Development of novel technology for connections in high pressure flexible polymer piping systems

为了在竞争激烈的全球环境中增加市场份额，ShawCor Ltd.的一个部门Flexpipe Systems，最近推出了一种名为FlexFlow Linepipe的新产品，这是一种直径更大的纤维增强热塑性复合管线管，将提供6”和8”内径，750 psi和1500 psi压力等级。Flexpipe的产品线目前仅限于直径小于4英寸的管道解决方案。由安大略和阿尔伯塔的Shawcor专家组成的工程团队在新产品的开发方面取得了实质性进展，大直径复合管线管的原型开发和生产正在顺利进行。管段的长度将受到限制，因为由于直径较大，新产品不能像Flexpipe的小直径传统产品那样缠绕和运输。这又需要使用合适的加强连接器配件的管道组件。对于额定压力为750 psi的管线管，已开发出用于可靠连接管段的增强电熔接头。然而，需要能够更有效地承受高压8”管线管中出现的载荷的接头。在这种情况下，由持续轴向载荷和60 °C引起的管接头中的应力分布必须在包括安全裕度在内的材料限制范围内保持20年或更长时间。为给定的材料系统开发合适的管件是一项相当大的技术挑战，Shawcor/Flexpipe正在寻求安大略和阿尔伯塔大学研究人员的专业知识，以应对这些挑战，并对满足性能要求的新型管接头设计有基本的了解，即使在恶劣的环境条件下也是可靠的，具有成本效益的，持久的。该项目的目标是建立一个先进的知识库，并开发一个新的解决方案，用于管线管的高压接头/联轴器，提供所需的强度和高度的耐用性和安全性。新型管接头的开发为集成传感功能和功能梯度材料系统提供了机会，以实现卓越的可靠性，这将进一步提升Shawcor在行业中的技术领先地位。

In order to increase market share in a competitive global environment, Flexpipe Systems, a division of ShawCor Ltd., recently launched a new product called FlexFlow Linepipe, which is a larger diameter fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite linepipe that will be made available in 6" and 8" inside diameters, with 750 psi and 1500 psi pressure ratings. Flexpipe's product line is currently limited to pipe solutions with diameters of less than 4". An engineering team consisting of Shawcor experts in Ontario and Alberta has made substantial progress in the development of the new product, and prototype development and production of large diameter composite linepipe is well underway. Pipe segments will be limited in length since, due to the larger diameter, the new product cannot be spooled and transported like as Flexpipe's small-diameter legacy products. This in turn requires a pipe assembly using suitable reinforced connector fittings. For the 750 psi rated linepipe, reinforced electrofusion fittings have been developed for the reliable joining of pipe segments. However, fittings capable of more efficiently sustaining the loadings that occur in the high-pressure 8" linepipe are required. In this case, the stress distribution in the pipe joint caused by sustained axial loading and 60°C must be managed to remain for 20 years or more within material limits including a safety margin. Developing a suitable fitting for the given material system is a considerable technological challenge, and Shawcor/Flexpipe is seeking the expertise from the Ontario and Alberta university researchers to address these challenges and develop a fundamental understanding for a novel pipe joint design that meets performance requirements and is reliable, cost-effective, long-lasting even in adverse environmental conditions. The goal of the project is to establish an advanced knowledgebase and develop a novel solution for a high-pressure fitting/coupling for the linepipe that provides required strength and a high degree of durability and safety. The development of a novel pipe joint offers the opportunity to integrate sensing functionalities and functionally graded material systems for exceptional reliability, which would further advance Shawcor's technology leadership in the industry.