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WO2018197848A1 - Procédé d'élargissement d'une structure tubulaire - Google Patents

Procédé d'élargissement d'une structure tubulaire Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018197848A1
WO2018197848A1 PCT/GB2018/051057 GB2018051057W WO2018197848A1 WO 2018197848 A1 WO2018197848 A1 WO 2018197848A1 GB 2018051057 W GB2018051057 W GB 2018051057W WO 2018197848 A1 WO2018197848 A1 WO 2018197848A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tubular structure
insert
metallic insert
pipe
tubular
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/GB2018/051057
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Gordon James WALLACE
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.)
Radius Systems Ltd
Original Assignee
Radius Systems 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 Radius Systems Ltd filed Critical Radius Systems Ltd
Priority to CN201880025433.9A priority Critical patent/CN110662916A/zh
Publication of WO2018197848A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018197848A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C57/00—Shaping of tube ends, e.g. flanging, belling or closing; Apparatus therefor, e.g. collapsible mandrels
    • B29C57/02—Belling or enlarging, e.g. combined with forming a groove
    • 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
    • F16L13/00—Non-disconnectable pipe joints, e.g. soldered, adhesive, or caulked joints
    • F16L13/14—Non-disconnectable pipe joints, e.g. soldered, adhesive, or caulked joints made by plastically deforming the material of the pipe, e.g. by flanging, rolling
    • F16L13/147—Non-disconnectable pipe joints, e.g. soldered, adhesive, or caulked joints made by plastically deforming the material of the pipe, e.g. by flanging, rolling by radially expanding the inner part
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D39/00—Application of procedures in order to connect objects or parts, e.g. coating with sheet metal otherwise than by plating; Tube expanders
    • B21D39/08—Tube expanders
    • B21D39/20—Tube expanders with mandrels, e.g. expandable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D41/00—Application of procedures in order to alter the diameter of tube ends
    • B21D41/02—Enlarging
    • B21D41/026—Enlarging by means of mandrels
    • B21D41/028—Enlarging by means of mandrels expandable mandrels
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C57/00—Shaping of tube ends, e.g. flanging, belling or closing; Apparatus therefor, e.g. collapsible mandrels
    • B29C57/02—Belling or enlarging, e.g. combined with forming a groove
    • B29C57/04—Belling or enlarging, e.g. combined with forming a groove using mechanical means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C57/00—Shaping of tube ends, e.g. flanging, belling or closing; Apparatus therefor, e.g. collapsible mandrels
    • B29C57/02—Belling or enlarging, e.g. combined with forming a groove
    • B29C57/08—Belling or enlarging, e.g. combined with forming a groove using pressure difference
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/78—Means for handling the parts to be joined, e.g. for making containers or hollow articles, e.g. means for handling sheets, plates, web-like materials, tubular articles, hollow articles or elements to be joined therewith; Means for discharging the joined articles from the joining apparatus
    • B29C65/7802—Positioning the parts to be joined, e.g. aligning, indexing or centring
    • B29C65/7838—Positioning the parts to be joined, e.g. aligning, indexing or centring from the inside, e.g. of tubular or hollow articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C67/00—Shaping techniques not covered by groups B29C39/00 - B29C65/00, B29C70/00 or B29C73/00
    • B29C67/0014—Shaping techniques not covered by groups B29C39/00 - B29C65/00, B29C70/00 or B29C73/00 for shaping tubes or blown tubular films
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C67/00—Shaping techniques not covered by groups B29C39/00 - B29C65/00, B29C70/00 or B29C73/00
    • B29C67/0014—Shaping techniques not covered by groups B29C39/00 - B29C65/00, B29C70/00 or B29C73/00 for shaping tubes or blown tubular films
    • B29C67/0022—Shaping techniques not covered by groups B29C39/00 - B29C65/00, B29C70/00 or B29C73/00 for shaping tubes or blown tubular films using an internal mandrel
    • 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
    • F16L47/00—Connecting arrangements or other fittings specially adapted to be made of plastics or to be used with pipes made of plastics
    • F16L47/06—Connecting arrangements or other fittings specially adapted to be made of plastics or to be used with pipes made of plastics with sleeve or socket formed by or in the pipe end
    • 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
    • F16L13/00—Non-disconnectable pipe joints, e.g. soldered, adhesive, or caulked joints
    • F16L13/14—Non-disconnectable pipe joints, e.g. soldered, adhesive, or caulked joints made by plastically deforming the material of the pipe, e.g. by flanging, rolling
    • F16L2013/145—Tools specially adapted therefor

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for expanding a tubular structure. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a method for expanding an end of a pipe or a pipe liner, such as a polyolefin pipe or pipe liner.
  • Polyolefin tubular structures in the form of pipes and in the form of pipe liners.
  • Polyolefin pipes may be manufactured having structural properties which enable them to be buried directly in the ground.
  • Materials such as polyethylene are widely used for the manufacture of polyolefin pipes intended to convey fuel gas or drinking water for residential and industrial consumption.
  • standard pipe diameters In many territories, such as the UK, there generally is an acceptable range of standard pipe diameters which may be used for these applications.
  • standard pipe diameters there typically exists a corresponding range of fittings that are routinely manufactured and are readily available for use with pipes having standard diameters.
  • polyolefin tubular structures are manufactured having one or more non-standard dimensions, such as a non-standard external diameter.
  • a non-standard diameter tubular structure causes difficulty in making couplings or joints to the polyolefin tubular structure and invariably leads to a requirement of specialist mechanical fittings.
  • Polyolefin liners may be first manufactured to a standard geometry or having one or more non-standard dimensions. Such liners may subsequently be subjected to a secondary process either in a factory or on a construction site to mechanically alter the geometry of the liner so that it can be inserted inside another tubular structure, such as a pipe, in a reduced size to act as a liner. Liners may be employed to provide corrosion protection, abrasion resistance or for general renovation of old pipelines.
  • EP0514142 describes an example of a polyolefin liner which is first formed as a tubular liner and subsequently mechanically deformed on a construction site to permit insertion into a host pipe, for example an old metallic pipe.
  • the tubular liner is first extruded so as to have an external diameter substantially the same, or slightly smaller than an internal diameter of the host pipe. This usually means that the tubular liner has a non-standard external diameter and wall thickness.
  • the liner is mechanically folded at a construction site and subsequently inserted inside the host pipe. After insertion, the liner will unfold and partially recover towards its original tubular form, but cannot achieve this fully until a coupling is formed to permit filling of the liner with water to expand the liner into position within the host pipe.
  • EP0834034 describes a further example of a polyolefin liner which is first manufactured as a tubular liner and subsequently mechanically deformed for insertion into a host pipe.
  • a diameter of the tubular liner is temporarily reduced by passing the tubular liner through a series of rollers forming elliptical openings.
  • the reduction in diameter by this method might typically be 8-10% or 8-15%, depending on the grade of material used.
  • the liner will partially recover towards its original tubular form, but in order to achieve a full return to its original dimensions, which may be non-standard, a coupling is required to enable the liner to be filled with water and expanded.
  • a coupling is then desired to connect the pipe and/or liner to adjacent infrastructure or to another pipe, particularly in scenarios where the liner is used as a structural renovation solution to take over the duty of supply from an aged pipe.
  • Some fittings for making such couplings for non-standard pipe sizes and for tubular liners are available to order. Such fittings are generally mechanical fittings that are bespoke manufactured when required to suit the non-standard pipe or liner. Examples of such fittings are marketed under the trademark Viking Johnson Linergrip ® (UK trade mark number UK00002126727). The fittings are manufactured to order and are designed to form a coupling by manufacturing the parts to match the size of the particular liner.
  • Alternative solutions for coupling polyolefin tubular structures having a non-standard diameter to adjacent infrastructure comprise expanding the diameter of the tubular structure, at least in a region of the tubular structure to which the adjacent infrastructure or pipe will be joined.
  • Such expansion is typically limited to expansion within the elastic range of the polyolefin material, or at least is limited to expansion within a range that does not result in wall thinning, particularly localised wall thinning of the tubular structure.
  • a strain of between 5% and 8.5% might typically be applied to expand the end of a tubular structure to increase the diameter of the tubular structure.
  • the multi segment expanding head 100 comprises a hydraulic ram 1 and a pair of cones 2a, 2b arranged to be pulled towards each other when the hydraulic ram 1 is activated.
  • a set of plates 3 are radially disposed about the cones 2a, 2b and are held in place by O-rings 4.
  • the plates 3 are arranged such that when the ram 1 is activated and the cones 2a, 2b are pulled towards each other, the plates 3 move radially outwardly from a first position 5, towards a second, expanded position 6.
  • Such multi segment expanding heads are well known in the art and are commercially available.
  • such multi segment expanding heads In use, such multi segment expanding heads must be actuated a number of times with a slight rotation of the tool between each expansion, in order to achieve a roughly circular enlargement of the end of the tubular structure.
  • the material will generally have been subject to elastic expansion and will attempt to return to its original size, for example by a viscoelastic response. The rate of the viscoelastic response depends on the time for which the tubular structure has been expanded and on the temperature of the material.
  • an insert is inserted in the expanded region of the tubular structure.
  • the tubular structure then contracts towards the insert as part of the viscoelastic response, attempting to return to its original dimensions. This results in the tubular structure forming a tight fit onto the insert.
  • the insert is typically metallic, but plastic inserts may also be used.
  • the insert is sized such that after installation, an external diameter of the tubular structure is generally a standard diameter within territorial and industry specifications for pipes.
  • Figure 2 shows an example of a polyolefin tubular structure 7 that has been expanded using the above described prior art method.
  • An initial external diameter 9 of the polyolefin tubular structure 7 has been expanded using the tool described and shown in Figure 1 , such that an insert 8 can be inserted.
  • the larger external diameter 10 is a standard diameter found in industry standards for commercially available polyolefin pipes and is compatible with mass produced pipe couplings.
  • a method for expanding an internal diameter of a tubular structure comprising
  • said urging comprises work hardening the metallic insert.
  • a user is not required to use quick movements to withdraw an expansion tool from an end of the tubular structure and to place an insert into the tubular structure before it shrinks back.
  • This minimises risk of the user trapping one or more fingers between the tubular structure and the insert as the tubular structure elastically recovers, thereby improving safety for the user.
  • the method also advantageously improves safety for users from a manual handling perspective working within an excavation site, in which may be space limited.
  • the method substantially prevents over expansion of the tubular structure, thereby minimising any undesired plastic deformation or general damage of the tubular structure.
  • the method also advantageously enables control over a final shape or geometry of an expanded region of the tubular structure, thereby enabling expansion without substantially compromising functionality or structural integrity of the tubular structure.
  • the insert is advantageously work hardened by the process of said urging expansion and will therefore resist attempts by the tubular structure to shrink back towards its original dimensions.
  • the insert may also advantageously be arranged to cooperate with a coupling body of a mechanical coupling
  • said removable sizing gauge comprises an internal diameter corresponding to a desired expanded external diameter of the tubular structure.
  • this substantially prevents over expansion of the tubular structure, thereby minimising any undesired plastic deformation or general damage of the tubular structure.
  • said removable sizing gauge comprises a sleeve having an adjustable internal diameter.
  • this enables the removable sizing gauge to be used with a range of tubular structures having a range of different initial diameters.
  • said tubular structure comprises polyolefin.
  • said tubular structure is a polyolefin tubular structure.
  • said metallic insert comprises copper.
  • the method comprises heat treating the metallic insert so that the metallic insert is in a fully soft state, prior to said inserting.
  • this improves workability of the insert, thereby facilitating said urging.
  • said heat treating comprises heating the metallic insert to 550°C for 30 minutes.
  • this removes or at least reduces any strain hardening of the insert which may have previously occurred during a previous process of forming or sizing the insert.
  • said heat treating comprises cooling the metallic insert after said heating.
  • said cooling comprises quenching the metallic insert in water at an ambient temperature.
  • Said ambient temperature may comprise room temperature.
  • Room temperature may be a temperature of between 20°C and 25°C, inclusive.
  • said quenching is implemented for at least 30 minutes.
  • the method comprises sizing the metallic insert prior to said inserting.
  • this enables the insert to be provided with appropriate geometry.
  • said sizing comprises drawing the metallic insert over a former.
  • said sizing comprises milling the metallic insert to desired initial dimensions.
  • said urging comprises
  • said multi segment expansion head may be arranged to exert a substantially equal force in all radial directions, thereby providing substantially uniform expansion of the tubular structure. This helps to maintain the tubular form of the tubular structure.
  • said urging further comprises
  • an external surface of the end region of the tubular structure is accessible for later, on-site, joining to a fitting or to a polyolefin pipe.
  • said internal diameter of the removable sizing sleeve is substantially constant.
  • a joint may be made to a polyolefin pipe or two such pipes may be joined by a method conferring improved safety and reliability.
  • a user is not required to use quick movements to withdraw an expansion tool from an end or ends of the pipe or pipes and to place an insert into the pipe or pipes before it shrinks back. This minimises risk of the user trapping one or more fingers between the pipe and the insert as the pipe elastically recovers, thereby improving safety for the user.
  • the method also advantageously improves safety for users from a manual handling perspective working within an excavation site, in which may be space limited.
  • the method substantially prevents over expansion of the end region or end regions, thereby minimising any undesired plastic deformation or general damage of the polyolefin pipe or pipes.
  • the method also advantageously enables control over a final shape or geometry of an expanded region of the pipe or pipes, thereby enabling expansion without substantially compromising functionality or structural integrity of the pipe or pipes.
  • a substantially tubular metallic insert for use in a method according to any of the above description.
  • the insert comprises copper in a fully soft state.
  • Figure 1 is a prior art multi-segment expansion tool
  • Figure 2 is a sectional view of a pipe end expanded using a prior art method
  • Figure 3 is a sectional view showing part of a method for expanding a tubular structure according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 4 is a sectional view of a pipe end expanded using a method according to an embodiment of the invention and a removable sizing gauge;
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of a removable sizing gauge
  • Figures 6A to 6F show partial perspective views of a method for expanding a tubular structure, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 7 is a sectional view of a pipe coupled to the pipe of Figure 4 after the removable sizing gauge has been removed.
  • crystalline material may refer to a homogenous solid body of chemical element, compound or isomorphous mixture, having a substantially regular lattice arrangement.
  • lattice arrangement may refer to a three dimensional repeating array of points, representing a structure of a crystalline material.
  • the term “grain boundary” may refer to an interface at which grains or crystallites having different orientations meet.
  • the term “heat treatment” may refer to subjecting a material to one or more changes in temperature to modify or to at least initiate a change in one or more physical and/or chemical properties of a material.
  • the term “heat treatment” may include annealing, stress relieving and quenching.
  • the term “annealing” may refer to a heat treatment which improves workability of a material. Improved workability may comprise any one or more of an increase in ductility, a reduction in hardness and removal or at least a reduction of internal stressed within the material.
  • the term “annealing” may refer to a heat treatment which causes atoms migrate in a lattice arrangement of a crystalline material.
  • the term “annealing” may include heat treatments comprising heating the material to above its recrystallization temperature, maintaining the material at a suitable temperature, and subsequently cooling the material. Said cooling may be relatively slow.
  • recrystallization temperature may refer to a temperature at which recrystallization of a crystalline material occurs.
  • the recrystallization temperature may be a temperature below a melting temperature of the crystalline material.
  • the term "recrystallization” may refer to a process by which, in a crystalline material, new grains nucleate and grow to consume an existing grain structure.
  • the new grains may have fewer defects, such as dislocations.
  • the term “dislocation” may refer to a crystallographic defect or irregularity within a crystal structure.
  • the term “dislocation” may include
  • stress relieving may refer to a heat treatment which promotes removal or at least reduction of internal stresses within a material.
  • the term “fully soft state” may refer to a material which has been fully annealed.
  • the term “fully soft state” may refer to a material which has been annealed to an extent that a resulting microstructure of the material is substantially uniform and substantially stable, which microstructure may closely resemble an equilibrium microstructure of the material's phase diagram.
  • quenching may refer to cooling a material at a relatively rapid rate.
  • strain hardening also referred to in the art as “strain hardening”, or “cold working” may refer to a process of strengthening a metallic material by plastic deformation of the material.
  • plastic deformation may refer to irreversible deformation of a material brought about by application, to the material, of a mechanical force exceeding an elastic limit of the material.
  • metal may refer to a material comprising metal or a metal alloy.
  • on-site may refer to a construction site or other installation site remote from the factory or manufacturing site.
  • Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for expanding a diameter of a tubular structure, such as a pipe or a pipe liner.
  • a tubular structure 7' to be expanded comprises an initial external diameter 9'.
  • the tubular structure comprises a plastics material, such as a polyolefin material.
  • the tubular structure comprises polyethylene.
  • a substantially tubular insert 1 1 is inserted within the tubular structure 7'.
  • the insert 1 1 comprises an external diameter, D1 , smaller than an internal diameter D2 of the tubular structure 7' and may, in some embodiments, be relatively loosely fitted in the tubular structure 7'.
  • the insert 11 may comprise a crystalline material.
  • the insert 1 1 may comprise metal, such as copper or a copper alloy.
  • the insert 11 prior to inserting and expanding the insert 1 1 , is heat treated to alter one or more physical and/or chemical properties of the material. Said altered physical property may comprise at least one of: an increase in ductility, a reduction in hardness, and an increase in workability.
  • the heat treatment comprises annealing. Annealing may comprise heating the insert 11 to a temperature above a recrystallization temperature of the material of the insert 1 1 , maintaining the insert 1 1 at said temperature and then cooling the insert 1 1. The annealing process may comprise three stages of progression. Firstly, upon heating, recovery of the material of the insert 11 occurs and results in softening of the material through removal of defects, such as dislocations, and internal stresses.
  • Recovery may occur below the recrystallization temperature of the material of the insert.
  • a recrystallization stage may occur, allowing crystallites, also referred to in the art as "grains" of the crystalline material to form a new structure or arrangement of grains.
  • This allows new, strain-free grains to nucleate and replace original grains, which original grains may have been deformed due to said internal stresses.
  • the new grains may grow until original grains have been at least partially consumed, or preferably substantially or entirely consumed.
  • the new grain structure may contain relatively fewer defects, such as dislocations, than the original grain structure.
  • the heat treatment comprises fully annealing the insert 11. This is sometimes referred to in the art as annealing the material of the insert 11 to a fully soft state.
  • Fully annealing a material typically results in the material having a substantially uniform and stable microstructure, which microstructure closely resembles an equilibrium microstructure of the material's phase diagram. This allows the material to attain relatively low levels of hardness.
  • Said heat treating may comprise cooling the insert 11 after heating. Cooling may comprise slowly letting the insert cool to an ambient room temperature in substantially still air. Alternatively, said cooling may comprise quenching the insert 1 1 in water at an ambient temperature, such as room temperature. In some embodiments, the insert 1 1 is quenched for at least 30 minutes.
  • the method may also comprise sizing the insert 1 1 prior to inserting and expanding the insert 11. Said sizing may be carried out before subjecting the insert 11 to one or more heat treatments as above described. In some embodiments, sizing the insert 11 comprises drawing the insert 11 over a former to shape the insert 11 into a desired starting geometry having initial dimensions. Alternatively or additionally, said sizing may comprise machining or milling the metallic insert to a desired initial starting geometry. In embodiments wherein the insert 11 comprises copper, an exemplary heat treatment may comprise heating the insert 11 to 550°C, maintaining the insert 11 at 550°C for 30 minutes and subsequently cooling the metallic insert to an ambient room temperature in substantially still air.
  • a removable sizing gauge 12 such as a sizing sleeve, may be placed over the tubular structure 7'.
  • the removable sizing gauge 12 functions to limit radial expansion of the tubular structure 7'. That is, the removable sizing gauge 12 may substantially prevent the tubular structure 7' from being expanded past a maximum desired external diameter.
  • the removable sizing gauge 12 may comprise an internal cross sectional shape corresponding to a desired cross sectional shape of the tubular structure 7' after expansion.
  • the internal cross sectional shape may be substantially circular.
  • the removable sizing gauge 12 may comprise an internal diameter 10' substantially equal to said maximum external diameter, which maximum external diameter may be a desired expanded external diameter 9" of the tubular structure 7'.
  • the removable sizing gauge 12 may have an adjustable internal diameter 10' so that the removable sizing gauge 12 can be used for a variety of desired expanded external diameters.
  • Figure 6 shows an example of a suitable removable sizing gauge 12, comprising a first part 12a and a second part 12b connected by a hinge 20. Clamping regions 22a, 22b are provided for temporarily securing the removable sizing gauge 12 over the tubular structure 7'.
  • a handle 24 is provided for gripping by a user.
  • the insert 11 may then be urged radially outwardly within the tubular structure 7'.
  • the insert 1 1 and the tubular structure 7' are brought into contact with one another. Further urging of the insert functions to expand both the insert 11 and the tubular structure 7'. In this way, the insert 1 1 and the tubular structure 7' are co-expanded together.
  • the insert 1 1 may be urged radially outwardly until the insert 11 has expanded the tubular structure 7' into contact with an internal inside surface of the removable sizing gauge 12.
  • the expanded insert 1 1 comprises an external diameter D1' substantially equal to an internal diameter D2' of the expanded tubular structure 7'.
  • the expanded tubular structure 7' comprises an expanded external diameter 9" substantially equal to the internal diameter 10' of the removable sizing gauge 12.
  • An expansion tool such as the multi segment expansion head illustrated by Figure 1 may be used for said urging the insert 11 radially outwardly within the tubular structure 7'.
  • the multi segment expander 100 is placed into the insert within the tubular structure 7' and actuated, for example by hydraulic means such as said hydraulic ram 1 to expand the insert radially outwards.
  • the multi segment expander may be used for a number of cycles by rotating the multi segment expander 100 slightly within the insert 11 and again actuating the expander 100 within the insert 11. In this way, the insert 11 is urged radially outwardly in such that the insert 1 1 comprises a substantially circular cross section once expanded.
  • the multi segment expander 100 comprises eight or more segment jaws.
  • the expansion tool 100 may be withdrawn and the removable sizing gauge 12 may be removed from the tubular structure 7'.
  • the expanded form of the tubular structure 7' is held by the work hardened insert 1 1 , in a form substantially the same as that shown in Figure 2.
  • the tubular structure 7' comprises a region having an external diameter that is compatible industry standard size couplers.
  • the couplers may comprise mechanical couplers or electrofusion couplers, or a combination thereof.
  • the insert 11 is arranged such that the process of expanding the insert 11 causes work hardening of the insert 1 1. That is, the diametrical expansion of the insert 11 plastically deforms the material of the insert 1 1 , resulting in work hardening of the insert. This allows the insert 1 1 to stay in its expanded state and also strengthens the insert 11 , enabling the insert 11 to resist attempts by the tubular structure 7' to shrink back towards its original diameter 9', for example by elastic recovery, at least for a period of time long enough to enable an electrofusion coupling to be welded to the expanded region of the tubular structure 7'.
  • Figures 6A to 6F show a method for expanding an initial diameter 9' of an end region of a tubular structure 7', such as a polyethylene liner pipe, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • a removable, adjustable sizing gauge 12 such as the sizing gauge shown in Figure 5 is adjusted to comprise an internal diameter 10' corresponding to a desired expanded diameter 9" of the tubular structure 7'.
  • the clamping regions 22a, 22b which may comprise bolts 23a, 23b, are bolted closed, preferably by hand.
  • the removable sizing gauge 12 is then placed around the end region of the tubular structure 7', so that an end face of the removable sizing gauge 12 is flush with an end face of the tubular structure 7'.
  • the substantially tubular insert 1 1 which in some embodiments, comprises copper in a fully soft state, is inserted over plates 3' of a multi segment expansion tool, such as illustrated in Figure 6B.
  • the multi segment expansion tool and copper insert thereon are subsequently inserted within the tubular structure 7' such as illustrated in Figure 6C, so that an end face of the insert 1 1 is sub-flush to the end face of the tubular structure 7' by no more than 10 millimetres.
  • the plates 3' of the multi segment expansion tool may then be driven radially outwardly, for example by means of a hydraulic ram, to urge the insert 1 1 radially outwardly within the tubular structure 7', thereby radially expanding the tubular structure 7'.
  • the multi segment expansion tool may be used for a number of cycles by rotating the multi segment expansion tool slightly within the insert 11 and again driving the plates 3' radially outwardly within the insert 11. In this way, the insert 11 is urged radially outwardly in such that the insert 1 1 comprises a substantially circular cross section once expanded.
  • the multi segment expansion tool is removed. The shape of the tubular structure T is checked and the expanded diameter 9" is measured.
  • the removable sizing gauge 12 is removed, leaving the tubular structure 7' with a diametrically expanded end supported by the work hardened insert, as shown in Figure 6F. Once the removable sizing gauge 12 has been removed, a joint may be made to the expanded tubular structure 7'. This is possible because, after removal of the sizing gauge 12, an external surface of the expanded end region of the tubular structure is accessible for later, on-site, joining to a fitting or to a polyolefin pipe.
  • the sizing gauge controls the quality of this external surface which can be produced to a high tolerance in terms of being both parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe and smooth/free of defects. Control of the material thickness of the expanded end region of the pipe is less important and need not be to such a high tolerance.
  • Plastic pipes are usually made with the outside diameter controlled to a tolerance range and a wall thickness controlled to a tolerance range.
  • This variation in bore size is a problem when it is desired to use a fixed size insert to expand a pipe to a desired diameter within a target diameter range (the target diameter range being required so as to be compatible for subsequent attachment to a standard fitting).
  • the target diameter range being required so as to be compatible for subsequent attachment to a standard fitting.
  • the expanding insert removes the impact of the compound tolerance effect.
  • the adjustable sizing gauge determines the final external diameter of the pipe as well as its surface quality/roundness. The use of an insert capable of changing its nominal diameter automatically compensates for the tolerance in wall thickness of the pipe.
  • the known practice in this field is to use inserts that are simple metallic or plastic cylinders machined remotely from the construction site.
  • the pipe is expanded on site and the insert quickly popped into the pipe before it shrinks back elastically onto the insert.
  • These known methods do not provide compensation for dimensional changes experienced by the pipe due to original production tolerances, or perhaps experienced as changes by virtue of the installation process.
  • an electrofusion fitting 15 may be installed over an external surface of the expanded end region of the tubular structure 7'.
  • An electrofusion element 16 may be energised by connecting a power supply to terminal pins 18a, 18b to fuse the expanded region of the tubular structure 7' to the electrofusion fitting 15.
  • an electrofusion fitting 15 may be installed over an external surface of the expanded region tubular structure 7' and over an end of the other tubular structure 14.
  • the electrofusion element 16 may be energised by connecting a power supply to terminal pins 18a, 18b to fuse the expanded region of the tubular structure T to the electrofusion fitting 15 and to fuse the end of the other tubular structure 14 to the electrofusion fitting. In this way, the two tubular structures 7', 14 may be coupled together via the electrofusion fitting 15.
  • the insert is deemed to have fulfilled its structural purpose which is to hold the tubular structure 7' at a diameter suitable for enabling the weld to be formed using standard electrofusion couplings.
  • a mechanical coupling may be used instead of an electrofusion coupling.
  • Standard mechanical couplings generally require an insert to cooperate with a body of the mechanical coupling and with the tubular structure 7' trapped therebetween.
  • the insert 1 1 can fulfil this role long term without the requirement for a further component to be inserted. This may be achieved by said urging comprising plastically deforming the insert 1 1 to an extent that the insert 11 is work hardened enough to maintain its expanded diameter and resist attempts by the tubular structure 7' to shrink back towards its original diameter 9', for example by elastic recovery, for a relatively long period of time. The relatively long period of time may be at least a lifetime of the tubular structure 7'.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Lining Or Joining Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé d'élargissement d'un diamètre d'une structure tubulaire. Le procédé consiste à ajuster une jauge de dimensionnement amovible autour d'une surface externe de la structure tubulaire et à insérer un insert métallique sensiblement tubulaire dans la structure tubulaire. L'insert métallique comprend un diamètre externe inférieur à un diamètre interne non élargi de la structure tubulaire. Le procédé consiste à pousser ledit insert métallique radialement vers l'extérieur dans la structure tubulaire afin d'élargir ledit insert métallique et ladite structure tubulaire. L'insert métallique est agencé de sorte que ladite poussée conduit au durcissement de l'insert métallique.
PCT/GB2018/051057 2017-04-24 2018-04-23 Procédé d'élargissement d'une structure tubulaire Ceased WO2018197848A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN201880025433.9A CN110662916A (zh) 2017-04-24 2018-04-23 用于扩张管状结构的方法

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1706434.6A GB2561839A (en) 2017-04-24 2017-04-24 Method for expanding a tubular structure
GB1706434.6 2017-04-24

Publications (1)

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WO2018197848A1 true WO2018197848A1 (fr) 2018-11-01

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GB (1) GB2561839A (fr)
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CN107900241A (zh) * 2017-12-25 2018-04-13 广东富华机械装备制造有限公司 管件的局部涨形装置
DE102021202883A1 (de) * 2021-03-24 2022-09-29 Glatt Gesellschaft Mit Beschränkter Haftung System mit einer Vorrichtung zur Herstellung einer Rohrleitungseinheit und Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Rohrleitungseinheit

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FR2917151A1 (fr) * 2007-06-05 2008-12-12 Suiken Co Ltd Structure de jonction sans boulon.
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FR2917151A1 (fr) * 2007-06-05 2008-12-12 Suiken Co Ltd Structure de jonction sans boulon.
WO2012001335A1 (fr) * 2010-07-02 2012-01-05 Soletanche Freyssinet Assemblage d'un tube en matériau composite et d'une pièce métallique tubulaire.

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CN110662916A (zh) 2020-01-07
GB201706434D0 (en) 2017-06-07
GB2561839A (en) 2018-10-31

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