Other

Hydrotech International, Inc.

Sumner, Glen R.

Glen R Sumner

A fluid conduit that is below grade or under water is separated from ambient water by a confined layer of liquid that may be largely undivided by solids. The separation distance between the liquid containment means and the piping or pipeline is such that the total heat transfer by natural convection and conduction from the piping or pipeline to the water containing environment is kept within limits thought necessary to adequately insulate the contents of the pipeline. A liquid may be pumped between the pipe and the means for containing the insulation so as to displace fluids from a pipeline or a heated liquid may be pumped through that space to warm the contents of the pipeline. If the insulating liquid also electrically insulates the pipe, then the pipe may be heated by passing a current directly through the pipe.

Submarine or buried piping and pipelines insulated with liquids

An improved, cost-effective, insulated flexible pipeline that is insulated with a bituminous composition.

Flexible offshore pipeline with a bituminous thermal insulating layer

An improved, cost effective, insulated pipeline suitable for use in water or below grade, that is insulated with a bituminous composition unmodified or modified with filler, extenders or other materials or structures to improve the dimensional stability of the bituminous composition.

Offshore pipeline with waterproof thermal insulation

A pipeline comprising pipe with a bituminous composition laminated onto a surface thereof and mechanical means for preventing the pipe from moving under its weight relative to the composition, the composition being applied to a thickness that will substantially inhibit heat transfer between the contents of the pipeline and the environment, wherein the means for keeping the pipe from moving through the insulating composition is a sleeve positioned along the pipeline, and adjacent to the insulating composition, the sleeve being held in a fixed position relative to, and spaced away from the pipeline by mechanical means that contact the pipe and the sleeve.

A marine pipeline comprising (a) pipe, (b) a coating that electrically insulates the pipe from sea water, and (c) an alternating current heating circuit comprising the pipe in series with ambient sea water, wherein the heat generated by alternating current flowing in the pipe is for improving flow of fluids through the pipeline. A marine pipeline comprising: a) pipe, b) a coating that electrically insulates the pipe from ambient sea water, and c) an alternating current heating circuit that is grounded to the ambient sea water and comprises the pipe in series with a return conductor, wherein the heat generated by the alternating current flow in the pipe is for improving flow of fluids through the pipeline.

Marine pipeline heated with alternating current

An improved, cost-effective, insulated pipeline or assembly of pipelines suitable for use in water or below grade, that is insulated with a bituminous composition.

An improved thermally insulated, impact and abrasion resistant pipeline and an impact resistant, flexible, cementitious material which maintains low thermal conductivity when submerged and which is suitable for insulating underwater pipelines, said material comprising:

Offshore pipeline insulated with a cementitious coating

Apparatus and method for mounting a coupling member over the end of a pipe in a subsea location where the pipe is being supported in cantilevered fashion. The apparatus includes a frame arranged for lowering to and mounting generally adjacent the pipe end and with the frame supported on the seabottom. It includes a beam connected to the frame arranged to extend generally longitudinally over the pipe for supporting the coupling member. A carriage is mounted on the support means for longitudinal travel thereon. The carriage has connection means for holding the coupling member therebelow. The apparatus includes means for raising and lowering the coupling member relative to the frame and the pipe. Power means are also provided for moving the support beam transversely relative to the frame and the pipe and for moving the carriage means on the support means longitudinally relative to the frame and pipe, whereby the frame and coupling can be lowered in a body of water until the frame contacts the seabottom and said coupling member may be brought into coaxial alignment with and passed over the end of the pipe.

Growing community of inventors

Houston, TX, United States of America

Glen R Sumner