GB2302154A

GB2302154A - Pipe repair sleeve

Info

Publication number: GB2302154A
Application number: GB9511931A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Clark
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-06-13
Filing date: 1995-06-13
Publication date: 1997-01-08
Also published as: GB9511931D0

Abstract

The sleeve, for quick and easy repairs of burst pipelines, without the need to interrupt the process fluid inside the pipe, comprises an inflateable tube 1 passed around the effected section of pipe. The tube 1 has loose ends passed through a clamp 3 and clamped together. A compression pad 2 is inserted between the tube 1 and a leak. The tube 1 is then inflated, the squeeze pressure forcing the compression pad hard against the leaking pipe face, sealing off the leak.

Description

PNEU - SEAL This invention relates to an inflatable seal kit used for emergency repairs of cracks or holes in fluid carrying pipes.

In many industrial and marine plants, there are occasions when a leaking pipe may necessitate the total shut down of a system.

Apart from being economically undesirable, at worst it can be life-threatening.

The Pneu - Seal is designed for quick and easy repairs to such pipes, without the need to reduce flow rates of the process fluid.

The seal will fit any diameter pipe,and because it is inflatable, will conform to any surface irregularities such as weld splatter, rust, paint, etc. There is no requirement for extensive cleaning preparation prior to fitting.

Pneu - Seal consists of a tube (open both ends), with an inflation valve moulded into the inner tube lining. The inner rubber tube in bonded to a reinforced outer sheath.

Figs 1-3 show the seal applied to a butt welded pipe, where the top section of weld has become porous.

The tube 1 is wrapped around the pipe, with the inflation valve 4 directly above the leak.

The tube ends are passed through the clamp 3, which is then tightened by the two belts, leaving enough slack between the tube and pipe to allow axial movement along the pipe.

The compression pad 2 is inserted between the tube and the leak.

The tube is then inflated to 120% of the fluid pressure. (This allows for surges in the system).

When inflated, the circumferential "squeeze pressure" exerted by the tube, forces the compression pad against the pipe surface, sealing off the leak.

The pad cannot move due to the constant force on and around it.

On large diameter pipes, a number of tubes may be joined together in series, using additional clamps.

Claims

1) Pneu - Seal will fit any diameter pipe.

2) The tube conforms to any shape pipe ie bends, tapers, reducers.

3) Surface irregularities do not effect the sealing ability of the system on a pipe.

4) The compression pad has two purposes: i) to give a uniform seal around the leak area, by transmitting the tube squeeze pressure to the pipe surface ii) to prevent the leaking process fluid impingeing the tube and causing it damage.

5) The tube may be inflated by air, water, nitrogen or any other inert gas, provided the safe working pressure of the tube is not exceeded.

(The tube is clearly marked as to the S W P) 6) When the "emergency repair" is eventually no longer required and the system shut down, the Pneu - Tube can be cleaned, treated internally with french chalk and stored for future reuse.