PIPE-LAYING MACHINE
United States Patent 3744259
This machine is designed for laying large-diameter pipe over rough terrain in extreme climates. For example, it was designed to lay 48" steel pipe from the Alaskan North Slope across the mountains to the Gulf of Alaska. An enclosed, elongated vehicle or house straddles the ditch in which (or piers on which) the pipe is to be laid. The house is supported at each of the corners by pillars in order to maintain the house level. The pipe is supported through the house on carriages which are free to float from side to side and up and down. Therefore, the pipe is constructed with all its bends and crooks over the support position and the house follows the ditch, providing a warm environment for the workmen. A deck section follows the carriages up and down so the workers have a platform which is always maintained at a fixed position relative to the pipe. As the vehicle moves forward out from under the pipe, the pipe is lowered by a series of trailing roller jacks. A sleeve surrounds the pipe as it leaves the vehicle so the temperature of the pipe is gradually changed from the relatively warm temperature to the frigid arctic temperature.
US Patent References:
APPARATUS FOR FORMING CONCRETE PIPE IN SITU
Blixt et al. - October 1970 - 3534449
METHOD FOR LAYING COATED PIPELINES UNDERWATER
Kolb - August 1971 - 3599435
VIBRATING CABLE-LAYING PLOW
Wood, Jr. - June 1970 - 3516260
APPARATUS FOR FORMING CONCRETE PIPE IN SITU
Blixt et al. - October 1970 - 3534449
METHOD FOR LAYING COATED PIPELINES UNDERWATER
Kolb - August 1971 - 3599435
VIBRATING CABLE-LAYING PLOW
Wood, Jr. - June 1970 - 3516260
Application Number:
05/126142
Publication Date:
07/10/1973
Filing Date:
03/19/1971
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Assignee:
Atlantic Richfield Company (New York, NY)
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
414/745.400, 414/745.500, 29/429, 414/746.700, 29/431
International Classes:
E02D29/067; F16L1/024; F16L1/026; F16L1/032; E02D29/063; F16L1/028; B60G9/00; F16L1/00
Field of Search:
61/72.6,72.5,72.2,72.1,72.3,63 214/1PA 29/431,429
Primary Examiner:
Shapiro, Jacob
Claims:
I claim as my invention
1. A machine to lay large diameter pipe along a predetermined path in rough terrain comprising:
2. The invention as defined in claim 1 with the additional limitations of
3. The invention as defined in claim 1 with the additional limitation of
4. The invention as defined in claim 1 with the additional limitations of
5. The invention as defined in claim 4 with the additional limitations of
6. The invention as defined in claim 4 with the additional limitation of
7. The invention as defined in claim 6 with the additional limitations of
8. The invention as defined in claim 7 with the additional limitations of
9. The method of laying a large diameter crooked pipeline along a predetermined, crooked, support path in rough terrain comprising the steps of:
10. The invention as defined in claim 9 with the additional limitation of
11. The invention as defined in claim 9 with the additional limitations of
12. The invention as defined in claim 11 with the additional limitation of
13. The invention as defined in claim 12 with the additional limitation of
14. The method of laying a large diameter crooked pipeline along a predetermined, crooked, support path in rough terrain comprising the steps of:
15. The invention as defined in claim 14 with the additional limitation of
16. The method of laying a large diameter crooked pipeline along a predetermined, crooked, support path in rough terrain comprising the steps of:
17. The method of fabricating and laying a pipeline along a predetermined path in a frigid climate comprising the steps of:
18. The invention as defined in claim 17 with the additional limitation of
19. The method of fabricating and laying a pipeline along a predetermined path in frigid climate comprising the steps of:
20. A machine to fabricate and lay pipe along a predetermined path in a frigid climate comprising:
21. The invention as defined in claim 20 with the additional limitations of
1. A machine to lay large diameter pipe along a predetermined path in rough terrain comprising:
2. The invention as defined in claim 1 with the additional limitations of
3. The invention as defined in claim 1 with the additional limitation of
4. The invention as defined in claim 1 with the additional limitations of
5. The invention as defined in claim 4 with the additional limitations of
6. The invention as defined in claim 4 with the additional limitation of
7. The invention as defined in claim 6 with the additional limitations of
8. The invention as defined in claim 7 with the additional limitations of
9. The method of laying a large diameter crooked pipeline along a predetermined, crooked, support path in rough terrain comprising the steps of:
10. The invention as defined in claim 9 with the additional limitation of
11. The invention as defined in claim 9 with the additional limitations of
12. The invention as defined in claim 11 with the additional limitation of
13. The invention as defined in claim 12 with the additional limitation of
14. The method of laying a large diameter crooked pipeline along a predetermined, crooked, support path in rough terrain comprising the steps of:
15. The invention as defined in claim 14 with the additional limitation of
16. The method of laying a large diameter crooked pipeline along a predetermined, crooked, support path in rough terrain comprising the steps of:
17. The method of fabricating and laying a pipeline along a predetermined path in a frigid climate comprising the steps of:
18. The invention as defined in claim 17 with the additional limitation of
19. The method of fabricating and laying a pipeline along a predetermined path in frigid climate comprising the steps of:
20. A machine to fabricate and lay pipe along a predetermined path in a frigid climate comprising:
21. The invention as defined in claim 20 with the additional limitations of
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to metal working and the process of mechanical manufacture, the process of mechanical assembly or joining together pieces of pipe with a progressively advancing work station, (29/429). The invention is related to earth engineering or pipe laying with the work station and the guiding of the pipe into a ditch, (61/72.5). Also, the invention could be considered an article handling machine for pipe laying, (214/1).
2. Description of the Prior Art
In laying small or medium size pipelines, it is possible to weld the line beside the ditch where it is to be placed and then relay upon the flexibility of line so the line may be picked up and put into the ditch. Furthermore, for crossing rough terrain such as going across valleys or over hills, the line has enough flexibility to conform to the surface of the earth. I.e., with a 12 inch diameter line, it can be constructed as a straight line, picked up, put into a ditch and the ditch can curve around mountains and over hills. Also, in reasonable weather conditions, the welding can be done in the open or with nothing more than shields or other protection from the sun and wind. This is reasonable where the temperature is perhaps no lower than 10°F or no hotter than 110°F. However, in extreme temperatures, both for the efficiency of the workmen and for the metalurgical properties of the welds themselves, there needs to be better temperature control.
These problems are particularly acute when welding a large diameter pipeline, e.g., 48 inches diameter. When the diameter of the pipeline is this great, the pipeline does not have sufficient flexibility to conform to surface irregularities of the earth. I.e., to make curves or to go over hills or across valleys, the flexibility of the pipe cannot be depended upon and it is necessary to fabricate the line to account for curves, both laterally for going around mountains and vertically boing over hills or through valleys.
(Other specific examples of the prior art were discovered by patentability searches made before the filing of this application. Photocopies of the search report are attached to the application, but they form no part of this application. Also attached to the appliction is a request for transfer of three Disclosure Documents, set out below:
Document No. Date 002339 6-15-70 002465 7-6-70 003775 12-21-70
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
1. New and Different Function
I have solved these problems by enclosing the pipe within a house while the pipe is being fabricated to protect it from the extremes of temperature, particularly cold temperatures, and also to protect the workmen from temperature extremes to increase their working efficiency. Therefore, the pipeline is fabricated within an enclosed shelter. The enclosed shelter has a tail or a sleeve which encircles the completed pipeline so it gradually cools to the ambient temperature.
As stated before, the pipeline itself will be fabricated with all the turns, humps, rises and deviations of the surface of the earth in it. It will not be expectd to flex greatly from the time it is fabricated until the time it is placed in its finished, supported position. The finally supported position of the line in the ditch will be leveled or graded so there are no abrupt changes in it. However, for reasons of economy, the path of travel of the house or vehicle wherein the pipeline will be fabricated will not be level.
Therefore, I have solved the problem by permitting the pipe to float or move within the house wherein it is fabricated. I.e., the pipe can move laterally to the right or to the left freely; if the line is to have a right curve or left curve, the pipe will be fabricated with this curve and it will move through the house upon carriages, which move to the right or to the left, always being centered under the pipe. The pipe will be fabricated vertically above its final resting place within the ditch or upon the piers and will move, after fabrication, vertically downward to its prepared support position. Also, to go over humps in the earth, the pipe may rise or lower or sink within the housing. Basically, the pipe is fabricated a fixed distance above the support position in the bottom of the ditch and then lowered into place. I have found that the carriage moving within the housing can move laterally if they are mounted on trucks or bearings so they readily move from side to side and the stiffness of the pipe itself will guide them. In a way, this may be compared to the "tail wagging the dog." The already fabricated pipe will be secured in place in its prepared supports and then the rigidity of the pipe will cause the carriages to move to the proper place within the house, even though this may be to the right or the left.
For the vertical positions of the carriage, I have found it desirable to have all the carriages mounted on rack and pinion. However, I find it easier to explain the system as having them on hydraulic cylinders and have all the cylinders connected to a common source of hydraulic fluid; therefore, there will be the same pressure exerted on each cylinder. One cylinder might be higher or lower, depending upon the configuration of the pipe at that point, but each will support the pipe a like amount, thereby not placing an undue strain upon the pipe.
The house will follow the pipe, the house being supported so it can be raised or lowered upon each of its ground engaging and propulsion means. If the pipe gets too close to the top of the house, the entire house can be raised, the house following the pipe, rather than making th pipe follow the house. Each of the pillars or legs, which support the house, are adjustable so as the house moves over rough terrain, the legs will move up and down or the hose will remain in the desired position and the legs will extend or retract so they will always contact the terrain.
2. Objects of the Invention
An object of this invention is to lay a large diameter pipeline over rough terrain in extreme climate.
Further objects are to achieve the above with a device that is sturdy, compact, durable, lightweight, simple, safe, efficient, versatile, and reliable, yet inexpensive and easy to manufacture, operate, and maintain.
Other objects are to achieve the above with a method that is versatile, rapid, efficient, and inexpensive and does not require skilled people to adjust, operate, and maintain.
The specific nature of the invention, as well as other objects, uses, and advantages thereof, will clearly appear from the following description and from the accompanying drawing, the different views of which are not necessarily to the same scale.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pipe laying machine according to this invention.
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a machine according to this invention, showing it operating to lay pipe in a ditch.
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view showing the machine laying pipe in a ditch, with parts broken away for clarity.
FIG. 4 is a side elevational view showing a portion of the machine as it would lay pipe onto piers.
FIG. 5 is a detail of one of the roller jacks taken substantially on line 5--5 of FIG. 2 with parts broken away for clarity.
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of one of the roller jacks taken substantially on line 6--6 of FIG. 3 with parts broken away for clarity.
FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view taken substantially on line 7--7 of FIG. 2 showing the joint between house sections.
FIG. 8 is a detail of rack and pinion unit used to elevate the house on the pillar with parts broken away for clarity.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 9--9 of FIG. 8 showing details of construction.
FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view of the machine as it would be used to lay pipe into a ditch.
FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the machine laying pipe in a ditch.
FIG. 12 shows a partial longitudinal sectional view through the machine, taken substantially on line 12--12 of FIGS. 13 and 14. The lengths of certain parts are aforeshortened for clarity, and other parts are broken away for clarity.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially on line 13--13 of FIGS. 12 and 14.
FIG. 14 is a top sectional view taken substantially on line 14--14 of FIGS. 12 and 13.
FIG. 15 is a partial sectional view taken substantially on line 15--15 of FIG. 13 showing details of construction.
FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 13; somewhat schematic in nature to illustrate a hydraulic system for floating the pipe in the house.
FIG. 17 is a phantom respective view of yet another modification for floating the pipe through the house, this modification using a block and tackle.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Forward section 10 of the house is supported by four pillars. These are designated as two forward pillars 12, one at each of the forward corners of the forward section 10 of the house and two after pillars 14, one at each after corner of the forward section 10 of the house. Rear section 16 of the house is supported at its forward point by a ball socket joint 18 and at the rear by two rear pillars 20. At the bottom of each of the pillars there is a ground engaging and propulsion means 22. This ground engaging and propulsion means is illustrated as a track laying vehicle. Such track laying vehicles as form the ground engagement and propulsion means 22 are known to the art as well as their controls and their interconnections. (For example, units are commercially available from Oil Industries Manufacturing and Engineering, Inc., 320 West First St., Odessa, Texas). Therefore, units have not been illustrated nor are they described in detail. Also, although they are illustrated as track laying vehicles, those skilled in the art will also understand that they could utilize pneumatic tires.
The forward pillars 12 are attached by rack and pinion unit 24 to either end of axle 25. The axle 25 is pivoted at the center to support the front of the forward section 10 of the house. The top of the pillars 12 are telescoped within rings 27, which are mounted upon either end of cross-bar 29 which is mounted for free lateral or sliding traverse movement to the direction of travel at the top of the forward section 10. The cross-bar 29 with the rings 27 are to stabilize the position of the ground engaging and propulsion means 22 on the bottom of the pillars 12.
The connection of each of the pillars 14 and 20 to the house sections 10 and 16 are by similar rack and pinion joint 24. Therefore, a typical unit 24 for one of the after pillars 14 is shown. (FIGS. 8 and 9). There it is shown that the pillar 14 has a rack 26 attached to the pillar or formed integral with the pillar. Pinion 28 meshes with the rack 26 so rotation of the pinion raises or lowers the rack. The pinion 28 is journaled to a block which is connected to the forward house section 10. The pinion 28 is rotated by its connection to gear 30. The gear is operated by worm 32 wich is turned by motor 34. It will be understood that the motor rotation of the worm 32 in one direction causes the pillar to rise, but rotation of the worm in the opposite direction causes the pillar to lower the house. Also, in the event of any failure, the weight of the house operating on the pinon 28 will exert pressure upon the worm 32, but the weight of the house upon the worm 32 will not rotate the worm 32 and therefore, in the event of power failure or in the event of a broken shaft from the motor, the house will not fall. As a safety feature, two or more pinion units 24 could be employed upon each pillar.
The rack and pinion units 24 are controlled by means (manual or automatic), which are not shown, but which will be understood by those skilled in the art. These control means maintain the houses 10 and 16 level, laterally, and, also, maintain pipe 36 centered through the house as nearly as possible. Specifically, tee forward pillars 12 will be raised or lowered in the event the forward portion of the pipe 36 gets too close to the top of the hose or too close to the bottom of the house. As between the right and left pillar 12, if the axle is not substantially even as from one side of the house to the other, one forward pillar 12 will be raised and the other forward pillar 12 will be lowered, causing the axle 25 to be substantially level. Likewise, on the after pillars 14, they will both be raised or lowered in unison in the event the pipe 36 gets too close to the top or the bottom of the house at the after end of the forward section 10. If the forward section 10 itself tilts to the right or the left, one after pillr 14 will be lowered and the other raised to maintain the forward section 10 level. As between the right and left pillars 20, one will be raised and the other lowered to maintain the rear section 16 of the house level. Also, the rear pillars 20 will be raised and lowered in unison to maintain the pipe 36, leaving the rear of the house in a desired position. Normally, the desired position for the pipe 36 to leave the rear section 16 will be close to the floor. It will be understood that the pipe 36 from the rear section is discharged over its prepared support path for the finished line. This may be in the case of ditch 38 in one type of terrain and line design. It might be upon piers 40 in another type design. However, in either event, in normal design, it is desirable to keep the pipe 36 near the floor of the rear section 16 as it is discharged from the back thereof.
The house is guided over the prepared support path for the finished line. I.e., if the finished line 36 is to be placed into ditch 38, the pipeline 36 itself is constructed vertically over the prepared support path so the only movement of the line after it has been fabricated is vertically downward into its prepared support position. Therefore, the guidance of the ground engaging and propulsion means 22 is to keep the house over the prepared support position, which is either the ditch 38 or piers 40. Therefore, it may be seen that there is an inter-relationship between the design of the finished pipeline 36 and the design of the pipe-laying machine itself. Specifically, there will be a design consideration of what radius turn or what curve the pipeline 36 can make in a horizontal plane. The results of this design will determine the width of the house sections 10 and 16 because the house must be wide enough to accommodate all of the twists and turns that the pipeline 36 may take within the house. Therefore, if the pipeline is to have sharp bends, the width of the house must be wider. If the pipeline were to be absolutely straight, the house would need to be only wide enough to accommodate the workmen on either side of the pipe. However, for practical reasons, the line will not be straight and therefore, once the design criteria of the radius of curvature permitted in the horizontal support path is determined, the width of the house can be determined. Likewise, the height of the house will be determined by the amount of curvature or how sharp of bends will be permitted in the pipeline in a vertical plane.
To accommodate for certain of these bends and turns, the ball and socket joint 18 is mounted on traveler 42 on the after end of the forward section 10. That way additional flexibility is achieved. The space between the forward house and the rear house is covered by flexible material called accordion 44.
Thus it may be seen that I have provided a house within which the pipe can be fabricated, the house being adapted to move over rough terrain, but still permits the pipeline 36 to be fabricatd vertically above its prepared support path and lowered directly into position after fabriction.
Within the house, the pipeline 36 is supported by rollers 46 which are mounted upon brackets 48. Stanchions 50 support each of the brackets.
Trucks 52 are mounted for lateral or transverse travel in tracks 54 from one side of the house to the other. The stanchions 50 are mounted upon the tracks 52. The brackets are mounted for vertical movement up and down the stanchions 50. The brackets 48 are mounted for movement up and down the stanchions 50 so each roller 46 has the same amount of stress against the pipe 36 as the other rollers (assuming that the rollers are evenly spaced; if the rollers are not evenly spaced, each roller would support or push upward against the pipe 36 an amount in proportion to the length of span of the pipe that it did support). The trucks 52 are free wheeling or mounted for free movement from side to side within the house.
Therefore, carriages 56 (the term carriages is used to include the brackets 48 and the stanchions 50) are free to move from side to side to follow the pipe 36 as it moves within the house. (Actually the house will move from side to side around the pipe since the pipe will be fabricated above the prepared support path such as ditch 38 and the pipe will not move except vertically downward into the ditch. However, for terms of expression, it is spoken of here as though the pipe moved within the house although, actually, it is the other way around). Also, the pipe is free to move up and down.
It is believed that the vertical movement of the pipe is most easily explained and understood by referring to a hydraulic system (FIG. 16), although I prefer not to use a hydraulic system. According to the illustration of the hydraulic system, the stanchions are in the form of ram 58, which is attached to the trucks 52. The brackets are mounted upon cylinders 60 which are placed over the rams 58. All of the cylinders 60 are connected together or to common source 62 of hydraulic fluid under pressure. Therefore, it may be seen with the hydraulic system, the pipeline 36 will float upon the pressurized hydraulic fluid and each roller 46 will push upward by pressure or stress which is the same for all of the brackets because the cylinders 60 are all connected to a common source 62 of hydraulic fluid. If some cylinder goes down, some other cylinder must go up. Also, if the fabricated pipe 36 gets too high in the house sections 10 and 16, the hydraulic fluid can be released from the source 62 and the pipeline will move downward. If the pipeline gets too low, additional fluid may be pumped into the source 62 and the pipe will rise. It will be noted that in the hydraulic unit, addition or removal of fluid in the source 62 does not necessarily increase or decrease the pressure but merely repositions the pipe within the house.
The disadvantage with the hydraulic system is that if there is a rupture in the system, i.e., a break in the hydraulic lines or cylinders or vessels anywhere in the system, the entire system will collapse. Of course, check valves and safety devices can be installed at different points along the system, however, these check and safety devics are not as dependable and trustworthy as a rack and pinion system.
Therefore, I prefer to use a rack and pinion system 65 (FIG. 15) similar to the rack and pinion system 24 used on each of the pillars 12, 14, and 20. Strain gauge 64 is attached on each of the brackets 48; therefore, the bracket 48 is moved up and down on the stanchion 50 so a constant pressure is maintained between each roller 46 and the fabricated pipe 36. Each system 64 includes pinion 66 working against the rack 68 in the stanchion 50. The pinion is rotated by worm 70 which is connected to a suitable motor 72. The motor 72 is controlled in normal sequence in response to signals produced by the strain gauge 64, but under special circumstances, all the motors 72 can be operated to raise the pipe or all the motors can be operated to lower the pipe.
There is only one means for keeping the house sections 10 and 16 laterally level and this is control of the pillars 12, 14, and 20. However, there is a dual control for maintaining the position of the pipe, i.e., it can be controlled by raising and lowering all of the carriages 56 within the house or it can be controlled by raising and lowering all of the pillars outside the house.
There is no effort made to control the position of the fabricated pipeline 36. The pipeline is fabricated in position and thereafter, floats in position as it moves vertically downward into its prepared support position. The house is guided around the pipeline, moving forward so it always surrounds the pipeline.
At the forward end of the forward section 10 of the house, there is pipe-handling equipment area 73 to pick up the pre-shaped joints of pipe 74 which have been placed along the prepared support path in the form of ditch 38 or piers 40 and fed into the forward end of the section 10 to be connected together. A portion of the top of the house can be used for auxillary equipment, lunch room, etc., 76, for the crew.
Decks 78 or platforms are provided for the equipment and the workmen between carriages 56. A yoke, elevator, or loop harness 80 is provided around each of the brackets 48. The width of the yoke 80, measured from forward to rear, is sufficient to surround the stanchion 50. The inside of the yoke 80 has a track 82 which fits over rollers 84 mounted upon the brackets 48. The yoke 80 on either end (lateral extremity) rides in vertical tracks 86 mounted along the walls 88 of the house sections 10 and 16. Therefore, as the brackets 48 move vertically upward and downward along the stanchion 50, they carry the yoke 80 vertically up and down and the edges of the yoke ride up and down in the vertical tracks 86. As the brackets, together with the stanchions 50 and the trucks 52, move horizontally and laterally from side to side, they are free to move side to side as provided by the rollers 84 rolling within the tracks 82 on the yoke.
Each section of the deck 78 has wheel unit 90 which rides upon flange 92 extending on either side (forward or rear) of the yoke 80. Therefore, any individual yoke 80 can raise or lower, even though the adjacent yoke 80 may remain stationary or be moving in the opposite direction. The decks 78 will be maintained approximately in the same position with respect to the fabricated pipeline 36. As stated above, it is contemplated that the work upon the pipe 36 would be performed only when the house was stationary and no attempt would be made to work upon the pipe at those intervals when the house was being moved forward along the fabricated pipe 36.
The space between one deck section 78 and the next (void space within the yoke 80) is readily filled by tracks 94 attached to a chain much the same as the "caterpillar" tracks are attached to a chain in a track laying vehicle. As the brackets 48 move from side to side within the yoke 80, these tracks 94 roll on rollers 96 on the yoke 80. Thus a place is provided for workmen to walk from one deck section 78 to the next. The rollers 96 are journaled beneath yoke 80 on either end thereof, as illustrated. The other end of each of the track units 94 are attached to the brackets 48. Therefore, a continuous working floor is provided by the combination of the various deck sections 78 between yokes 80 and the track units 94 over the void in the yoke 80.
FIG. 17 illustrates yoke or elevator 180 supported from the sides 88 of the house along the vertical track 86 by block and tackle system 182. Truck 184 on tracks 186 of the yoke 180 supports the bracket 48 and the roller 46. With this arrangement, the carriage 156 would include the yoke 180, truck 184, bracket 48, rollers 46, together with the vertical track 86 and the cable system 182.
It will be noted that the various drawings show men welding upon the pipe 36 in the fabrication thereof. In a pipeline of this size, there will be four or five beads in each weld and these welds will be performed at successive stations (perhaps two beads being applied at each station or otherwise). Also, there are many operations besides the welding, i.e., the operations would be welding, X-raying, preparing for wrapping and otherwise fabricating the line. Although the welding has been illustrated as being done manually, in many installations, it is done by automatic welding equipment. However, all of these steps are understood in the art and therefore, manual welding is shown merely for the purpose of illustration and all of the steps are contemplated.
As previously stated, this machine finds its greatest use in extremely frigid climates. One of the advantages of the machine is that heater 114 warms the house to a suitable working environment for the men and equipment which will fabricate the line. However, considering the particular problem where the machine is used to fabricate pipe in extremely frigid climates, it is necessary to provide a transition from the relatively warm temperature within the house (e.g., 50°F) to the frigid temperature outside the house (perhaps -50°F). I have done this by providing a sleeve 100 to surround the pipe after it leaves the rear of the rear section 16. This sleeve can be made of fabric material so air of controlled temperature can be blown through tubes 101 to the sleeve 100 to maintain it at proper temperature.
To properly support the pipe after it has been fabricated, a plurality of roller jacks 102 are used to support the pipe. These jacks 102 are trailed behind the rear house 16 by a flexible tension element such as cable 104 or a chain. Each roller jack has a ground engaging element such as skid 106 and a roller 108 which rolls beneath the pipe 36 supporting it. The roller is supported by a bracket upon a stanchion 110, providing a stress upon the pipe 36 proportional to the length of the pipe being supported the same as the rollers 46. As illustrated, the sack or sleeve 100 extends for the first two roller jacks 102 and therefore, it is necessary for the sleeve 100 to completely encircle the entire mechanism of the first roller jack above the skid 106. It is also contemplated that the last roller jack 112, before the pipe is placed upon the prepared support within the ditch 38, would not be vertically movable, but would be a fixed position above the prepared support. At some point, the transition must be made between the movable support and the prepared fixed support path within the ditch 38.
When the pipeline 36 is to be placed upon supports upon the piers 40, the pipeline will be discharged from the rear of the rear section 16, being only a slight amount above the support position of the piers 40 and there will be no support jacks between the rear of the house and the prepared support path upon the pier 40.
Thus it may be seen that I have provided a machine to meet the objects of this invention.
The embodiments shown and described above are only exemplary. I do not claim to have invented all the parts, elements or steps described. Various modifications can be made in the construction, material, arrangement, and operation, and still be within the scope of my invention. The limits of the invention and the bounds of the patent protection are measured by and defined in the following claims. The restrictive description and drawing of the specific example above do not point out what an infringement of this patent would be, but are to enable the reader to make and use the invention.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to metal working and the process of mechanical manufacture, the process of mechanical assembly or joining together pieces of pipe with a progressively advancing work station, (29/429). The invention is related to earth engineering or pipe laying with the work station and the guiding of the pipe into a ditch, (61/72.5). Also, the invention could be considered an article handling machine for pipe laying, (214/1).
2. Description of the Prior Art
In laying small or medium size pipelines, it is possible to weld the line beside the ditch where it is to be placed and then relay upon the flexibility of line so the line may be picked up and put into the ditch. Furthermore, for crossing rough terrain such as going across valleys or over hills, the line has enough flexibility to conform to the surface of the earth. I.e., with a 12 inch diameter line, it can be constructed as a straight line, picked up, put into a ditch and the ditch can curve around mountains and over hills. Also, in reasonable weather conditions, the welding can be done in the open or with nothing more than shields or other protection from the sun and wind. This is reasonable where the temperature is perhaps no lower than 10°F or no hotter than 110°F. However, in extreme temperatures, both for the efficiency of the workmen and for the metalurgical properties of the welds themselves, there needs to be better temperature control.
These problems are particularly acute when welding a large diameter pipeline, e.g., 48 inches diameter. When the diameter of the pipeline is this great, the pipeline does not have sufficient flexibility to conform to surface irregularities of the earth. I.e., to make curves or to go over hills or across valleys, the flexibility of the pipe cannot be depended upon and it is necessary to fabricate the line to account for curves, both laterally for going around mountains and vertically boing over hills or through valleys.
(Other specific examples of the prior art were discovered by patentability searches made before the filing of this application. Photocopies of the search report are attached to the application, but they form no part of this application. Also attached to the appliction is a request for transfer of three Disclosure Documents, set out below:
Document No. Date 002339 6-15-70 002465 7-6-70 003775 12-21-70
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
1. New and Different Function
I have solved these problems by enclosing the pipe within a house while the pipe is being fabricated to protect it from the extremes of temperature, particularly cold temperatures, and also to protect the workmen from temperature extremes to increase their working efficiency. Therefore, the pipeline is fabricated within an enclosed shelter. The enclosed shelter has a tail or a sleeve which encircles the completed pipeline so it gradually cools to the ambient temperature.
As stated before, the pipeline itself will be fabricated with all the turns, humps, rises and deviations of the surface of the earth in it. It will not be expectd to flex greatly from the time it is fabricated until the time it is placed in its finished, supported position. The finally supported position of the line in the ditch will be leveled or graded so there are no abrupt changes in it. However, for reasons of economy, the path of travel of the house or vehicle wherein the pipeline will be fabricated will not be level.
Therefore, I have solved the problem by permitting the pipe to float or move within the house wherein it is fabricated. I.e., the pipe can move laterally to the right or to the left freely; if the line is to have a right curve or left curve, the pipe will be fabricated with this curve and it will move through the house upon carriages, which move to the right or to the left, always being centered under the pipe. The pipe will be fabricated vertically above its final resting place within the ditch or upon the piers and will move, after fabrication, vertically downward to its prepared support position. Also, to go over humps in the earth, the pipe may rise or lower or sink within the housing. Basically, the pipe is fabricated a fixed distance above the support position in the bottom of the ditch and then lowered into place. I have found that the carriage moving within the housing can move laterally if they are mounted on trucks or bearings so they readily move from side to side and the stiffness of the pipe itself will guide them. In a way, this may be compared to the "tail wagging the dog." The already fabricated pipe will be secured in place in its prepared supports and then the rigidity of the pipe will cause the carriages to move to the proper place within the house, even though this may be to the right or the left.
For the vertical positions of the carriage, I have found it desirable to have all the carriages mounted on rack and pinion. However, I find it easier to explain the system as having them on hydraulic cylinders and have all the cylinders connected to a common source of hydraulic fluid; therefore, there will be the same pressure exerted on each cylinder. One cylinder might be higher or lower, depending upon the configuration of the pipe at that point, but each will support the pipe a like amount, thereby not placing an undue strain upon the pipe.
The house will follow the pipe, the house being supported so it can be raised or lowered upon each of its ground engaging and propulsion means. If the pipe gets too close to the top of the house, the entire house can be raised, the house following the pipe, rather than making th pipe follow the house. Each of the pillars or legs, which support the house, are adjustable so as the house moves over rough terrain, the legs will move up and down or the hose will remain in the desired position and the legs will extend or retract so they will always contact the terrain.
2. Objects of the Invention
An object of this invention is to lay a large diameter pipeline over rough terrain in extreme climate.
Further objects are to achieve the above with a device that is sturdy, compact, durable, lightweight, simple, safe, efficient, versatile, and reliable, yet inexpensive and easy to manufacture, operate, and maintain.
Other objects are to achieve the above with a method that is versatile, rapid, efficient, and inexpensive and does not require skilled people to adjust, operate, and maintain.
The specific nature of the invention, as well as other objects, uses, and advantages thereof, will clearly appear from the following description and from the accompanying drawing, the different views of which are not necessarily to the same scale.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pipe laying machine according to this invention.
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a machine according to this invention, showing it operating to lay pipe in a ditch.
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view showing the machine laying pipe in a ditch, with parts broken away for clarity.
FIG. 4 is a side elevational view showing a portion of the machine as it would lay pipe onto piers.
FIG. 5 is a detail of one of the roller jacks taken substantially on line 5--5 of FIG. 2 with parts broken away for clarity.
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of one of the roller jacks taken substantially on line 6--6 of FIG. 3 with parts broken away for clarity.
FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view taken substantially on line 7--7 of FIG. 2 showing the joint between house sections.
FIG. 8 is a detail of rack and pinion unit used to elevate the house on the pillar with parts broken away for clarity.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 9--9 of FIG. 8 showing details of construction.
FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view of the machine as it would be used to lay pipe into a ditch.
FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the machine laying pipe in a ditch.
FIG. 12 shows a partial longitudinal sectional view through the machine, taken substantially on line 12--12 of FIGS. 13 and 14. The lengths of certain parts are aforeshortened for clarity, and other parts are broken away for clarity.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially on line 13--13 of FIGS. 12 and 14.
FIG. 14 is a top sectional view taken substantially on line 14--14 of FIGS. 12 and 13.
FIG. 15 is a partial sectional view taken substantially on line 15--15 of FIG. 13 showing details of construction.
FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 13; somewhat schematic in nature to illustrate a hydraulic system for floating the pipe in the house.
FIG. 17 is a phantom respective view of yet another modification for floating the pipe through the house, this modification using a block and tackle.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Forward section 10 of the house is supported by four pillars. These are designated as two forward pillars 12, one at each of the forward corners of the forward section 10 of the house and two after pillars 14, one at each after corner of the forward section 10 of the house. Rear section 16 of the house is supported at its forward point by a ball socket joint 18 and at the rear by two rear pillars 20. At the bottom of each of the pillars there is a ground engaging and propulsion means 22. This ground engaging and propulsion means is illustrated as a track laying vehicle. Such track laying vehicles as form the ground engagement and propulsion means 22 are known to the art as well as their controls and their interconnections. (For example, units are commercially available from Oil Industries Manufacturing and Engineering, Inc., 320 West First St., Odessa, Texas). Therefore, units have not been illustrated nor are they described in detail. Also, although they are illustrated as track laying vehicles, those skilled in the art will also understand that they could utilize pneumatic tires.
The forward pillars 12 are attached by rack and pinion unit 24 to either end of axle 25. The axle 25 is pivoted at the center to support the front of the forward section 10 of the house. The top of the pillars 12 are telescoped within rings 27, which are mounted upon either end of cross-bar 29 which is mounted for free lateral or sliding traverse movement to the direction of travel at the top of the forward section 10. The cross-bar 29 with the rings 27 are to stabilize the position of the ground engaging and propulsion means 22 on the bottom of the pillars 12.
The connection of each of the pillars 14 and 20 to the house sections 10 and 16 are by similar rack and pinion joint 24. Therefore, a typical unit 24 for one of the after pillars 14 is shown. (FIGS. 8 and 9). There it is shown that the pillar 14 has a rack 26 attached to the pillar or formed integral with the pillar. Pinion 28 meshes with the rack 26 so rotation of the pinion raises or lowers the rack. The pinion 28 is journaled to a block which is connected to the forward house section 10. The pinion 28 is rotated by its connection to gear 30. The gear is operated by worm 32 wich is turned by motor 34. It will be understood that the motor rotation of the worm 32 in one direction causes the pillar to rise, but rotation of the worm in the opposite direction causes the pillar to lower the house. Also, in the event of any failure, the weight of the house operating on the pinon 28 will exert pressure upon the worm 32, but the weight of the house upon the worm 32 will not rotate the worm 32 and therefore, in the event of power failure or in the event of a broken shaft from the motor, the house will not fall. As a safety feature, two or more pinion units 24 could be employed upon each pillar.
The rack and pinion units 24 are controlled by means (manual or automatic), which are not shown, but which will be understood by those skilled in the art. These control means maintain the houses 10 and 16 level, laterally, and, also, maintain pipe 36 centered through the house as nearly as possible. Specifically, tee forward pillars 12 will be raised or lowered in the event the forward portion of the pipe 36 gets too close to the top of the hose or too close to the bottom of the house. As between the right and left pillar 12, if the axle is not substantially even as from one side of the house to the other, one forward pillar 12 will be raised and the other forward pillar 12 will be lowered, causing the axle 25 to be substantially level. Likewise, on the after pillars 14, they will both be raised or lowered in unison in the event the pipe 36 gets too close to the top or the bottom of the house at the after end of the forward section 10. If the forward section 10 itself tilts to the right or the left, one after pillr 14 will be lowered and the other raised to maintain the forward section 10 level. As between the right and left pillars 20, one will be raised and the other lowered to maintain the rear section 16 of the house level. Also, the rear pillars 20 will be raised and lowered in unison to maintain the pipe 36, leaving the rear of the house in a desired position. Normally, the desired position for the pipe 36 to leave the rear section 16 will be close to the floor. It will be understood that the pipe 36 from the rear section is discharged over its prepared support path for the finished line. This may be in the case of ditch 38 in one type of terrain and line design. It might be upon piers 40 in another type design. However, in either event, in normal design, it is desirable to keep the pipe 36 near the floor of the rear section 16 as it is discharged from the back thereof.
The house is guided over the prepared support path for the finished line. I.e., if the finished line 36 is to be placed into ditch 38, the pipeline 36 itself is constructed vertically over the prepared support path so the only movement of the line after it has been fabricated is vertically downward into its prepared support position. Therefore, the guidance of the ground engaging and propulsion means 22 is to keep the house over the prepared support position, which is either the ditch 38 or piers 40. Therefore, it may be seen that there is an inter-relationship between the design of the finished pipeline 36 and the design of the pipe-laying machine itself. Specifically, there will be a design consideration of what radius turn or what curve the pipeline 36 can make in a horizontal plane. The results of this design will determine the width of the house sections 10 and 16 because the house must be wide enough to accommodate all of the twists and turns that the pipeline 36 may take within the house. Therefore, if the pipeline is to have sharp bends, the width of the house must be wider. If the pipeline were to be absolutely straight, the house would need to be only wide enough to accommodate the workmen on either side of the pipe. However, for practical reasons, the line will not be straight and therefore, once the design criteria of the radius of curvature permitted in the horizontal support path is determined, the width of the house can be determined. Likewise, the height of the house will be determined by the amount of curvature or how sharp of bends will be permitted in the pipeline in a vertical plane.
To accommodate for certain of these bends and turns, the ball and socket joint 18 is mounted on traveler 42 on the after end of the forward section 10. That way additional flexibility is achieved. The space between the forward house and the rear house is covered by flexible material called accordion 44.
Thus it may be seen that I have provided a house within which the pipe can be fabricated, the house being adapted to move over rough terrain, but still permits the pipeline 36 to be fabricatd vertically above its prepared support path and lowered directly into position after fabriction.
Within the house, the pipeline 36 is supported by rollers 46 which are mounted upon brackets 48. Stanchions 50 support each of the brackets.
Trucks 52 are mounted for lateral or transverse travel in tracks 54 from one side of the house to the other. The stanchions 50 are mounted upon the tracks 52. The brackets are mounted for vertical movement up and down the stanchions 50. The brackets 48 are mounted for movement up and down the stanchions 50 so each roller 46 has the same amount of stress against the pipe 36 as the other rollers (assuming that the rollers are evenly spaced; if the rollers are not evenly spaced, each roller would support or push upward against the pipe 36 an amount in proportion to the length of span of the pipe that it did support). The trucks 52 are free wheeling or mounted for free movement from side to side within the house.
Therefore, carriages 56 (the term carriages is used to include the brackets 48 and the stanchions 50) are free to move from side to side to follow the pipe 36 as it moves within the house. (Actually the house will move from side to side around the pipe since the pipe will be fabricated above the prepared support path such as ditch 38 and the pipe will not move except vertically downward into the ditch. However, for terms of expression, it is spoken of here as though the pipe moved within the house although, actually, it is the other way around). Also, the pipe is free to move up and down.
It is believed that the vertical movement of the pipe is most easily explained and understood by referring to a hydraulic system (FIG. 16), although I prefer not to use a hydraulic system. According to the illustration of the hydraulic system, the stanchions are in the form of ram 58, which is attached to the trucks 52. The brackets are mounted upon cylinders 60 which are placed over the rams 58. All of the cylinders 60 are connected together or to common source 62 of hydraulic fluid under pressure. Therefore, it may be seen with the hydraulic system, the pipeline 36 will float upon the pressurized hydraulic fluid and each roller 46 will push upward by pressure or stress which is the same for all of the brackets because the cylinders 60 are all connected to a common source 62 of hydraulic fluid. If some cylinder goes down, some other cylinder must go up. Also, if the fabricated pipe 36 gets too high in the house sections 10 and 16, the hydraulic fluid can be released from the source 62 and the pipeline will move downward. If the pipeline gets too low, additional fluid may be pumped into the source 62 and the pipe will rise. It will be noted that in the hydraulic unit, addition or removal of fluid in the source 62 does not necessarily increase or decrease the pressure but merely repositions the pipe within the house.
The disadvantage with the hydraulic system is that if there is a rupture in the system, i.e., a break in the hydraulic lines or cylinders or vessels anywhere in the system, the entire system will collapse. Of course, check valves and safety devices can be installed at different points along the system, however, these check and safety devics are not as dependable and trustworthy as a rack and pinion system.
Therefore, I prefer to use a rack and pinion system 65 (FIG. 15) similar to the rack and pinion system 24 used on each of the pillars 12, 14, and 20. Strain gauge 64 is attached on each of the brackets 48; therefore, the bracket 48 is moved up and down on the stanchion 50 so a constant pressure is maintained between each roller 46 and the fabricated pipe 36. Each system 64 includes pinion 66 working against the rack 68 in the stanchion 50. The pinion is rotated by worm 70 which is connected to a suitable motor 72. The motor 72 is controlled in normal sequence in response to signals produced by the strain gauge 64, but under special circumstances, all the motors 72 can be operated to raise the pipe or all the motors can be operated to lower the pipe.
There is only one means for keeping the house sections 10 and 16 laterally level and this is control of the pillars 12, 14, and 20. However, there is a dual control for maintaining the position of the pipe, i.e., it can be controlled by raising and lowering all of the carriages 56 within the house or it can be controlled by raising and lowering all of the pillars outside the house.
There is no effort made to control the position of the fabricated pipeline 36. The pipeline is fabricated in position and thereafter, floats in position as it moves vertically downward into its prepared support position. The house is guided around the pipeline, moving forward so it always surrounds the pipeline.
At the forward end of the forward section 10 of the house, there is pipe-handling equipment area 73 to pick up the pre-shaped joints of pipe 74 which have been placed along the prepared support path in the form of ditch 38 or piers 40 and fed into the forward end of the section 10 to be connected together. A portion of the top of the house can be used for auxillary equipment, lunch room, etc., 76, for the crew.
Decks 78 or platforms are provided for the equipment and the workmen between carriages 56. A yoke, elevator, or loop harness 80 is provided around each of the brackets 48. The width of the yoke 80, measured from forward to rear, is sufficient to surround the stanchion 50. The inside of the yoke 80 has a track 82 which fits over rollers 84 mounted upon the brackets 48. The yoke 80 on either end (lateral extremity) rides in vertical tracks 86 mounted along the walls 88 of the house sections 10 and 16. Therefore, as the brackets 48 move vertically upward and downward along the stanchion 50, they carry the yoke 80 vertically up and down and the edges of the yoke ride up and down in the vertical tracks 86. As the brackets, together with the stanchions 50 and the trucks 52, move horizontally and laterally from side to side, they are free to move side to side as provided by the rollers 84 rolling within the tracks 82 on the yoke.
Each section of the deck 78 has wheel unit 90 which rides upon flange 92 extending on either side (forward or rear) of the yoke 80. Therefore, any individual yoke 80 can raise or lower, even though the adjacent yoke 80 may remain stationary or be moving in the opposite direction. The decks 78 will be maintained approximately in the same position with respect to the fabricated pipeline 36. As stated above, it is contemplated that the work upon the pipe 36 would be performed only when the house was stationary and no attempt would be made to work upon the pipe at those intervals when the house was being moved forward along the fabricated pipe 36.
The space between one deck section 78 and the next (void space within the yoke 80) is readily filled by tracks 94 attached to a chain much the same as the "caterpillar" tracks are attached to a chain in a track laying vehicle. As the brackets 48 move from side to side within the yoke 80, these tracks 94 roll on rollers 96 on the yoke 80. Thus a place is provided for workmen to walk from one deck section 78 to the next. The rollers 96 are journaled beneath yoke 80 on either end thereof, as illustrated. The other end of each of the track units 94 are attached to the brackets 48. Therefore, a continuous working floor is provided by the combination of the various deck sections 78 between yokes 80 and the track units 94 over the void in the yoke 80.
FIG. 17 illustrates yoke or elevator 180 supported from the sides 88 of the house along the vertical track 86 by block and tackle system 182. Truck 184 on tracks 186 of the yoke 180 supports the bracket 48 and the roller 46. With this arrangement, the carriage 156 would include the yoke 180, truck 184, bracket 48, rollers 46, together with the vertical track 86 and the cable system 182.
It will be noted that the various drawings show men welding upon the pipe 36 in the fabrication thereof. In a pipeline of this size, there will be four or five beads in each weld and these welds will be performed at successive stations (perhaps two beads being applied at each station or otherwise). Also, there are many operations besides the welding, i.e., the operations would be welding, X-raying, preparing for wrapping and otherwise fabricating the line. Although the welding has been illustrated as being done manually, in many installations, it is done by automatic welding equipment. However, all of these steps are understood in the art and therefore, manual welding is shown merely for the purpose of illustration and all of the steps are contemplated.
As previously stated, this machine finds its greatest use in extremely frigid climates. One of the advantages of the machine is that heater 114 warms the house to a suitable working environment for the men and equipment which will fabricate the line. However, considering the particular problem where the machine is used to fabricate pipe in extremely frigid climates, it is necessary to provide a transition from the relatively warm temperature within the house (e.g., 50°F) to the frigid temperature outside the house (perhaps -50°F). I have done this by providing a sleeve 100 to surround the pipe after it leaves the rear of the rear section 16. This sleeve can be made of fabric material so air of controlled temperature can be blown through tubes 101 to the sleeve 100 to maintain it at proper temperature.
To properly support the pipe after it has been fabricated, a plurality of roller jacks 102 are used to support the pipe. These jacks 102 are trailed behind the rear house 16 by a flexible tension element such as cable 104 or a chain. Each roller jack has a ground engaging element such as skid 106 and a roller 108 which rolls beneath the pipe 36 supporting it. The roller is supported by a bracket upon a stanchion 110, providing a stress upon the pipe 36 proportional to the length of the pipe being supported the same as the rollers 46. As illustrated, the sack or sleeve 100 extends for the first two roller jacks 102 and therefore, it is necessary for the sleeve 100 to completely encircle the entire mechanism of the first roller jack above the skid 106. It is also contemplated that the last roller jack 112, before the pipe is placed upon the prepared support within the ditch 38, would not be vertically movable, but would be a fixed position above the prepared support. At some point, the transition must be made between the movable support and the prepared fixed support path within the ditch 38.
When the pipeline 36 is to be placed upon supports upon the piers 40, the pipeline will be discharged from the rear of the rear section 16, being only a slight amount above the support position of the piers 40 and there will be no support jacks between the rear of the house and the prepared support path upon the pier 40.
Thus it may be seen that I have provided a machine to meet the objects of this invention.
The embodiments shown and described above are only exemplary. I do not claim to have invented all the parts, elements or steps described. Various modifications can be made in the construction, material, arrangement, and operation, and still be within the scope of my invention. The limits of the invention and the bounds of the patent protection are measured by and defined in the following claims. The restrictive description and drawing of the specific example above do not point out what an infringement of this patent would be, but are to enable the reader to make and use the invention.