Patent ID: 8033754
Filing Date: 2011-10-11
Classification: F16L,F24F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of installing a pre-insulated piping system of the type used for conveying high temperature fluids where a buried obstruction is located in a proposed pathway of the pipeline, the method comprising the steps of: providing a length of insulated and jacketed pre-insulated piping which is buried to a given depth in a subterranean location, the length of piping comprising an inner carrier pipe having an interior surface and an exterior surface, an envelope of foamed insulation surrounding the inner pipe exterior surface, and an outer protective jacket surrounding the envelope of insulation, the length of piping having a joining end for joining to an adjacent length of piping, whereby the adjacent lengths of piping provide a continuous length of buried conduit for conveying high temperature fluids; creating an artificial low point at a selected subterranean location in the pathway of the pipeline in order to avoid a buried obstruction located in the pathway, thereby avoiding the necessity of increasing the depth of the remaining length of pre-insulated piping in the overall pipeline; and wherein the artificial low point is comprised of an expansion loop in the pipeline located between adjacent straight lengths of piping, the loop having a pair of oppositely arranged side legs which are joined by a cross-leg portion of the loop, the cross-leg portion of the loop being angled downwardly at a predetermined angle with respect to the elevation of the remainder of the adjacent straight lengths of piping, to thereby provide a change in elevation which avoids the buried obstruction in the pathway of the pipeline.