Pipe Patents (Class 73/49.5)
  • Patent number: 11892375
    Abstract: An inspection method of the present invention includes supplying water from a tank to an interior of a conduit through a hose provided at one end of the conduit, releasing air from the interior of the conduit to an outside of the conduit through an air vent tube provided at another end of the conduit, determining whether or not water that does not contain air is drained from the air vent tube, when it is determined in the determining that water that does not contain air is drained from the air vent tube, stopping supplying water to the interior of the conduit, closing a valve of an air vent portion, and blocking both ends of the conduit, and performing pressurization by increasing a pressure of the interior of the conduit whose both ends are blocked and whose interior is filled with water, and measuring a pressure value of the interior of the conduit when the pressurization ends and a pressure value of the interior of the conduit when a predetermined period of time elapses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masashi Shintaku, Yoshihiro Iriyama, Keisuke Kakimoto
  • Patent number: 11519404
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to monitoring health of a hydraulic system. A method includes monitoring pressure within the system and determining when a potential fatigue condition may occur based on counting the number of times pressure in the system has exceeded the at least one threshold. In some embodiments, strain cycle data is calculated based on a time sequence of signals generated by a hydraulic fitting, which is indicative of strain of the hydraulic fitting. An output signal indicative of the fatigue condition determined is generated. In some embodiments, the strain data includes a number of strain cycles that the time sequence of signals crosses from below a strain threshold to above the strain threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Erin E. Berry, Edward W. Goy
  • Patent number: 11261689
    Abstract: A subsea chemical injection system and method for injecting chemicals into a hydrocarbon production assembly adjacent the seabed wherein a seawater volume flowmeter is utilized to measure seawater pumped through the system and a chemical subsea mass flowmeter is used to measure a chemical injected into the seawater, where the chemical subsea mass flowmeter measures the chemical at a pressure less than the seawater pumped through the system. Based on the chemical subsea mass flowmeter measurement, the flowrate of a chemical injected into the seawater can be adjusted to a predetermined setpoint corresponding to the flowrate of seawater pumped through the system. The chemical subsea mass flowmeter includes a Coriolis tube and chemical injection process pump housed within a pressure vessel. The subsea chemical injection system may be carried on a skid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Cameron Clunie, Iain James Shepherd, Quintin John Richterberg
  • Patent number: 11142998
    Abstract: A skid-mounted chemical and hydrate remediation system including a subsea separator is described for use in the event of a hydrate plug with chemical injection. This system comprises a manifold which communicates between a subsea pipeline and a plurality of pumps located within a frame. This plurality of pumps comprises at least two pumps powered by ROV hydraulics which operate in series to extract fluid from the pipeline, and at least one chemical injection pump which communicates hydrate solvent through the manifold back into the pipeline. The system additionally comprises a coiled liquid/gas separator which separates the extracted fluid into liquid and gas components and returns them to the surface separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventor: David C. Wright
  • Patent number: 11035749
    Abstract: A system and method for leak testing a thermoplastic piping system is disclosed. The leak test system includes a pump assembly having an air pump configured to pressurize a piping system with air, wherein the air pump is configured by design not to output pressure exceeding the piping system design limitations. The pump assembly further includes a pressure sensor, pressure controller, pressure switch, and solenoid valve for maintaining the pressure within the piping system to a prescribed pressure. The leak test system can include tubing for connecting the pump assembly to the piping system, and further include an ultrasonic leak detection device to locate potential leaks identified on the piping system. As such, the leak test system can safely leak test a thermoplastic piping system, including brittle piping, with low pressure air, while being capable of re-pressurizing the system to compensate for pressure variations therein due to leaks and/or other external factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Georg Fischer, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas G. Sixsmith
  • Patent number: 10557780
    Abstract: A board testing apparatus and method and in particular a testing apparatus for testing a board made of a corrugated material, such as corrugated cardboard, for failure characteristics. The method comprises taking a corrugated board from a corrugator or converter, locating at least a part of the board into a testing machine, performing a non-destructive compression test on a sample region of the part of the board within the machine and providing a compression test characteristic reading of that region of the board, comparing that characteristic reading against a predefined acceptable compression test characteristic reading that design of corrugated board should have and concluding from the comparison as to whether the board, or that sample region of the board, meets a required compression stiffness parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: DS SMITH PACKAGING LTD
    Inventors: David George Rich, Lyndon Geraint Jenkins
  • Patent number: 10429261
    Abstract: The invention provides a pressure sensor device arranged for measuring a pressure in a fluid pipe system, e.g. a utility network. A measurement system with a pressure sensor serves to measure pressure in the fluid pipe system, and a data processing unit determines at least one statistical parameter in response to a plurality of pressure measurements. Data packets with the statistical parameter is then transmitted by means of a communication module, e.g. via a data network which serves for remote reading of utility meters. The statistical parameter is selected from the second, third and fourth statistical moments of the pressures measured with the plurality of measurements of pressure. The pressure sensor device in a battery driven form can be placed at remote locations in a fluid pipe system to monitor pressure transients, e.g. in a water distribution system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: KAMSTRUP A/S
    Inventors: Anders Skallebæk, Jens Lykke Sørensen, Kristian Rokkjær
  • Patent number: 10267716
    Abstract: A board testing apparatus and method and in particular a testing apparatus for testing a board made of a corrugated material, such as corrugated cardboard, for failure characteristics. The method comprises taking a corrugated board from a corrugator or converter, locating at least a part of the board into a testing machine, performing a non-destructive compression test on a sample region of the part of the board within the machine and providing a compression test characteristic reading of that region of the board, comparing that characteristic reading against a predefined acceptable compression test characteristic reading that design of corrugated board should have and concluding from the comparison as to whether the board, or that sample region of the board, meets a required compression stiffness parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: DS SMITH PACKAGING LTD
    Inventors: David George Rich, Lyndon Geraint Jenkins
  • Patent number: 10248141
    Abstract: A system includes a safety system having one or more valves configured to block a flow of fluid from a source to a destination, a non-invasive pressure measurement system having a plurality of non-invasive pressure sensors configured to monitor a pressure of the fluid without directly contacting the fluid, and a controller configured to receive feedback from the non-invasive pressure measurement system and to adjust a position of the one or more valves of the safety system based on the feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Anthony McKeon, Conor Gray, Declan Elliott
  • Patent number: 9822639
    Abstract: Methods including experimentally determining a salt creep profile for a single salt or intercalated salts in a subterranean formation, designing a proposed cement slurry based on the salt creep profile, experimentally determining whether the proposed cement slurry is capable of forming a wellbore load resistant cement sheath based on actual thermal and thermo-mechanical properties of the proposed cement slurry, theoretically determining whether the proposed cement slurry is capable of forming the wellbore load resistant cement sheath by designing an electronic, cross-section geometric model of the subterranean salt formation and simulating a condition of the wellbore loads on the cured proposed cement slurry using the geometric model, establishing a final cement slurry capable of forming the wellbore load resistant cement sheath, and performing a final cementing operation with the final cement slurry in the subterranean salt formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Siva Rama Krishna Jandhyala, Krishna M. Ravi
  • Patent number: 9248542
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing a medical stent that includes a holding device for holding a stent and a processing device for processing the stent held by the holding device that includes a first chamber for a fluid medium adapted to exert pressure around the stent. The first chamber for the fluid medium at least partially surrounds or encompasses the stent in the holding device that may include a housing which substantially encloses the first chamber for the fluid medium. A method of processing a medical stent is described. The method may include holding a stent with a holding device, and processing the stent with a processing device while holding the stent with the holding device. Holding the stent may include pressurizing a first chamber for a fluid medium to exert pressure around the stent. A method of producing or manufacturing a stent according to this method is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: ABBOTT LABORATORIES VASCULAR ENTERPRISES LIMITED
    Inventor: Christoph Diederichs
  • Patent number: 9188502
    Abstract: The pipeline leak detector travels through a pipeline passively due to the flow of liquid through the pipeline. The device includes leading and trailing rings shaped to produce hydrodynamic resistance in order for the device to be carried through the pipeline. Wheels are provided about each ring, with at least one wheel having an odometer to measure distance traveled through the pipe. The rings are joined by a plurality of axially oriented connecting rods. A plurality of sensing elements extend between the rings. Each sensing element has a thin laminate of a piezoelectric film sandwiched between two electrically conductive layers, with an electrically insulating coating on the outside of each conductive layer. One of the rings includes microelectronic circuitry for data acquisition and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventors: Muhammad A. Hawwa, Hussain M. Al-Qahtani
  • Publication number: 20150143878
    Abstract: An assembly and method of testing the integrity of a sealing ring of a flexible pipe are disclosed. The method includes locating a first sealing ring adjacent a first collar member and a layer of flexible pipe body; energising the first sealing ring by urging the sealing ring towards a primary pressure-retaining end fitting component, or by urging the pressure- retaining component towards the sealing ring; locating a second sealing ring adjacent the first collar member and a second collar member; energising the second sealing ring by urging the sealing ring towards the pressure-retaining component, or by urging the pressure-retaining component towards the sealing ring; and pressurising the region between the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring through a port extending towards the region to a predetermined pressure of 5 MPa or greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: GE OIL & GAS UK Limited
    Inventors: Judimar de Assis Clevelario, Fabio de Souza Pires, Felipe Areas Vargas, Everton Vieira de Almeida, Andre Luis de Souza Breves
  • Publication number: 20150101397
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a method wherein a test body is assembled in specific configurations to be submitted to testing in a conventional hydrostatic chamber. The method calls for assembling a test body that simulates cementing failures, the presence of stress anisotropy and a borehole of irregular geometry, by pressurizing said test body in a conventional hydrostatic chamber. The uniform forces are distributed circumferentially around a casing stream in a non-uniform way, simulating operating conditions that are as close as possible to reality, enabling an analysis of how the structure reacts in scenarios similar to actual conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: PETRÓLEO BRASILEIRO S.A. - PETROBRAS
    Inventors: Edgard Poiate Junior, Jose Nunes Pimentel Neto, Fernando Antonio Santos Medeiros, Alvaro Maia Da Costa, Jose Luiz Falcão, Claudio Dos Santos Amaral, Renato Seixas Da Rocha
  • Publication number: 20150101398
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the hydrostatic testing of pipelines and to purification of waste water from such testing. More specifically, there is provided a method of hydrostatically pressure testing a natural gas pipeline using water. The waste water, which is contaminated with hydrocarbons, is subsequently treated by contacting it with manganese dioxide so that the hydrocarbons are broken down into carbon dioxide and water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Phillip M. Story, Laurie I. Jegaden
  • Patent number: 8955551
    Abstract: An apparatus for sealing an open end of a pipe includes an external clamp for frictionally being secured to the exterior surface of the pipe and an internal clamp for frictionally being secured to the interior surface of the pipe. A sealing plate, connected to one or both of the clamps seals the open end of the pipe. The apparatus further includes a means for pressurizing the interior of the pipe. A method of sealing and pressurizing the pipe is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Car-Ber Investments Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn Carson
  • Patent number: 8935951
    Abstract: A test tool for use in testing a tubular component such as a pipe includes a body having first and second body portions together defining a sliding sleeve. Axially spaced sealing and gripping modules are provided, with one module located on the first body portion and another module located on the second body portion. A force-generating arrangement is provided to apply an axial test force to the tubular component via the modules. A test pressure is applied to a section of the wall of the tubular component and an axial load is applied to the wall section. Application of the axial load between the first and second modules applies the axial load to the wall section of the tubular component to facilitate strength testing of the tubular component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Stats (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Angus George Bowie
  • Publication number: 20140373603
    Abstract: A detection system and method of operation are disclosed. The system includes a first sensor coupled to a pipe associated with a pump and generates temperature data associated with a temperature of the pipe. The system includes a second sensor positioned within an acoustic sensing distance from the pump and that generates sound data associated with a sound of the pump. The system includes a processing device configured to execute data instructions to store a baseline temperature signature and a baseline acoustic signature, and receive the temperature data from the first sensor and the sound data from the second sensor. The processing device is configured to, based on (1) a determination that flow through the pipe is reduced by comparing temperature data to the baseline temperature signature, and (2) a determination that the pump remains operational based on comparing the acoustic data to the baseline acoustic signature, generate an indication that the pipe is blocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicants: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC., UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Chengjie ZHANG, John HEIDEMANN, Gregory William LAFRAMBOISE
  • Patent number: 8893542
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and determining fuel vapor recovery performance is disclosed. The dispensing of liquid fuel into a tank by a conventional gas pump nozzle naturally displaces a mixture of air and fuel ullage vapor in the tank. These displaced vapors may be recovered at the dispensing point nozzle by a vapor recovery system. A properly functioning vapor recovery system recovers approximately one unit volume of vapor for every unit volume of dispensed liquid fuel. The ratio of recovered vapor to dispensed fuel is termed the A/L ratio, which should ideally be approximately equal to one (1). The A/L ratio, and thus the proper functioning of the vapor recovery system, may be determined by measuring liquid fuel flow and return vapor flow (using a vapor flow sensor) on a nozzle-by-nozzle basis. The disclosed methods and apparatus provide for the determination of A/L ratios for individual nozzles using a reduced number of vapor flow sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Veeder-Root Company
    Inventor: Robert P. Hart
  • Patent number: 8869599
    Abstract: Leak detection system. A rigid body is resiliently supported within an outer cage. Structure is provided for detecting displacement of the rigid body with respect to the outer cage, the displacement indicating a leak when the rigid body is moved by a suction force generated by a local pressure gradient resulting from a leak within a pipe network. The invention allows a leak to be determined around the circumference of a pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals
    Inventors: Rached Ben-Mansour, Dimitrios Chatzigeorgiou, Atia Khalifa, Changrak Choi, Kamal Youcef-Toumi
  • Publication number: 20140283583
    Abstract: Method for dewatering, pressure testing, hydrotreating, suppressing methane hydrate formation and suppressing solution freezing point in pipeline operations have been disclosed, where the solution used in the operations includes an effective amount of a metal formate salt. The metal formate salt solutions have a low viscosity, have a high density, have a low metals corrosivity, are non-volatile, have a low solubility in hydrocarbons, are readily biodegradable, have a low toxicity, are non-hazardous, have a low environmental impact, have a freezing point depression property forming water/formate eutectic point mixtures, and have a water-structuring and water activity modification property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Alan Sweeney, Brian Hallett
  • Patent number: 8776580
    Abstract: A system and process for detecting the place of leakage from umbilical hoses. This system includes an internal device (PIG) which is inserted in the hose of the umbilical cable which is leaking and external detecting equipment which is intended to identify the position of the PIG device which is already inside the umbilical. The device which is inserted in the umbilical and which is known as a PIG, is made of metal and the external detecting equipment comprises two parts: one formed by a ring which surrounds the umbilical, having a sensor system and another part which has the electronics, capable of identifying the presence of the PIG and, with this, modifying the signal, so that it can be identified. The system is presented as a process for detecting the exact place of leakage from umbilical hoses and the technology tested is easy to operate and the inspection is carried out at a good speed and continuously, without creating waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.—Petrobras
    Inventors: Luiz Antonio Lobianco e Souza, Cláudio Soligo Camerini, Luis Claudio Sousa Costa, Alexandre Soares Rabelo, William Albuquerque da Silva, Jorge Luiz Farias Brito
  • Patent number: 8763446
    Abstract: A tube weld seam test method and device for testing a tube weld seam (32) of a flexible tube (18) for leaks having: a first pinching device (10) and a second pinching device (12) for pinching closed the flexible tube (18) at a first position (A) and at a second position (B), the weld seam to be tested being arranged between the first and second positions (A; B); a compressing mechanism arranged for partly compressing a tube section enclosed between the first and second pinching devices (10; 12); and a pressure test device (14) arranged for testing an internal pressure of said tube section in order to test the tube weld seam for leaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Intervet International B.V.
    Inventors: Hans Almer Middelbeek, Jozefus A. C. Smit
  • Patent number: 8763445
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to detecting leaks in a fluid cooling system. One aspect of the present invention concerns an apparatus for detecting leaks in a fluid cooling system that includes a pressure exerting device for applying a pressure on a supply hose and a return hose of the cooling system, and a pressure gauge coupled to the pressure exerting device for detecting a drop of fluid pressure in the cooling system while the pressure is applied. The drop of fluid pressure indicates that there may be a leak in the cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Fitzsimmons, Thomas A. Kline, Patrick F. White
  • Publication number: 20140165709
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for testing one or more layers of a flexible pipe. The method includes the steps of applying a test cycle to a flexible pipe and simultaneously applying the same test cycle to a tubular test layer connected in an in-line configuration with the flexible pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Wellstream International Limited
    Inventor: Richard Clements
  • Patent number: 8746044
    Abstract: A gelled composition for pipeline, flowline, pipeline jumper or flowline jumper dewatering or preventing ingress of seawater into open pipeline systems or components during tie-in operations of jumpers or additional pipe, valving, manifolds, subsea pipeline architecture or flow conduits operations is disclosed, where the composition includes a concentrated metal formate solution and a hydratable polymer. The gelled formate compositions have improved dewatering properties with 100% or 360 pipe coverage. The gelled formate compositions have can also be reused by breaking and reformulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Clearwater International LLC
    Inventors: Jack Curr, Brian Hallett, Alan Sweeney
  • Patent number: 8746043
    Abstract: A method for permanently monitoring pressurized pipelines and line systems, including connected loads, which carry fluid media, includes carrying out pressure measurements in different modes downstream of the transfer point between the supply device and the load connection in order to determine consumption values over predeterminable periods of time and to infer the system state. An electronically controllable shut-off valve is arranged downstream of the transfer point and a pressure sensor is arranged downstream of the valve in the direction of flow. All of the removal locations are closed and pressure is built up in the system. The shut-off valve is closed and an outlet pressure drop, which may be present, is determined over a first period of time and the initial and final pressure values are stored. The valve is opened and the consumption of water with the longest equal flow rate is set and stored as the end of commissioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventors: Stefan Windisch, Alexander Heinl
  • Patent number: 8731849
    Abstract: A hydrostatic pressure testing system for hydrostatic pressure testing of pipe or other vessels. A control center may include a computer program that monitors, records, and controls the system during testing. A test fluid assembly may include a fill conduit capable of providing a test fluid to an inlet section of a vessel to be tested in response to a command from the computer program. A pressure-release safety assembly may have a vent conduit in fluid communication between an outlet section of the vessel and a safety valve. The safety valve may be in fluid communication with a bleed tank for storing an outlet flow of test fluid from the vessel. The safety valve is actuated to relieve fluid pressure in the vessel in response to a selective condition. A method of using the system to conduct hydrostatic pressure testing is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Greene's Energy Group, LLC
    Inventors: Lubbert Westra, Michael W. Breaux, Russell Richard, Jr., Christopher D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8701467
    Abstract: A leak detection feature for a fluid conduit. The leak detection feature facilitates the monitoring of fluid leaks at the interface of two adjoining conduit flange fittings. An embodiment of a flange fitting with a leak detection feature for a fluid conduit having an opening. The flange fitting includes a flange body around the opening of the fluid conduit, a leak detection passageway formed in the flange body, and a leak detection port formed in the flange body. The flange body has a sealing face surface configured to mate with a cooperating flange fitting, and the leak detection passageway terminates at the sealing face surface. The leak detection port is in fluid communication with the leak detection passageway, and the leak detection port is configured for fluid communication with a leak sensing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James A. Carns, Theron L. Cutler, Mark A. Shelly
  • Patent number: 8683848
    Abstract: An improved hydrotest testing system comprises a safety stop which prevents the testing tools from being blown out of the top of the tubing string. The safety stop is made up into the upward facing box of the tubing joint to be tested, where the stop is positioned between the tool assembly placed within the tubing joint and the no-go head assembly which is located at the surface during the testing operation. Once the safety stop has been made up into upward facing box, the tool assembly is set within the joint to be tested and the joint pressure tested. The safety stop has a generally cylindrical body which has a bore extending through its length, where the bore has a reduced diameter throat which is sized smaller than portions of the downhole testing tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: C&H Testing Service, LLC
    Inventors: Don Taft, Don Hoover, Don Siewell
  • Publication number: 20130248139
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: ABB Oy
    Inventors: Mikael Aulanko, Risto Laurila, Heikki Elomaa
  • Patent number: 8539821
    Abstract: Method for dewatering, pressure testing, hydrotreating, suppressing methane hydrate formation and suppressing solution freezing point in pipeline operations have been disclosed, where the solution used in the operations includes an effective amount of a metal formate salt. The metal formate salt solutions have a low viscosity, have a high density, have a low metals corrosivity, are non-volatile, have a low solubility in hydrocarbons, are readily biodegradable, have a low toxicity, are non-hazardous, have a low environmental impact, have a freezing point depression property forming water/formate eutectic point mixtures, and have a water-structuring and water activity modification property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Clearwater International LLC
    Inventors: Alan Sweeney, Brian Hallett
  • Publication number: 20130239662
    Abstract: A testing system and method for performing integrity testing in a gas piping system include using a motorized pump to pressurize the piping system. A pressure sensor is used for measuring the pressure in the piping system, and an input device receives inputs from an operator related to a test to be performed. An output device is provided for communicating information to the operator. A control system includes at least one controller and is configured to: control the pump to pressurize the piping system to a predetermined pressure, receive inputs from the pressure sensor, and output data related to the pressure of the piping system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: ULC ROBOTICS, INC.
    Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, Ryan McGowan, Robert E. Kodadek, III
  • Publication number: 20130213121
    Abstract: Method for testing and/or for pressure testing the tightness of the joints of the transfer piping of a pneumatic pipe transport system for waste, in which method the pipe section to be tested is separated inside the pipe from the other piping and pressure medium is conducted into the section, and leaks and/or the pressure of the pressure medium are monitored on the section of pipe to be tested.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: MARICAP OY
    Inventor: Göran Sundholm
  • Patent number: 8505362
    Abstract: Method for dewatering, pressure testing, hydrotreating, suppressing methane hydrate formation and suppressing solution freezing point in pipeline operations have been disclosed, where the solution used in the operations includes an effective amount of a metal formate salt. The metal formate salt solutions have a low viscosity, have a high density, have a low metals corrosivity, are non-volatile, have a low solubility in hydrocarbons, are readily biodegradable, have a low toxicity, are non-hazardous, have a low environmental impact, have a freezing point depression property forming water/formate eutectic point mixtures, and have a water-structuring and water activity modification property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Clearwater International LLC
    Inventors: Alan Sweeney, Brian Hallett
  • Patent number: 8499617
    Abstract: The dual submarine leak detection system provides for controllable in-pipe leak detection. The dual submarine leak detection system includes first and second submarines joined to one another by a tether. Each of the submarines includes a housing and at least one leak detector mounted thereon. A communication transceiver is mounted in the housing for remotely communicating the leak condition and a location of the leak condition, as well as receiving control and communication signals. Each submarine further includes at least one selectively retractable leg mounted on the housing and selectively extending therefrom, and a motor mounted within the housing for driving a propeller to propel the submarine through a fluid-filled pipe. A control system further allows for controllable or programmable steering of the submarine through the fluid-filled pipe and any pipe joints associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Sami El Ferik, Bilal Ahmed Siddiqui, Rached Ben-Mansour, Fouad M. Al-Sunni
  • Publication number: 20130195557
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mechanically lined pipe (MLP) having an outer pipe and an inner liner comprising at least the steps of: (a) forming the outer pipe as a single length; (b) forming an inner liner former being wholly or substantially the same length as the outer pipe of step (a); (c) locating the inner liner former of step (b) within the outer pipe; and (d) expanding the inner liner former within the outer pipe to form the MLP. In this way, the conventional need to overcome problems with welding a number of pre-formed 12 m or 24 m bi-metallic pipe stalks to form a 1 km bi-metallic pipe are avoided, thus also avoiding weaknesses that can be a part of conventional stalk-welding processes for forming an MLP.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel Bertaso, John Hamilton, Sylvain Denniel, Brett Howard, Tomasz Tkaczyk, Aurélien Pepin
  • Patent number: 8491722
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a tube or pipeline, wherein an IP comprising an electronics module arrangement, is driven along the interior of the tube or pipeline by fluid pressure, wherein the IP transmits monitoring signals through the fluid that provides the pressure to the wall of the tube or pipeline, receives signals returned from the wall, analyzes the returned signals and stores data relating to the condition of the wall of the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Cokebusters Ltd
    Inventor: John Phipps
  • Patent number: 8479565
    Abstract: Provided are a fluid conveying tube and a fluid leakage detecting system which can convey a cryogenic fluid such as LNG and which can quickly and reliably detect leakage of the fluid within the tube and the position of the leakage. An optical fiber is continuously wound over the entire length of a flexible tube. Leakage information detected by an optical fiber temperature sensor is transmitted via a terminal to an externally provided temperature measurement device. Meanwhile, when similar leakage occurs in the vicinity of a coupling section, the gas pressure inside the heat insulating layer or the like increases due to the pressure of LNG within a corrugated tube or a pressure generated as a result of evaporation of LNG. When the pressure inside the heat insulating layer increases, information representing a change in the gas pressure is transmitted to a terminal via a hollow pipe. A tube or the like is externally connected to the terminal, and is connected to a pressure meter or like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignees: Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Izumo, Yasuhiro Naka, Kenichi Ishii, Toru Kagoura
  • Patent number: 8468877
    Abstract: An end cap for an open end of a hydraulic fitting having a peripheral flange can be provided by a threaded ring and a threaded insert. The threaded insert can be rotatably engaged with the threaded ring to move axially back and forth. The threaded insert has a forward end face which can engage the open end of the hydraulic fitting to close the hydraulic fitting end or to couple with it. The threaded ring includes a locking member to embrace and engage the peripheral flange. The end cap can be used to prevent loss of oil from the hydraulic fitting during service of equipment on which the hydraulic fitting is utilized, and for other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Gregory Molloy
  • Patent number: 8418532
    Abstract: A steam generator, used in a helical coil type steam generator for a sodium-cooled fast reactor which has heat transfer tubes of a double-wall tube structure, with high heat transfer efficiency and a heat transfer tube damage detection unit that can detect on-line in real-time whether the heat transfer tube is damaged or not. The heat transfer tube of a steam generator for a sodium-cooled fast reactor, includes an inner tube formed with a first material; an outer tube formed with a second material that is in close contact with the inner tube and which has a thermal expansion coefficient less than that of the first material; and a plurality of helium flow grooves formed between the inner tube and the outer tube along a lengthwise direction of the heat transfer tube for flowing helium gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignees: Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd., Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute
    Inventors: Ho-Yun Nam, Byoung-Hae Choi, Byung-Ho Kim, Jong-Man Kim
  • Publication number: 20130046226
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a state of a blood line in a circuit for extracorporeal blood treatment, including the steps of: acquiring at least a first pressure value from a first sensor mounted at a first point of a circuit for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising a blood line in which the blood is subjected to a pulsating thrust; acquiring at least a second pressure value from a second sensor mounted at a second point, distinct from the first point of the blood line of the circuit for extracorporeal blood treatment, and correlating at least a first value, correlated to the first pressure value, and at least a second value, correlated to the second pressure value, with at least a threshold value, in order to obtain a datum representing a state of the blood line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Mauro Suffritti, Marco Lizzi
  • Patent number: 8365581
    Abstract: A leak detector for detecting a leak in a line includes a transmitting device for generating radiation to be coupled into the line. By a receiving device, radiation that has emerged from the line through a leak is received, as a result of which the leak becomes detectable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Heiko Bühring
  • Patent number: 8342006
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting and/or quantifying water leaks in a water pipe, and to a device for realizing said method. The method of the invention comprises measuring the water flow rate in the pipe in at least two different locations, i.e., one downstream and one upstream relative to the suspected leak, the water flow rate being measured by injecting a tracing agent that modifies the water conductivity instantaneously at an upstream location and a downstream location relative to the suspected leak location, continuously measuring the water conductivity downstream from said locations and, from the conductivity values, calculating the water flow rates upstream and downstream relative to the suspected leak location in the pipe. The method of the invention can be used for quantifying a leak flow rate that can even be a very small one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Daniel Getto, Patrick Burghoffer
  • Patent number: 8327689
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and determining fuel vapor recovery performance is disclosed. The dispensing of liquid fuel into a tank by a conventional gas pump nozzle naturally displaces a mixture of air and fuel ullage vapor in the tank. These displaced vapors may be recovered at the dispensing point nozzle by a vapor recovery system. A properly functioning vapor recovery system recovers approximately one unit volume of vapor for every unit volume of dispensed liquid fuel. The ratio of recovered vapor to dispensed fuel is termed the A/L ratio, which should ideally be approximately equal to one (1). The A/L ratio, and thus the proper functioning of the vapor recovery system, may be determined by measuring liquid fuel flow and return vapor flow (using a vapor flow sensor) on a nozzle-by-nozzle basis. The disclosed methods and apparatus provide for the determination of A/L ratios for individual nozzles using a reduced number of vapor flow sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Veeder-Root Company
    Inventor: Robert P. Hart
  • Patent number: 8256270
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for pressure testing one or more sections of a pipeline are provided. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus includes a first high pressure seal and a second high pressure seal adapted to isolate a test volume located within a section of the pipeline between the first and second high pressure seals. The apparatus also includes at least one flexible member connecting the first high pressure seal to the second high pressure seal, the at least one flexible member adapted to permit movement of the first high pressure seal relative to the second high pressure seal, allowing the apparatus to travel through a curvature in the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Brian J Fielding, David B Yost
  • Patent number: 8240191
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a Universal Power Platform (UPP) that powers the pump or pumps that may not be on the platform but that are in a skid subsea near the pipeline for a desired pre-commissioning method to be carried out, such as cleaning, filling, chemical treating, pigging, hydrostatic testing or dewatering the pipeline. The UPP is suspended from a vessel by an umbilical that provides the electric power for running the selected pump(s). The Power Platform also is used as a testing system for control umbilicals that usually are near the pipelines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Trident Subsea Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Bradley Loeb, Kurt S. Myers
  • Patent number: 8234911
    Abstract: In a method for detecting a leak in a double pipe, a medium located in an intermediate chamber between the interior and exterior pipe is moved toward a first end of the pipe, whereupon the medium flows in from the second end. On the first end the medium is examined for any leakage of a characteristic material, upon the detection of which a leakage signal is generated and a location of the leakage is calculated based on the transport time of the characteristic material from the leakage to the first end and on the mass flow of the medium. A corresponding device contains a conveyor unit for moving the medium through the intermediate chamber. A material sensor is disposed at the first end for examining the medium for the characteristic material. A control and analysis unit is provided for generating a leakage signal and calculating the location of the leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Areva NP GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Jax
  • Patent number: 8210029
    Abstract: A pipeline pressure testing assembly has a fitting defining a flow path and having a port on a wall of the fitting into which a pressure testing device is removably inserted along a central axis of the port for pressure testing. The port is circular, larger than the interior diameter of the pipeline and located at or above the tube forming the flow path through the fitting. The fitting has a recess encircling at least part of the flow path and opening to the port to receive the testing and sealing devices. The recess is formed by two opposing walls inclined relative to the central axis of the recess. The recess walls at the top of the flow path by the port are spaced apart a distance as large as the pipe diameter for cleanout and inspection. A tubular valve stem screws into the testing device and has a rotary valve blocking flow through the tubular valve stem. Flow through the fitting is blocked with the rotary valve closed and the tubular valve stem in a first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Securus, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis L. Hart, Cristobal Gonzalez, Virgil E. O'Neil, Jeffrey A. Jaramillo, Larry D. Brown
  • Patent number: 8200737
    Abstract: Systems, program code, and methods to facilitate pipeline management, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Thamer K. Tarabzouni, Abdulaziz K. Al-Mejna, Howard Wood