Reusable pipe fitting systems and methods

Techniques for implementing and/or operating a pipeline system that includes a pipe segment and a reusable pipe fitting. The pipe segment includes tubing that defines a pipe bore and a fluid conduit within a tubing annulus of the pipe segment. The reusable pipe fitting includes a fitting body that defines a body bore and a pipe engaging assembly including a collapsible collar with teeth that extend radially inward. The collapsible collar contracts radially inward such that the collapsible collar engages the tubing of the pipe segment to facilitate securing the reusable pipe fitting to the pipe segment when the pipe engaging assembly is secured to the fitting body and expands radially outward such that the collapsible collar disengages from the tubing of the pipe segment to enable the reusable pipe fitting to be re-deployed at another pipe segment when the pipe engaging assembly is unsecured from the fitting body.

BACKGROUND

Flexible pipe can be utilized to transport production fluids, such as oil and/or gas and/or water, from one location to another. Flexible pipe is generally formed as an assembly of a portion of flexible pipe body and one or more end fittings. The end fittings may be used to connect segments of flexible pipe together or to connect them to terminal equipment, such as sub-sea structures or floating facilities. End fittings are important components for terminating and anchoring the pipe layers, sealing and venting gas in these environments.

Existing end fittings have certain deficiencies and disadvantages. For example, current end fittings used with offshore flexible pipe as described in API RP 17B (“17B Recommended Practice for Unbonded Flexible Pipe”) with carcass are costly and have a long duration installation time. Improvements in this field of technology are therefore desired.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a pipeline system includes a pipe segment and a reusable pipe fitting. The pipe segment includes tubing that defines a pipe bore and a fluid conduit within a tubing annulus of the pipe segment. The reusable pipe fitting includes a fitting body that defines a body bore in which pipe segment tubing is to be disposed and a pipe engaging assembly including a collapsible collar with one or more teeth that extend radially inward. The collapsible collar contracts radially inward such that the collapsible collar engages the tubing of the pipe segment to facilitate securing the reusable pipe fitting to the pipe segment when the pipe engaging assembly is secured to the fitting body and expands radially outward such that the collapsible collar disengages from the tubing of the pipe segment to enable the reusable pipe fitting to be re-deployed at another pipe segment in the pipeline system when the pipe engaging assembly is unsecured from the fitting body.

In another embodiment, a method of deploying a pipe fitting in a pipeline system includes disposing a pipe engaging assembly of the pipe fitting circumferentially around pipe segment tubing, in which the pipe engaging assembly includes a collapsible collar, disposing the pipe segment tubing within a body bore defined in a fitting body of the pipe fitting to facilitate sealing free space defined within an annulus of the pipe segment tubing at least in part by compressing a fitting seal disposed within the fitting body between the fitting body and the pipe segment tubing, and contracting the collapsible collar of the pipe engaging assembly radially inward to facilitate securing the pipe fitting to the pipe segment tubing at least in part by securing the pipe engaging assembly to the fitting body of the pipe fitting.

In another embodiment, a pipe fitting includes a fitting body that defines a body bore in which pipe segment tubing is to be secured and sealed, a fitting connector to be secured to the fitting body to enable the pipe fitting to be connected to another pipeline component, and a pipe engaging assembly to be secured to the fitting body. The pipe engaging assembly includes a collapsible collar having a conical outer surface, in which the collapsible collar is to be disposed circumferentially around the pipe segment tubing, and an activation collar having a conical inner surface that slides along the conical outer surface of the collapsible collar to enable the pipe fitting to be selectively secured to the pipe segment tubing at least in part by controlling position of the activation collar on the collapsible collar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the figures. As used herein, the term “coupled” or “coupled to” may indicate establishing either a direct or indirect connection and, thus, is not limited to either unless expressly referenced as such. The term “set” may refer to one or more items. Wherever possible, like or identical reference numerals are used in the figures to identify common or the same features. The figures are not necessarily to scale. In particular, certain features and/or certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale for purposes of clarification.

The present disclosure generally relates to pipeline systems that may be implemented and/or operated to transport (e.g., convey) fluid, such as liquid and/or gas, from a fluid source to a fluid destination. Generally, a pipeline system may include pipe fittings, such as a midline pipe fitting and/or a pipe end fitting, and one or more pipe segments. More specifically, a pipe segment may generally be secured and sealed in one or more pipe fittings to facilitate fluidly coupling the pipe segment to another pipeline component, such as another pipe segment, another pipe fitting, a fluid source, and/or a fluid destination. Merely as an illustrative non-limiting example, a pipeline system may include a first pipe end fitting secured to a first pipe segment to facilitate fluidly coupling the first pipe segment to the fluid source, a midline pipe fitting secured between the first pipe segment and a second pipe segment to facilitate fluidly coupling the first pipe segment to the second pipe segment, and a second pipe end fitting secured to the second pipe segment to facilitate fluidly coupling the second pipe segment to the fluid destination.

In any case, a pipe segment generally includes tubing that defines (e.g., encloses) a pipe bore, which provides a primary fluid conveyance (e.g., flow) path through the pipe segment. More specifically, the tubing of a pipe segment may be implemented to facilitate isolating environmental conditions external to the pipe segment from conditions within its pipe bore and, thus, fluid that flows therethrough. In particular, the tubing of a pipe segment may primarily be implemented to block fluid flow directly between the pipe bore of the pipe segment and its external environmental conditions, for example, in addition to providing thermal, pressure, and/or electrical isolation (e.g., insulation).

To facilitate improving fluid isolation, in some instances, the tubing of a pipe segment may be implemented with multiple tubing layers. For example, the tubing of a pipe segment may include an internal pressure sheath (e.g., inner barrier) layer and an outer sheath (e.g., outer barrier) layer that are each implemented to run (e.g., span) the length of the pipe segment. In particular, the internal pressure sheath layer and the outer sheath layer may each be implemented as a continuous layer of solid material, such as plastic, that runs the length of the pipe segment.

In some instances, the tubing of a pipe segment may additionally include one or more intermediate layers implemented between its internal pressure sheath layer and its outer sheath layer and, thus, in a tubing annulus of the pipe segment. In particular, to facilitate improving its tensile strength and/or its hoop strength, in some instances, the intermediate layers of pipe segment tubing may include one or more reinforcement (e.g., pressure armor and/or tensile armor) layers, which each has one or more solid (e.g., reinforcement) strips that are implemented with material that has a higher tensile strength and/or a higher linear elasticity modulus (e.g., stiffness) than material that is used to implement the internal pressure sheath layer and/or the outer sheath layer of the pipe segment tubing. For example, a reinforcement strip may be implemented using metal, such as steel, while the internal pressure sheath layer and the outer sheath layer of the pipe segment tubing are implemented using plastic, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Additionally or alternatively, the intermediate layers of pipe segment tubing may include one or more tape layers, one or more intermediate sheath layers, one or more anti-wear layers, one or more insulation layers, or any combination thereof.

Furthermore, in some instances, a pipe segment may be deployed in an elevated pressure environment, for example, underwater in a subsea application. To facilitate improving its collapse and/or crush resistance, in some instances, the tubing of the pipe segment may additionally include a carcass layer implemented within its internal pressure sheath layer. In other words, in such instances, the internal pressure sheath layer may be implemented around the carcass layer and, thus, the carcass layer may be the innermost layer of the pipe segment tubing.

In any case, as described above, the tubing of a pipe segment may generally be secured and sealed in a pipe fitting. In particular, in some instances, pipe segment tubing may be secured in a potted pipe fitting at least in part by anchoring one or more reinforcement strips of the pipe segment tubing in a potting cavity of the potted pipe fitting via cured (e.g., solidified and/or hardened) potting material, such as epoxy. In other instances, pipe segment tubing may be secured in a swaged pipe fitting at least in part by conformally deforming a fitting jacket of the swaged pipe fitting around the pipe segment tubing.

However, in some instances, the deformation of the fitting jacket of a swaged pipe fitting due to swaging may limit the ability of the swaged pipe fitting to be re-deployed at another pipe segment in the field, for example, due to deformation of the fitting jacket resulting in an inner surface diameter that is less than the default (e.g., natural, original, and/or uncompressed) outer surface diameter of the other pipe segment. Additionally, in some instances, cured potting material within the potting cavity of a potted pipe fitting that is used to secure the potted pipe fitting to a pipe segment may limit the ability of the potted pipe fitting to be re-deployed at another pipe segment in the field, for example, due to the cured potting material bonding to the potted pipe fitting and, thus, limiting the ability to subsequently flow fluid potting material into the potting cavity. In other words, at least in some instances, a potted pitting fitting or a swaged pipe fitting may effectively be a one-time-use pipe fitting and, thus, deploying such a pipe fitting in a pipeline system may potentially limit deployment efficiency of the pipeline system, for example, due to a change in deployment (e.g., layout and/or configuration) of the pipeline system resulting in an increased number of new pipe fittings being deployed therein.

Accordingly, to facilitate improving pipeline deployment efficiency, the present disclosure provides techniques for implementing and/or deploying a reusable pipe fitting, for example, which is re-deployable in the field without the use of hot tooling, such as welding and/or brazing. As will be described in more detail below, a reusable pipe fitting may generally include a fitting body, a fitting connector, and a pipe engaging assembly. In particular, the fitting body of a reusable pipe fitting may generally be implemented define a body (e.g., fitting) bore in which the tubing of a corresponding pipe segment is to be disposed and the fitting connector of the reusable pipe fitting may be secured to the fitting body to enable the reusable pipe fitting to be connected to another pipeline component, such as a bore fluid source, a bore fluid destination, or another pipe fitting.

Additionally, to enable reusability, the pipe engaging assembly of a reusable pipe fitting may generally include a collapsible collar, which is implemented to be selectively compressed (e.g., contracted) against the outer surface of pipe segment tubing. In particular, contracting the collapsible collar radially inward may cause its inner surface to engage the outer surface of pipe segment tubing and, thus, facilitate securing the reusable pipe fitting to the pipe segment tubing. On the other hand, expanding the collapsible collar radially outward may cause its outer surface to disengage from the outer surface of the pipe segment tubing and, thus, enable the reusable pipe fitting to be removed from the pipe segment tubing, for example, for re-deployment at other pipe segment tubing.

Thus, in some embodiments, a pipe engaging assembly of a reusable pipe fitting may be in its activated state when the inner surface diameter of its collapsible collar is less than or equal to (e.g., not greater than) a default (e.g., natural, original, and/or uncompressed) outer surface diameter of pipe segment tubing secured or to be secured therein. On the other hand, the pipe engaging assembly may be in a deactivated state when the inner surface diameter of its collapsible collar is greater than the default outer surface diameter of the pipe segment tubing.

To enable dynamically (e.g., adaptively) adjusting its inner surface diameter, the collapsible collar in a pipe engaging assembly may be implemented with multiple collar (e.g., “dog”) segments such that open space is present between adjacent collar segments at least while the pipe engaging assembly is in its deactivated state. Thus, as the pipe engaging assembly is transitioned toward its activated state to facilitate securing the reusable pipe fitting to pipe segment tubing, adjacent collar segments in the collapsible collar may move into the open space therebetween. Additionally, to facilitate improving securement strength provided by a reusable pipe fitting, in some embodiments, the inner surface of the collapsible collar in its pipe engaging assembly may include one or more teeth (e.g., serrations).

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the collapsible collar in the pipe engaging assembly of a reusable pipe fitting may be disposed within a pipe engaging assembly cavity defined within the fitting body of the reusable pipe fitting. To facilitate controlling its activation state, in some such embodiments, the pipe engaging assembly may include multiple radial threaded fasteners (e.g., screws and/or bolts), which are each implemented to be secured through a radial fastener opening in the fitting body of the reusable pipe fitting such that its threaded end abuts the outer surface of a corresponding collar segment of the collapsible collar. Accordingly, in such embodiments, tightening a radial threaded fastener of the pipe engaging assembly may cause a corresponding collar segment of the collapsible collar to move radially inward and, thus, facilitate transitioning the pipe engaging assembly towards its activated state. On the other hand, in such embodiments, loosening a radial threaded fastener of the pipe engaging assembly may enable a corresponding collar segment of the collapsible collar to move radially outward and, thus, facilitate transitioning the pipe engaging assembly away from its activated state.

To facilitate controlling the activation state of its activation state, in other embodiments, the pipe engaging assembly in a reusable pipe fitting may additionally include an activation collar, which is implemented to be disposed circumferentially around at least a portion of its collapsible collar. In particular, in some such embodiments, the collapsible collar may have a male taper and, thus, a conical outer surface and a wedge-shaped axial cross-section profile. On the other hand, the activation collar may have a female taper (e.g., socket) and, thus, a conical inner surface and a wedge-shaped axial cross-section profile. More specifically, in such embodiments, the activation collar may be implemented external to the collapsible collar such that the conical inner surface of the activation collar can slide along the conical outer surface of the collapsible collar, for example, when external force is applied to activation collar.

In fact, due to the slopes of its collapsible collar and activation collar, the activation state of a pipe engaging assembly in a reusable pipe fitting may be controlled at least in part by controlling the position of the activation collar on the collapsible collar. For example, the pipe engaging assembly may be in a deactivated state when its activation collar is at a first (e.g., deactivated) position that results in the inner surface diameter of its collapsible collar being greater than the default outer surface diameter of the pipe segment tubing. However, moving (e.g., transitioning) the activation collar from the first position to a second (e.g., activated) position, which covers more of the collapsible collar, may contract (e.g., collapse and/or compress) the collapsible collar inwardly, thereby transitioning the pipe engaging assembly toward its activated state. In other words, when the pipe segment tubing is present therein, moving the activation collar from the first position to the second position may result in the inner surface (e.g., one or more teeth) of the collapsible collar engaging (e.g., contacting) the outer surface of the pipe segment tubing, thereby increasing the resistance (e.g., force) the pipe engaging assembly exerts against movement of the pipe segment tubing. On the other hand, moving the activation collar form the second position to the first position may result in the inner surface of the collapsible collar disengaging from the outer surface of the pipe segment tubing, thereby reducing the resistance the pipe engaging assembly exerts against movement of the pipe segment tubing, for example, to enable the reusable pipe fitting to be removed from the pipe segment tubing and re-deployed at different pipe segment tubing.

To facilitate controlling the position of an activation collar on a corresponding collapsible collar, in some embodiments, the fitting body of a reusable pipe fitting may include threading. In particular, in some such embodiments, the fitting body may be implemented as a threaded inner fitting body, which has threading implemented along its outer surface, and a threaded outer fitting body, which has corresponding threading implemented along its inner surface. Thus, after an activation collar is secured to the threaded outer fitting body, tightening the threaded outer fitting body on the threaded inner fitting body may pull more of the activation collar onto the collapsible collar and, thus, contract the collapsible collar radially inward. On the other hand, loosening the threaded outer fitting body from the threaded fitting body may push more of the activation collar off of the collapsible collar, thereby enabling the collapsible collar to expand radially outward.

Alternatively, in other such embodiment, the fitting body of a reusable pipe fitting may include an axial fastener opening, which is implemented to be aligned with a corresponding axial fastener opening in the activation collar of the reusable pipe fitting. Accordingly, in such embodiments, tightening an axial threaded fastener, such as a bolt or a screw, in the axial fastener openings may cause the fitting body and the activation collar to move toward one another and, thus, to cover more of the collapsible collar, thereby causing the collapsible collar to contract radially inward. On the other hand, in such embodiments, loosening the axial threaded fastener from the axial fastener openings may cause the fitting body and the activation collar to move away from one another and, thus, to cover less of the collapsible collar, thereby enabling the collapsible collar to expand radially outward.

In any case, to facilitate anchoring the carcass layer of a pipe segment therein, in some embodiments, a reusable pipe fitting may additionally include a carcass (e.g., insulator) ring, which is implemented to be secured to the carcass layer. For example, in some embodiments, the reusable pipe fitting may include an exterior carcass ring, which is implemented be secured to an outer surface of the carcass layer. In particular, in some such embodiments, the exterior carcass ring may be implemented using spring metal such that the exterior carcass ring is inwardly biased and disposed within a carcass ring cavity, which is defined circumferentially around a corresponding body bore of the reusable pipe fitting. Thus, in such embodiments, the reusable pipe fitting may be deployed at a pipe segment at least in part by stabbing (e.g., inserting) the tubing of the pipe segment into the body bore of the reusable pipe fitting such that contours on the outer surface of the carcass layer in the pipe segment cause the exterior carcass ring to expands around and grab onto the outer surface of the carcass layer.

However, in other embodiments, a reusable pipe fitting may include an interior carcass ring, which is implemented to be secured to the inner surface of the carcass layer of a pipe segment such that the interior carcass ring abuts the fitting body of the reusable pipe fitting. In particular, to facilitate providing reusability, in some such embodiments, the interior carcass ring may be secured to the inner surface of the carcass layer via one or more threaded fasteners, such as a bolt or a screw. In this manner, as will be described in more detail below, the present disclosure provides techniques for implementing and/or deploying a reusable pipe fitting, which, at least in some instances, may facilitate improving deployment efficiency of a pipeline system, for example, due to reuse and/or re-deployment of the pipe fitting enabling a reduction in the number of new pipe fittings deployed therein.

To help illustrate, an example of a pipeline system10is shown inFIG. 1. As in the depicted example, the pipeline system10may be coupled between a bore fluid source12and a bore fluid destination14. Merely as an illustrative non-limiting example, the bore fluid source12may be a production well and the bore fluid destination14may be a fluid storage tank. In other instances, the bore fluid source12may be a first (e.g., lease facility) storage tank and the bore fluid destination14may be a second (e.g., refinery) storage tank.

In any case, the pipeline system10may generally be implemented and/or operated to facilitate transporting (e.g., conveying) fluid, such as gas and/or liquid, from the bore fluid source12to the bore fluid destination14. In fact, in some embodiments, the pipeline system10may be used in many applications, including without limitation, both onshore and offshore oil and gas applications. For example, in such embodiments, the pipeline system10may be used to transport one or more hydrocarbons, such as crude oil, petroleum, natural gas, or any combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the pipeline system10may be used to transport one or more other types of fluid, such as produced water, fresh water, fracturing fluid, flowback fluid, carbon dioxide, or any combination thereof.

To facilitate flowing fluid to the bore fluid destination14, in some embodiments, the bore fluid source12may include one or more bore fluid pumps16that are implemented and/or operated to inject (e.g., pump and/or supply) fluid from the bore fluid source12into a bore of the pipeline system10. However, it should be appreciated that the depicted example is merely intended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, in other embodiments, one or more bore fluid pumps16may not be implemented at the bore fluid source12, for example, when fluid flow through the bore of the pipeline system10is produced by gravity. Additionally or alternatively, in other embodiments, one or more bore fluid pumps16may be implemented in the pipeline system10and/or at the bore fluid destination14.

To facilitate transporting fluid from the bore fluid source12to the bore fluid destination14, as in the depicted example, a pipeline system10may include pipe fittings18and one or more pipe segments20. For example, the depicted pipeline system10includes a first pipe segment20A, a second pipe segment20B, and an Nth pipe segment20N. Additionally, the depicted pipeline system10includes a first pipe (e.g., end) fitting18A, which couples the bore fluid source12to the first pipe segment20A, a second pipe (e.g., midline) fitting18B, which couples the first pipe segment20A to the second pipe segment20B, and an Nth pipe (e.g., end) fitting18N, which couples the Nth pipe segment20N to the bore fluid destination14.

However, it should again be appreciated that the depicted example is merely intended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, in other embodiments, a pipeline system10may include fewer than three (e.g., two or one) pipe segments20or more than three (e.g., four, five, or more) pipe segments20. Additionally or alternatively, in other embodiments, a pipeline system10may include fewer than four (e.g., three or two) pipe fittings18or more than four (e.g., five, six, or more) pipe fittings18.

In any case, as described above, a pipe segment20generally includes tubing that may be used to convey (e.g., transfer and/or transport) water, gas, oil, and/or any other suitable type of fluid. The tubing of a pipe segment20may be made of any suitable type of material, such as plastic, metal, and/or a composite (e.g., fiber-reinforced composite) material. In fact, as will be described in more detail below, in some embodiments, the tubing of a pipe segment20may be implemented using multiple different tubing layers. For example, the tubing of a pipe segment20may include a first high-density polyethylene (e.g., internal corrosion protection) layer, one or more reinforcement (e.g., steel strip) layers external to the first high-density polyethylene layer, and a second high-density polyethylene (e.g., external corrosion protection) layer external to the one or more reinforcement layers.

Additionally, as in the depicted example, one or more (e.g., second and/or Nth) pipe segments20in a pipeline system10may be curved. To facilitate implementing a curve in a pipe segment20, in some embodiments, the pipe segment20may be flexible, for example, such that the pipe segment20is spoolable on a reel and/or in a coil (e.g., during transport and/or before deployment of the pipe segment20). In other words, in some embodiments, one or more pipe segments20in the pipeline system10may be a flexible pipe, such as a bonded flexible pipe, an unbonded flexible pipe, a flexible composite pipe (FCP), a thermoplastic composite pipe (TCP), or a reinforced thermoplastic pipe (RTP). In fact, at least in some instances, increasing flexibility of a pipe segment20may facilitate improving deployment efficiency of a pipeline system10, for example, by obviating a curved (e.g., elbow) pipe fitting18and/or enabling the pipe segment20to be transported to the pipeline system10, deployed in the pipeline system10, or both using a tighter spool.

To facilitate improving pipe flexibility, in some embodiments, the tubing of a pipe segment20that defines (e.g., encloses) its pipe bore may additionally define free space (e.g., one or more annular gaps) devoid of solid material in its annulus. In fact, in some embodiments, the free space in the tubing annulus of a pipe segment20may run (e.g., span) the length of the pipe segment20and, thus, define (e.g., enclose) one or more fluid conduits in the annulus of the tubing, which are separate from the pipe bore. In other words, in such embodiments, fluid may flow through a pipe segment20via its pipe bore, a fluid conduit defined within its tubing annulus, or both.

To help illustrate, an example of a pipe segment20, which includes tubing22with annular gaps (e.g., fluid conduits and/or free space)24defined in its annulus25, is shown inFIG. 2. As depicted, the pipe segment tubing22is implemented with multiple tubing layers including an internal pressure sheath (e.g., inner barrier) layer26and an outer sheath (e.g., outer barrier) layer28. In some embodiments, the internal pressure sheath layer26and/or the outer sheath layer28of the pipe segment tubing22may be implemented using composite material and/or plastic, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and/or raised temperature polyethylene (PE-RT). Although a number of particular layers are depicted, it should be understood that the techniques described in the present disclosure may be broadly applicable to composite pipe body structures including two or more layers, for example, as distinguished from a rubber or plastic single-layer hose subject to vulcanization. In any case, as depicted, an inner surface30of the internal pressure sheath layer26defines (e.g., encloses) a pipe bore32through which fluid can flow, for example, to facilitate transporting fluid from a bore fluid source12to a bore fluid destination14.

Additionally, as depicted, the tubing annulus25of the pipe segment20is implemented between its internal pressure sheath layer26and its outer sheath layer28. As will be described in more detail below, the tubing annulus25of a pipe segment20may include one or more intermediate layers. Furthermore, as depicted, annular gaps24running along the length of the pipe segment20are defined (e.g., enclosed) in the tubing annulus25. As described above, an annular gap24in the tubing annulus25may be devoid of solid material. As such, pipe segment tubing22that includes one or more annular gaps24defined therein may include less solid material and, thus, exert less resistance to flexure, for example, as compared to solid pipe segment tubing22and/or pipe segment tubing22that does not include annular gaps24defined its annulus25. Moreover, to facilitate further improving pipe flexibility, in some embodiments, one or more layers in the tubing22of a pipe segment20may be unbonded from one or more other layers in the tubing22and, thus, the pipe segment20may be an unbonded pipe.

However, it should be appreciated that the depicted example is merely intended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, in other embodiments, a pipe segment20may include fewer than two (e.g., one) or more than two (e.g., three, four, or more) annular gaps24defined in its tubing annulus25. Additionally or alternatively, in other embodiments, an annular gap24defined in the tubing annulus25of a pipe segment20may run non-parallel to the pipe bore32of the pipe segment20, for example, such that the annular gap24is skewed relative to the longitudinal extent of the pipe bore32.

To help illustrate, an example of a portion36of a pipe segment20, which includes an internal pressure sheath layer26and an intermediate layer—namely a reinforcement layer34—included in the annulus25of its pipe segment tubing22, is shown inFIG. 3. However, it should be appreciated that the depicted example is merely intended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, in other embodiments, the intermediate layers of pipe segment tubing22may additionally or alternatively include one or more tape layers, one or more insulation layers one or more intermediate sheath layers, one or more anti-wear layers, or any combination thereof.

In any case, as depicted, the reinforcement layer34includes a reinforcement strip40. To facilitate improving tensile strength and/or hoop strength of pipe segment tubing22, in some embodiments, a reinforcement strip40in the pipe segment tubing22may be implemented at least in part using solid material that has a higher tensile strength and/or a higher linear elasticity modulus (e.g., stiffness) than solid material that is used to implement the internal pressure sheath layer26and/or the outer sheath layer28of the pipe segment tubing. For example, the internal pressure sheath layer26may be implemented using plastic, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), while the reinforcement strip40is implemented using metal, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, duplex stainless steel, super duplex stainless steel, or any combination thereof. In other words, at least in some such embodiments, a reinforcement strip40of the pipe segment tubing22may be implemented using electrically conductive material, which, at least in some instances, may enable communication of electrical (e.g., control and/or sensor) signals via the reinforcement strip40. However, in other embodiments, one or more reinforcement strips40of pipe segment tubing22may additionally or alternatively be implemented at least in part using a composite material and/or a polymer (e.g., plastic).

Additionally, as depicted, the reinforcement strip40is helically disposed (e.g., wound and/or wrapped) on the internal pressure sheath layer26such that gaps (e.g., openings) are left between adjacent windings to define an annular gap (e.g., fluid conduit)24. In other words, in some embodiments, the reinforcement layer34may be implemented at least in part by winding the reinforcement strip40around the internal pressure sheath layer26at a non-zero lay angle (e.g., fifty-four degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis of the pipe bore32. In any case, as depicted, the resulting annular gap24runs helically along the pipe segment20, for example, such that the annular gap24is skewed fifty-four degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the pipe bore32.

However, it should again be appreciated that the depicted example is merely intended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, in some embodiments, one or more other intermediate layers, such as an anti-wear layer, may be implemented between the internal pressure sheath layer26and a reinforcement layer34of pipe segment tubing22. In other words, in some such embodiments, a reinforcement strip40of the reinforcement layer34may be disposed on another intermediate layer, for example, instead of directly on the internal pressure sheath layer26of the pipe segment tubing22. Moreover, in other embodiments, a reinforcement layer34of pipe segment tubing22may include multiple reinforcement strips40.

In any case, in some embodiments, an outer sheath layer28may be disposed directly over the depicted reinforcement layer34and, thus, cover and/or define (e.g., enclose) the depicted annular gap24. However, in other embodiments, the tubing annulus25of pipe segment tubing22may include multiple (e.g., two, three, four, or more) reinforcement layers34. In other words, in such embodiments, one or more other reinforcement layers34may be disposed over the depicted reinforcement layer34. In fact, in some such embodiments, the reinforcement strips40in the one or more other reinforcement layers34may also each be helically disposed such that there are annular gaps (e.g., fluid conduits and/or free space)24between adjacent windings.

For example, a first other reinforcement strip40of a first other reinforcement layer34may be helically disposed on the depicted reinforcement strip40using the same non-zero lay angle as the depicted reinforcement strip40to cover (e.g., enclose) the depicted annular gap24and to define another annular gap24in the first other reinforcement layer34. Additionally, a second other reinforcement strip40of a second other reinforcement layer34may be helically disposed on the first other reinforcement strip40using another non-zero lay angle, which is the inverse of the non-zero lay angle of the depicted reinforcement strip40, to define another annular gap24in the second other reinforcement layer34. Furthermore, a third other reinforcement strip40of a third other reinforcement layer34may be helically disposed on the second other reinforcement strip40using the same non-zero lay angle as the second other reinforcement strip40to cover the other annular gap24in the second other reinforcement layer34and to define another annular gap24in the third other reinforcement layer34. In some embodiments, an outer sheath layer28may be disposed over the third other reinforcement layer34and, thus, cover (e.g., enclose) the other annular gap24in the third other reinforcement layer34.

In any case, as described above, in some instances, a pipe segment20may be deployed in an elevated pressure environment, for example, underwater in a subsea application. To facilitate improving the collapse and/or crush resistance of its tubing22, a carcass layer may be disposed within the internal pressure sheath layer26of the pipe segment20. In other words, in such instances, the internal pressure sheath layer26may be disposed around the carcass layer and, thus, the carcass layer may be the innermost layer of the pipe segment tubing22.

To help illustrate, an example of pipe segment tubing22that includes a carcass layer37is shown inFIG. 4. To facilitate improving collapse and/or crush resistance, in some embodiments, the carcass layer37may be made from metal, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, duplex stainless steel, super duplex stainless steel, or any combination thereof. Additionally, as depicted, the carcass layer37is an interlocked layer in the pipe segment tubing22.

In addition to the carcass layer37, as depicted, the pipe segment tubing22includes an internal pressure sheath layer26and an outer sheath layer28. Furthermore, as depicted, the pipe segment tubing22includes intermediate layers38disposed between the internal pressure sheath layer26and the outer sheath layer28and, thus, in the annulus25of the pipe segment tubing22. In particular, as depicted, the intermediate layers38include at least a reinforcement layer34with one or more reinforcement strips40that are implemented to define one or more annular gaps (e.g., fluid conduits and/or free space)24in the tubing annulus25.

However, it should be appreciated that the depicted example is merely intended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, as mentioned above, in some embodiments, the intermediate layers38of pipe segment tubing22may additionally or alternatively include one or more tape layers, one or more intermediate sheath layers, one or more anti-wear layers, one or more insulation layers, or any combination thereof. Additionally, as described above, in some embodiments, pipe segment tubing22may include multiple reinforcement layers34, which each include one or more reinforcement strips40. Moreover, although the present disclosure describes examples that include a carcass layer37, in other embodiments, the techniques may be used with pipe segment tubing22that does not include a carcass layer37. In any case, as described above, in a pipeline system10, the tubing22of a pipe segment20may generally be secured and sealed in a pipe fitting18.

To help illustrate, an example of a portion42of a pipeline system10, which includes a pipe fitting18—namely a reusable pipe fitting44—and pipe segment tubing22, is shown inFIG. 5. As depicted, a reusable pipe fitting44generally includes a fitting body46, which defines a body (e.g., fitting) bore48in which an end of the pipe segment tubing22is or is to be disposed, a fitting connector50, a pipe engaging assembly52, and fitting seals54. In particular, the pipe engaging assembly52may be implemented and/or operated to facilitate selectively securing the reusable pipe fitting44to the pipe segment tubing22and the fitting connector50may be implemented to enable the reusable pipe fitting44to be connected to another pipeline component, such as a bore fluid source12, a bore fluid destination14, or another pipe fitting18.

As described above, free space (e.g., one or more fluid conduits and/or annular gaps24) may be defined within the annulus25of pipe segment tubing22. To facilitate sealing the free space in the tubing annulus25from external environmental conditions, as in the depicted example, the fitting seals54of a reusable pipe fitting44may include one or more outer fitting seals54A, which are each implemented to be compressed against the outer sheath layer28of pipe segment tubing22. Additionally, to facilitate sealing the free space in the tubing annulus25from bore fluid within the body bore48of a reusable pipe fitting44, as in the depicted example, the fitting seals54of the reusable pipe fitting44may include one or more inner fitting seals54B, which are each implemented to be compressed against the internal pressure sheath layer26of pipe segment tubing22. Thus, to facilitate sealing the free space in the tubing annulus25, as in the depicted example, the outer sheath layer28and each intermediate layer38in the tubing annulus25may be cut back relative to the internal pressure sheath layer26of the pipe segment tubing22.

In some embodiments, one or more fitting seals54in a reusable pipe fitting44may be made from metal. For example, in some such embodiments, a fitting seal54in the reusable pipe fitting44may be made from carbon steel, stainless steel, duplex stainless steel, super duplex stainless steel, or any combination thereof. However, in other embodiments, one or more fitting seals54in a reusable pipe fitting44may be made from non-metallic material. For example, in some such embodiments, a fitting seal54in the reusable pipe fitting44may be made from a polymer, rubber, and/or plastic.

In any case, as in the depicted example, to facilitate venting the annulus25of pipe segment tubing22, in some embodiments, a reusable pipe fitting44may include one or more vent ports56, which are each fluidly connected to free space defined within the tubing annulus25. In particular, as in the depicted example, in some such embodiments, a vent port56of a reusable pipe fitting44may be fluidly connected to the annulus25of pipe segment tubing22via a vent path58defined in the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44. Additionally, as in the depicted example, to enable flowing fluid (e.g., lubricant) into its pipe engaging assembly52and/or flushing fluid out from its pipe engaging assembly52, in some embodiments, a reusable pipe fitting44may include one or more fluid ports60, which are each fluidly connected to the pipe engaging assembly52. In particular, as in the depicted example, in some such embodiments, a fluid port60of a reusable pipe fitting44may be fluidly connected to the pipe engaging assembly52via a fluid path62defined in the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44.

However, it should be appreciated that the depicted example is merely intended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, in other embodiments, a reusable pipe fitting44may not include a vent port56or include more than one (e.g., two, three, or more) vent ports56. Additionally, in other embodiments, a reusable pipe fitting44may not include a fluid port60fluidly connected to its pipe engaging assembly52or include more than one (e.g., two, three, or more) fluid ports60fluidly connected to its pipe engaging assembly52.

In any case, as depicted, to facilitate selectively securing a reusable pipe fitting44to pipe segment tubing22, the pipe engaging assembly52of the reusable pipe fitting44generally includes at least a collapsible collar64. In particular, contracting the collapsible collar64radially inward may cause its inner surface to engage the outer surface of pipe segment tubing and, thus, secure the reusable pipe fitting44to the pipe segment tubing22. On the other hand, expanding the collapsible collar64radially outward may cause its outer surface to disengage from the outer surface of the pipe segment tubing22and, thus, enable the reusable pipe fitting44to be removed from the pipe segment tubing22, for example, for re-deployment at other pipe segment tubing22.

To enable dynamically (e.g., adaptively) adjusting its inner surface diameter, the collapsible collar64in a pipe engaging assembly52may include multiple collar (e.g., “dog”) segments such that open space is present between adjacent collar segments at least while the pipe engaging assembly is in a deactivated state. For example, in some embodiments, the collapsible collar64in a pipe engaging assembly52may include multiple separate collar segments. However, in other embodiments, the collapsible collar64in a pipe engaging assembly52may be implemented with a ring that has slits cut therein to partially separate adjacent collar segments. In any case, in this manner, adjacent collar segments in the collapsible collar64may move into the open space therebetween as the pipe engaging assembly52is transitioned toward its activate state.

Additionally, to facilitate improving securement strength provided by a reusable pipe fitting44, in some embodiments, the inner surface of the collapsible collar64in its pipe engaging assembly52may include one or more teeth (e.g., serrations) that extend radially inward. Furthermore, as will be described in more detail below, to facilitate controlling the inner surface diameter of its collapsible collar64, in some embodiments, the pipe engaging assembly52of a reusable pipe fitting44may include multiple radial threaded fasteners (e.g., bolts and/or screws), which are each implemented to be secured through a radial fastener opening in the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44such that its threaded end abuts the outer surface of a corresponding collar segment in the collapsible collar64. However, to facilitate controlling the inner surface diameter of its collapsible collar64, in other embodiments, the pipe engaging assembly52of a reusable pipe fitting44may include an activation collar, which may be disposed circumferentially around at least a portion of its collapsible collar64.

To help illustrate, a portion42A of a pipeline system10, which includes an example of a reusable pipe fitting44A and pipe segment tubing22, is shown inFIG. 6. As depicted, the reusable pipe fitting44A generally includes a fitting connector50A, a fitting body46A, a pipe engaging assembly52A, and fitting seals54. In particular, as in the depicted example, in some embodiments, the fitting connector50of a reusable pipe fitting44may be secured to its fitting body46via one or more threaded fasteners66, such as a bolt or a screw.

However, it should be appreciated that the depicted example is merely intended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, in other embodiments, the fitting connector50of a reusable pipe fitting44may be secured to the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44via fewer than four (e.g., three, two, or one) threaded fasteners66or more than four (e.g., five, six, or more) threaded fasteners66. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the fitting connector50of a reusable pipe fitting44may be secured to the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44via hot tooling, such as welding and/or brazing.

In any case, as depicted, in addition to a collapsible collar64A, the pipe engaging assembly52A of the reusable pipe fitting44A includes an activation collar68A, which is disposed circumferentially around the collapsible collar64A. In particular, as in the depicted example, in some embodiments, the collapsible collar64of a pipe engaging assembly52may have a male taper and, thus, a conical outer surface67and a wedge-shaped axial cross-section profile. On the other hand, as in the depicted example, the activation collar68may have a female taper (e.g., socket) and, thus, a conical inner surface69and a wedge-shaped axial cross-section profile.

Additionally, as in the depicted example, the activation collar68of a pipe engaging assembly52may be disposed external to a corresponding collapsible collar64such that the conical inner surface69of the activation collar68can slide along the conical outer surface67of the collapsible collar64, for example, when external force is applied to activation collar68. Due to the collar slopes, as will be described in more detail below, the activation state of the pipe engaging assembly52may be controlled at least in part by controlling the position of its activation collar68on a corresponding collapsible collar64. In particular, in some embodiments, the pipe engaging assembly52may be in its activated state when an inner surface diameter of its collapsible collar64is less than or equal to (e.g., not greater than) a default (e.g., natural, original, and/or uncompressed) outer surface diameter of pipe segment tubing22secured or to be secured therein. On the other hand, the pipe engaging assembly52may be in a deactivated state when the inner surface diameter of its collapsible collar64is greater than the default outer surface diameter of the pipe segment tubing22. In other words, in such embodiments, the pipe engaging assembly52may be in a deactivated state when its activation collar68is at a first (e.g., deactivated) position that results in the inner surface diameter of its collapsible collar64being greater than the default outer surface diameter of the pipe segment tubing22, thereby reducing the resistance (e.g., force) the pipe engaging assembly52exerts against movement of the pipe segment tubing22.

Due to the collar slopes, at least in some instances, transitioning the activation collar68of a pipe engaging assembly52to a different position on a corresponding collapsible collar64may affect (e.g., expand or contract) the inner surface diameter of the collapsible collar64. To help illustrate, continuing with the above example, moving (e.g., transitioning) the activation collar68from the first position to a second (e.g., activated) position, which covers more of the collapsible collar64, may contract (e.g., collapse and/or compress) the collapsible collar64radially inward, for example, such that the inner surface diameter of the collapsible collar64is reduced to less than or equal to the default outer surface diameter of the pipe segment tubing22, thereby transitioning the pipe engaging assembly52to its activated state. In other words, when the pipe segment tubing22is present therein, moving the activation collar68to the second position may result in the inner surface (e.g., one or more teeth) of the collapsible collar64engaging (e.g., contacting) the outer surface of the pipe segment tubing22, thereby increasing the resistance (e.g., force) the pipe engaging assembly52exerts against movement of the pipe segment tubing22relative to the reusable pipe fitting44.

Furthermore, as in the depicted example, to facilitate maintaining a collapsible collar64of a reusable pipe fitting44at a target location on pipe segment tubing22before the collapsible collar64is secured to the pipe segment tubing22, in some embodiments, one or more (e.g., elastic) bands70may be disposed circumferentially around the collapsible collar64. However, it should again be appreciated that the depicted example is merely intended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, in other embodiments, a reusable pipe fitting44may not include a band70disposed around its collapsible collar64, for example, when its collapsible collar64is a single ring with slits cut therethrough to partially separate adjacent collar segments.

In any case, as in the depicted example, to facilitate securing a pipe engaging assembly52to a corresponding fitting body46, in some embodiments, a retainer recess72may be formed circumferentially along an outer surface of the fitting body46. Additionally, as in the depicted example, the activation collar68of the pipe engaging assembly52may include a retainer lip (e.g., extension)74, which extends out toward the fitting body46and is implemented to matingly interlock with the retainer recess72on the fitting body46. Thus, in such embodiments, the activation collar68may be moved over a corresponding collapsible collar64until the retainer lip74on the activation collar68matingly interlocks with the retainer recess72on the fitting body46, thereby securing the activation collar68to the fitting body46.

Furthermore, as in the depicted example, to facilitate controlling the position of the activation collar68on a corresponding collapsible collar64, in some embodiments, the fitting body46of a reusable pipe fitting44may include a threaded inner fitting body76and a threaded outer fitting body78. In particular, as in the depicted example, in some such embodiments, threading may be disposed on an inner surface of the threaded outer fitting body78while corresponding threading may be disposed on an outer surface of the threaded inner fitting body76. Thus, in such embodiments, after an activation collar68is secured to the threaded outer fitting body78, tightening the threaded outer fitting body78on the threaded inner fitting body76may move more of the activation collar68onto a corresponding collapsible collar64while loosening the threaded outer fitting body78from the threaded inner fitting body76may move more of the activation collar68off of the collapsible collar64.

However, it should again be appreciated that the depicted example is merely intended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, in other embodiments, a threaded outer fitting body78of a reusable pipe fitting44may be integrated with the activation collar68in the pipe engaging assembly52of the reusable pipe fitting44. In other words, in such embodiments, the activation collar68may be threaded onto a corresponding threaded inner fitting body76and secured directly to a corresponding fitting connector50, which, at least in some instances, may facilitate further reducing the likelihood that the pipe engaging assembly52of the reusable pipe fitting44inadvertently transitions from its activated state.

In any case, as in the depicted example, to facilitate anchoring the carcass layer37of pipe segment tubing22therein, in some embodiments, a reusable pipe fitting44may additionally include a carcass (e.g., insulator) ring80, such as an interior carcass ring80A. In particular, as in the depicted example, an interior carcass ring80A may be implemented to be secured to the inner surface of the carcass layer37of pipe segment tubing22via one or more threaded fasteners66, such as a bolt or a screw. Additionally, as in the depicted example, to facilitate anchoring the carcass layer37of pipe segment tubing22in a reusable pipe fitting44, a lip (e.g., extension)82on the interior carcass ring80A may be disposed within a carcass ring cavity84A defined within the reusable pipe fitting44such that the interior carcass ring80A directly abuts the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44.

However, it should again be appreciated that the depicted example is merely intended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, in other embodiments, a reusable pipe fitting44may not include a carcass ring80, for example, when corresponding pipe segment tubing22does not include a carcass layer37. Alternatively, instead of an interior carcass ring80A, in other embodiments, a reusable pipe fitting44may include an exterior carcass ring80, which is implemented to be secured to an outer surface of the carcass layer37of pipe segment tubing22.

To help illustrate, a portion42B of a pipeline system10, which includes another example of a reusable pipe fitting44B and pipe segment tubing22, is shown inFIG. 7. Similar to the reusable pipe fitting44A ofFIG. 6, as depicted inFIG. 7, the reusable pipe fitting44B generally includes a fitting connector50B, a fitting body46B, a pipe engaging assembly52B, and fitting seals54. In particular, similar to the pipe engaging assembly52A ofFIG. 6, as depicted inFIG. 7, the pipe engaging assembly52B includes a collapsible collar64B and an activation collar68B. In fact, in some embodiments, the pipe engaging assembly52B ofFIG. 7may generally match the pipe engaging assembly52A ofFIG. 6.

However, as depicted inFIG. 7, to facilitate anchoring the carcass layer37of pipe segment tubing22therein, the reusable pipe fitting44B includes an exterior carcass ring80B, which is disposed within a carcass ring cavity84B defined in the fitting body46B of the reusable pipe fitting44B, for example, due to the fitting connector50B being welded to the fitting body46B and, thus, limiting the ability of the lip82of an interior carcass ring80A to be subsequently disposed therebetween. In particular, as in the depicted example, in some embodiments, an exterior carcass ring80may include protrusions86that extend radially inward to interlock with contours on the outer surface of the carcass layer37of pipe segment tubing22. In any case, to facilitate engaging an exterior carcass ring80B of a reusable pipe fitting44with the outer surface of the carcass layer37of pipe segment tubing22, as in the depicted example, the internal pressure sheath layer26of the pipe segment tubing22may be cut back relative to the carcass layer37.

Additionally, to enable the exterior carcass ring80B of a reusable pipe fitting44to engage (e.g., grip and/or grab onto) the outer surface of the carcass layer37of pipe segment tubing22, in some embodiments, the exterior carcass ring80B may be made from spring metal, such as spring steel. Thus, in some such embodiments, the reusable pipe fitting44may be deployed at pipe segment tubing22at least in part by stabbing (e.g., inserting) the pipe segment tubing22into the body bore48of the reusable pipe fitting44such that contours on the outer surface of its carcass layer37cause the exterior carcass ring80B to expand around and grab onto the carcass layer37.

However, it should be appreciated that the depicted example is merely intended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, as will be described in more detail below, in other embodiments, the pipe engaging assembly52of a reusable pipe fitting44may not include an activation collar68, for example, when radial threaded fasteners are used to control the inner surface diameter of the collapsible collar64in the pipe engaging assembly52and, thus, the activation state of the pipe engaging assembly52. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the activation collar68and the collapsible collar64of a reusable pipe fitting44may be enclosed within the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44.

To help illustrate, a portion42C of a pipeline system10, which includes a further example of a reusable pipe fitting44C and pipe segment tubing22, is shown inFIG. 8. Similar to the reusable pipe fitting44A ofFIG. 6, as depicted inFIG. 8, the reusable pipe fitting44C generally includes a fitting connector50C, a fitting body46C, a pipe engaging assembly52C, and fitting seals54. In particular, similar to the pipe engaging assembly52A ofFIG. 6, as depicted inFIG. 8, the pipe engaging assembly52C includes an activation collar68C, which has a conical inner surface69, and a collapsible collar64C, which has a conical outer surface67.

However, as depicted inFIG. 8, the activation collar68C and the collapsible collar64C are circumferentially and axially enclosed within the fitting body46C of the reusable pipe fitting44C. In particular, as depicted, the activation collar68C and the collapsible collar64C are disposed within a pipe engaging assembly cavity89C that is defined within the fitting body46C of the reusable pipe fitting44C. In other words, as depicted, the fitting body46C may obstruct the ability to directly manipulate the activation collar68C.

Thus, as in the depicted example, to facilitate controlling the position of an activation collar68on a corresponding collapsible collar64, in some embodiments, a pipe engaging assembly52in a reusable pipe fitting44may additionally include one or more axial threaded fasteners90that extend into the pipe engaging assembly cavity89of the reusable pipe fitting44. In particular, as in the depicted example, in some such embodiments, an axial threaded fastener90may be secured to an axial fastener opening91A in the activation collar68via an axial fastener opening91B formed through the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44. Thus, in such embodiments, tightening the axial threaded fastener90in the axial fastener openings91may move (e.g., pull) more of the activation collar68onto the collapsible collar64and, thus, facilitate transitioning the pipe engaging assembly52of the reusable pipe fitting44toward its activated position. On the other hand, loosening the axial threaded fastener90from the axial fastener openings91may move (e.g., push) more of the activation collar68off of the collapsible collar64and, thus, facilitate transitioning the pipe engaging assembly52of the reusable pipe fitting44away from its activated state, for example, to enable the reusable pipe fitting44to be removed from pipe segment tubing22and re-deployed at different pipe segment tubing22.

However, it should be appreciated that the depicted example is merely intended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, in other embodiments, a reusable pipe fitting44may include an axial threaded fastener90that extends through an axial fastener opening91in the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44and abuts the activation collar68of the reusable pipe fitting44such that tightening the axial threaded fastener90extends its threaded end farther into the pipe engaging assembly cavity89of the reusable pipe fitting44such that more of the activation collar68is pushed onto the collapsible collar64of the reusable pipe fitting44while loosening the axial threaded fastener90retracts its threaded end and, thus, enables more of the activation collar68to move off of the collapsible collar64. Moreover, in other embodiments, the fitting body46, the activation collar68, and/or the collapsible collar64of a reusable pipe fitting44may have a different geometry.

To help illustrate, a portion42D of a pipeline system10, which includes another example of a reusable pipe fitting44D and pipe segment tubing22, is shown inFIG. 9. Similar to the reusable pipe fitting44A ofFIG. 6, as depicted inFIG. 9, the reusable pipe fitting44D generally includes a fitting connector50D, a fitting body46D, a pipe engaging assembly52D, and fitting seals54. In particular, similar to the pipe engaging assembly52A ofFIG. 6, as depicted inFIG. 9, the reusable pipe fitting44D generally includes a collapsible collar64D and an activation collar68D.

However, as depicted inFIG. 9, the fitting body46D of the reusable pipe fitting44D includes a female taper and, thus, a conical inner surface88and a wedge-shaped axial cross-section profile. Additionally, as depicted inFIG. 9, the collapsible collar64D includes a first male taper on a first side and, thus, a first conical outer surface67A as well as a second male taper on a second side and, thus, a second conical outer surface67B. In other words, as in the depicted example, in some embodiments, the collapsible collar64in a pipe engaging assembly52of a reusable pipe fitting44may have a trapezoidal cross-section profile.

Moreover, as in the depicted example, in some embodiments, the collapsible collar64in a pipe engaging assembly52of a reusable pipe fitting44may be disposed internal to a corresponding activation collar68as well as the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44. In particular, in such embodiments, the collapsible collar64may be disposed internal to the activation collar68and the fitting body46such that a conical inner surface69of the activation collar68can slide along a first conical outer surface67A of the collapsible collar64and a second conical outer surface67B of the collapsible collar64can slide along a conical inner surface88of the fitting body46, for example, when force is exerted to move the fitting body46and the activation collar68toward one another. Due to the collar slopes and the fitting body slope, in such embodiments, the inner surface diameter of the collapsible collar64and, thus, the activation state of the pipe engaging assembly52may be controlled based at least in part on the positions of the fitting body46and the activation collar68on the collapsible collar64. In particular, moving the fitting body46and the activation collar68toward one another may cover more of the collapsible collar64, thereby contracting the collapsible collar64radially inward and, thus, transitioning the pipe engaging assembly52toward its activated state. On the other hand, moving the fitting body46and the activation collar68away from one another may cover less of the collapsible collar64, thereby enabling the collapsible collar64to expand radially outward and, thus, transitioning the pipe engaging assembly52away from its activated state.

To control the position of a fitting body46and an activation collar68on a corresponding collapsible collar64, as in the depicted example, in some embodiments, a reusable pipe fitting44may include one or more axial threaded fasteners90, such as a bolt or a screw. In particular, as in the depicted example, an axial threaded fastener90may be secured in an axial fastener opening91A in the activation collar68as well as a corresponding axial fastener opening91B in the fitting body46. Thus, in such embodiments, tightening the axial threaded fastener90in the axial fastener openings91may move the fitting body46and the activation collar68toward one another and, thus, transition a pipe engaging assembly52of the reusable pipe fitting44toward its activated state. On the other hand, in such embodiments, loosening the axial threaded fastener90from the axial fastener openings91may move the fitting body46and the activation collar68away from one another and, thus, transition the pipe engaging assembly52away from its activated state, for example, to enable the reusable pipe fitting44to be removed from pipe segment tubing22and re-deployed at different pipe segment tubing22.

However, it should be appreciated that the depicted example is merely intended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, although an interior carcass ring80A is depicted, in other embodiments, the reusable pipe fitting44D may not include a carcass ring80or, alternatively, include an exterior carcass ring80B. Additionally, in other embodiments, a reusable pipe fitting44may include a single axial threaded fastener90or more than two (e.g., three, four, or more) axial threaded fasteners90. Alternatively, in other embodiments, a threaded fastener66used to secure the fitting connector50of a reusable pipe fitting44to the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44may also be used to secure the fitting body46to the activation collar68of the reusable pipe fitting44, thereby obviating inclusion of a separate axial threaded fastener90in the pipe engaging assembly52of the reusable pipe fitting44. Moreover, although an outer fitting seal54A is depicted as being disposed just between the activation collar68of a reusable pipe fitting44and the outer sheath layer28of pipe segment tubing22, in other embodiments, the reusable pipe fitting44may additionally include a seal collar, which is implemented to activate the outer fitting seal54A at least in part by actively compressing the outer fitting seal54A between the activation collar68, the seal collar, and the outer sheath layer28of the pipe segment tubing22.

To help illustrate, a portion42E of a pipeline system10, which includes a further example of a reusable pipe fitting44E and pipe segment tubing22, is shown inFIG. 10. Similar to the reusable pipe fitting44D ofFIG. 9, as depicted inFIG. 10, the reusable pipe fitting44E generally includes a fitting connector50E, a fitting body46E, a pipe engaging assembly52E, and fitting seals54. In particular, similar to the fitting body46D ofFIG. 9, as depicted, the fitting body46E ofFIG. 10includes a conical inner surface88. Additionally, similar to the pipe engaging assembly52D ofFIG. 9, as depicted, the pipe engaging assembly52E ofFIG. 10includes an activation collar68E, which has a conical inner surface69, and a collapsible collar64E, which has a first conical outer surface67A and a second conical outer surface67B. In fact, in some embodiments, the pipe engaging assembly52E ofFIG. 10may generally be operated in the same manner as the pipe engaging assembly52D ofFIG. 9.

However, as depicted inFIG. 10, the reusable pipe fitting44E additionally includes a seal collar92. Furthermore, as depicted, an outer fitting seal54A is disposed between the seal collar92and the activation collar68E. In particular, as in the depicted example, a seal collar92of a reusable pipe fitting44may be secured to a corresponding activation collar68such that an outer fitting seal54A is actively compressed between the seal collar92, the activation collar68, and the outer sheath layer28of pipe segment tubing22.

To facilitate securing a seal collar92to a corresponding activation collar68, as in the depicted example, in some embodiments, a reusable pipe fitting44may include one or more axial threaded fasteners90, such as a bolt or a screw. In particular, as in the depicted example, an axial threaded fastener90may be secured in an axial fastener opening91A in the activation collar68and a corresponding threaded fastener opening91C in the seal collar92, for example, in addition to a corresponding axial fastener opening91B in the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44. Thus, in such embodiments, tightening the axial threaded fastener90may move the seal collar92and the activation collar68toward one another such that a corresponding outer fitting seal54A is actively compressed between the seal collar92, the activation collar68, and the outer sheath layer28of pipe segment tubing22, which, at least in some instances, may improve sealing integrity provided by the outer fitting seal54A.

However, it should be appreciated that the depicted example is merely intended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, although an interior carcass ring80A is depicted, in other embodiments, the reusable pipe fitting44E may not include a carcass ring80or, alternatively, include an exterior carcass ring80B. Additionally, in other embodiments, the reusable pipe fitting44E may not include a seal collar92, for example, when an outer fitting seal54A is just disposed in its activation collar68E. Furthermore, in other embodiments, a threaded fastener66used to secure the fitting connector50of a reusable pipe fitting44to the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44may also be used to secure a seal collar92of the reusable pipe fitting44to the activation collar68of the reusable pipe fitting44, thereby obviating inclusion of a separate axial threaded fastener90in the pipe engaging assembly52of the reusable pipe fitting44. Alternatively, in other embodiments, a first axial threaded fastener90may be used to secure the activation collar68of a reusable pipe fitting44to the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44while a second axial threaded fastener90may be used to secure a seal collar92of the reusable pipe fitting44to the activation collar68. Moreover, as mentioned above, in other embodiments, the pipe engaging assembly52of a reusable pipe fitting44may not include an activation collar68, for example, when radial threaded fasteners are used to control the inner surface diameter of the collapsible collar64in the pipe engaging assembly52and, thus, the activation state of the pipe engaging assembly52.

To help illustrate, a portion42F of a pipeline system10, which includes another example of a reusable pipe fitting44F and pipe segment tubing22, is shown inFIG. 11. Similar to the reusable pipe fitting44A ofFIG. 6, as depicted, the reusable pipe fitting44F ofFIG. 11generally includes a fitting connector50F, a fitting body46F, a pipe engaging assembly52F, and fitting seals54. In particular, similar to the pipe engaging assembly52A ofFIG. 6, as depicted inFIG. 11, the pipe engaging assembly52F generally includes a collapsible collar64F.

However, to facilitate controlling the inner surface diameter of the collapsible collar64F and, thus, its activation state, as depicted inFIG. 11, the pipe engaging assembly52F of the reusable pipe fitting44additionally includes multiple radial threaded fasteners94, such as bolts or screws, for example, instead of an activation collar68. In particular, as in the depicted example, in some embodiments, a radial threaded fastener94may be secured through a radial fastener opening96in the fitting body46of a reusable pipe fitting44such that its threaded end extends into the pipe engaging assembly cavity89of the reusable pipe fitting44and abuts the outer surface of a corresponding collar segment in the collapsible collar64of the reusable pipe fitting44. Accordingly, in such embodiments, tightening the radial threaded fastener94in the radial fastener opening96may cause the threaded end of the radial threaded fastener94to push a corresponding collar segment of the collapsible collar64radially inward and, thus, facilitate transitioning the pipe engaging assembly52toward its activated state. On the other hand, in such embodiments, loosening the radial threaded fastener94from the corresponding radial fastener opening96may cause the threaded end of the radial threaded fastener94to retract from the corresponding collar segment of the collapsible collar64, thereby enabling the collar segment of the collapsible collar64to expand radially outward and, thus, the pipe engaging assembly52to transition away from its activated state, for example, to enable the reusable pipe fitting44to be removed from pipe segment tubing22and re-deployed at different pipe segment tubing22.

Moreover, as in the depicted example, in some embodiments, a reusable pipe fitting44may be implemented such that its radial threaded fasteners94are substantially flush with the outer surface of its fitting body46when its pipe engaging assembly52is in its activated state, for example, to facilitate reducing the likelihood of an external object catching on the reusable pipe fitting44or vice versa. As in the depicted example, to enable a radial threaded fastener94to sit substantially flush, in some such embodiments, a corresponding fastener recess97may be defined along the outer surface of the fitting body46of a reusable pipe fitting44. More specifically, as in the depicted example, a fastener recess97may be defined in the fitting body46concentrically around a corresponding radial fastener opening96such that the head of a radial threaded fastener94sits therein as it is tightened.

However, it should be appreciated that the depicted example is merely intended to be illustrative and not limiting. In particular, although an interior carcass ring80A is depicted, in other embodiments, the reusable pipe fitting44F may not include a carcass ring80or, alternatively, include an exterior carcass ring80B. Additionally, in other embodiments, a reusable pipe fitting44may not include fastener recesses97defined along the outer surface of its fitting body46. Furthermore, in other embodiments, a pipe engaging assembly52of a reusable pipe fitting44may include more than two (e.g., three, four, or more) radial threaded fasteners94, for example, when its collapsible collar64includes more than two collar segments. In any case, in this manner, the present disclosure provides techniques for implementing and/or deploying a reusable pipe fitting44, which, at least in some instances, may facilitate improving deployment efficiency of a pipeline system10, for example, due to re-deployment of the reusable pipe fitting44enabling a reduction in the number of new pipe fittings18deployed therein.

To help further illustrate, an example of a process98for implementing (e.g., manufacturing) a reusable pipe fitting44is described inFIG. 12. Generally, the process98includes implementing a fitting body to define a body bore (process block100) and implementing a pipe engaging assembly to be secured to the fitting body (process block102). Additionally, the process98generally includes disposing fitting seals within the fitting body (process block104) and implementing a fitting connector to be secured to the fitting body (process block106).

Although specific process blocks are described in a specific order, which corresponds with an embodiment of the present disclosure, it should be appreciated that the example process98is merely intended to be illustrative and non-limiting. In particular, in other embodiments, a process98for implementing a reusable pipe fitting44may include one or more additional blocks and/or omit one or more of the depicted blocks. For example, some embodiments of the process98may additionally include implementing a seal collar to be secured to the pipe engaging assembly (process block108) while other embodiments of the process98do not. As another example, some embodiments of the process98may additionally include implementing a carcass ring (process block110) while other embodiments of the process98do not. Moreover, in other embodiments, one or more of the depicted blocks may be performed in a different order, for example, such that the fitting connector is implemented before the fitting body.

In any case, as described above, a reusable pipe fitting44may generally include a fitting body46. In particular, as described, the fitting body46of a reusable pipe fitting44may be implemented to define a body (e.g., fitting) bore48in which the tubing22of a pipe segment20is to be secured and sealed. Accordingly, implementing a reusable pipe fitting44may generally include implementing a fitting body46to define a body bore48(process block100). In particular, in some embodiments, the fitting body46of a reusable pipe fitting44may be made at least in part using metal, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, duplex stainless steel, super duplex stainless steel, or any combination thereof.

In addition to a fitting body46, as described above, a reusable pipe fitting44may generally include a pipe engaging assembly52secured to the fitting body46. In particular, as described above, the pipe engaging assembly52of a reusable pipe fitting44may generally include a collapsible collar64. As such, implementing a reusable pipe fitting44may generally include implementing a pipe engaging assembly52, which includes a collapsible collar64, to be secured to the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44(process block102).

As described above, the collapsible collar64of a pipe engaging assembly52in a reusable pipe fitting44may be selectively contracted around the tubing22of a pipe segment20such that the inner surface of the collapsible collar engages the outer surface of the pipe segment tubing22to secure the reusable pipe fitting44to the pipe segment tubing22. In particular, as described above, in some embodiments, the pipe engaging assembly52may be in its activated state when an inner surface diameter of its collapsible collar64is less than or equal to (e.g., not greater than) a default (e.g., natural, original, and/or uncompressed) outer surface diameter of pipe segment tubing22secured or to be secured therein. On the other hand, the pipe engaging assembly52may be in a deactivated state when the inner surface diameter of its collapsible collar64is greater than the default outer surface diameter of the pipe segment tubing22.

Additionally, as described above, to enable dynamically (e.g., adaptively) adjusting its inner surface diameter, the collapsible collar64in a pipe engaging assembly52may include multiple collar (e.g., “dog”) segments such that open space is at least partially present between adjacent collar segments at least while the pipe engaging assembly is in a deactivated state. For example, in some embodiments, the collapsible collar64in a pipe engaging assembly52may include multiple separate collar segments. However, in other embodiments, the collapsible collar64in a pipe engaging assembly52may be implemented with a ring that has slits cut therein to partially separate adjacent collar segments.

In any case, as described above, to facilitate improving securement strength provided by a reusable pipe fitting44, in some embodiments, the collapsible collar64in its pipe engaging assembly52may include an inner surface that includes one or more teeth (e.g., serrations) (process block112). Additionally, as described above, to facilitate controlling the inner surface diameter of its collapsible collar64and, thus, its activation state, in some embodiments, a pipe engaging assembly52in a reusable pipe fitting44may include an activation collar68, which may be disposed circumferentially around at least a portion of the collapsible collar64. In particular, as described above, to enable the position of its activation collar68on its collapsible collar64to control its activation state, the collapsible collar64may have a conical outer surface67while the activation collar68may have a conical inner surface69, which can slide again the conical outer surface67of the collapsible collar64. In other words, in such embodiments, implementing a pipe engaging assembly52may include implementing its collapsible collar64with a conical outer surface67(process block114) and implementing its activation collar68with a conical inner surface69(process block116).

In fact, as described above, in some such embodiments, the collapsible collar64in a pipe engaging assembly52of a reusable pipe fitting44may be implemented with multiple conical outer surfaces67. In particular, as described above, in addition to a first conical outer surface67A that slides along a conical inner surface69of a corresponding activation collar68, the collapsible collar64may include a second conical outer surface67B, which is implemented to slide along a conical inner surface88of the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44. In other word, in such embodiments, implementing the fitting body46of a reusable pipe fitting44may include implementing the fitting body46with a conical inner surface88(process block118).

In any case, as described above, in some embodiments, a pipe engaging assembly52of a reusable pipe fitting44may be disposed within a pipe engaging assembly cavity89defined within the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44. In other words, in such embodiments, implementing the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44may include defining (e.g., forming) a pipe engaging assembly cavity89, for example, such that the pipe engaging assembly cavity89is concentric with a body bore48defined by the fitting body46(process block120). Additionally, in such embodiments, implementing the pipe engaging assembly52of a reusable pipe fitting may include disposing its collapsible collar64(e.g., in addition to its activation collar68) within the pipe engaging assembly cavity89(process block122).

However, at least in some instances, the fitting body46of a reusable pipe fitting44may obstruct the ability to directly manipulate the collapsible collar64or the activation collar68in the pipe engaging assembly52of the reusable pipe fitting44. Thus, in some embodiments, the pipe engaging assembly52may additionally include an axial threaded fastener90, which is implemented to be secured in an axial fastener opening91A in the activation collar68and a corresponding axial fastener opening91B in the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44, or a radial threaded fastener94, which is implemented to extend through a radial fastener opening96in the fitting body such that its threaded end extends into the pipe engaging assembly cavity89in which the collapsible collar64is disposed. In other words, in such embodiments, implementing the pipe engaging assembly52of a reusable pipe fitting44may include implementing one or more axial threaded fasteners90or radial threaded fasteners94(process block124). Additionally, in such embodiments, implementing the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44may include implementing one or more axial fastener openings91B or radial fastener openings96in the fitting body46(process block126).

Furthermore, as described above, to enable a threaded fastener (e.g., axial threaded fastener90or radial threaded fastener94) in a pipe engaging assembly52of a reusable pipe fitting44to sit flush with the outer surface of the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44, a fastener recess97may be defined along the outer surface of the fitting body46. In other words, in such embodiments, implementing the fitting body46of a reusable pipe fitting44may include defining one or more fastener recesses97along its outer surface (process block128). In particular, as described above, in such embodiments, a fastener recess97may be defined such that it is concentric with a corresponding fastener opening (e.g., axial fastener opening91B or radial fastener opening96) to enable the head of a corresponding threaded fastener (axial threaded fastener90or radial threaded fastener94) to sit within the fastener recess97as the threaded fastener is tightened.

However, as described above, in other embodiments, an activation collar68may be secured to a corresponding fitting body46via a retainer lip (e.g., extension)74on the activation collar68and a retainer recess72on the fitting body46. In particular, as described above, the retainer recess72may be defined along an outer surface of the fitting body46and the retainer lip74may be implemented to extend out toward the fitting body46and to matingly interlock with the retainer recess72on the fitting body46. Thus, in such embodiments, implementing the fitting body46of a reusable pipe fitting44may include forming the fitting body46to define a retainer recess72along its outer surface (process block127) and implementing the pipe engaging assembly52of the reusable pipe fitting44may include implementing its activation collar68with a retainer lip74(process block129).

Furthermore, as described above, to facilitate controlling the position of an activation collar68on a corresponding collapsible collar64, in some embodiments, the fitting body46of a reusable pipe fitting44may include a threaded inner fitting body76and a threaded outer fitting body78. In other words, in such embodiments, implementing the fitting body46of a reusable pipe fitting44may include implementing a threaded inner fitting body76and a threaded outer fitting body78(process block130). In particular, as described above, the threaded inner fitting body76may include threading disposed on its outer surface while the threaded outer fitting body78includes corresponding threading disposed on its inner surface. Thus, as described above, after an activation collar68of a pipe engaging assembly52is secured thereto, in such embodiments, tightening the threaded outer fitting body78on the threaded inner fitting body76may pull more of the activation collar68onto a corresponding collapsible collar64and, thus, facilitate transitioning the pipe engaging assembly52toward its activated state while loosening the threaded outer fitting body78from the threaded inner fitting body76may push more of the activation collar68off of the collapsible collar64and, thus, facilitate transitioning the pipe engaging assembly52away from its activated state.

In any case, as described above, to facilitate sealing pipe segment tubing22therein, a reusable pipe fitting44may include fitting seals54, such as an inner fitting seal54B that is implemented to be compressed against the internal pressure sheath layer26of the pipe segment tubing22and/or an outer fitting seal54A that is implemented to be compressed against the outer sheath layer28of the pipe segment tubing22. In particular, as described above, at least a portion of the fitting seals54may be disposed within the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44. As such, implementing a reusable pipe fitting44may generally include disposing fitting seals54within its fitting body46(process block104).

However, as described above, in addition to fitting seals54disposed within its fitting body46, in some embodiments, a reusable pipe fitting44may include an outer fitting seal54A, which is compressed at least between the activation collar68of the reusable pipe fitting44and the outer sheath layer28of pipe segment tubing22, for example, to facilitate improving sealing integrity provided by the reusable pipe fitting44. In other words, in such embodiments, implementing a reusable pipe fitting44may include disposing an outer fitting seal54A within the activation collar68of the reusable pipe fitting44. In fact, to facilitate further improving sealing integrity provided by the reusable pipe fitting44, in some such embodiments, the outer fitting seal54A may be implemented to be compressed between the activation collar68of the reusable pipe fitting44and the outer sheath layer28of pipe segment tubing22as well as a seal collar92of the reusable pipe fitting44. Thus, in such embodiments, implementing a reusable pipe fitting44may include implementing a seal collar92to be secured to its pipe engaging assembly52(process block108).

In any case, as described above, to facilitate connecting a reusable pipe fitting44to another pipeline component (e.g., a bore fluid source12, a bore fluid destination14, or another pipe fitting18), the reusable pipe fitting44may generally include a fitting connector (e.g., flange)50secured to its fitting body46. As such, implementing a reusable pipe fitting44may generally include implementing a fitting connector50to be secured to its fitting body46(process block106). In particular, in some embodiments, the fitting connector50of a reusable pipe fitting44may be metal, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, duplex stainless steel, super duplex stainless steel, or any combination thereof.

Additionally, as described above, in some embodiments, the fitting connector50of a reusable pipe fitting44may be secured to the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44using hot tooling, such as welding and/or brazing. However, as described above, in other embodiments, the fitting connector50of a reusable pipe fitting44may be secured to the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44via one or more threaded fasteners66, such as a bolt or a screw. In fact, in some embodiments, a threaded fastener66used to secure the fitting connector50of a reusable pipe fitting44to the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44may additionally be used to secure the fitting body46to the activation collar68of the reusable pipe fitting44, thereby obviating a separate axial threaded fastener90in the pipe engaging assembly52of the reusable pipe fitting44.

In any case, as described above, to facilitate anchoring the carcass layer37of pipe segment tubing22therein, in some embodiments, a reusable pipe fitting44may additionally include a carcass (e.g., insulator) ring80. In other words, in such embodiments, implementing a reusable pipe fitting44may generally include implementing a carcass ring80(process block110). In particular, as described above, in some such embodiments, the carcass ring80may be an interior carcass ring80A, which is implemented to be secured to an inner surface of the carcass layer37, or an exterior carcass ring80B, which is implemented to be secured to an outer surface of the carcass layer37.

As described above, to enable an exterior carcass ring80B to grab onto an outer surface of pipe segment tubing22, in some embodiments, the exterior carcass ring80B may be spring metal, such as spring steel, such that the exterior carcass ring80B is inwardly biased. Additionally, as described above, to facilitate anchoring the carcass layer37of pipe segment tubing22therein, in some embodiments, the carcass ring80of a reusable pipe fitting44may be disposed at least partially within a carcass ring cavity84such that the carcass ring80directly abuts the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44. In other words, in such embodiments, implementing the fitting body46of a reusable pipe fitting44may include implementing the fitting body46to define a carcass ring cavity84(process block132) and implementing the carcass ring80of the reusable pipe fitting44may include disposing the carcass ring80within the carcass ring cavity84(process block136). In this manner, a reusable pipe fitting44may be implemented to be re-deployable at different pipe segment tubing22, which, at least in some instances, may facilitate improving deployment efficiency of a pipeline system10, for example, due to re-deployment of the reusable pipe fitting44enabling a reduction in the number of new pipe fittings deployed in the pipeline system10.

To help further illustrate, an example of a process138for deploying a reusable pipe fitting44at a pipe segment20is described inFIG. 13. Generally, the process138includes disposing a pipe engaging assembly circumferentially around a pipe segment (process block140) and cutting back an outer sheath layer and an intermediate layer of the pipe segment relative to an internal pressure sheath layer of the pipe segment (process block142). Additionally, the process138generally includes disposing a fitting body circumferentially around the pipe segment (process block144), securing a fitting connector to the fitting body (process block146), and securing the pipe engaging assembly to the fitting body (process block148).

Although specific process blocks are described in a specific order, which corresponds with an embodiment of the present disclosure, it should be appreciated that the example process138is merely intended to be illustrative and non-limiting. In particular, in other embodiments, a process138for deploying a reusable pipe fitting44at a pipe segment20may include one or more additional blocks and/or omit one or more of the depicted blocks. For example, some embodiments of the process138may additionally include cutting back the internal pressure sheath layer of the pipe segment relative to a carcass layer of the pipe segment (process block150) while other embodiments of the process138do not. As another example, some embodiments of the process138may additionally include securing an interior carcass ring to an inner surface of the carcass layer (process block152) while other embodiments of the process138do not. As a further example, some embodiments of the process138may additionally include securing a seal collar to the pipe engaging assembly to activate an outer fitting seal (process block153) while other embodiments of the process138do not. Moreover, in other embodiments, one or more of the depicted blocks may be performed in a different order, for example, such that the fitting connector is secured to the fitting body before the fitting body is disposed around the pipe segment.

In any case, as described above, to facilitate selectively securing the tubing22of a pipe segment20thereto, a reusable pipe fitting44may generally include a pipe engaging assembly52, which is implemented and/or operated to selectively engage the outer surface of the pipe segment tubing22. More specifically, as described above, the pipe engaging assembly52of a reusable pipe fitting44may generally include a collapsible collar64, which is implemented to be selectively contracted around the outer sheath layer28of pipe segment tubing22such that its inner surface engages the outer sheath layer28of the pipe segment tubing22. As such, deploying a reusable pipe fitting44at a pipe segment20may generally include disposing its pipe engaging assembly52circumferentially around the tubing22of the pipe segment20(process block140) at least in part by disposing the collapsible collar64of the pipe engaging assembly52circumferentially around the outer sheath layer28of the pipe segment20(process block154).

Additionally, as described above, to enable its inner surface diameter to be adaptively adjusted, the collapsible collar64in a pipe engaging assembly52may be implemented with multiple collar (e.g., “dog”) segments such that open space is present between adjacent collar segments at least while the pipe engaging assembly is in a deactivated state. In fact, in some embodiments, the collapsible collar64may be implemented with multiple separate collar segments. Thus, to facilitate maintaining a collapsible collar64at a target location on a pipe segment20before the collapsible collar64is secured to the pipe segment20, in some embodiments, disposing a pipe engaging assembly52around a pipe segment20may include disposing one or more bands70circumferentially around the collar segments of its collapsible collar64(process block156).

Furthermore, as described above, to facilitate controlling the inner surface diameter of its collapsible collar64and, thus, its activation state, in some embodiments, a pipe engaging assembly52of a reusable pipe fitting44may additionally include an activation collar68. In particular, as described above, in such embodiments, the activation collar68may be implemented to be disposed circumferentially around at least a portion of the collapsible collar64. Accordingly, in such embodiments, disposing a pipe engaging assembly52around a pipe segment20may include disposing an activation collar68circumferentially around a portion of a collapsible collar64, for example, at least in part by sliding the portion of the collapsible collar64under the activation collar and/or sliding the collapsible collar over the portion of the collapsible collar64(process block158).

In any case, as described above, in addition to a pipe engaging assembly52, a reusable pipe fitting44may generally include a fitting body46. In particular, as described above, the fitting body46of a reusable pipe fitting44may generally be implemented to define a body (e.g., fitting) bore48in which pipe segment tubing22is to be disposed. Accordingly, deploying a reusable pipe fitting44at a pipe segment20may generally include disposing a fitting body46circumferentially around the tubing22of the pipe segment20(process block140).

Additionally, as described above, in some embodiments, the tubing22of a pipe segment20may be implemented to define free space (e.g., one or more fluid conduits or annular gaps24) within the tubing annulus25between the internal pressure sheath layer26and the outer sheath layer28of the pipe segment tubing22. Thus, to facilitate sealing the tubing annulus25of a pipe segment20therein, a reusable pipe fitting44may generally include fitting seals54, which are implemented to be compressed against the tubing22of the pipe segment. To facilitate compressing a fitting seal54against the tubing22of a pipe segment20, as described above, the fitting seal54may be disposed within the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44. As such, disposing the fitting body46of a reusable pipe fitting44around a pipe segment20may activate a fitting seal54of the reusable pipe fitting44at least in part by compressing the fitting seal54between the fitting body46and the tubing22of the pipe segment20(process block160).

In particular, as described above, the fitting seals54of a reusable pipe fitting44may generally include an outer fitting seal54A, which is implemented to be compressed against the outer sheath layer28of pipe segment tubing22. Thus, disposing the fitting body46of a reusable pipe fitting44around a pipe segment20may include activating an outer fitting seal54A at least in part by compressing the outer fitting seal54A between the fitting body46and the outer sheath layer28of the pipe segment20. Additionally, as described above, the fitting seals54of a reusable pipe fitting44may generally include an inner fitting seal54B, which is implemented to be compressed between the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44and the outer surface of the internal pressure sheath layer26of pipe segment tubing22. Thus, disposing the fitting body46of a reusable pipe fitting44around a pipe segment20may include activating an inner fitting seal54at least in part by compressing the inner fitting seal54B between the fitting body46and the internal pressure sheath layer26of the pipe segment20. To enable an inner fitting seal54to be compressed against the outer surface of its internal pressure sheath layer26, as described above, in some embodiments, the outer sheath layer28and each intermediate layer38of a pipe segment20may be cut back relative to the internal pressure sheath layer26(process block150).

Moreover, as described above, to facilitate anchoring the carcass layer37of a pipe segment20therein, in some embodiments, a reusable pipe fitting44may include an exterior carcass ring80B that is disposed within a carcass ring cavity84defined in the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44. In particular, as described above, in such embodiments, the exterior carcass ring80B may be implemented using spring metal, such as spring steel, such that the exterior carcass ring80B is inwardly biased. Thus, in such embodiments, disposing the fitting body46of a reusable pipe fitting44circumferentially around a pipe segment20may result in contours on the outer surface of the carcass layer37of the pipe segment20causing the exterior carcass ring80B to expand around and, thus, grab onto the carcass layer37(process block162).

However, as described above, in other embodiments, a reusable pipe fitting44may include an interior carcass ring80A instead of an exterior carcass ring80B. In particular, as described above, in such embodiments, the interior carcass ring80may be implemented to be secured to the inner surface of the carcass layer37in pipe segment tubing22. Thus, in such embodiments, deploying a reusable pipe fitting44at pipe segment tubing22may include securing an interior carcass ring80B to the inner surface of the carcass layer37of the pipe segment tubing22, for example, via one or more threaded fasteners66(process block152).

In any case, as described above, to enable connection to another pipeline component, a reusable pipe fitting44may generally include a fitting connector (e.g., flange)50secured to its fitting body46. As such, deploying a reusable pipe fitting44at a pipe segment20may generally include securing a fitting connector50to the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44(process block146). In particular, as described above, in some embodiments, a fitting connector50may be secured to a corresponding fitting body46via hot tooling, such as welding and/or brazing. However, as described above, in other embodiments, a fitting connector50may be secured to a corresponding fitting body46via one or more threaded fasteners66, such as a bolt or a screw. In fact, in some embodiments, securing a fitting connector50to a fitting body46via one or more threaded fasteners66may facilitate disposing a lip82on an interior carcass ring80of the reusable pipe fitting44within a carcass ring cavity84defined between the fitting connector50and the fitting body46.

Additionally, as described above, the pipe engaging assembly52of a reusable pipe fitting44may generally be secured to the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44(process block148). In fact, as described above, securing the pipe engaging assembly52to the fitting body46may contract the collapsible collar64of the pipe engaging assembly52radially inward and, thus, facilitate securing the reusable pipe fitting44to pipe segment tubing22(process block164). In particular, as described above, in some embodiments, the activation collar68in a pipe engaging assembly52may be secured to a corresponding fitting body46via a retainer recess72, which is implemented along the outer surface of the fitting body46, and a retainer lip (e.g., extension)74on the activation collar68, which is implemented to extend out toward the fitting body46and to matingly interlock with the retainer recess72on the fitting body46. Thus, in such embodiments, securing a pipe engaging assembly52of a reusable pipe fitting44to the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44may include matingly interlocking a retainer lip74on the activation collar68with a retainer recess72on the fitting body46(process block165)

However, as described above, in other embodiments, a pipe engaging assembly52of a reusable pipe fitting44may be secured to a corresponding fitting body46via one or more axial threaded fasteners90or radial threaded fasteners94. In particular, as described above, in such embodiments, the pipe engaging assembly52may be secured to the fitting body46at least in part by tightening an axial threaded fastener90or a radial threaded fastener94(process block166). More specifically, as described above, in some embodiments, tightening a radial threaded fastener94in a radial fastener opening96that is formed through the fitting body46of a reusable pipe fitting44may cause the threaded end of the radial threaded fastener94to extend further into a corresponding pipe engaging assembly cavity89and push a corresponding collar segment of a collapsible collar64radially inward.

However, as described above, in other embodiments, tightening an axial threaded fastener90secured at least in an axial fastener opening91A in the activation collar68of a pipe engaging assembly52and a corresponding axial fastener opening91B in the fitting body46of a reusable pipe fitting44may pull the activation collar68and the fitting body46toward one another, thereby causing the activation collar68and/or the fitting body46to cover more of the collapsible collar64in the pipe engaging assembly52=. Alternatively, as described above, in other embodiments, more of an activation collar68may be moved onto a corresponding collapsible collar64at least in part by threading the activation collar68directly onto a corresponding threaded fitting body46or securing the activation collar68to a threaded outer fitting body78and tightening the threaded outer fitting body78on a corresponding threaded inner fitting body76. In any case, due at least to the conical inner surface69of an activation collar68and the conical outer surface67of a corresponding activation collar68, disposing more of the activation collar68on the collapsible collar64may facilitate contracting the collapsible collar64radially inward (process block168).

Furthermore, since a pipe engaging assembly52in a reusable pipe fitting44moves to transition between its activated state and its deactivated state, in some embodiments, lubricant may be injected into the pipe engaging assembly52when it is to be secured to a corresponding fitting body46(process block170). In particular, as described above, in some such embodiments, lubricant may be injected into the pipe engaging assembly52via a fluid port60that is fluidly connected to the pipe engaging assembly52via a fluid path62defined in the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44. Additionally, in some such embodiments, the lubricant injected into the pipe engaging assembly52may include oil and/or grease.

Moreover, as described above, to facilitate improving sealing integrity, in some embodiments, a reusable pipe fitting44may additionally include a seal collar92. In particular, as described above, in such embodiments, the seal collar92may be implemented to be secured to the activation collar68in the pipe engaging assembly52of the reusable pipe fitting44to facilitate activating an outer fitting seal54A at least in part by actively compressing the outer fitting seal54A between the seal collar92, the activation collar68, and the outer sheath layer28of pipe segment tubing22. In other words, in such embodiments, deploying a reusable pipe fitting44at a pipe segment20may include securing a seal collar92to the pipe engaging assembly52of the reusable pipe fitting44to actively activate an outer fitting seal54A of the reusable pipe fitting44, which, at least in some instances, may facilitate improving sealing integrity provided by the reusable pipe fitting44(process block153).

In this manner, the present disclosure provides techniques for deploying a reusable pipe fitting44at a pipe segment20. In particular, as described above, a reusable pipe fitting44implemented in accordance with the present disclosure may be reversibly secured to the tubing22of a pipe segment20. Thus, to facilitate improving deployment efficiency of a pipeline system10, at least in some instances, a reusable pipe fitting44may be subsequently re-deployed at a different pipe segment20, for example, due to a change in configuration of the pipeline system10.

To help illustrate, an example of a process172for re-deploying a reusable pipe fitting44is described inFIG. 14. Generally, the process172includes disengaging a pipe engaging assembly of a reusable pipe fitting from tubing of a pipe segment (process block174). Additionally, the process172generally includes withdrawing the pipe segment from within the reusable pipe fitting (process block176) and securing the reusable pipe fitting to tubing of another pipe segment (process block178).

Although specific process blocks are described in a specific order, which corresponds with an embodiment of the present disclosure, it should be appreciated that the example process172is merely intended to be illustrative and non-limiting. In particular, in other embodiments, a process172for re-deploying a reusable pipe fitting44may include one or more additional blocks. Additionally or alternatively, in other embodiments, a process172for re-deploying a reusable pipe fitting44at a pipe segment20may omit one or more of the depicted blocks.

In any case, as described above, the pipe engaging assembly52of a reusable pipe fitting44may generally engage the tubing22of a pipe segment20to facilitate securing the reusable pipe fitting44to the pipe segment tubing22. More specifically, as described above, the pipe engaging assembly52of a reusable pipe fitting44may generally include a collapsible collar64, which can be selectively contracted around the outer sheath layer28of pipe segment tubing22to facilitate securing the reusable pipe fitting44to the pipe segment tubing22and selectively expanded to facilitate releasing the pipe segment tubing22from the reusable pipe fitting44. As such, re-deploying a reusable pipe fitting44may generally include disengaging the pipe engaging assembly52of the reusable pipe fitting44from the tubing22of a pipe segment20(process block174) at least in part by expanding the collapsible collar64of the pipe engaging assembly52away from the outer sheath layer28of the pipe segment tubing22(process block180).

Additionally, as described above, the pipe engaging assembly52of a reusable pipe fitting44may be transitioned to its activated state at least in part by securing the pipe engaging assembly52to the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44. As such, the pipe engaging assembly52may be transitioned away from its activated state at least in part by un-securing the pipe engaging assembly52from the fitting body46. In particular, as described above, in some embodiments, the activation collar68of a pipe engaging assembly52may be secured to a corresponding fitting body46at least in part by matingly interlocking a retainer lip74on the activation collar with a retainer recess72on the outer surface of the fitting body46. Thus, in such embodiments, disengaging a pipe engaging assembly52of a reusable pipe fitting44from the tubing22of a pipe segment20may include disengaging a retainer lip74on its activation collar68from a retainer recess72on a corresponding fitting body46(process block181).

However, as described above, in other embodiments, a pipe engaging assembly52may be secured to a corresponding fitting body46at least in part by tightening an axial threaded fastener90or a radial threaded fastener94. Thus, in such embodiments, the pipe engaging assembly52may be disengaged from the tubing22of a pipe segment20at least in part by loosening the axial threaded fastener90or the radial threaded fastener94(process block182). In particular, as described above, in some such embodiments, loosening a radial threaded fastener94from a corresponding radial fastener opening96formed through the fitting body46of a reusable pipe fitting44may cause the threaded end of the radial threaded fastener94to retract out from a corresponding pipe engaging assembly cavity89, thereby enabling a corresponding collar segment of a collapsible collar64to expand radially outward.

Moreover, as described above, in other embodiments, loosening an axial threaded fastener90from at least an axial fastener opening91A in the activation collar68of a pipe engaging assembly52and a corresponding axial fastener opening91in the fitting body46of a reusable pipe fitting44may push the activation collar68and the fitting body46away from one another, thereby causing the activation collar68and/or the fitting body46to cover less of the collapsible collar64in pipe engaging assembly52. Alternatively, as described above, in other embodiments, more of an activation collar68may be moved off of a corresponding collapsible collar64at least in part by unthreading the activation collar68from a corresponding threaded fitting body46or loosening a threaded outer fitting body78to which the activation collar68is secured from a corresponding threaded inner fitting body76. In any case, due at least to the conical inner surface69of an activation collar68and the conical outer surface67of a corresponding activation collar68, disposing less of the activation collar68on the collapsible collar64may enable the collapsible collar64to expand radially outward (process block184)

Furthermore, since a pipe engaging assembly52in a reusable pipe fitting44moves to transition between its activated state and its deactivated state, in some embodiments, lubricant may be injected into the pipe engaging assembly52when it is to be disengaged from the tubing22of a pipe segment20(process block186). In particular, as described above, in some such embodiments, lubricant may be injected into the pipe engaging assembly52via a fluid port60that is fluidly connected to the pipe engaging assembly52via a fluid path62defined in the fitting body46of the reusable pipe fitting44. Additionally, in some such embodiments, the lubricant injected into the pipe engaging assembly52may include oil and/or grease.

In any case, after the pipe engaging assembly52of a reusable pipe fitting44is disengaged from the tubing22of a pipe segment20and, thus, is in its deactivated state, the pipe segment tubing22may be withdrawn from the body bore48of the reusable pipe fitting44(process block176). The reusable pipe fitting44may then be re-deployed at the tubing22of another (e.g., different) pipe segment20, for example, in accordance with the process138ofFIG. 13. In this manner, the present disclosure provides techniques for implementing and/or deploying a reusable pipe fitting, which, at least in some instances, may facilitate improving deployment efficiency of a pipeline system, for example, due to re-deployment of the reusable pipe fitting enabling a reduction in the number of new pipe fittings deployed therein.