Lined Pipe Joint Sleeve for Gas-Tight Corrosion Isolation
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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 collapse, and they also have deficiencies in joining conventional lined pipes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a fit-up sleeve that forces liners against castellations in fittings, with optional sealing rings and insulation, to create a secure and airtight joint, allowing for the use of porous inner polymer pipes that prevent gas permeation and facilitate pipeline integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional joining methods (WeldLink connection) are used to join lined pipes, then the pipes can be connected together, but the liner becomes unlined at the weld section exposing it to corrosive species and requiring expensive CRA cladding
Solution Approach 1:
A fit-up sleeve is introduced as an intermediary component between two lined pipes. The sleeve receives both liners internally and provides a sealed chamber that prevents corrosive species from reaching the weld area. This mediator allows the use of conventional welding methods while protecting the liner integrity and eliminating the need for expensive CRA cladding at the joint section.
Solution Approach 2:
The joining system is segmented into distinct functional components: the fit-up sleeve (which provides sealing and protection), the liners (which provide corrosion resistance), and the welding area (which provides structural connection). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the sleeve isolating the weld from corrosive environments.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional joining methods are used, then pipes can be connected, but gas can accumulate in the unlined section causing pipeline collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The fit-up sleeve acts as a sealed intermediary chamber that prevents gas accumulation. By providing a closed environment that receives both liners and seals around them, the sleeve eliminates the unlined section where gas could accumulate and cause collapse, while still allowing conventional welding to proceed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If CRA cladding is applied to protect the weld section, then corrosion resistance is improved, but the cost of pipeline construction increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The fit-up sleeve serves as a protective intermediary that eliminates the need for expensive CRA cladding. By providing a sealed chamber that protects the liner at the joint section, the sleeve allows the use of conventional, cheaper materials while maintaining corrosion resistance, thereby significantly reducing material costs.
4Strength
If the pipeline has a step change in internal diameter at the weld section, then the joining is structurally sound, but the pipeline becomes incompatible with pigging operations
Solution Approach 1:
The fit-up sleeve serves as a transition intermediary that bridges the step change in internal diameter created by the joint. The sleeve's internal geometry provides a smooth passage that accommodates both the lined sections and the joint area, allowing pigs to pass through the connection point without obstruction while the external structure maintains structural integrity.
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 method ensures the integrity of lined pipelines by preventing gas permeation and accumulation, reducing the need for corrosion-resistant alloys and enabling the use of porous inner polymer pipes, thus enhancing the reliability and cost-effectiveness of pipeline construction.
Implementation Method 1
A method involving a fit-up sleeve that forces liners against castellations in fittings
Implementation Method 2
enabling the use of porous inner polymer pipes that prevent gas permeation
Implementation Method 3
with optional sealing rings and insulation, to create a secure and airtight joint
Implementation Method 4
with optional sealing rings and insulation, to create a secure and airtight joint
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for making lined pipelines utilize lined pipes and fittings attached to the ends of the lined pipes. Castellations are formed on the inner surfaces of the fittings. First and second ends of a fit-up sleeve are inserted into the fittings on the ends of first and second lined pipes and the first and second ends of the fit-up sleeve force portions of the liners within the pipes into engagement with the castellations on the inner surfaces of the fittings. The fittings are then attached to each other to join the first and second lined pipes together.