Abstract: A method for processing a hot formed, high-tensile-strength steel having an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of at least about 730 MPa (105 ksi) and excellent toughness to retain essentially all the strength and toughness is provided. This processing is needed for the fabrication of high strength fittings that are used in the construction of linepipe for transport of natural gas, crude oil, as well as other applications. Furthermore, the hot formed high strength steel may be weldable with a Pcm of less than or equal to 0.35.

Abstract: Marine structures are provided that are constructed from ultra-high strength, low alloy steels containing less than 2.5 wt % nickel and having a tensile strength greater than 900 MPa (130 ksi). A primary benefit is that the marine structures of this invention have a cost per unit strength substantially lower than that of currently available marine structures.

Abstract: A method for processing a hot formed, high-tensile-strength steel having an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of at least about 730 MPa (105 ksi) and excellent toughness to retain essentially all the strength and toughness is provided. This processing is needed for the fabrication of high strength fittings that are used in the construction of linepipe for transport of natural gas, crude oil, as well as other applications. Furthermore, the hot formed high strength steel may be weldable with a Pcm of less than or equal to 0.35.

Abstract: Marine structures are provided that are constructed from ultra-high strength, low alloy steels containing less than 2.5 wt % nickel and having a tensile strength greater than 900 MPa (130 ksi). A primary benefit is that the marine structures of this invention have a cost per unit strength substantially lower than that of currently available marine structures.

Abstract: Girth welds with crack arresting capability, and welding methods for producing same in high strength pipelines, are provided. Girth welds according to this invention are produced in high strength pipelines by welding methods that produce (i) HAZ microstructures that are softer than the pipeline steels, (ii) weld toes that act as stress/strain concentrators, thus promoting tearing in the HAZ and a ring-off fracture; and (iii) a weld geometry that promotes an inclined fracture path.

Abstract: An ultra-high strength steel having excellent ultra-low temperature toughness, a tensile strength of at least about 930 MPa (135 ksi), and a microstructure comprising predominantly fine-grained lower bainite, fine-grained lath martensite, or mixtures thereof, transformed from substantially unrecrystallized austenite grains and comprising iron and specified weight percentages of the additives: carbon, silicon, manganese, copper, nickel, niobium, vanadium, molybdenum, chromium, titanium, aluminum, calcium, Rare Earth Metals, and magnesium, is prepared by heating a steel slab to a suitable temperature; reducing the slab to form plate in one or more hot rolling passes in a first temperature range in which austenite recrystallizes; further reducing said plate in one or more hot rolling passes in a second temperature range below said first temperature range and above the temperature at which austenite begins to transform to ferrite during cooling; quenching said plate to a suitable Quench Stop Temperature; and stop

Abstract: A method is provided for producing an ultra-high strength steel having a tensile strength of at least about 900 MPa (130 ksi), a toughness as measured by Charpy V-notch impact test at −40° C. (−40° F.) of at least about 120 joules (90 ft-lbs), and a microstructure comprising predominantly fine-grained lower bainite, fine-grained lath martensite, or mixtures thereof, transformed from substantially unrecrystallized austenite grains and comprising iron and specified weight percentages of the additives: carbon, silicon, manganese, copper, nickel, niobium, vanadium, molybdenum, chromium, titanium, aluminum, calcium, Rare Earth Metals, and magnesium.

Abstract: A high-tensile-strength steel having excellent toughness throughout its thickness, excellent properties at welded joints, and a tensile strength (TS) of at least about 900 MPa (130 ksi), and a method for making such steel, are provided. Steels according to this invention preferably have the following composition based on % by weight: carbon (C): 0.02% to 0.1%; silicon (Si): not greater than 0.6%; manganese (Mn): 0.2% to 2.5%; nickel (Ni): 0.2% to 1.2%; niobium (Nb): 0.01% to 0.1%; titanium (Ti): 0.005% to 0.03%; aluminum (Al): not greater than 0.1%; nitrogen (N): 0.001% to 0.006%; copper (Cu): 0% to 0.6%; chromium (Cr): 0% to 0.8%; molybdenum (Mo): 0% to 0.6%; vanadium (V): 0% to 0.1%; boron (B): 0% to 0.0025%; and calcium (Ca): 0% to 0.006%. The value of Vs as defined by Vs=C+(Mn/5)+5P−(Ni/10)−(Mo/15)+(Cu/10) is 0.15 to 0.42. P and S among impurities are contained in an amount of not greater than 0.015% and not greater than 0.003%, respectively.

Abstract: An ultra-high strength boron-containing steel having a tensile strength of at least about 900 MPa (130 ksi), a toughness as measured by Charpy V-notch impact test at −40° C. (−40° F.

Abstract: An ultra-high strength essentially boron-free steel having a tensile strength of at least about 900 MPa (130 ksi), a toughness as measured by Charpy V-notch impact test at −40° C. (−40° F.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting substantially longitudinal flaws in the end area of a tubular member is disclosed. The apparatus comprises magnetizing-detection units, means for moving-said units along a helical path about the surface of the end area of the tubular member, and means for centralizing and securing the apparatus on the end of the tubular member being inspected. Magnetic detection transducers on the magnetizing-detection units detect perturbations in the applied magnetic field in the area of any substantially longitudinal flaws. The magnetic detection transducers are mounted so as to remain remote from the surface of the tubular member during operation of the apparatus. The field is generated in the tubular member by said magnetizing-detection units. The magnetizing-detection units are pivotably mounted to allow for movement over both flat and tapered surfaces. The signals generated by the magnetic detection transducers are transmitted to an external indicating device through slip rings.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting flaws in the threaded end of a ferromagnetic pipe is disclosed. The apparatus comprises means for applying a magnetic force to produce a field generally axially through the threaded end of the pipe, first and second means adjacent successive crests of a thread for sensing a generally radial magnetic field and generating a first and second signal corresponding to the sensed magnetic fields, and means for differentially connecting the signals generated by said first and second sensing means, whereby a differential output signal is produced in response to a flaw between the crests of the thread being inspected. The apparatus also comprises means for helically rotating said sensing means to follow a path corresponding to the threads of the pipe, whereby the first and second signals vary with time.A method for detecting flaws in the threaded end of a ferromagnetic pipe is also disclosed.

Abstract: An acoustically operated downhole blowout preventer using a specially configured sleeve valve to inflate a resilient packer for shutting the wellbore annulus.

Abstract: A portable, electrohydraulic, acoustic transmitter releasably attaches to a solid medium such as a drill string to generate essentially longitudinal, acoustic signals in the medium. The signals are frequency modulated so that encoded messages may be transmitted between a surface and subsurface location to activate downhole equipment.