19, wherein the material susceptible to environmental attack has a thermal expansion coefficient (a) and a length to be protected (1) and the protective liner (10) is made oftwo components of different materials, the first protective liner component (10’) having a thermal expansion coefficient (al) and a length (11) greater than the length (1) to be protected of the surface of material susceptible to environmental attack and the second protective liner component (10”) having a thermal expansion coefficient (a2) and wherein the length (11) of the first protective liner component (10’) is11 = 1 [1 + (al - a) / (a2 - al)].

21. The coupling system according to any of the previous claims 14-19, wherein the material susceptible to environmental attack has a thermal expansion coefficient (a) and a length to be protected (1), the material non-susceptible to environmental attack has a thermal expansion coefficient (a2) and length (12), and the protective liner (10) is made of a material having a thermal expansion coefficient (al) and a length (11), wherein (11) is11 = 1 [1 + (al - a) / (a2 - al)].

22. The coupling system according to any of claims 14-16, wherein the rigid or non-rigid coupling at a second end (12) or portion (13) of the protective liner (10) comprises an element configured to slidingly contact the second surface of material non-susceptible to environmental attack.

23. The coupling system according to claim 22, wherein the element configured to slidingly contact the second surface of material non-susceptible to environmental attack comprises an embossment (16).

24. The coupling system according to claim 22, wherein the element configured to slidingly contact the second surface of material non-susceptible to environmental attack comprises an elastic folding (17).

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