Integrated modular tool system for end preparation and end-to-end welding of pipes
AssigneeNorsk Hydro a.s.
InventorHans O. Knagenhjelm
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus method for pipe end preparation and end to end welding of pipes comprises a stationary annular clamp (4) for both clamping and round up of pipes (2). It also has one or two rotating tool carrier rings (5) mounted at one or both sides of the clamp (4) on a track (6). The rotating ring may have thereon devices for cutting, machining of grooves, welding and non-destructive testing (NDT). The round up of the pipe is performed via 6 or more clamping shoes independently operated by screw jacks (18), a wedge mechanism (15) or directly acting hydraulic cylinders.
Claims19
An integrated modular tool system for end preparation and end to end welding of pipes, comprising:
- an annular clamp for clamping attachment to the end of a pipe, said clamp having opposite lateral sides, means for rounding the end of a pipe, and a track fixed to one of said lateral sides;
- and
- a tool carrier ring plate having thereon means rotatably mounting said tool carrier ring plate on said track of said annular clamp such that said tool carrier ring plate is rotatable relative to said annular clamp, said tool carrier ring plate further including a tool carrying surface extending in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the tool carrier ring plate and having means thereon for mounting at least one tool for application to the end of a pipe.
An integrated modular tool system for end preparation and end to end welding of pipes in a subsea habitat, comprising:
- an annular clamp for clamping attachment to the end of a pipe, said annular clamp having opposite lateral sides;
- a means disposed on said annular clamp for rounding a pipe end, said means for rounding comprising a plurality of radially movable clamping shoes and a plurality of screw jacks for moving respective said clamping shoes;
- a first tool carrier ring plate rotatable mounted to one of said lateral sides of said annular clamp;
- and
- a second tool carrier ring plate rotatably mounted to the other said lateral side of said annular clamp;
- each said tool carrier ring plate having thereon means for mounting a plurality of tools.
A method of end preparation and end to end welding of pipes, comprising:
- providing an annular clamp having opposite lateral sides, means for rounding a pipe end, a track fixed to one of said lateral sides, and a tool carrier ring plate rotatably mounted on said track, said tool carrier ring plate comprising a tool carrying surface extending in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the tool carrier ring plate and having means thereon for mounting a plurality of tools;
- applying said annular clamp to the pipe end;
- clamping and rounding the pipe end with said means for rounding the pipe end;
- mounting a plurality of tools on said tool carrier ring plate;
- rotating said tool carrier ring plate on said track;
- and
- cutting, machining grooves, welding and performing non-destructive testing on the pipe end with said plurality of tools on said tool carrier ring plate while rotating said tool carrier ring plate on said track.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.