Abstract: A method for forming a field joints between sections of coated or insulated pipe which are to be welded together and incorporated into an undersea pipeline for carrying single or multi-phase fluids such as oil, gas and water. The method includes the application of a liquid epoxy layer which overlaps a lip of the factory-applied FBE coating protruding beyond a chamfered end of the factory-applied insulation layer, and which may be applied over the entire weld joint area. The liquid epoxy layer is partially cured by application of heat, and a layer of powdered adhesive is applied onto the partially cured liquid epoxy layer. The adhesive is subsequently sintered and activated by application of heat to its outer surface. The outer surfaces of the adhesive layer and the chamfers are then preheated and the thermal joint insulation is injection molded over the entire joint area.

Abstract: A stress control article for protecting joints and terminations in electrical power cables and for controlling electrical stresses, comprises a cover layer comprised of an electrically insulating, flexible polymeric material; and a stress control layer applied to one side of the cover layer. The stress control layer comprises a stress control material which may comprise a particulate filler comprising varistor particles; and a polymer matrix in which the particulate filler is embedded. The polymer matrix may comprise a silicone gum.

Abstract: A casing member for forming a connection between two tubular sections, said casing member having a first, cross-linked, heat shrinkable plastic layer, and a second, inner, non-crosslinked (or less cross-linked) layer. The casing member also has an electrically heatable member spaced inwardly from the first layer, for fusion bonding the second layer to the tubular sections.

Abstract: Coatings for protecting and insulating fluid and/or gas transport conduits, such as off-shore oil and gas pipelines operating at temperatures of up to 100° C. in water depths above 1,000 meters. The outer surface of the conduit is provided with at least one layer of thermal insulation comprising polystyrene or styrene-based thermoplastic, having low thermal conductivity, high thermal softening point, high compressive strength and high compressive creep resistance.

Abstract: An induction heating apparatus for use in pre-heating pipe joints. The induction heating apparatus comprises a frame for applying around the pipe joint, and an induction heating coil made from Litz cable wires.

Abstract: A method for forming a connection between two tubular sections having a polymeric outer surface jacket, using induction heat to fusion bond a casing of similar, non-crosslinked polymer to the outer surface of the tubular sections. Casing with a configuration capable of such fusion bonding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for coating the interior of a pipe. The machine can be pulled through and positioned within a pipe or pipeline by a internal pipe tractor, and can be used to apply viscous liquids, including two part epoxies and urethanes, to the interior wall of the pipe. The machine is typically used for the overcoating of portions of pipe having defects in their internal coatings, for example, at their girth welds.

Abstract: A casing member for forming a connection between two tubular sections, said casing member having a first, cross-linked, heat shrinkable plastic layer, and a second, inner, non-crosslinked (or less cross-linked) layer. The casing member also has an electrically heatable member spaced inwardly from the first layer, for fusion bonding the second layer to the tubular sections.

Abstract: A wrappable, styrenic thermal insulation product for application to flexible, armored pipe is in the form of an elongate tape of generally rectangular cross-section, optionally being provided with interlocking and/or overlapping portions so as to provide a continuous insulating layer when one or more layers of the tape are wound around the pipe. The interlocking and/or overlapping portions may be of various configurations. The tape is comprised of polystyrene or a styrene-based thermoplastic having high compressive creep resistance, high compressive strength and low thermal conductivity and may be foamed or unfoamed. A flexible, armored pipe incorporates one or more layers of the wrappable, styrenic thermal insulation product between an outer armor layer and an outer polymeric sheath.

Abstract: A polymeric composition for insulating fluid and/or gas transport conduits, such as off-shore oil and gas pipelines operating at temperatures of 130° C. or higher in water depths above 1,000 meters. The outer surface of the conduit is provided with at least one layer of solid or foam insulation comprising a high temperature resistant thermoplastic having low thermal conductivity, high thermal softening point, high compressive strength and high compressive creep resistance.

Abstract: Foam filling a cavity in a joint between insulated pipe lengths by wrapping a fibre reinforced plastic mold sheet around the cavity or applying a casing around the cavity, with a securing element supplied on the mold sheet to resist separating movements of the ends of the mold sheet or one or more flexible tensile members wrapped around the casing, to resist ballooning of the casing on expansion of a foam filling introduced into the mold or into the casing.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for x-ray inspection of a pipeline girth weld. This comprises a directional x-ray source 5 which is insertable into a pipeline section and is rotatable within the pipeline. Means are provided to align the directional x-ray source with an external x-ray detector such that both may be rotated through 360 degrees substantially coaxially with the pipeline section. Means for sampling the data detected by the x-ray detector are provided so that it may be further analysed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for external inspection of a pipeline circumferential weld. This comprises a radiation source (5) and radiation detector (3). Both units are controllably movable around a drive band or track (7) which is fitted around the circumferential weld. To align the source with the detector the source and detector are moved with respect to each other clockwise and anticlockwise around an initial position whilst sampling the radiation detected at a number of positions. A position of maximum strength of the radiation signal detected can then be determined such that the centre point of the radiation source may be located. The source and detector are then substantially aligned with each other and means are provided to move the source and detector circumferentially around the weld whilst remaining substantially in alignment.

Abstract: A chlorinated polyolefin composition suitable for use in the manufacture of crosslinked, thermoset, flame-retardant articles such as jackets for electrical or fiber optic cables, insulating coatings or layers for electrical conductors, and heat-shrinkable tubing, sheets or other shapes for protection of cable connectors and splices. The composition is thermosetting and moisture curable and comprises a chlorinated polyolefin such as chlorinated polyethylene or chlorosulfonated polyethylene and a non-chlorinated polyolefin which contains moisture crosslinkable silane groups. The non-chlorinated polyolefin preferably comprises polyethylene or a copolymer thereof. Exposure of the composition to moisture causes the formation of intermolecular crosslinks between molecules of the non-chlorinated polyolefin.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for heating an elongate tubular article, comprising a frame member adapted to be disposed around said article, a heater with multiple heating zones and a controller for operating the heating device. The apparatus may be used to apply a heat shrinkable sleeve around a welded pipe joint. The heater may be infrared and also may use thin stamped sheets. If a heat shrinkable sleeve is used, the controller may activate the heating zones from the centre of the weld outward to eliminate pockets of air. The diameter of the interior of the frame may change along the length of the frame.

Abstract: A method for forming a field joints between sections of coated or insulated pipe which are to be welded together and incorporated into an undersea pipeline for carrying single or multi-phase fluids such as oil, gas and water. The method includes the application of a liquid epoxy layer which overlaps a lip of the factory-applied FBE coating protruding beyond a chamfered end of the factory-applied insulation layer, and which may be applied over the entire weld joint area. The liquid epoxy layer is partially cured by application of heat, and a layer of powdered adhesive is applied onto the partially cured liquid epoxy layer. The adhesive is subsequently sintered and activated by application of heat to its outer surface. The outer surfaces of the adhesive layer and the chamfers are then preheated and the thermal joint insulation is injection molded over the entire joint area.

Abstract: Method of coating pipe having a raised weld bead. Curable resin polymer is applied to the pipe and allowed to bond to form a cured or partially cured polymer layer on the pipe. Powder form adhesive composition is applied on the polymer layer while hot, with fusion into a film bonding to the polymer. Powder form polyolefin is applied to the adhesive while hot with fusion into a film bonding to the adhesive to form a powder-based coating. Following forming of the powder-based coating, the pipe is cooled from the inside. An outer polyolefin covering is bonded to the powder-based coating and the pipe cooled to ambient temperature. This procedure can avoid voids, cavities or pinholes forming in the coating adjacent the weld bead.

Abstract: Coating composition includes curable epoxy resin in solid form, curing agent for the epoxy resin, and filler. Further, there is a polyolefin containing component having a compatibilizer polymer that is a modified polyolefin, a mixture of a polyolefin or olefin copolymer with a functionalized rubber, or both. The modified polyolefin and functionalized rubber contain groups reactive with either the epoxy resin or the epoxy curing agent. A polyolefin-based portion that amounts to at least 50% by weight of the polyolefin containing component, and an epoxy-based portion that amounts to at least 50% by weight of the curable epoxy resin have viscosities such that the difference between the viscosity of the polyolefin-based portion and the viscosity of the epoxy-based portion, expressed as a percentage based on the lower of the two viscosities, is less than 40%. These viscosities are measured by ASTM D4440 at the Vicat softening points, as measured by ASTM D 1525.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and system for demagnetizing an object. The method includes the step of applying a substantially uniform electromagnetic field to a magnetized object under condition to substantially demagnetize said object.

Abstract: A photo-crosslinkable polyolefin composition comprises a polyolefin, a source of functionality receptive to crosslinking by UV radiation, a cationic photoinitiator and optionally includes a free-radical photoinitiator, a crosslinking accelerator or sensitizer, and other additives such as compatibilizers, inorganic fillers, nanofillers, glass, polymeric and ceramic microspheres, glass fibers, flame retardants, antioxidants, stabilizers, processing aids, foaming agents and pigments. A method for manufacturing a UV-crosslinked polyolefin article comprises forming an article by extruding, molding or otherwise forming the UV-crosslinkable polyolefin composition and subjecting the article to UV radiation on-line with the extrusion, molding or other forming operation.