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The Tite Liner system begins with a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) liner pipe with an outside diameter larger than the inside diameter of the steel pipe it will protect. The steel pipeline is sectioned to allow for the insertion of the HDPE liner pipe. Under normal conditions, average pull lengths are 600-800 meters. Longer pull lengths of a kilometer or more can be achieved depending on the diameter, bends, terrain and condition of the host steel pipe.
2.1 Fluid composition 2.2 Pipeline length 2.3 Steel pipe outside diameter 2.4 Steel pipe wall thickness 2.5 Flange rating 2.6 Type of joint (i.e., welded or mechanical) 2.7 Operating temperature 2.8 Operating pressure 2.9 Test pressure 2.10 Internal condition of line (e.g., scale build-up, etc.) 2.11 System drawing (showing sidebends, overbends, fittings, etc.) 2.12 Site location, right-of-way access and end point access With this information and a possible site visit, United can determine project feasibility and provide a rough budget estimate for your project.
Next, a wireline cable is sent through a section of pipeline and attached to the liner pipe. The wireline pulls the liner pipe through Uniteds Roller Reduction Box, positioned at the insertion end of the pipeline section. The liner pipe is compressed radially as it passes through the Roller Reduction Box. This temporary reduction provides sufficient clearance between the steel pipe and the liner pipe to allow insertion. Until the pulling is complete, the liner is under tension, causing it to remain at a reduced diameter. When the tension is released, the liner pipe expands, creating a tight fit against the inner wall of the steel pipe. Following relaxation of the liner pipe, the polyethylene flange-fittings are attached, and the line is ready for bolt-up and testing.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) The polyethylene liner pipe is manufactured to Uniteds specifications by qualified polyethylene pipe manufacturers throughout the world. Typically, the HDPE liner pipe is extruded from PE 80 (PE 3408) or PE 100 (PE 4710) materials in accordance with ASTM specifications. United selects and approves polyethylene manufacturers based on their reputations as leaders in the polyethylene pipe market. Approved manufacturers follow a stringent quality assurance program. Note: United usually installs a customized thin wall liner to provide protection from corrosion, optimize installation lengths and minimize installation costs. A thicker polyethylene liner can be provided for more aggressive abrasive applications. United Pipeline Systems can also offer other alternatives to HDPE for severe service such as sour gas and high temperature fluids outside the HDPE technical envelope. These more exotic thermoplastics typically withstand higher operating temperatures with a lower permeability than HDPE.
The seal for both of these connections is achieved by compression of the polyethylene flange-fitting between the faces of the steel flanges. All components of the connection should be specified and supplied as a unit. Specific information needed for this includes: Steel flange rating Thread-o-let rating Steel pipe outside diameter Steel pipe wall thickness Steel pipe and flange material specifications
The standard Tite Liner flange connection is generally used in corrosive applications and is shown in Figure 1. This connection uses raised face weld neck flanges. Each steel flange is machined to match the inside diameter of the steel pipe and inspected to verify that the raised face dimension is correct. A radius that matches the radius of the polyethylene flange-fitting is machined on the inside of the raised face bore. A spacer ring is placed between each of the steel flanges to allow the correct amount of compression of the polyethylene flange-fitting. No gasket is required as the compressed polyethylene flange-fitting provides a pressure seal. The seal spacer ring provides long term stability to the connection. United manufactures the key components used in the connection to ensure the steel flange, the polyethylene flange-fitting and the steel spacer ring can be assembled as a unit. Quality control must be maintained in these items so that the:
Steel flange internal bore matches the inside diameter of the steel pipe
Radius of the steel flange internal bore matches the polyethylene flange-fitting Raised face is square and of the correct diameter and tolerance to mate to the steel spacer ring Spacer ring is manufactured to the correct width and diameter The same connection is used to connect a lined section to an internally lined fitting or unlined connection. In these cases there will only be one polyethylene flange-fitting compressed between the two raised faces to achieve a seal. A special single-width spacer ring is used in this situation to provide the correct compression.
The Slurry Flange connection was designed and tested to meet ASME B31.11 of the Slurry Transportation Piping System Code.
For abrasive applications, United recommends the patented Slurry Flange connection shown in Figure 2. Both the steel flange and the polyethylene flange-fitting are machined with specially designed interlocking surfaces. When the two flanges are bolted together, a uniform surface is maintained across the interface, reducing or eliminating excessive wear from turbulence. The sealing method is the same as the standard flange connection. An optional gasket may be available to provide a secondary seal. The Slurry Flange connection incorporates standard bolting geometry to mate with standard flanges.
*Typical average pull lengths in straight, flat sections. Pull lengths can be longer or shorter depending on many factors, as discussed herein.
5.2.9 Clean Up
Following bolt-up and testing, the monitoring riser pipes are attached to the thread-o-lets. The steel flanges are then externally coated, if required, and the line is ready for backfilling and service.
The wireline cable is attached to a pig and sent through the section of steel pipe with compressed air. A pulling head is fused to one end of the polyethylene pipe and connected to the wireline cable. The polyethylene pipe is then pulled into the steel pipe through the United Roller Reduction Box.