NL2017868B1

NL2017868B1 - Method of installing a protective coating

Info

Publication number: NL2017868B1
Application number: NL2017868A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Caruso Ivano
Original assignee: Heerema Marine Contractors Nl
Priority date: 2016-11-24
Filing date: 2016-11-24
Publication date: 2018-06-01
Also published as: WO2018097718A1

Abstract

The present invention relate to a support device configured for holding a pre-heated coating sheet and moving the pre-heated coating sheet from a remote position to a coating position on a pipeline or pipe section, the device comprising: - a support frame comprising at least a first curved frame part and a second curved frame part which are movable relative to one another between an open state and a closed state, wherein in the open state the first and second curved frame part define an opening for a pipeline or pipe section, wherein in the closed state the first and second curved frame part surround a cylindrical volume which is configured for accommodating the pipeline or pipe section, - at least one sheet holder arranged on an inner side of the support frame and supported by the support frame, the at least one sheet holder being configured to engage the pre-heated coating sheet and support the preheated coating sheet on an inner side of the support frame during the movement of the support frame, - a transport drive configured for moving the support frame in the open state from the remote position to the coating position, - a frame part actuator for moving the first curved frame part and second curved frame part relative to one another from the open state to the closed state for bending the pre-heated coating sheet which is held by the at least one sheet holder around the circumference of the pipeline or pipe section.

Description

Title: Method of installing a protective coating FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to improvements in the field of pipe coating.

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method and support device configured for holding a pre-heated coating sheet and moving the pre-heated coating sheet from a remote position to a coating position on a pipeline or pipe section.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method and system for heating a coating sheet constructed to form a coating on a pipeline or pipe section.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method and support device for applying pressure on a pre-heated coating sheet which is folded around a pipeline or pipe section.

The present invention further relates to a coating sheet for making a pipe coating. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The laying of pipelines on a seabed has seen a tremendous growth over the last decades. The driving factor for this development was and is the exploration and production of hydrocarbons in ever deeper waters. As a consequence, the technology of laying pipelines from a pipeline laying vessel has also seen tremendous developments. Nowadays, the depths at which pipelines are currently laid exceed well over 3000 meter. Furthermore, the speed at which pipelines are laid is also continuously increasing.

Generally, subsea pipelines are provided with a coating. The coating has several advantages. One advantages is that the coating provides a thermal insulation.

Hydrocarbons which flow from a borehole may be warm or hot and should not cool excessively during transport through the pipeline, because wax in the hydrocarbons may solidify be deposited on the inner wall of the pipeline. This may result in clogging of the pipeline. The coating keeps the hydrocarbons warm during transport.

Another advantage of the coating is mechanical protection of the pipeline. The coating prevents the pipeline from being damaged. Another advantage is corrosion prevention. The coating prevents the sea water from contacting the pipe wall, which is generally made of steel.

The coating of the pipelines is therefore an important aspect of marine pipelay.

Coating generally involves a coating process of the individual pipe sections which make up a pipeline. A large portion of the individual pipe sections are coated. Only the ends are left bare in order to allow end-to-end welding of the pipe sections into a pipeline. After the weld is made, the weld region (also called the joint) is coated in a separate process. The coating of joints may be carried out on shore, when several pipe sections are welded into a quad joint or hex joint, comprising respectively four or six pipe sections.

The coating of the joints may also take place on a pipeline laying vessel during the pipelay process itself. This kind of coating of joints is generally referred to as a field joint coating (FJC), because it is a joint coating which is made in the field.

In general, quality and speed are crucial in the pipeline laying industry. This also applies to the coating process. Both the coating of the lengths of the individual pipe sections and the coating of the joints on shore and in the field needs to be performed with a high quality and at a high speed.

The speed aspect applies in particular to FJC’s. Vessels that lay pipeline may cost in excess of 1 billion Euro and as a consequence they have very high daily operating costs. A typical pipeline laying project may take several weeks and every hour that can be saved in such a project drives down the costs.

In the present invention it was recognized that the available methods of coating have certain drawbacks.

One important limiting factor in the speed of pipeline laying operations is that after a new pipe section has been welded to the free end of the pipeline, the joint (generally called field joint) must be coated with a Field Joint Coating. The process of applying a Field Joint Coating lies on the critical path.

The ends of each pipe section (which pipe section may be a hex joint or quad joint) are bare, in order to allow the welding of the pipe section to the free end of the pipeline. After the welding is completed, the Field Joint Coating is applied.

Currently, there are several methods for making an FJC. Each method has its own advantages and limitations. 1. Injection moulding. This method involves a mould which is positioned around the Field Joint (FJ) area. The mould is then filled with a molten, liquid plastic such as polypropylene. Next, the plastic cools off until it has completely solidified. Subsequently the mould is removed. The method generally also involves the application of an anti-corrosion coating such as fusion bonded epoxy (FBE) prior to applying the plastic. Often, an adhesive is also applied on the anti-corrosion coating.

The injection moulding method works, but it has a drawback that a lot of heat needs to be applied to melt the plastic. Subsequently the same heat needs to be removed from the material in a cool-down period in order to solidify the coating. The subsequent cool-down period is quite long because the plastic itself is thermally insulating. Therefore, the heat dissipates very slowly, and this slows down the entire pipe laying process. A FJC with injection moulding may take 10-20 minutes to manufacture. If the pipeline laying process is carried out with hex-joints (6 interconnected pipes section of 12 meter plus a forging of 3 meter is 75 meter) then every 75 meter a 10-20 minute delay is incurred. If six pipe sections are laid on an average day then the making of the FJC’s may cost in the order of one to two hours per 24 hours.

The method has an additional drawback in that it is a complex process. Many parameters need to be controlled. It is also a sensitive process, because a change in the viscosity of the molten material or the amount of heat applies may lead to a lower quality of the coating. The method further requires expensive and bulky equipment. 2. Heat shrink sleeves. (HSS) A sleeve of a heat shrink material is positioned around the Field Joint area. Subsequently, heat is applied and the sleeve shrinks. The heat is often applied with manually operated torches. Automated heat application means are also possible. The application of heat is difficult. It is in particular difficult to apply the heat in a uniform manner. This leads to a disadvantage in that the quality of these FJC’s is not consistent. For this reason HSS is discontinued by many pipeline owners or operators. 3. Spiral tape wrapping. The entire FJ area is wrapped with tape. This method works for horizontal pipe (S-lay) but has not yet been proven to work satisfactorily for vertical pipe (J-lay). This method is extremely time consuming as it involves heating, double winding and compressing a strip of coating which is much narrower than the FJ (typically 1/10th to 1 /20th of the FJ axial length) 4. “Cigarette” wide tape wrapping. This is a variant of tape wrapping wherein a tape is used which has a same width as the length of the Field Joint area. In this way, spiral wrapping is not necessary to ensure coverage of the entire substrate. However, multiple turns need to be performed to achieve the specified thickness. Generally , the tape is supplied as roll consumable or extruded on the spot with an extrusion machine and a roller is used to apply pressure on the tape during the wrapping process. WO2015/079249A1 discloses a system of the prior art which is a variant to injection moulding. Instead of pumping a liquid thermoplastic material into a mould and letting the material harden, two bodies of thermoplastic material are positioned within a mould around the Field joint area. Next, the bodies are heated and molten in the mould. The bodies then are attached to the pipeline and to each other. Subsequently , the bodies are cooled again in order to harden. Next, the mould is removed and the FJC is ready.

The system of WO2015/079249A1 has a disadvantage in that the heating and cooling off of the thermoplastic material is carried out in the critical path. This takes a lot of time and consequently this system is very slow. Moreover, the handling of the bodies and the mould is quite difficult, which makes this system very cumbersome. Adhesion to the substrate is also questionable due to the coexistence of materials with different often opposite behaviours (e.g. thermoplastic and thermosetting) W02008107759A1 discloses another system in which a thermoplastic sheet is laid on a supporting sheet. Subsequently, the combination of the thermoplastic sheet and the supporting sheet is wound around the pipeline. This system has various disadvantages.

First, the application of heat to the thermoplastic sheet is quite difficult. The thermoplastic sheet is in a horizontal orientation and there is no practical method disclosed or available to apply the heat in such a situation.

Furthermore, the handling of the thermoplastic sheet is difficult. Because the coating sheet is oriented horizontally, it will tend to sag bend when picked up at the edges or picked up at one edge. This method is in particular not suitable for J-lay, because in J-lay the pipeline is essentially vertical.

Further, the system relies on the principle of rollers pressing the coating sheet to the substrate in order to create the necessary adhesion. This means that any minor misalignment, any malfunction of the rollers or any of the moving parts (e.g. bearings, supporting brackets, motors, systems to control the pressure, the speed and the extent of the rotation) may cause the pressure to be locally inadequate. This may compromise the adhesion of the coating sheet to the substrate or the integrity of the coating sheet itself (e.g. deformation, indentations in areas where the pressure is excessive)

Another disadvantage is that the supporting sheet and the pressing mechanism/components (rollers, etc.) must be dimensioned specifically to the geometry of the substrate; variations of the FJ size (typical tolerance on the axial length is -0/+60mm to the nominal value) require adjustment to such components of the machine. This makes the method of W02008107759A1 very cumbersome.

Also, the supporting sheet must be flexible enough to be wound around the substrate, yet stiff enough to transmit the pressure to the coating sheet. In practice it is quite difficult to achieve a proper rigidity/flexibility of the supporting sheet.

The coating of separate pipe sections on shore is generally carried out with an extrusion process.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an objective of the invention to provide a system and method with which a high quality coating of a pipe section or a joint can be made.

It is another objective of the invention to provide a system and method with which a more robust FJC can be made than with the prior art. Robust in this context means: performing as required under a wider range of conditions, in particular performing as required under the heavy loads which are exerted on the FJC after the manufacture.

It is another objective of the invention to provide a system and method with which an FJC can be made with simpler equipment.

It is another objective of the invention to provide a system and method with which an FJC can be made with less energy than according to the prior art.

It is another objective of the invention to provide a system and method with which an FJC can be made faster than with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

First aspect of the invention: support device and method configured for holding a preheated coating sheet

In a first aspect, the invention provides a support device configured for holding a preheated coating sheet and moving the pre-heated coating sheet from a remote position at a distance from a pipeline or pipe section to a coating position on a pipeline or pipe section, the device comprising: - a support frame comprising at least a first curved frame part and a second curved frame part which are movable relative to one another between an open state and a closed state, wherein in the open state the first and second curved frame part define an opening for a pipeline or pipe section, wherein in the closed state the first and second curved frame part surround a cylindrical volume which is configured for accommodating the pipeline or pipe section, - at least one sheet holder arranged on an inner side of the support frame and supported by the support frame, the at least one sheet holder being configured to engage the pre-heated coating sheet and support the preheated coating sheet on an inner side of the support frame during the movement of the support frame, - a transport drive configured for moving the support frame in the open state from the remote position to the coating position, - a frame part actuator for moving the first curved frame part and second curved frame part relative to one another from the open state to the closed state for bending the pre-heated coating sheet which is held by the at least one sheet holder around the circumference of the pipeline or pipe section.

The invention advantageously provides an alternative way of applying a coating sheet on a pipeline or pipe section.

The remote position may be a treatment position, in particular a heating position. The remote position may also be a storage position.

In comparison with the present prior art, several advantages may be provided: - a reduction of the cycle time is possible because any and/or all of the following is possible: pre-heating of the coating sheet is performed in non-critical time, pre-heating of the coating sheet is performed on specifically selected areas to reduce the cool down stage required for the solidification of the coating sheet or to avoid it altogether, applied coating is capable of withstanding mechanical loads earlier after the application is complete compared to the existing art, no revolutions or windings around the substrate are necessary to achieve the specified thickness; - the quality of applied coating is improved by eliminating the risk of air entrapment, voids, inter-layer delamination which ultimately compromise the adhesion to the substrate - the reliability of the equipment is increased thanks to the drastically reduced number of components used and parameters to be monitored and / or kept under control; - shape variations of the substrate to be coated can be coped with within range;

In an embodiment, the sheet holder comprises a first sheet holder part having a shape of a part of a cylinder an connected to the first curved frame part and a second sheet holder part having a shape of a part of a cylinder and connected to the second curved frame part. This provides the benefit that the coating sheet can be held in a shape in which it can be easily applied to a pipeline or pipe section.

In an embodiment, the support device comprises a pressing system arranged on an inner side of the curved frame parts, the pressing system being configured to press the preheated coating sheet against the pipeline or pipe section. The pressing system advantageously allows a later pressing operation for applying the coating sheet on a pipeline or pipe section.

In an embodiment, the pressing system comprises one or more inflatable bodies which are constructed to be inflated from an empty state to a filled state for pressing the preheated coating sheet against the pipeline or pipe section once the device is in the closed state and surrounds the pipeline or pipe section. It was found that this way or pressing allows a very uniform pressure to be created, resulting in a very effective bonding of the coating sheet onto the pipeline or pipe section.

In an embodiment, at least one inflatable body is positioned on a pipeline side of the support frame and wherein the at least one sheet holder is arranged on an inner side of the inflatable body. The sheet holder effectively holds the coating sheet in the desired position.

In an embodiment, the inflatable body has an at least partially curved shape, in particular the shape of a part of a cylinder. This shape advantageously allows a very effective bonding of the coating sheet to the pipeline or pipe section.

In an embodiment, the first curved frame part and the second curved frame part are interconnected by a hinging connection. The hinging connection allows an accurate pivoting movement of the curved frame parts relative to one another.

In an embodiment, the support frame comprises a third frame part, wherein the third curved frame part is pivotable relative to the second curved frame part via a second hinging connection. In this way, the support frame has a central part and two “doors” which effectively allow the support device to be positioned around a pipeline or pipe section.

In an embodiment, the at least one sheet holder comprises a manifold body comprising an internal air duct, an outlet opening and suction members . Suction was found to allow a very well controllable supporting of the coating sheet. The sheet holder may also comprise physical supports such as a toe rest to support the heated sheet in the support device. The toe rest may be combined with the inflatable body.

In an embodiment, the support device comprises a first sheet holder which is connected to the first curved frame part and a second sheet holder which is connected to the second curved frame part or in case of a support frame having three curved frame parts, a first sheet holder which is connected to the first curved frame part, a second sheet holder which is connected to the second curved frame part and a third sheet holder which is connected to the third curved frame part. This configuration allows both a very accurate positioning and an accurate and well controlled support of the coating sheet.

In an embodiment, the at least one sheet holder is indirectly connected to the support frame via the pressing system. In this way the pressure of the pressing system is exerted onto the coating sheet via the sheet holder.

In an embodiment, the support device comprises a base which is movable on tracks by the drive, an actuator for moving a support section comprising the first part, second part and third part up and down, and an actuator for moving the support section in a lateral direction. This embodiment allows a three dimensional movement procedure from the heating device to the pipeline or pipe section which is to be coated.

In the first aspect, the present invention further relates to a method for holding a preheated coating sheet and moving the pre-heated coating sheet from a remote position at a distance from a pipeline or pipe section to a coating position on a pipeline or pipe section, the method comprising: - engaging the pre-heated coating sheet in the remote position by at least one sheet holder of the support device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a first sheet part is held in a first curved shape by a first curved frame part and a second sheet part is held in a second curved shape by a second curved frame part, wherein the first and second curved frame part hold the pre-heated coating sheet in an open state which defines an access for the pipeline or pipe section, - moving the support frame in the open state by the transport drive from the remote position to the coating position at the pipeline or pipe section, - moving the first curved frame part and the second curved frame part relative to one another from the open state to the closed state by the frame part actuator, wherein the pre-heated coating sheet is bent around the circumference of the pipeline or pipe section and engages the circumference of the pipeline or pipe section and forms a cylindrical pipe coating.

The method provides the same advantages as the device.

In an embodiment, the pre-heated coating sheet is supported in an open state prior to moving the coating sheet to the coating position, wherein the coating sheet comprises a first sheet part which has the shape of a part of a cylinder and a second sheet part which has the shape of a part of a cylinder, said first and second sheet part being connected by an intermediate sheet part, wherein the coating sheet comprises a first end portion and a second end portion which in the open state are at a distance from one another, the method comprising folding the pre-heated coating sheet around the pipe section or pipeline and letting the first end portion and second end portion engage one another. It was found that this way of positioning the coating sheet involves relatively few movements and deformations of the coating sheet, and results in an accurate and well controlled positioning.

In an embodiment, the intermediate sheet part forms a living hinge and is bent during the bending of the sheet around the pipeline or pipe section. In this way good use is made of the flexibility of the coating sheet during the positioning step.

In an embodiment, the method comprises pressing the pre-heated coating sheet with a pressing system against the pipeline or pipe section during a pressing time period, during which pressing time period an adhesion of the coating sheet to the substrate is achieved and the coating sheet cools off. The pressing results in a high quality bond between the coating sheet and the pipeline.

In an embodiment, the pressing system comprises one or more inflatable bodies, wherein the one or more inflatable bodies are inflated from an empty state to a filled state and press the coating sheet against the pipeline or pipe section. The pressure of the one or more inflatable bodies can be accurately controlled and uniformly applied.

In an embodiment, the method comprising pressing the pre-heated coating sheet against the pipeline or pipe section according to a pre-established pressure-time curve during which the pressure is varied. This makes it possible to apply the pressure in a specific way and for instance in dependence of the temperature or other parameters.

In an embodiment, the pressure is applied on the pre-heated coating sheet in different pressure zones by associated different inflatable bodies, and wherein the pressure in a first pressure zone is different from the pressure in a second pressure zone. In this embodiment a high pressure can be applied where it is needed, and a relatively low pressure can be applied where possible.

In an embodiment, a layer of fusion bonded epoxy (FBE) is applied to the pipeline or pipe section and wherein a layer of adhesive is applied onto the FBE prior to the moving of the pre-heated coating sheet to the coating position. This increases the corrosion resistance of the resulting pipe coating.

In an embodiment, the first and second curved frame part are locked around the pipeline or pipe section with a locking device prior to the pressurization step. This allows a high pressure to be generated on the coating sheet with relatively little deformation of the curved frame.

In an embodiment, the coating sheet has an inner, pipeline side and an outer side, and wherein the coating sheet is pre-heated before being moved to the coating position, wherein the coating sheet is pre-heated only on the pipeline side of the coating sheet, wherein the pipeline side is brought into a softened ormolten state, wherein the pipeline side is subsequently pressed against the pipeline in the pressing step. This effectively reduces the amount of energy needed for the coating operation and reduces the time needed for the cooling off of the coating. This is a very focussed way of applying heat. The heat required to promote adhesion is now applied onto ‘half molten material’.

In an embodiment, the pre-heated coating sheet is moved from the remote position to the coating position in a vertical orientation. This was found to be very effective for J-lay. In another embodiment, the pre-heated coating sheet is moved to the coating position in a vertical orientation. This embodiment is in particular suitable for S-lay or for coating a pipeline or pipe section on shore, for instance in a spool base. For reel lay, the pipeline or pipe section may be horizontal, vertical or even inclined.

In an embodiment, the at least one sheet holder comprises suction members and the coating sheet is supported by applying suction on the coating sheet by the suction members. Suction allows an accurate and well controlled support of the coating sheet

After the bending step a single pre-heated coating sheet fully surrounds a circumference of the pipeline or pipe section.

In an embodiment, the coating sheet is applied on a Field Joint area where two pipe sections are joined together in an end-to end relationship, wherein the coating sheet extends on both sides of the joint. The present invention is in particular suitable to make a Field Joint Coating.

In an embodiment, the coating sheet is applied on a Field Joint area where two pipe sections are joined together in an end-to end relationship, wherein the joint is formed by a J-lay installation on board a pipeline laying vessel. In J-lay, the pipeline extends substantially vertically and the present invention was found to very effective for manufacturing pipe coating in a substantially vertical orientation.

In an embodiment, during the bending step the curvature of the coating sheet is changed, in particular by pivoting the first curved frame part relative to the second curved frame part, wherein the coating sheet is wrapped around the pipeline, wherein a first and second end region of the coating sheet meet one another and form a seam. In this way, the coating sheet completely encircles the pipeline or pipe section with a predetermined and relatively little deformation.

In an embodiment, the first and second end region overlap. The overlapping ensures a complete sealing of the pipeline or pipe section.

In an embodiment, the first and second end region are connected to one another by pressing them onto one another with the pressing device and letting the previously applied heat form the connection between the first and second end region. This is a very simple and effective way of making the connection.

In an embodiment, at least one edge in the end region of the coating sheet is chamfered. The chamfered edge prevents sudden transitions in the outer side of the resulting pipe coating.

In an embodiment, the coating sheet comprises a first main area and a second main area and a weld bead area, wherein in the weld bead area the coating sheet has a thickness which is greater than the thickness of the first and second main areas, wherein in the positioning step the weld bead area is positioned on a weld bead on the pipeline or pipe section, wherein the weld bead area is in particular a band extending across the coating sheet dividing the first main area from the second main area. The weld bead area provides a thicker pipe coating where it is needed, i.e. in the region of the weld bead.

In an embodiment, the method is carried out on a pipeline installation vessel during a pipeline laying operation, wherein the method of pipelay is in particular J-lay and wherein the coating sheet is held substantially vertically throughout the process.

In an embodiment, the method is carried out on a pipe section on shore. The present invention is also suitable to be carried out on shore, either on joints between pipe section or as a coating extending along the length of an individual pipe section, wherein the ends of the pipe section are generally not coated to allow welding of the ends.

In an embodiment, during the step of moving the pre-heated coating sheet from the remote position to the coating position the coating sheet has a curved shape and is in an open state. This reduces the required deformations of the coating sheet during the entire procedure and improves the quality of the resulting pipe coating.

In an embodiment, the remote position is a heating position where the coating sheet is pre-heated. This is the basic configuration of the invention.

In an embodiment, during the moving step the coating sheet is lifted upward from the heating device. This movement reduces a risk of collision between the coating sheet and the heating device . It also allows the heating device to have a larger diameter than a gap between the ends of the coating sheet in the heating position. This in turn allows the heating elements to be positioned very close to the coating sheet.

Second aspect of the invention, system and method for heating a coating sheet

In a second aspect, which can be viewed independently from the first aspect, the invention provides a system for heating a coating sheet constructed to form a coating on a pipeline or pipe section, the system comprising: - a support device configured to support the coating sheet in a heating position, the support device comprising a support frame and at least one sheet holder supported by the support frame, wherein the sheet holders are configured to collectively support the coating sheet, - a heating device comprising a plurality of heating elements arranged to heat only a part of the coating sheet.

Because the heating device only heats a part of the coating sheet, energy can be saved. Also a subsequent cooling off period can be shorter, because less energy needs to be dissipated. This increases the speed of coating a pipeline or pipe section and ultimately increases the pipelay process.

Furthermore, a part of the coating sheet which is not heated stays hard and can be used to engage the coating sheet with a sheet holder. This advantageously allows supporting the coating sheet in the desired position during the heating and allow subsequently moving the coating sheet to the pipeline or pipe section and positioning the coating sheet around the pipeline or pipe section.

In an embodiment, wherein the heating elements are arranged to heat only one side of the coating sheet in the heating position. Because the other side of the coating sheet is not heated, this side stays hard and can be engaged to hold, move and position the coating sheet.

In an embodiment, the support device is configured to support the coating sheet in an at least partially curved form during the heating, defining an inner side and an outer side of the support sheet, and wherein the heating device is configured to heat the inner side. Because the outer side stays hard, it can be engaged hold, move and position the coating sheet. Moreover, an inflatable body can be used to press against the outer side to press the coating sheet against the pipeline or pipe section which is to be coated.

In an embodiment, the heating elements are mounted on a central frame, wherein the support device supports the coating sheet in a form in which it at least partially surrounds the heating elements, wherein the heating elements are arranged to radiate heat outwardly and radially away from the central frame and toward the coating sheet. This allows the coating sheet to have shape which is quite similar to the shape of the pipeline or pipe section to be coated and reduces required deformations of the coating sheet during the coating process.

In an embodiment, the support device is configured for moving the heated sheet from the heating position to a pipeline or pipe section and for pressing the heated sheet against the pipeline to form the coating. This obviates a need for any handover of the coating sheet from a separate support device used during the heating to a separate support device used for moving the coating sheet.

In an embodiment, the support device comprises a support frame and an inflatable body positioned on a pipeline side of the support frame for pressing the heated sheet against a pipeline or pipe section. Advantageously, the support device can also press the coating sheet onto the pipeline or pipe section with a very uniform and/or well controlled pressure.

In an embodiment, the support frame comprises a first curved frame part and a second curved frame part adapted to extend around at least a part of the pipeline or pipe section, wherein the first curved frame part and the second curved frame part are movable relative to one another between a closed position and an open position, wherein the support device comprises a frame part drive for closing the first and second curved frame part around the pipeline or pipe section. This arrangement provides a benefit in that the support device can fully surround a pipeline or pipe section which is to be coated.

In an embodiment, the support device is configured to move the heated sheet from the heating position to the coating position in an at least partially curved form.

In an embodiment, a trajectory from the heating position to the coating position comprises a first trajectory part which is directed upward, wherein the support device is configured to move the heated sheet away from the heating position in the upward direction along said first trajectory part.

In an embodiment, the support device comprises at least a first curved frame part and a second curved frame part interconnected by a hinging connection.

In an embodiment, the support device comprises the first curved frame part, the second curved frame part and a third curved frame part, wherein the third curved frame part is pivotable relative to the second curved frame part via a second hinging connection.

In an embodiment, the heating device extends upward from a floor, wherein the heating device comprises a plurality of heating elements, which in top view are arranged in a curved shape, in particular in a C-shape.

The heating elements may be radiant heating elements. The radiant heating elements may be infra red lamps.

In the second aspect, the invention further relates to a method of heating a coating sheet constructed to form a coating on a pipeline or pipe section with the system for heating a coating sheet, the method comprising: - supporting the coating sheet with a support device at a heating device, - heating only a part of the coating sheet with the heating device.

In an embodiment, wherein the coating sheet has an inner side intended to be positioned against the pipeline or pipe section and wherein only the inner side is heated, wherein the inner side is brought into a softened or molten state and wherein an outer side remains in a solid state.

In an embodiment, the coating sheet is supported in an at least partially curved form during the heating.

In an embodiment, the heating elements are mounted on a central frame and wherein the support device supports the coating sheet in a form in which it at least partially surrounds the heating elements, wherein the heating elements radiate heat outwardly and radially away from the central frame and toward the coating sheet.

In an embodiment, the method comprises: a. heating a part of the coating sheet in the heating position during a first time period (T1) with the heating device, b. moving the coating sheet comprising the heated part from the heating position to the pipeline or pipe section and positioning the coating sheet around the pipeline or pipe section to be coated, wherein the heated sheet engages the pipeline or pipe section and surrounds the circumference of the pipeline, c. pressing the coating sheet against the pipeline during a second time period (T2), during which second time period an adhesion of the coating sheet to the substrate is achieved and the coating sheet cools off.

In an embodiment, the coating sheet is pressed against the pipeline or pipe section according to a pre-established pressure-time curve, wherein the applied pressure is measured during the pressing and wherein the pressure is maintained until pre-determined pressure values are achieved over the entire sheet or over a part of the coating sheet.

In an embodiment, the pressure is applied on the coating sheet in different pressure zones by associated different inflatable bodies, and wherein the pressure in a first pressure zone is different from the pressure in a second pressure zone.

In an embodiment, the coating sheet is heated and moved from the heating position to the pipeline or pipe section to be coated in a vertical orientation.

In an embodiment, the heating position is located at a distance from the pipeline and the support device is movable and is configured to move the coating sheet from the heating position to the coating position, wherein the support device picks up the coating sheet at the heating position and holds the coating sheet during the movement from the heating position to the coating position.

In an embodiment, the support device comprises at least one sheet holder which comprises suction members and wherein the coating sheet is supported by applying suction on the coating sheet by the suction members.

In an embodiment, a single sheet fully surrounds the circumference of the pipeline.

In an embodiment, during the positioning step the curvature of the coating sheet is changed by the support device, in particular by pivoting a first curved frame part and a second curved frame part relative to one another, wherein the coating sheet is wrapped around the pipeline, wherein a first and second end region of the coating sheet meet one another and form a seam.

In an embodiment, the first and second end region overlap.

In an embodiment, the first and second end region are connected to one another by pressing with the support device and letting the previously applied heat form the connection between the first and second end region.

In an embodiment, the coating sheet comprises a first main area and a second main area and a weld bead area, wherein in the weld bead area the coating sheet has a thickness which is greater than the thickness of the first and second main areas, wherein in the positioning step the weld bead area is positioned on a weld bead of a joint between two pipe sections, wherein the weld bead area is in particular a band extending across the coating sheet dividing the first main area from the second main area.

In an embodiment, the support device comprises at least a first curved frame part and a second curved frame part which are interconnected by a hinging connection, and wherein the first curved frame part and the second curved frame part are movable relative to one another from an open state to a closed state, wherein during the positioning step the first and second curved frame part are moved into the closed state and wherein during the pressing step the support device remains closed.

In an embodiment, during the heating step the coating sheet has a C-shape and extends at least partially around the heating device.

In an embodiment, during the moving step the coating sheet is lifted upward from the heating device.

Third aspect of the invention: support device and method for applying pressure on a pre-heated coating sheet

In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a support device for applying pressure on a pre-heated coating sheet which is folded around a pipeline or pipe section, the support device comprising: - a support frame comprising at least a first curved frame part and a second curved frame part which are movable relative to one another between an open state and a closed state, wherein in the open state the first and second curved frame part define an opening for the pipeline or pipe section, wherein in the closed state the first and second curved frame part surround a cylindrical volume which defines a pipe position and which is configured for accommodating a pipeline or pipe section, - a pressing system arranged on an inner side of the first and second curved frame parts, the pressing system comprising at least one inflatable body, wherein the at least one inflatable body is constructed to be inflated from an empty state to a filled state for pressing the pre-heated coating sheet which is positioned on the inside of the at least one inflatable body against the pipeline or pipe section.

The support device is capable of applying a controlled pressure onto the coating sheet, resulting in a high quality pipe coating. In an embodiment the support device is capable of applying a uniform pressure onto the coating sheet further improving the quality of the pipe coating.

In an embodiment, in the closed state the at least one inflatable body has an at least partially curved shape, in particular a shape of a part of a cylinder.

In an embodiment, the device comprises multiple inflatable bodies positioned on the inside of the support frame and comprising a filling system configured to inflate the inflatable bodies at different pressures. The term multiple inflatable bodies is intended to also cover an embodiment in which a single inflatable body is compartmentalized. This allows that pressure can be applied/controlled individually per compartment for better pressure control and also prevents air from being trapped.

In an embodiment, the first curved frame part and the second curved frame part are interconnected by at least one hinging connection, and are movable relative to one another between an open position and a closed position, wherein the at least one inflatable body moves with the first and second curved frame part, wherein the support device comprises a frame actuator for closing the support device around the pipeline.

In an embodiment, the support device comprises the first curved frame part, the second curved frame part and a third curved frame part interconnected by two hinging connections.

In an embodiment, the device is movable between a heating position at a heating device and a coating position at the pipeline or pipe section.

In an embodiment, the device comprises at least one sheet holder arranged on the inside of the first and second curved frame parts and configured to hold the coating sheet in position during the pressurization step.

In an embodiment, the at least one sheet holder is arranged on the inside of the at least one inflatable body, wherein the at least one sheet holder comprises in particular suction holes for applying suction on an outer side of the coating sheet.

In an embodiment, the support device comprising an entry in the inflatable body for entry of air or other fluid, wherein said entry is located in a central region of the inflatable body which is at a farthest distance from ends of the inflatable body.

The present invention further relates to a system comprising: - the support device according to the present invention, - a heating clamp unit configured to be positioned around a coated pipeline or pipe section, wherein the heating clamp unit comprises clamp heating elements arranged on an inner side of the heating clamp unit, wherein the clamp heating elements are configured to heat an outer surface of a coating on the pipeline or pipe section.

The heating clamp unit provides an advantage in that multiple layers of coating sheet can be applied onto the pipeline or pipe section on top of one another. A good bonding between the coating layers is possible with the heating clamp unit.

Invention 3 method claims

In the third aspect, the present invention further relates to a method of forming a coating on a pipeline or pipe section by pressing a pre-heated coating sheet against the pipeline or pipe section with the support device of the present invention, the method comprising: a. positioning the pre-heated coating sheet around the pipeline or pipe section and within the support device according to the present invention, wherein the pre-heated coating sheet is positioned on an inner side of the at least one inflatable body, b. inflating the at least one inflatable body by filling it with a pressurized fluid and pressing the pre-heated coating sheet against the pipeline during a cooling period, during which cooling time period the coating sheet cools off and an adhesion of the coating sheet to the pipeline or pipe section is established.

The method provides the same advantages as the support device according to the present invention.

In an embodiment, the pressing is performed according to a pre-established pressure-time curve during which the pressure is varied in time, wherein the pressure is measured.

In an embodiment, the pressure is applied on the pre-heated coating sheet with a plurality of inflatable bodies.

In an embodiment, the pressure is applied on the pre-heated coating sheet in different pressure zones by associated different inflatable bodies, and wherein the pressure in a first pressure zone is different from the pressure in a second pressure zone.

In an embodiment, a layer of fusion bonded epoxy (FBE) is applied to the pipeline or pipe section and a layer of adhesive is applied onto the layer of FBE prior to the positioning the pre-heated coating around the pipeline or pipe section.

In an embodiment, the pipeline or pipe section is oriented vertically.

In an embodiment, the coating is formed on board a pipeline laying vessel during a pipelay operation, wherein the vessel comprises a J-lay system or an S-lay system.

In an embodiment, the coating is formed on shore on a pipe section and wherein the coating covers at least 80 percent of a length of said pipe section.

In an embodiment, the pre-heated coating sheet has an inner, pipeline side and an outer side, and wherein the pipeline side is in a softened or molten state during the pressing and wherein the outer side is in a solid state during the pressing.

In an embodiment, the pre-heated coating sheet is wrapped around the pipeline, wherein a first and second end region of the coating sheet meet one another and form a seam.

In an embodiment, the first and second end region overlap.

In an embodiment, the coating sheet comprises a first main area and a second main area and a weld bead area, wherein in the weld bead area the coating sheet has a thickness which is greater than the thickness of the first and second main areas, wherein in the positioning step the weld bead area is positioned on the weld bead of a joint connecting two pipe sections, wherein the weld bead area is in particular a band extending across the coating sheet dividing the first main area from the second main area.

In an embodiment, the first curved frame part and the second curved frame part are movable relative to one another from an open position to a closed position, wherein during the positioning of the pre-heated coating sheet around the pipeline the first and second part are moved into the closed position.

In an embodiment, the pipeline or pipe section is already coated with a coating layer, and wherein prior to positioning the pre-heated coating sheet around the pipeline or pipe section with the support device, a heating clamp unit is positioned around the coated pipeline or pipe section, wherein the heating clamp unit comprises clamp heating elements arranged on an inner side of the heating clamp unit, wherein the clamp heating elements heat an outer surface of the coating on the pipeline or pipe section, and wherein subsequently the coating sheet with the heated inner side is applied on the coating layer having a heated outer surface. The use of the heating clamp unit advantageously allows applying multiple layers of coating sheets.

In an embodiment, multiple coating layers are applied on top of each other by each time heating both the outer surface of the earlier applied coating layer and the inner surface of the next coating sheet and subsequently applying said next coating sheet onto the earlier coating layer until a desired total thickness of the coating is achieved. This way of heating provides a good bonding between the inner and outer coating sheet.

In an embodiment, an initial contact location where the coating sheet contacts the pipeline or pipe section is in a central region of the support device, wherein the inflatable body bulges inward in this central region and wherein the coating sheet is initially pressed against the pipeline or pipe section in this central region, wherein an area of contact subsequently spreads out on either side of this central region and travels along the circumference of the pipeline or pipe section in the direction of the ends of the coating sheet, wherein the ends move toward one another and ultimately overlap one another to form a region of overlap and a seam. It was found that in this way the coating sheet is effectively positioned around the pipeline or pipe section and that the end position of the coating sheet is conformant with a target position. This way of positioning also results in a reliable positioning.

Coating sheet

The present invention further relates to a coating sheet for making a pipe coating, the coating sheet being manufactured from a thermoplastic material and having a length and a width and a square or rectangular shape.

In an embodiment, the coating sheet comprises a first main area and a second main area and weld bead area, wherein in the weld bead area the coating sheet has a thickness which is greater than the thickness of the first main area and the second main area, wherein the weld bead area is constructed to be positioned on a weld bead of a joint connecting two pipe sections. The coating sheet provides a thicker coating where it is needed, namely in the region of the weld bead which protrudes slightly from the outer wall of the pipeline or pipe section.

In an embodiment, the weld bead area is in particular a band extending across the coating sheet, the band dividing the first main area from the second main area. The band advantageously covers the weld bead which typically extends around the entire circumference of the pipeline.

In an embodiment, the coating sheet has at least on chamfered end region. The chafers prevent sudden transitions in the resulting pipe coating.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a heating device according to the present invention.

Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the system according to the present invention in a pickup step.

Figure 3 shows a side view of the system according to the present invention in a heating and pickup step.

Figure 4A shows an isometric view of the system according to the present invention in a first stage of a movement procedure.

Figure 4B shows an isometric view of the system according to the present invention in a next stage of a movement procedure.

Figure 5 shows a top view of the arrangement of the various parts of the system according to the present invention during the movement procedure.

Figure 6 shows a top view of the arrangement of the various parts of the system according to the present invention in a next step of the movement procedure.

Figure 7 shows a top view of the arrangement of the various parts of the system according to the present invention in a next step of the movement procedure.

Figure 8 shows a top view of the arrangement of the various parts of the system according to the present invention in a first step of an engagement procedure.

Figure 9 shows a top view of the arrangement of the various parts of the system according to the present invention during the pressing procedure in which the pipe coating is formed.

Figure 10A shows an isometric view of the arrangement of the various parts of the support device according to the present invention during the pressing procedure in which the pipe coating is formed.

Figure 10B shows another isometric view of the arrangement of the various parts of the support device according to the present invention during the pressing procedure in which the pipe coating is formed.

Figures 11A and 11B show a front view and a side view of a sheet according to the invention.

Figure 12 shows an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a support device according to the invention.

Figure 13 shows an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a heating device according to the invention.

Figure 14 shows an isometric view of another alternative embodiment of a support device according to the invention.

Figure 15 shows an isometric view of a heating clamp unit according to the present invention.

Figure 16 shows an isometric view of a the clamp heating elements of a heating clamp unit according to the present invention arranged around a pipeline.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present invention relates to multiple innovative aspects associated with multiple parts. The different parts work together to form an integral system. However, these aspects and parts can be viewed independently from one another. For a proper understanding, the different aspects and parts are explained in the way they work together to form an integral system, notwithstanding the fact that they can be considered independently from one another.

Heating step

Turning to figure 1, the system of the present invention comprises a heating device 10. With the heating device 10, a coating sheet 12 of coating material is heated to a desired temperature.

The heating device 10 has a central support 14 which extends vertically upward from a floor 16. The central support may be a frame. The heating device 10 may be positioned on board a pipeline laying vessel. A pipeline laying vessel is known in the prior art and can for instance be a J-lay vessel or an S-lay vessel. Alternatively, the heating device 10 may be positioned on shore.

The heating device comprises a plurality of heating elements 18. The heating elements 18 may be radiant heating elements. The heating elements may be infrared lamps. In top view, the heating elements are arranged in a curved shape on the central support 14, in particular in a C-shape. The heating elements 18 radiate heat outwardly, away from the central support 14. A coating sheet 12 is positioned in an at least partially curved form and extends at least partially around the heating device 10. The coating sheet does not fully surround the heating device 10. The coating sheet 12 comprises a first end portion 51 and a second end portion 52 which are at a distance from one another. The coating sheet is shown in a heating position 22. The coating sheet is heated in this curved form. In particular in top view the coating sheet may have a shape which is similar to the arrangement of the heating elements 18. Other configurations are also possible. The coating sheet Is oriented substantially vertically during the heating in case of a J-lay situation. Alternatively, in S-lay or for coating a pipe section on shore, the orientation of the heating device may be horizontal. For reel-lay, the pipeline or pipe section may be horizontal, vertical or inclined during the coating operation.

Turning to figures 11A and 11B, the coating sheet 12 is typically manufactured from a thermoplastic material and has a length L and a width W. The coating sheet typically has a square or rectangular shape, but other shapes are conceivable. The coating sheet may comprise a first main area 71 and a second main area 72 and a weld bead area 73. The weld bead area 73 is a band extending across the coating sheet, the band dividing the first main area from the second main area.

The coating sheet 12 has a thickness which may lie in the order of 5-30mm. The coating sheet 12 may have a width in the order of 20-150cm and a length in the order of 60cm to 15 meter.

The embodiment of figures 11A and 11B shows a coating sheet specifically configured for coating a joint between two pipes. In the weld bead area the coating sheet has a thickness TK2 which is greater than the thickness TK1 of the first main area 71 and the second main area 72, wherein the weld bead area is positioned on the weld bead and straddles the weld bead. A transition between the first and second main area 71,72 and the weld bead area 73 may be gradual.

Returning to figure 1, the coating sheet 12 has a pipeline side 21 and an outer side 20. The coating sheet 12 is heated only on the pipeline side 21 of the coating sheet. The pipeline side is brought into a softened or molten state or heated to a specific temperature range. The outer side of the coating sheet stays substantially hard (or solid) in the embodiments where only the pipeline side of the coating sheet is heated. This effectively reduces the amount of energy which is required for the coating operation and also reduces the time which is needed for the cooling off of the coating sheet after application on the pipeline or pipe section.

When the inner side of the coating sheet is heated to the required temperature, for instance to above 90 degrees Celsius, the coating sheet 12 is ready to be picked up and to be moved to the pipeline.

Engaging and pickup step

Turning to figure 2, the system 100 according to the present invention is shown. When the coating sheet 12 has been heated to the required temperature, a support device 30 is positioned around the coating sheet 12. The support device 30 may already support the coating sheet during the heating operation itself.

The support device 30 is movable and is configured to move the coating sheet from the heating position 22 to the Field Joint position at the pipeline as is explained further below.

The support device 30 comprises at least a first part 81 and a second part 82 which are interconnected by a hinging connection 84.

In the shown embodiment the support device 30 also comprises a third part 83. The third part 83 is connected to the second part via a second hinging connection 85. At the second hinging connection, the sheet holder 26 comprises a second intermediate part 121B which is located between the second and third sheet holder part 26B, 26C and which is configured to be bent when the third part 83 moves relative to the second part 82.

The first part 81 and third part 83 form “doors” which can open and close. The second part 82 is a central part. The second part 82 may span a circumferential angle of about 180 degrees and the first and third part may span about 90 degrees. Together, the first, second and third part can define an annulus when the support device 30 is in the closed state. The support device comprises actuators 96, 97 with which the doors can be opened or closed.

The support device 30 comprises an at least partially curved support frame 32. The curved support frame 32 comprises a first support frame part 32A, a second support frame part 32B and a support frame third part 32C. The curved support frame may be manufactured from steel or aluminium parts.

The support device comprises a pressing system 33 arrange on the inner side of the support frame 32. The pressing system 33 comprises an inflatable body 34 positioned on an inner side 36 of the support frame.

The pressing system 33 may comprise a single inflatable body 34 or multiple inflatable bodies 34A, 34B, 34C. In case of multiple inflatable bodies, each inflatable body 34A, 34B, 34C may be associated with a respective frame part 32A, 32B, 32C.

Each of the first, second and third parts 81, 82, 83 of the support device 30 then comprises a curved frame part 32A, 32B, 32C and an inflatable body 34A, 34B, 34C respectively associated with said frame part and connected to the inner side of said frame part.

Turning to figure 12, an alternative embodiment is shown wherein the support device 30 comprises only two parts 81, 82 which together can fully surround a pipeline. These two parts may be two semi-circular parts. Alternatively one part may be smaller than semicircular and the other part may be greater than semi-circular, as long as the two parts together can form an annular shape in order to surround the pipeline or pipe section to which the coating is to be applied.

Alternatively, the support device 30 may consist of four or five parts which together can fully surround a pipeline or pipe section.

Returning to figure 2, the first, second and third part 81,82, 83 are movable relative to one another from a closed position to an open position and vice versa. More in particular the first part and the third part are pivotable relative to the second part 82 about respective hinging connections 84, 85.

The coating sheet does not need to fully encircle the heating station 10 during the heating. It may be that the coating sheet only extends around 180-300 degrees around the heating station. The heating station 10 also does not need to have a same diameter as the pipeline or pipe section which is to be coated. It may be that the coating sheet has a different degree of curvature during the heating position than in the end position when it is positioned around the pipeline or pipe section.

The support device 30 comprises a pickup system 25 configured to pick up the coating sheet 12 at the heating position and to support the coating sheet during the movement procedure from the heating position to the coating position.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the pickup system 25 comprises at least one sheet holder 26 in the form of a manifold body 27 arranged on the inner side of the inflatable body 34 and connected to the inflatable body 34. The manifold body 27 comprises inner air ducts 93 (indicated in dashed lines in fig. 2) and at least one outlet opening 29 which can be connected to a suction device such as an air pump. Each manifold body 27 comprises at least one suction hole 48 via which suction can be applied on the coating sheet 12. The suction holes 48 are connected to the outlet opening 29 via the inner air ducts inside the manifold body 27.

Alternatively or additionally to the manifold body 27, the sheet holder 26 may comprise a toe rest connected to a lower region of the support frame and protruding inwards below the inflatable body 34. The coating sheet 12 may then rest with its lower edge on this inwardly protruding toe rest and in this way be supported by the sheet holder.

It is noted that the coating sheet 10 is rigid enough to stay in the required shape without each part of the coating sheet being supported. In figure 2, the ends of the C-shape are not supported but will stay in position nonetheless.

The suction holes 48 may be arranged as a band which extends horizontally across the manifold body 27. The suction holes may be configured to engage an upper portion of the coating sheet 12, so that the coating sheet becomes suspended. It is also possible that the pickup system comprises suction holes 48 which are constructed and arranged to engage a bottom portion of the coating sheet 12. In particular two or three bands of suctions holes may extend horizontally across the manifold body 27. The manifold body 27 has a flat inner surface which is configured to engage the coating sheet 12.

The manifold body 27 is curved and may be flexible at least near the hinging connections 84, 85. The manifold body is configured to deform when the parts 81,82, 83 of the support frame move relative to one another.

It is also possible that each part of the curved support frame has its own sheet holder, wherein the first curved frame part 81 has a sheet holder 26A, the second curved frame part 82 has a sheet holder 26B and the third curved frame part 81 has a sheet holder 26C. At the hinging connection 84, the sheet holder 26 has an intermediate sheet holder part 121A which is located between the first and second sheet holder parts 26A, 26B and which is configured to be bent when the first part 81 moves relative to the second part 82.

In case of a curved frame having only two hinging parts 81, 82, each curved frame part would have its own sheet holder 26A, 26B. Also in this case, the sheet holder 26 may be a manifold body with suction holes, be a toe rest, or be a combination of a manifold body and a toe rest.

For instance a plurality of manifold bodies 27A, 27B, 27C may be provided on the inner sides of the respective curved frame parts 32A, 32B, 32C. Each part 81,82, 83 of the support device 30 then comprises its own manifold body 27A, 27B, 27C.

During the heating and during the engagement of the support device with the coating sheet, the doors 81,83 may be in an open state.

In the pickup step, under pressure is created in the inner air ducts with the help of a pump (which is not part of the invention). The suction holes 48 engage the coating sheet 12 and are capable of carrying the coating sheet. The weight of the coating sheet 12 is transferred to the support device 30. The doors 81, 83 may be temporarily closed somewhat to engage the coating sheet, and reopened once the coating sheet has been engaged.

Once the pickup step is complete the coating sheet can be moved to the coating position by the support device 30.

After the support device has engaged the coating sheet and prior to the movement procedure, the doors 81,83 may be opened to create more room for maneuvering the support device 30 and to reduce a chance of collision between the support device 30 and the heating device 10.

Moving procedure

Turning to figure 3, during the movement procedure, the support device 30 moves the coating sheet from the heating position to the pipeline or pipe section to be coated. The pipeline or pipe section is at a distance from the heating position. The pipeline 40 has an upper pipe section 41 which is welded to a lower pipe section 42 at the weld 67. When the present invention is used in J-lay on board a pipelay vessel, the pipeline 40 extends substantially vertically.

The movement procedure may be a three dimensional movement. The support device 30 comprises drives and actuators to carry out this movement.

The support device 30 comprises actuators 79 for moving a holding section 74 of the support device 30 upward relative to the base 75. The holding section 74 comprises the first, second and third part 81,82, 83, the sheet holder 27 and the pickup system 25.

Turning to figures 4A, 4B and 5, the support device is first moved upward to lift the coating sheet upward and away from the heating device. The support device 30 may be in the open state during the moving procedure.

The support device 30 may comprise a base 75 having wheels 76. The wheels are driven by a drive 94. Tracks 77 are provided on a floor 78 of the installation vessel near the pipeline. The tracks extends between the heating device 10 and the pipeline 40. Alternatively, overhead rails may be provided above the floor 78 and the support device 30 is suspended from the overhead rail. The support device may also be a cart having wheels 76 which simply run directly on the floor 78, i.e. without any tracks.

The support device comprises a cantilevering beam 88 which is movable in a lateral direction 89 by an actuator 90. A cross beam 91 is mounted to an end of the cantilevering beam. A central part 32B of the curved frame is mounted to the cross-beam 91.

During the moving step the coating sheet 12 is initially lifted upward from the heating device by the support device 30 in the direction of arrow 62. This is done with the actuators 79. When the coating sheet 12 is in an upper position above the heating device 10, it is free to move horizontally.

Turning to figure 6, the support device 30 subsequently moves the coating sheet 12 laterally and horizontally away from the heating device 10 in the direction of arrow 89 with the actuator 90. Next, the support device 30 moves the coating sheet horizontally in the direction of arrow 63 with the drive 94.

Next, the support device 30 moves the coating sheet downward in the direction of arrow 64 (shown in figure 3).

In another embodiment, the heating device 10 may be positioned lower than the Field Joint Area 15. In that case, the coating sheet 12 is first lifted upward. Once the coating sheet is in the upper position above the heating device, the coating sheet can be moved in a single horizontal direction to the Field Joint position. In such an embodiment, there is no need to lower the coating sheet in the direction of arrow 63.

Turning to figure 7, the support device 30 subsequently moves the coating sheet horizontally toward the pipeline or pipe section 40 in the direction of arrow 64.

The coating sheet 12 stays in a curved form during the movement from the heating position to the Field Joint position. The first and third parts (or doors) 81,83 of the support device 30 are in the open position during the movement.

Positioning and pressing

Turning to figure 8, the support device 30 subsequently moves the coating sheet 12 laterally toward the pipeline or pipe section 40 until the part of the coating sheet 12 which is held by the central part 82 engages with the pipeline or pipe section. The Field Joint area 15 extends around the pipeline and extends vertically to both sides of the weld 67. The weld has a weld bead 68. The support device may comprise actuators for rotating the holding section relative to the base 75 in three directions. In J-lay, the pipeline 40 or pipe section need not be exactly vertical but may extend at an angle to the vertical. The holding section 74 is rotated to become aligned with the pipeline 40 or pipe section.

Turning to figures 9, 10A and 10B, subsequently the first part 81 and third part 83 of the support device are closed with the actuators 96, 97 in order to complete an annulus and let the coating sheet 12 extend fully around the pipeline 40 or pipe section . The curved frame parts 32A and 32C pivot about the hinging connection 84, 85 in order to close the annulus. A first end region 51 and a second end region 52 of the coating sheet meet one another and form a seam 53. The first and second end region 51, 52 overlap in a region of overlap 57. The seam 53 extends parallel to the pipeline axis 54. A single coating sheet 12 fully surrounds the Field Joint Area, thereby fully covering the pipeline.

Subsequently, the curved frame parts 32A, 32C are locked with locking devices 122.

Next, the inflatable body 34 (or multiple inflatable bodies) is inflated with a fluid by a pump. The fluid may be a gas or a liquid. The coating sheet 12 is pressed against the pipeline or pipe section by the pressure of the inflated body 34.

The inflating procedure may start in a central region 150 of the second part 82. To this end, the location of the entry 151 of the air or other medium may be located in this region. The central region is the region which is located at a farthest position from the ends 153, 154 of the inflatable body.

The coating sheet is initially pressed against the pipeline or pipe section in this central region first. The inflatable body 34 bulges inward between points “A” and “B” as indicated in dashed lines in figure 10A. The coating sheet engages the pipeline or pipe section between points “C” and “D” as indicated in figure 10A.

Next, the coating sheet is pressed against the pipeline or pipe section on either side of this central region 150. The area of contact spreads out on either side of these points “C” and “D” and travels along the circumference of the pipeline or pipe section in the direction of the ends 51,52 of the coating sheet 12. As a result, the ends 51,52 move toward one another and ultimately overlap one another to form a region of overlap 57 and a seam 55 as is shown in figure 10B.

The inflatable bodies are maintained under pressure during a cooling off period in order to let the heat of the inner side of the coating sheet dissipate and to let the inner side solidify. During the solidification, the coating sheet 12 bonds to the pipeline 40 or pipe section.

Furthermore, the first and second end region 51,52 are connected to one another by pressing with the support device 30 and letting the previously applied heat form the connection between the first and second end region.

The support device 30 may comprising multiple inflatable bodies positioned on the inside of the support frame. In that case the support device comprises a filling system 99 configured to inflate the inflatable bodies at different pressures.

Retracting step

In a next step, the sheet holder 27 is released. In case of suction holes 48, the under pressure is removed. The inflatable body is deflated so that sheet holder 27 comes loose from the coating sheet.

Next, the doors 81,83 are opened and the support device 30 is retracted from the pipeline or pipe section. The pipe coating is now completed.

The pipeline is then ready to be lowered and a next step in the pipeline laying cycle may commence. For materials with adequate thermal conductivity, the invention offers also the advantage of being able to install the coated FJ into sea without having to quench it. The outer side of the consumable being not heated, its mechanical resistance is improved compared to existing art.

The support device 30 is now ready to start a new cycle. During the positioning and pressing step, a new coating sheet may have been heated at the heating station 10. Obviously this is only possible if two or more support devices 30 are provided.

Alternatively, a separate support construction for supporting the coating sheet 10 at the heating station may be provided.

Although the present invention disclosure describes the making of a field joint coating comprising a coating layer of plastic which is molten on the inner side, it should be understood that the field joint coating may comprise multiple layers. For example, there may be an additional layer of primer or fusion bonded epoxy applied on the steel pipeline or pipe section prior to applying the coating sheet 12 and adhesive layers may be applied between any of the layers in the system to promote adhesion.

Further embodiment

Turning to figures 13 and 14, a further embodiment according to the present invention is shown. The embodiment relates to applying pipe coatings on individual pipe sections. This embodiment may in particular be useful for applying pipe coatings on so called “singles”, which are pipe sections having a length of 12 meter. The ends of the pipe section may be left without coating, allowing a subsequent welding operation for welding the pipe sections in an end-to-end relationship into longer pipe sections or welding the pipe sections into a pipeline.

In this embodiment, the coating sheet 12 will be substantially larger than a coating sheet for coating a joint and the coating sheet 12 will typically not have a thickened weld bead area 73.

This embodiment may be based on a heating device which is oriented horizontally and on a pipe section which has a horizontal orientation during the application of the coating sheet onto the pipe section.

The heating device 10 has a horizontal frame 14. Radiant heating elements 18 are mounted on the frame 14. The frame 14 itself is supported by a first and second post 200, 201. The coating sheet 12 is positioned around the heating device 10. The coating sheet 2 may have a C-shape. The heating of the coating sheet takes place in a same way as in the embodiment of figure 1.

Turning to figure 14, the support device 30 of this embodiment is similar to the support device shown in figure 2 with a few notable differences. First, it is longer and may have a length of 12 meter. Further it has a horizontal orientation. It is noted that the present invention is not limited to coating individual pipe sections in a horizontal orientation and the pipe section may be coated in an upright orientation.

The suction holes 48 in the sheet holder 26 may be arranged in a different configuration. For instance, the suction holes 48 may be arranged in horizontal rows. Other patterns are also possible.

Turning to figures 15 and 16, the present invention further includes the possibility of applying multiple coating sheets on top of one another until the desired thickness of the coating is achieved. A heating clamp unit 250 is provided which is configured to be positioned around a coated pipeline 40 or pipe section. The heating clamp unit 250 is known per se and comprises clamp heating elements 252 arranged on an inner side of the heating clamp unit. The clamp heating elements 252 are configured to heat an outer surface of a coating on the pipeline or pipe section.

The heating clamp unit 250 itself may comprise three parts 254A, 254B, 254C which are interconnected by two hinging connections 256A, 256B. The heating elements are arranged along an inner side 258 of the movable parts. 254A, 254B, 254C. The skilled person will recognize that a heating clamp unit 250 with only two movable parts 252A, 252B is also possible.

In use, prior to positioning the pre-heated coating sheet 12 around the pipeline or pipe section with the support device 30, the heating clamp unit 250 is positioned around the coated pipeline 40 or pipe section. The clamp heating elements 252 heat an outer surface 260 of the coating on the pipeline or pipe section. Subsequently the next coating sheet with the heated inner side is applied on the coating layer having the heated outer surface 260.

During the cooling period, the two coating layers bond with one another. The heated outer side of the earlier coating sheet bonds with the heated inner side of the next coating sheet.

In this way, multiple coating layers are applied on top of each other by each time heating both the outer surface of the earlier applied coating layer and the inner surface of the next coating sheet and subsequently applying said next coating sheet onto the earlier coating layer until a desired total thickness of the coating is achieved. For instance, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or more coating layers can be applied on top of one another.

General remarks

It is noted that one particular way of moving the coating sheet from the heating position to the coating position is disclosed, but that several other embodiments are possible. For instance, the support device 30 may be mounted on a forklift or other type of vehicle. The support device 30 may also be mounted on an overhead crane. The support device 30 may also be mounted on a robot arm having a fixed base. The transport drive 94 would then be the drive of the vehicle, the drive of the overhead crane or the drive of the robot arm. Various ways of moving the coating sheet from the heating position to the coating position are possible.

Furthermore, it is possible that a storage position is created as an intermediate position between the heating device 10 and the coating position. The storage position may be located between the heating position and the coating position. The support device can be positioned in the storage position prior to being moved to the coating position. This creates space at the heating device and allows a next sheet to be heated by the heating device. Therefore, several configurations are possible, both onshore and on a pipelay vessel.

Naturally, on a pipelay vessel the available space is somewhat limited and efficient use will need to be made of the available space. The term remote position covers both the heating position and the storage position and may also cover a treatment position in which another treatment of the coating sheet is carried out.

It is also possible that multiple heating devices are provided to further increase the speed of coating.

It will be clear that the method according to the invention will generally be carried out on a pipeline installation vessel during a pipeline laying operation. The method of pipelay may in particular be J-lay. In J-lay the coating sheet is held substantially vertically throughout the process.

However, instead of making Field joint Coatings, the present invention can also be used to make longer sections of pipe coating, in particular the main pipe coating on single joints. These pipe coatings may have a length in the order of 12 meter. In this embodiment the support device also has a length (or height) of 12 meters.

It will be recognized that an embodiment may not achieve all of the stated objects.

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention.

The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language, not excluding other elements or steps). Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims or the invention.

The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. Ondersteuningsinrichting (30) die is geconfigureerd voor het vasthouden van een voorverwarmd coatingvel (12) en het bewegen van het voorverwarmde coatingvel van een afgelegen positie op afstand van een pijpleiding of pijpdeel naar een coatingpositie op de pijpleiding (40) of pijpdeel, waarbij de inrichting omvat: - een draagframe (32) omvattende ten minste een eerste gekromd framedeel (32A) en een tweede gekromd framedeel (32B) die ten opzichte van elkaar beweegbaar zijn tussen een open toestand en een gesloten toestand, waarbij in de open toestand de eerste en tweede gekromde framedelen een opening (95) voor het pijpleiding of pijpdeel definiëren, waarbij in gesloten toestand de eerste en tweede gekromde framedelen zich rondom een cilindrisch volume uitstrekken dat is geconfigureerd voor het opnemen van de pijpleiding of het pijpdeel, - ten minste een coatingvel-houder (26) die is aangebracht op een binnenzijde van het draagframe en die wordt ondersteund door het draagframe, waarbij de ten minste ene coatingvel-houder is ingericht om aan te grijpen op het voorverwarmde coatingvel en het voorverwarmde coatingvel te ondersteunen bij een binnenzijde van het draagframe tijdens de beweging van het draagframe, - een transportaandrijving (94) die is ingericht voor het verplaatsen van het draagframe in de open toestand van de afgelegen positie naar de coatingpositie, - een framedeel actuator (96, 97) voor het bewegen van het eerste gekromde framedeel en het tweede gekromde framedeel ten opzichte van elkaar van de open toestand naar de gesloten toestand voor het buigen van het voorverwarmde coatingvel dat door de ten minste coatingvel-houder rond een omtrek van de pijpleiding of het pijpdeel wordt gehouden.A support device (30) configured to hold a preheated coating sheet (12) and move the preheated coating sheet from a remote position away from a pipeline or pipe portion to a coating position on the pipeline (40) or pipe portion, wherein the device comprises: - a support frame (32) comprising at least a first curved frame part (32A) and a second curved frame part (32B) movable relative to each other between an open state and a closed state, wherein in the open state the first and second curved frame parts define an opening (95) for the pipeline or pipe part, wherein in the closed state the first and second curved frame parts extend around a cylindrical volume that is configured to receive the pipeline or the pipe part, - at least one coating sheet holder (26) disposed on an inside of the support frame and supported by the support frame, e.g. the at least one coating sheet holder is adapted to engage the preheated coating sheet and support the preheated coating sheet at an inside of the support frame during the movement of the support frame, - a transport drive (94) adapted to move the supporting frame in the open state from the remote position to the coating position, - a frame part actuator (96, 97) for moving the first curved frame part and the second curved frame part relative to each other from the open state to the closed state for the bending the preheated coating sheet that is held by the at least coating sheet holder about a circumference of the pipeline or pipe portion.

2. Ondersteuningsinrichting volgens conclusie 1, waarbij de coatingvel-houder een eerste velhoudergedeelte (26A) heeft met een vorm van een deel van een cilinder, waarbij het eerste velhoudergedeelte is verbonden met het eerste gekromde framedeel en een tweede velhoudergedeelte (26B) met een vorm van een deel van een cilinder, waarbij het tweede velhoudergedeelte is verbonden met het tweede gekromde framedeel.The support device of claim 1, wherein the coating sheet holder has a first sheet holder portion (26A) having a shape of a part of a cylinder, the first sheet holder portion being connected to the first curved frame portion and a second sheet holder portion (26B) having a shape of a part of a cylinder, the second sheet holder part being connected to the second curved frame part.

3. Ondersteuningsinrichting volgens conclusie 1 of 2, omvattende een aandruksysteem (33) dat is aangebracht op een binnenzijde van de gekromde framedelen, waarbij het aandruksysteem is geconfigureerd om het voorverwarmde coatingvel tegen de pijpleiding of het pijpdeel aan te drukken.A support device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a pressure system (33) mounted on an inside of the curved frame parts, wherein the pressure system is configured to press the preheated coating sheet against the pipeline or pipe part.

4. Ondersteuningsinrichting volgens conclusie 3, waarbij het aandruksysteem één of meer opblaasbare organen (34) omvat die zijn geconstrueerd om te worden opgeblazen vanuit een lege toestand naar een gevulde toestand om het voorverwarmde coatingvel tegen de pijpleiding of pijpdeel aan te drukken wanneer de inrichting in gesloten toestand is en de pijpleiding of pijpdeel omringt.The support device of claim 3, wherein the pressure system comprises one or more inflatable members (34) constructed to be inflated from an empty state to a filled state to press the preheated coating sheet against the pipeline or pipe portion when the device is in closed state and surrounds the pipeline or pipe part.

5. Ondersteuningsinrichting volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het ten minste ene opblaasbare lichaam (34) is geplaatst aan een pijpleidingzijde van het draagframe en waarbij de ten minste ene velhouder (26) is aangebracht op een binnenzijde van het opblaasbare lichaam.A support device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one inflatable body (34) is disposed on a pipeline side of the support frame and wherein the at least one sheet holder (26) is mounted on an inner side of the inflatable body.

6. Ondersteuningsinrichting volgens conclusie 4 of 5, waarbij het opblaasbare lichaam (34) een ten minste gedeeltelijk gebogen vorm heeft, met name de vorm van een deel van een cilinder.Support device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the inflatable body (34) has an at least partially bent shape, in particular the shape of a part of a cylinder.

7. Ondersteuningsinrichting volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het eerste gekromde framedeel (32A) en het tweede gekromde framedeel (32B) met elkaar zijn verbonden door middel van een scharnierende verbinding (84).A support device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first curved frame part (32A) and the second curved frame part (32B) are connected to each other by means of a hinged connection (84).

8. Ondersteuningsinrichting volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het draagframe ten minste een derde framedeel (32C) heeft, waarbij het derde gekromde framedeel zwenkbaar is ten opzichte van het tweede gekromde framedeel (32B) via een tweede scharnierende verbinding (85).A support device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame has at least a third frame part (32C), wherein the third curved frame part is pivotable relative to the second curved frame part (32B) via a second hinged connection (85).

9. Ondersteuningsinrichting volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de ten minste ene velhouder (26) een leidinggedeelte (34) omvat dat een inwendig luchtkanaal, een uitlaatopening (29) en zuigorganen (48) omvat.A support device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sheet holder (26) comprises a conduit portion (34) comprising an internal air duct, an outlet opening (29) and suction members (48).

10. Ondersteuningsinrichting volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij een eerste velhouder (26A) is verbonden met het eerste gekromde framedeel (32A) en een tweede velhouder (26B) is verbonden met het tweede gekromde framedeel (32B), of, bij een draagframe met drie gekromde framedelen (32A, 32B, 32C), een eerste velhouder (26A) is verbonden met het eerste gekromde framedeel (32A), een tweede velhouder (26B) is verbonden met het tweede gekromde framedeel (32B) en een derde velhouder (26B) is verbonden met het derde gekromde framedeel (32B).A supporting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first sheet holder (26A) is connected to the first curved frame part (32A) and a second sheet holder (26B) is connected to the second curved frame part (32B), or, in a support frame with three curved frame members (32A, 32B, 32C), a first sheet holder (26A) is connected to the first curved frame member (32A), a second sheet holder (26B) is connected to the second curved frame member (32B) and a third sheet holder (26B) ) is connected to the third curved frame part (32B).

11. Ondersteuningsinrichting volgens een der conclusies 3-10, waarbij de ten minste ene velhouder (26) via het aandruksysteem (33) indirect is verbonden met het draagframe.11. Support device according to one of claims 3-10, wherein the at least one sheet holder (26) is indirectly connected to the support frame via the pressing system (33).

12. Ondersteuningsinrichting volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, omvattende een basis (75) die door middel van de transportaandrijving (94) beweegbaar is op rails (77), een actuator (79) voor het omhoog en omlaag bewegen van een draaggedeelte (74) dat het eerste deel (81), tweede deel (82) en het derde deel (83) omvat, en een actuator (90) voor het bewegen van het draaggedeelte (74) in een laterale richting.12. Supporting device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a base (75) which is movable on rails (77) by means of the transport drive (94), an actuator (79) for raising and lowering a carrying part (74) which the first part (81), second part (82) and the third part (83), and an actuator (90) for moving the support part (74) in a lateral direction.

13. Werkwijze voor het vasthouden van een voorverwarmd coatingvel (12) en het bewegen van het voorverwarmde coatingvel (12) vanaf een afgelegen positie op afstand van een pijpleiding of pijpdeel naar een coatingpositie op een pijpleiding (40) of pijpdeel, waarbij de werkwijze omvat: - het aangrijpen van het voorverwarmde coatingvel op een afgelegen positie met ten minste een velhouder (26) van de ondersteuningsinrichting (30) volgens een der voorgaande conclusies, waarbij een eerste veldeel (12A) in een eerste gebogen vorm wordt gehouden door een eerste gekromd framedeel (32A) en een tweede veldeel (12B) in een tweede gebogen vorm wordt gehouden door een tweede gekromd framedeel (32B), waarbij de eerste en tweede gekromde framedelen het voorverwarmde coatingvel in een open toestand houden, die een toegang voor de pijpleiding of het pijpdeel definieert, - het verplaatsen van het draagframe in de open toestand door de transportaandrijving (94) van de afgelegen positie naar de coatingpositie bij de pijpleiding of het pijpdeel, - het bewegen van het eerste gekromde framedeel en het tweede gekromde framedeel ten opzichte van elkaar van de open toestand naar de gesloten toestand door de framedeel-actuator (96, 97), waarbij het voorverwarmde coatingvel wordt gebogen rond de omtrek van de pijpleiding of pijpdeel en aangrijpt op een omtrek van de pijpleiding of pijpdeel en een cilindrische pijpcoating vormt.A method of holding a preheated coating sheet (12) and moving the preheated coating sheet (12) from a remote position away from a pipeline or pipe section to a coating position on a pipeline (40) or pipe section, the method comprising : engaging the preheated coating sheet in a remote position with at least one sheet holder (26) of the support device (30) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first sheet portion (12A) is held in a first bent form by a first curved frame portion (32A) and a second sheet portion (12B) are held in a second curved shape by a second curved frame portion (32B), wherein the first and second curved frame portions hold the preheated coating sheet in an open state that provides access to the pipeline or defines the pipe part, - moving the support frame in the open state by the transport drive (94) from the remote position to the coating position. pipeline or pipe section, - moving the first curved frame section and the second curved frame section relative to each other from the open state to the closed state by the frame section actuator (96, 97), the preheated coating sheet being bent around the circumference of the pipeline or pipe part and engages a circumference of the pipeline or pipe part and forms a cylindrical pipe coating.

14. Werkwijze volgens de voorgaande werkwijzeconclusie, waarbij het voorverwarmde coatingvel wordt ondersteund in een open toestand voorafgaand aan het verplaatsen van het coatingvel naar de coatingpositie, waarbij het coatingvel een eerste veldeel (12A) heeft, dat de vorm heeft van een deel van een cilinder en een tweede veldeel (12B) heeft dat de vorm van een deel van een cilinder, waarbij het eerste en tweede veldeel met elkaar zijn verbonden via een tussenliggend veldeel, waarbij het coatingvel een eerste eindgedeelte (51) en een tweede eindgedeelte (52) heeft die zich in de open toestand op een afstand van elkaar bevinden, waarbij de werkwijze omvat: het buigen van het voorverwarmde coatingvel rond het pijpdeel of pijpleiding en het op elkaar laten aangrijpen van het eerste einddeel (51) en het tweede einddeel (52).A method according to the preceding method claim, wherein the preheated coating sheet is supported in an open state prior to moving the coating sheet to the coating position, the coating sheet having a first sheet portion (12A) that is in the form of a part of a cylinder and a second field portion (12B) that is in the form of a part of a cylinder, the first and second field portions being connected to each other via an intermediate field portion, the coating sheet having a first end portion (51) and a second end portion (52) which are spaced apart in the open state, the method comprising: bending the preheated coating sheet around the pipe portion or pipeline and allowing the first end portion (51) and the second end portion (52) to engage with each other.

15. Werkwijze volgens één der voorgaande werkwijzeconclusies, waarbij het tussenliggende veldeel een filmscharnier vormt en wordt gebogen tijdens het buigen van de vel rond de pijpleiding of pijpdeel.A method according to any one of the preceding method claims, wherein the intermediate sheet section forms a film hinge and is bent during bending of the sheet around the pipeline or pipe portion.

16. Werkwijze volgens één der voorgaande werkwijzeconclusies, de werkwijze omvattende het aandrukken van het voorverwarmde coatingvel met een aandruksysteem (33) tegen de pijpleiding of pijpdeel aan gedurende een aandrukperiode (T2), gedurende welke aandrukperiode een hechting van het coatingvel aan het substraat wordt bereikt en het coatingvel afkoelt.A method according to any one of the preceding method claims, the method comprising pressing the preheated coating sheet with a pressure system (33) against the pipeline or pipe part during a pressure period (T2), during which pressure period an adhesion of the coating sheet to the substrate is achieved and the coating sheet cools.

17. Werkwijze volgens één der voorgaande werkwijzeconclusies, waarbij het aandruksysteem (33) één of meer opblaasbare lichamen (34) omvat, waarbij de één of meer opblaasbare lichamen worden opgeblazen vanuit een lege toestand naar een gevulde toestand en het coatingvel (12) tegen de pijpleiding of het pijpdeel aandrukken.A method according to any one of the preceding method claims, wherein the pressure system (33) comprises one or more inflatable bodies (34), wherein the one or more inflatable bodies are inflated from an empty state to a filled state and the coating sheet (12) against the press on the pipeline or the pipe section.

18. Werkwijze volgens één der voorgaande werkwijzeconclusies, de werkwijze omvattende het drukken van het voorverwarmde coatingvel tegen de pijpleiding of het pijpdeel volgens een vooraf bepaalde druk-tijdcurve gedurende, waarbij de druk in de tijd wordt gevarieerd.A method according to any one of the preceding method claims, the method comprising pressing the preheated coating sheet against the pipeline or the pipe part according to a predetermined pressure-time curve during which the pressure is varied over time.

19. Werkwijze volgens één der voorgaande werkwijzeconclusies, waarbij de druk wordt uitgeoefend op het voorverwarmde coatingvel in verschillende drukzones door daarmee geassocieerde, verschillende opblaasbare lichamen, en waarbij de druk in een eerste drukzone verschilt van de druk in een tweede drukzone.A method according to any one of the preceding method claims, wherein the pressure is exerted on the preheated coating sheet in different pressure zones by associated, different inflatable bodies, and wherein the pressure in a first pressure zone differs from the pressure in a second pressure zone.

20. Werkwijze volgens de voorgaande werkwijzeconclusie, waarbij een laag van fusion bonded epoxy (FBE) op de pijpleiding of het pijpdeel wordt aangebracht en waarbij een lijmlaag wordt aangebracht op de FBE voorafgaand aan het bewegen van het voorverwarmde coatingvel naar de coatingpositie.A method according to the preceding method claim, wherein a layer of fusion bonded epoxy (FBE) is applied to the pipeline or pipe section and wherein an adhesive layer is applied to the FBE prior to moving the preheated coating sheet to the coating position.

21. Werkwijze volgens één der voorgaande werkwijzeconclusies, waarbij het eerste en tweede gekromde framedeel worden vergrendeld rond de pijpleiding of het pijpdeel door middel van een vergrendelinrichting (122) voorafgaand aan de aandrukstap.A method according to any one of the preceding method claims, wherein the first and second curved frame part are locked around the pipeline or the pipe part by means of a locking device (122) prior to the pressing step.

22. Werkwijze volgens één der voorgaande werkwijzeconclusies, waarbij het coatingvel een binnenste, pijpleidingzijde (21) en een buitenzijde (20) omvat, en waarbij het coatingvel wordt voorverwarmd voordat het verplaatst wordt naar de coatingpositie, waarbij het coatingvel alleen aan de pijpleidingzijde van het coatingvel wordt voorverwarmd, waarbij de pijpleidingzijde in een verweekte of gesmolten toestand wordt gebracht, waarbij de pijpleidingzijde vervolgens in de aandrukstap tegen de pijpleiding wordt gedrukt.A method according to any one of the preceding method claims, wherein the coating sheet comprises an inner, pipeline side (21) and an outer side (20), and wherein the coating sheet is preheated before being moved to the coating position, the coating sheet being only on the pipeline side of the coating sheet is preheated, bringing the pipeline side to a softened or molten state, the pipeline side then being pressed against the pipeline in the pressing step.

23. Werkwijze volgens één der voorgaande werkwijzeconclusies, waarbij het voorverwarmde coatingvel in een verticale oriëntatie wordt verplaatst van de afgelegen positie naar de coatingpositie.A method according to any one of the preceding method claims, wherein the preheated coating sheet is moved in a vertical orientation from the remote position to the coating position.

24. Werkwijze volgens één der voorgaande werkwijzeconclusies, waarbij de ten minste ene velhouder zuigorganen (48) omvat en waarbij het coatingvel wordt ondersteund door toepassing van zuiging door de zuigorganen op het coatingvel.A method according to any one of the preceding method claims, wherein the at least one sheet holder comprises suction members (48) and wherein the coating sheet is supported by application of suction by the suction members to the coating sheet.

25. Werkwijze volgens één van de voorgaande conclusies werkwijze, waarbij na de buigstap een voorverwarmde coatingvel (12) een omtrek van de pijpleiding of het pijpdeel (40) volledig omgeeft.A method according to any one of the preceding claims method, wherein after the bending step a preheated coating sheet (12) completely surrounds a circumference of the pipeline or the pipe part (40).

26. Werkwijze volgens één der voorgaande werkwijzeconclusies, waarbij het coatingvel wordt aangebracht in een Field Joint Area (15) waar twee pijpdelen (41,42) met elkaar verbonden zijn in een eind-aan-eind relatie, waarbij het coatingvel zich uitstrekt aan weerszijden van de verbinding.A method according to any one of the preceding method claims, wherein the coating sheet is applied in a Field Joint Area (15) where two pipe parts (41, 42) are connected to each other in an end-to-end relationship, the coating sheet extending on either side of the connection.

27. Werkwijze volgens de voorgaande werkwijzeconclusie, waarbij het coatingvel wordt aangebracht op een veldverbindingsgebied (15) waarbij twee pijpsecties (41,42) met elkaar verbonden in een eind-tot eind relatie, waarbij de verbinding wordt gevormd door een J-lay-installatie aan boord van een pijpleiding leggen vat.A method according to the preceding method claim, wherein the coating sheet is applied to a field connection area (15) wherein two pipe sections (41, 42) are connected to each other in an end-to-end relationship, the connection being formed by a J-lay installation place a vessel on board a pipeline.

28. Werkwijze volgens één der voorgaande werkwijzeconclusies, waarbij tijdens de buigstap de kromming van het coatingvel wordt veranderd, met name door het zwenken van het eerste gekromde framedeel (32A) ten opzichte van het tweede gekromde framedeel (32B), waarbij het coatingvel wordt gevouwen rond de pijpleiding, waarbij een eerste en tweede eindgebied (51,52) van het coatingvel elkaar ontmoeten en een naad (53) vormen.A method according to any one of the preceding method claims, wherein the curvature of the coating sheet is changed during the bending step, in particular by pivoting the first curved frame part (32A) relative to the second curved frame part (32B), whereby the coating sheet is folded around the pipeline, wherein a first and second end region (51, 52) of the coating sheet meet and form a seam (53).

29. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 28, waarbij het eerste en tweede eindgebied (51,52) elkaar overlappen.The method of claim 28, wherein the first and second end regions (51, 52) overlap.

30. Werkwijze volgens de voorgaande conclusie, waarbij het eerste en tweede eindgebied met elkaar worden verbonden door ze met de aandrukinrichting op elkaar te drukken en door de eerder aangebrachte warmte de verbinding te laten vormen tussen het eerste en tweede eindgebied.A method according to the preceding claim, wherein the first and second end region are connected to each other by pressing them together with the pressure device and by causing the previously applied heat to form the connection between the first and second end region.

31. Werkwijze volgens één der voorgaande werkwijzeconclusies, waarbij ten minste één rand (55) in het eindgebied van het coatingvel is afgeschuind.A method according to any one of the preceding method claims, wherein at least one edge (55) is chamfered in the end region of the coating sheet.

32. Werkwijze volgens de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het coatingvel een eerste hoofdgebied (71) en een tweede hoofdgebied (72) en een lasrupsgebied (73) omvat, waarbij in het lasrupsgebied het coatingvel een dikte heeft die groter is dan de dikte van de eerste en tweede hoofdgebieden, waarbij in de plaatsingsstap het lasrupsgebied op een lasrups (68) op de pijpleiding of pijpdeel wordt geplaatst, waarbij het lasrupsgebied in het bijzonder een band is die zicht uitstrekt over het coatingvel en die het eerste hoofdgebied scheidt van het tweede hoofdgebied.A method according to the preceding claims, wherein the coating sheet comprises a first main region (71) and a second main region (72) and a weld bead region (73), wherein in the weld bead region the coating sheet has a thickness greater than the thickness of the first and second main areas, wherein in the locating step the weld bead area is placed on a weld bead (68) on the pipeline or pipe portion, wherein the weld bead area is in particular a band extending over the coating sheet and separating the first main area from the second main area.

33. Werkwijze volgens één der voorgaande werkwijzeconclusies, waarbij de werkwijze wordt uitgevoerd op een pijpleiding-installatieschip tijdens een pijpleiding legoperatie, waarbij de werkwijze van de pijplegoperatie in het bijzonder J-lay is en waarbij het coatingvel gedurende het proces in hoofdzaak verticaal wordt gehouden.A method according to any one of the preceding method claims, wherein the method is performed on a pipeline installation vessel during a pipeline laying operation, wherein the method of the pipeline operation is in particular J-lay and wherein the coating sheet is kept substantially vertical during the process.

34. Werkwijze volgens één der voorgaande werkwijzeconclusies, waarbij de werkwijze op een pijpdeel aan land plaatsvindt.A method according to any one of the preceding method claims, wherein the method takes place on a pipe part on land.

35. Werkwijze volgens één der voorgaande werkwijzeconclusies, waarbij tijdens de stap van het bewegen van het voorverwarmde coatingvel van de afgelegen positie naar de verwarmingspositie het coatingvel een gebogen vorm heeft en in een open toestand wordt gehouden.A method according to any one of the preceding method claims, wherein during the step of moving the preheated coating sheet from the remote position to the heating position, the coating sheet has a curved shape and is kept in an open state.

36. Werkwijze volgens één der voorgaande werkwijzeconclusies, waarbij de afgelegen positie een verwarmingspositie is waar het coatingvel wordt voorverwarmd.A method according to any one of the preceding process claims, wherein the remote position is a heating position where the coating sheet is preheated.

37. Werkwijze volgens één der voorgaande werkwijzeconclusies, waarbij tijdens de verplaatsingsstap het coatingvel vanaf de verwarmingsinrichting omhoog wordt getild.A method according to any one of the preceding method claims, wherein during the displacement step the coating sheet is lifted from the heating device.

38. Systeem (100) voor het verwarmen van een coatingvel (12) dat is ingericht om een coating op een pijpleiding (40) of pijpdeel te vormen, waarbij het systeem omvat: - een ondersteuningsinrichting (30) die is geconfigureerd om het coatingvel (12) in een verwarmingspositie te ondersteunen, de ondersteuningsinrichting omvattende een draagframe (32) en ten minste een velhouder (26) die wordt ondersteund door het draagframe, waarbij de velhouders zijn geconfigureerd om gezamenlijk het coatingvel te ondersteunen, - een verwarmingsinrichting (10) omvattende een aantal verwarmingselementen (18) die zijn ingericht om slechts een gedeelte van het coatingvel te verwarmen.A system (100) for heating a coating sheet (12) adapted to form a coating on a pipeline (40) or pipe part, the system comprising: - a support device (30) configured to cover the coating sheet ( 12) support in a heating position, the support device comprising a support frame (32) and at least one sheet holder (26) supported by the support frame, the sheet holders being configured to jointly support the coating sheet, - comprising a heating device (10) a plurality of heating elements (18) adapted to heat only a portion of the coating sheet.

39. Systeem volgens de voorgaande conclusie, waarbij de verwarmingselementen (18) zijn ingericht om slechts één zijde (21) van het coatingvel in de verwarmingspositie te verwarmen.A system according to the preceding claim, wherein the heating elements (18) are adapted to heat only one side (21) of the coating sheet in the heating position.

40. Systeem volgens conclusie 38 of 39, waarbij de ondersteuningsinrichting is ingericht om het coatingvel in een ten minste gedeeltelijk gekromd vorm te ondersteunen tijdens het verwarmen, waarbij het coatingvel van een binnenzijde (21) en een buitenzijde (20) heeft en waarbij de verwarmingsinrichting is ingericht om de binnenzijde te verwarmenThe system of claim 38 or 39, wherein the support device is adapted to support the coating sheet in at least a partially curved shape during heating, the coating sheet having an inside (21) and an outside (20) and wherein the heating device is arranged to heat the inside

41. Systeem volgens een van de conclusies 38-40, waarbij de verwarmingselementen (18) zijn gemonteerd op een centraal frame (14) en waarbij de ondersteuningsinrichting het coatingvel ondersteunt in een vorm die ten minste gedeeltelijk de verwarmingselementen omringt, waarbij de verwarmingselementen zijn ingericht om warmte naar buiten en radiaal weg van het centrale frame (14) en naar het coatingvel toe uit te stralen.A system according to any of claims 38-40, wherein the heating elements (18) are mounted on a central frame (14) and wherein the support device supports the coating sheet in a form that at least partially surrounds the heating elements, the heating elements being arranged to radiate heat outwards and radially away from the central frame (14) and toward the coating sheet.

42. Systeem volgens één der conclusies 38-41, waarbij de ondersteuningsinrichting is ingericht voor het bewegen van het verwarmde vel van de verwarmingspositie naar een pijpleiding of pijpdeel en om het verwarmde vel tegen de pijpleiding te drukken om de coating te vormen.The system of any one of claims 38-41, wherein the support device is adapted to move the heated sheet from the heating position to a pipeline or pipe part and to press the heated sheet against the pipeline to form the coating.

43. Systeem volgens een van de conclusies 38-42, waarbij de ondersteuningsinrichting een draagframe (32) en een opblaasbaar lichaam (34) omvat dat is gepositioneerd op een pijpleidingzijde van het draagframe voor het drukken van het verhitte vel tegen een pijpleiding of pijpdeel.The system of any one of claims 38 to 42, wherein the support device comprises a support frame (32) and an inflatable body (34) positioned on a pipeline side of the support frame for pressing the heated sheet against a pipeline or pipe part.

44. Systeem volgens conclusie 42, waarbij het draagframe een eerste gekromde framedeel (32A) en een tweede gekromde framedeel (32B) omvat die zijn ingericht om zich om ten minste een deel van de pijpleiding of pijpdeel heen uit te strekken, waarbij het eerste gekromde framedeel en het tweede gekromde framedeel ten opzichte van elkaar beweegbaar zijn tussen een gesloten positie en een open positie, waarbij de ondersteuningsinrichting een framedeel actuator omvat voor het sluiten van het eerste en het tweede gekromde framedeel rondom de pijpleiding of pijpdeel.The system of claim 42, wherein the support frame comprises a first curved frame portion (32A) and a second curved frame portion (32B) adapted to extend around at least a portion of the pipeline or pipe portion, the first curved portion frame part and the second curved frame part are movable relative to each other between a closed position and an open position, wherein the supporting device comprises a frame part actuator for closing the first and the second curved frame part around the pipeline or pipe part.

45. Systeem volgens een van de conclusies 38-44, waarbij de ondersteuningsinrichting (30) geconfigureerd is om het verwarmde vel in een ten minste gedeeltelijk gekromd vorm van de verwarmingspositie naar de coatingpositie te bewegen.The system of any one of claims 38 to 44, wherein the support device (30) is configured to move the heated sheet from the heating position to the coating position in an at least partially curved form.

46. Systeem volgens een van de conclusies 42-45, waarbij een traject van de verwarmingspositie naar de coatingpositie een eerste trajectdeel omvat dat naar boven is gericht, waarbij de ondersteuningsinrichting is ingericht om het verhitte vel van de verwarmingspositie vandaan in een opwaartse richting langs het eerste trajectdeel te bewegen.A system according to any of claims 42-45, wherein a path from the heating position to the coating position comprises a first path section directed upwards, wherein the support device is arranged to move the heated sheet away from the heating position in an upward direction along the move the first section of the route.

47. Systeem volgens een van de conclusies 38-46, waarbij de ondersteuningsinrichting ten minste een eerste gekromd framedeel (32A) en een tweede gekromd framedeel (32B) omvat die met elkaar zijn verbonden door een scharnierende verbinding (84).A system according to any of claims 38-46, wherein the support device comprises at least a first curved frame part (32A) and a second curved frame part (32B) which are connected to each other by a hinged connection (84).

48. Systeem volgens de voorgaande conclusie, waarbij de ondersteuningsinrichting het eerste gekromde framedeel (32A), het tweede gekromde framedeel (32B) en een derde gekromd framedeel (32C) omvat, waarbij het derde gekromde framedeel zwenkbaar is ten opzichte van het tweede gekromde framedeel via een tweede scharnierende verbinding (85).A system according to the preceding claim, wherein the support device comprises the first curved frame part (32A), the second curved frame part (32B) and a third curved frame part (32C), the third curved frame part being pivotable with respect to the second curved frame part via a second hinged connection (85).

49. Systeem volgens een van de conclusies 38-48, waarbij de verwarmingsinrichting zich opwaarts van een vloer (16) omhoog uitstrekt, waarbij de verwarmingsinrichting is voorzien van een aantal verwarmingselementen (18), die in bovenaanzicht zijn aangebracht in een gebogen vorm, met name in een C-vorm.A system according to any of claims 38-48, wherein the heating device extends upwards from a floor (16), the heating device being provided with a number of heating elements (18), which are arranged in plan view in a curved form, with especially in a C form.

50. Systeem volgens een van de conclusies 38-49, waarbij de verwarmingselementen stralingselementen zijn.The system of any one of claims 38 to 49, wherein the heating elements are radiation elements.

51. Werkwijze voor het verwarmen van een coatingvel (12) dat is geconstrueerd om een coating op een pijpleiding (40) of pijpdeel te vormen, waarbij de werkwijze wordt uitgevoerd met het systeem volgens één der conclusies 38 - 50, waarbij de werkwijze omvat: - het ondersteunen van het coatingvel (12) met een ondersteuningsinrichting (30) bij een verwarmingsinrichting (10), - het door de verwarmingsinrichting verwarmen van slechts een deel van het coatingvel.A method of heating a coating sheet (12) constructed to form a coating on a pipeline (40) or pipe section, the method being performed with the system of any one of claims 38 to 50, the method comprising: - supporting the coating sheet (12) with a support device (30) at a heating device (10), - heating only a part of the coating sheet through the heating device.

52. Werkwijze volgens de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het coatingvel een binnenzijde (21) heeft die is bestemd om tegen de pijpleiding of het pijpdeel aan te worden geplaatst en waarbij alleen de binnenzijde wordt verwarmd, waarbij de binnenzijde in een zachte of gesmolten toestand wordt gebracht en waarbij een buitenzijde (20) in een vaste toestand blijft.A method according to the preceding claims, wherein the coating sheet has an inside (21) which is intended to be placed against the pipeline or the pipe part and wherein only the inside is heated, the inside being brought to a soft or molten state and wherein an outside (20) remains in a fixed state.

53. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 51 of 52, waarbij het coatingvel tijdens het verwarmen wordt ondersteund in een ten minste gedeeltelijk gekromde vorm.The method of claim 51 or 52, wherein the coating sheet is supported in an at least partially curved shape during heating.

54. Werkwijze volgens één van de conclusies 51-53, waarbij de verwarmingselementen (18) zijn gemonteerd op een centraal frame (14) en waarbij de ondersteuningsinrichting het coatingvel in een vorm ondersteunt die ten minste gedeeltelijk de verwarmingselementen omgeeft, waarbij de verwarmingselementen naar buiten en radiaal weg van het centrale frame (14) en naar het coatingvel toe warmte uitstralen.A method according to any of claims 51-53, wherein the heating elements (18) are mounted on a central frame (14) and wherein the support device supports the coating sheet in a form that at least partially surrounds the heating elements, the heating elements facing outwards and radially radiate away from the central frame (14) and heat toward the coating sheet.

55. Werkwijze volgens één van de conclusies 51-54, omvattende: a) het met de verwarmingsinrichting (10) verwarmen van een gedeelte (21) van het coatingvel (12) in de verwarmingspositie gedurende een eerste tijdsduur (T1), b) het bewegen van de coatingvel (12) inclusief het verwarmde gedeelte (21) van de verwarmingspositie naar de pijpleiding of het pijpdeel toe en het positioneren van het coatingvel rondom de pijpleiding of pijpdeel dat bekleed dient te worden, waarbij het verwarmde vel aangrijpt op de pijpleiding of pijpdeel en de omtrek van de pijpleiding omgeeft, c) het drukken van het coatingvel tegen de pijpleiding aan gedurende een tweede tijdsperiode (T2), waarbij tijdens de tweede tijdsperiode een hechting van het coatingvel aan het substraat wordt bereikt en het coatingvel afkoelt.A method according to any of claims 51-54, comprising: a) heating a portion (21) of the coating sheet (12) in the heating position with the heating device (10) for a first period of time (T1), b) moving the coating sheet (12) including the heated portion (21) from the heating position to the pipeline or pipe portion and positioning the coating sheet around the pipeline or pipe portion to be coated, the heated sheet engaging the pipeline or pipe part and the circumference of the pipeline, c) pressing the coating sheet against the pipeline for a second period of time (T2), whereby adhesion of the coating sheet to the substrate is achieved during the second period of time and the coating sheet cools.

56. Werkwijze volgens de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het coatingvel tegen de pijpleiding of pijpdeel wordt gedrukt volgens een vooraf bepaalde druk-tijd curve, waarbij de toegepaste druk wordt gemeten tijdens het aandrukken en waarbij de druk wordt gehandhaafd totdat vooraf bepaalde drukwaarden worden bereikt over het gehele vel of over een gedeelte van het coatingvel.A method according to the preceding claims, wherein the coating sheet is pressed against the pipeline or pipe part according to a predetermined pressure-time curve, wherein the applied pressure is measured during pressing and wherein the pressure is maintained until predetermined pressure values are reached over the entire sheet or over a portion of the coating sheet.

57. Werkwijze volgens één van de conclusies 55-56, waarbij de druk wordt aangebracht op het coatingvel in verschillende drukzones door daarmee geassocieerde verschillende opblaasbare lichamen, en waarbij de druk in een eerste drukzone verschilt van de druk in een tweede drukzone .A method according to any of claims 55-56, wherein the pressure is applied to the coating sheet in different pressure zones by associated different inflatable bodies, and wherein the pressure in a first pressure zone differs from the pressure in a second pressure zone.

58. Werkwijze volgens één van de conclusies 55-57, waarbij het coatingvel bekleden in een verticale oriëntatie wordt verwarmd en van de verwarmingspositie naar de pijpleiding of pijpdeel toe wordt bewogen.The method of any one of claims 55-57, wherein the coating sheet coating is heated in a vertical orientation and is moved from the heating position to the pipeline or pipe part.

59. Werkwijze volgens één van de conclusies 55-58, waarbij de verwarmingspositie zich op een afstand van de pijpleiding bevindt en waarbij de ondersteuningsinrichting (30) beweegbaar is en is ingericht om het coatingvel van de verwarmingspositie naar de coatingpositie te bewegen, waarbij de ondersteuningsinrichting het coatingvel oppakt op de verwarmingspositie en het coatingvel vasthoudt tijdens de beweging van de verwarmingspositie naar de coatingpositie.The method of any of claims 55-58, wherein the heating position is spaced from the pipeline and wherein the support device (30) is movable and is adapted to move the coating sheet from the heating position to the coating position, the support device picks up the coating sheet at the heating position and holds the coating sheet during the movement from the heating position to the coating position.

60. Werkwijze volgens de voorgaande conclusie, waarbij de ondersteuningsinrichting ten minste een velhouder (26) omvat dat zuigorganen omvat (48) en waarbij het coatingvel door toepassing van zuiging door middel van de zuigorganen op het coatingvel wordt ondersteund.A method according to the preceding claim, wherein the supporting device comprises at least one sheet holder (26) comprising suction members (48) and wherein the coating sheet is supported by applying suction through the suction members on the coating sheet.

61. Werkwijze volgens één van de conclusies 55-60, waarbij een vel (12) de omtrek van de pijpleiding (40) volledig omgeeft.The method of any one of claims 55-60, wherein a sheet (12) completely surrounds the circumference of the pipeline (40).

62. Werkwijze volgens één van de conclusies 55-61, waarbij tijdens de plaatsingsstap de kromming van het coatingvel wordt veranderd door de ondersteuningsinrichting, met name door het zwenken van een eerste gekromd framedeel (32A) en een tweede gekromd framedeel (32B ) ten opzichte van elkaar, waarbij het coatingvel om de pijpleiding wordt gevouwen, waarbij een eerste en tweede eindgebied (51, 52) van het coatingvel elkaar ontmoeten en een naad (53) vormen.A method according to any of claims 55-61, wherein during the placing step the curvature of the coating sheet is changed by the supporting device, in particular by pivoting a first curved frame part (32A) and a second curved frame part (32B) from one another, the coating sheet being folded around the pipeline, with a first and second end region (51, 52) of the coating sheet meeting and forming a seam (53).

63. Werkwijze volgens de voorgaande conclusie, waarbij het eerste en tweede eindgebied (51,52) elkaar overlappen.The method of the preceding claim, wherein the first and second end regions (51, 52) overlap.

64. Werkwijze volgens de voorgaande conclusie, waarbij het eerste en tweede eindgebied onderling verbonden worden door de drukken met de ondersteuningsinrichting en door de eerder aangebrachte warmte de verbinding tussen het eerste en tweede eindgebied te laten vormen.A method according to the preceding claim, wherein the first and second end region are interconnected by the pressures with the support device and by causing the previously applied heat to form the connection between the first and second end region.

65. Werkwijze volgens één van de conclusies 55-64, waarbij het coatingvel een eerste hoofdgebied (71) en een tweede hoofdgebied (72) en een lasrupsgebied (73) omvat, waarbij in het lasrupsgebied het coatingvel een dikte heeft die groter is dan de dikte van de eerste en tweede hoofdgebieden, waarbij tijdens de plaatsingsstap het lasrupsgebied op een lasrups (68) van een verbinding tussen twee pijpdelen wordt aangebracht, waarbij het lasrupsgebied in het bijzonder een band is die zich uitstrekt over het coatingvel en het eerste hoofdgebied van het tweede hoofdgebied scheidt.The method of any one of claims 55-64, wherein the coating sheet comprises a first main region (71) and a second main region (72) and a weld bead region (73), wherein in the weld bead region the coating sheet has a thickness greater than the thickness of the first and second main areas, wherein during the placing step the welding bead area is applied to a weld bead (68) of a connection between two pipe parts, the welding bead area being in particular a band extending over the coating sheet and the first main area of the separates the second main area.

66. Werkwijze volgens één van de conclusies 51-65, waarbij de ondersteuningsinrichting (30) ten minste een eerste gekromd framedeel (32A) en een tweede gekromd framedeel (32B) heeft die zijn verbonden door middel van een scharnierende verbinding (84), en waarbij het eerste gekromde framedeel en het tweede gekromde framedeel ten opzichte van elkaar beweegbaar zijn vanuit een open toestand naar een gesloten toestand, waarbij tijdens de positioneringsstap het eerste en tweede gekromde framedeel worden bewogen naar de gesloten toestand en waarbij tijdens de aandrukstap de ondersteuningsinrichting gesloten blijft.The method of any one of claims 51 to 65, wherein the support device (30) has at least a first curved frame part (32A) and a second curved frame part (32B) connected by means of a hinged connection (84), and wherein the first curved frame part and the second curved frame part are movable relative to each other from an open state to a closed state, wherein during the positioning step the first and second curved frame part are moved to the closed state and wherein the supporting device remains closed during the pressing step .

67. Werkwijze volgens één van de conclusies 51-66, waarbij de werkwijze wordt uitgevoerd op een pijpleidingOinstallatieschip tijdens een pijpleiding-legoperatie, waarbij de werkwijze van de pijplegoperatie in het bijzonder J-lay is en waarbij het coatingvel in hoofdzaak verticaal wordt gehouden gedurende het proces.A method according to any of claims 51-66, wherein the method is performed on a pipeline installation vessel during a pipeline laying operation, the method of the pipeline operation being in particular J-lay and wherein the coating sheet is kept substantially vertical during the process.

68. Werkwijze volgens één van de conclusies 51-66, waarbij in de verwarmingsstap het coatingvel een C-vorm heeft en zich ten minste gedeeltelijk om de verwarmingsinrichting heen uitstrekt.A method according to any of claims 51-66, wherein in the heating step the coating sheet has a C-shape and extends at least partially around the heating device.

69. Werkwijze volgens één van de conclusies 55-68, waarbij tijdens het verplaatsingsstap het coatingvel vanaf de verwarmingsinrichting omhoog wordt getild.69. A method according to any one of claims 55-68, wherein during the displacement step the coating sheet is lifted from the heating device.

70. Ondersteuningsinrichting (30) voor het uitoefenen van druk op een voorverwarmd coatingvel dat om een pijpleiding of pijpdeel is gevouwen, waarbij de ondersteuningsinrichting omvat: - een draagframe (32) omvattende ten minste een eerste gekromd framedeel (32A) en een tweede gekromd framedeel (32B) die ten opzichte van elkaar beweegbaar zijn tussen een open toestand en een gesloten toestand, waarbij in de open toestand het eerste en tweede gekromde framedeel een opening (95) voor de pijpleiding of pijpdeel definiëren, waarbij in de gesloten toestand het eerste en tweede gekromde framedeel zich rondom een cilindrisch volume heen uitstrekken dat een pijppositie bepaalt en dat is geconfigureerd voor het opnemen van een pijpleiding of pijpdeel, - een aandruksysteem (33) dat is aangebracht op een binnenzijde (36) van de eerste en tweede gekromde framedelen, waarbij het aandruksysteem ten minste één opblaasbaar lichaam (34) omvat, waarbij het ten minste ene opblaasbare lichaam is geconstrueerd om te worden opgeblazen vanuit een lege toestand naar een gevulde toestand voor het tegen de pijpleiding of pijpdeel aandrukken van het voorverwarmde coatingvel dat is gepositioneerd op een binnenzijde van het ten minste ene opblaasbare lichaam.70. Supporting device (30) for applying pressure to a preheated coating sheet that is folded around a pipeline or pipe part, the supporting device comprising: - a supporting frame (32) comprising at least a first curved frame part (32A) and a second curved frame part (32B) movable relative to each other between an open state and a closed state, wherein in the open state the first and second curved frame portion define an opening (95) for the pipeline or pipe portion, wherein in the closed state the first and second second curved frame part extending around a cylindrical volume which determines a pipe position and which is configured to receive a pipeline or pipe part, - a pressure system (33) arranged on an inner side (36) of the first and second curved frame parts, wherein the pressure system comprises at least one inflatable body (34), the at least one inflatable body being cons The device is designed to be inflated from an empty state to a filled state for pressing against the pipeline or pipe part the preheated coating sheet positioned on an inside of the at least one inflatable body.

71. Ondersteuningsinrichting volgens de voorgaande conclusie, waarbij in gesloten toestand de ten minste ene opblaasbare lichaam (34) een ten minste gedeeltelijk gebogen vorm, met name een vorm van een deel van een cilinder.A support device according to the preceding claim, wherein in the closed state the at least one inflatable body (34) has an at least partially curved shape, in particular a shape of a part of a cylinder.

72. Ondersteuningsinrichting volgens conclusie 70 of 71, omvattende meerdere opblaasbare lichamen aan de binnenzijde van het draagframe en omvattende een vulsysteem (99) dat is ingericht om de opblaasbare lichamen onder verschillende drukken op te blazen.A support device according to claim 70 or 71, comprising a plurality of inflatable bodies on the inside of the support frame and comprising a filling system (99) adapted to inflate the inflatable bodies under different pressures.

73. Ondersteuningsinrichting volgens een der conclusies 70-72, waarbij het eerste gekromde framedeel (32A) en het tweede gekromde framedeel (32B) zijn verbonden door ten minste één scharnierende verbinding (84) en beweegbaar zijn ten opzichte van elkaar tussen een open positie en een gesloten positie, waarbij het ten minste ene opblaasbare lichaam met het eerste en tweede gekromde framedeel meebeweegt, waarbij de ondersteuningsinrichting een frameactuator (96) omvat voor het sluiten van de ondersteuningsinrichting rondom de pijpleiding.A support device according to any of claims 70-72, wherein the first curved frame part (32A) and the second curved frame part (32B) are connected by at least one hinged connection (84) and are movable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position, wherein the at least one inflatable body moves with the first and second curved frame part, the supporting device comprising a frame actuator (96) for closing the supporting device around the pipeline.

74. Ondersteuningsinrichting volgens een der conclusies 70-73, waarbij de ondersteuningsinrichting (30) het eerste gekromde framedeel (32A), het tweede gekromde framedeel (32B) en een derde gekromd framedeel (32C) omvat die met elkaar zijn verbonden door twee scharnierende verbindingen (84,85).74. A support device according to any of claims 70-73, wherein the support device (30) comprises the first curved frame part (32A), the second curved frame part (32B) and a third curved frame part (32C) which are connected to each other by two hinged connections (84.85).

75. Ondersteuningsinrichting volgens een der conclusies 70- 74, waarbij de inrichting (30) beweegbaar is tussen een verwarmingspositie op een verwarmingsinrichting en een coatingpositie bij de pijpleiding of het pijpdeel.A support device according to any of claims 70-74, wherein the device (30) is movable between a heating position on a heating device and a coating position at the pipeline or pipe part.

76. Ondersteuningsinrichting volgens een der conclusies 70- 75, omvattende ten minste een velhouder (26) die is aangebracht aan de binnenzijde van de eerste en tweede gekromde framedelen en die is geconfigureerd om het coatingvel in positie te houden tijdens de aandrukstap.A support device according to any of claims 70-75, comprising at least one sheet holder (26) disposed on the inside of the first and second curved frame portions and configured to hold the coating sheet in position during the pressing step.

77. Ondersteuningsinrichting volgens conclusie 76, waarbij de ten minste ene velhouder (26) is aangebracht aan de binnenzijde van het ten minste ene opblaasbare lichaam (34), waarbij de ten minste ene velhouder in het bijzonder zuiggaten (48) omvat voor het toepassen van zuiging op een buitenzijde van het coatingvel.A support device according to claim 76, wherein the at least one sheet holder (26) is arranged on the inside of the at least one inflatable body (34), the at least one sheet holder in particular comprising suction holes (48) for applying suction on an outside of the coating sheet.

78. Ondersteuningsinrichting volgens een der conclusies 70- 77, omvattende een ingang (151) in het opblaasbare lichaam (34) voor het inbrengen van lucht of een ander fluïdum, waarbij genoemde ingang is gelegen in een centraal gebied (150) van het opblaasbare lichaam, waarbij het centrale lichaam zich op een verste afstand van de uiteinden (153, 154) van het opblaasbare lichaam bevindt.A support device according to any one of claims 70 to 77, comprising an entrance (151) into the inflatable body (34) for introducing air or other fluid, said entrance being located in a central area (150) of the inflatable body wherein the central body is at a furthest distance from the ends (153, 154) of the inflatable body.

79. Systeem (100) omvattende: - de ondersteuningsinrichting (30) volgens één van de conclusies 70- 78, - een verwarmings-klemeenheid (250) die is geconfigureerd om te worden gepositioneerd rondom een gecoate pijpleiding of gecoat pijpdeel, waarbij de verwarmings-klemeenheid klem-verwarmingselementen (252) omvat die zijn aangebracht op een binnenzijde van de verwarmings-klemeenheid, waarbij de klem-verwarmingselementen (252 ) zijn geconfigureerd om een buitenoppervlak van een coating op de pijpleiding of pijpdeel te verwarmen.A system (100) comprising: - the support device (30) according to any of claims 70 to 78, - a heating clamp unit (250) configured to be positioned around a coated pipeline or coated pipe section, the heating clamping unit comprises clamping heating elements (252) mounted on an inside of the heating clamping unit, the clamping heating elements (252) being configured to heat an outer surface of a coating on the pipeline or pipe part.

80. Werkwijze voor het vormen van een coating op een pijpleiding of een pijpdeel door een voorverwarmd coatingvel (12) tegen de pijpleiding of pijpdeel te drukken met de inrichting volgens één van de conclusies 200-208, waarbij de werkwijze omvat: a) het positioneren van het voorverwarmde coatingvel om de pijpleiding of het pijpdeel heen en in de ondersteuningsinrichting (30) volgens een van de conclusies 200-206, waarbij het voorverwarmde coatingvel wordt gepositioneerd op een binnenzijde van het ten minste ene opblaasbare lichaam (34), b) het opblazen van het ten minste ene opblaasbare lichaam door het vullen daarvan met een fluïdum onder druk en het tegen de pijpleiding aandrukken van het voorverwarmde coatingvel tijdens een afkoelperiode, gedurende welke afkoelperiode het coatingvel afkoelt en de hechting van het coatingvel op de pijpleiding of pijpdeel tot stand wordt gebracht.A method of forming a coating on a pipeline or pipe part by pressing a preheated coating sheet (12) against the pipeline or pipe part with the device according to any of claims 200-208, the method comprising: a) positioning of the preheated coating sheet around the pipeline or pipe part and into the support device (30) according to any of claims 200-206, wherein the preheated coating sheet is positioned on an inside of the at least one inflatable body (34), b) inflating the at least one inflatable body by filling it with a pressurized fluid and pressing the preheated coating sheet against the pipeline during a cooling period, during which cooling period the coating sheet cools and establishes the adhesion of the coating sheet to the pipeline or pipe part is being brought.

81. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 80, waarbij het aandrukken wordt uitgevoerd volgens een vooraf bepaalde druk-tijdcurve gedurende welke de druk wordt gevarieerd in de tijd, en waarbij de druk wordt gemeten.The method of claim 80, wherein the pressing is performed according to a predetermined pressure-time curve during which the pressure is varied over time, and wherein the pressure is measured.

82. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 80 of 81, waarbij de druk met een aantal opblaasbare lichamen wordt uitgeoefend op het voorverwarmde coatingvel.The method of claim 80 or 81, wherein the pressure is applied to the preheated coating sheet with a plurality of inflatable bodies.

83. Werkwijze volgens één van de conclusies 80-82, waarbij de druk wordt uitgeoefend op het voorverwarmde coatingvel in verschillende drukzones doormiddel van daarmee geassocieerde verschillende opblaasbare lichamen, en waarbij de druk in een eerste drukzone verschilt van de druk in een tweede drukzone.A method according to any of claims 80-82, wherein the pressure is exerted on the preheated coating sheet in different pressure zones by means of associated different inflatable bodies, and wherein the pressure in a first pressure zone differs from the pressure in a second pressure zone.

84. Werkwijze volgens één van de conclusies 80-83, waarbij voorafgaand aan het positioneren van de voorverwarmde coating rondom de pijpleiding of pijpdeel een laag van Fusion Bonded Epoxy (FBE) wordt aangebracht op de pijpleiding of pijpdeel en een lijmlaag wordt aangebracht op de FBE laag.A method according to any of claims 80-83, wherein prior to positioning the preheated coating around the pipeline or pipe part, a layer of Fusion Bonded Epoxy (FBE) is applied to the pipeline or pipe part and an adhesive layer is applied to the FBE low.

85. Werkwijze volgens één van de conclusies 80-84, waarbij de pijpleiding of het pijpdeel verticaal georiënteerd is.The method of any one of claims 80-84, wherein the pipeline or pipe section is vertically oriented.

86. Werkwijze volgens één van de conclusies 80-85, waarbij de coating tijdens een pijpleg-operatie wordt gevormd aan boord van een vaartuig voor het leggen van een pijpleiding, waarbij het vaartuig een J-lay of een S-lay systeem omvat.A method according to any of claims 80-85, wherein the coating is formed on board a pipeline vessel during a pipe laying operation, the vessel comprising a J-lay or an S-lay system.

87. Werkwijze volgens één der conclusies 80-86, waarbij de coating wordt gevormd op de wal op een pijpdeel en waarbij de coating ten minste 80 procent van de lengte van het pijpdeel bedekt.A method according to any of claims 80-86, wherein the coating is formed on the shore on a pipe part and wherein the coating covers at least 80 percent of the length of the pipe part.

88. Werkwijze volgens één van de conclusies 80-87, waarbij het voorverwarmde coatingvel een binnenste, pijpleidingzijde (21) en een buitenzijde (20) heeft, waarbij de pijpleidingzijde tijdens het aandrukken in een verweekte of gesmolten toestand is en waarbij de buitenzijde zich tijdens het aandrukken in een vaste toestand bevindt.A method according to any of claims 80-87, wherein the preheated coating sheet has an inner, pipeline side (21) and an outer side (20), wherein the pipeline side is in a softened or molten state during pressing and wherein the outer side is during the pressing is in a fixed state.

89. Werkwijze volgens één van de conclusies 80-88, waarbij het voorverwarmde coatingvel om de pijpleiding wordt gevouwen, waarbij een eerste en een tweede eindgebied (51, 52) van het coatingvel elkaar ontmoeten en een naad (53) vormen.The method of any one of claims 80-88, wherein the preheated coating sheet is folded around the pipeline, wherein a first and a second end region (51, 52) of the coating sheet meet and form a seam (53).

90. Werkwijze volgens één van de conclusies 80-89, waarbij het eerste en tweede eindgebied (51,52) elkaar overlappen.The method of any one of claims 80-89, wherein the first and second end regions (51, 52) overlap.

91. Werkwijze volgens de voorgaande conclusie, waarbij het eerste en tweede eindgebied (51, 52) met elkaar worden verbonden door het aandrukken met de ondersteuningsinrichting en door de eerder aangebrachte warmte de verbinding tussen het eerste en tweede eindgebied te laten vormen.A method according to the preceding claim, wherein the first and second end region (51, 52) are connected to each other by pressing with the support device and by causing the previously applied heat to form the connection between the first and second end region.

92. Werkwijze volgens één van de conclusies 80-91, waarbij het coatingvel een eerste hoofdgebied (71) en een tweede hoofdgebied (72) en een lasrupsgebied (73) heeft, waarbij in het lasrupsgebied het coatingvel een dikte heeft die groter is dan de dikte van de eerste en tweede hoofdgebieden, waarbij tijdens de plaatsingsstap het lasrupsgebied op de lasrups (68) van een verbinding tussen twee pijpdelen wordt geplaatst, waarbij het lasrupsgebied in het bijzonder een band is die zich uitstrekt over het coatingvel en het eerste hoofdgebied van het tweede hoofdgebied scheidt.The method of any one of claims 80-91, wherein the coating sheet has a first main region (71) and a second main region (72) and a weld bead region (73), wherein in the weld bead region the coating sheet has a thickness greater than the thickness of the first and second main areas, wherein during the placing step the welding bead area is placed on the weld bead (68) of a connection between two pipe parts, the welding bead area being in particular a band extending over the coating sheet and the first main area of the separates the second main area.

93. Werkwijze volgens één van de conclusies 80-92, waarbij het eerste gekromde framedeel en het tweede gekromde framedeel beweegbaar zijn ten opzichte van elkaar vanuit een geopende stand naar een gesloten stand, waarbij gedurende het positioneren van de voorverwarmde coatingvel rond de pijpleiding het eerste en tweede deel worden bewogen naar de gesloten positie.The method of any one of claims 80-92, wherein the first curved frame portion and the second curved frame portion are movable relative to each other from an open position to a closed position, wherein during positioning of the preheated coating sheet around the pipeline, the first and second part are moved to the closed position.

94. Werkwijze volgens één van de conclusies 80-93, waarbij de pijpleiding of pijpdeel reeds een coatingslaag (12) heeft, en waarbij voorafgaand aan het positioneren van het voorverwarmde coatingvel om de pijpleiding of het pijpdeel door de ondersteuningsinrichting (30) volgens één van de conclusies 200-206, een verwarmings-klemeenheid (252) om de gecoate pijpleiding of het pijpdeel wordt geplaatst, waarbij het verwarmings-klemeenheid klem-verwarmingselementen (252) omvat die zijn aangebracht op een binnenzijde van de verwarmings-klemeenheid, waarbij de klem-verwarmingselementen (252) een buitenoppervlak (260) van de coating op de pijpleiding of pijpdeel verwarmen, en waarbij vervolgens het coatingvel met de verwarmde binnenzijde wordt aangebracht op de coatingslaag met het verwarmde buitenoppervlak.A method according to any of claims 80-93, wherein the pipeline or pipe section already has a coating layer (12), and wherein prior to positioning of the preheated coating sheet around the pipeline or pipe section through the support device (30) according to one of claims 200-206, a heating clamp unit (252) is placed around the coated pipeline or pipe part, the heating clamp unit comprising clamp heating elements (252) arranged on an inside of the heating clamp unit, the clamp heating elements (252) heat an outer surface (260) of the coating on the pipeline or pipe part, and wherein subsequently the coating sheet with the heated inner side is applied to the coating layer with the heated outer surface.

95. Werkwijze volgens de voorgaande werkwijzeconclusie, waarbij meerdere coatingslagen op elkaar worden aangebracht door telkens zowel het buitenoppervlak van de eerder aangebrachte coatingslaag en het binnenzijdeoppervlak van het volgende coatingvel te verwarmen en vervolgens het volgende coatingvel aan te brengen op de eerdere coatingslaag tot een gewenste totale dikte van de coating wordt bereikt.A method according to the preceding method claim, wherein a plurality of coating layers are applied to each other by heating both the outer surface of the previously applied coating layer and the inner surface of the next coating sheet and then applying the next coating sheet to the previous coating layer to a desired total thickness of the coating is achieved.

96. Werkwijze volgens één van de conclusies 80-95, waarbij een eerste contactplaats waar het coatingvel in contact komt met de pijpleiding of het pijpdeel in een centraal gebied (150) van de ondersteuningsinrichting is gelegen, waarbij het opblaasbare lichaam (34) naar binnen uitstulpt in dit centrale gebied en waarbij het coatingvel aanvankelijk tegen de pijpleiding of pijpdeel in dit centrale gebied wordt gedrukt, waarbij een contactgebied zich vervolgens verspreidt aan weerszijden van het centrale gebied en langs de omtrek van de pijpleiding of het pijpdeel beweegt in de richting van de einden (51,52) van het coatingvel (12), waarbij de einden (51, 52) naar elkaar toe bewegen en uiteindelijk elkaar overlappen om een overlapgebied (57) en een naad (55) te vormen.The method of any one of claims 80-95, wherein a first contact location where the coating sheet comes into contact with the pipeline or pipe portion is located in a central region (150) of the support device, wherein the inflatable body (34) is inward protrudes into this central area and the coating sheet is initially pressed against the pipeline or pipe part in this central area, a contact area then spreading on either side of the central area and moving along the circumference of the pipeline or the pipe part in the direction of the ends (51, 52) of the coating sheet (12), wherein the ends (51, 52) move toward each other and ultimately overlap to form an overlap region (57) and a seam (55).

97. Coatingvel (12) voor het maken van een pijpcoating, waarbij het coatingvel is vervaardigd uit een thermoplastisch materiaal en een lengte en een breedte heeft en een vierkante of rechthoekige vorm.97. A coating sheet (12) for making a pipe coating, wherein the coating sheet is made of a thermoplastic material and has a length and width and a square or rectangular shape.

98. Coatingvel (12) volgens conclusie 97, omvattende een eerste hoofdgebied (71) en een tweede hoofdgebied (72) en een lasrupsgebied (73), waarbij in het lasrupsgebied het coatingvel een dikte heeft die groter is dan de dikte van het eerste hoofdgebied en het tweede hoofdgebied, waarbij het lasrupsgebied is geconstrueerd om te worden geplaatst op een lasrups (73) van een verbinding tussen twee pijpdelen.A coating sheet (12) according to claim 97, comprising a first main area (71) and a second main area (72) and a weld bead area (73), wherein in the weld bead area the coating sheet has a thickness greater than the thickness of the first main area and the second main region, wherein the weld bead region is constructed to be placed on a weld bead (73) of a connection between two pipe members.

99. Coatingvel (12) volgens de voorgaande conclusie, waarbij het lasrupsgebied in het bijzonder een band is die zich over het coatingvel heen uitstrekt, waarbij de band het eerste hoofdgebied van het tweede hoofdgebied scheidt.The coating sheet (12) according to the preceding claim, wherein the welding bead region is in particular a band extending over the coating sheet, the band separating the first main region from the second main region.

100. Coatingvel (12) volgens één van de conclusies 97-99, waarbij het coatingvel ten minste één afgeschuind eindgebied (51,52) heeft.The coating sheet (12) of any one of claims 97-99, wherein the coating sheet has at least one chamfered end region (51,52).