Pipe joints or couplings – Frangible element
Patent
1995-06-16
1997-09-02
Melius, Terry Lee
Pipe joints or couplings
Frangible element
285 23, 285197, F16L 3500
Patent
active
056623585
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This invention relates to an adaptor and method for making a branch-off connection, and more part particularly to an adaptor and method for providing a branch-off connection to a fluid distribution main.
Gas distribution mains normally consist of a cast iron gas pipe which is laid in the ground. In order for a subscriber to be connected to the main by means of a service pipe, hitherto a tee connection has been made in which an externally threaded metal tee piece is inserted into a screw-threaded bore formed in the wall of the gas main. The tee piece has an annular screw-threaded bore which is provided with a top cap and a screw-threaded plug which can be accessed by removal of the cap. A side pipe for connection to the consumer service pipe is connected to the bore at a point intermediate its ends.
The replacement of a tee piece is a difficult and costly operation. First a hole must be dug in the ground and the tee piece and distribution main exposed. The cap of the tee piece is then removed and the plug wound down until it is below the level of the side pipe. The service pipe connection to the consumer is then sawn off. Next a bell having two compartments connected by a slide valve is placed over the tee piece and secured in a gas-tight fashion by chains passing around the distribution main. With the slide valve open the tee piece is unscrewed and lifted into the top chamber of the bell. The slide valve is then closed and the top chamber of the bell evacuated of gas so that the tee piece can be removed. A new tee piece that may be metal or plastic, but at least has the possibility of connection to a plastic subscriber service pipe is then inserted into the bell. The new tee piece has its plug wound down so that, when the slide valve is opened and the tee piece screwed into the distribution main, the plug effectively prevents any gas from escaping. Finally the subscriber service pipe is connected to the side pipe, the system pressure tested, and the plug wound up in order to allow gas to flow along the subscriber service pipe. The top cap is then replaced to ensure the gas-tightness of the tee piece.
It can be seen from the above that the replacement procedure is both difficult and time consuming. In addition, the injection moulded tee piece is an expensive item.
In GB2151737, there is described a connector for producing a joint between a compressed air main and a line to be joined thereto, which comprises a connection socket, made of elastic material, and fixed in a port in the wall of the main. The socket has elastic lips resting against each other to shut off the port, and, when a compressed air line is inserted into an opening in the socket the elastic lips are splayed outwards to allow air to pass into the line.
In GB1363471, there is described a ferrule and seal assembly for tapping into a fluid pipeline in which a hole is formed in the pipeline and the ferrule and seal pressed in the seal is cup-shaped and formed from a resiliently deformable material. Downward pressure by the ferrule on the bottom of the seal causes it to break and allow fluid to enter the ferrule body.
In WO83/02990 there is described a pipe tapping assembly comprising a mounting part having a raised outlet housing and a detachable connector assembly supported by the mounting part in sealed relationship with the pipe. Sealing is achieved by a sealing assembly which comprises a plurality of flexible sectoral leaves which in their closed position abutt tightly against one another to form a seal but which may be parted to enable a drill or like tool to pass therethrough for drilling an aperture in the pipe.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel adaptor and method for fitting or replacing a branch-off connection in a fluid distribution main which requires fewer, less expensive and more reliable components, and fewer method steps.
In a first aspect, the present invention provides an adaptor for fitting or replacing a branch of connection in a fluid distribution main and adapted to be received in a hole in a well o
REFERENCES:
patent: 3285627 (1966-11-01), Kozulla et al.
patent: 3598428 (1971-08-01), Smith et al.
patent: 3844585 (1974-10-01), Sands et al.
patent: 4116472 (1978-09-01), Schmitt
patent: 4140337 (1979-02-01), Arcella et al.
Godfrey Stuart Nigel
Lees George Albert
Melius Terry Lee
Shackelford Heather
Uponor Limited
LandOfFree
Branch-off connection does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Branch-off connection, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Branch-off connection will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-302165