Pipe weld alignment system
AssigneeOil States Industries, Inc.
InventorBenton F. Baugh
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for deploying pipe string is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a mast; an articulated stationary table to which the mast is affixed; a stinger affixed to the stationary table to articulate with the mast; and a pipe erector operatively connected to the mast.
Claims36
An apparatus for deploying pipe string, the apparatus comprising:
- a mast;
- an articulated stationary table to which the mast is affixed;
- a stinger affixed to the stationary table to articulate with the mast;
- and
- a pipe erector operatively connected to the mast.
An articulated joint for use in deploying a pipe string, comprising:
- a stationary table;
- a plurality of means for moving the stationary table;
- a stinger.
A pipe string, comprising:
- at least one pipe joint;
- a J-lay collar;
- and
- a double collar.
An articulated apparatus for laying a pipeline on the seabed, the apparatus comprising:
- a main skid frame;
- a stationary table attached to the main skid frame via an articulated joint with at least four degrees of freedom;
- a mast erected upon, and rigidly attached to, the top surface of the stationary table;
- a traveling table with one degree of freedom actuated by hydraulic means and equipped with a pipe clamp device for gripping the riser (via a double collar) during alignment, assembly and deployment operations;
- a hydraulic means integrated into the mast structure and interposed between the stationary table and the traveling table;
- a stinger rigidly attached to the bottom surface of the stationary table;
- and
- a pipe erector hinged to the stationary table at the foot of the mast.
A pipe joint for assembly into a pipe string, the pipe joint comprising:
- a pipe length including weld preparations at both ends;
- a J-Lay collar affixed to one end of the pipe joint, the J-Lay collar configured to interface with the interior surface of a double collar during assembly.
A split double collar, hinged on one side and pinned on the other;
- for gripping and bearing loads at the upper and lower ends of a pipe joint during integration into a pipe string, wherein:
- the interior surface of the collar interfaces with a J-Lay collar on the pipe joint;
- and
- the exterior surface of the collar provides multiple landing surfaces at different radii interfacing with the clamp of a traveling table and a split bushing at a stationary table.
A pipe erector actuated by cable and pneumatic means in one plane with one degree of freedom and rotationally attached to the stationary table, the erector automatically following a mast to deliver a pipe joint to the mast center line regardless of the mast orientation relative to the horizontal.
A pipe weld alignment system acting in conjunction with a pipe clamp at a traveling table to accurately align the weld prep surfaces of a pipe joint for assembly, the weld alignment system comprising two sets of hydraulically actuated rollers.
A swivel bearing for hanging a pipe string during operations, the swivel bearing comprising:
- a non-turning body affixed to the pipe string:
- a turning body;
- a plurality of means for bearing forces between the non-turning body and the turning body.
A swivel bearing for hanging a pipe string to permit a pipe lay vessel to maneuver about the pipe string without inducing torque thereon.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.