Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for coating a girth weld and a cutback region surrounding said girth weld, said apparatus having lateral travel at least equal to the length of the cutback region and circumferential rotational travel around the pipe. The apparatus can provide a multiple component coating accurately and safely, without the need for solvent flushing of the apparatus.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for coating a girth weld and a cutback region surrounding said girth weld, said apparatus having lateral travel at least equal to the length of the cutback region and circumferential rotational travel around the pipe. The apparatus can provide a multiple component coating accurately and safely, without the need for solvent flushing of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present application relates to a field system and methods that can be deployed in the application of pipe welding. The field system provides many embodiments relating to pipe welding systems and methods, that can be used in combination with one another, or individually. Such welding systems and methods, include, for example, internal welding systems and methods, tie-in welding system and methods, pipe inspection systems and methods, pipe handling systems and methods, internal pipe cooling systems and methods, non-destructive testing systems and methods, as well as remote interface and database systems and methods (uLog), to name a few. The application further relates to welded pipes that result from some or all of such processes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for welding together segments of a pipeline. The system includes an external alignment mechanism for externally supporting and manipulating the orientation of pipe segments in order to align relative segments. The system also includes an internal welding mechanism for applying a weld to an interior face joint of the two abutted pipe segments. The internal welding mechanism including a torch for applying a weld, a laser for tracking the weld profile and guiding an articulating head of the torch, and a camera for visually inspecting the weld after the weld is applied.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, processes, control systems, means and methods for near-weld gas purging and welding. A focused circumferential near-weld purge gas delivery system for pipeline welding. A near-weld purge rig which has a near-weld purge gas channel and which achieves a low oxygen concentration proximate to a pipe gap for welding. The gas used for purging is also directed against an interior surface of the pipe to be welded. The directed gas cools the pipe to a desired temperature.

Abstract: A pipe bending machine has a stiff-back which is driven by a pivoting wedge. A linkage applies force from the actuator to the wedge in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stiff-back. The stiff-back pivots on a first fulcrum and the wedge slides on a bed which pivots on a second fulcrum. The actuator drives the wedge between the stiff-back and the bed to rotate the stiff-back at the first fulcrum and bend the pipe seated in the stiff-back against the pipe bending face of a die. The conversion of the longitudinal force applied to the wedge into a transverse force applied to the stiff-back provides a significant mechanical advantage which varies directionally as the stiff-back rotates about its fulcrum to maintain a constant force on the stiff-back.

Abstract: A pipe bending machine has a stiff-back which is driven by a pivoting wedge. A linkage applies force from the actuator to the wedge in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stiff-back. The stiff-back pivots on a first fulcrum and the wedge slides on a bed which pivots on a second fulcrum. The actuator drives the wedge between the stiff-back and the bed to rotate the stiff-back at the first fulcrum and bend the pipe seated in the stiff-back against the pipe bending face of a die. The conversion of the longitudinal force applied to the wedge into a transverse force applied to the stiff-back provides a significant mechanical advantage which varies directionally as the stiff-back rotates about its fulcrum to maintain a constant force on the stiff-back.

Abstract: A pipe bending machine has a stiff-back which is driven by a pivoting wedge. A linkage applies force from the actuator to the wedge in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stiff-back. The stiff-back pivots on a first fulcrum and the wedge slides on a bed which pivots on a second fulcrum. The actuator drives the wedge between the stiff-back and the bed to rotate the stiff-back at the first fulcrum and bend the pipe seated in the stiff-back against the pipe bending face of a die. The conversion of the longitudinal force applied to the wedge into a transverse force applied to the stiff-back provides a significant mechanical advantage which varies directionally as the stiff-back rotates about its fulcrum to maintain a constant force on the stiff-back.

Abstract: A pipe bending system employing a sensing and indicating system that provides feedback to an operator regarding the position of components of the pipe bending system, such as the pin-up shoe and the stiffback. Apparatus for retrofitting a sensing and indicating system to existing pipe bending apparatus.

Abstract: A line-up clamp unit is powered by a diesel engine which drives a hydraulic pump for operating hydraulic equipment in the unit. The unit includes a line-up clamp which has front shoes, rear shoes and expanding copper back-up tiles. Drive wheels are deployed by a hydraulic cylinder and operated by a hydraulic drive motor. A group of aligning assemblies are electrically operated and fiction to extend L-shaped members to beyond the diameter of the pipe being welded so that the unit can be automatically positioned at the end of a pipe section. A control box includes a radio receiver for receiving control signals and producing corresponding electric control commands for operating the line-tip unit. A remote control radio transmitter has operating, mechanisms, including push buttons and toggle switches, for operating the line-up unit, including the engine, drive motor, brakes, line-up clamp and aligners.

Abstract: A line-up clamp unit is powered by a diesel engine which drives a hydraulic pump for operating hydraulic equipment in the unit. The unit includes a line-up clamp which has front shoes, rear shoes and expanding copper back-up tiles. Drive wheels are deployed by a hydraulic cylinder and operated by a hydraulic drive motor. Brakes are also operated hydraulically. A group of aligning assemblies are electrically operated and function to extend L-shaped members to beyond the diameter of the pipe being welded so that the unit can be retracted and automatically positioned at the end of a pipe section. A control box is mounted to the line-up unit and includes a radio receiver for receiving control signals and producing corresponding electric control commands for operating the hydraulic and electric components of the line-up unit.

Abstract: A mandrel for insertion into a pipe prevents distortion and buckling while bending the pipe. The mandrel comprises three or more radial support members distributed along a longitudinal extent of the mandrel. A first radial support member is located at a first end of the mandrel. A second radial support member is located at a second end of the mandrel. At least one intermediate radial support member is located between the first and second radial support members. A channel is formed in the at least one intermediate radial support member. A leaf spring extends along the longitudinal extent of the mandrel, and the leaf spring is located within the radial support member channel. The leaf spring has a first and second spring end. A first end bolt attaches the first spring end to the first radial support member. A second end bolt attaches the second spring end to the second radial support member. A compliant member attaches to the leaf spring by a compliant member bolt.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for automated control and positioning of a mandrel within a pipe during bending operations. Position detection is accomplished by means of a low frequency electromagnetic signal transmission from a coil placed in close proximity parallel to the pipe outer surface. This signal is detected by a pair of orthogonal receiving coils mounted on the mandrel in close proximity to the pipe inner surface. The phases of the received signals with respect to the transmitted signal and the ratio of the amplitudes of the two received signals is used to estimate the relative position of the transmitter and the receivers. Control of the mandrel along with transmission of reference phase information is accomplished via a high frequency direct sequence spread spectrum radio link between a computer console outside the pipe mounted on the bender and a computer unit mounted inside the pipe on the mandrel.

Abstract: A pipe bending machine, a segmented bending die for use in a pipe bending machine, and a method for bending pipe are disclosed. The pipe bending machine includes a frame, a segmented bending die, a support structure, a stiffback, and a pin up shoe. A pipe is inserted in the pipe bending machine, over the pin up shoe, between the segmented bending die and the support structure, and onto the stiffback. By raising the stiffback upwardly and securing an end of the pipe with the pin up shoe, the pipe is bent against the segmented bending die. The segmented bending die and the support structure conform to the external surface contours of the pipe to support the walls of the pipe, thereby preventing distortion, buckling, flattening, or collapsing of the pipe during bending.

Abstract: A pipe bending system employing a feedback and control system that provides continuous data to a programmed processor. The processor is programmed to automatically carry out an incremental bending cycle in which the pipe is clamped by a predefined pressure by the pin-up shoe, a stiffback is moved upwardly to a predefined position to achieve a desired angular bend in the pipe, the stiffback is returned to its fill back position, as is the pin-up shoe, whereupon the pipe is axially moved a predefined distance to proceed with the subsequent incremental bend.

Abstract: A pipe bending apparatus is disclosed for bending pipe sections, particularly pipe sections of the type used in pipelines. The apparatus allows rapid clamping of the pipe section at reduced pressure via hydraulic fluid regeneration, while providing full hydraulic force for pipe section bending.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for automated control and positioning of a mandrel within a pipe during bending operations. Position detection is accomplished by means of a low frequency electromagnetic signal transmission from a coil placed in close proximity parallel to the pipe outer surface. This signal is detected by a pair of orthogonal receiving coils mounted on the mandrel in close proximity to the pipe inner surface. The phases of the received signals with respect to the transmitted signal and the ratio of the amplitudes of the two received signals is used to estimate the relative position of the transmitter and the receivers. Control of the mandrel along with transmission of reference phase information is accomplished via a high frequency direct sequence spread spectrum radio link between a computer console outside the pipe mounted on the bender and a computer unit mounted inside the pipe on the mandrel.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for counterboring a pipe (25) includes an expander unit (24), a shaft (26) extending from the expander unit, a flywheel (30) rotatably and slidably mounted on the shaft, a frame (34) mounted on the flywheel to be movable in a radial direction, a tool mount (50) and a guide wheel mount (52) formed on the frame, the tool mount traveling with the flywheel into the interior of the pipe during counterboring and the guide wheel mount traveling outside of the pipe during counterboring, the guide wheel mount being connected to the tool mount by guide wheel arm (51) having a radial member (54) that is axially offset to the rear of the tool mount by a distance at least the length of the counterbore to be machined in the pipe, a cutting tool (56) adjustably mounted to the tool mount, a guide wheel (72) rotatably mounted on the guide wheel mount, an inward force applying member (116) and an outward force applying member (122) connected between the flywheel and the frame such that the frame can be moved

Abstract: An automatic welder is used in an internal welder unit which travels along the interior of a pipeline and welds the abutting ends of the pipe segments together. The automatic welder has a carriage assembly that contains a laser source for producing a laser beam, first and second line-up clamp assemblies for aligning the respective abutting ends of the pipe segments together, at least one laser beam conductor, or alternatively a reflecting surface positioned between said first and second line-up clamp assemblies along the axis of said beam, for directing said beam to the abutting ends of said first and second pipe segments, and a drive for rotating the reflecting surface around the axis of said beam to direct the beam to the abutting ends of said pipe segments for welding said pipe segments together. The automatic welder can also be configured as an external welder in which the automatic welder carrying a laser source is carried on a track mounted on the outside of the pipeline.

Abstract: An automatic external welder travels on tracks which are attached to the exterior surface of the pipeline and functions to weld together the abutting ends of pipe segments. The automatic welder has a carriage assembly that includes a laser source for producing a laser beam for performing the welding operation at the weld region. The laser source is positioned in a first embodiment to produce a laser beam which is parallel to the axis of the pipe and is reflected for direction to the weld joint. In a second embodiment, the laser source is positioned on the carriage such that the laser beam is directed without deflection to the welding junction. For each embodiment, the laser source is carried by the carriage assembly so that it orbits about the pipeline to produce a complete weld of the abutting pipe ends.