Lined Pipe Joint Sleeve Sealing for Corrosion and Pigging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for joining lined pipes are incompatible with improved liners that feature a metallic barrier layer, leading to concerns about permeation and gas accumulation, which can cause pipeline corrosion and collapse, and they also have deficiencies in joining conventional lined pipes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a fit-up sleeve that reduces the liner diameter, inserts it through a swaging die or rollers, and allows it to revert, with sealing rings and castellations to ensure a secure and airtight connection, eliminating the need for corrosion-resistant alloys and preventing gas permeation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional joining methods (WeldLink connection) are used to join lined pipes, then the pipes can be connected, but the liner becomes exposed to corrosive species at the weld section and gas can accumulate causing permeation and collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The fit-up sleeve is inserted inside the liner at the joint section, creating a nested structure where the sleeve is contained within the liner. This nested arrangement protects the liner from exposure to corrosive species at the weld zone and prevents gas accumulation, thereby maintaining pipeline integrity without compromising the liner's protective function
Solution Approach 2:
The fit-up sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the two pipe sections and the liner. It provides a protective interface that prevents direct contact between the liner and corrosive environments at the joint, while also serving as a barrier against gas accumulation, thus resolving the harmful effects without requiring CRA cladding
2Object-affected harmful factors
If CRA cladding is used at the joint section to prevent corrosion, then corrosion protection is improved, but the pipeline becomes incompatible with pigging operations and the overall cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fit-up sleeve is nested within the liner at the joint section, creating a smooth internal profile that maintains pigging compatibility. This nested structure allows pigs to pass through the joint without encountering the step changes in internal diameter that would occur with external CRA cladding, thus preserving operational versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The fit-up sleeve provides a cost-effective alternative to expensive CRA cladding. By using a simpler, less costly component that serves the protective function locally at the joint, the overall pipeline cost is reduced while maintaining the necessary corrosion protection and pigging compatibility
3Ease of manufacture
If the liner diameter is reduced to insert it through the pipe, then the liner can be installed, but the liner must be allowed to expand back to its original size
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is preliminarily reduced in diameter before insertion, allowing it to be pushed through the pipe. Once installed, the liner is allowed to expand back to its original size. This preliminary reduction action enables installation without requiring excessive force or complex installation equipment, while the expansion step restores the liner's full functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The liner's diameter parameter is temporarily changed (reduced) to facilitate insertion through the pipe. After installation, the parameter is restored (expanded) to provide the necessary structural support and flow capacity. This dynamic parameter change enables installation while minimizing loss of operational parameters
4Reliability
If a fit-up sleeve is inserted to force the liner against the pipe, then a secure connection is achieved, but the complexity of the joining process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fit-up sleeve is inserted inside the liner, creating a nested structure that provides a secure mechanical connection. The sleeve forces the liner against the pipe through direct contact, ensuring a reliable connection without requiring additional external fixtures or complex assembly procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The fit-up sleeve utilizes the liner itself as part of the connection mechanism. By forcing the liner against the pipe, the liner's own structural properties are engaged to provide the securing force, eliminating the need for separate fastening mechanisms or additional components that would increase complexity
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
This method enhances the integrity and reliability of lined pipelines by preventing permeation and gas accumulation, reducing the need for costly corrosion-resistant alloys and allowing for seamless joining of lined pipes, even in sour hydrocarbon service.
Implementation Method 1
inserting a first end of a fit-up sleeve into the first pipe to force a first liner against the first pipe
Implementation Method 2
reduces the liner diameter, inserts it through a swaging die or rollers
Implementation Method 3
allows it to revert
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for making lined pipelines in which pipes are joined together. Within the joint there is a fit-up sleeve which forces liners against respective pipes and provides corresponding seals. Other seals can be provided by inserting sealing rings which force different portions of the liners against different portions of the pipes. The fit-up sleeve and sealing rings force the liners against castellations which prevent movement of the liners. The fit-up sleeve may cooperate with insertion rims on the pipes to provide very accurate spacing, or touching edges which can be desirable if automatic welding is employed. The seals provided by the fit-up sleeve also eliminate backdraughts and assist welding operations. Furthermore, the fit-up sleeve permits pigging through the pipe joint and therefore along the length of the resulting lined pipeline. It is foreseen that the need for CRA components and CRA welding can be largely if not wholly dispensed with.