Line travel normalizer

• US 4,632,366 A
• Filed: 11/01/1984
• Issued: 12/30/1986
• Est. Priority Date: 11/01/1984
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Pipemakers Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Pipemakers Incorporated
• Inventors: Sprung, Douglas L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Brody, Christopher W.
• Application Number:
  US06/667,362
• Time in Patent Office: 789 Days
• Field of Search: 266/102, 266/258, 266/103, 266/87, 266/104, 219/6.5, 219/10.61, 219/7.5, 219/8.5, 219/9.5, 219/10.53, 219/219, 219/155, 219/156
• US Class Current: 266/87
• CPC Class Codes: C21D 1/42 Induction heating
• CPC Class Codes: C21D 9/50 for welded joints
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 10/25 Process efficiency

Abstract

A normalizer for linear welds in continuous pipes, to travel along the side a pipeline during operation. The normalizer comprises an induction heater supported on a mounting assembly. A power source is provided for the induction heater and an electrical control means controls the power from the power source to the induction heater. A mechanical means continuously controls the elevation and lateral placement of the mounting assembly and induction heater with respect to those of the pipe. A mechanical control means enables continuous control of the lateral placement of the mounting assembly and induction heater with respect to the pipe weld to be normalized and ensures proper placement of the induction heater over that weld. A spacer means permits adjustable spacing of the induction heater a predetermined distance from the pipe weld to be normalized, to provide a predetermined air gap between the induction heater and that weld. These elements of the normalizer are mounted on a carriage means for moveably transporting these elements along the length of pipe to be normalized. The carriage means has appropriate drive and steering means for the carriage means.

Claims

1. A normalizer for linear welds in continuous lengths of pipes made from flat metal strip comprising:

(a) an induction heater to lie selectively over a weld in the pipe being normalized for applying heat to the weld;

(b) a mounting assembly for the induction heater;

(c) a power source for the induction heater;

(d) electrical control means for the induction heater to control the power from the power source to the induction heater;

(e) mechanical means to continuously coordinate the elevation and lateral placement of the mounting assembly and induction heater with respect to those of the pipe;

(f) mechanical control means to enable continuous control of the lateral placement of the mounting assembly and induction heater with respect to the pipe weld to be normalized and to ensure proper placement of the induction heater over the weld;

(g) spacer means to permit adjustable spacing of the induction heater a predetermined distance from the pipe weld to be normalized and provide a predetermined constant air gap between the induction heater and that weld;

(h) carriage means on which elements (a) through (g) of the normalizer are mounted for movably transporting these elements along the pipe to be normalized; and

(i) drive and steering means for the carriage means.

2. A normalizer according to claim 1 further provided with a heat sensor means to determine the heat generated at the weld by said induction heater.

3. A normalizer according to claim 2 wherein said heat sensor means is one of an optical pyrometer and an infra red temperature indicator.

4. A normalizer according to claim 2 wherein a computer is electronically associated with said carriage means and with said heat sensor means to control the speed of said carriage means dependent on the heat being generated at the weld by said induction heater.

5. A normalizer according to claim 1 wherein said mounting assembly for said induction heater includes roller bearings to rest on the surface of the pipe and support said mounting assembly thereon.

6. A normalizer according to claim 1 wherein said spacer means comprises laterally spaced standoff wheels associated with said mounting assembly to bear on upper, lateral portions of the pipe surface, said standoff wheels being oriented to move longitudinally with respect to the pipe and being mechanically adjustable to provide an air gap between said induction heater and the pipe weld.

7. A normalizer according to claim 1 which further comprises a manually operable mechanical means for continuously controlling the lateral placement of said mounting assembly and induction heater with respect to the pipe weld to be normalized.

8. A normalizer according to claim 1 wherein said mounting assembly and induction heater are supported on roller mechanisms freely laterally and vertically moveable on respective supports carried on said carriage means, to permit the continuous coordination of the elevation and lateral placement of said mounting assembly and induction heater with respect to those of the pipe.

9. A normalizer according to claim 6 wherein said mounting assembly and induction heater are supported on roller mechanisms freely laterally and vertically moveable on respective supports carried on said carriage means, to permit the continuous coordination of the elevation and lateral placement of said mounting assembly and induction heater with respect to those of the pipe.

10. A normalizer for a linear weld in a continuous length of pipe comprising

a carriage for movement along a stationary length of pipe;

an induction heater for inductively heating a weld seam extending longitudinally of the pipe;

a mounting assembly on said carriage for mounting said induction heater over the weld seam of the pipe;

a seam tracker mounted on said carriage for moving said induction heater laterally of the weld seam;

spacer means on said carriage for adjusting said induction heater vertically relative to the pipe during movement of said spacer means along the pipe; and

mechanical means to continuously coordinate the elevation and lateral placement of said mounting assembly and induction heater with respect to those of the pipe.

11. A normalizer as set forth in claim 10 wherein said induction heater is a bar.