Tommy G Hebert

US Patent:

57068631, Jan 13, 1998

Filed:

Sep 22, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/532249

Inventors:

Lee Matherne - Houston TX
Tommy A. Hebert - New Iberia LA
John D. Jeter - St. Martinville LA

Assignee:

Premiere, Inc. - New Iberia LA

International Classification:

E21B 1916

US Classification:

138103

Abstract:

Improved welding method and padeye processing speeds up the connection of individual joints by peripheral fusion welding while the joint to be added stands vertically atop an existing pipe string also standing vertical in the rig floor. A plurality of welders can operate to speed up completion of the weld by removing heat from the pipe during the welding process. Heat is removed by the use of fluid cuffs near the weld area and, optionally, by using a spool within the pipe string to dispense expansion cooled air against the inner pipe wall in the vicinity of the weld. A special improved padeye is provided for welding near the pipe ends for handling. The padeye has a divided profile, a hole for a lifting shackle, and it will be accepted within the skirt of the lead system of the driving hammer. The upper end of the padeye can be cut from the pipe while the pipe is resting, on rig related structure, on the lower surface of the padeye.