GB2286442A

GB2286442A - Tube and pipework repair system

Info

Publication number: GB2286442A
Application number: GB9400729A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan Albert Hillier
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-01-15
Filing date: 1994-01-15
Publication date: 1995-08-16
Also published as: GB9400729D0

Abstract

A self clamping patch repair system for use domestically and in industry, applicable to all types of damaged tube and pipework comprises a sprung patch which grips and seals the damaged section of pipe and forms a long lasting and durable repair when used with the appropriate sealer. The repair system can be used by any responsible person and does not necessitate the removal of the damaged section or the draining down or emptying of the pipework. The repair is accomplished without the use of special tools and is particularly effective in confined areas. <IMAGE>

Description

TUBE AND PIPEWORK REPAIR SYSTEM I, Alan Albert Hillier of 14 Roseacres, Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, do hereby declare the invention for which I request that a patent be granted to me and the method by which it is performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: This invention relates to a self clamping repair patch made of metal or plastic or any material to suit the repair, which covers and grips by virtue of its natural or inbuilt tension, damaged sections of tubular pipework constructed of any material thus effecting a permanent repair when used in conjunction with the appropriate glue, solvent, sealing compound, bonding agent, filler or solder.

Due to the inadequacies of currently available systems for permanently repairing tube and pipework which involve cutting and removal of the damaged section it was felt necessary to design a system which was more appropriate for both domestic and industrial purposes.

A self clamping patch relies on: (i) its being purposely sprung during manufacture, (ii) on the natural inbuilt tension produced during manufacture or the inherent property of some products to return to their original shape, (iii) relies on the insertion of a sprung metal strip in non-metal patches if it is felt appropriate - Fig 5 (F).

The new system will repair holes, cracks and even major damage where that damage does not affect the whole of the circumference of the pipework. With the self clamping repair it is not necessary to drain down the system, merely to close main or low pressure valves as appropriate. The valves are turned on again when the bonding agent has dried.

Also, it is not necessary to cut or remove the damaged section, which would then require replacing, utilising two joints. The patch system can be used by any responsible person without special skills or expertise and does not require any special tools. A special feature is that the self clamping repair patch can be used effectively in very confined spaces and next to other closely run pipework without disturbance and although appropriate for straight run sections of pipework can also be manufactured to repair bends or 'U' bends.

The repair is also effective for low pressure systems, and where very high pressures are used in industry the patch may be supplemented by steel bands or straps.

A specific embodiment of the invention by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings numbered 1/8 is shown where a plastic or metal patch is being used to repair damage to a straight run section of plastic or metal pipework in which: Figure 1 shows a damaged section of metal or plastic pipework with both interior diameter (B) and exterior diameter (A) identified.

Figure 2 shows a sprung repair patch with ends of arc of patch square cut (C).

Figure 3 shows section of patch and internal diameter (D).

Figure 4 shows repair patch after being sprung over damaged section in conjunction with bonding agent with length of patch (E) annotated.

Figure 5 shows cross section of plastic patch with inbuilt metal strip (F).

Figures 6 & 7 show examples of patches with the ends of the arc shaped to facilitate easy springing over damaged section of pipework and Figure 7 may also be taken as a patch made of metal with an inbuilt solder ring (G) for use on metal pipework if it is felt appropriate.

Figure 8 shows cross section of damaged area after effecting repair where in this instance the bonding agent (H) has completely filled the damaged section thus additionally strengthening the repair.

Referring to the drawing, a self clamping repair is simple to accomplish by merely cleaning and drying the exterior area round the damaged section, Fig 1, and applying sufficient sealing compound round the damaged area commensurate with the size of the patch. The sealing compound may then be applied to the inside of the patch if appropriate after which the patch is sprung over the damaged area and it automatically clamps into place, forming a long lasting and in many cases, permanent repair when the joining compound has dried. For minor repairs a small quantity of the bonding agent may be applied directly to the fissure prior to applying the sealer to the pipework and patch.

This will prevent any seepage before the patch is sprung into place.

If the damaged pipework is carrying fluid, i.e. water, the main or low pressure valve should be turned off as appropriate. Although plastic patches, used in conjunction with the appropriate bonding agent will repair pipework constructed of most materials, if it is felt necessary to use a metal patch on metal pipework, the patch may be presoldered as in Figure 7 before it is sprung over the damaged area. Heat is then applied in the normal way. A metal patch can however be manufactured without the solder ring and used with an appropriate bonding agent. Brazing or welding a metal patch to damaged metal pipework may be appropriate but this would need to be carried out by an experienced worker.

Claims

1. A self clamping repair comprising a patch of sprung or self tensioned plastic, fibre glass, metal or any material to suit the particular repair which is used in conjunction with an appropriate glue, bonding/ reactive agent, sealing compound or solder and which is sprung over plastic, metal or any type of damaged tube or pipework carrying all types of materials, fluids, waste, gases or reduced pressure systems to form a discreet long lasting or permanent repair.

2. A self clamping repair as claimed in Claim 1 where the arc of the repair patch is more than 50% of the circumference of the damaged tube or pipework.

3. A self clamping repair as claimed in Claim 1 where the arc of the repair patch is less than 100% of the circumference of the damaged tube or pipework.

4. A self clamping repair as claimed in Claim 1 where the inner diameter of the repair patch Fig 3 (D) is: (i) the same as the exterior diameter of the damaged pipe Fig 1 (A), (ii) the same as the inner diameter of the damaged pipe Fig 1 (B), or (iii) any diameter between that mentioned in No. (i) and No. (ii), or (iv) any diameter sufficient to form a tight grip over the damaged section of pipework without distortion of patch or pipework.

5. A self clamping repair as claimed in Claims 1 to 4 where the length of the repair patch Fig 4 (E) is sufficient to cover the damaged area commensurate with good working practice.

6. A self clamping repair patch as claimed in Claims 1 5 where the ends of the arc may be square cut Fig 2 (C) or angled or curved Fig 6 and Fig 7 to facilitate more easy springing over damaged section.

7. A self clamping patch as claimed in Claim 1 where the thickness of the patch is sufficient for it to be sprung over the damaged section of pipework and remain in place and also to be strong enough to withstand the pressure or lack of pressure when the system is operated.