Hydraulic and earth engineering – Subterranean or submarine pipe or cable laying – retrieving,... – Submerging – raising – or manipulating line of pipe or cable...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-28
2001-04-24
Lillis, Eileen D. (Department: 3673)
Hydraulic and earth engineering
Subterranean or submarine pipe or cable laying, retrieving,...
Submerging, raising, or manipulating line of pipe or cable...
Reexamination Certificate
active
06220788
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a pipeline weight.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A pipeline is constructed out of numerous sections of pipe connected in end to end relation. Most pipelines are made from steel pipes. Each section of steel pipe used has a protective coating, usually of polymer plastic.
Pipeline weights are placed at selected positions along the pipeline. These pipeline weights are, typically, made from concrete. Although there are some alternative configurations, most pipeline weights are made from two semi-circular halves that are bolted together around the pipeline. Examples of pipeline weights are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,518,981; 2,791,019; 3,240,512; 4,166,710 and 5,443,329.
Care must be taken when installing pipeline weights not to damage the protective coating. Abrasion of the protective coating leads to corrosion and, eventually, to failure of the pipe.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is a pipeline weight that will not be as likely to damage the protection coating of a pipeline during installation.
According to the present invention there is provided a pipeline weight which includes a first flexible pouch and a second flexible pouch with a connecting web extending between the first pouch and the second pouch. Each of the first pouch and the second pouch are filled with a weight enhancing filler material.
The pipeline weight, as described above, is less abrasive than concrete pipeline weights. It also has a number of other advantages over concrete pipeline weights. The pipeline weight described is considered to be safer to install, as an injury suffered by a workman struck by the pipeline weight is likely to be less severe than if the workman were struck with a concrete pipeline weight. The pipeline weight described is considered to be less expensive as low cost fill material can be used.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the pipeline weight, as described above, the buoyancy of the pipeline weight in water is of concern. It is, therefore, preferable that the first pouch and the second pouch be water permeable. This enables water to pass through the pouches and air to escape.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that there are a variety of materials out of which the first pouch and the second pouch can be made. Beneficial results have been obtained through the use of a non-woven polypropylene.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that there are a variety of materials which can be used as weight enhancing filler material. Along most pipeline right of ways are rock fragments of varying size that can be recovered and used for negligible cost. Beneficial results have been obtained when gravel, sand or mixed gravel and sand is used.
The pipeline weight, as described above, can be positioned on a pipeline by placing the first pouch on one side of the pipeline and placing the second pouch on the other side of the pipeline, with the first pouch and the second pouch suspended from the pipeline by means of the connecting web. In installations where even more stability is required, beneficial results have been obtained when the connecting web has openings. Attachment straps can then be threaded through the openings to strap the pipeline weight onto the pipeline.
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patent: 5385430 (1995-01-01), Connors
patent: 5443329 (1995-08-01), deGeeter
patent: 5603588 (1997-02-01), Herbert
patent: 7804-372 (1979-10-01), None
patent: 773-370 (1980-10-01), None
patent: 1687992 (1991-10-01), None
patent: 79/00109 (1979-03-01), None
762723 Alberta Ltd.
Christensen O'Connor Johnson & Kindness PLLC
Lagman Frederick L.
Lillis Eileen D.
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