Patent ID: 9027605
Filing Date: 2015-05-12
Classification: F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for reinforcing a pipeline segment, the pipeline segment having a pipe external surface with a pipe external radius, the method providing a capability for reinforcing the pipeline segment wherein the pipeline segment may have an irregular external surface, may be out of round or may have an angular displacement, the method comprising: a) enclosing the pipeline segment with two or more metallic, laterally arcuate enclosure plates, each of the enclosure plates having an internal surface with a common and uniform lateral radius of curvature, the radius of curvature being greater than the pipe external radius, the enclosure plates being fitted together longitudinally to form a flexible, cylindrical enclosure for the pipeline segment, the enclosure having an internal surface and opposing ends, a first enclosure end and a second enclosure end; b) installing a pair of seal rings, a first seal ring and a second seal ring, the first seal ring being inserted at the first enclosure end between the pipe external surface and the enclosure internal surface, and the second seal ring being inserted at the second enclosure end between the pipe external surface and the enclosure internal surface, the seal rings promoting an annular space between the pipe external surface and the enclosure internal surface; c) installing a pair of seal ring retention assemblies, one for each seal ring; d) injecting a self-hardening medium into the annular space through one or more hardening medium receivers; e) pressurizing the self-hardening medium in the annular space to a rounding pressure, the rounding pressure providing for rounding of the flexible cylindrical enclosure and achievement of a true cylindrical shape by the enclosure, self-hardening medium pressurization being adequate to cause the enclosure to plastically yield into a substantially circular shape, each seal ring and seal retention assembly allowing rounding of the flexible enclosure and achievement of a true cylindrical shape by the enclosure though the pipeline segment may have an irregular external surface, may be out of round or may have an angular displacement; and f) maintaining the pressure of the self-hardening medium at a pressure equaling or exceeding the rounding pressure until the self-hardening medium has hardened, the true cylindrical shape of the enclosure, irrespective of surface irregularities or angular displacement of the pipeline segment, and the hardened medium providing for a transfer of and an even distribution of all or a substantial portion of hoop stress from the pipeline segment to the enclosure during pressurized use of the pipeline segment.