PE Jointing Techniques [PE]

Author(s) : Ian Aldridge, Declan Robinson, Dave Smart, Chris Reed, Martyn, Greig, Trevor Stafford, David Christie-Lowe, Alec Erskine

For the UK polyethylene (PE) gas pipe network, the first installations now exceed 40 years in the ground, with an original design life of 50 years. It was thus timely to review the current condition and performance history of these first generation PE materials. A major 4 year project was started in 2010 to examine...

Author(s) : Ewing, Greig, Stafford

Funded by a UK government “Smart” Award, the authors have researched, and partially developed, a novel concept for temporarily reducing the external diameter of a PE pipe and then allowing recovery to full diameter as a close fit within a host main. The novelty lies in the four-lobed collapsed pipe geometry, which...

Author(s) : Bircumshaw, Orchard, Kenworthy, Stafford

Funded by a UK government “SMART” award, the authors have explored the design options and practical solutions for installing large diameter multiple pipe ducts over very long distances. The work has involved consideration of the groundwork problems of microtunnelling or directional drilling at up to 1.5m (60ins)...

Author(s) : Stafford, Bircumshaw

The very high costs of underground electrical power transmission preclude its widespread usage even where social and environmental concerns make it highly desirable. This paper examines the technologies of below ground alternatives to overhead power lines and identifies the opportunities for introducing pipeline...

Author(s) : Ovington, Stafford

This paper summarises a comprehensive study examining the factors which influence the weldability of crosslinked polyethylene W E ) whilst gaining an understanding of the nature ofjoints at a molecular level. Butt welding of XLPE to XLPE was investigated using both chemical @eroxide)and radiation crosslinked PE. The...

Author(s) : Stafford

This paper is conceived as a review of current trends in the market and in the technology for thermoplastic pressure pipes. The application of any technical development depends on that subtle combination of the pull of needs and the push of new ideas. For more than 25 years British Gas has been actively involved in...

Author(s) : Maine, Hicke

Due to space limitations on offshore platforms the treatment of well head fluids is expensive. To reduce the costs there is a move towards unmanned offshore platforms, or subsea completions. The result of such moves is that the pipelines are required to carry all produced fluids, including wet acid gases, in the...

Author(s) : Maine, Ross

Renovation of an old main, by insertion of a medium density polyethylene (MDPE) pipe, reduces costs in excavation and reinstatement. Traditionally the inserted pipe is smaller than the existing main resulting in a reduction in flow capacity. This paper reviews the development and evaluation of a lining technique,...

Author(s) : Stafford, Maine