Abstract: A method for repairing/strengthening and crack arrest of pipe, especially metal pipe, in which, first, to cover an insulated material on the position needing repairing/strengthening and crack arrest, then to lay a high strength fiber composite material. The modulus of elasticity of the material used in the invention is close to the metal pipe's, it can be integrated with the pipe and bear the internal pressure with the pipe, thus the final composite pipe reaches required bear capacity, such as, the original most operation pressure of pipe can be recovered; and it can take effect for crack arrest of pipes when pipes happen burst accident. Otherwise, because of the insulated material is used on the bottom layer, it prevent thoroughly from galvanic corrosion between pipe and strengthening material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for repairing and fitting heat insulation capabilities of the external cladding of clad members such as tubular lines, connection members and other clad members, positioned on the seabed, said device consisting of a casing comprising attachment and/or tightening means, suitable for being mounted on said clad members, characterised in that the device comprises, inside the casing thereof, a gel type elastomer heat insulation compound, in the form of a solid or perforated lining/mat, rigidly connected to said casing and compressed by tightening on the clad member during the fitting thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-pressure pipe element having at least two metal tubes 1, 3 reinforced by hoops 2 and 4, the ends of the tubes being bare. The tubes are assembled end to end by a weld 5 of the bared ends. A sleeve 6 covers the weld 5 as some of the hooping 2 and 4 of each tube, forming an annular space between the bare ends of the tubes and the sleeve, said space being filled with a setting material 9.

Abstract: A pipe clamp includes a deformable cylindrical sealing sleeve having a continuous side wall with a slotted opening extending 180 degrees around the circumference of the side wall adapted to receive a gate valve plate. The slotted opening has protruding lips bordered by clamping wedges. Clamps are provided for clamping the sealing sleeve to a pipe. Pressure members are provided. A clamping force with pressure members upon the clamping wedges to clamp the lips into a closed position thereby creating a fluid tight seal when the gate valve plate is removed.

Abstract: An arrestor for arresting an axial ductile propagating fracture in a pipeline transporting a high-energy fluid is made from a material such that the arrestor deforms sufficiently when encountering a propagating fracture that the propagating fracture continues at least under the arrestor but the arrestor has enough strength that it ceases the crack propagation without ring-off of the pipeline. The material is filled with fiber characterized by having a stress-strain curve that passes thru the ranges between about 25 and 200 ksi in stress, and a deformation ranging from between about 5% strain and 35% strain, and having a diameter ranging between about 0.002 and 0.020 inches.

Abstract: A system and method of repairing a pipe including securing a reinforcing material, such as a dry fiber structure (e.g., a carbon fibers) to the surface of the pipe. A polymeric material is placed on top of the reinforcing material, self-penetrating the dry fiber structure. The polymeric material substantially saturates the reinforcing material and cures to form a reinforced polymeric composite which may increase or restore the pressure rating or operating pressure capacity of the pipe. Optionally, an outer containment component, such as a sleeve, shell, box, wall, outer pipe, and so on, may be installed around the reinforcing material prior to introduction of the polymeric material. In this case, the polymeric material may be placed (i.e., poured) into the interior of the containment component on top of the reinforcing material.

Abstract: A system and method for repairing and reinforcing a pipeline includes a pair of opposing composite wrap bands that are located on the external surface of the pipeline and positioned a predetermined horizontal distance from a defect area. A composite wrap is then applied over the bands to create a bridge that spans the bands and forms a cavity above the defect area. The bridge eliminates the need to clean the surface of the pipeline directly over the defect area. A second pair of bands located on the external surface of the bridge provides structural support. An actuator within the bridge monitors the pressure within the cavity and activates upon the presence of internal pressure, indicating a through-wall defect has occurred. A fitting may also be inserted into the bridge in order to pressurize the cavity and test the repair.

Abstract: A method for repairing and reinforcing a pipeline includes covering a defect in a pipeline section with a composite wrap, isolating the wrap from the ambient environment, and applying a compressive force on the wrap so that the pressure on the wrap is substantially equal to the pipeline pressure. Isolating the wrap involves the use of a housing having a cavity that substantially conforms to the shape of the wrapped section. The cavity may contain a pressurized gas or liquid. Because the pressure acting on the surface of the wrap is at least substantially equal to the pressure of the pipeline section, the wrap cures as if the pipeline is at zero pressure. Once the wrap has effectively cured, the compressive force may be relieved and the housing removed. The composite is now under load and is immediately sharing load with the pipeline.

Abstract: Around a damaged area of a jacket of a flexible tube, a top coat layer whose adhesion to a polymer layer is weak is peeled off with an adhesive tape. The damaged area and its immediate surrounding area are sanded, and then wiped with ethanol for cleaning. A main agent and a hardening agent are heated and defoamed while being mixed to prepare a repair material. The repair material is applied to the damaged area and the immediate surrounding area. A heat shrink tube is opened along slits in an end portion and covers the flexible tube. The heat shrink tube is shrunk with hot air, pressing the repair material and making it flush with a surface of the jacket. The flexible tube is heated with an electric hot plate to harden the repair material. Thereafter, the heat shrink tube is peeled off from the flexible tube.

Abstract: A method of repairing a pipe (11) containing a pressurized fluid and having at least one leak, for instance in a flange (10), including the steps of installing a flexible and sealed casing (12) engaging the pipe on each side of the leak site to enclose the leak, the casing including a valve arranged at the highest point if the fluid is a gas or at the lowest point if it is a liquid; installing a rigid and sealed casing (20) engaging the pipe on either side of the flexible casing and enclosing the casing; and injecting a polymerizable liquid material into the rigid casing, so that the flexible casing is enclosed in a sleeve of polymeric resin after polymerization of the polymerizable material.

Abstract: A structure-aided method for sealing, from the outside, a liquid-leaking puncture wound in the wall of a liquid container. This method is implemented utilizing a patch body having a perimetered cavity selectively securable to the outside of such a container with the cavity overlying and facing the wound, and the cavity's perimeter surrounding the wound, and a patch pellet confined in the cavity, and possessing a liquid-reaction substance which, with the patch body secured to the container, reacts to contact with liquid leaking from the container at least by imbibing such liquid and swelling to apply wound-sealing pressure, and more preferably by additionally reacting with leakage liquid to form a sticky coagulant mass for aiding in applying sealing pressure to the wound. The patch body may be employed directly on the outside of a container, or with an intermediate, resilient gasket which centralizes the symmetrical introduction of leakage liquid into the pellet-containing cavity.

Abstract: A split sleeve assembly or clamp includes a longitudinally extending body having upper and lower half sections and a cylindrically shaped chamber having two pair of C-shaped flanges that divide the chamber into three sections including two end chambers with two open ends. A pair of glands with one gland disposed at each end of the body abutting the end chambers after being filled with packing materials on each side of a leak. The assembly also includes a pair of split gland elements each of which are held together by a sealing ring for sealing the ends of the assembly. The gland elements also include an integrally formed boss for fitting into an end chamber and compressing the packing material therein. A plurality of swivable bolts disposed at each end of the assembly on the upper and lower half sections are used to tightly seal the ends of the assembly.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a metal panel or pipe of an existing structure comprising the steps of attaching a reinforcing metal layer to said metal panel or pipe in spaced apart relation to thereby form at least one cavity between inner surfaces of said metal panel and said reinforcing metal layer, injecting an intermediate layer comprised of an uncured plastics material into said at least one cavity, and curing said plastics material so that it adheres to said inner surfaces of said metal panel or pipe and said reinforcing metal layer.

Abstract: A insulating wrap includes a flexible elongate body of insulating material adapted to be wrapped in a helical fashion around an object, such as a pipe. The body has a first end and a second end. A first tie strap is secured by a first fastener to the first end of the body to facilitate the body being secured to the pipe. A second tie strap is secured by a second fastener to the second end of the body to facilitate the body being secured to the pipe.

Abstract: A method and kit for repairing a gas leak in a pipe containing natural gas. The natural gas repair kit includes a leak sealant, a pressure sealant, and an encapsulator. The method for repairing the gas leak includes the act of applying a leak sealant over the leak in the pipe. The method further includes the act of wrapping a pressure sealant around the pipe near the leak. The pressure sealant should enclose and contact the leak sealant. Additionally, an encapsulator should be wrapped around the pipe near the leak. The encapsulator should contact the pressure sealant and the pipe.

Abstract: A system and method of reinforcing a portion of a pipe, including applying a fiber structure to the portion of the pipe to be reinforced, and pressurizing resin through the fiber structure to the portion of the pipe to substantially saturate the fiber structure with resin, wherein the resin comprises a viscosity of less than about 10,000 cP and a surface tension of less than about 30 dynes. The resin is permitted to cure under ambient conditions at a peak exotherm of greater than about 200° F., wherein the cured resin comprises a glass transition temperature of greater than about 150° F. and a heat distortion temperature of greater than about 150° F. Pressurizing the resin may include use of a reinforcing containment and underlying pliable mold that is compressed to pressure the resin through the fiber structure to the pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing system for an insulating pipe of a dual insulating pipe type used for feeding liquefied LNG or liquid nitrogen, comprising an inner pipe through which the material for feeding passes, insulating material surrounding the inner pipe, and an outer pipe for protecting the insulating material surrounding the inner pipe. The insulating pipe fixing system for inserting and fixing an insulating pipe according to the invention is characterized in that the body of the fixing system is provided with a vacuum area for insulation. Therefore, according to the invention, it is easy to connect and disconnect pipes and this invention can be widely applied to connections of dual insulating pipes. Since the inside of the body is provided with an insulating section, the inner pipe area which is not surrounded by the insulating material can be insulated, so that overall insulation effect can be maximized.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a pipe having a defect or penetration comprises a housing coupled to the pipe by a clamp member. A piston is mounted in the housing and the piston and housing define a chamber. The piston further comprises a port for providing fluid communication between the pipe and the chamber. A seal member is provided between the piston and the pipe and, in use, the apparatus is located over and/or around the defect or penetration in the pipe such that the seal member engages the pipe. The piston is urged towards the pipe by a fluid pressure force generated by fluid in the pipe thereby maintain sealing engagement between the seal member and the pipe and to prevent leakage of fluid through the penetration.

Abstract: A protective sleeve is applied as a permanent outer cladding shield over a joint infill at the welded end closure portions of adjacent coated sections of pipe for a pipeline in or beneath a body of water. The sleeve once installed forms a seal against entry of water to protect the pipe from corrosion. The sleeve takes the form of a sheet of synthetic resin mounted to form a cylinder about the area to receive the joint infill. A flap is provided on a longitudinal edge of the sheet to prevent leakage and hold the cylindrical shape of the infill when to be applied. Electrically conductive mesh or wire element bands are mounted with an inner side of the sheet to circumferentially engage the coated sections of the pipe on either side of the infill. The sheet and conductive bands are held in place to be applied by an applicator clamp. Electrical current is applied to the mesh bands to fuse the sleeve circumferentially to the coated cover sections of the pipe. The infill is applied in the interior of the sleeve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a permanent method of repairing leaking, damaged, or weakened pipe by grit blasting the pipe (10), followed by wrapping it with a fiber reinforced composite material (12), then installing two half oversized steel sleeves (14). After that the non-gaseous matter is removed by fresh water and compressed air or inert gas. An epoxy or cementitious grout or combination of both is finally injected into annular chamber 20 of the sleeves through pre-installed inlet port (16) and outlet port (18). The epoxy or cementitious is then allowed to cure. The terminal end of the steel sleeves may be sealed using a pair end flanges (32) matingly securable to a pair of terminator bodies (45).

Abstract: A two-part housing grips and surrounds a portion of a pipe, with ports at first and second ends of the housing through which the pipe extends. An annular end seal of elastomeric material at each end of the housing provides a seal between the pipe and housing. The end seals each have one slit for allowing the seals to be engaged transversely over the pipe. Each port has an annular recess for enclosing the respective end seals. The cross-sectional area of each end seal in a relaxed condition is greater than the cross sectional area defined between the outer surface of the pipe and the annular recess in the housing when the housing is closed around the pipe, so that the end seals are squeezed between the opposing surfaces of the pipe and housing when the two parts of the housing are secured around the pipe. Face seals extend between the end seals on opposite sides of the housing to seal the intersection between the two housing parts.

Abstract: A system and method of repairing a pipe including securing a reinforcing material, such as a dry fiber structure (e.g., a carbon fibers) to the surface of the pipe. A polymeric material is placed on top of the reinforcing material, self-penetrating the dry fiber structure. The polymeric material substantially saturates the reinforcing material and cures to form a reinforced polymeric composite which may increase or restore the pressure rating or operating pressure capacity of the pipe. Optionally, an outer containment component, such as a sleeve, shell, box, wall, outer pipe, and so on, may be installed around the reinforcing material prior to introduction of the polymeric material. In this case, the polymeric material may be placed (i.e., poured) into the interior of the containment component on top of the reinforcing material.

Abstract: A system and method of repairing a pipe including securing a reinforcing material, such as a dry fiber structure (e.g., a carbon fibers) to the surface of the pipe. A polymeric material is placed on top of the reinforcing material, self-penetrating the dry fiber structure. The polymeric material substantially saturates the reinforcing material and cures to form a reinforced polymeric composite which may increase or restore the pressure rating or operating pressure capacity of the pipe. Optionally, an outer containment component, such as a sleeve, shell, box, wall, outer pipe, and so on, may be installed around the reinforcing material prior to introduction of the polymeric material. In this case, the polymeric material may be placed (i.e., poured) into the interior of the containment component on top of the reinforcing material.

Abstract: Structure, for sealing, from the outside, a liquid-leaking puncture wound in the wall of a liquid container. This structure includes a patch body having a perimetered cavity selectively securable via a self-torque-limiting bolt to the outside of such a container in a manner whereby the cavity overlies and faces the wound, with the cavity's perimeter surrounding the wound, and a patch pellet contained and confined in the cavity, and formed, at least in part, of a liquid-reaction substance which, with the patch body secured to the container, reacts to contact with liquid leaking from the container at least by imbibing such liquid and swelling to apply wound-sealing pressure, and more preferably by additionally reacting with leakage liquid to form a sticky coagulant mass for aiding in applying sealing pressure to the wound.

Abstract: A system and method of repairing a pipe including securing a reinforcing material, such as a dry fiber structure (e.g., a carbon fibers) to the surface of the pipe. A polymeric material is placed on top of the reinforcing material, self-penetrating the dry fiber structure. The polymeric material substantially saturates the reinforcing material and cures to form a reinforced polymeric composite which may increase or restore the pressure rating or operating pressure capacity of the pipe. Optionally, an outer containment component, such as a sleeve, shell, box, wall, outer pipe, and so on, may be installed around the reinforcing material prior to introduction of the polymeric material. Further, the polymeric material may be subjected to pressure to facilitate contact of the resin through the reinforcing material.

Abstract: A sleeve f or repairing a fluid pipe (12), including a rigid or flexible shell (22) which forms a mold that surrounds at least one defective area (10) of the pipe. A liquid-state polymerizable material is injected into the mold, which polymerizes and seals the defective area. The sleeve also includes an insert which is made up of several coils of a filiform element (14), which is wound into a helix around the defective area of the pipe, before the polymerizable material is injected or infused.

Abstract: A system and method of repairing a pipe including securing a reinforcing material, such as a dry fiber structure (e.g., a carbon fibers) to the surface of the pipe. A polymeric material is placed on top of the reinforcing material, self-penetrating the dry fiber structure. The polymeric material substantially saturates the reinforcing material and cures to form a reinforced polymeric composite which may increase or restore the pressure rating or operating pressure capacity of the pipe. Optionally, an outer containment component, such as a sleeve, shell, box, wall, outer pipe, and so on, may be installed around the reinforcing material prior to introduction of the polymeric material. In this case, the polymeric material may be placed (i.e., poured) into the interior of the containment component on top of the reinforcing material.

Abstract: In order to reinforce a cylindrical pipeline, in particular an underground water supply pipeline, prestressing reinforcements are placed and tensioned around it. In a zone where the pipeline has a radial projection, for example providing a manhole for access to the inside of the pipeline, the prestressing reinforcements are deflected to bypass the radial projection so that the reinforcements, located in the same layer on a side of the pipeline opposite the side having the projection, are distributed in a plurality of layers on this side having the protuberance.

Abstract: A pipe reinforcement system for reinforcing a pipe including a pipe section having an inner and an outer elbow surface separated by a pipe opening with a plurality of ceramic tiles overlying the pipe section, each of said tiles having a generally arcuate inner surface, said plurality of tiles secured to said pipe section with said inner arcuate surface positioned adjacent to said outer elbow surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, device and tools for the protection of cadmium welds, holidays or the like on underground pipe portions, wherein the device includes a patch having a fibrous material and a hydrophobic agent that is adapted to form a substantial seal about the pipe portion or otherwise coat the pipe portion with an anti-corrosion agent upon application.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a containment apparatus includes an outer casing having a body with a first end and a second end sized to fit around a pipe, and an interior channel in the body that extends between the first and second ends configured to receive a section of the pipe. The length of the interior channel is sufficient to enclose a rupture in the pipe between the first and second ends of the body. One or more seals between the first and second ends of the body are configured to seal the outer casing around a rupture in a pipe when a pipe is received in the interior channel. The containment apparatus further includes a securing mechanism that maintains the one or more seals against a pipe when the containment apparatus is attached to a pipe.

Abstract: An arrestor for arresting an axial ductile propagating fracture in a pipeline transporting a high-energy fluid is made from a material such that the arrestor deforms sufficiently when encountering a propagating fracture that the propagating fracture continues at least under the arrestor but the arrestor has enough strength that it ceases the crack propagation without ring-off of the pipeline.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for repairing a pressurized fluid supply pipeline (1) comprising a series of buried prestressed concrete pipe segments (2, 3, 4) which consists in: providing excavations in the trench, beneath suitably set portions (6, 7) of the pipe (1), cleaning up said pipe portions, installing and tensioning the prestressed reinforcements (12) around said portions of the pipe and filling up the excavations with earth material by compacting said material.

Abstract: A pipeline repair system includes a sleeve adapted to permanently enclose an outer surface of a longitudinal section of a pipeline having a defect. The sleeve includes two or more longitudinal segments of a cylinder joined at the longitudinal edges to form a sleeve with a first and second radial ends. The sleeve is sealed at the radial ends forming an enclosed annular space between the pipeline and the sleeve. An injection port assembly on the sleeve is adapted for temporary connection to an external source of pressurized material. The pressurized material may be a fluid, gas, or slurry. After filling the annulus with pressurized material, the port assembly is sealed. The permanent sleeve receives a majority of the tangential (hoop) stress load from the section of pipeline via the pressurized material in the annular space and may receive a portion of the longitudinal stress load from the section of pipeline.

Abstract: A method of repairing a section of pipe is described. The method includes applying a first split sleeve and a second split sleeve to the pipe section, functionally associating the first end of the first split sleeve with the first end of the second split sleeve, and applying a compressive force until the internal diameter of the pipe experiences compressive shear hoop strain. The method described produces substantially uniform compressive hoop strain along the length of the pipe section, and may exceed a predetermined value, such as 100 microstrain in compression, for example. The amount of force required may be calculated utilizing maximum operating conditions. The method described may produce an acceptable permanent repair by ensuring that the inner diameter of the section of pipe experiences compressive strain. Also described is a method of reinforcing a section of pipe utilizing these apparatus and methods.

Abstract: Structure, and a related method, for sealing, from the outside, a leaking puncture wound in the wall of a liquid container. This structure includes a patch body having a perimetered cavity selectively securable via a self-torque-limiting bolt to the outside of such a container in a manner whereby the cavity overlies and faces the wound, with the cavity's perimeter surrounding the wound, and a patch pellet contained and confined in the cavity and formed, at least in part, of a reaction substance which, with the patch body secured to the container, reacts to contact with liquid leaking from the container at least by imbibing such liquid and swelling to apply wound-sealing pressure, and more preferably by additionally reacting with leakage liquid to form a sticky coagulant mass for aiding in applying sealing pressure to the wound.

Abstract: A section of a host pipe is removed, a flange is placed at one end of the host pipe section and split sleeve halves are secured to one another and at one end to the flange to cantilever the split sleeve from the end of the host pipe. A deformed thermoplastic liner is drawn through the host pipe and split sleeve and reformed to its cylindrical configuration by introducing steam under pressure. Once reformed, the split sleeve halves are removed, the end portion of the rerounded liner is cut and an adapter flange is fused on the end of the cut liner portion. The split sleeve halves are reapplied about the rounded liner with the flange on the adapter bearing against an end face of the flanges of the split sleeve. A cylindrical section is welded to the adjacent host pipe section and a flange thereof is bolted to the distal end flange of the split sleeve whereby a permanent pressure sealed connection is provided between a lined host pipe section and a non-lined host pipe section.

Abstract: In order to install a reinforcement around a cylindrical underground pipeline, an excavation coffer is laid on the ground above the pipeline, at the same time placing transversely to the pipeline front and rear faces of the coffer, each having along its lower edge an indentation of a shape adapted to the cylindrical shape of the cylindrical pipeline, the coffer is buried in the ground substantially until the indentations are brought up against the pipeline, soil material is removed between the front and rear faces of the coffer in order to give access to an upper part of the wall of the pipeline, a duct in the form of an arc of a circle is engaged under the pipeline, at the same time being pushed along the lower part of the wall of the pipeline, a prestressing reinforcement is threaded into this duct, and the armature is clamped and anchored around the pipeline.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a method and apparatus for repairing or structurally reinforcing an oil and gas well tubular member, or an assembly of tubular members. The assembly to be repaired can include a smaller diameter inner flow conveying conduit (or production tubing) and a larger diameter concentrically placed surface casing, providing an annulus in between the production tubing and the surface casing. A third casing pipe of largest diameter, the drive pipe is placed around the surface casing string. Other “conductor” casing pipes can be positioned around the surface casing inside the drive pipe. Part of the surface casing string (or other conductor pipe) can suffer damage due to corrosion. A sleeve or repair member is placed around the casing string or other tubular member at a damaged portion.

Abstract: A method for securing a branch assembly to a pipeline includes positioning a first containment ring surrounding an area from which the branch is to extend, positioning a first annular seal within the containment ring to provide a first ring/seal arrangement, positioning a second containment ring spaced from the first containment ring and first annular seal, positioning a second annular seal within the second containment ring to provide a second ring/seal arrangement, positioning the second part of the branch assembly onto the seals, and positioning a first part of the assembly on the pipe line and securing the first and second parts together so as to leave an annular gap between the first and second ring/seal arrangements and to provide an access point or vent in the second part communicating with the annular gap.

Abstract: A pipe clamp 10 for repairing an underwater pipe. The pipe clamp 10 comprises a plurality of part-cylindrical portions 12,14,16 hinged together along a hinge axis or axes 27 along adjacent longitudinal edges 17,18. Two or the longitudinal edges 20,21 of the part-cylindrical portions are free. The part-cylindrical portions 12,14,16 are movable about the hinge axis or axes 27 towards and away from one another between an open position in which the free longitudinal edges 20,21 are spaced apart and the clamp 10 can be placed around a pipe and a closed position in which, in use, the free longitudinal edges 20,21 of the part-cylindrical portions 12,14,16 are brought together around the pipe. Fastening means are provided for holding the free edges 20,21 of the part-cylindrical portions 12,14,16 together, such that, in use, the clamp 10 is held to the pipe.

Abstract: A seal clamp assembly for sealing an opening in a piping system includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a base having a first side, a second side and an aperture extending therethrough from the first side to the second side, and a brace coupled to the base. The brace includes a distal pad hingedly coupled to a distal end portion of the brace. The seal clamp assembly also includes a spring bridge coupled to the base first side. The bridge includes a substantially rectangular U-shaped frame and an aperture extending through the spring bridge frame such that the spring bridge aperture is in substantial lineal alignment with the base aperture. A clamping assembly is coupled to a proximate end portion of the brace.

Abstract: Natural gas pipe repair fittings and methods for using same allow safely welding a pipe repair fitting over a leaking natural gas service line “T” fitting. A bottom half and a top half are welded together to form a hollow cylinder having hemispherical ends with semicircular pipe notches in them. A hollow vertical pipe has one end welded over a pipe hole in the middle of the top half of the cylinder. A hemispherical cap is affixed to the opposing end of the vertical pipe. The cap has a cap hole in its top. A method for installing the natural gas pipe repair fitting by enclosing a leaking natural gas service line “T” fitting with the natural gas pipe repair fitting and welding the natural gas pipe repair fitting to the gas main line is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for securing a branch assembly to a “live” pipeline. An upper part of the assembly incorporating the branch is positioned on the pipeline over a containment ring located on the pipeline and within which is an annular seal surrounding an area from which the branch is to extend. A lower part of the assembly is positioned on the pipeline beneath the upper part and the two parts are secured together so that the seal is compressed and an annular space is left between the two parts and the external surface of the pipeline. Grout is injected into the annular space and cures to bond the two parts forming the branch assembly in position on the pipeline. The use of grout avoids having to use welding techniques on a “live” pipeline. A coupon can be cut out of the pipeline, via the access through the branch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing a leak in a plastic pipe is provided. The apparatus includes a body and an electrofusion element. The body is constructed of a substantially rigid material and has an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface is adapted to be positionable about at least a leak portion of a plastic pipe. The electrofusion element is disposed about the lower surface of the body and operable to sealably couple with the plastic pipe to encapsulate the leak.

Abstract: What is new in the art to which my invention pertains is that it allows for a repair or restoration of a pressure retaining item that has local material degradation to an acceptable state of condition for continued operation without the need to cut out the degraded section of material or breach the pressure boundary of a pressure retaining item. Common methods of repair include removal of degraded or affected material section and replacement with a new section of equivalent material by joining the new material to an existing item at a location of adequate thickness using full or complete penetration welds. This type of repair may be referred to in the industry as a “flush patch repair”. An additional type of repair where a section of material degradation may be localized is a “weld build-up repair’ wherein weld metal is deposited onto the existing area of affected material to return the material to its original thickness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a repair clamp providing an improved pipe repair clamp. The clamp according to the invention could be used in some cases as a coupling to join two pipe ends. The clamp comprises; a) a metal clamping band to surround 3600 of a pipe.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for repairing a pressurised fluid supply pipeline (1) comprising a series of buried prestressed concrete pipe segments (2, 3, 4) which consists in: providing excavations in the trench, beneath suitably set portions (6, 7) of the pipe (1), cleaning up said pipe portions, installing and tensioning the prestressed reinforcements (12) around said portions of the pipe and filling up the excavations with earth material by compacting said material.

Abstract: A pipe bursting and pulling apparatus for use in replacing horizontal underground pipes including a cylindrical body with a tapered forward section including means for attaching one of a cable, rod, rope or chain, the cylindrical body including an annular inner wall defining a longitudinally extending, rearwardly opening recess, a shaft passing through the recess, a plurality of gripping jaws, at least one of the jaws including a pipe gripping tooth extending radially outward relative to a longitudinal axis of the shaft, a tapered expander connected to the shaft and configured to fit between the jaws, the expander forcing the jaws outward to clamp a replacement pipe inserted into the cylindrical body between the jaws and the inner wall when pulled by the shaft, a stop, the stop limiting the forward travel of the expander and preventing outward radial travel of the jaws after the tooth has been engaged in the wall of the replacement pipe whereby the tooth penetrates to a depth of no more than 35% of the thickn

Abstract: A pipe clamp 10 for repairing an underwater pipe. The pipe clamp 10 comprises a plurality of part-cylindrical portions 12, 14, 16 hinged together along a hinge axis or axes 27 along adjacent longitudinal edges 17, 18. Two or the longitudinal edges 20, 21 of the part-cylindrical portions are free. The part-cylindrical portions 12, 14, 16 are movable about the hinge axis or axes 27 towards and away from one another between an open position in which the free longitudinal edges 20, 21 are spaced apart and the clamp 10 can be placed around a pipe and a closed position in which, in use, the free longitudinal edges 20, 21 of the part-cylindrical portions 12, 14, 16 are brought together around the pipe. Fastening means are provided for holding the free edges 20, 21 of the part-cylindrical portions 12, 14, 16 together, such that, in use, the clamp 10 is held to the pipe.