Gas Technology Institute

University of Illinois

Daniel Allen Ersoy

Yury Gogotsi

Christopher John Ziolkowski

Daniel Thomas Germata

Ernest Lever

Michael J McNallan

A method for connecting a pipe fitting with a buried pipe from above ground in which the top, outer wall surface of the buried pipe is exposed to an aboveground location, producing an exposed outer wall surface. An opening into the pipeline is formed at the exposed outer wall surface following which a fitting to be connected with the pipeline is inserted through the opening into the pipeline and connected with a circumferential pipe surface encircling the opening into the pipeline. Preferably, keyholing techniques are used to carry out the steps of the method so as to substantially limit the amount of excavation required compared with conventional pipe fitting connection procedures.

Pipe fusion fitting and installation method

A method and system for boosting pipeline gas pressure in a low-pressure gas pipeline in which a supplemental gas supply pipe in fluid communication with a supplemental pipeline gas supply is provided to an interior of a gas pipeline containing a pressurized pipeline gas, where the pressure of the supplemental pipeline gas supply is greater than the pressure of the pressurized pipeline gas. The gas pressure differential between the pressurized pipeline gas and the supplemental pipeline gas supply pressure is measured. When the pressure differential reaches a certain predetermined set value, supplemental pipeline gas is provided from the supplemental pipeline gas supply through the supplemental gas supply pipe into a pipeline space between the gas pipeline and the supplemental gas supply pipe. The flow of supplemental pipeline gas is halted upon achievement of a second predetermined set differential pressure.

Internal pressure boost system for gas utility pipelines

A method and apparatus for detecting contact between an underground electric wire conduit and an underground utility pipeline in which a detectable signal is applied to an electric line wire disposed within the underground electric wire conduit and the underground utility pipeline is monitored for a presence of the detectable signal. When there is a contact between the underground electric wire conduit and the underground utility pipeline, the signal applied to the electric line wire is detected by a suitable signal detector disposed on the surface of the utility pipeline and/or within the utility pipeline.

Method and apparatus for underground line crossing detection

A method and system for repairing, replacing or installing an underground pipeline using an appropriate tool head. A coolant, preferably a cryogenic liquid, is injected in front of the tool head to embrittle or otherwise reduce the toughness of the material ahead of the tool head. The method and system of this invention are particularly suitable for use in connection with pipe splitting and pipe bursting, where a pig disposed within the underground pipeline is connected with the appropriate tool head forming a space between the pig and the tool head into which the coolant is introduced. The pipe between the pig and the tool head is embrittled by the coolant, reducing the resistance of a pipe to splitting or bursting which, in turn, reduces the force required for the pig to pull the tool head as the pig is motivated through the pipe.

Cold assisted pipe splitting and bursting

A method and system for protecting underground gas carrier pipes housed within an outer casing pipe in which a gas carrier pipe section disposed within an outer casing pipe section and having opposed ends is electrically isolated from a remaining gas carrier pipe section proximate each of the ends. An annular space between the gas carrier pipe section and the outer casing pipe section is filled with an electrolyte. At least one anode electrode is inserted into the annular space distal from each of the gas carrier pipe section and the outer casing pipe section and connected with a positive voltage lead of a cathodic protection rectifier. A negative voltage lead of the cathodic protection rectifier is connected to the gas carrier pipe section.

Cased pipe internal cathodic protection apparatus and method

A process for the synthesis of carbon coatings on the surface of metal carbides, preferably SiC, by etching in a halogen-containing gaseous etchant, and optionally hydrogen gas, leading to (he formation of a carbon layer on the metal carbide. The reaction is performed in gas mixtures containing about 0% (trace) amounts to 100% halogen-containing gaseous etchant, e.g., Cl , and about 0% to 99.9% H (hydrogen gas) at temperatures from about 100&deg; C. to about 4,000&deg; C., preferably about 800&deg; C. to about 1,200&deg; C., over any time range, maintaining a pressure of preferably about one atmosphere, to about 100 atmospheres.

Growing community of inventors

Lincolnwood, IL, United States of America

Daniel Allen Ersoy