Two embodiments of insulated pipework system are described. The first comprises an outer sleeve, an inner flow pipe and insulating material within the space therebetween and is characterised by the use of a longitudinally compressed elastomeric member in the space between the inner and outer pipes as the primary means for transferring longitudinal forces between the inner and outer pipes. The second comprises an outer sleeve pipe, an inner flow pipe, an insulating material within the space therebetween, other than hollow alumina-silicate microspheres, wherein a longitudinally compressed elastomeric member is provided at intervals in the space between the inner and outer pipes. Compression of the elastomeric member is preferably by way of rigid plates on either side thereof which compress an the elastomeric member. For example, bolts can be passed through bores in the plates and elastomeric member and tightened thereby to compress the said member. The elastomeric member is preferably in annular form and hence extends around the entire annular space between the two pipes.
A gasket for noting an annular space between two pipes comprises an annular elastomeric member (10) having a concave formation on at least one longitudinal end face, compression members (20, 22) adjacent the longitudinal end faces and connected via a plurality of securing means (30) adapted to urge the compression members (20, 22) together, the compression member or members (20, 22) adjacent a concave formation on the elastomeric member (10) including a corresponding convex formation. The elastomeric member (10) can also include a concave formation on at least one radial face (12, 14), in which the gasket can further include at least one (preferably elastomeric) filler member in that concave formation, on the radial (12, 14).
A tubular insulating apparatus (10) for insulating a first tubular (8) within a second tubular (20) for use in the oil and gas exploration and production industry. An inner insulating member (4) surrounds the outer circumference of a pipeline (8) and a rigid spacer member (16) supports the pipeline (8) within the second tubular (20), the rigid spacer member (16) being provided at the ends of the apparatus (10). A substantially resilient member (2) is also provided on the outer most face of the inner insulating member (4) and a helically arranged cut (6) is provided therethrough in order to allow tensile and compressive forces caused by a bending moment acting along the longitudinal axis (14) of the apparatus (10) when e.g. the pipeline (8) is placed upon a reel, to be substantially relieved. Methods of manufacturing and installing the apparatus (10) are also provided.
The invention concerns the use of a material comprising at least a crosslinkable elastomer selected from the group consisting of butyl rubber, halobutyls and brominated isobutylene and para-methylstyrene copolymers, and at least a non-crosslinkable elastomer with low thermal conductivity for thermal insulation, in particular for pipes. The invention also concerns a pipe, and, in particular a submarine oil pipe for great depths, comprising at least a layer of said material.
A double-layer pipe for fluidic transport of abrasive solids, includes a hardened inner pipe portion of steel, an outer pipe portion of weldable steel to surround the inner pipe portion, and terminal coupling collars made of weldable steel. Disposed between the inner pipe portion and the outer pipe portion is a heat-insulating layer which is made of a combustible, non-metallic material.
A spacing and centering device for a rigid double-wall duct, for example of the winding type, which is intended for the transport of hydrocarbons. The rigid duct comprises two coaxial tubes which are separated by an annular space. The spacing and centering device is housed in the annular space in order to maintain a distance between the two coaxial tubes. An element made from a material having low heat conductivity and comprising an aerogel element is at least partially covered with a casing of polymer-type plastic material.
