Field Joint Shroud With Environmental Control for Pipeline Coating Cure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in pipeline construction is the labor-intensive and time-consuming process of protecting freshly coated field joints from contamination by dust, rain, and other impurities during the curing process, especially in field conditions where environmental control is difficult.
Innovation Solution
A shroud apparatus with LAN/Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, capable of forming a sealed chamber around the coated field joint, which monitors environmental conditions, can heat the area, and determines coating thickness, reducing contamination and ensuring optimal curing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional tenting methods are used to protect the coated field joint, then contamination protection is provided, but the process becomes labor intensive and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tenting system with a shroud that integrates environmental control systems (heating, humidity control, air filtration) and automated monitoring sensors. This substitution eliminates manual tent erection/dismantling while providing superior protection and curing control through automated mechanical and electronic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The shroud serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects from contamination, controls temperature, regulates humidity, filters air particles, and monitors curing conditions through integrated sensors. This multi-functionality consolidates what previously required separate tenting operations and manual environmental monitoring into a single automated unit.
2Ease of manufacture
If the coated field joint is exposed to field conditions during curing, then the process is simpler, but dust, rain, and impurities can contaminate the coating
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud creates a controlled, protected environment around the coated field joint by filtering air through HEPA filters and controlling atmospheric conditions (temperature, humidity). This inert-like controlled atmosphere prevents dust, rain, and impurities from contacting the coating while maintaining conditions optimal for curing.
Solution Approach 2:
The shroud acts as an intermediary barrier between the coated field joint and the external field environment. It mediates the interaction by selectively allowing controlled air exchange while blocking contaminants, and by providing a controlled micro-environment that shields the coating during the vulnerable curing period.
3Use of energy by moving object
If environmental conditions are not controlled during curing, then energy consumption is lower, but curing efficiency and coating quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud incorporates sensors that continuously monitor temperature, humidity, and other environmental parameters within the shroud. This feedback is processed by a controller that automatically adjusts heating elements, humidifiers, and air filtration systems to maintain optimal curing conditions, ensuring reliable coating quality while managing energy consumption through precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, air flow rate) based on the curing stage and external conditions. By optimizing these parameters in real-time rather than maintaining constant high-level control, the system achieves reliable curing quality while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The shroud effectively protects the coated field joint from contamination, ensures efficient curing by controlling environmental conditions, and ensures uniform coating thickness, thereby improving the integrity and quality of the pipeline coating.
Implementation Method 1
a shroud or housing for covering a coated FJA
Implementation Method 2
a shroud for a coated FJA which is operative to heat the area around the coated FJA
Implementation Method 3
the shroud has LAN/Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity... the chamber being monitored for environmental conditions such as temperature, relative humidity, etc.
Implementation Method 4
a shroud for a coated FJA which can determine the thickness of the mainline coating and the field applied coating of the coated FJA
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for shrouding the coated field joint area of connected line pipe segments, the shroud having first and second housing halves which have end walls which cooperate to form registering openings matching the diameter of the pipe to be shrouded, the housing halves forming a chamber. The housing can be of a clamshell design, being hinged on one side and having hasps, latches or the like on the other side to keep the shroud positioned once it is placed around the coated field joint area of a pipeline. An environment monitor is disposed in the chamber to measure conditions such as relative humidity and temperature.