US20070218198A1 - Methods for coating conduit interior surfaces utilizing a thermal spray gun with extension arm - Google Patents
Methods for coating conduit interior surfaces utilizing a thermal spray gun with extension arm Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070218198A1 US20070218198A1 US11/122,164 US12216405A US2007218198A1 US 20070218198 A1 US20070218198 A1 US 20070218198A1 US 12216405 A US12216405 A US 12216405A US 2007218198 A1 US2007218198 A1 US 2007218198A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- pipe
- spray gun
- extension arm
- coating
- interior area
- 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.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
- C23C—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY DIFFUSION INTO THE SURFACE, BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION OR SUBSTITUTION; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL
- C23C4/00—Coating by spraying the coating material in the molten state, e.g. by flame, plasma or electric discharge
- C23C4/12—Coating by spraying the coating material in the molten state, e.g. by flame, plasma or electric discharge characterised by the method of spraying
- C23C4/14—Coating by spraying the coating material in the molten state, e.g. by flame, plasma or electric discharge characterised by the method of spraying for coating elongate material
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
- C23C—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY DIFFUSION INTO THE SURFACE, BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION OR SUBSTITUTION; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL
- C23C4/00—Coating by spraying the coating material in the molten state, e.g. by flame, plasma or electric discharge
- C23C4/12—Coating by spraying the coating material in the molten state, e.g. by flame, plasma or electric discharge characterised by the method of spraying
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
- C23C—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY DIFFUSION INTO THE SURFACE, BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION OR SUBSTITUTION; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL
- C23C4/00—Coating by spraying the coating material in the molten state, e.g. by flame, plasma or electric discharge
- C23C4/12—Coating by spraying the coating material in the molten state, e.g. by flame, plasma or electric discharge characterised by the method of spraying
- C23C4/14—Coating by spraying the coating material in the molten state, e.g. by flame, plasma or electric discharge characterised by the method of spraying for coating elongate material
- C23C4/16—Wires; Tubes
-
- 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
- F16L58/00—Protection of pipes or pipe fittings against corrosion or incrustation
- F16L58/02—Protection of pipes or pipe fittings against corrosion or incrustation by means of internal or external coatings
- F16L58/04—Coatings characterised by the materials used
- F16L58/10—Coatings characterised by the materials used by rubber or plastics
- F16L58/1009—Coatings characterised by the materials used by rubber or plastics the coating being placed inside the pipe
- F16L58/1027—Coatings characterised by the materials used by rubber or plastics the coating being placed inside the pipe the coating being a sprayed layer
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T50/00—Aeronautics or air transport
- Y02T50/60—Efficient propulsion technologies, e.g. for aircraft
Definitions
- the present invention relates to systems and methods for applying coatings to the interior surfaces of conduits, such as pipes and tubes.
- the present invention relates to a system for spraying thermally applied coatings on the interior surface of a pipe, while reducing problems occurring with overspray in a confined area.
- Pipes and pipelines are used to transport a wide variety of fluids, including natural gas, crude oil and refined petroleum products, water, and others.
- fluids including natural gas, crude oil and refined petroleum products, water, and others.
- the term pipe is understood to refer to any tubular structure, regardless of the cross-sectional shape or length of the structure.
- One conventional method of lining a pipe is to insert a folded pipe liner into a section of pipe, and then unfold the pipe liner against the interior surface of the pipe.
- An example of such a method is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,058,978, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- Such methods require prefabrication of the liner in a material that may be folded and unfolded, in the required length and the ability to fold and insert the liner throughout a pipe.
- extension nozzles In the aircraft industry, special purpose spray guns, called extension nozzles, are used to apply coatings to certain interior surfaces of parts. Such extension nozzles are limited in length and inflexible over varying lengths of internal regions. Where such extension nozzles have been mounted on poles and extended into an interior space, the supply hoses supplying powder, gas, power and cooling for the gun are quickly coated with a cake of overspray, which can dampen the arc of a plasma gun and prevent subsequent arc initiation. Moisture also condenses on the hoses and pole, causing the overspray powder to more firmly adhere thereto. Pieces of the powder can then fragment off as large particles. The heat inside the interior space will also heat the components of the system, such as the plasma gun, pole and hoses, subtly changing the plasma spray and leading to changes in the coating properties.
- the present invention is directed to methods and systems for applying a coating to the internal surface of a conduit. Some embodiments of methods within the present invention include spraying a coating towards a pipe interior surface while providing a volume of reduced air pressure to draw overspray from an interior area of said pipe.
- Some embodiments of systems within the scope of the present invention include a spray gun, such as a thermal spray gun, mounted on an extension arm.
- the thermal spray gun and extension arm may have separate cooling systems and an overspray collector shroud may be disposed to draw any overspray of material sprayed by said spray gun.
- FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a system for spray coating an interior surface of a pipe, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a cutaway side view of the spray gun and extension arm of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a cutaway front view of the spray gun and extension arm of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a system for spray coating an interior surface of a pipe.
- FIG. 5 is a front view of an another alternative embodiment of a system for spray coating an interior surface of a pipe.
- the present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods for coating internal surfaces of conduits such as pipe and pipelines. It will be appreciated that the examples of apparatus, systems and methods disclosed herein are illustrative only.
- FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 there is depicted a system 10 for coating an interior surface of a pipe 11 .
- a spray gun 14 is attached to an extension arm 12 .
- the extension arm 12 is configured to extend into and out of a section of pipe 12 , allowing the spray gun 14 to be used to spray a coating on the interior surface 30 of the pipe 12 .
- Spray gun 14 may be any spray gun useful for spraying coatings, as known to those skilled in the art. Examples include gas powered and compressed air spray guns, atomizer nozzles for spraying atomized coatings and thermal spray guns for applying thermally bonded coatings, such as powders that are heated to adhere as a layer to a surface, including by complete melting of the powder. Suitable thermal spray guns include plasma spray guns, high velocity oxy fuel spray guns, two wire arc spray guns, single wire arc spray guns, flame spray guns, and any other thermal spray guns known now or in the future to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is currently preferred to use a thermal spray gun to apply a wide variety of coatings, including, but not limited to, metallic powders, ceramic powders, polymer based powders or wire feed of such representative materials.
- Extension arm 12 may be extended into and out of the pipe 11 interior through opening 13 using any suitable device or system known to those skilled in the art such as by being mounted on a crawler or pig.
- a crawler or pig One example of such a system is the linear slide track 16 depicted in FIG. 1 .
- the extension arm 12 resides in the linear slide track 16 and may be extended and retracted along its longitudinal axis.
- an orthogonal slide track 18 may be used to allow the extension arm 12 to be moved in a direction orthogonal to its longitudinal axis.
- Other structures for extending and retracting the extension arm 12 , or moving the extension arm 12 in an orthogonal direction may be used and are within the scope of the present invention.
- An elevator, or riser, for raising and lowering the extension arm 12 may also be included.
- Extension arm 12 may also include one or more outlets 20 to facilitate a cooling air flush in the pipe 11 .
- the spray gun 14 may be attached to the extension arm 12 through one or more gimbals 32 which allow the spray gun 14 to be adjusted, moved and rotationally oriented in a number of directions relative to the extension arm 12 .
- This allows the spray gun to be directed during operation, allowing for further control of the coating process.
- a “blind end” or closed end of a pipe 11 may be coated on the interior surface by directing the spray gun 14 into an appropriate direction, which may be parallel to the long axis of the extension arm 12 .
- the spray gun 14 may be attached to the extension arm with an extendable mount, such as the telescopic mount 54 .
- the extendable mount allows the spray gun 14 to be extended from and retracted back toward the extension arm 12 .
- the extendable mount in combination with the aforementioned gimbals 32 , allows the distance between the spray gun 14 and the interior surface 30 (which, if on a side surface of pipe 11 , is typically arcuate) to be closely managed, without the requirement of moving the entire extension arm 12 .
- the coating system preferably includes an evacuation system for removing overspray from the target site on the interior surface 30 of pipe 11 , preferably as the overspray is generated. A volume of reduced air pressure is generated, into which the overspray will flow, away from the interior of the pipe 12 .
- an overspray collector shroud 40 is preferably positioned around the spray gun 14 . As depicted, the overspray collector shroud 40 is attached to collection line 42 , through which collected overspray may be transported through the extension arm 12 and away from the interior of the pipe 11 . It will, of course, be appreciated that alternative configurations may be used for an overspray collector shroud 40 .
- the air pressure is reduced in comparison to ambient air pressure within the pipe 11 by the overspray collector shroud 40 in the volume around and to the rear of spray gun 14 . This may be accomplished by removing air from this volume at a relatively high rate through the collection line 42 .
- reduced pressure areas may be provided in other locations along the extension arm 12 , or on a separate structure, such as on an independent collection arm.
- spray gun 14 is a thermal spray gun, in addition to the feed lines 38 , supplying powder for the coating and gas for powder dispersal and, if required, plasma generation, the spray gun 14 is supplied with a cooling system.
- the cooling system is configured for circulating a coolant fluid, such as water, through the spray gun 14 . Coolant fluid may thus flow from a coolant source remote from the coating head, through a coolant supply line 34 into the spray gun 14 and back out of the system through a coolant return line 36 , which may lead back to the coolant source and a heat exchanger for removal of excess heat transferred to the coolant fluid proximate the spray gun 14 , or elsewhere as for treatment or disposal.
- a coolant fluid such as water
- Cooling systems for thermal spray guns are well known in the art and any cooling system may be incorporated in the present invention.
- the feed lines 38 and coolant supply and return lines 34 and 36 may be contained within a housing of extension arm 12 as set forth in more detail below, sheltering them from overspray during operation. This protective structure may reduce or prevent the “caking” of overspray on these components, reducing the problems associated therewith.
- a booster pump for increasing the pressure or flow of coolant through the cooling system may similarly be housed in the extension arm 12 , allowing sufficient flow to be maintained therethough while preventing the caking of overspray thereon.
- Extension arm 12 may be supplied with an independent cooling system. This may be accomplished by circulating a coolant fluid, such as water, or by circulating air, carbon dioxide, or similar gasses through the extension arm 12 . Coolant fluid may thus flow from a coolant source exterior from the extension arm 12 , through a extension arm coolant supply line 44 into one or more extension arm heat exchangers 48 and back out of the extension arm through an extension arm coolant return line 46 , which may lead back to the coolant source and a heat exchanger for removal of the excess heat transferred to the coolant fluid proximate the extension arm 12 or elsewhere.
- the coolant fluid may alternatively be circulated within the arm and exhausted outside the conduit or vented within the conduit to provide additional cooling.
- extension arm coolant supply line 44 and extension arm coolant return line 46 may be contained within the extension arm, sheltering them from overspray.
- a thermal spray gun 14 in an enclosed volume such as the interior of pipe 11 , often raises the ambient temperature in the volume, which can reduce the ability to coat a part with a sprayed coating.
- the use of an independently cooled extension arm 12 provides a further mechanism for reducing these problems.
- the extension arm 12 may be constructed as a framework 50 , covered by a housing 52 , as depicted in FIG. 3 .
- the housing 52 serves to protect the components located therein.
- a hollow tube may be used as an extension arm 12 and the feed lines 38 and coolant lines 34 , 36 , 44 or 46 secured to an interior wall thereof.
- sensors may be included in the extension arm, allowing the interior surface 30 , and any coating thereon, to be inspected.
- Sensors may include a camera 54 , which may be a video camera allowing a portion of the applied coating to be examined.
- camera 54 may be configured for ultraviolet or other wavelength reception or transmission, in conjunction with an emitter in that or another wavelength.
- Additional sensors may include a voltmeter 56 , or electrical probes, for determining the electrical resistance or the current carrying capacity of a coating by grounding the conduit exterior and measuring current flow across the coating.
- sensors could include ultrasonic or magnetic emitters and/or detectors allowing the distance between the spray gun 14 or extension arm 12 and the interior surface 30 of pipe 11 to be monitored, a thermometer for measuring the temperature of the interior diameter of the pipe 11 , and coating thickness monitors for measuring the thickness of the coating 31 .
- one embodiment of the present invention may be used to coat the interior surface 30 of a pipe 11 by insertion of the extension arm 12 into the interior of the pipe 11 , allowing spray gun 14 to be operated therein.
- the pipe 11 may be placed on a support 22 , that allows the pipe 11 to be rotated, as by rollers 24 oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pipe 11 .
- the pipe 11 may thus be rotated through a 360° arc, allowing the spray gun 14 to spray a coating on the entire interior surface 30 .
- FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a system 110 similar to those of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 as mounted on a carriage 160 .
- Carriage 160 may be inserted into the bore of an elongated conduit such as a pipeline 111 and moved within the pipeline 111 to apply coating to a desired interior surface portion.
- the carriage 160 rides on wheels 162 and may include a drive motor, braking system, and any other necessary equipment to allow the system 110 to be moved within pipeline 111 .
- a number of lines 164 which may include feed lines for coolant, compressed air or gas, coating material, or electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic lines for power and control, extend from a remote location to the carriage 160 .
- the operation of the carriage 160 and coating system 110 components may be remotely controlled, utilizing a computer, adapted to act as a controller for the system 110 , as will be discussed in more detail below.
- Another embodiment 210 depicted in FIG. 5 includes supply tanks 266 and battery 268 mounted on the carriage 260 . This allows the system to be remotely operated while eliminating the need to provide long supply lines.
- An embodiment of a system 10 , 110 or 210 , mounted on a carriage 160 or 260 may be inserted into an existing pipeline 111 .
- Such a system may be used to repair a section of the pipeline 111 , as by applying a metal coating inside a section of weakened or damaged pipe 11 , providing additional strength, corrosion resistance or both.
- Such a system may be used to form conductive traces, as will be further discussed herein, on the interior surface 30 of an existing pipeline 111 .
- the ability to apply such coatings in an existing pipeline 111 while reducing the problems caused by overspray desirably may reduce the need to disassemble a section of an existing pipeline 111 .
- life of the pipeline 11 may be prolonged and the potential savings from reducing a need for disassembly are realized.
- controller 15 in operative communication with the system 10 , as depicted in FIG. 1 , may be utilized to provide such control.
- Controller 15 may include a computer, including one or more microprocessors, configured to monitor and control the components of the system 10 .
- the controller 15 may operate in accordance with a set of instructions according to one or more software programs comprising lines of code executed by a microprocessor. It is preferred that operation of all components of the system 10 , be substantially simultaneously controlled by the controller 15 .
- embodiments of systems similar to those shown at 110 and 210 in FIGS. 4 and 5 and that include a carriage 160 or 260 may similarly include a controller 15 (remote from the carriage 160 or 260 ), which may also control operation of the carriage 160 or 260 .
- the controller 15 may thus provide for integrated control over all components of a system 10 , 110 or 210 during operation.
- the power applied to move a carriage 160 or 260 , operate the extension arm 12 , and rotate or extend spray gun 14 may all be remotely supplied and controlled by the controller 15 .
- Operational aspects of the coating process such as the flow rate of gases and powder to the spray gun 14 , the flow rates of coolant fluid through the cooling systems, initiation of the arc with a plasma spray gun 14 and others may be controlled to produce a uniform coating with desired characteristics.
- the controller 15 may be programmed to enable a system to automatically apply a uniform coating to a particular pipe's interior diameter.
- the spray gun 14 may undergo a predetermined movement longitudinally, laterally, arcuately, circumferentially along the interior of a pipe 11 and otherwise, to achieve a continuous coating on the entire interior surface 30 (or a portion thereof) with uniform thickness, porosity, density, or other characteristics.
- the movement and operation of the system 10 , 110 or 210 may thus be controlled in real time and in three dimensions.
- Controller 15 may monitor the coating process using the sensors, as preciously discussed, and either provide feedback to an operator who makes adjustments or automatically adjust the operation to stay within selected coating parameters in response to variations in temperature, fluctuations in coating process parameters, the rate of coating deposition or any other detectable variations in the coating process.
- One process that a system 10 , 110 or 210 in accordance with the principles of the present invention is especially adapted for is the application of electrically conductive metal traces to the interior of a pipeline 111 .
- the spray gun 14 is inserted into a section of pipe 11 , whether attached to an extension arm 12 supported on a stand 22 , or by the insertion of a carriage 160 or 260 into a pipeline 111 .
- the spray gun 14 is operated to apply an electrically insulative material as a coating 31 on the interior surface 30 .
- the electrically insulative material may be any suitable material, but it is preferred to use a powdered material, such as alumina or another ceramic material, which can be applied with a thermal spray gun 14 .
- the entire interior surface 30 may be coated with the electrically insulative material, or only a portion thereof as desired.
- An electrically conductive material is then applied on top of the electrically insulative material to form a second coating 31 that is electrically conductive in nature.
- suitable conductive materials include nickel, nickel alloys, copper, and copper alloys, although it will be appreciated that any desired electrically conductive material may be used.
- the electrically conductive material is preferably applied in a desired elongated strip to form a conductive trace along the interior surface 30 of the pipe 11 .
- the conductive layer may be directly applied to the interior surface 30 of the pipe 11 in a pipe 11 constructed of, or already lined with, an insulative material.
- a protective layer, of suitable material may be applied over the conductive coating 31 to provide protection to the conductive trace.
- An electric current may be carried along the length of the pipe 11 , or pipeline 111 , and monitored for changes in resistance or conductivity that may signal changes such as strain or deformation in the pipeline 111 . Examples of such traces are disclosed in the pending U.S. Patent Application, filed on even date herewith and entitled NETWORK AND TOPOLOGY FOR IDENTIFYING, LOCTATING AND QUANTIFYING PHYSICAL PHENOMENA, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EMPLOYING SAME, and identified by Attorney Docket No.
- a cooling air flush may be directed at the exterior surface of the pipe 11 throughout application by directing fans or other airflow at the exterior surface of the pipe 11 .
- a cooling air flush may be directed into the interior of the pipe 11 , either through the opening 13 , alongside the extension arm 12 , or through outlets 20 in the extension arm 12 .
- hoses, nozzles or other components necessary for providing such a cooling air flush may be contained inside the extension arm 12 .
- the cooling air flush may contain an atomized water mist, or other vaporized liquid, allowing the latent heat of evaporation of the water mist to increase the cooling capacity of the flush.
- the cooling mist also referred to as cooling air
- the cooling mist is controlled, either by a closed loop manner or an open loop adjusted manner so that the cooling mist is sufficiently evacuated from the coating area of the workpiece so as to prevent any appreciable amount of condensation of water or other liquid or cooling medium on the coating area or adjacent portions of the conduit or workpiece.
- the flow rate of the cooling mist is adjusted with regard to the temperature of the coating area and surrounding portions of the conduit or workpiece.
- cooling mist generators that are commercially available.
- one of ordinary skill in the art would be readily capable of constructing an apparatus for generating a cooling mist to optimally cool or flush, the conduit or workpiece when applying a coating in accordance with the present invention.
- the present invention includes a method of coating a pipe interior surface.
- This method may be practiced by spraying a coating towards a pipe interior surface and providing a volume of reduced air pressure to draw any overspray from the interior area of the pipe. It is preferred to spray the coating toward an interior surface by placing a spray gun configured to spray the coating, on an extension arm and inserting the extension arm into the interior area of the pipe.
- Providing the volume of reduced air pressure may be done by providing a reduced pressure zone around the spray gun.
- the spray gun used may be a thermal spray gun, such as a plasma spray gun, a high velocity oxy fuel spray gun, a two wire arc spray gun, a single wire arc spray gun, or a flame spray gun.
- the pipe may be cooled by flushing the interior with cooling air that may contain an atomized water mist. Where used, the cooling flush may be directed through an opening in the pipe, or through outlets in the extension arm.
- This method may be used to lay down a coating of conductive material.
- the spray pattern may be designed to allow the coating to serve as a conductive trace.
- the present invention also includes methods of forming conductive traces on a pipeline interior surface.
- One embodiment of such a method may be practiced by depositing a conductive layer of a conductive material upon an interior surface of a pipe, where the conductive layer is designed to serve as a conductive trace.
- the method may include depositing an insulating layer of an insulating material upon the interior surface of a pipe prior to depositing the conductive layer; and then depositing the conductive layer upon said insulating layer.
- the insulating layer may be a ceramic material such as alumina or zirconia.
- the insulating material may be deposited by spraying towards the interior surface, as by placing a spray gun configured to spray the insulating material on an extension arm, inserting the extension arm into the interior area and operating the spray gun.
- a volume of reduced pressure may be provided adjacent the extension arm to draw any overspray of insulating material from the interior area. Where this is done, it is preferred to locate the volume of reduced pressure around the spray gun.
- the spray gun may be a thermal spray gun, such as a plasma spray gun, a high velocity oxy fuel spray gun, a two wire arc spray gun, a single wire arc spray gun, or a flame spray gun. Where a thermal spray gun is used it is preferred to cool the thermal spray gun. It is further preferred to cool the extension arm separately from the thermal spray gun.
- the conductive material may be any suitable conductive material, including nickel, nickel alloys, copper, and copper alloys.
- the conductive materials may be applied in the same manner as the insulative materials previously discussed.
- the pipe When depositing either a conductive or an insulative layer, the pipe may be cooled by flushing the interior with cooling air that may contain a water mist. Where used, the cooling flush may be directed through an opening in the pipe, or through outlets in the extension arm.
- an insulative strip of alumina was thermally sprayed onto an interior surface 30 of a square steel tube 38 inches long.
- the strip was about 0.5 inches wide and about 0.12 to 0.15 inches thick.
- a conductive nickel-aluminum alloy was then sprayed as a strip over the insulative strip.
- the resulting conductive strip was formed about 0.3 inches wide and about 0.007 inches thick. Overspray and heat build up were reduced in the interior diameter by the evacuation of overspray via reduced pressure volume and the separate cooling of the spray gun 14 and extension arm 12 .
Abstract
Systems and methods for applying a coating to an interior surface of a conduit. In one embodiment, a spray gun configured to apply a coating is attached to an extension arm which may be inserted into the bore of a pipe. The spray gun may be a thermal spray gun adapted to apply a powder coating. An evacuation system may be used to provide a volume area of reduced air pressure for drawing overspray out of the pipe interior during coating. The extension arm as well as the spray gun may be cooled to maintain a consistent temperature in the system, allowing for more consistent coating.
Description
- The present application is a divisional of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/074,355, filed on Feb. 11, 2002, which is incorporated herein in it's entirety.
- The United States Government has certain rights in this invention pursuant to Contract No. DE-AC07-99ID13727, and Contract No. DE-AC07-05ID14517 between the United States Department of Energy and Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC.
- The present invention relates to systems and methods for applying coatings to the interior surfaces of conduits, such as pipes and tubes. In particular, the present invention relates to a system for spraying thermally applied coatings on the interior surface of a pipe, while reducing problems occurring with overspray in a confined area.
- Pipes and pipelines are used to transport a wide variety of fluids, including natural gas, crude oil and refined petroleum products, water, and others. In constructing such pipelines, it is often desirable to apply a coating to the interior surface of the pipe. This allows for the pipe to be constructed from a material selected for strength and durability in the surrounding environment, whether the pipeline is buried or exposed to the elements, while enabling the fluid carried by the pipeline to contact a surface with which it is non-reactive. Coatings may even be selected to create a smoother interior surface and thereby reduce the frictional loss of material passing therethrough. As used herein, the term pipe is understood to refer to any tubular structure, regardless of the cross-sectional shape or length of the structure.
- As the demand for resources and transportation thereof from sources to remote usage sites continues to increase, the importance of pipeline and pipeline coatings similarly increases. The need for improved pipe coatings and methods and systems for applying such coatings is well known (See e.g., The Strategic Center for Natural Gas, report Pathways for Enhanced Integrity, Reliability and Deliverability (DOE/NETL-2000/1130, September 2000). Improvements in coating technology could allow pipelines to operate at higher pressures, extend pipeline life and allow for pipeline repair without requiring disassembly.
- One conventional method of lining a pipe is to insert a folded pipe liner into a section of pipe, and then unfold the pipe liner against the interior surface of the pipe. An example of such a method is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,058,978, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Such methods require prefabrication of the liner in a material that may be folded and unfolded, in the required length and the ability to fold and insert the liner throughout a pipe.
- It is also known to spray a coating on the interior of a pipe by dragging a hose with a radial sprayer, or a pig with a radial sprayer, through the pipe. Examples of such methods are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,761 to Edstrom and U.S. Pat. No. 4,774,905 to Nobis, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference. These methods are unable to pinpoint spray towards specific locations in the pipe and do not provide for precise control of the application of the coating spray. Similarly, it is known to mount a sprayer on a cart which moves through the pipe as it radially sprays the interior of a pipe. Examples of such carts and methods are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,092,950, 4,340,010 and 5,181,962 to Hart, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- Notwithstanding the subject matter of the references described in the preceding paragraphs, a largely unrecognized problem in spray coating interior diameters is overspray of coating material inherent in the process. For example, for alumina or other similar ceramics such as zirconia, the deposition efficiency is only approximately 65%. This means that fully 35% of the material sprayed remains as dust on the interior of the pipe, unconsolidated with the coating and potentially on surfaces not desired to be coated, unless removed. For metals, the deposition efficiency approaches over 80%, meaning that up to 20% of the metal powder sprayed remains as dust in the interior of the pipe, separate. from the coating, unless removed. This dust can create problems with the finished coating, as will be further discussed herein. The traditional approach is to attempt to blow the dust away. Experience has shown this is unsuccessful for long runs of interior diameters where thermally sprayed coatings are applied. To remove the amount of overspray generated requires a volume of flush air that is difficult to generate and deliver under sufficient pressure and in an economic manner.
- In the aircraft industry, special purpose spray guns, called extension nozzles, are used to apply coatings to certain interior surfaces of parts. Such extension nozzles are limited in length and inflexible over varying lengths of internal regions. Where such extension nozzles have been mounted on poles and extended into an interior space, the supply hoses supplying powder, gas, power and cooling for the gun are quickly coated with a cake of overspray, which can dampen the arc of a plasma gun and prevent subsequent arc initiation. Moisture also condenses on the hoses and pole, causing the overspray powder to more firmly adhere thereto. Pieces of the powder can then fragment off as large particles. The heat inside the interior space will also heat the components of the system, such as the plasma gun, pole and hoses, subtly changing the plasma spray and leading to changes in the coating properties.
- Conventional wisdom is that air jets mounted near a spray nozzle can blow away overspray and allow consistent coating to be applied. This approach has proven valid for external surfaces, where temperatures remain lower due to large quantities of ambient air, resulting in a less adherent overspray, and there is sufficient air movement to blow away most of the overspray. Overspray that does adhere to vertical portions of external surfaces is lightly resting on the surface and easily removed by air jets. With spraying to coat interior surfaces however, the bulk of the overspray remains in the interior of the pipe as dust. The overspray is heated due to the confines of the pipe interior which increases undesired adhesion to certain surfaces and there is considerably more overspray per unit area of the interior surface, as compared to an exterior surface. Further, if the pipe is rotating overspray may become ball milled to the surface. Normal air jet flushing is inadequate to remove overspray from the surface. Overspray then becomes incorporated into the coating, introducing variability in the coating properties.
- It would be desirable to provide a system or method for spray coating that reduces the amount of overspray present in the interior of a pipe, as a coating is applied. It would be further desirable for such a system to be configured for selective direction of a spray jet at particular areas of the pipe interior surface. A system that allowed for the thermal spraying of a powder coating in the interior diameter while providing cooling for maintaining optimal operating temperatures would also be desirable.
- The present invention is directed to methods and systems for applying a coating to the internal surface of a conduit. Some embodiments of methods within the present invention include spraying a coating towards a pipe interior surface while providing a volume of reduced air pressure to draw overspray from an interior area of said pipe.
- Some embodiments of systems within the scope of the present invention include a spray gun, such as a thermal spray gun, mounted on an extension arm. The thermal spray gun and extension arm may have separate cooling systems and an overspray collector shroud may be disposed to draw any overspray of material sprayed by said spray gun.
-
FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a system for spray coating an interior surface of a pipe, in accordance with the principles of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a cutaway side view of the spray gun and extension arm ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a cutaway front view of the spray gun and extension arm ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a system for spray coating an interior surface of a pipe. -
FIG. 5 is a front view of an another alternative embodiment of a system for spray coating an interior surface of a pipe. - The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods for coating internal surfaces of conduits such as pipe and pipelines. It will be appreciated that the examples of apparatus, systems and methods disclosed herein are illustrative only.
- With respect to
FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 there is depicted asystem 10 for coating an interior surface of apipe 11. Aspray gun 14 is attached to anextension arm 12. Theextension arm 12 is configured to extend into and out of a section ofpipe 12, allowing thespray gun 14 to be used to spray a coating on theinterior surface 30 of thepipe 12. -
Spray gun 14 may be any spray gun useful for spraying coatings, as known to those skilled in the art. Examples include gas powered and compressed air spray guns, atomizer nozzles for spraying atomized coatings and thermal spray guns for applying thermally bonded coatings, such as powders that are heated to adhere as a layer to a surface, including by complete melting of the powder. Suitable thermal spray guns include plasma spray guns, high velocity oxy fuel spray guns, two wire arc spray guns, single wire arc spray guns, flame spray guns, and any other thermal spray guns known now or in the future to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is currently preferred to use a thermal spray gun to apply a wide variety of coatings, including, but not limited to, metallic powders, ceramic powders, polymer based powders or wire feed of such representative materials. -
Extension arm 12 may be extended into and out of thepipe 11 interior through opening 13 using any suitable device or system known to those skilled in the art such as by being mounted on a crawler or pig. One example of such a system is thelinear slide track 16 depicted inFIG. 1 . Theextension arm 12 resides in thelinear slide track 16 and may be extended and retracted along its longitudinal axis. Optionally anorthogonal slide track 18 may be used to allow theextension arm 12 to be moved in a direction orthogonal to its longitudinal axis. Other structures for extending and retracting theextension arm 12, or moving theextension arm 12 in an orthogonal direction may be used and are within the scope of the present invention. An elevator, or riser, for raising and lowering theextension arm 12 may also be included.Extension arm 12 may also include one ormore outlets 20 to facilitate a cooling air flush in thepipe 11. - Referring to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , the relationship of thespray gun 14 and theextension arm 12 is shown in more detail. Thespray gun 14 may be attached to theextension arm 12 through one ormore gimbals 32 which allow thespray gun 14 to be adjusted, moved and rotationally oriented in a number of directions relative to theextension arm 12. This allows the spray gun to be directed during operation, allowing for further control of the coating process. For example, a “blind end” or closed end of apipe 11 may be coated on the interior surface by directing thespray gun 14 into an appropriate direction, which may be parallel to the long axis of theextension arm 12. Alternatively, thespray gun 14 may be attached to the extension arm with an extendable mount, such as thetelescopic mount 54. The extendable mount allows thespray gun 14 to be extended from and retracted back toward theextension arm 12. The extendable mount, in combination with theaforementioned gimbals 32, allows the distance between thespray gun 14 and the interior surface 30 (which, if on a side surface ofpipe 11, is typically arcuate) to be closely managed, without the requirement of moving theentire extension arm 12. - The coating system preferably includes an evacuation system for removing overspray from the target site on the
interior surface 30 ofpipe 11, preferably as the overspray is generated. A volume of reduced air pressure is generated, into which the overspray will flow, away from the interior of thepipe 12. As shown inFIG. 2 , anoverspray collector shroud 40 is preferably positioned around thespray gun 14. As depicted, theoverspray collector shroud 40 is attached tocollection line 42, through which collected overspray may be transported through theextension arm 12 and away from the interior of thepipe 11. It will, of course, be appreciated that alternative configurations may be used for anoverspray collector shroud 40. The air pressure is reduced in comparison to ambient air pressure within thepipe 11 by theoverspray collector shroud 40 in the volume around and to the rear ofspray gun 14. This may be accomplished by removing air from this volume at a relatively high rate through thecollection line 42. - It is currently preferred to position the reduced pressure volume around and to the rear of the
spray gun 14 in order to facilitate the removal of overspray as it is generated during the spray coating process. It will be appreciated that reduced pressure areas may be provided in other locations along theextension arm 12, or on a separate structure, such as on an independent collection arm. - Where
spray gun 14 is a thermal spray gun, in addition to the feed lines 38, supplying powder for the coating and gas for powder dispersal and, if required, plasma generation, thespray gun 14 is supplied with a cooling system. The cooling system is configured for circulating a coolant fluid, such as water, through thespray gun 14. Coolant fluid may thus flow from a coolant source remote from the coating head, through acoolant supply line 34 into thespray gun 14 and back out of the system through acoolant return line 36, which may lead back to the coolant source and a heat exchanger for removal of excess heat transferred to the coolant fluid proximate thespray gun 14, or elsewhere as for treatment or disposal. Cooling systems for thermal spray guns are well known in the art and any cooling system may be incorporated in the present invention. The feed lines 38 and coolant supply and returnlines extension arm 12 as set forth in more detail below, sheltering them from overspray during operation. This protective structure may reduce or prevent the “caking” of overspray on these components, reducing the problems associated therewith. Wherelong lines pipe 11, a booster pump for increasing the pressure or flow of coolant through the cooling system may similarly be housed in theextension arm 12, allowing sufficient flow to be maintained therethough while preventing the caking of overspray thereon. -
Extension arm 12 may be supplied with an independent cooling system. This may be accomplished by circulating a coolant fluid, such as water, or by circulating air, carbon dioxide, or similar gasses through theextension arm 12. Coolant fluid may thus flow from a coolant source exterior from theextension arm 12, through a extension armcoolant supply line 44 into one or more extensionarm heat exchangers 48 and back out of the extension arm through an extension armcoolant return line 46, which may lead back to the coolant source and a heat exchanger for removal of the excess heat transferred to the coolant fluid proximate theextension arm 12 or elsewhere. The coolant fluid may alternatively be circulated within the arm and exhausted outside the conduit or vented within the conduit to provide additional cooling. The extension armcoolant supply line 44 and extension armcoolant return line 46 may be contained within the extension arm, sheltering them from overspray. As discussed previously herein, the use of athermal spray gun 14 in an enclosed volume, such as the interior ofpipe 11, often raises the ambient temperature in the volume, which can reduce the ability to coat a part with a sprayed coating. The use of an independently cooledextension arm 12 provides a further mechanism for reducing these problems. - Where the
extension arm 12 containsfeed lines 38 and/orcoolant lines extension arm 12 may be constructed as aframework 50, covered by ahousing 52, as depicted inFIG. 3 . Thehousing 52 serves to protect the components located therein. It will be appreciated that other structures for containing supply lines inside theextension arm 12 may be utilized. For example, a hollow tube may be used as anextension arm 12 and thefeed lines 38 andcoolant lines - In some embodiments of the present invention, sensors may be included in the extension arm, allowing the
interior surface 30, and any coating thereon, to be inspected. Sensors may include acamera 54, which may be a video camera allowing a portion of the applied coating to be examined. Alternatively,camera 54 may be configured for ultraviolet or other wavelength reception or transmission, in conjunction with an emitter in that or another wavelength. Additional sensors may include avoltmeter 56, or electrical probes, for determining the electrical resistance or the current carrying capacity of a coating by grounding the conduit exterior and measuring current flow across the coating. Other sensors could include ultrasonic or magnetic emitters and/or detectors allowing the distance between thespray gun 14 orextension arm 12 and theinterior surface 30 ofpipe 11 to be monitored, a thermometer for measuring the temperature of the interior diameter of thepipe 11, and coating thickness monitors for measuring the thickness of thecoating 31. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , one embodiment of the present invention may be used to coat theinterior surface 30 of apipe 11 by insertion of theextension arm 12 into the interior of thepipe 11, allowingspray gun 14 to be operated therein. Thepipe 11 may be placed on asupport 22, that allows thepipe 11 to be rotated, as byrollers 24 oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis of thepipe 11. Thepipe 11 may thus be rotated through a 360° arc, allowing thespray gun 14 to spray a coating on the entireinterior surface 30. -
FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of asystem 110 similar to those ofFIGS. 1, 2 and 3 as mounted on acarriage 160.Carriage 160 may be inserted into the bore of an elongated conduit such as apipeline 111 and moved within thepipeline 111 to apply coating to a desired interior surface portion. Thecarriage 160 rides onwheels 162 and may include a drive motor, braking system, and any other necessary equipment to allow thesystem 110 to be moved withinpipeline 111. As depicted, a number oflines 164, which may include feed lines for coolant, compressed air or gas, coating material, or electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic lines for power and control, extend from a remote location to thecarriage 160. The operation of thecarriage 160 andcoating system 110 components may be remotely controlled, utilizing a computer, adapted to act as a controller for thesystem 110, as will be discussed in more detail below. Anotherembodiment 210 depicted inFIG. 5 , includessupply tanks 266 andbattery 268 mounted on thecarriage 260. This allows the system to be remotely operated while eliminating the need to provide long supply lines. - An embodiment of a
system carriage pipeline 111. Such a system may be used to repair a section of thepipeline 111, as by applying a metal coating inside a section of weakened or damagedpipe 11, providing additional strength, corrosion resistance or both. Such a system may be used to form conductive traces, as will be further discussed herein, on theinterior surface 30 of an existingpipeline 111. The ability to apply such coatings in an existingpipeline 111, while reducing the problems caused by overspray desirably may reduce the need to disassemble a section of an existingpipeline 111. Thus, life of thepipeline 11 may be prolonged and the potential savings from reducing a need for disassembly are realized. - It is preferred that the components of a
system complete coating 31. Acontroller 15 in operative communication with thesystem 10, as depicted inFIG. 1 , may be utilized to provide such control.Controller 15 may include a computer, including one or more microprocessors, configured to monitor and control the components of thesystem 10. Thecontroller 15, may operate in accordance with a set of instructions according to one or more software programs comprising lines of code executed by a microprocessor. It is preferred that operation of all components of thesystem 10, be substantially simultaneously controlled by thecontroller 15. It will be appreciated that embodiments of systems similar to those shown at 110 and 210 inFIGS. 4 and 5 and that include acarriage carriage 160 or 260), which may also control operation of thecarriage - The
controller 15 may thus provide for integrated control over all components of asystem carriage extension arm 12, and rotate or extendspray gun 14 may all be remotely supplied and controlled by thecontroller 15. Operational aspects of the coating process, such as the flow rate of gases and powder to thespray gun 14, the flow rates of coolant fluid through the cooling systems, initiation of the arc with aplasma spray gun 14 and others may be controlled to produce a uniform coating with desired characteristics. Thecontroller 15 may be programmed to enable a system to automatically apply a uniform coating to a particular pipe's interior diameter. While controlling the application of auniform coating 31, thespray gun 14 may undergo a predetermined movement longitudinally, laterally, arcuately, circumferentially along the interior of apipe 11 and otherwise, to achieve a continuous coating on the entire interior surface 30 (or a portion thereof) with uniform thickness, porosity, density, or other characteristics. The movement and operation of thesystem -
Controller 15 may monitor the coating process using the sensors, as preciously discussed, and either provide feedback to an operator who makes adjustments or automatically adjust the operation to stay within selected coating parameters in response to variations in temperature, fluctuations in coating process parameters, the rate of coating deposition or any other detectable variations in the coating process. - One process that a
system pipeline 111. Thespray gun 14 is inserted into a section ofpipe 11, whether attached to anextension arm 12 supported on astand 22, or by the insertion of acarriage pipeline 111. Thespray gun 14 is operated to apply an electrically insulative material as acoating 31 on theinterior surface 30. The electrically insulative material may be any suitable material, but it is preferred to use a powdered material, such as alumina or another ceramic material, which can be applied with athermal spray gun 14. The entireinterior surface 30 may be coated with the electrically insulative material, or only a portion thereof as desired. - An electrically conductive material is then applied on top of the electrically insulative material to form a
second coating 31 that is electrically conductive in nature. Examples of suitable conductive materials include nickel, nickel alloys, copper, and copper alloys, although it will be appreciated that any desired electrically conductive material may be used. The electrically conductive material is preferably applied in a desired elongated strip to form a conductive trace along theinterior surface 30 of thepipe 11. Of course it will be appreciated that, in apipe 11 constructed of, or already lined with, an insulative material, the conductive layer may be directly applied to theinterior surface 30 of thepipe 11. Where desired, a protective layer, of suitable material (such as an additional layer of insulative material) may be applied over theconductive coating 31 to provide protection to the conductive trace. An electric current may be carried along the length of thepipe 11, orpipeline 111, and monitored for changes in resistance or conductivity that may signal changes such as strain or deformation in thepipeline 111. Examples of such traces are disclosed in the pending U.S. Patent Application, filed on even date herewith and entitled NETWORK AND TOPOLOGY FOR IDENTIFYING, LOCTATING AND QUANTIFYING PHYSICAL PHENOMENA, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EMPLOYING SAME, and identified by Attorney Docket No. B-106, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. It will be appreciated that the use of asystem coating 31, improving the consistency of the coating, as discussed herein. Such aconsistent coating 31 may enable apipeline 111 to be monitored and run at an optimal flow rate, under an increased pressure or flow, increasing the efficiency of delivery through thepipeline 111. - During the application of heated materials, as applied by a
thermal gun 14, it may be advantageous to further cool the interior ofpipe 11 orpipeline 111. This cooling may allow thesystem coating 31 to be better maintained throughout application. In an embodiment of afreestanding system 10, such as that depicted inFIG. 1 , a cooling air flush may be directed at the exterior surface of thepipe 11 throughout application by directing fans or other airflow at the exterior surface of thepipe 11. Alternatively, a cooling air flush may be directed into the interior of thepipe 11, either through theopening 13, alongside theextension arm 12, or throughoutlets 20 in theextension arm 12. It will be appreciated that hoses, nozzles or other components necessary for providing such a cooling air flush may be contained inside theextension arm 12. The cooling air flush may contain an atomized water mist, or other vaporized liquid, allowing the latent heat of evaporation of the water mist to increase the cooling capacity of the flush. Preferably; the cooling mist, also referred to as cooling air, is controlled, either by a closed loop manner or an open loop adjusted manner so that the cooling mist is sufficiently evacuated from the coating area of the workpiece so as to prevent any appreciable amount of condensation of water or other liquid or cooling medium on the coating area or adjacent portions of the conduit or workpiece. More specifically the flow rate of the cooling mist is adjusted with regard to the temperature of the coating area and surrounding portions of the conduit or workpiece. There are a variety of cooling mist generators that are commercially available. Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art would be readily capable of constructing an apparatus for generating a cooling mist to optimally cool or flush, the conduit or workpiece when applying a coating in accordance with the present invention. - Accordingly, the present invention includes a method of coating a pipe interior surface. This method may be practiced by spraying a coating towards a pipe interior surface and providing a volume of reduced air pressure to draw any overspray from the interior area of the pipe. It is preferred to spray the coating toward an interior surface by placing a spray gun configured to spray the coating, on an extension arm and inserting the extension arm into the interior area of the pipe. Providing the volume of reduced air pressure may be done by providing a reduced pressure zone around the spray gun. As previously noted, the spray gun used may be a thermal spray gun, such as a plasma spray gun, a high velocity oxy fuel spray gun, a two wire arc spray gun, a single wire arc spray gun, or a flame spray gun. It is preferred to cool a thermal spray gun during operation, and to separately cool the extension arm. The pipe may be cooled by flushing the interior with cooling air that may contain an atomized water mist. Where used, the cooling flush may be directed through an opening in the pipe, or through outlets in the extension arm.
- This method may be used to lay down a coating of conductive material. The spray pattern may be designed to allow the coating to serve as a conductive trace. Accordingly, the present invention also includes methods of forming conductive traces on a pipeline interior surface. One embodiment of such a method may be practiced by depositing a conductive layer of a conductive material upon an interior surface of a pipe, where the conductive layer is designed to serve as a conductive trace. Where desired or required, the method may include depositing an insulating layer of an insulating material upon the interior surface of a pipe prior to depositing the conductive layer; and then depositing the conductive layer upon said insulating layer. The insulating layer may be a ceramic material such as alumina or zirconia. The insulating material may be deposited by spraying towards the interior surface, as by placing a spray gun configured to spray the insulating material on an extension arm, inserting the extension arm into the interior area and operating the spray gun. A volume of reduced pressure may be provided adjacent the extension arm to draw any overspray of insulating material from the interior area. Where this is done, it is preferred to locate the volume of reduced pressure around the spray gun. The spray gun may be a thermal spray gun, such as a plasma spray gun, a high velocity oxy fuel spray gun, a two wire arc spray gun, a single wire arc spray gun, or a flame spray gun. Where a thermal spray gun is used it is preferred to cool the thermal spray gun. It is further preferred to cool the extension arm separately from the thermal spray gun.
- The conductive material may be any suitable conductive material, including nickel, nickel alloys, copper, and copper alloys. The conductive materials may be applied in the same manner as the insulative materials previously discussed.
- When depositing either a conductive or an insulative layer, the pipe may be cooled by flushing the interior with cooling air that may contain a water mist. Where used, the cooling flush may be directed through an opening in the pipe, or through outlets in the extension arm.
- It will be appreciated that methods and processes in accordance with the principles of the present invention may be used to lay down
coatings 31 of very small thickness, on the order of about 0.001 inches, in a controlled manner without reliance on other air movement to remove heat or particulates from the interior diameter of apipe 11.Systems - In a preliminary test of a system made in accordance with the principles of the present invention, an insulative strip of alumina was thermally sprayed onto an
interior surface 30 of asquare steel tube 38 inches long. The strip was about 0.5 inches wide and about 0.12 to 0.15 inches thick. A conductive nickel-aluminum alloy was then sprayed as a strip over the insulative strip. The resulting conductive strip was formed about 0.3 inches wide and about 0.007 inches thick. Overspray and heat build up were reduced in the interior diameter by the evacuation of overspray via reduced pressure volume and the separate cooling of thespray gun 14 andextension arm 12. - The embodiments and figures provided and described herein do not limit the scope of the present invention. In each of its various embodiments, the system and methods of the present invention provide for coating the interior surface of a pipe or other enclosed area while reducing the problems of overspray associated therewith, and the present invention may be carried out using embodiments different from those specifically described herein. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited by the description provided by the present specification, but is defined by the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. A method of coating a pipeline interior surface, comprising:
inserting a thermal spray gun disposed on an extension arm into an interior area of a pipe;
thermally spraying matter from the thermal spray gun towards an interior surface of the pipe to form a coating thereon;
directing cooling air out from the extension arm through at least one outlet in the extension arm directly into a region within the interior area of the pipe and outside the extension arm;
independently cooling the thermal spray gun and the extension arm; and
removing air from the interior area of the pipe through a collection line at least partially extending into the interior area of the pipe to draw overspray of the matter from the interior area of the pipe.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein inserting the spray gun disposed on the extension arm into the interior area of the pipe comprises attaching the spray gun to the extension arm, the spray gun being selectively moveable relative to the extension arm when the spray gun is attached to the extension arm.
3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein removing air from the interior area of the pipe through the collection line comprises providing a volume of reduced air pressure adjacent the extension arm.
4. The method according to claim 3 , wherein providing the volume of reduced air pressure comprises providing a reduced pressure zone proximate the spray gun.
5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein inserting a thermal spray gun comprises inserting a thermal spray gun disposed on an extension arm comprising a hollow tube into an interior area of a pipe, the collection line extending at least partially through the interior of the hollow tube.
6. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising cooling the thermal spray gun using a first coolant supply line and cooling the extension arm using a second coolant supply line.
7. The method according to claim 6 , further comprising cooling the extension arm using a first cooling system and cooling the thermal spray gun using a second cooling system.
8. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising flushing the interior area of the pipe with the cooling air.
9. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising directing the cooling air into the interior area of the pipe from a plurality of cooling air outlets disposed on the extension arm.
10. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising directing cooling air into the interior area from an opening into the pipe.
11. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising adding a water mist to the cooling air.
12. The method according to claim 1 , wherein spraying the matter comprises spraying a conductive material.
13. A method of coating a pipeline interior surface, comprising:
inserting a spray gun disposed on an extension arm into an interior area of a pipe;
spraying matter from the spray gun towards an interior surface of the pipe to form a coating thereon;
directing cooling air out from the extension arm through at least one outlet in the extension arm directly into a region within the interior area of the pipe and outside the extension arm; and
removing air from the interior area of the pipe through a collection line at least partially extending into the interior area of the pipe to draw overspray of the matter from the interior area of the pipe.
14. (canceled)
15. The method according to claim 1 , wherein inserting a thermal spray gun disposed on an extension arm into an interior area of a pipe comprises inserting a carriage into the interior area of the pipe, the carriage carrying the thermal spray gun.
16. The method according to claim 15 , further comprising controlling the thermal spray gun from a remote location exterior to the pipe.
17. The method according to claim 16 , further comprising inspecting the interior surface of the pipe with at least one sensor.
18. The method according to claim 17 , wherein inspecting the interior surface of the pipe comprises inspecting the interior surface of the pipe with at least one of a camera, a voltmeter, and a thermometer.
19. The method according to claim 17 , further comprising using a controller to control the thermal spray gun in response to at least one signal received from the at least one sensor.
20. The method according to claim 19 , further comprising using a controller to substantially automatically control the thermal spray gun in response to at least one signal received from the at least one sensor.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/122,164 US7276264B1 (en) | 2002-02-11 | 2005-05-03 | Methods for coating conduit interior surfaces utilizing a thermal spray gun with extension arm |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/074,355 US6916502B2 (en) | 2002-02-11 | 2002-02-11 | Systems and methods for coating conduit interior surfaces utilizing a thermal spray gun with extension arm |
US11/122,164 US7276264B1 (en) | 2002-02-11 | 2005-05-03 | Methods for coating conduit interior surfaces utilizing a thermal spray gun with extension arm |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/074,355 Division US6916502B2 (en) | 2002-02-11 | 2002-02-11 | Systems and methods for coating conduit interior surfaces utilizing a thermal spray gun with extension arm |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070218198A1 true US20070218198A1 (en) | 2007-09-20 |
US7276264B1 US7276264B1 (en) | 2007-10-02 |
Family
ID=38518166
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/122,164 Expired - Fee Related US7276264B1 (en) | 2002-02-11 | 2005-05-03 | Methods for coating conduit interior surfaces utilizing a thermal spray gun with extension arm |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US7276264B1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN102139249A (en) * | 2011-03-23 | 2011-08-03 | 新兴铸管股份有限公司 | Secondary atomization fan nozzle and paint sprayer special for cast pipe |
US20140088769A1 (en) * | 2011-02-14 | 2014-03-27 | Felix Mauchle | Control device for a powder spray coating device |
WO2015067614A1 (en) * | 2013-11-11 | 2015-05-14 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Method and device for coating inside surfaces of pipes, and use of a miniaturised plasma coating nozzle |
JP2015166482A (en) * | 2014-03-04 | 2015-09-24 | 株式会社ダイヘン | Method for manufacturing industrial product and spray coating system |
WO2017004631A1 (en) * | 2015-07-03 | 2017-01-12 | Plansee Se | Pipe having internal coating |
US10328446B2 (en) * | 2016-11-03 | 2019-06-25 | Shawcor, Ltd. | Internal quench system for cooling pipe |
CN113522608A (en) * | 2021-07-08 | 2021-10-22 | 湖南天卓管业有限公司 | Intelligent epoxy powder anti-corrosion spiral steel pipe production equipment |
US20220218910A1 (en) * | 2015-11-19 | 2022-07-14 | Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha | Syringe barrel, prefilled syringe, and methods for manufacturing the same |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ATE547472T1 (en) | 2009-09-25 | 2012-03-15 | Evonik Rohmax Additives Gmbh | COMPOSITION FOR IMPROVING THE COLD FLOW PROPERTIES OF FUEL OILS |
BR112013021923A2 (en) | 2011-03-25 | 2016-11-08 | Evonik Oil Additives Gmbh | composition to improve oxidation stability of fuel oils |
WO2014040919A1 (en) | 2012-09-13 | 2014-03-20 | Evonik Oil Additives Gmbh | A composition to improve low temperature properties and oxidation stability of vegetable oils and animal fats |
RU2656213C2 (en) | 2013-02-04 | 2018-06-01 | Эвоник Ойль Эддитифс Гмбх | Cold flow improver with broad applicability in mineral diesel, biodiesel and blends thereof |
Citations (64)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2488195A (en) * | 1946-10-25 | 1949-11-15 | John Ettensohn Jr | Paint spraying device |
US3596269A (en) * | 1968-10-25 | 1971-07-27 | Richard H Laska | Structural defect monitoring device |
US3740522A (en) * | 1971-04-12 | 1973-06-19 | Geotel Inc | Plasma torch, and electrode means therefor |
US3742350A (en) * | 1969-10-22 | 1973-06-26 | D White | Pulse train method and apparatus for locating and identifying conductors in a cable |
US3814616A (en) * | 1968-10-08 | 1974-06-04 | Kansai Paint Co Ltd | Method for coating the inner surface of metal pipes |
US3826301A (en) * | 1971-10-26 | 1974-07-30 | R Brooks | Method and apparatus for manufacturing precision articles from molten articles |
US3990854A (en) * | 1973-04-16 | 1976-11-09 | Continental Carbon Company | Apparatus for the manufacture of carbon black |
US4092950A (en) * | 1977-06-20 | 1978-06-06 | Commercial Resins Company | Internal pipe coating apparatus |
US4313565A (en) * | 1978-04-07 | 1982-02-02 | Stephan Pasek & Cie, Societe Anonyme | Apparatus for the projection of refractory and other material particularly for the repair of the linings of metallurgical plant |
US4340010A (en) * | 1981-04-13 | 1982-07-20 | Commercial Resins Company | Internal girth coating apparatus |
US4420251A (en) * | 1980-05-05 | 1983-12-13 | Rockwell International Corporation | Optical deformation sensor |
US4472621A (en) * | 1981-05-18 | 1984-09-18 | Tpco, Inc. | Separable junction for electrical skin-effect pipeline heating system |
US4514443A (en) * | 1982-01-29 | 1985-04-30 | Gene Kostecki | Coating internal surfaces of curved conduits |
US4529974A (en) * | 1981-07-10 | 1985-07-16 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Fluid leakage detecting apparatus |
US4611682A (en) * | 1983-08-08 | 1986-09-16 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Motor-driven power steering system |
US4661682A (en) * | 1984-08-17 | 1987-04-28 | Plasmainvent Ag | Plasma spray gun for internal coatings |
US4677371A (en) * | 1984-10-09 | 1987-06-30 | Junkosha Co., Ltd. | Sensor for detecting the presence and location of a water leak |
US4704985A (en) * | 1986-05-30 | 1987-11-10 | Nordson Corporation | Spray gun mover |
US4736157A (en) * | 1986-07-18 | 1988-04-05 | Voyager Technologies, Inc. | Wide-range resistance monitoring apparatus and method |
US4774905A (en) * | 1985-08-08 | 1988-10-04 | Hermann Hanschen | Apparatus for internally coating pipes |
US4853515A (en) * | 1988-09-30 | 1989-08-01 | The Perkin-Elmer Corporation | Plasma gun extension for coating slots |
US4926165A (en) * | 1985-10-15 | 1990-05-15 | Raychem Corporation | Devices for detecting and obtaining information about an event |
US5015958A (en) * | 1983-06-30 | 1991-05-14 | Raychem Corporation | Elongate sensors comprising conductive polymers, and methods and apparatus using such sensors |
US5024423A (en) * | 1988-08-15 | 1991-06-18 | Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. | Semiconductor diffusion furnace inner tube |
US5167983A (en) * | 1988-12-28 | 1992-12-01 | General Electric Company | Method of forming a conductor pattern on the inside of a hollow tube by reacting a gas or fluid therein with actinic radiation |
US5181962A (en) * | 1992-01-06 | 1993-01-26 | Commercial Resins Company | Liquid spray machine for coating interior of pipes |
US5185183A (en) * | 1992-01-10 | 1993-02-09 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Apparatus and method for blasting and metal spraying a cylindrical surface |
US5195046A (en) * | 1989-01-10 | 1993-03-16 | Gerardi Joseph J | Method and apparatus for structural integrity monitoring |
US5254820A (en) * | 1990-11-19 | 1993-10-19 | The Pillsbury Company | Artificial dielectric tuning device for microwave ovens |
US5279148A (en) * | 1990-05-10 | 1994-01-18 | Bernd Brandes | Method and apparatus for detecting and locating leaks and loose couplings in conduits for liquids |
US5369366A (en) * | 1993-02-12 | 1994-11-29 | Cable Repair Systems Corporation | Method of finding faults in a branched electrical distribution circuit |
US5394141A (en) * | 1991-09-12 | 1995-02-28 | Geoservices | Method and apparatus for transmitting information between equipment at the bottom of a drilling or production operation and the surface |
US5410255A (en) * | 1993-05-07 | 1995-04-25 | Perma-Pipe, Inc. | Method and apparatus for detecting and distinguishing leaks using reflectometry and conductivity tests |
US5412173A (en) * | 1992-05-13 | 1995-05-02 | Electro-Plasma, Inc. | High temperature plasma gun assembly |
US5416280A (en) * | 1993-04-08 | 1995-05-16 | Summagraphics Corporation | Digitizer tablet using relative phase detection |
US5551484A (en) * | 1994-08-19 | 1996-09-03 | Charboneau; Kenneth R. | Pipe liner and monitoring system |
US5573814A (en) * | 1995-10-30 | 1996-11-12 | Ford Motor Company | Masking cylinder bore extremities from internal thermal spraying |
US5602492A (en) * | 1992-03-13 | 1997-02-11 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of Commerce | Electrical test structure and method for measuring the relative locations of conducting features on an insulating substrate |
US5743299A (en) * | 1994-01-18 | 1998-04-28 | Insituform (Netherland) B.V. | Dual containment pipe rehabilitation system and method of installation |
US5750902A (en) * | 1996-02-05 | 1998-05-12 | Elsag International N.V. | Magnetoinductive flow meter |
US5785727A (en) * | 1996-04-09 | 1998-07-28 | Asahi Glass Company Ltd. | Glass forming machine |
US5847286A (en) * | 1994-10-07 | 1998-12-08 | Krohne Messtechnik Gmbh & Co. Kg | Magnetically inductive flow meter for flowing media |
US5913977A (en) * | 1998-03-25 | 1999-06-22 | Neuco, Inc. | Apparatus and method for internally coating live gas pipe joints or other discontinuities |
US5951761A (en) * | 1995-06-28 | 1999-09-14 | Edstroem; Sten | Device for applying an internal coating in tubes |
US6058978A (en) * | 1994-03-11 | 2000-05-09 | Paletta; Stephen | Polymeric pipe deformer and method for relining existing pipelines |
US6085413A (en) * | 1998-02-02 | 2000-07-11 | Ford Motor Company | Multilayer electrical interconnection device and method of making same |
US6194890B1 (en) * | 1996-12-20 | 2001-02-27 | Quantum Catalytics, L.L.C. | Method and apparatus for monitoring physical integrity of a wall in a vessel |
US6197168B1 (en) * | 1998-02-26 | 2001-03-06 | Pentel Kabushiki Kaisha | Electrochemical stain prevention apparatus of submerged structure and process for producing submerged structure used in this apparatus |
US6210972B1 (en) * | 1995-10-27 | 2001-04-03 | Disperse Technologies Limited | Characterization of flowing dispersions |
US20010000187A1 (en) * | 2000-10-23 | 2001-04-05 | Case Western Reserve University | Functional neuromuscular stimulation system |
US20010027708A1 (en) * | 1999-08-25 | 2001-10-11 | Stewart Jonathan M. | Apparatus and methods for Z-axis control and collision detection and recovery for waterjet cutting systems |
US6316100B1 (en) * | 1997-02-24 | 2001-11-13 | Superior Micropowders Llc | Nickel powders, methods for producing powders and devices fabricated from same |
US6320400B1 (en) * | 1998-12-09 | 2001-11-20 | Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. | Method and system for selectively disconnecting a redundant power distribution network to indentify a site of a short |
US6362615B1 (en) * | 1998-09-01 | 2002-03-26 | Bechtel Bwxt Idaho Llc | Electro-optic voltage sensor for sensing voltage in an E-field |
US20020139678A1 (en) * | 1999-04-13 | 2002-10-03 | Wilson Gregory J. | Tuning electrodes used in a reactor for electrochemically processing a microelectronic workpiece |
US6492898B1 (en) * | 1999-08-23 | 2002-12-10 | Abb Research Ltd | Data transmission system for pipelines |
US6498568B1 (en) * | 1996-09-26 | 2002-12-24 | Transco Plc | Pipeline communication system |
US6501278B1 (en) * | 2001-06-29 | 2002-12-31 | Intel Corporation | Test structure apparatus and method |
US20030047317A1 (en) * | 2001-09-07 | 2003-03-13 | Jody Powers | Deep-set subsurface safety valve assembly |
US6575663B2 (en) * | 1999-12-06 | 2003-06-10 | Bechtel Bwxt Idaho, Llc | Advanced containment system |
US20030161946A1 (en) * | 2002-02-11 | 2003-08-28 | Moore Karen A. | Systems and methods for coating conduit interior surfaces utilizing a thermal spray gun with extension arm |
US20030183015A1 (en) * | 2002-02-11 | 2003-10-02 | Bechtel Bwxt Idaho, Llc | Network and topology for identifying, locating and quantifying physical phenomena , systems and methods for employing same |
US6715550B2 (en) * | 2000-01-24 | 2004-04-06 | Shell Oil Company | Controllable gas-lift well and valve |
US6910829B2 (en) * | 2000-12-04 | 2005-06-28 | Battelle Energy Alliance, Llc | In situ retreival of contaminants or other substances using a barrier system and leaching solutions and components, processes and methods relating thereto |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS6018462B2 (en) | 1981-07-13 | 1985-05-10 | 日東電気工業株式会社 | Thermal spray equipment |
DE3740498A1 (en) | 1987-11-30 | 1989-06-08 | Matthaeus Heinz Dieter | Apparatus for the thermal coating of surfaces |
JP2002060923A (en) | 2000-08-23 | 2002-02-28 | Shinwa Kogyo Kk | Method for forming sprayed coating on inner surface of metal tube, and thermal spraying gun and thermal spraying apparatus for forming spray coating |
-
2005
- 2005-05-03 US US11/122,164 patent/US7276264B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (72)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2488195A (en) * | 1946-10-25 | 1949-11-15 | John Ettensohn Jr | Paint spraying device |
US3814616A (en) * | 1968-10-08 | 1974-06-04 | Kansai Paint Co Ltd | Method for coating the inner surface of metal pipes |
US3596269A (en) * | 1968-10-25 | 1971-07-27 | Richard H Laska | Structural defect monitoring device |
US3742350A (en) * | 1969-10-22 | 1973-06-26 | D White | Pulse train method and apparatus for locating and identifying conductors in a cable |
US3740522A (en) * | 1971-04-12 | 1973-06-19 | Geotel Inc | Plasma torch, and electrode means therefor |
US3826301A (en) * | 1971-10-26 | 1974-07-30 | R Brooks | Method and apparatus for manufacturing precision articles from molten articles |
US3990854A (en) * | 1973-04-16 | 1976-11-09 | Continental Carbon Company | Apparatus for the manufacture of carbon black |
US4092950A (en) * | 1977-06-20 | 1978-06-06 | Commercial Resins Company | Internal pipe coating apparatus |
US4313565A (en) * | 1978-04-07 | 1982-02-02 | Stephan Pasek & Cie, Societe Anonyme | Apparatus for the projection of refractory and other material particularly for the repair of the linings of metallurgical plant |
US4420251A (en) * | 1980-05-05 | 1983-12-13 | Rockwell International Corporation | Optical deformation sensor |
US4340010A (en) * | 1981-04-13 | 1982-07-20 | Commercial Resins Company | Internal girth coating apparatus |
US4472621A (en) * | 1981-05-18 | 1984-09-18 | Tpco, Inc. | Separable junction for electrical skin-effect pipeline heating system |
US4529974A (en) * | 1981-07-10 | 1985-07-16 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Fluid leakage detecting apparatus |
US4514443A (en) * | 1982-01-29 | 1985-04-30 | Gene Kostecki | Coating internal surfaces of curved conduits |
US5015958A (en) * | 1983-06-30 | 1991-05-14 | Raychem Corporation | Elongate sensors comprising conductive polymers, and methods and apparatus using such sensors |
US4611682A (en) * | 1983-08-08 | 1986-09-16 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Motor-driven power steering system |
US4661682A (en) * | 1984-08-17 | 1987-04-28 | Plasmainvent Ag | Plasma spray gun for internal coatings |
US4677371A (en) * | 1984-10-09 | 1987-06-30 | Junkosha Co., Ltd. | Sensor for detecting the presence and location of a water leak |
US4774905A (en) * | 1985-08-08 | 1988-10-04 | Hermann Hanschen | Apparatus for internally coating pipes |
US4926165A (en) * | 1985-10-15 | 1990-05-15 | Raychem Corporation | Devices for detecting and obtaining information about an event |
US4704985A (en) * | 1986-05-30 | 1987-11-10 | Nordson Corporation | Spray gun mover |
US4736157A (en) * | 1986-07-18 | 1988-04-05 | Voyager Technologies, Inc. | Wide-range resistance monitoring apparatus and method |
US5024423A (en) * | 1988-08-15 | 1991-06-18 | Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. | Semiconductor diffusion furnace inner tube |
US4853515A (en) * | 1988-09-30 | 1989-08-01 | The Perkin-Elmer Corporation | Plasma gun extension for coating slots |
US5167983A (en) * | 1988-12-28 | 1992-12-01 | General Electric Company | Method of forming a conductor pattern on the inside of a hollow tube by reacting a gas or fluid therein with actinic radiation |
US5195046A (en) * | 1989-01-10 | 1993-03-16 | Gerardi Joseph J | Method and apparatus for structural integrity monitoring |
US5279148A (en) * | 1990-05-10 | 1994-01-18 | Bernd Brandes | Method and apparatus for detecting and locating leaks and loose couplings in conduits for liquids |
US5254820A (en) * | 1990-11-19 | 1993-10-19 | The Pillsbury Company | Artificial dielectric tuning device for microwave ovens |
US5394141A (en) * | 1991-09-12 | 1995-02-28 | Geoservices | Method and apparatus for transmitting information between equipment at the bottom of a drilling or production operation and the surface |
US5181962A (en) * | 1992-01-06 | 1993-01-26 | Commercial Resins Company | Liquid spray machine for coating interior of pipes |
US5185183A (en) * | 1992-01-10 | 1993-02-09 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Apparatus and method for blasting and metal spraying a cylindrical surface |
US5602492A (en) * | 1992-03-13 | 1997-02-11 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of Commerce | Electrical test structure and method for measuring the relative locations of conducting features on an insulating substrate |
US5412173A (en) * | 1992-05-13 | 1995-05-02 | Electro-Plasma, Inc. | High temperature plasma gun assembly |
US5369366A (en) * | 1993-02-12 | 1994-11-29 | Cable Repair Systems Corporation | Method of finding faults in a branched electrical distribution circuit |
US5416280A (en) * | 1993-04-08 | 1995-05-16 | Summagraphics Corporation | Digitizer tablet using relative phase detection |
US5410255A (en) * | 1993-05-07 | 1995-04-25 | Perma-Pipe, Inc. | Method and apparatus for detecting and distinguishing leaks using reflectometry and conductivity tests |
US5743299A (en) * | 1994-01-18 | 1998-04-28 | Insituform (Netherland) B.V. | Dual containment pipe rehabilitation system and method of installation |
US6058978A (en) * | 1994-03-11 | 2000-05-09 | Paletta; Stephen | Polymeric pipe deformer and method for relining existing pipelines |
US5551484A (en) * | 1994-08-19 | 1996-09-03 | Charboneau; Kenneth R. | Pipe liner and monitoring system |
US5847286A (en) * | 1994-10-07 | 1998-12-08 | Krohne Messtechnik Gmbh & Co. Kg | Magnetically inductive flow meter for flowing media |
US5951761A (en) * | 1995-06-28 | 1999-09-14 | Edstroem; Sten | Device for applying an internal coating in tubes |
US6210972B1 (en) * | 1995-10-27 | 2001-04-03 | Disperse Technologies Limited | Characterization of flowing dispersions |
US5573814A (en) * | 1995-10-30 | 1996-11-12 | Ford Motor Company | Masking cylinder bore extremities from internal thermal spraying |
US5750902A (en) * | 1996-02-05 | 1998-05-12 | Elsag International N.V. | Magnetoinductive flow meter |
US5785727A (en) * | 1996-04-09 | 1998-07-28 | Asahi Glass Company Ltd. | Glass forming machine |
US6498568B1 (en) * | 1996-09-26 | 2002-12-24 | Transco Plc | Pipeline communication system |
US6194890B1 (en) * | 1996-12-20 | 2001-02-27 | Quantum Catalytics, L.L.C. | Method and apparatus for monitoring physical integrity of a wall in a vessel |
US6316100B1 (en) * | 1997-02-24 | 2001-11-13 | Superior Micropowders Llc | Nickel powders, methods for producing powders and devices fabricated from same |
US6085413A (en) * | 1998-02-02 | 2000-07-11 | Ford Motor Company | Multilayer electrical interconnection device and method of making same |
US6197168B1 (en) * | 1998-02-26 | 2001-03-06 | Pentel Kabushiki Kaisha | Electrochemical stain prevention apparatus of submerged structure and process for producing submerged structure used in this apparatus |
US5913977A (en) * | 1998-03-25 | 1999-06-22 | Neuco, Inc. | Apparatus and method for internally coating live gas pipe joints or other discontinuities |
US6362615B1 (en) * | 1998-09-01 | 2002-03-26 | Bechtel Bwxt Idaho Llc | Electro-optic voltage sensor for sensing voltage in an E-field |
US6320400B1 (en) * | 1998-12-09 | 2001-11-20 | Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. | Method and system for selectively disconnecting a redundant power distribution network to indentify a site of a short |
US20020139678A1 (en) * | 1999-04-13 | 2002-10-03 | Wilson Gregory J. | Tuning electrodes used in a reactor for electrochemically processing a microelectronic workpiece |
US6492898B1 (en) * | 1999-08-23 | 2002-12-10 | Abb Research Ltd | Data transmission system for pipelines |
US20010027708A1 (en) * | 1999-08-25 | 2001-10-11 | Stewart Jonathan M. | Apparatus and methods for Z-axis control and collision detection and recovery for waterjet cutting systems |
US20030190194A1 (en) * | 1999-12-06 | 2003-10-09 | Kostelnik Kevin M. | Advanced containment system |
US6896446B2 (en) * | 1999-12-06 | 2005-05-24 | Bechtel Bwxt Idaho, Llc | Advanced containment system |
US6575663B2 (en) * | 1999-12-06 | 2003-06-10 | Bechtel Bwxt Idaho, Llc | Advanced containment system |
US20030198517A1 (en) * | 1999-12-06 | 2003-10-23 | Kostelnik Kevin M. | Advanced containment system |
US6715550B2 (en) * | 2000-01-24 | 2004-04-06 | Shell Oil Company | Controllable gas-lift well and valve |
US20010000187A1 (en) * | 2000-10-23 | 2001-04-05 | Case Western Reserve University | Functional neuromuscular stimulation system |
US6910829B2 (en) * | 2000-12-04 | 2005-06-28 | Battelle Energy Alliance, Llc | In situ retreival of contaminants or other substances using a barrier system and leaching solutions and components, processes and methods relating thereto |
US6501278B1 (en) * | 2001-06-29 | 2002-12-31 | Intel Corporation | Test structure apparatus and method |
US20030047317A1 (en) * | 2001-09-07 | 2003-03-13 | Jody Powers | Deep-set subsurface safety valve assembly |
US6626244B2 (en) * | 2001-09-07 | 2003-09-30 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Deep-set subsurface safety valve assembly |
US20030183015A1 (en) * | 2002-02-11 | 2003-10-02 | Bechtel Bwxt Idaho, Llc | Network and topology for identifying, locating and quantifying physical phenomena , systems and methods for employing same |
US20050097965A1 (en) * | 2002-02-11 | 2005-05-12 | Bechtel Bwxt Idaho, Llc | Structures including network and topology for identifying, locating and quantifying physical phenomena |
US20030161946A1 (en) * | 2002-02-11 | 2003-08-28 | Moore Karen A. | Systems and methods for coating conduit interior surfaces utilizing a thermal spray gun with extension arm |
US6916502B2 (en) * | 2002-02-11 | 2005-07-12 | Battelle Energy Alliance, Llc | Systems and methods for coating conduit interior surfaces utilizing a thermal spray gun with extension arm |
US6988415B2 (en) * | 2002-02-11 | 2006-01-24 | Battelle Energy Alliance, Llc | Method and apparatus for identifying, locating and quantifying physical phenomena and structure including same |
US7032459B2 (en) * | 2002-02-11 | 2006-04-25 | Battelle Energy Alliance, Llc | Structures including network and topology for identifying, locating and quantifying physical phenomena |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140088769A1 (en) * | 2011-02-14 | 2014-03-27 | Felix Mauchle | Control device for a powder spray coating device |
US9703297B2 (en) * | 2011-02-14 | 2017-07-11 | Gema Switzerland Gmbh | Control device for a powder spray coating device |
CN102139249A (en) * | 2011-03-23 | 2011-08-03 | 新兴铸管股份有限公司 | Secondary atomization fan nozzle and paint sprayer special for cast pipe |
WO2015067614A1 (en) * | 2013-11-11 | 2015-05-14 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Method and device for coating inside surfaces of pipes, and use of a miniaturised plasma coating nozzle |
JP2015166482A (en) * | 2014-03-04 | 2015-09-24 | 株式会社ダイヘン | Method for manufacturing industrial product and spray coating system |
WO2017004631A1 (en) * | 2015-07-03 | 2017-01-12 | Plansee Se | Pipe having internal coating |
US20220218910A1 (en) * | 2015-11-19 | 2022-07-14 | Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha | Syringe barrel, prefilled syringe, and methods for manufacturing the same |
US10328446B2 (en) * | 2016-11-03 | 2019-06-25 | Shawcor, Ltd. | Internal quench system for cooling pipe |
CN113522608A (en) * | 2021-07-08 | 2021-10-22 | 湖南天卓管业有限公司 | Intelligent epoxy powder anti-corrosion spiral steel pipe production equipment |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US7276264B1 (en) | 2007-10-02 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6916502B2 (en) | Systems and methods for coating conduit interior surfaces utilizing a thermal spray gun with extension arm | |
US7276264B1 (en) | Methods for coating conduit interior surfaces utilizing a thermal spray gun with extension arm | |
CA2931793A1 (en) | Method for lining pipe with a metal alloy | |
US5970993A (en) | Pulsed plasma jet paint removal | |
CN104611696A (en) | Laser-cladding nozzle | |
EP2576138B2 (en) | Method for removal of ceramic coatings by solid co² blasting | |
CN101191577A (en) | Polyethylene coating steel pipe and its producing method and production line | |
US4956042A (en) | Process and apparatus for embrittling and subsequently removing an outer protective coating of a pipe or pipeline | |
CN1321798C (en) | Method and apparatus for producing inside and outside anticorrosion steel-plastic composite pipe | |
KR101038187B1 (en) | Vacuum deposition apparatus with temperature control units and Method of vacuum fixing solid powder on substrates and bodies | |
CN105834043A (en) | Inner hole thermal spraying device and method | |
CN203076178U (en) | Plasma spraying rotating target material surface dedusting cooling temperature-control device | |
CN205797601U (en) | One is applicable to big L/D ratio boiler tube inner-wall paint spray equipment | |
US6478234B1 (en) | Adjustable injector assembly for melted powder coating deposition | |
US7322188B2 (en) | Anti-condensation control system for device driven by compressed air | |
ZA200501473B (en) | Systems and methods for the high temperature application of pumpable fibrous refractory material | |
CN109894340A (en) | Inner wall of the pipe anti-corrosion spray technique | |
US7351450B2 (en) | Correcting defective kinetically sprayed surfaces | |
CN201454795U (en) | Large-scale automatic painting production line for steel pipe anticorrosive coatings | |
CN116060236B (en) | Powder flame meltallizing coating spraying system | |
CN218561571U (en) | Thermal spraying air cooling device capable of adjusting rectification and vortex removal | |
CN110791724A (en) | Electric arc spraying device for machining | |
CN211645369U (en) | Local cooling mechanism for target material thermal spraying | |
CN218609945U (en) | Plasma nozzle and plasma spraying equipment | |
Boulos et al. | Thermal spray process integration |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, DISTRICT OF CO Free format text: CONFIRMATORY LICENSE;ASSIGNOR:BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLC;REEL/FRAME:017375/0371 Effective date: 20050826 |
|
REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees | ||
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
|
FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20111002 |