Zap-Lok® is a pipe joining technology which relies on radial-interference elastic strain and surface friction to join pipes. The connection consists of a “bell” (expanded end) into which a “pin” (the straight end of the adjoining pipe) is forcefully inserted to provide an interference fit (See Figure 1). Joining is accomplished via a specialized hydraulic joining press provided by Zap-Lok® which grips both pipe sections and forces them together. A thin layer of the patented epoxy is applied internally to the bell end, and externally to the pin end, to provide lubrication for the insertion. The joining operation takes approximately ten seconds. Both the bell and the pin are formed to specified tolerances per specification by Zap-Lok® technicians, and may be done in the field or shop. Typical applications include gathering and distribution systems, transmission lines and specialized pipe installations on land and offshore. Of particular interest is the ability to withstand corrosive products with the application of an internal coating that does not sustain damage during the joining operation. To qualify this technology for use extensive testing and analyses was performed. We found that: • In sour service applications the plastic deformation of the bell necessitated a heat treatment to insure that the connection remained NACE compliant. • The axial strength capacity was found to be somewhat less than that of a welded joint. • Burst capacity of the joint was robust. • The joint did not leak even after several cycles of significant plasticity. • Fatigue performance of the joint rivaled that of a lower-end girth weld (i.e. F2 S-N curve). A design method was developed to correctly account for the axial strength using basic ASME-type design concepts. In this presentation we summarize the connection mechanics, testing results, analytical models and design method for the Zap-Lok® connection.
Skip Nav Destination
ASME 2011 30th International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering
June 19–24, 2011
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Conference Sponsors:
- Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering Division
ISBN:
978-0-7918-4436-6
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Zap-Lok® Connection Testing and Axial Strength Design
Pedro Vargas,
Pedro Vargas
Chevron, Energy Technology Company, Houston, TX
Search for other works by this author on:
Ben Crowder,
Ben Crowder
Chevron, Energy Technology Company, Houston, TX
Search for other works by this author on:
David Roberts
David Roberts
Zap-Lok® Pipeline Systems, Inc., Cambridge, MA
Search for other works by this author on:
Pedro Vargas
Chevron, Energy Technology Company, Houston, TX
Ben Crowder
Chevron, Energy Technology Company, Houston, TX
David Roberts
Zap-Lok® Pipeline Systems, Inc., Cambridge, MA
Paper No:
OMAE2011-50209, pp. 933-941; 9 pages
Published Online:
October 31, 2011
Citation
Vargas, P, Crowder, B, & Roberts, D. "Zap-Lok® Connection Testing and Axial Strength Design." Proceedings of the ASME 2011 30th International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering. Volume 4: Pipeline and Riser Technology. Rotterdam, The Netherlands. June 19–24, 2011. pp. 933-941. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/OMAE2011-50209
Download citation file:
13
Views
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Articles
Effects of Soaking in Water, Base Oil, Ionic Liquid, and Grease of an Epoxy/UHMWPE/MoS 2 Composite on Mechanical and Tribological Properties
J. Tribol (June,2022)
Related Chapters
Defect Assessment
Pipeline Integrity Assurance: A Practical Approach
Understanding the Problem
Design and Application of the Worm Gear
Surface Analysis and Tools
Tribology of Mechanical Systems: A Guide to Present and Future Technologies