Patent ID: 6120212
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A support element for supporting a rigid pipeline during plastic bending of said pipeline in a plane of bending including the longitudinal axis of said pipeline, said support element comprising first and second pipe-contacting portions disposed symmetrically on either side of said plane of bending, said pipe-contacting portions defining a transverse cross-sectional configuration such that, in use, a pipeline supported by the support element contacts said first and second pipe-contacting portions at at least respective first and second points disposed substantially symmetrically on either side of the plane of bending, wherein said points of contact are arranged such that resultant forces between the pipeline and the pipe-contacting portions act at points which are disposed substantially symmetrically about said plane of bending; whereinsaid points of contact are spaced apart by an angle a greater than 90.degree. and less than 180.degree. around the cross-sectional circumference of said pipeline.