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WO2017201565A1 - Joint de dilatation cryogénique - Google Patents

Joint de dilatation cryogénique Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017201565A1
WO2017201565A1 PCT/AU2017/000119 AU2017000119W WO2017201565A1 WO 2017201565 A1 WO2017201565 A1 WO 2017201565A1 AU 2017000119 W AU2017000119 W AU 2017000119W WO 2017201565 A1 WO2017201565 A1 WO 2017201565A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pipe
expansion joint
expansion
line
inner pipe
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/AU2017/000119
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Minyuan LU
Stephanie Weir
Trent WATTERS
Cameron Jon WHEELER
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Clough Ltd
Original Assignee
Clough Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Clough Ltd filed Critical Clough Ltd
Publication of WO2017201565A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017201565A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L27/00—Adjustable joints; Joints allowing movement
    • F16L27/10—Adjustable joints; Joints allowing movement comprising a flexible connection only
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L27/00—Adjustable joints; Joints allowing movement
    • F16L27/12—Adjustable joints; Joints allowing movement allowing substantial longitudinal adjustment or movement
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L27/00—Adjustable joints; Joints allowing movement
    • F16L27/12—Adjustable joints; Joints allowing movement allowing substantial longitudinal adjustment or movement
    • F16L27/127—Adjustable joints; Joints allowing movement allowing substantial longitudinal adjustment or movement with means for locking the longitudinal adjustment or movement in the final mounted position
    • F16L27/1275—Adjustable joints; Joints allowing movement allowing substantial longitudinal adjustment or movement with means for locking the longitudinal adjustment or movement in the final mounted position by means of at least an external threaded bolt
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L2201/00—Special arrangements for pipe couplings
    • F16L2201/40—Special arrangements for pipe couplings for special environments

Definitions

  • Disclosed embodiments are related to joints for use in pipelines and piping carrying cryogenic liquids.
  • LNG low-density liquids
  • LNG plants, LNG offloading jetties, and other facilities that handle LNG or other cryogenic liquids typically utilize expansion loops and or conventional in-line expansion joints (e.g., bellows-type joints) to accommodate for this thermal contraction.
  • expansion loops require a large amount of space and large support platforms, which can be costly and/or disruptive to an LNG facility.
  • conventional bellows-type expansion joints which only expand and contract in a spring-like manner, offer very little torsional strength and are also prone to fatigue, which may lead to catastrophic failure of the joint.
  • an in-line expansion joint includes an outer pipe having a first diameter and an inner pipe having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, the inner pipe disposed at least partially within the outer pipe and forming an annular region between the inner pipe and the outer pipe.
  • the in-line expansion joint further comprises a sealing assembly disposed within the annular gap.
  • the sealing assembly includes at least one primary seal having a first packing ring adjacent the inner pipe and a first contraction ring disposed around the first packing ring, and a material of the first contraction ring having a higher thermal expansion coefficient than a material of the inner pipe.
  • the sealing assembly further includes at least one biasing element, and the at least one biasing element applies a compressive force to the at least one primary seal to urge the first packing ring against the inner pipe.
  • an in-line expansion joint in another embodiment, includes an expansion element having a flexible portion, at least one attachment end coupled to the flexible portion and having a first diameter, and a first extension extending radially inwardly from an inner surface of the at least one attachment end and defining a portion of the expansion element having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter.
  • the in-line expansion joint further comprises a pipe having a third diameter smaller than the first diameter and larger than the second diameter, and the p ipe is disposed at least partially within the at least one attachment end of the expansion element to form an annular region between the pipe and the expansion element.
  • the pipe includes at least one projection extending into the annular region, and a material of the expansion element has a higher thermal expansion coefficient than a material of the pipe.
  • the in-line expansion joint further includes a sealing assembly disposed within the annular region.
  • the sealing assembly includes at least one biasing element, a primary seal having a first packing ring adjacent the pipe, the primary seal disposed between the at least one projection and the first extension of the expansion element, and an outer seal having a second packing ring adjacent the pipe.
  • the outer seal is disposed between the at least one biasing element and the primary seal, and the at least one biasing element applies a compressive force to the primary and secondary seals to urge the first and second packing rings against the pipe.
  • Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of one embodiment of an expansion joint
  • Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the expansion joint of Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional axial view of a portion of the expansion joint of Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional axial view of another portion of the expansion joint of Fig. 1 ;
  • FIG. 5 is a detailed cross-sectional side view of a sealing assembly of the expansion joint of Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a primary seal of an expansion joint
  • Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional axial view of the primary seal of Fig. 6;
  • Fig. 8 is cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a secondary seal of an expansion joint
  • Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional axial view of the secondary seal of Fig. 8;
  • Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of an expansion joint including a bellows.
  • Fig. 1 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the expansion joint of Fig. 10.
  • cryogenic liquid systems such as pipelines and piping transporting cryogenic liquids (e.g., LNG).
  • cryogenic liquids e.g., LNG
  • the expansion joints maintain a seal between two pipes over a wide temperature range (i.e., from ambient temperatures down to cryogenic temperatures) while also permitting rotational and/or translational movement of the pipes relative to one another, which may occur due to thermal expansion and contraction of the pipeline as it is exposed to various temperatures.
  • an expansion joint includes an inner pipe and an outer pipe arranged telescopically.
  • the inner pipe has a first diameter and the outer pipe has a second, larger diameter, such that at least a porti on of the inner pipe may be received into the outer pipe.
  • the expansion joint is installed in-line within the pipeline; in particular, the inner pipe is attached to a first end of a pipeline, and the outer pipe is attached to a second end of the pipeline.
  • the telescopic arrangement of the expansion joint allows the inner pipe to slide within the outer pipe to accommodate rotational and/or translational movement which may occur during thermal expansion and/or contraction of the pipeline.
  • the inner pipe may translate axially relative to the outer pipe to accommodate a length change of the pipeline as it is exposed to different temperatures.
  • the amount of axial translation that an expansion joint can accommodate may depend on the length of the inner pipe that is recei ved within the outer pipe.
  • the inner pipe may be free to rotate relative to the outer pipe in response to torsional forces w r hich may result from thermal expansion and/or contraction of various components of the pipeline.
  • an expansion joint includes two pipes connected in-line with an expansion element such as a flexible bellows or a flexible hose.
  • an expansion element such as a flexible bellows or a flexible hose.
  • the attachment of the expansion element to the pipeline permits rotation of the pipes relative to the expansion element.
  • the two pipes may be inner pipes having a first diameter that is smaller than a second diameter of the bellows, and a portion of each of the inner pipes may be recei ved within opposing ends of the bellows.
  • an expansion joint including a flexible bellows may be installed in-line within a pipeline, and may be arranged to accommodate rotational and/or translational movement which may occur during thermal expansion and/or contraction of the pipeline.
  • the expansion element may expand and/or contract to accommodate changes in length of the pipeline (i.e., translational movement), and one or both of the two pipes may rotate relative to the bellows to accommodate rotational movement of the pipeline.
  • an expansion joint includes a sealing assembly comprising one or more seals disposed within an annular region between an inner pipe and an outer pipe or portion of expansion element such as a bellows.
  • the one or more seals may include one or more rings of packing material (i.e., packing rings) that extend circumferentially around the annular region between the inner and outer pipes or expansion element, and the packing rings may be compressed against the inner pipes and outer pipes or expansion element to provide a fluid tight seal.
  • the sealing assembly is constructed and arranged to maintain a fluid-tight seal between the inner pipes and outer pipes or expansion element over a wide temperature range (i.e., between ambient temperatures and cryogenic temperatures), while still permitting the above-described rotational and/or translational movement in response to thermal expansion and/or contraction of the pipeline.
  • a sealing assembly includes one or more biasing elements associated with the one or more seals that aid in maintaining a fluid-tight seal when the expansion joint is exposed to ambient temperatures (i.e., non-cryogenic temperatures).
  • the biasing elements may be arranged to apply a compressive force along a direction parallel to an axial direction of the telescoping pipes (or pipe and expansion element) to one or more sealing components of the seals, such as one or more packing rings.
  • the packing rings may be at least partially constrained from moving along the axial direction, and consequently the compressive force applied by the biasing elements urges the packing material of the packing rings to expand in a radial direction. In this manner, the compressive force from the biasing elements may urge the packing rings into contact with the outer surface of the inner pipe and/or the inner surface of the outer pipe, thereby aiding in maintaining a fluid-tight seal in the annular region.
  • a seal in a sealing assembly of an expansion joint may include two or more components made from materials having different thermal expansion coefficients, and these components may contract and/or expand at different rates as the expansion joint is exposed to various temperatures.
  • the seal includes a packing ring disposed around an inner pipe, and a contraction ring disposed around the packing ring.
  • the contraction ring is formed of a material having a higher thermal expansion coefficient than both the packing material of the packing ring and the material of the inner pipe. Accordingly, when the expansion joint is exposed to cryogenic temperatures (e.g., when a cryogenic fluid such as LNG flows through the expansion joint), the contraction ring contracts radially inward to a greater degree than the packing ring and inner pipe, and
  • a seal may include a packing ring adjacent the inner surface of the outer pipe of the expansion joint, and the packing ring may extend around a support ring.
  • the support ring may be fonned from a material having a lower thermal expansion coefficient than the outer pipe and packing ring. Accordingly, when the expansion joint is exposed to cryogenic temperatures, the outer pipe contacts more than the support ring, thereby compressing the packing ring against the inner surface of the outer pipe.
  • a seal may include one or more packing rings disposed between an inner pipe and an inner surface of the expansion element.
  • the expansion element may be formed from a materi al having a higher thermal expansion coefficient than both the packing material of the packing ring and the material of the inner pipe. Similar to the embodiments described above, when the expansion joint is exposed to cryogenic temperatures, the expansion element contracts radially inward to a greater degree than the packing ring and inner pipe, and consequently, the expansion element presses the packing ring against the inner pipe to maintain a fluid-tight seal.
  • the expansion element may further include first extensions spaced from the ends of the expansion element to define portions of the expansion element that have an inner diameter that is smaller than the diameter of inner pipes.
  • the inner surface of the inner pipes may contact these first extensions. Accordingly, thermal contraction of the expansion element may result in the ends of the inner pipes being compressed between the first extensions and a packing ring, thereby further aiding in forming a seal under cryogenic conditions.
  • the inner pipes may include second extensions located at the ends of the inner pipes and positioned radially inwardly relative to the first extensions of the expansion element. The first and second extensions may define an annular gap in which additional packing material may be placed to further enhance the seal between the inner pipes and expansion element when the expansion joint is exposed to cryogenic
  • a sealing assembly may include one or more different types of seals.
  • a sealing assembly includes one or more primary seals and one or more secondary seals.
  • Each primary seal includes a packing ring disposed circumferential ly around the inner pipe and a contraction ring disposed around the packing ring and configured to compress the packing ring against the inner pipe when the expansion joint is exposed to cryogenic temperatures (as discussed above).
  • the packing ring and contraction ring of the primary seal are secured in place around the inner pipe by a fixed ring attached to the inner surface of the outer pipe and a seal cover attached to the fixed ring.
  • each of the secondary seals includes a first packing ring di sposed circumferentially around the inner pipe and a contraction ring disposed around the first packing ring.
  • the secondary seals also include a support ring disposed around the contraction ring and a second packing ring disposed between the support ring and the interior surface of the outer pipe.
  • an expansion joint including an expansion element such as a bellows may rely on a difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the bellows and an inner pipe such that the bellows contracts to compress a packing ring against the inner pipe when the expansion joint is exposed to cryogenic temperatures.
  • a sealing assembly may include any suitable number of primary and/or secondary seals, and the seals may be arranged in any suitable manner.
  • a sealing assembly of an expansion joint includes two primary seals disposed at each end of the seal ing assembly (along an axial direction of the expansion joint), and two secondary seals disposed between the primary seals.
  • the sealing assembly may include biasing elements to provide an axial compressive force to the sealing assembly (as discussed above), and the biasing elements may be positioned between one of the primary seals and one of the secondary seals.
  • the sealing assembly may further include one or more circumferential lantern rings positioned between the seals, which may aid in distributing axial forces, such as compressive forces from the biasing elements, within the sealing assembly.
  • an inner pipe may include one or more protrusions extending radially outwardly from an outer surface of the inner pipe.
  • the protrusions may be attached to the inner pipe in any suitable manner, such as by welding or forging. Similar to the lantern rings, the protrusions may aid in distributing axial forces, such as from one or more biasing elements, to packing rings which may form part of a seal,
  • the various components of the sealing assembly may not extend entirely around the circumference of inner pipe, but may instead include one or more splits.
  • these splits may allow those components to be removed from the sealing assembly in situ without requiring the various other components of the sealing assembly to be removed first by sliding them off of the inner pipe.
  • the seal components may not include splits in some embodiments, as the disclosure is not limited in this regard.
  • an expansion joint may be provided on one or more external support structures which may support the expansion joint within a pipeline (e.g., an LNG pipeline), also may aid in maintaining the expansion joint in a desired position and/or orientation.
  • a pipeline e.g., an LNG pipeline
  • at least a portion of the expansion joint e.g., an inner pipe of the expansion joint
  • the various components of an expansion joint may be made from any suitable materials which have an operating temperature range that extends at least between ambient temperatures (e.g., about 40 °C) and cryogenic temperatures (e.g., about - 170 °C to about -200 °C).
  • the inner pipes and outer pipes or expansion elemet, as well as other components of the expansion joint which are not intended to apply stresses in response to temperature changes may be made from a metals such as stainless steel.
  • these various components may be made from the same material such that they contract and/or expand together in response to varying temperatures (and thus do not create apply thermal stresses).
  • these components are made from stainless steel 314.
  • metal components that may slide against the surface of the inner and/or outer pipes and/or expansion element e.g., biasing elements and/or various seal components
  • a coating such as a soft and/or non-abrasive coating, which may aid in reducing wear.
  • Suitable materials for the packing rings, which are compressed against the inner and/or outer pipes, are generally those that can withstand large compressive forces.
  • the packing rings may be formed from graphite.
  • contraction rings and support rings which may be included within seals of a sealing assembly, are generally made from materials having a different thermal expansion coefficient than the other components of the expansion joint such that they can apply stresses to a packing material in response to temperature changes.
  • the contraction rings have a larger thermal expansion coefficient than the inner pipes and outer pipes or expansion element, while the support rings have a smaller thermal expansion coefficient.
  • Suitable materials for contraction rings which may be included in the sealing assembly have a higher thermal expansion coefficient than the materials of the inner pipes and outer pipes or expansion element, and also have an operating temperature range that extends to cryogenic temperatures.
  • the contraction rings may be formed from a Teflon PTFE fluoropolymer resin.
  • suitable materials for support rings of a sealing assembly generally have a lower thermal expansion coefficient than the material s of the inner pipes and outer pipes or expansion element, and also have an operating temperature that extends to cryogenic temperatures.
  • the support rings may be formed from Invar 36.
  • expansion joints according the current disclosure are not limited to any particular size of pipes.
  • an expansion joint may be constructed and arranged for use with a wide range of pipe diameters, such as from DN100 (100 mm) to DN1400 (1400 mm), or larger.
  • a single expansion joint may accommodate the longitudinal expansion and/or contraction of a section of pipeline having a length of up to 1000 m or longer.
  • the presently disclosed embodiments are directed to expansion joints for use in pipelines for transporting cryogenic liquids such as LNG.
  • cryogenic liquids such as LNG.
  • present disclosure is not limited to LNG pipelines or pipelines for transporting cryogenic liquids.
  • expansion joints could be used with other liquid pipelines, including those which are not exposed to extreme temperatures (e.g., cryogenic temperatures) during normal operation. Accordingly, it should be understood that the expansion joints described herein may be used in any suitable pipeline system.
  • expansion joints and seals which may be included in an expansion joint are described in further detail. While specific embodiments are described below, it should be understood that the various components, systems, and methods of operation described herein may be combined in any suitable fashion as the current disclosure is not so limited.
  • FIGs. 1-2 depict a cross-sectional perspective view and a cross-sectional side view, respectively, of one embodiment of an expansion joint 100 which may connect two ends of a pipeline (e.g., an LNG pipeline).
  • the expansion joint includes an inner pipe 102 that is attached to a first end of the pipeline, which in the depicted embodiment corresponds to an upstream end A of the pipeline.
  • the inner pipe has a first diameter Dl and is received within an outer pipe 104 having a second diameter D2 that is larger than the diameter of the inner pipe. Accordingly, an annular region 106 is formed between the inner and outer pipes.
  • the outer pipe attaches to a second, downstream end B of the pipeline, and in some cases, the size of the outer pipe includes a reducer 108 that reduces the diameter of the second pipe before attaching to the downstream end of the pipeline.
  • the reducer 108 reduces the diameter of the second pipe 104 at the downstream end B to a diameter that is equal to the diameter of the inner pipe (i.e., from D2 down to Dl).
  • the expansion joint 100 may be installed in-line to attach two ends of a pipeline having the same diameter.
  • the inner and outer pipes may be attached to the upstream and downstream ends of the pipeline in any suitable manner, including, but not limited to, by a welded attachment or a flanged attachment.
  • the expansion joint 100 is supported on three external supports.
  • two anchor supports 1 10 extend circumferentially around the outer pipe 104 and are fixed to a base plate 112.
  • a cross-sectional axial view of the expansion joint, including the anchor supports is depicted in Fig. 3.
  • the expansion joint includes a guide support 1 14 that extends circumferentially around the inner pipe 102 and is attached to a rail 1 16 disposed on the base plate 1 12 and parallel to an axial direction of the expansion joint. Accordingly, guide support 1 14 and rail 1 16 permit sliding movement of the inner pipe 102 along its axial direction, whi le substantially restricting lateral and/or angular movement of the inner pipe.
  • the guide support may permit rotational movement of the inner pipe about its longitudinal axis.
  • a cross-sectional axial view of the expansion joint including the guide support is shown in Fig. 4.
  • three external supports including two anchor supports and one guide support are depicted in the figures, it should be understood that the expansion joint may include any suitable number of external supports, as the current disclosure is not limited in this regard.
  • the expansion joint 100 further includes inner guides 118 attached to the end of the inner pipe 102, and configured to support the end of the inner pipe within the outer pipe 104. As best depicted in Fig. 3, the inner guides are distributed uniformly around the annular region 106 to aid in maintaining the inner and outer pipes in a parallel configuration.
  • Each of the inner guides is attached with a bolt 120 to the inner pipe 102, though other means of attaching the inner guides to the inner pipe (such as welding) are also contemplated.
  • each of the inner guides 1 18 includes a coating 122 on the surface that contacts the inner surface of the outer pipe.
  • the coating may be fonned from a soft and/or non-abrasive material, which may aid in reducing wear as the inner pipe 102 slides within the outer pipe 104.
  • four inner guides are depicted in the figures and are shown as being uniformly distributed, it should be understood that the expansion joint may include any suitable number of inner guides, and that the inner guides may be arranged in any suitable manner.
  • the inner pipe 102 is slidable along its axial direction relative to the outer pipe 104. Such sliding movement may allow the expansion joint 100 to accommodate changes in length of a pipeline arising from thermal contraction and/or expansion as the pipeline is exposed to various temperatures.
  • the expansion joint is depicted in an expanded configuration, which may correspond to the configuration at ambient temperatures.
  • the inner pipe may contract along its length and slide relative to the outer pipe towards the upstream end A of the expansion joint. Subsequently, when the temperature is raised from cryogenic temperatures to ambient temperatures, the inner pipe may expand and slide towards the downstream end B.
  • the expansion joint 100 includes a sealing assembly 140 positioned within the annular region 106 between the inner pipe 102 and the outer pipe 104.
  • the sealing assembly is constructed and arranged to seal the expansion joint and prevent liquid flowing through the pipeline (e.g., cryogenic liquids such as LNG) from escaping around the inner pipe or otherwise leaking out of the expansion joint.
  • the total contraction length AL that the inner pipe 102 may slide in order to accommodate thermal contraction may depend on the specific positioning of the sealing assembly 140 relative to the end of the inner pipe.
  • the positioning of the sealing assembly and/or the dimensions of the expansion joint may be chosen to provide a desired contraction length Ah.
  • FIG. 5 shows a detailed cross-sectional side view of the sealing assembly 140.
  • the upstream end of the assembly is defined by an end ring 142 that is attached to a flange 144 with one or more bolts 146.
  • the flange 144 is welded onto the outer surface of the outer pipe 104.
  • the end ring 142 does not contact the outer surface of the inner pipe 102, and a small gap (not depicted) may remain between the end ring and the inner pipe.
  • the sealing assembly 140 comprises two primary seals 160 on the upstream and downstream ends of the sealing assembly, and two secondary seals 180 disposed between the primary seals.
  • Each of the primary and secondary seals is described in more detail below. Further, each of the primary and secondary seals is separated by a lantern ring 148, also discussed in more detail below.
  • the downstream end of the sealing assembly 140 is defined by a fixed ring 162 of a primary seal 160 that is
  • a sealing assembly including two primary seals and two secondary seals is depicted in the figures, it should be understood that the current disclosure is not limited in this regard. Accordingly, a sealing assembly may have any suitable number of primary and/or secondary seals arranged in any suitable manner.
  • the sealing assembly includes one or more biasing elements, such as springs 150.
  • springs 150 are arranged evenly around the inner pipe 102 and between two circumferential rings 1 2.
  • the springs 150 are configured to apply a compressive force along a direction parallel to the axial direction of expansion joint 100 (i.e., in a direction parallel to the direction of fluid flow).
  • this axial compressive force may urge packing material within each of the seals (discussed in more detail below) to expand outwardly in a radial direction, thereby aiding in maintaining a fluid-tight seal.
  • the sealing force provided by the biasing elements may aid in maintaining a seal at ambient temperatures, at which no additional sealing forces are provided by thermal stresses.
  • the outer surfaces of the rings 1 2, which contact the outer surface of the inner pipe 102 and the inner surface of the outer pipe 104, may be formed from a soft and/or non-abrasive material to reduce wear which may result from sliding of the rings 152 within the annular region 106.
  • circumferential lantern rings 148 are provided between each of the primary seals 160 and secondary seals 180. These lantern rings may aid in evenly distributing the compressive forces applied by the biasing elements (i.e., springs 150) around the
  • Each lantern ring 148 includes two larger diameter rings separated by a smaller diameter ring to form a generally H -shaped cross section.
  • the lantern rings may be constructed of the same material as the inner and outer pipes, (e.g., stainless steel 314). Further, similar to the rings 152, the inner and outer surfaces of the lantern rings may include a soft and/or non-abrasive coating.
  • Figs. 6-7 show a cross-sectional side view and a cross-sectional axial view, respectively of one embodiment of a primary seal.
  • the depicted embodiment corresponds to the downstream primary seal 160a of Fig. 5.
  • the primary seal includes a fixed ring 162 that is welded circumferentially to the inner surface of outer pipe 104.
  • the fixed ring may be replaced with a circumferential ring, such as ring 152 associated with the springs 150.
  • an end of a primary seal such as a downstream end, generally includes a circumferential ring that may, or may not, be fixedly attached to the outer pipe 104.
  • the opposing end of the primary seal may, or may not, be fixedly attached to the outer pipe.
  • the upstream end of the seal 160a contacts a lantern ring 148 (see Fig. 5).
  • the upstream end of the seal is attached to the end plate 142, which is fixed to the outer pipe 104 via flange 144 and bolt 146
  • each primary seal 160a and 160b includes a
  • circumferential packing ring 164 that is tightly packed within cut-outs fonned in a seal cover 166 and the fixed ring 162 (or the end ring 142 in the case of primary seal 160b).
  • the seal cover 166 is attached to the fixed ring (or end ring) with one or more bolts 172.
  • the packing ring 164 and the seal cover 166 are arranged to provide a tight seal in the inward radial direction against the outer surface of the inner pipe 102.
  • a contraction ring 168 is disposed
  • the contraction ring is fonned from a material having a higher thermal expansion coefficient than the inner pipe 102 and outer pipe 104.
  • the contraction ring 168 contracts in the radial direction to a greater extent than the inner pipe 102, and thus compresses the packing ring 164 in the radial direction to maintain maintaining a fluid- tight seal against the inner pipe.
  • the primary seal provides a liquid-tight from ambient temperatures down to cryogenic operating temperatures (e.g., about -160 °C to -200 °C).
  • the primary seal further includes two circumferential O-ring seals 170, which may be made from the same material as the contraction ring 168. The O-rings are disposed within cut-outs in the seal cover 166 and the fixed ring 162 (or, in the case of primary seal 160b, in the end rin g 142) respectively, on either side of the contraction ring.
  • the various components of the primary seal may include one or more split to allow for in situ replacement of the seal components.
  • the packing ring 164 includes a single split 165, while each of the contraction ring 168 and O- rings 170 include two splits 169 and 171 , respectively, such that they have generally semicircular shapes.
  • surfaces of the seal fixed ring 162, seal cover 166, and/or end ring 142 that contact the outer surface of the inner pipe 102 and/or the inner surface of the outer pipe 104 may include a soft and/or non-abrasive coating, as discussed above.
  • FIGs. 8-9 show a cross-sectional side view and a cross- sectional axial view, respecti vely, of one embodiment of a secondary seal 1 80.
  • the secondary seal includes two packing rings 1 82, and 188, a contraction ring 184, and a support ring 186, each of which extend around the inner pipe 102.
  • Each of these rings are disposed between two end rings 190 along the axial direction, and the end rings are attached to one another by multiple bolts 192.
  • the inner packing ring 182 is in contact with the outer surface of the inner pipe 102, and the outer packing ring is in contact with the inner surface of the outer pipe 104.
  • the expansion joint is exposed to ambient temperatures, the axial compressive force from the springs 150 pushes against the end rings 190, thereby pressing the packing rings inwardly and outwardly in the radial directions to maintain a fluid-tight seal.
  • the secondary seal 180 is cooled (e.g., via exposure to cryogenic liquids), the fluid-tight seal is maintained via application of thermal stresses to the packing rings by the contraction ring 184 and the support ring 186.
  • the contraction ring 184 is formed from a material having a higher thermal expansion coefficient than the material of the inner and outer pipes.
  • the support ring 186 is formed from a material having a lower thennal expansion coefficient than the material of the inner and outer pipes. Consequently, when the expansion joint is cooled, the contraction ring 184 contracts inwardly in the radial direction to a greater extent than the inner pipe 102, thereby compressing the inner packing ring 182 against the inner pipe.
  • the outer pipe 104 contracts radially inwardly to a greater extent than the support ring 186 to compress the outer packing ring 188 against the outer pipe 104. In this manner, differing rates of thermal contraction allow the secondary seal 180 to maintain a fluid-tight seal between the inner and outer pipes through the cooling process.
  • the specific dimensions of the packing rings 182 and 188, the contraction ring 184, and the support ring 186 may be chosen such that they form a fluid-tight seal at ambient temperatures.
  • the components of the secondary seals 180 may include one or more splits to facilitate in situ replacement. As best illustrated in Fig. 9, each of the packing rings 182 and 188 includes splits 183 and 189, respectively.
  • the contraction ring 184 and support ring 186 are split in semi-circles at points 185 and 187, respectively.
  • the outer surfaces of the end rings 190 may include a soft and/or non-abrasive coating to aid in reducing wear during sliding and/or rotation of the inner pipe.
  • Figs. 10 depicts a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of an expansion joint 200 which may connect two ends of a pipeline (e.g., an LNG pipeline) via an expansion element, which in this particular embodiment, is a flexible bellows 204.
  • the expansion joint includes two inner pipes 202 attached to opposing attachment ends 21 1 of the bellows, with a flexible portion 205 of the bellows positioned between the ends of the inner pipes.
  • Each of the inner pipes 202 has an inner diameter D3 and is received in the bellows, which has an inner diameter D4 larger than D3.
  • the bellows includes a first extensions 207 extending inwardly from the inner surface of the bellows and defining a portion of the bellows that has an inner diameter D5 that is smaller than D3.
  • the inner pipes 202 each have a second extensions 209 such that the inner pipes have an inner diameter D6 at their ends that is smaller than the diameter of the first extension D5.
  • Fig. 1 1 depicts a detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of the expansion joint of Fig. 10
  • the relati ve dimensions of the inner pipe 202 and bellows 204 forms annular regions between portions of the inner pipe and bellows.
  • a first annular region 206 is formed between the outer surface of the inner pipe 202 and the inner surface of the bellows 204
  • a second annular region 209 is formed between the first extension 207 of the bellows and the second extension 209 of the inner pipe.
  • no annular region is formed and inner pipe and bellows are in direct contact.
  • the expansion joint 200 includes a sealing assembly 240 which includes one or more seals disposed within the annular regions 206 and 209. As described in more detail below, the sealing assembly is constructed and arranged to seal the expansion join and prevent liquid flowing through the pipeline (e.g., cryogenic liquids such as LNG) from escaping the inner pipes or bellows or otherwise leaking out of the expansion joint.
  • liquid flowing through the pipeline e.g., cryogenic liquids such as LNG
  • a first end of the expansion joint includes an end ring 242 that is attached to a flange 244 with one or more bolts 246; the flange is welded to the outer surface of the bellows.
  • the end ring 242 may not contact the outer surface of the inner pipe 202, and a small gap may remain between the end ring and the inner pipe.
  • the sealing assembly 240 includes a primary seal 262 positioned within the first annular gap 206 at an end of the inner pipe and located between a projection 266 of the inner pipe and a portion of the first extension 207 of the bellows 204.
  • a secondary seal 263 is disposed within the second annular gap 209 between portions of the second extension 208 of the inner pipe and the first extension 207 of the bellows.
  • the sealing assembly further includes an outer seal 260 disposed within the first annular gap 206 between a lantern ring 248 and a second projection 266, which are positioned between the primary seal 262 and the end ring 242.
  • Each of the seals 262, 263, and 260 comprise a packing ring, which may be made from graphite packing material.
  • a sealing assembly may have nay suitable number of primary and/or secondary and/o router seals and may include any suitable number of protrusions arranged in any suitable configuration. Further, in the depicted embodiment, a space 264 is formed between the projections 266. In some instances, the sealing assembly may further include an additional seal disposed within this space. Alternatively, the space 264 may include a suitable interface (not depicted) to allow attachment of a pressure gauge or similar device for leak detection.
  • the sealing assembly 240 includes one or more biasing elements, such as springs 250.
  • springs 250 are arranged around the inner pipe 202 and between two circumferential rings 252.
  • the springs 250 are configured to apply a compressive force along a direction parallel to the axial direction of the expansion joint (i.e, in a direction parallel to the direction of fluid flow).
  • this axial compressive force may urge packing material within each of the seals to expand outwardly in a radial directi on, thereby aiding in maintaining a seal at ambient temperatures, at which no additional sealing forces are provided by thermal stresses.
  • the outer surfaces of the rings 252 which contact the outer surface of the inner pipe 202 and the inner surface of the bellows or equivalent 204, may be formed from a soft and/or non-abrasive material to reduce wear which may result from sliding of the rings 252 within the annular regions 206 and 209.
  • circumferential lantern rings 248 may be provided between the rings 252 and outer seal 260. These lantern rings may aid in evenly distributing the compressive forces applied by the biasing elements (i.e., springs 250) around the circumference of the sealing assembly 240.
  • Each lantern ring 248 includes two larger diameter rings separated by a smaller diameter ring to form a generally H -shaped cross section.
  • the lantern rings may be constructed of the same material as the bellows 204 (e.g., stainless steel 304).
  • the inner and outer surfaces of the lantern rings may include a soft and/or non-abrasive coating.
  • the projections 266 of the inner pipe 202 are described in more detail.
  • the projections are forged or welded onto the inner pipe 202 to receive the compressive forces applied by the biasing elements (i.e., springs 250) around the circumference of the sealing assembly 240.
  • This axial force aids in attaching the inner pipe 202 to the first extension 207 of the bellows without welding or bolting the connecting pieces together.
  • contraction rings 268 may be positioned in a space between the projections 266 and the inner surface of the bellows 204.
  • the contraction rings may be formed from a Teflon PTFE fluoropolymer resin or other similar material which has a higher thermal coefficient of expansion than the inner pipe. Accordingly, these rings apply a radially inward force between the inner side of the inner pipe 202 and the upper side of the first extension 207 to aid in sealing under cryogenic conditions.
  • the embodiment described above with reference to Figs. 10-1 1 includes an expansion element in the form of a flexible bellows, it should be understood that the current disclosure is not limited to a bellows, and that other structures also may be suitable for the expansion element.
  • the expansion element may include a flexible hose, or any other suitable structure that can expand and/or contract, or otherwise accommodate length changes of a section of pipeline.
  • the materials of the pipeline may be the same as, or different than, the materials used in the various components of the expansion joint, including the inner pipes and the expansion element.
  • an expansion joint may further include one or more pressure gauges, which may be provided at each of the primary and/or secondary seals.
  • the pressure gauges may allow for monitoring of the expansion joint, including detection of leaks within the sealing assembly.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Joints Allowing Movement (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des joints de dilatation en ligne pour canalisations de liquide cryogénique. Dans un mode de réalisation, un joint de dilatation comprend un tuyau interne coulissant et un tuyau externe fixe agencés de manière télescopique, et un ensemble d'étanchéité disposé à l'intérieur d'une zone annulaire située entre le tuyau interne et le tuyau externe. L'agencement télescopique du joint de dilatation permet au tuyau interne de coulisser à l'intérieur du tuyau externe pour s'adapter au mouvement de rotation et/ou de translation qui peut se produire pendant la dilatation et/ou la contraction thermique de la canalisation. Dans un autre mode de réalisation, un joint de dilatation comprend un élément de dilatation reliant deux tuyaux, et un ensemble d'étanchéité disposé à l'intérieur d'une zone annulaire située entre au moins l'un des tuyaux et l'élément de dilatation. L'ensemble d'étanchéité comprend un ou plusieurs joints et un élément de sollicitation qui applique une force de compression sur lesdits un ou plusieurs joints pour pousser un matériau de remplissage contre les tuyaux internes et les tuyaux externes ou les éléments de dilatation. Le ou les joints comprennent en outre un ou plusieurs composants qui se contractent à des vitesses différentes en réponse à des baisses de température. Les différentes vitesses de contraction thermique entraînent l'application de contraintes thermiques au matériau de remplissage pour pousser le matériau de remplissage contre les tuyaux internes et externes ou les éléments de dilatation, créant ainsi un joint étanche lorsque le joint de dilatation est exposé à des températures cryogéniques.
PCT/AU2017/000119 2016-05-23 2017-05-23 Joint de dilatation cryogénique Ceased WO2017201565A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201662340125P 2016-05-23 2016-05-23
US62/340,125 2016-05-23
US201662374479P 2016-08-12 2016-08-12
US62/374,479 2016-08-12

Publications (1)

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WO2017201565A1 true WO2017201565A1 (fr) 2017-11-30

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Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN111520542A (zh) * 2020-04-28 2020-08-11 谢佩汝 管道布设结构
CN111678274A (zh) * 2020-06-17 2020-09-18 中国电子科技集团公司第十四研究所 一种耐恶劣环境的液体旋转传输装置
CN112178225A (zh) * 2019-07-01 2021-01-05 秦皇岛东船机械设备有限公司 一种膨胀节阀门
US11746940B2 (en) 2019-03-19 2023-09-05 Saipem S.P.A. Pipeline telescopic joint
CN118149279A (zh) * 2024-05-13 2024-06-07 太原市第二热力有限责任公司 一种热力大口径管道状态监测系统

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1833319A (en) * 1929-07-25 1931-11-24 Fred H Bedford Jr Flexible pipe coupling
US3951418A (en) * 1974-01-21 1976-04-20 W. S. Shamban & Co. Moving captive seal construction usable under high temperature and cryogenic conditions
US4491347A (en) * 1982-01-04 1985-01-01 Minnesota Valley Engineering, Inc. Cryogenic connector
EP1995505A1 (fr) * 2006-08-11 2008-11-26 Zhanggen Song Dispositif de compensation rotatif utilisé dans un tuyau sous haute pression
US20100044972A1 (en) * 2008-08-19 2010-02-25 Smail Vila Offset stacked sealing system

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1833319A (en) * 1929-07-25 1931-11-24 Fred H Bedford Jr Flexible pipe coupling
US3951418A (en) * 1974-01-21 1976-04-20 W. S. Shamban & Co. Moving captive seal construction usable under high temperature and cryogenic conditions
US4491347A (en) * 1982-01-04 1985-01-01 Minnesota Valley Engineering, Inc. Cryogenic connector
EP1995505A1 (fr) * 2006-08-11 2008-11-26 Zhanggen Song Dispositif de compensation rotatif utilisé dans un tuyau sous haute pression
US20100044972A1 (en) * 2008-08-19 2010-02-25 Smail Vila Offset stacked sealing system

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11746940B2 (en) 2019-03-19 2023-09-05 Saipem S.P.A. Pipeline telescopic joint
CN112178225A (zh) * 2019-07-01 2021-01-05 秦皇岛东船机械设备有限公司 一种膨胀节阀门
CN111520542A (zh) * 2020-04-28 2020-08-11 谢佩汝 管道布设结构
CN111678274A (zh) * 2020-06-17 2020-09-18 中国电子科技集团公司第十四研究所 一种耐恶劣环境的液体旋转传输装置
CN118149279A (zh) * 2024-05-13 2024-06-07 太原市第二热力有限责任公司 一种热力大口径管道状态监测系统

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