Abstract:
Devices and methods of welding dissimilar materials are contemplated in which an adaptor is used in an intermediate position between the dissimilar materials. Most preferred adaptors are manufactured by friction stir welding from two dissimilar materials that are identical or similar to the dissimilar materials to be welded together. Therefore, coupling of dissimilar materials in the field via the adaptors is greatly simplified as conventional welding methods can now be employed.
Abstract:
Thermo-mechanical properties of welds in stainless steel is substantially improved by the implementation of a post weld heat treatment that iliminates sigma phase in the heat treated zone and favors niobium carbonitride precipitate formation in a desirable size range. In most cases, post weld heat treated material can be employed in pressurized devices at temperatures exceeding 550° C., which is currently regarded the upper safe temperature limit, and material according to the inventive subject matter was tested at temperature of up to 850° C. without reheat cracking.
Abstract:
An ultrasound test apparatus for polymeric materials (e.g., plastic pipes) includes a low-absorption housing that at least partially encloses an ultrasound transducer, wherein the transducer emits a low frequency wide angle ultrasound beam with a narrow bandwidth. In especially preferred configurations and methods, the apparatus will detect flaws in polymeric pipes, and especially in welds or stressed zones of such pipes, wherein defects of less than 4% of the wall thickness (up to 4 inches) are detected. Further disclosed are configurations and methods for nondestructive detection of lack-of-fusion defects in polymeric pipes.
Abstract:
Contemplated systems and methods significantly improve friction stir welding of hard metals and particularly steel and stainless steel. Among other factors, the inventors found that high transverse velocity of the tool is critical to obtain predictable and desirable weld quality, which is preferably achieved in such materials by minimizing spindle run out. Moreover, the transverse and angular velocities are preferably selected such as to achieve a temperature in the weld that is below the phase change temperature and/or the solid state transformation point of the materials.
Abstract:
Contemplated configurations and methods are directed to non-destructive ultrasound testing of stainless steel materials, and especially materials in a difficult-to-reach position, in which a phased array probe is operated using longitudinal waves, wherein the probe is further operated at an angle that provides substantially complete ultrasound coverage when the beam angle is modified.
Abstract:
Naphthenic acid corrosivity of hydrocarbon feedstocks is correlated with the chemical composition of naphthenic acids, and especially with a ratio between an alpha fraction and a beta fraction of naphthenic acids. Contemplated plants, configurations, and methods are directed to reducing naphthenic acid corrosivity of hydrocarbon feedstocks by increasing the beta fraction over the alpha fraction.
Abstract:
An ultrasound test apparatus for polymeric materials (e.g., plastic pipes) includes a low-absorption housing that at least partially encloses an ultrasound transducer, wherein the transducer emits a low frequency wide angle ultrasound beam with a narrow bandwidth. In especially preferred configurations and methods, the apparatus will detect flaws in polymeric pipes, and especially in welds or stressed zones of such pipes, wherein defects of less than 4% of the wall thickness (up to 4 inches) are detected. Further disclosed are configurations and methods for nondestructive detection of lack-of-fusion defects in polymeric pipes.
Abstract:
Contemplated systems and methods significantly improve friction stir welding of hard metals and particularly steel and stainless steel. Among other factors, the inventors found that high transverse velocity of the tool is critical to obtain predictable and desirable weld quality, which is preferably achieved in such materials by minimizing spindle run out. Moreover, the transverse and angular velocities are preferably selected such as to achieve a temperature in the weld that is below the phase change temperature and/or the solid state transformation point of the materials.
Abstract:
Thermo-mechanical properties of welds in stainless steel is substantially improved by the implementation of a post weld heat treatment that illiminates sigma phase in the heat treated zone and favors niobium carbonitride precipitate formation in a desirable size range. In most cases, post weld heat treated material can be employed in pressurized devices at temperatures exceeding 550° C., which is currently regarded the upper safe temperature limit, and material according to the inventive subject matter was tested at temperature of up to 850° C. without reheat cracking.
Abstract:
Devices and methods of welding dissimilar materials are contemplated in which an adaptor is used in an intermediate position between the dissimilar materials. Most preferred adaptors are manufactured by friction stir welding from two dissimilar materials that are identical or similar to the dissimilar materials to be welded together. Therefore, coupling of dissimilar materials in the field via the adaptors is greatly simplified as conventional welding methods can now be employed.