Poulton Technologies Weldless 'Connect and Seal' Technology Transforms Traditional Pipe Installation.

Poulton Technologies - The Development

Poulton Technologies is an innovative company breaking the barriers of traditional pipe fitting. The company has developed the 'PT1 pipe connecter' at a time when the demand for new technology continues to grow in the Oil and Gas industry.

The high performance, weldless pipe connector uses a unique metal-to-metal sealing system which is unlike other models in the industry. Welded flange systems have always been the conventional method but Poulton Technologies

Ross Davidson, Business Director explains, 'the PT1 connector brings a refreshing new approach to pipe fitting and repairs, speeding up the installation time and eliminating hazardous area safety concerns.’

The connector can be used in a number of ways which include plant integrity related pipework repairs, brownfield modifications or new build plant. Whereby, the PT1 connector replaces a conventional flange connection as part of the overall process piping design.

Pipe installation is a global activity. Therefore, pipelines need the capability to withstand varying elements. The PT1 is a durable joint connector able to withstand conditions in the deep subsea, the weight-conscious topside, the frozen arctic and the blistering desert.

The project started in 2013, when the inventor Rod Copelstone came up with the idea for the new product and began making prototypes. He partnered up with Konrad Goess - Saurau and the pair then began the first stages of development, leading on to type approval and patenting.

The Manufacturing

Poulton Technologies were approached by manufacturer Nirotec, who specialise in the production of high-quality seamless piping components made of high-grade steels. The company was established in 1988 and processes steel pipes, plates and forgings via various cold and hot-forming methods in closed-dies and moulds. Nirotec were the ideal fit to join the project and produce the ‘connect and seal’ technology.

Marcus Dreischer, Sales Manager of Nirotec discusses the process, ‘It means a lot to produce these often custom-made, products. A huge machine park, starting from hydraulic presses, heat treatment furnaces, sand-blasting equipment, testing and measuring devices as well as perfectly-trained personnel are required. The use of piping equipment is as wide as the range of steel grades. Seamless high-quality piping products find their regular application in the many kinds of industrial plants, power plants, refineries and shipyards.

Dreischer continues, ‘Poulton Technologies have put plenty of effort into the development of a new, trail-blazing product. Whereas, Nirotec provides 30 years experience and the technical equipment and know-how to produce the PT1 weld-less pipe connector properly.’

The Selling

With a finished product, Poulton Technologies formed a new sales partnership with Integrity XL at the start of 2018, to bring the technology to market. Integrity XL is a specialist in integrated solutions for the global oil and gas industry. By teaming up with Managing Director Stuart Sinclair, Poulton Technologies is able to utilise Integrity XL’s marketing and strong client connections to showcase the product world wide. An exceptional product is dependent on exceptional sales, therefore, the partnership with Integrity XL has been vital to the success of the PT 1 pipe connector.

Stuart Sinclair ‘We firmly believe that this new and innovative pipework connector technology will revolutionise the way in which we complete process pipework installations, within numerous market sectors internationally.

Poulton Technologies will be presenting at the Technology Sessions at ONS on 27-30 August. Visit their stand 5104 in hall 5.

Key Benefits of the PT 1

·       Pressure for pressure, the PT 1 is much smaller and lighter than any flange or other connector.

·       PT 1 is a permanent, high-strength connector, guaranteed to provide more resilience than the original piping

·       The PT 1 is fireproof and chemical resistant.

·       Metal-to-metal sealing allows the PT 1 to withstand temperatures in excess of 500oC.

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·       As the PT 1 is installed without welding, it means that corrosion-resistant pipe linings will not become damaged during installation. 

 

·       The PT 1 can be fitted in a live hazardous area.
 

·       In-situ Testing - The PT 1 includes an integral facility to confirm the sealing effectiveness, without having to flood the pipeline, saving time and money. 

 

·       Validation - The Lloyd’s Register Type Approval gives you confidence this repair will be maintenance-free for 20 years.