Abstract: A connection system for reinforced thermoplastic polymer (RTP) pipe is disclosed. The connection system includes a first pipe having a first end and a reinforced thermoset resin (RTR) coupler positioned adjacent the first end of the first pipe. The RTR coupler has an annular body with a first socket extension extending into the first end of the first pipe and a first thermoplastic tie layer provided between the first socket extension and the first end of the first pipe. A first set of wedges is positioned circumferentially around an outer surface of the first end of the first pipe, and a first flange fitted around the first set of wedges, wherein the first set of wedges is wedged between the first end and the first flange.

Abstract: A system and method for coupling pipes includes a first pipe having a tapered, spigot end; and a second pipe having a tapered, socket end adapted to internally receive the tapered, spigot end of the first pipe. The first pipe and the second pipe are made from a reinforced thermosetting resin (RTR) material. A thermal joining process is used to bond a thermoplastic material onto the RTR material of the first pipe, the second pipe, or both pipes. Upon application of thermal heating to the first and second pipes, the heat between the first pipe and the second pipe is sufficient to melt the thermoplastic material such that, when the heat is removed, the hardened thermoplastic material seals the first pipe to the second pipe. A system and a method of coupling the first pipe and the second pipe may include the coupler made of RTR material.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically jointing of reinforced thermosetting resin (RTR) pipes. For example, an automated installation of RTR joints system may have an inductor and a pig for automated in-field installation of RTR pipes. The inductor may be fitted on an outside of RTR joint. Additionally, the pig may be inserted inside the pipeline and remotely controlled to assist operators during the alignment of the pipes and subsequent joint making/welding. Through the successive inflation and deflation of pneumatic wheels placed along the pig, the pig may autonomously move inside the RTR pipeline (from one RTR joint to the other) during the installation, while also be used to apply internal pressure at specific locations of the pipe, as needed, during installation.

Abstract: A system for coupling reinforced thermosetting resin pipes includes a first pipe having a tapered, spigot end, wherein a portion of an external surface of the tapered, spigot end of the first pipe is bonded to a first thermoplastic material and a second pipe having a tapered, socket end adapted to internally receive the tapered, spigot end of the first pipe, wherein a portion of an internal surface of the tapered, socket end of the second pipe is bonded to a second thermoplastic material. A method of coupling the first pipe and the second pipe includes inserting the first pipe into the second pipe; coupling the first pipe to the second pipe via a mechanical joint; and employing a thermal joining process to bond the first thermoplastic material to the second thermoplastic material by heating the first and second thermoplastic materials to melt the first and second thermoplastic materials.

Abstract: A reinforced thermoplastic composite pipe or pressure vessel may include an elongate tubular body that has an outer surface, and at least one reinforcement layer disposed on the outer surface of the elongate tubular body. The reinforcement layer may include one or more layers of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) tape. The UHMWPE tape may be a composite that includes multiple UHMWPE film layers. A method of forming a reinforced thermoplastic composite pipe may include extruding an elongate tubular body having an outer surface, wrapping at least one reinforcement layer on the outer surface of the elongate tubular body, and positioning a cover layer as the outermost layer.

Abstract: A syngas production system includes a gasification reactor and a syngas pressure vessel downstream of the gasification reactor. The syngas pressure vessel includes a pressure vessel having a body with a first portion and a second portion. The syngas pressure vessel also includes an evaporator disposed in the pressure vessel; a coil disposed in the pressure vessel; and a tongue-and-groove flange assembly. The tongue-and-groove flange assembly includes: a first flange with a raised ring extending from a face of the first flange, the first flange attached to the first portion of the body; a second flange with a groove defined in a face of the second flange. The second flange is attached to the second portion of the body. The raised ring extends from the face of the first flange and is positioned in the groove defined in the face of the second flange.

Abstract: A syngas production system includes a gasification reactor and a syngas pressure vessel downstream of the gasification reactor. The syngas pressure vessel includes a pressure vessel having a body with a first portion and a second portion. The syngas pressure vessel also includes an evaporator disposed in the pressure vessel; a coil disposed in the pressure vessel; and a tongue-and-groove flange assembly. The tongue-and-groove flange assembly includes: a first flange with a raised ring extending from a face of the first flange, the first flange attached to the first portion of the body; a second flange with a groove defined in a face of the second flange. The second flange is attached to the second portion of the body. The raised ring extends from the face of the first flange and is positioned in the groove defined in the face of the second flange.

Abstract: A system for coupling pipes includes a first pipe having a tapered, spigot end; a second pipe having a tapered, spigot end; wherein the first pipe and the second pipe are made from a reinforced thermosetting resin (RTR), and a coupler having two tapered socket ends adapted to internally receive the respective tapered, spigot ends of the first pipe and the second pipe, wherein a thermoplastic material is disposed between an exterior of the first pipe and an interior of the coupler. A thermoplastic material is disposed between an exterior of the second pipe and the interior of the coupler. Upon application of induction heating to the coupler, the heat between the first pipe, the second pipe, and the coupler is sufficient to melt the thermoplastic material such that, when the heat is removed, the hardened thermoplastic material seals the first pipe and the second pipe to the coupler.

Abstract: A system for coupling pipes includes a first pipe having a tapered, spigot end; a second pipe having a tapered, spigot end; and a coupler having two tapered socket ends adapted to internally receive the respective tapered, spigot ends of the first pipe and the second pipe. The first pipe and the second pipe are made from a reinforced thermosetting resin (RTR). The coupler comprising a resistive element implanted therein and connected to electrodes extending to an exterior of the coupler. A thermoplastic material is disposed between an exterior of the first pipe and an interior of the coupler. A thermoplastic material is disposed between an exterior of the second pipe and the interior of the coupler. Upon application of electricity to the electrodes, the resistive elements are heated sufficiently to melt the thermoplastic material such that, when the heat is removed, the hardened thermoplastic material seals the first pipe and the second pipe to the coupler.

Abstract: A system for coupling pipes includes a first pipe having a tapered, spigot end; a second pipe having a tapered, spigot end; and a coupler having two tapered socket ends adapted to internally receive the respective tapered, spigot ends of the first pipe and the second pipe. the first pipe and the second pipe are made from a reinforced thermosetting resin (RTR). A thermoplastic material is disposed between an exterior of the first pipe and an interior of the coupler. A thermoplastic material is disposed between an exterior of the second pipe and the interior of the coupler. Upon application of rotational force to the coupler, friction between the first pipe, the second pipe, and the coupler generates heat sufficient to melt the thermoplastic material such that, when the heat is removed, the hardened thermoplastic material seals the first pipe and the second pipe to the coupler.

Abstract: A system for coupling pipes includes a first pipe having a tapered, spigot end; a second pipe having a tapered, spigot end; a coupler having two tapered socket ends adapted to internally receive the respective tapered, spigot ends of the first pipe and the second pipe; and a resistive element. The first pipe, the second pipe, and the coupler are made from a reinforced thermosetting resin (RTR). The resistive element includes a first layer and a second layer of thermoplastic material; and an electrically conducting resistive heating element with positive and negative terminals for connecting electrical power. The electrically conducting resistive heating element is sandwiched by the first layer and the second layer of thermoplastic material. The resistive element is disposed between an interior of the coupler and at least one of: an exterior of the first pipe and an exterior of the second pipe.

Abstract: Methods and systems of predicting the growth rate of hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) in a physical asset (e.g., a pipeline, storage tank, etc.) are provided. The methodology receives a plurality of inputs regarding physical characteristics of the asset and performs parametric simulations to generate a simulated database of observations of the asset. The database is then used to train, test, and validate one or more expert systems that can then predict the growth rate and other characteristics of the asset over time. The systems herein can also generate alerts as to predicted dangerous conditions and modify inspection schedules based on such growth rate predictions.

Abstract: The present application concerns in-situ intrusive probe systems and methods. The probe systems described herein can be installed flush to a hydrocarbon containing structure, such as a pipeline, vessel, or other piping system carrying crude, gas or sour products. The probe systems include hydrogen induced cracking (HIC)-resistant microstructure such that as atomic hydrogen permeates the probe surface, the probe captures recombined hydrogen gas. The pressure of the resultant hydrogen gas buildup is measured and predictions as to the HIC activity of that area can be made.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of measuring a hydrogen diffusivity of a metal structure including during operation of the metal structure, are provided. A hydrogen charging surface is provided at a first location on an external surface of the structure. In addition, a hydrogen oxidation surface is provided at a second location adjacent to the first location on the external surface of the structure. Hydrogen flux is generated and directed into the metal surface at the charging surface. At least a portion of the hydrogen flux generated by the charging surface is diverted back toward the surface. A transient of the diverted hydrogen fluxes measured, and this measurement is used to determine the hydrogen diffusivity of the metal structure in service.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mechanical coupling for two rebars. The coupling includes a first extremity disposed on a first of the two rebars, and a second extremity disposed on a second of the two rebars. Each of the first and second extremities are machined to effect an interlocking, form-fit connection between the two rebars, wherein the form-fit connection prevents separation of the extremities and inhibits axial displacement of the two rebars with respect to each other. The coupling further includes a covering disposed about the two extremities when the extremities are interconnected via the interlocking, form-fit connection. Also disclosed and described is a related method.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting a surface of a structure for defects includes an inspection apparatus having a heating device for heating a section of the surface of the structure, an infrared camera for receiving infrared radiation from the surface in response to heating, a controller configured to generate thermographs from the received infrared radiation, and a communication device. A training system includes an expert system module configured to determine correlations between a set of thermographs generated by a thermal simulation of modeled structural elements with defects, and parameters of the modeled structural elements. A computer system communicatively coupled to the training system and the inspection apparatus, is adapted to receive thermographs received from the inspection apparatus and to detect quantitative parameters of defects in the structure using the correlations obtained from the training system.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mechanical coupling for two rebars. The coupling includes a first extremity disposed on a first of the two rebars, and a second extremity disposed on a second of the two rebars. Each of the first and second extremities are machined to effect an interlocking, form-fit connection between the two rebars, wherein the form-fit connection prevents separation of the extremities and inhibits axial displacement of the two rebars with respect to each other. The coupling further includes a covering disposed about the two extremities when the extremities are interconnected via the interlocking, form-fit connection. Also disclosed and described is a related method.

Abstract: Spoolable composite pipes for oil and gas flowlines may include an inner extruded tubular liner, a reinforcement layer surrounding the inner extruded tubular liner, and an outer extruded tubular cover surrounding the reinforcement layer. In these spoolable composite pipes, the inner extruded tubular liner may include an aliphatic polyketone. Internally lined pipes for oil and gas flowlines for oil and gas flowlines may include inner extruded tubular liner containing an aliphatic polyketone, and a carbon steel pipe surrounding the inner extruded tubular liner. The spoolable composite pipes and the internally lined pipes may be configured to operate at temperatures of up to about 110° C., and to carry hydrocarbons having an aromatic content of up to about 35% by volume of the total hydrocarbons content.

Abstract: A system and method for coupling pipes includes a first pipe having a tapered, spigot end; and a second pipe having a tapered, socket end adapted to internally receive the tapered, spigot end of the first pipe. The first pipe and the second pipe are made from a reinforced thermosetting resin (RTR) material. A thermal joining process is used to bond a thermoplastic material onto the RTR material of the first pipe, the second pipe, or both pipes. Upon application of thermal heating to the first and second pipes, the heat between the first pipe and the second pipe is sufficient to melt the thermoplastic material such that, when the heat is removed, the hardened thermoplastic material seals the first pipe to the second pipe. A system and a method of coupling the first pipe and the second pipe may include the coupler made of RTR material.

Abstract: A system for coupling pipes includes a first pipe having a tapered, spigot end; a second pipe having a tapered, spigot end; and a coupler having two tapered socket ends adapted to internally receive the respective tapered, spigot ends of the first pipe and the second pipe. The first pipe and the second pipe are made from a reinforced thermosetting resin (RTR). The coupler comprising a resistive element implanted therein and connected to electrodes extending to an exterior of the coupler. A thermoplastic material is disposed between an exterior of the first pipe and an interior of the coupler. A thermoplastic material is disposed between an exterior of the second pipe and the interior of the coupler. Upon application of electricity to the electrodes, the resistive elements are heated sufficiently to melt the thermoplastic material such that, when the heat is removed, the hardened thermoplastic material seals the first pipe and the second pipe to the coupler.