Abstract: The apparatus and method for eliminating ground water infiltration while stabilizing the ground and repairing underground pipe/conduit and connections is taught in this art. The steps are to first inject, under pressure, expandable structural foam in the space adjacent and outside the pipe while blocking any infiltration of the foam into the interior of the pipe, conduit or connection. Concurrently or separately the inside diameter of the pipe is receiving a structural repair. The result is stabilized ground, elimination of ground water infiltration and repair of the host pipe conduit or connection.

Abstract: A composite structural reinforcement device to be applied to structural members by wrapping in successive overlying layers includes a body formed of a first ply of resin impregnated high tensile strength material, a second ply of resin impregnated high tensile strength material, a magnetically detectable ply disposed and bonded between the first and second plies, an interlock means for mechanically interlocking successive layers as the device is applied to a structural member, and an alignment means for aligning successive layers of the device in overlying relation. Various alternative embodiments and various combinations of features are disclosed.

Abstract: A cable pulling machine of the invention includes a frame, a mechanical linkage including first and second links having first and second cable gripping shoes disposed thereon respectively in opposed positions, a latching cylinder actuable to cause the mechanical linkage to pivot on multiple axes to bring the shoes into engagement with a cable disposed therebetween, a main cylinder having one end mounted on the frame and actuable to move the linkage in a manner effective to pull the cable in a pulling stroke once the latching cylinder has brought the shoes into engagement with the cable, and suitable means for extending and retracting the main and latching cylinders. The machine may also include suitable means for holding the cable in tension between pulling strokes, such as a pivoting wedge mechanism as described hereafter.

Abstract: A system and method for making a repair to a damaged section of a conduit includes a pair of couplers, which securely mate, with undamaged sections of the conduit, which straddle the damaged section of the conduit; and a bridging duct, which replaces the damaged section. In one embodiment, the couplers are placed around the undamaged section of the conduit and the bridging duct is placed around the couplers.

Abstract: A method for controlling fluid leaks in a pipe connection. A first step involves providing a clamp having a circular clamping face with a diversion channel positioned in the circular clamping face and a drain outlet in communication with the diversion channel. A second step involves clamping the clamp around a pipe connection so that any fluids leaking from the pipe connection can only escape by being diverted to the diversion channel. A third step involves positioning a container relative to the drain outlet, so that any fluids passing through the drain outlet from the diversion channel are captured in the container.

Abstract: A clamp attachable to a vehicle for remotely stopping gas leaks in a gas line is provided. The clamp includes a first boom having a first end, a second end and a pipe engaging portion adjacent the second end. The first boom is provided with a mounting portion adjacent the first end operable to couple the clamp to a mounting structure for manipulating the clamp. The clamp also includes a second boom having a first end, a second end and a pipe engaging portion adjacent the second end. The first and second booms are coupled such that the pipe engaging portions of the first and second booms are positioned to cooperate about a leak portion of a pipe. The clamp has an actuator to selectively engage the first and second pipe engaging portions about the leak portion of the pipe.

Abstract: Abrasion resistant pipes of this invention comprise a structural wall formed from a filament wound fiberglass-reinforced material, and an elastomeric abrasion resistant material disposed along the inside and/or outside surface of such pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the structural pipe wall is formed from a filament wound fiberglass-reinforced epoxy resin material, and the abrasion resistant material is formed from a polyurea elastomer. Abrasion resistant pipes of this invention are manufactured using existing filament winding processes by first coating a mandrel with the elastomeric abrasion resistant material, and than winding the resin impregnated filament therearound. Pipes prepared according to principles of this invention have improved properties of toughness, temperature resistance, chemical resistance, and abrasion resistance when compared to conventional fiberglass-reinforced pipes that either have no protective liner or have liners formed from other elastomeric materials.

Abstract: The inventions concerns to a bundle (1) of tubes for the laying of tubes (2) by means of a trenchless laying according to the fluid-assisted drilling method, in which in a first drilling process a drilling channel (9) is generated and during the retracting movement of the boring-flushing head (5) this drilling channel (9) is expanded and in this process the bundle (1) of tubes is retracted into the drilling channel (9). Such a bundle (1) of tubes stands out by that the bundle (1) of tubes is formed by a number of single tubes (2) which are ordered in distance to each other by means of flanges (3) distantly arranged at the tubes (2) in lengthwise direction (15) of the tubes (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for replacing lines without excavation, comprising an annular overdrilling head and a drive for rotating a front module arranged on the overdrilling head.

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: The present invention provides a method for producing a repair material for use in repairing an interface area between two intersecting conduits. According to one aspect of the invention, a mold is provided having similar dimensions to an interface area. The interface area is defined by a first conduit and a flange connecting the first conduit to a second conduit. A repair material is provided having a material structure, the material structure defined by an arrangement of fibers such that the material structure has similar dimensions to the interface area. The arrangement of fibers further allowing the repair material to be flexible and seamless. A resin is provided, the resin having a resin viscosity. An additive is provided, the additive is adapted to increase the resin viscosity. The additive is mixed with the resin to form a resin-additive mixture whereby the resin viscosity is increased after a time delay.

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: A clamp attachable to a vehicle for remotely stopping gas leaks in a gas line is provided. The clamp includes a first boom having a first end, a second end and a pipe engaging portion adjacent the second end. The first boom is provided with a mounting portion adjacent the first end operable to couple the clamp to a mounting structure for manipulating the clamp. The clamp also includes a second boom having a first end, a second end and a pipe engaging portion adjacent the second end. The first and second booms are coupled such that the pipe engaging portions of the first and second booms are positioned to cooperate about a leak portion of a pipe. The clamp has an actuator to selectively engage the first and second pipe engaging portions about the leak portion of the pipe.

Abstract: The method and two devices provide for the underground connection of pipe with minimal disruption of the surrounding landscape. A main pipe is cleaned by a surface preparation tool designed to access the main pipe through a small hole. An adaptor is attached to a second pipe, and then placed in a clamping device designed to access the main pipe and clamp the adaptor thereto through the small hole. Electricity is passed through the adaptor, thereby softening the plastic so that this softening and the pressure of the clamp secures the adaptor to the main pipe. The main pipe is then pierced by the adaptor's tapping tee.

Abstract: A kit for providing temporary radiator repair comprising at least one laminate patch and at least one radiator clamp capable of forcibly holding the composite patch to tank portions, such as on the top or sides of the radiator, and at least one load distribution bar for more even distributing the compression force on the top of the radiator.

Abstract: A fabricated steel pipe repair clamp having a steel band and interlocking steel lugs having respective tension bars and tightening bolts or studs forming the tightening assembly. The tightening assembly comprises a welded stud lug assembly, and a tension bar lug welded assembly, each having a base plate, and a backup plate. The two folded terminals of the clamping metal band are welded between the base plate and the backup plate forming the respective lug bodies. The laminated weld forming the lug assembly results in a stronger lug body backup plate and provides an even clamping force. An alternative embodiment combines the base plate and the backup plate connected to form jaws. Another embodiment employs an offset backup plate to form the lugs to receive the band ends in a recess formed between the tensioner bars and between the studs shank portions.

Abstract: A method for securing a shell assembly to a pipeline. A two part shell assembly is secured to the pipeline and holds in position an annular sealing arrangement located about a predetermined area of the outer surface of the pipeline. The sealing arrangement includes a containment ring surrounding an annular seal. The containment ring is provided with connected through passages so that sealant can be introduced by a hole in the assembly into the passages to provide sealing between the containment ring and the pipeline, and between the containment ring and the shell assembly. Thus, should the annular seal fail during service the introduced sealant provides a seal.

Abstract: A method is provided for securing a shell assembly to a pipeline. A two part shell assembly (2, 3) is secured to pipeline (6) and holds in position an annular sealing arrangement (16, 17) located about a predetermined area of the outer surface of the pipeline. The sealing arrangement includes a containment ring (16) surrounding an annular seal (17). The containment ring is provided with connected through passages (16e) so that sealant can be introduced via a hole in the assembly into the passages to provide seating between the ring and the pipeline, and between the ring and the assembly. Thus, should the annular seal (17) fail during service the introduced sealant provides a seal.

Abstract: An inflatable plug within a fragile streamlined cover attached to a rigid lance tube is pushed through a leakage hole to plug it on an upstream end by being inflated with pressurized fluid conducted through the lance tube to rupture the fragile cover and position the plug against the wall sealingly covering the upstream end of the hole.

Abstract: A wrapped and curing substrate is secured: with a strap. The strap has two clips, each having a prong. The prong of a first clip is slid in a first direction into a first portion of the wrapped substrate. A second clip is pulled away from the first clip over a substrate edge, and the prong of the second clip is slid into a second portion of the wrapped substrate in a direction opposite the first direction. In one embodiment, the first portion of the wrapped substrate is an overlapping layer of substrate, and the second portion of the wrapped substrate is the layer of substrate extending from underneath the overlapping substrate.

Abstract: A material provided for sealing leaks in water conveyance systems includes a porous hydrophilic rubber impregnated with a water reactive polyurethane resin. When the material comes into contact with water, the rubber and polyurethane swell and this results in increased adhesion and improved sealing.

Abstract: High-pressure pipe element made of a hooped tube for making lines referred to as kill lines and choke lines that equip oil production installations, notably offshore. The high-pressure pipe element is an assembly consisting of two connections (3) and (4) respectively welded to the two ends of a metallic tube (1). The metallic assembly is hooped. Hooping (2) covering tube (1) comprises a sufficient number of hooping layers to withstand a determined internal pressure. Transition zones (5) and (7) in the vicinity of the welds comprise additional hooping layers.

Abstract: A transport pipe for solid materials has a single layer pipe section having a threaded first end and a thread second end. The pipe section has a hardened inner mantle. A first coupling collar having a first threaded collar is threaded onto the threaded first end. A second coupling collar having a second threaded collar portion is threaded onto the threaded second end. Wear-resistant layers are located in the region of the first and second coupling collars. Seals in the form of, for example, O-rings, U-shaped profiles, or flat packings, can be provided between the coupling collars and the pipe section.

Abstract: High-pressure pipe element made of a hooped tube for making lines referred to as kill lines and choke lines that equip oil production installations, notably offshore. The high-pressure pipe element is an assembly consisting of two connections (3) and (4) respectively welded to the two ends of a metallic tube (1). The metallic assembly is hooped. Hooping (2) covering tube (1) comprises a sufficient number of hooping layers to withstand a determined internal pressure. Transition zones (5) and (7) in the vicinity of the welds comprise additional hooping layers.

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: In the process of wrapping a strip-like flexible repair substrate around a cylindrical article such as a pipe, an edge of the repair substrate is aligned with at least one visible indicia along the length of the previously wrapped repair substrate to easily control the amount of overlap, or pitch of the helix, between adjacent substrate layers created by successive wraps of the substrate about the article. Each of these indicia allow the substrate to overlap the previously wrapped substrate by a consistent amount, the amount desired being dependent upon the application and amount of strength required for the repair.

Abstract: A hose/clamp combination wherein the clamp is oriented axially and circumferentially in its radially open position and held in place by a glued fabric overlay.

Abstract: A method of prestressing and reinforcing damaged pipes includes using a resin impregnated substrate, or a fiberglass fabric coated with a resin, to wrap a damaged area of the pipe. In order for the substrate to compress the pipe, the pipe is wrapped tightly. The compressed pipe has a negative hoop stress when the pipe is not under internal pressure. This negative hoop stress offsets the hoop stress due to the internal pressure from the fluid flow, so that the maximum hoop stress of the pipe is not exceeded. In an effort to provide this tightness, a pressurized portion of resin is introduced between the substrate and the pipe. A bladder may be inserted between the pipe and the substrate to contain a functional amount of prestressing resin injected under pressure. The resin used for prestressing can be the same as or different from the resin used to impregnate or coat the fiberglass strips.

Abstract: Reinforcing bands of high tensile strength filaments in a cured resin matrix are in the shape of a coil having a plurality of elastic convolutions for reinforcing a weakened pipe. Areas of depressions on the exterior surface of the pipe are filled with a load transfer filler material and the bands are coiled around the pipe with adhesive holding an innermost convolution of the coil to the pipe and subsequent convolutions of the coil to adjacent convolutions. A plurality of the bands are placed in abutment with one another to cover the entire weakened area of the pipe.

Abstract: A pipe replacement apparatus includes a housing having upper and lower walls that are sealed together about a pipe section to be replaced; on the interior surfaces of the walls, tracks are provided for clamps with engage the original pipe and also carry the replacement section; cutting devices are provided operable through one of the walls to sever the original pipe and the clamps are gear driven to be shiftable to move the cut portion out of line and move the replacement section into line; sealing collars are carried on the replacement pipe portion and manipulated to engage the pipe portions to be sealed thereto.

Abstract: A device for stopping a leak in a pipe having at least one crack, including an elastomer sheet applied against the crack with a force applicator and a clamping mechanism arranged around the pipe for applying a force on the force applicator. The force applicator includes shearing elements preferably consisting of a first group of rigid parallel partitions and a second group of parallel partitions arranged perpendicularly to the partitions of the first group, the partitions being arranged perpendicularly to the pipe and applying shearing efforts on the elastomer sheet on the site of the crack, forcing the elastomer to be deformed so as to match the shape of the crack, thereby stopping it.

Abstract: A transport pipe for solid materials has a single layer pipe section having a threaded first end and a thread second end. The pipe section has a hardened inner mantle. A first coupling collar having a first threaded collar is threaded onto the threaded first end. A second coupling collar having a second threaded collar portion is threaded onto the threaded second end. Wear-resistant layers are located in the region of the first and second coupling collars.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a kit for installing an underground piping system. The kit includes a protective conduit having flexible piping contained therein and a plurality of sealing members. The installer positions the protective conduit and flexible piping as a single unit thereby facilitating installation.

Abstract: A clamp for repairing a damaged pipe member. Shell members are matingly engaged around the damaged pipe member. Segmented inserts are received in a complementary annular channel formed in an inside face of the shell members to form a ring assembly supporting annular seals between the ring assembly and the damaged pipe member. A shell-sealing annular channel is formed between the ring assembly and the shell members to receive a liquid sealant to form an annular seal between the ring assembly and the shell members. A longitudinal channel is formed in longitudinal faces of the shell member to form longitudinal seals in the shell assembly when a ring assembly is disposed at either end of the shell members. The ring assemblies support seals against the damaged pipe member, including a pipe-sealing annular channel formed between each ring and the damaged pipe member between inner and outer annular seals for receiving a liquid sealant.

Abstract: An explosion resistant blanket for a flow line component having a plurality of flexible inner layers constructed from a high tensile strength material. A flexible cover layer covers the inner layers and is constructed from a material that is resistant to degradation from ultraviolet light and that is water resistant. Elongate straps are attached to the inner and cover layers that wrap around the pipeline component and secure the blanket to the component.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for sealing leaks in electrical insulators and other equipment without the need for depressurizing that equipment. The system and method may be readily adapted to seal any joint, regardless of its configuration. In addition, while the system and method provide an effective and sure seal, the seal may be readily removed in order to change out the leaking component at a future date. A tubular seal is maneuvered into position to encircle the leaking joint. A reinforcing layer is applied over the seal. The seal is then filled with sealant under pressure. The seal isolates the sealant and its direct hydraulic pressure from the operating components to prevent the sealant from contacting those components, while simultaneously providing sufficient force against the leaking joint to stop the leak.

Abstract: A leak repair device composed of an elastomeric seal having an outer toroidal portion radially of a central axis and a continuous membrane portion integral with and peripherally enclosed by the toroidal portion. The elastomeric seal is held by a semi-rigid flexible cover member which has a plurality of parallel slots extending across the surface of the cover member. As the cover member is compressed radially against a rigid pipe, the slots permit the cover member to bend to the contour of the pipe. The toroidal portion of the elastomeric seal is compressed against the pipe to seal the leak and the membrane portion encapsulates the leak region to further seal the escape of fluid through the leak repair device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing metal or non-metal vessels, including straight and curved pipes and various pipe connections, such as T's, elbows, swages, etc., and pressure containing vessels such as tanks, with an external composite lining of a webbing of biaxial or triaxial weave preferably composed of fiberglass which is pre-impregnated with a high temperature heat curable polymer composition capable of being heat cured at a temperature range of from about 275° F. to about 375° F. The vessel is prepared for bonding by abrasive cleaning and by solvent cleaning. Metal imperfections are then filled with an epoxy. A small amount a quick setting epoxy is employed to attach one end of the web to the external surface of the vessel in oriented position for wrapping of the web in intimate surface-to-surface contact with the vessel. During wrapping only enough tension is applied to the pre-impregnated webbing to eliminate any wrinkles.

Abstract: A device for stopping a leak in a pipe having at least one crack, including an elastomer sheet applied against the crack with a force applicator and a clamping mechanism arranged around the pipe for applying a force on the force applicator. The force applicator includes shearing elements preferably consisting of a first group of rigid parallel partitions and a second group of parallel partitions arranged perpendicularly to the partitions of the first group, the partitions being arranged perpendicularly to the pipe and applying shearing efforts on the elastomer sheet on the site of the crack, forcing the elastomer to be deformed so as to match the shape of the crack, thereby stopping it.

Abstract: A system for protecting pipe, tubing, or associated apparatus in high acidic and/or high temperature environments includes a non-woven polyphenylene sulfide fabric saturated with a mixture of bisphenol A liquid epoxy and a cycloaliphatic amine curing agent.

Abstract: An expandable repair fitting for sealing and reinforcing polyethylene pipe includes a single or multiple middle section(s) that receives two end sections. The three sections are split into halves in order for the fitting to encapsulate the entire pipe to be repaired. Electrical heating elements in the form of wires are embedded within each section. The specific location of the wires causes the jointed halves to melt together when an electrical source is supplied to the wires, as well as causing a portion of each end piece to melt about the outer pipe diameter, thereby forming a sealed repair fitting. A portal is provided on the middle section to allow pressure testing of the integrity of the fitting. In a second embodiment, the repair fitting does not encapsulate the entire pipe circumference.

Abstract: A device method for repairing leaks in pressurized lines, particularly refrigeration lines, without having to drain the fluid from the line, thereby reducing the possibility of refrigerant contamination and/or loss, and providing protection to the environment. The device of this invention is installed over a leak in the line and remains in service for the life of the line.

Abstract: A method of repairing a flanged pipe joint includes selecting a flexible sheet of material and mounting a tube through the selected material to form a passageway therethrough. One end of the mounted tube is positioned against a flanged pipe joint and the flexible sheet of material is wrapped around the pipe flange joint and attached thereto. A coating, such as an epoxy polymer, is coated over the wrapped flexible material extending over the flanged pipe joint and adjacent pipe, which coating is cured while any liquid leaking from the flanged pipe joint escapes through the tube. Once the coating is cured, the tube can be plugged by either removing the capped tube or injecting a material to seal the tube. The tube also has an end member shaped to fit over a flanged joint for positioning the pipe for drainage of material leaking from the flanged joint.

Abstract: Process for repairing plastic coatings of metal pipes, that allows the repairs to be done in a very short time, by applying, in specific operating phases, a polyolefin adhesive in powder form and polyolefin tapes, and then applying heat using an inert gas-shielded flame.

Abstract: An external cover pipe is adapted to be fixedly fitted over a fluid transport pipe made of synthetic resin via an elastic seal. The cover pipe includes a plurality of split pipe members divided in the peripheral direction of the pipe which cooperate to compress the elastic seal in association with a fastening operation of a fastener for fastening and joining together the split pipe members disposed adjacent each other in the peripheral direction. Each split pipe member includes, in an inner peripheral face thereof, a deformation limiting face for coming into contact with an outer peripheral face of the fluid transport pipe in association with the fastening operation of the fastener so as to limit radial deformation of the fluid transport pipe. This deformation limiting face is provided at a portion in the inner peripheral face of the split pipe member located at a position axially offset toward an extreme axial end of the external cover pipe away from a portion thereof where the elastic seal is attached.

Abstract: A fitting for holding and connecting steel pipes comprising: a holder and a coupler which are axially supported with each other at one end with a pin, a bolt which is inserted into a through hole provided at the other end of the coupler, and a cap nut which is provided inside the other end of the holder and into which the bolt is tightened, thereby holding a steel pipe. It is desirable for the cap nut to be fixed to the holder or for the through hole to be an unloaded hole. By so arranging, the steel pipe does not slide off from the tightening fitting, and in case of damage to the bolt, only the damaged bolt may be simply replaced with a new one, thereby making it possible to use the device for a long period of time. Moreover, since the screw portion of the bolt does not protrude, the clothes or body of the worker or passing person are not caught by a projecting end of the device so as to cause the clothes to be ripped or the body to be hurt.

Abstract: Process for repairing plastic coatings of metal pipes that allows one to make the repair using only a flame as a source of heat, including the application of protective shields during specific operating phases of the process.

Abstract: A sleeve (10) for use as a mould for protecting, repairing or renovating a pipe (12) for carrying water, gas or other fluids. A liquid material such as polyurethane or epoxy resin is injected into the sleeve so that, as it polymerizes, it protects or seals the pipe section covered by the sleeve. The sleeve includes a plurality of identical modules (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) assembled to form the mould and each including a male portion and a female portion linked by an intermediate portion. The male portion of one module is designed to fit into the female portion of the adjacent module.

Abstract: A pipe repair assembly for sealing leaks in pipelines that transmit oil, chemicals, steam and the like, is disclosed. The assembly is in the form of a two-part sleeve which forms an enclosure or box over a section of leaking pipe. The sleeve includes a pre-fitted sealing jacket to provide a snug fit over the pipe contour. Optionally, the assembly may have a channel or groove transverse to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve and spaced inwardly of the ends of the sleeves for receiving a floating metal ring and a ring of sealant material. The floating ring, sealant ring and sealing jacket are all compressed when bolts connecting the two parts of the sleeve are secured.

Abstract: Reinforcement of buried or inaccessible existing pipes is achieved by applying a reinforcement layer which includes a fabric portion. A pipe system structure is achieved which permits an internal or external surface of an existing pipe wall to be reinforced without removing a section of the pipe and without requiring the pipe to be out of service of a long period of time. The reinforcement layer overlays a portion of the internal or the external surface of the pipe. An adhesive material is then applied to the surface of the pipe or to the reinforcement layer for bonding the reinforcement layer to the surface of the pipe to develop a composite system between the existing pipe and the reinforcement layer.