This knowledge building has focused on developing experimentally verified methods to determine the most important process parameters as well as the strength of the flange connection. Further, these methods have been applied to better control the connection process in order to achieve a specific strength for the connection.
Jan Henriksen
PhD Candidate / Associate Professor
Traditionally, pipelines in the oil and gas industry have been welded together. In his doctoral thesis Jan Henriksen has researched new ways of connecting pipes without welding, quicker and safer. The research was done in close cooperation with the industry.
Jan Henriksen defends his PhD thesis ‘Model based design of novel cold deformed flange connection method’ on Tuesday 27 November 2018.
Jan Henriksen has followed the PhD-programme at the Faculty of Engineering and Science with Specialisation in Mechatronics.
The research project is funded by the Research Council of Norway and Quickflange Technology AS (now ICR Integrity Norge AS).
The world depends on a network of pipelines for transportation of various products and energy. The pipe systems are constructed of pipe sections connected by welding or joined using flanges which are bolted together.
There are different methods of connecting flanges and pipes.
Welding has been the preferred method for decades. However, welding can under certain conditions be a complicated procedure which requires qualified personnel.
New methods are gaining greater interest because they increase the speed of the connection process and for not generating heat or sparks during the process. This is particularly important if gas is present, like in oil and gas installations.
A new method is now available for connecting flanges and pipes based on cold-forming principles. This method is applicable even for large diameter pipes and uses a hydraulic tool to mould the pipe to prefabricated traces in the flange.
To increase the scope of this method, a greater understanding of the process is needed, in addition to understanding how to achieve the highest possible strength for the flange connection.
This involves basic knowledge of elastic and plastic deformation of the parts involved in the process.
This knowledge building has focused on developing experimentally verified methods to determine the most important process parameters as well as the strength of the flange connection.
Further, these methods have been applied to better control the connection process in order to achieve a specific strength for the connection.
The research project has resulted in numerical and analytical models which conform well with experimentally obtained data.
Further, the models showed how geometrical and material technical parameters affect the strength of the connection.
The models also made it possible to develop a method to control the connection process which maximised the connection’s strength.
The candidate: Jan Henriksen (1966, Arendal) Education from NTNU, works as associate professor at the Department of Engineering Sciences, UiA.
The trial lecture and public defence will take place in the Auditorium Tuesday 27 November 2018.
Head of Department Geir Grasmo will chair the public defence.
Trial lecture at 10:15am
Public defence at 12:15pm
Given topic for trial lecture: ‘Numerical accuracy of FE modelling of contact involving plastic deformation’
Thesis title: ‘Model based design of novel cold deformed flange connection method’
Search for the thesis in AURA - Agder University Research Archive, a digital archive of scientific papers, theses and dissertations from the academic staff and students at the University of Agder. The thesis will also be available at the University Library, and some copies will also be available for loan at the auditorium where the disputation takes place.
First opponent: Professor Karl Brian Nielsen, Aalborg University
Second opponent: Associate Professor, dr.techn. Niels Leergaard Pedersen, Technical University of Denmark
Associate Professor Margrethe Wold, Department of Engineering Sciences, UiA, is appointed as the administrator for the assessment committee.
Supervisors were Professor Michael Rygaard Hansen, UiA (main supervisor); and Professor Tor Oskar Sætre, UiA (co-supervisor)