US 6,884,373 B1Granted

Process for securing a branch assembly to a pipeline

AssigneeLattice Intellectual Property Limited

InventorsLeigh Martin Johnson, Christopher Hughes, Dan Quoc Vu

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Abstract

A method for securing a branch assembly to a “live” pipeline. An upper part of the assembly incorporating the branch is positioned on the pipeline over a containment ring located on the pipeline and within which is an annular seal surrounding an area from which the branch is to extend. A lower part of the assembly is positioned on the pipeline beneath the upper part and the two parts are secured together so that the seal is compressed and an annular space is left between the two parts and the external surface of the pipeline. Grout is injected into the annular space and cures to bond the two parts forming the branch assembly in position on the pipeline. The use of grout avoids having to use welding techniques on a “live” pipeline. A coupon can be cut out of the pipeline, via the access through the branch.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A method for securing a branch assembly to a pipeline, wherein the branch assembly comprises a first part for locating on the side of the pipeline remote from the side from which the branch is to extend, and a second part incorporating the branch, the method comprising:

positioning a containment ring on the pipeline at the required position on the pipeline and surrounding the area from which the branch is to extend;
positioning an annular seal on the pipeline so that the seal is wholly radially within the containment;
positioning the second part of the branch assembly onto the seal;
positioning the first part of the assembly on the pipe line and securing the first and second parts together so as to compress the seal and leave an annular space between the first and second parts and the external surface of the pipeline;
and
providing sealing means for substantially preventing grout from escaping from the annular space, and introducing into the annular space grout that cures to bond the branch assembly in position on the pipeline.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.