| 摘要 |
<p>Methods and apparatus for controlling the ovality of rigid, tubular members, particularly pipelines in marine pipelaying operations, most particularly in marine pipelaying operations of the type in which the pipeline is subject to plastic deformation. The pipeline is passed through a guide defining a gap dimensioned to apply a compressive force to the pipeline in at least one direction if the diameter of the pipeline in said direction exceeds the width of the gap. The guide may comprise one or more pairs of rollers (40) disposed on either side of the pipeline path, or a flange (52) on one side of the pipeline path and one or more pinch rollers (50) on the other side of the pipeline path. The apparatus may include sensing devices (68) for measuring the ovality of the pipe and automatic control apparatus for varying the dimensions and/or orientation of the guide in response thereto.</p> |
