Pipe joints or couplings – With casing – lining or protector – Lined
Patent
1994-09-19
1997-06-10
Arola, Dave W.
Pipe joints or couplings
With casing, lining or protector
Lined
285149, 285305, 285414, 285423, 285915, 285373, 285363, F16L 914
Patent
active
056368780
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of attaching a coupling member to the end of a pipe particularly to the end of a composite construction formed from a plurality of helically wound reinforcement strips embedded in a resin matrix.
2. Discussion of Prior Art
In our co-pending international patent application number PCT/GB93/02483 (internal reference ROP0132) of common filing date herewith the contents of which are incorporated hereto by reference, we describe a pipe construction comprising a plurality of layers of steel strip which are helically wound to form a pipe and embedded in a resin matrix, the pipe further including inner and outer linings of filament wound fibre reinforce plastic. In order to utilise these pipes, it is necessary to be able to join together separate lengths or to join pipe lengths to plant. Conventional pipe joining techniques are not directly applicable either to pipe constructed as described or to the medium to high pressure applications which are envisaged.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided, a method of joining a coupling member to an end of a composite construction pipe comprising a core formed from a plurality of layers of helically wound reinforcing strip embedded in a resin matrix, the method comprising the steps of forming at least one generally circumferentially directed groove in the surface of the pipe wall adjacent the end of the pipe to a depth which penetrates the reinforcing core of the pipe; (preferably to a depth no more than halfway through the core), providing a coupling member adapted to fit the end of the pipe and overlapping the region of the groove; providing key means to extend between said coupling member and into said groove; providing curable resin in the joint area between the pipe and said coupling member; and curing said curable resin to bond said coupling member to said pipe end.
Preferably the pipe has an internal and/or external lining of fibre reinforced plastic.
Preferably the reinforcement strip is of steel, and the coupling member and the key means are preferably also of steel or other material having similar mechanical properties.
The resin may be injected into the joint area after fitting the coupling member, and/or may be coated onto the joint mating faces prior to fitting.
In one embodiment, the coupling member may be of tubular construction having a circumferentially directed groove or grooves formed in the inner surface thereof and which are axially coincident with the at least one groove on the pipe. The sleeve may be provided with a tangential slot extending through the wall thickness to enable a flexible key member to be inserted into the two axially coincident grooves to extend therebetween.
The cooperating groove and key means may be cooperating screw threads.
In another embodiment of the pipe joint of the present invention, the coupling member may be provided in the form of a sleeve axially split into two halves. Each half may have formed in the inner cylindrical surface thereof a groove or grooves which are axially coincident with the at least one groove in the outer surface of the pipe wall. Separate key members of circular split-ring or part circular form may be provided which extend between both grooves and mechanically lock the pipe and the sleeve together in the axial direction. Alternatively, the sleeve halves may be provided with one or more integral, upstanding, radially inwardly directed key members which extend into the groove or grooves in the pipe.
In a further alternate construction, the key members may be provided by placing separate key members into the grooves in the pipe end and bonding and sealing these in place prior to fitting of the coupling member which has cooperating grooves. An advantage of this construction is that a finished and protected pipe unit may be supplied by a manufacturer.
The two halves of the coupling member may be positively engaged by an internally tapered collar membe
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Bond Alexander E.
Eckold Geoffrey C.
Marsh Stuart D.
Millward William A.
Arola Dave W.
Royal Ordnance PLC.
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