Oil And Gas Pipe Connector for Welding-Free Lined Pipe Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
In oil and gas production, refining, and distribution, existing methods for connecting pipe ends, such as welding and butt fusion, can damage protective linings, alter fluid flow properties, and pose safety hazards due to residual fluids or vapors, necessitating a welding-free and fusion-free connection solution that maintains fluid flow capacity and safety.
Innovation Solution
A pipe connector with a tubular conduit and seal element designed to receive and fluidically seal pipe ends, accommodating various specifications, including ASME and EN standards, without the need for welding or fusion, using a tubular conduit with a length and wall thickness suitable for different pipe diameters and materials, and optionally featuring annular members and guides for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding or fusion is used to connect pipe ends, then a secure connection is achieved, but the protective lining is damaged and fluid flow properties are altered
Solution Approach 1:
A connector serves as an intermediary component between two pipe ends, eliminating the need for direct welding or fusion that damages the protective lining. The connector provides a secure mechanical connection while preserving the integrity and fluid flow properties of the pipe linings through push-fit or threaded engagement mechanisms.
2Strength
If welding operations are performed from the outside with full penetration, then a strong connection is achieved, but special pipe edge preparation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The connector acts as a mediator that eliminates the need for complex pipe edge preparation such as beveling or grooving. The connector is designed to engage with standard pipe ends through push-fit or threaded connections, providing strong mechanical bonding without requiring the pipe edges to be specially prepared for welding penetration.
3Reliability
If residual fluids are isolated during welding using a rubber plug, then safety is improved, but the plug may become lodged and restrict flow after welding
Solution Approach 1:
The connector serves as a permanent intermediary that eliminates the need for temporary rubber plugs during connection. By providing a welding-free push-fit or threaded connection method, the connector removes the safety hazard of residual fluids entirely and prevents any flow restriction that would result from lodged plugs, maintaining full pipe flow capacity.
4Strength
If butt fusion is used to join HDPE pipes, then a secure connection is achieved, but an annular protuberance distorts the internal surface and decreases inner diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The connector acts as an intermediary component that provides secure mechanical connection to HDPE pipe ends without requiring butt fusion. The push-fit or threaded engagement mechanism connects to the external surface of the pipes, completely avoiding contact with and distortion of the internal pipe surfaces, thus preserving the original inner diameter and fluid flow properties.
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 solution provides a secure, welding-free, and fusion-free method to connect oil and gas pipes, preserving the integrity of protective linings, maintaining fluid flow capacity, and ensuring safety by eliminating hazards from residual fluids or vapors, while adhering to industry standards.
Implementation Method 1
a seal element dimensioned to insertingly receive and fluidicly sealably engage pipe ends of oil and gas pipe
Implementation Method 2
a tubular conduit having a length disposed between a pipe connector first second ends and a conduit wall thickness disposed between an external surface and an internal surface
Data Source
AI summary
Pipe connectors and methods of making and using pipe connectors to connect oil or gas pipe in oil and gas production, refining and distribution.