Techniques for joining lined pipelines

Abstract

A connector for lined pipelines includes a tube having opposed male interface elements extending inwardly from respective ends of the tube. One or more circumferential permeable chokes project radially from each male interface element. The chokes minimise flow of oxidising fluid from the bore into the micro-annulus between the liner and the pipe while maximising flow of fluid from the micro-annulus into the bore in the event of catastrophic pressure drop in the bore. To maintain gaps between the tube ends and the pipe liners for fluid flow, shoulder formations extend circumferentially around the tube. The connector may be used in a joint arrangement where each liner includes a body, an end of lesser thickness and greater bore than the body that terminates short of an end of the pipe, an inner step between the body and the end, and an outer step between the end and the pipe.