Abstract: Secondary containment of the flexible hose connection between the underground hydrocarbon fuel fiberglass supply pipe and the emergency shut-off valve feeding a gasolene dispensing pump is obtained with a univerally applicable elastomeric corrugated sleeve that is secured at opposite ends, respectively, to the supply pipe and an adapter at the valve by non-metallic clamps. The clamps are of split ring construction with an initial small gap at the end of a projecting lip which is compressed upon tightening a glass reinforced Nylon bolt. This ensures smooth uniform contact with the sleeve for a full 360.degree. circumferentially. Adapters provide the "nipple" surface to which the sleeve is clamped. An air valve is provided in the sleeve to permit pressure testing and to enable leak detection, if desired.

Abstract: A fail-safe bellows assembly eliminates the usual limit bolts and replaces them with a cylindrical guard that encircles the bellows element with its associated coupling flanges and interconnects said flanges so as to permit a limited safe magnitude of elongation and articulation. The guard is coupled to both flanges by pins radiating from the flanges that project into apertures in the guard with the apertures lareger than the O.D. of the pins to provide for relative movement of the flanges. A radial gap between the peripheries of the flanges and the guard is filled with a compressible foam layer, and aperture occluders are interposed between foam and guard to prevent extrusion through the apertures of a secondary seal sleeve that bridges the gap between the flanges.

Abstract: Connection between flange faces is effected with a rigid metal load bearing ring interposed therebetween for assuming the bolt torquing load and, when desired, for providing a fluid seal. Within said load bearing ring are disposed at least one coned ring spring and a force distributing ring for developing a predetermined sealing force against a flare of non-metallic material, usually a plastic. The flare may be at the end of a pipe or fitting liner or associated with an auxiliary or adapter seal. The spring provides automatic compensation for any cold or hot flow of the material within the flare so as to maintain a fluid seal between said flare and a mating surface.

Abstract: A heat exchanger element is provided with small-bore copper tubing jacketed with perfluoroalkoxy resin wherein the ends of the jacketed copper tubing are each telescoped over the end of a stainless steel nipple having a raised shoulder at its end and an annular groove adjacent thereto. A stainless steel ferrule surrounding a sleeve of polytetrafluoroethylene overlies the joint and for a short distance to either side and is contracted particularly in the region of said nipple groove to squeeze the copper tubing thereinto behind said shoulder. This interlocks the tube with the nipple and establishes a fluid-tight seal between the ferrule, the nipple and the metal tube. The nipples are joined to headers or manifolds by welding or in similar manner.

Abstract: An expansion joint having a working element of polytetrafluoroethylene is protected from fire by jacketing with an enclosure of refractory material. The jacket has openings through which pipe passes to and from the joint. A gland is inserted within the openings around the pipe for closing most of the gap therebetween while affording sufficient freedom of movement not to interfere with motion of the joint. Each gland is formed from a metal ring, channel shaped, coated on all surfaces with an intumescent material which expands in a fire to seal all remaining gaps between the pipe and the encircling opening in the jacket whereby hot gases are barred from passage. Alternatively, where radial movement is not required, the intumescent material may be coated directly on the refractory material around the opening surrounding the pipe.

Abstract: Steel pipe, fittings, joints and valves, lined with PTFE resin are rendered fire-safe for in excess of one hour exposure to open flames by jacketing the components with an enclosure formed from fibrous refractory material. The enclosures are configured and dimensioned to contain a substantially fixed air volume within a predetermined air gap space between the exterior of the component and the interior of the jacket. As an example, high-alumina ceramic fiber mixed with a suitable binder is vacuum formed and then surface coated with an epoxy enamel to produce segments which can be joined around the components to produce satisfactory enclosures. The described segments are reinforced with a metallic skeletal structure which is located so as to permit sizing of openings in the field to accommodate alternative modes of installation.