DE2057796A1 - Method and device for connecting two pipes with intersecting axes - Google Patents

Description

DR. ING. E. HOFFMANN · DIPL. ING. W. EITLE DR. RER. NAT. K. HOFFMANN

PATENT LAWYERS 2 0 5 7 7 9 fi

D-8000 MÖNCHEN 81ARABEUASTRASSE 4 TELEPHONE (0811) 911087

HydroTech Services, Inc., Houston, Texas / U. S.A.

Method and device for connecting two pipes with intersecting axes

The invention relates to a device and a method for connecting the ends of two tubes, which with each other intersecting central axes can be arranged, so do not have to be aligned. In particular concerns the Invention of a method and a device for connecting non-aligned pipes under adverse environmental conditions, such as under water.

109823 / 12S6

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When making a connection between two pipes under water, for example in a pipeline which has been disconnected, it is usually not too difficult a problem to bring the two ends of the pipes into a position so that they are close together and are in a certain ratio so that the axes of the two ends have a common point of intersection. However, in some cases it is quite difficult to align the two axes of the tubes so that they lie perfectly on a common straight line. For example, if one of the ends of one of the pipes is immobile and the other end is the end of a long pipeline, the problem is much more difficult. The difficulty and the costs of this adaptation are immensely high in adverse environmental conditions, such as under water, in particular in the case of water depths of more than 6 ~ S) m in the open sea.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device and to provide a method for connecting the ends of two pipes in such a way that the previous difficulties to be overcome.

This object is achieved according to the invention in that it has a first connector which with a End axially rotatably slid over a first of the tubes that a second connector with one end to the two th of the tubes is connected in coaxial alignment that means for rigidly connecting the other ends of the Connectors together are provided that have means for rigidly securing one end of the first Connector on the first tube and means for rigidly securing one end of the second connector are provided on the second pipe.

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J BAD ORjGiNAL

The inventive method consists in that one end of a first coupling over the end of one of the pipes is pushed that the coupling is moved axially until the second end of the first coupling lies approximately at the intersection of the center lines of the tubes, that a second The coupling is pushed over the end of the double tube, so that the second end of the second coupling is adjacent to the second * end of the first coupling that the second Ends of the couplings are rigidly and sealingly connected to one another, and that each of the couplings also with the corresponding tube inserted in it is rigidly and tightly connected.

With reference to the drawing, some exemplary embodiments of the invention in the following description explained in more detail. Show it:

1 shows a device according to the invention in plan view, v / which is attached to two pipes that are not aligned with respect to each other,

FIlj. 2 the device of FIG. 1 in plan view, which attached to two tubes that are aligned with each other, but nonetheless with the device according to the invention can be connected to one another,

FIG. 5 shows a plan view similar to FIG. 1, the device according to FIG. 1 connecting two pipes to one another. which have an opposite deviation from each other ,

Fig. 4 is a central partial section of an embodiment of the connecting elements for connecting the

109823/1256

Splash into the Pig. 1 to β , and shows the rotatability of the flanges,

Pig. 5a and ^l jb on top of a modified version - .. plelo the flanges, what? can be used in conjunction with the device shown in FIGS. 1 to "y".

Pig. 6 is a side view, partly in section, in wcl- ™ rather a preferred example of the Ele

elements for attaching the couplings to one of the pipes is shown,

Pig. 7 is a side view, partly in section, from ab converted elements to connect the couplings to each other,

Fig. 8 is a plan view, partly in section, of another Embodiment of the invention, in wel chem the elements for connecting the couplings with each other in the form of a ball-and-socket joint,

Pig. 9 is a top view of a further exemplary embodiment; of the invention, in which the elements for connec tion of the couplings with each other and flanges soften Have pair of ball joint connections, and

Fig. Io is a plan view of a further modified Au: - prompting "belr;pieles' .What similar to FIG / is shown, wherein the flanges are arranged under wjuko'.ii rn to grüiiere Abwoichungcn.... excerpt! oiuh '

109823/1255 ORIGINAL BATHROOM

Wri; ^

In PiG-1, a coupling 11 is shown, which is pushed over the end of a pipe 12 and tightly connected to the same with a weld 13>. The other end of the "clutch 11 is provided lh with a circular Plansch. This is connected to the clutch, for example, by 'welding and is arranged so that it lies in a plane ,, which is intersected by the central axis of the clutch 11 so that the smaller angle is less than 9o and preferably between 89 ° and licct. ■ ■ "

Another coupling 18 is also provided, plural marriage pushed over the end of the tube 19 and on the same z.3. is tightly attached with a weld 2o. That other end of the clutch l8 has another P looked at 21 on. This is attached by welding or the like and is similar with respect to the central axis of FIG Coupling arranged so that the smaller angle is less than 9o and preferably equals the angle which the puddle 14 forms with the coupling 11.

The plansche lh and 21 are fastened to one another with a plurality of circumferentially arranged, separate screws which go through them,

In the pig. $ h and 53 a form of the plansche lh and 21 is shown. For example, the Plansch lh with a plurality of arcuate slots 24 and screws the Plansch round with a plurality of spaced apart screw holes be provided 25th The screws 2p are arranged to pass through the very screw holes 25 and the screw slots 2-i-L. This arrangement enables one of the clutches, such as clutch 11, to rotate relative to the other

-6-BADORlGfNAL 109823 / 12.65

Such as iron clutch of the clutch 13, go that the clutches 11 and 18 can be adjusted so dai3 they meet the differing portions of the tubes, plural marriage a deviation angle to V different from the angle of orientation of the respective Plansche 14 and 21 to their respective couplings, ^T . In other words, it is desirable daß_ the F .ansehe 14 and 21 are preferably at their respective couplings under a 1 'are mounted inlcel serving as the half between the central axes of the two tubes auftrο- W tends angle is equal to or greater as For example, with the pipes 12 and 19. This enables two pairs of couplings, such as the couplings 11 and 10, to be set so that they connect pipes which differ from one another by a large amount, the angles of deviation varying over a wide range.

The couplings 11 and 18 are on the tubes 12 and 19 attached so that first the end of the tube 19 is lifted sufficiently far away from the tube 12 or otherwise moved away, so that the coupling 18 can be pushed over the pipe 19 can. Thereafter, the coupling 11 is mounted on the pipe 12 in a similar manner. The couplings 11 and 18 are then axial back to the general,, in Pig. 1 shown ^ location brought and rotated relative to each other so that the flanges l4 and 21 lie in the same plane. After that will be the screws 2j5 attached as shown and the couplings 11 and 18 are e.g. through the pipe 12 or 19 * Welding or by fasteners, pluralities described with reference to Fig. 6, or other suitable means Medium fastened.

In Fig. 2 the same two couplings 11 and 18 are shown as they are attached to pipes 27 and 28 and with

109823/12 55 bad original

their flanges 14 and 21 are connected by bolts 2Tj> as before; However, in this example the couplings 11 and 18 are rotated relative to one another so that the relative angles of the planes 14 and 21 match one another so that they form a straight connection. It goes without saying that the couplings 11 and 18 are connected to the tubes 27 and 28, for example by welding, as has been described with reference to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, or by other fastening elements, as will be described later. This arrangement of the couplings 11 and 18 shows the great versatility of the device according to the invention and shows that the device is not only suitable for connecting pipes that are not aligned with one another, but also pipes that are aligned with one another, although in particular they are not suitable for joining one another aligned pipes is appropriate.

In Fig. 5, the couplings 11 and 18 are shown as they are attached to pipes Jo and Jl, for example by welding or other fastening elements, which will be described later. The flanges 14 and 21 are again connected with bolts 2s and the couplings 11 and 18 are arranged relative to one another in such a way that they compensate for a different angular relationship between the pipes Jo and J1.

This again shows the great adaptability of the device according to this invention to. the connection to adapt two pipes with different alignment ratio gene. '.

With reference to Fig. 4, a modified embodiment

the flange parts of the couplings in detail

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nen described. In this embodiment, the clutches 34 and 35 are rotatable with each other by means of a swivel connected as described below. However, it is understood that the clutches 34 and 35 for Fastening to the pipes are arranged, for example by welding or other means, polygons in the following to be described with reference to Fig. 6. While each of the clutches 34 and 35 in Fig. 4 with a rotatable flange, it will also be understood that the device of the invention is also operable is when only one of the flanges is rotatable. The coupling 34 is provided with a thickened connection part 37, which is welded to it e.g. by a butt seam 38 is. The connector 37 has an annular shape provided in the radial direction enlarged extension 39, over which a rotatable annular flange 4o is pushed, which has a plurality of screw holes for receiving of screws 4l. The collar 39 is also provided with an annular recess in its axial end for receiving a sealing ring 42 is provided. It is to be noted that the annular flange 4o is arranged in a plane which is at an angle of less than 90 from the Center axis of the coupling 34 is intersected, as well as it at the flanges 14 and 21 / connection with the Fig. 1 through 3 is described and shown.

The clutch 35 is the clutch 3 ^; 4 and is provided with a thickened connection part 44. This is attached to the coupling 35, for example by a weld seam 45, and has an annular collar 46 similar to the collar 39 and has a similar annular recess in its axial end for receiving the sealing ring 42. The annular collar 46 carries another rotatable ring f 1 ans eh '17 with screw holes to accommodate the screws 4l »

^109823/1256 BADOR ₁ G ₁ NAL

The attachment of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG of the device is carried out in such a way that first one of the clutches, e.g. pipes to be connected and then pushed axially along it. Thereafter, the clutch 34 is over the other to be connected pipe pushed and the two couplings 34 and 35 are moved axially towards each other and rotated relative to each other., so that the annular flanges 4o and 47 are in the same plane, then the ring flanges 4o and 47 rotated relative to one another to the Align screw holes and interconnected with screws 4l. While the embodiment in Fig. 4 is shown in the straightened position, it is understood that it is particularly for connection mutually aligned pipes is useful, for example one of the couplings 34 or 35 relative to the other is rotated / - by the angle labv / calibration between adjust them so that it compensates for angular deviations of the pipes to be connected. Furthermore only one of the ring flanges 4o has to be rotatable, but two rotatable ring flanges are for illustration shown to illustrate the device of the invention.

In Fig. 6 a modified and in some cases preferable embodiment is shown, which has modified elements for fastening the couplings to the pipes to be connected. In this exemplary embodiment, a pair of couplings 5 ° and 51 are shown, which are pushed over the mutually aligned tubes 52 and 53 and fastened in a sealing manner. The elements for connecting the couplings 5o and 5I are embodied by the flanges 54 and 55 connected with bolts i> 6.

-lo -109823 / $ 125

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It should be noted that the flanges 54 and 55 through Welding or otherwise to their respective couplings at an angle with respect to the center line of the Couplings are attached as in the previous embodiments. It is also understood that the Elements for connecting the couplings 5o and 51 the shape that in FIGS. 5A and 5B or in FIG. 4 or in FIG. 7 to 9 · shown later, which will be described later. In this embodiment and these elements for attaching each of the couplings 5o and 51 to tubes 52 and 55 are fluid operated devices provided, which grasp the outer surfaces of the tubes 52 and 55 by frictional engagement. If you look at the Coupling 5 °, it has a tubular housing 58 which is attached to the flange 54 at one end and a fluid chamber 59. This fluid chamber 59 is connected to the inlet port 6o, which in turn via a line with a source of a below Pressurized fluid, such as an epoxy resin, which is incorporated so that it hardens to a solid state after a short time. This embodiment also has a circular, sleeve-shaped piston 6l, which adjoins the chamber 59 and by the fluid pressure in the Chamber 59 is actuatable to move it to the left, as shown in FIG.

The embodiment also has a plurality of ring-shaped packing elements 62, which on the piston 6l one side, and a circular spacer ring 63 on abut the opposite axial end. The spacer ring 6j5 is arranged so that it against a plurality all around Slip wedges 65 attached at a distance from one another

-11-

109823/1255 bad original

an axially outwardly directed conical surface abuts. These Conical surface is arranged so that it is of a circular shape conical cup is detected, which is secured as shown within the housing 58 and so arranged, that after a movement of the slips 65 to the left, as shown in Fig. 6, the slips the outer surface of the « Capture tube 52 frictionally. The couplings 50 and 51, first on the tubes 52 and 53 in the same way 'Way as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1' to 3 attached. I.e. the clutch 5o is opened first attached to the tube 52 and then pushed axially along this. The coupling 51 is then arranged on the pipe 52. Then the clutches 50 and 51 are axially aligned zu .bewegt and rotated relative to each other so that the flanges 54 and 55 lie in parallel planes. Thereafter the flanges 54 and 55 are connected to one another or otherwise with viewing screws 56 or other fasteners attached to each other. When the clutches 50 and 51 so attached, they are sealingly frictionally engaged with their respective tubes as it is described below.

When the fluid pressure is applied to the chamber 59, the piston 61 moves to the left, compressing the packing elements 62 and engaging the slips 65 with the tube 52. Vielter the pipe 52 detect the slips 65 through the actuation of the piston 6l friction is brought about whereby a sealing and refechlüssigec engagement of the 'coupling of the tube and OEO 52nd It is preferable to apply the fluid pressure in the chamber 59 by an epoxy resin, which sets or hardens after a short time so that a permanent bond

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BAOORIGINAU 109823/1255 '

the couplings 5o and ^ l with the pipes o'd and 52 ^ ec chaff en.

The coupling 51 is identical to the coupling 50 and has the same housing 58, the chamber 59 * an inlet opening 60, packing elements 62, spacer ring 6j5, slips 65 and tapered cup 66 . An advantage of the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 is that in adverse environmental conditions, such as in an underwater arrangement, it may be difficult or impossible to attach the couplings 50 and 51 to the tubes 52 and 52 by welding or otherwise. Nonetheless, this fastener creates a tight fit with the tubes ¹ j> 2 and 52 and thereby fluidly couples the two tubes together.

The modified embodiment of FIG. 7 will now be described. In this embodiment, a pair of couplings J1 and 72 are shown attached to non-aligned tubes 72 and Ifh, respectively. The coupling '[I is attached to the pipe ' J '^ by the weld 76 and the coupling 72 to the pipe ^r (h by the weld 77. However, it is understood that the couplings 71 and 72 are attached to the pipes 72 and 7, respectively shown may be ^ 1, fastened by Befeütigungsclemente, as described in connection with the embodiment of Fig. 6, wherein the actuated fluid-described devices can be used. in this embodiment, DJE clutch Jl with a reinforced terminal part 80 welded by otumpfnaht , which has an outwardly extending flange!] 8l.

Similarly, on the coupling 72 there is a reinforced;.: Anschlusstoj L o2 with a radially outwardly extending F.laiv-eh-

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part 83 attached with a butt seam. It is to be noted that the flange portions are 8l and 83- in the installed position in common or parallel planes, and that each lies in a _plane} which is from the central axis of the corresponding coupling at an angle, v / hich is smaller than 90, as in the previous embodiments, is cut. In this Ausfülirungsbeisplel Jl coupling is pushed over the pipe 73 and pushed along the same arial-on. The coupling 72 is then pushed over the end of the pipe (h . Then the two couplings 71 and 72 are brought into the relationship shown in Figure 7. The couplings J1 and 73 are rotated relative to one another until they are axial J'J deviation between them, the axial deviation of the pipes and c ₉ as shown lh 1st Pig. J, and compensates the flange 8l and 8> lie in parallel planes. Thereafter, v / ground the clutches Jl and 73 together by a clamping ring 84 This clamping ring is of conventional design and can have two semicircular halves, polygons connected to one another by screws (not shown) It goes without saying that a sealing ring 85 is attached between the flange parts 81 and 85 in order to create a fluid-tight seal. After the clamping ring 84 is attached, the couplings J1 and 72 are operatively connected to one another, thereby completing the connection of the tubes 75 and Jh Management examples, the Brianschteile 81 and 83 are correspondingly connected to the couplings Jl and 72 at an angle which is equal to or greater than half of the angle occurring between the central axes of the two tubes 73 and 74-. If the connection angle of the flange parts 81 and 8 is the same in relation to the couplings 71 and 72, the coupling 71 can moreover be rotated relative to the coupling 72 in order to achieve the desired deviation

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achieve and the deviation of the pipes 7> and 7 ^ to balance, just as in the previously described embodiments.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS is the angle of orientation of the flange or flange parts in relation to the coupling to which they are respectively attached, so, -dai3 the central axis of the coupling the Plane "intersects in which the puddle or the flanged so that the smaller angle is in the range between about 89 ° to 6o. However, it is most of all In the preferred embodiment, it is desirable that this angle be approximately 79 °. At this angle, like that has been found that the greatest range of variation in pipe becomes more acceptable with the least amount Obstruction or constriction in the passage compensated for by the connection formed by the couplings.

Referring to Fig. 8, still another modified one is made Described embodiment of the invention. This Embodiment which is also used to connect the ends of two separate pipe sections such as the pipes 86 and 87, has engaged clutches 88 and 89. The clutches 88 and 89 are with devices provided for sealing and frictional engagement of the outer surfaces of the tubes 86 and 87, which from the same general type as described in connection with the implementation example of Fig. 6 has been described. For example, the coupling 88 comprises a cylindrical housing 91 with an inlet port 92, which with a chamber 93 for the fluid communicates.

A circular, sleeve-shaped piston 9h is arranged within the housing 91 and is driven by the flow medium

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pressure in chamber 9p actuated. Upon actuation, the piston 94 pushes a plurality of annular packing elements 95 * polygons, generally held in place by a spacer ring 96, radially outward. The spacer ring 97 presses> having teeth at their radially inner sides against a plurality of slips with which eie the tube 86 after the actuation of capture reibsehlüssig. In addition, the slips 97 have a conical, radially outwardly directed surface which is captured by an annular conical cup 98 and pressed radially inward.

After a fluid pressure is supplied through the inlet port of the chamber O'-J , the piston 9 ^ is axially pressed against the Paekungselemente 95 and the spacer ring 96, whereby the packing elements are enlarged in the radial direction so that a .Sealing between the tube 86 and the Housing 96 is created. In addition, a pressure is applied to the spacer 96, which thereby brings the slips 97 into engagement with the cup 98 and thereby causes a frictional engagement with the outer surface of the tube 86. In certain examples it is desirable that the dor chamber yj; The fluid supplied is of the type 1, which sets or otherwise hardens to a hard tension, so that a permanent seal of the coupling. 38 is created.

The other end of coupling 88 is provided with (INEM enlarged circular sleeve portion 99, which forms part of -this Kujelverbindung, which is described below and as shown provided with a screw thread at the end. The Muff enteil Oj i -'- 't ί ι se inem end with a countersink to accommodate the spherical part lol of the coupling

BADORIG.NAL _{109823/125 &}

ment 89 provided. The coupling 89 is also provided with means for attachment to the pipe 87 and these means are similar to those described with respect to the coupling 88. These sealing and frictionally, positively engaged devices have a housing lop with an inlet opening Io4, v / which leads to a chamber Io5 for the fluid. This chamber lo ^l j is arranged so that the pressure of the flow medium presses therein the circular, sleeve-shaped piston I06 into engagement with a plurality of packing elements lc-7, v / which in turn press against a spacer ring I08 and over this a plurality of slips Detect Io9, plural marriage are arranged in such a way that they are pressed radially inward by the conical cup Ho as in the case of the coupling 88. In addition, it is often desirable to use pressurized liquid resin as the working fluid which subsequently hardens or sets to create a permanent seal.

In use, one of the couplings, e.g., coupling 88, is slipped over the end of tube 86 and axially opened pushed along this a short distance. The coupling 89 is then pushed over the end of the tube 87 and the ends of the two couplings 88 and 89 are then brought together . It will be understood that the socket portion 99 of the coupling 88 has an annular seal 112 and an outer Seal 114 which can be inserted after the spherical portion lol generally within the Socket part 99 v / ie shown is arranged. On the Coupling 89 is loosely attached to a union nut 114, which has an axial opening large enough to accommodate the Rotation of its central axis relative to the central axis of the coupling 89 by a substantial distance such as j5o °

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in some cases to allow.- Then the mother can 11.4 be screwed onto the threads of the socket member 99, whereby the seals 112 and 115 are pressed together. if the union nut 114 is arranged in its position and tightened to the desired amount, the fastening elements, vrelche were described above in relation to the two clutches 88 and 89, by applying a fluid medium pressure actuated to complete the attachment of the device. The clutches 88 and 89 will go together connected and a liquid-tight seal is made between created for them. This particular example allows oil connection of two pipes which differ significantly in relation to each other, whereby the orientation compensated by the ball connection described above

■ Under certain environmental conditions it can be difficult to connect the device with the ball and the sleeve to one another, as described above in a particular environment. In this skin, it may be desirable to use the ball connection in a prefabricated design, whereby the two dome ": - projections are connected to each other before they are attached to the two pipes to be connected. In this example it is desirable to that the entire axial length of the clutch 89, including the sphere part lol groE Uoi "than the axial distance between the two ends of the '/ η vorbindendem tubes list. Dar, is necessary in order for the clutch. 89 and the ball joint have sufficient freedom to move into the aligned position. Furthermore, the social length of the coupling 88 including the socket part Xj must be equal to or ¹ gr'j'iioj ¹ al ·, the tW.t \\ e distance between the ends of the pipes to be connected plus the active or sealing, and detecting devices of the Clutch 88

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BATH ORIGINAL

109823/12 55

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with the active devices packing elements 95 and slips 97 on iron. These dimensions allow., that the coupling 88, e.g., axially to the end of the pipe ben on which it is mounted after the shortened coupling 89 has been aligned as described above is.

Referring to Fig. 9 shows a further modified embodiment of the invention ¹ is described which uses two ball joints, such as P-beschrie were ben ei with respect to Fig.,. This embodiment has two! Couplings on, many are the same in all respects as the coupling 88 shown in Fig. 8 and therefore have been given the same reference numerals. These couplings are attached to the two tubes llo and II7. The sleeve parts 99 are arranged so that they. the ball parts II9 receive a pair of connecting couplings 12o, each of which is provided with an annular flange 121 at the opposite end, the flanges being held together by a plurality of screws 122.

In this embodiment, the flanges 121 lie in k planes which are generally perpendicular to the central axis of the couplings 12o to which they are respectively attached. Any deviation between the tubes llo and II7 is compensated for by the ball and socket connection, as described above. This device is attached to the tubes 11 and 117 in the same way as in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8, after they have been attached in their position, the union nuts 114 '. tightened accordingly. Thereafter, pressurized fluid was introduced through the inlet ports 92, thereby sealingly and frictionally engaging the device with the tubes II6 and 117 and completing the connecting process.

■ ^: -19-

10 9 8 2 3/1255. _BAD original

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With reference to FiG-Io, another exemplary embodiment of the invention described. In this embodiment the device is shown as it does the two tubes

124 and 125 connects. The device also has a pair of pipe couplings which are also identical to pipe coupling 88 in FIG 12 ^r f with spherical parts 128 and 129, which are attached to them, connected, vjobei the spherical parts of the .muffentteile 99 of the coupling _o e: i 88 are received and held. The Verbindungslcupp lung 126 is provided with an annular flange lj> ö, "which lies in a plane of the coupling is cut 126 at an angle less than 90 ⁰ of the central Ach ^ e. Similarly, the connection coupling 127 • is a flange 131 similar structures. " The flanges IJo and IpI are held together with a large number of 1 "2 screws.

When using the embodiment shown in Fig. Io, the couplings 88 and their corresponding Pre-binding couplings 126 and 127 are preassembled. Thereafter, the couplings 88 are over the ends of the tubes 124 and

125 pushed, the connecting couplings 126 and 127 into the aligned position is rotated as shown in Fig. Io, and the flanges Ij5o and 151 with the screws Ij32 together tied together. When in place, fluid pressure can then be applied may be applied to the couplings 88 in the manner previously described to provide a permanent seal and

to effect frictional engagement of the clutches with their respective tubes. The embodiment of Fig. Io is suitable to compensate for larger deviations between pipes to be connected, because the,

BATH ORIGINAL

- 109823/1 25S

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Connection couplings 126 and 127 can be rotated relative to one another so that their central. ", Ohe- ^ n -Iv ^{1. 1} : v: t ./- i">. : i meet an angle other than the straight line shown.

i-io apparently became a new and extremely useful element for connecting pipes, such as those that are not aligned with each other Pipes created, which are in an adverse environment, v / ie e.g. under water. Further modifications and other embodiments will be clear to those skilled in the art in view of this description and so is appropriate Description to be construed as illustrative only.

-21-BATH "'

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Claims (1)

- 21 - Claims 1 "device for connecting the ends of two Pipes, which can be arranged with intersecting central axes, thereby g e k e η η ζ e i c h η e t that never has a first connector, one end axially rotatable over a first one of the tubes is pushed that a second connector is connected at one end to the second of the tubes in coaxial alignment is that means are provided for fixedly connecting the other ends of the connectors to one another, da2 a device for rigidly securing one end the first connector to the first tube and means for rigidly attaching one end of the second Connector are provided on the second pipe. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for fastening of the first connector a fluid-controlled made / for frictionally engaging the outer surface of the Has tube to which the first connector is attached. ~ j. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized gekennzei ahne t that a facility for Sealing of the connection between the first connector and the tube to which the first connector is attached is provided is. H. Device according to Claim 1, 2 or J5, characterized in that the device 109 823/1255 -22- BATH ORIGINAL, for connecting the other ends of the connector has flange parts, many are connected to the respective connector, the P! view parts each lying in a plane Angle is less than ^: jo ° , and that devices for rigidly connecting the Fianschteile are provided. 5. Device according to claim K, characterized in that the smaller angle of the corresponding plane of the flange parts with the axis of the connector is in the range from approximately 60 to 39. 6. Device for connecting the ends of two tubes, which are arranged with intersecting center lines can be, characterized in that it has a pair of connectors that each connector has one end is rotatably and axially slidably slid over the end of one of the tubes that the second ends of the connector Have means for connecting the connectors at the intersection of their center lines and that means for rigid attachment of the connector to the pipes are provided. · \ 7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the means for fastening the connector on the tubes includes fluid actuated means for frictionally engaging the exterior surfaces the tubes, the connectors are attached to polygons. 8. Apparatus according to claim 6 or ¹ J , characterized in that the device -avv ver 109823/1255 SAD ORfGiMAL - -25. - • the connection of the second ends of the connector has flange parts, Many are each attached to the connectors, each of the paddling parts lying in a plane which from the center line of the connector to which the flange part is attached., is cut so that the smaller Angle is less than 9 °. 9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that - 1: e η η s e 1 c h η e t j that the smaller angle of the corresponding Plane of the flange part with the axis of the connector in the range of approximately 6o ° to 89 °. 10. Device according to one of claims 6 to 9j characterized in that the facilities have ball and socket connections for connecting the second ends of the connectors. 11. Device according to one of claims 6 to lo, characterized in that facilities for sealing the connection between the respective connectors and the tube on which the connector is attached is, are provided, the means for sealing in accordance with the actuation of the detecting means are operable. Ü2J Procedure for connecting the ends of two Tubes with intersecting centerlines, characterized in that one end of a first coupling is pushed over the end of one of the tubes so that the coupling is moved axially until the second end of the first coupling approximately at the intersection of the center lines of the tubes that a second coupling over the end of the second Tube is pushed so that the second end of the second coupling is adjacent to the second end of the first coupling, that the second ends of the couplings are rigidly and sealingly connected to one another, and that each of the couplings also with the corresponding tube stuck in it rigid and tight is connected. 10982 3/1255 BATH ORIGINAL Blank page