Abstract: A system includes a source of pressurized fluid, a primary pressure vessel disposed in fluid communication with the source, and a supplemental pressure vessel disposed in fluid communication with the source and in fluid communication with the primary pressure vessel. The primary pressure vessel has a first life expectancy duration and includes a first structural characteristic. The supplemental pressure vessel has a second life expectancy duration shorter than the first life expectancy duration and includes a second structural characteristic. A method uses a supplemental pressure vessel to predict impending failure of a primary pressure vessel. The method includes connecting a primary pressure vessel to a source of pressurized fluid, fluidly connecting a supplemental pressure vessel with the source and with the primary pressure vessel, and exposing the supplemental pressure vessel to a first fatigue load to cause its failure before failure of the primary pressure vessel occurs.

Abstract: A stamping die includes an upper die member, a lower die member, and at least one guidance member operably disposed to guide relative movement between the upper and lower die members. The members are movable relative to one another in reciprocating motion along an axis to generate work-pieces. The guidance member has a guiding surface for guiding relative movement between the die members. The guidance member also has at least one wear indicator cavity recessed from the guiding surface. A depth of the wear indicator cavity corresponds to the extent of acceptable wear of the guiding surface. The cavity allows for visual inspection of the extent of wear of the at least one guidance member and thus obviates the requirement that the guidance member be removed from the stamping die for inspection.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting hose abrasion are disclosed. In one aspect, a hose abrasion monitoring system includes a hose assembly a monitoring circuit. The hose assembly includes a hose having at least one conductive layer and at least one outer insulating cover overlaying the at least one conductive layer. The monitoring circuit is in electrical communication with the at least one conductive layer. Upon abrasion of the at least one outer cover to expose a portion of the at least one conductive layer, the monitoring circuit is configured to detect electrical continuity between the at least one conductive layer and a conductive component external to the hose.

Abstract: A pipe section, such as a pipe elbow, coated with a ceramic coating containing a fusible link displaced within. The link includes two exposed testing leads which are connected to a sensor which sends a signal across the link. Over time, the pipe section and the coating are worn away by material flowing through the pipe. Eventually the fusible link is severed due to the wear, signaling the sensor to send an alert, notifying that the pipe section needs to be replaced. The method of manufacture includes coating a standard pipe section with a ceramic coating, displacing a fusible link therein, and curing the coating. The coating may contain any number of fusible links in any conceivable arrangement.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device and methods and apparatuses for making same is provided. The fluid transfer device comprises a conduit configured to transfer a fluid. The fluid transfer device further comprises a sheath surrounding the perimeter of the conduit and extending along at least part of the length of the conduit. In some embodiments, the interior of the sheath may be grooved to facilitate movement of the fluid from the location or locations of a leak or leaks along the length of the fluid transfer device. The sheath comprises one or more leak detection portions configured to provide an indication of fluid leaking from the conduit.

Abstract: Abrasion resistant polymer pipe and a process for the production thereof. The pipe comprises a first, abrasion resistant inner layer (1) and a second, structural layer (2), which is placed on the outer side of the inner layer. The first and the second layers comprise extrudable polymer materials and they are preferably separated by an alarm layer which indicates wear or depletion of the inner layer. The pipe is suitable for use in the mining industry and generally for conducting liquid and gaseous fluids containing abrasive particles.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting hose abrasion are disclosed. In one aspect, a hose abrasion monitoring system includes a hose assembly a monitoring circuit. The hose assembly includes a hose having at least one conductive layer and at least one outer insulating cover overlaying the at least one conductive layer. The monitoring circuit is in electrical communication with the at least one conductive layer. Upon abrasion of the at least one outer cover to expose a portion of the at least one conductive layer, the monitoring circuit is configured to detect electrical continuity between the at least one conductive layer and a conductive component external to the hose.

Abstract: A simple and reliable anticipatory failure indicator is provided for fluid circulation piping, and a fluid cooling arrangement including such an indicator is provided. The indicator includes a first sacrificial member, which is designed to be in direct contact with the fluid within the piping and designed to be weaker than the piping. The indicator includes a chamber, which is isolated from the fluid circulation at least partly by means of the first sacrificial member. The indicator includes an electrical response member, which is arranged into the chamber and which is configured to produce an electrical response upon exposure to the fluid, which has entered to the chamber via a failed sacrificial member. Accordingly, the indicator is configured to provide an electrical response as a direct indication of a failed sacrificial member and as an anticipatory indication of failed piping.

Abstract: A corrosion protected metal pipe for installation in an offshore structure or for producing a pipeline laid in water is provided. The metal pipe has an at least two-layer covering on the pipe with a lower layer facing the pipe and an upper layer on a side of the lower layer not facing the pipe is provided. The layers are formed such that the lower layer is electrically conductive and the upper layer is electrically insulating, the lower layer is optically contrasting to the upper layer, or the lower layer is electrically conducting and optically contrasting to the upper layer and the upper layer is electrically insulating. Thus, in the event of damage to the layer or layers lying above, a visual or electrical signal can be detected. Damage to the corrosion protection covering can therefore be detected easily and, if appropriate, reported by remote monitoring.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing pressure boundary integrity of a control includes choosing a control valve having a valve body, determining a velocity profile within the control valve, choosing an area of the velocity profile, choosing a surface on an exterior of the valve body at or adjacent to the area, forming a pad on the exterior surface overlying the point, applying a testing device to the pad, and measuring a reference thickness of a wall of the valve body through the pad using the testing device. The method further includes applying the testing device to the pad at a time subsequent to measurement of the reference thickness, measuring a first thickness, and comparing the first thickness to the reference thickness. The comparison of the first thickness to the reference thickness can be used to calculate the amount of valve body wall lost during using and the remaining life of the control valve.

Abstract: Method for testing a pipe for carrying hydrocarbons. The pipe has at least one internal sealing sheath made of polymer material, incorporating elements of reactive compound capable of reacting with corrosive gases contained in the hydrocarbons which diffuse radially through the sheath. The reaction forms a first layer, extending radially from the internal surface, in which the elements of reactive compound have reacted with the gases. A second layer, extends between the first layer and the external surface, in which the elements of reactive compound have not yet reacted with the gases. The method uses ultrasound to determine the position of an interface between the first and second layers to measure the progression of the diffusion of the gases through the sheath.

Abstract: A system and method for precisely detecting tubing flaws using a computer architecture that combines scalable processing power with an extensible array of detection and classification possibilities involving eddy current data analysis, as well as detection algorithms for pinpointing exact tubing regions and wherein these regions can be further divided into manageable segments for flaw analysis. Multiple classification tools utilized to discriminate detection and to precisely assign proper report codes to detect flaws repeatedly and accurately.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a flexible hose that has an outer jacket which includes a continuous layer and a plurality of protrusions extending radially outward from the continuous layer. The protrusions are in spaced relation to one another and extend along a longitudinal axis of the hose. When one of the at least one protrusions is abraded, a greater portion of the continuous layer is revealed in an area below the abraded protrusion, indicating that the continuous layer is susceptible to potentially damaging wear.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a flexible hose that has an outer jacket which includes a continuous layer and a plurality of protrusions connected to and extending radially outward from the continuous layer. The protrusions are in spaced relation to one another and extend along a longitudinal axis of the hose. The continuous layer has a first color and at least one of the plurality of protrusions has a second color that is different from the first color. When one of the at least one protrusions is abraded, the first color of the continuous layer is revealed in an area below the abraded protrusion, indicating that the continuous layer is susceptible to potentially damaging wear.

Abstract: A hose includes a reinforcement structure and a layer exterior to the reinforcement structure. The layer includes a plurality of extensions projecting outwardly. Wear of the plurality of extensions provides a visual indication of the degree of wear of the hose.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to shoulder refacing indicator. In one illustrative embodiment, the shoulder refacing indicator includes a body having a first side and a second side, the first and second sides being formed at an included angle of 135 degrees relative to one another, the first side adapted to engage an engaging surface of a make-up shoulder of a pipe connector and the second side adapted to engage a tapered surface of the pipe connector. The shoulder refacing indicator further includes at least one scribe line formed on the body.

Abstract: A reinforced flexible hose that has at least one layer of stainless steel threads braided about the outer surface of the inner core and a transparent flexible polymeric covering located over the braided stainless steel threads, thereby protecting them from abrasion and corrosion. The covering is not in intimate contact with the circumference of each thread thereby trapping pockets of air between the covering and the threads. A moisture sensitive compound is dispersed through the stainless steel threads under the transparent covering. When the compound becomes wet, it changes from a first color to a second color indicating that the hose has failed.

Abstract: A protective sheath made of a woven synthetic fabric having a structure formed of high tenacity warp and weft yarns, the count of the yarns ranging from 400 to 2000 decitex and the number of the yarns ranging from 54 to 78 yarns per centimeter. The woven synthetic fabric is chemically finished with continuous dyeing process.

Abstract: A coupon for monitoring cathodic protection includes a metallic coupon structure on the outer surface of which at least one type of coating disbondment geometry anticipated on a pipeline is fabricated.

Abstract: A fluid jet loom includes a source of pressurized fluid, a magnetic valve, and at least one nozzle, such as a weft insertion air jet nozzle, as well as at least one flexible pressure hose connecting and providing pressurized fluid from the magnetic valve to the nozzle. In order to detect any hole, rupture or separation of the pressure hose, the hose includes at least one electrical conductor embedded in or arranged on the hose wall. An electrical current flows through the electrical conductor, which preferably forms a conductor loop and especially a resonant circuit loop. By monitoring an electrical characteristic, such as the resonant frequency, of the electrical signal received from the conductor loop, any disruption in the pressure hose can be immediately detected as a change in the monitored electrical characteristic, which in turn causes a loom stop signal to be generated.

Abstract: The present invention indicates excessive wear on the outer cover of a hose in order to help avoid unexpected ruptures and spills. The invention is a hose with an outer cover. The outer cover has two layers made of rubber or plastic. The outer cover has an inner layer of one color (e.g. yellow) and an outer layer of another color (e.g. black). When the outer cover wears down to expose color of the inner layer, the end user is made aware that outer cover wear is approaching the reinforcement layer and that the hose should be replaced.

Abstract: An early warning system for a material transfer system having an elongated area to be monitored for internal wear caused by erosive flow action of a transfer material. A material transfer conduit has an inner surface forming a flow passageway for the transfer material and an outer wall surface with a wear detection indicator normally visible in situ at an elongate section of the outer wall and being subject to obliteration upon wear-through of an underlying portion. A translucent or transparent outer containment layer surrounds the outer wall surface of the transfer conduit The wear indicator is colored to contrast with the transfer material and indicates wear by an eroded area which can be visually observed through the outer translucent layer.

Abstract: Hydrocyclone for dividing a liquid-solid suspension into an accept portion and a reject portion having a separation chamber including a conical section, a tangential feed inlet to the separation chamber, an axial accept outlet from the separation chamber, and a reject outlet. The concial portion of the separation chamber includes areas of reduced wall thickness for facilitating the detection and repair of a leakage in the wall. Sealing devices for arresting such a leakage are provided.

Abstract: There is provided a compensator for solids conveyed in a stream, particularly for installation in a power plant, which consists of two sleeves which are telescopically arranged so as to be inserted into each other and having fins arranged on the inner walls of the sleeves so that the conveyed solids do not or rarely come in contact with the walls of the compensator.

Abstract: A pulsation dampener useful to dampen pressure pulsations in milk flowing between a reciprocating-piston pump and a homogenizer. A rigid tube having a perforated portion is surrounded by an elastomeric sleeve. A rigid sleeve surrounds the elastomeric sleeve. Mounting ferrules are welded to opposite ends of the rigid sleeve. Annular beads at opposite ends of the elastomeric sleeve fit into annular grooves in the mounting ferrules. When matching ferrules are clamped tightly to the mounting ferrules, parts of the elastomeric sleeve are displaced, so as to form seals around the rigid tube. The rigid tube, the mounting ferrules and the elastomeric sleeve respectively are configured so as to permit the rigid tube to be axially withdrawn from or inserted into the elastomeric sleeve, without substantial interference, when the matching ferrules are removed.

Abstract: An elementary length of the ducting comprises a pair of top and bottom plane panels (2, 3) and a pair of side panels (4, 5) having outwardly projecting longitudinal rims (8, 9, 12, 13) on their outside faces, the margins (10, 11, 14, 15) of the top and bottom panels (2, 3) and the rims (8, 9, 12, 13) of the side panels (4, 5) are predrilled to receive fixing bolts (6). A detection panel (47) is disposed as an inside lining of the bottom panel (3) and is connected via its own rims (48, 49) to the side panels (4, 5), and a tunnel (52) is left between the bottom panel (3) and the detection panel (47), with said tunnel opening out into the ducting, close to a bend.

Abstract: Imminent failure of a hose or other conduit is detected by a dye disposed between the conduit's outer and inner walls. The invention is especially applicable to automotive cooling systems.

Abstract: A pipe elbow having a composite ceramic wear liner which is particularly adapted to resist abrasive wear from particulate material conveyed through the pipe elbow. The composite ceramic wear liner is comprised of four series of polyhedron shaped ceramic wear blocks disposed at angularly spaced locations around the circumference of the elbow flow passageway. A mixture of wear resistant particles and binder surrounds the wear bricks and provides an abrasion resistant wear surface along those portions of the pipe elbow which are less subject to abrasive wear. The pipe elbow is provided with a removable cover plate in order to access and replace the series of wear bricks located along the outside center line of the pipe elbow most subject to wear.

Abstract: The discharge spout of a grain elevator is provided with an abrasion resistant liner formed of polyurethane. The liner is formed into cylindrical configuration from a rectangular blade of material and may be readily inserted into the discharge spout and rotated relative thereto to permit even wearing of the liner. The abrasion resistant liner may be readily removed from the discharge spout and replaced with another liner to thereby eliminate any wear to the inner surface of the discharge spout.

Abstract: A tell-tale wear monitor for pipes having wear resistant inner linings. A plurality of wear monitors is provided spaced apart along the length of a pipe section or spool and angularly spaced apart about the pipe circumference. Each of the wear monitors includes a plug member attached to the outer pipe casing and covering a tell-tale hole which extends through the pipe casing. The plug members are made of a material which, relative to the inner lining material, is readily worn away by abrasive contact with the material conveyed within the pipe. When the plug member is worn through, fluid flow is permitted through the tell-tale hole. The wear monitor provides a means for determining when maintenance of the pipe section should be scheduled and allows for extended useful life of the pipe section.

Abstract: A flexible pipe section for the transportation of a mixture of water and solid material, such as pieces of stone, rock, metal and the like objects having sharp points and/or edges and/or projections offering a high resistance to wear and damage in that the wall of the pipe section lying between couplings at the ends of said pipe section, in order to lengthen its life, comprises a row of abrasion-resisting annular members spaced from each other and extending substantially in between the inner and outer surfaces of the wall of the pipe section and inclined at a sharp angle with the longitudinal axis of said pipe section, a tubular cover of elastic material on the pipe section including said wall, said cover having at least one insert serving to prevent as much as possible tension occurring in the layers of rubber or elastic material connecting said members.

Abstract: A wear resistant rubber hose for transferring fluid containing abrasive material such as crushed stone, coral, etc. comprises an inner surface rubber and a filling body having a rigidity which is considerably higher than that of the inner surface rubber embedded directly inside the inner peripheral surface thereof. Two embodiments of the filling body are provided. In one embodiment, the filling body is composed of a chain-shaped continuous body, while in another embodiment the filling body is composed of a reinforcing ring comprising a circumferentially wound core and sphere-shaped rotary bodies fitted onto the core.

Abstract: A shaped elemental band is provided for forming a flexible hose with wear indicating means. The base of the band is formed by a strip of flexible material which has a pair of spaced marginal edges defining the width of the strip. On top of the strip and between the marginal edges, there is provided a rib which extends along the strip and protrudes substantially thereabove. A lower bonding surface is provided at the bottom of the strip, at least a portion of which surface extends under the area between the rib and a first of the marginal edges. An upper bonding surface is provided along the top of the strip, between the rib and the second marginal edge, and is shaped to conform substantially to the lower bonding surface when the band is wound into overlapping helical convolutions with the upper and lower bonding surfaces in intimate contact. To construct the hose, the band is wound into convolutions as explained and the upper and lower bonding surfaces are joined.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device is disclosed for maintaining a substantially constant volumetric flow rate in either direction independent of the applied pressure above a predetermined pressure level. The device has a generally cylindrical shape, may be symmetrical about a radial plane of symmetry and comprises an elastomeric member disposed between rigid, slotted end plates. The elastomeric member comprises a central disk portion each of whose faces have axially disposed projections including an outer rim structure, a central boss and a series of spaced flow control segments arranged along a circle lying intermediate the rim structure and boss and defining variable area flow passages. The rim structure and flow control segments define an outer circular channel while the flow control segments and boss define an inner circular channel. The inner channels on opposite sides of the elastomeric member are joined by orifices formed in the disk portion of the member.