GB2564121A - A pipe assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A pipe assembly made up of a first pipe 12 and a second pipe 14. The first pipe comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a first pipe end, and a first cuff member 22 for aligning the first pipe with a second pipe. The first cuff member extends beyond the first pipe end and extends substantially circumferentially around the first pipe end. The pipe assembly also includes a second pipe comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a second pipe end, and a second cuff member 24 extending substantially circumferentially around the second pipe end. The first pipe end is abuttable against the second pipe end to form a connection point 20. A distal end of the first cuff member is radially spaced from the outer surface of the first pipe end, so as to define a first gap there between. The second cuff member extends into the first gap when the pipe assembly is assembled. A method of assembly is also disclosed which comprises inserting the second pipe end into the first cuff opening and abutting the first pipe end against the second pipe end at a connection point, thereby engaging complimentary mating surfaces of the first and second cuff members. The pipes are then connected, for example by welding.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a pipe assembly. In particular, the invention relates to a cuff arrangement for the alignment and protection of pipe sections when brought together for connection.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When joining or connecting two pipes, good alignment between the two pipes is important for producing a good quality joint, be it a mechanical joint or a joint by fusion (e.g. welding). Good alignment between the two pipes can be difficult to achieve, especially if there is limited access around the pipes, if the pipes are in a hard to reach location, or if the pipes are in a harsh environment where operator access is difficult.

Current methods for aligning the two pipes either require the pipes to be fixed to an external alignment mechanism, or for alignment to be carried out by inserting an alignment mechanism inside the two pipes. Both of these methods have disadvantages.

An external alignment mechanism typically requires an operator to have external access to the location of the join between the pipes, so that the operator can fix the ends of the two pipes to the external alignment mechanism. Sufficient space is required around the pipes for the external alignment mechanism to sit. As a result, an external alignment mechanism is unsuitable for confined, hard to reach, remote or dangerous spaces.

An internal alignment mechanism, which aligns the two pipes from the inside, avoids the need for external access. However, the internal alignment mechanism reduces or restricts access to the internal pipework, e.g. for an internal joining or welding device.

Additionally, in some processing applications, e.g. joining/severing processes, a specific atmosphere, e.g. an inert atmosphere, is required to assist with the process. Due to access restrictions, or due to the processing being carried out in large spaces, it is often difficult to provide such an inert atmosphere.

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate one or more problems associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention provides a pipe assembly comprising: a first pipe comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a first pipe end, and a first cuff member for aligning the first pipe with a second pipe, wherein the first cuff member extends beyond the first pipe end and extends substantially circumferentially around the first pipe end; and a second pipe comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a second pipe end, and a second cuff member extending substantially circumferentially around the second pipe end, wherein the first pipe end is abuttable against the second pipe end to form a connection point; wherein a distal end of the first cuff member is radially spaced from the outer surface of the first pipe end, so as to define a first gap therebetween, and wherein the second cuff member extends into the first gap when the pipe assembly is assembled.

Advantageously, providing a first cuff member at an end of a first pipe and a second cuff member at an end of a second pipe works to align the second pipe onto the first pipe during assembly. Further, providing a first cuff member which extends beyond the end of the first pipe helps to protect the pipe end from impact which could occur when the pipes are being brought together, particularly in remote areas where remote handling of the pipes by automated or robotic machines may be necessary and clashes could therefore occur. Preventing impacts is advantageous when the pipe ends are to be welded together, as a clean smooth undamaged surface is beneficial for welding.

The first and second cuff members provide the pipe assembly with an integral alignment mechanism that is arranged on the external surfaces of the pipe assembly. This avoids the need for a separate external alignment mechanism which is advantageous when external access to the pipes is challenging or constrained. It also ensures that the internal volume of the pipes are empty and free from obstructions, which allows an internal alignment mechanism, such as a robotic welding device, to travel along the first and second pipes and weld the first and second pipes together from inside the pipes.

The first and second cuff members may be configured to form an annular chamber around the outer surfaces of the first and second pipes at the connection point, when the pipe assembly is assembled.

Providing an annular chamber around the connection point works to prevent debris/swarf from being discharged from the pipe assembly during cutting and/or welding of the first and second pipes from within the first and second pipes. The annular chamber may be filled with a gas or evacuated to facilitate cutting and/or welding. The annular chamber may protect components around the pipe from damage caused by welding (for example, caused by heat or by a stray laser welding beam).

The first cuff member may comprise a first annular collar that is spaced apart from the outer surface of the first pipe, so as to define the first gap therebetween.

Providing the gap between the collar and pipe is an easy way of forming an annular chamber. Additionally, providing a substantially flat annular collar aids in the alignment of the first and second pipes.

A wall of the first annular collar may be substantially parallel with the outer surface of the first pipe.

Advantageously, this further aids the alignment of the first and second pipes.

The second cuff member may comprise a second annular collar that is spaced apart from an outer surface of the second pipe, so as to define a second gap therebetween, and the first gap may have a greater radial dimension than the second gap.

Advantageously, providing first and second collars that are spaced apart from the outer surfaces of the first and second pipes enables the formation of the annular chamber around the connection point when the pipe assembly is assembled. The first annular collar having a greater radial dimension than the second annular collar means that the second cuff member can be received by the first cuff member to assist in alignment of the pipes.

The second cuff member may extend beyond the second pipe end.

Advantageously, extending the second cuff beyond the second pipe end works to further aid in the alignment of the first and second pipes, and also works to protect the second pipe end from damage.

The first cuff member may comprise a radially inner surface. A distal end of the radially inner surface may comprise a taper.

Tapering the inner edges of the first cuff member guides the first and second pipes together during construction of the pipe assembly, i.e. when bringing the pipe sections together prior to welding.

The radially inner surface of the first cuff member may comprise a second tapered surface. The second tapered surface may be disposed between the distal end of the first cuff and the first cuff flange.

The second cuff member may comprise a radially outer surface. A distal end of the radially outer surface may comprise a taper.

Tapering the outer edges of the second cuff member guides the first and second pipes together during construction of the pipe assembly.

The radially outer surface of the second member may further comprise a second tapered region adjacent to the tapered region. The second tapered region may be substantially rounded.

The rounded region works to further improve both the angular and parallel alignment of the first and second pipe members during construction of the pipe assembly.

The first cuff member may comprise a radially inner surface, and the second cuff member may comprise a radially outer surface. The radially outer surface of the second cuff member may comprise a plurality of protrusions for engaging the radially inner surface of the first cuff member.

The radial protrusions further improve the alignment between the first and second pipes. Further, provision of the radial protrusions (castellations) provides an air gap between the first and second cuff members, which can work to control the air flow out of the chamber.

The protrusions may be substantially equally spaced around the radially outer surface of the second cuff member.

Such protrusions are configured to engage a radially inner face of the first cuff member. Equally spacing the protrusions around the cuff member works to substantially centre the second cuff member within the first cuff member, so as to improve the alignment of the first pipe with respect to the second pipe during the assembly process.

The second cuff member may comprise a radially inner surface. The radially inner surface of the second cuff member may comprise a deflector configured so as to be substantially aligned, in a longitudinal direction, with the connection point where the first and second pipe ends meet.

Advantageously, this deflector works to deflect any of the welding laser beam that passes through the connection point whilst welding the first and second pipes together.

The deflector may be a substantially rounded protrusion.

Advantageously, this rounded region works to deflect any of the welding laser beam that passes through the connection point whilst welding the first and second pipes together. Providing the rounded region as a protrusions ensures that this region is thicker than the rest of the annular collar, which enables it to withstand more damage from a welding laser before failing

The deflector may comprise a reflective coating.

The reflective coating works to improve deflection of the welding laser.

The deflector surface may comprise a protective coating.

This surface protective coating increases the resistance of the rounded protrusion to damage by a joining/cutting laser.

The inner surface of the first and/or second pipe(s) may comprise an annular recess for locating a robotic welding device therein.

The recess(es) provide an easy way of locating a robotic welding device within the pipe as the pipe is aligned externally by the cuff members and this can help to ensure that the welding laser is positioned at the connection point between the pipe ends to weld them together.

A wall of the first cuff member and/or the second cuff member may have an aperture therethrough.

During a welding process, a specific atmosphere, e.g. an inert gas, is often required. Providing an annular chamber around the connection point and having an aperture into said chamber allows a gas, e.g. an inert gas, to be pumped into the chamber. This arrangement may also allow the annular chamber to be pumped down to a vacuum, if required.

At least one of the first and second cuff members may be integrally formed with the respective first or second pipe.

At least one of the first and second cuff members may be formed separately from the respective first or second pipe, and secured thereto. The first and second cuff members may be secured to the first and second pipe, respectively, via welding.

The first cuff member may comprise cooling fins on a radially outer surface thereof. The cooling fins may be radial fins extending circumferentially around the first collar.

At least one of the first and second pipes may comprise a weakened region that is configured to fail if the first and second pipes are pulled apart.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a first pipe for a pipe assembly, the first pipe comprising: an inner surface; an outer surface; a first pipe end for abutting against a second pipe end of a second pipe; a first cuff member extending substantially circumferentially around the first pipe end, wherein the first cuff member extends longitudinally beyond the first pipe end for aligning the first pipe with a second pipe, and wherein a distal end of the first cuff member is radially spaced from the outer surface of the first pipe, so as to define a first gap therebetween.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a second pipe for a pipe assembly, the second pipe comprising: an inner surface; an outer surface; a second pipe end for abutting against a first pipe end of a first pipe; a second cuff member extending substantially circumferentially around the second pipe end, wherein a distal end of the second cuff member is radially spaced from the outer surface of the second pipe end, so as to define a second gap therebetween.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling a pipe assembly according to the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a first pipe comprising: an outer surface; a first pipe end; and a first cuff member extending around the first pipe end, wherein the first cuff member extends beyond the first pipe end; b) providing a second pipe comprising: an outer surface; a second pipe end; and a second cuff member extending around the second pipe end and defining an opening for receiving the second pipe end; c) inserting the second pipe end into the first cuff opening; d) abutting the first pipe end against the second pipe end at a connection point thereby engaging complementary mating surfaces of the first and second cuff members to form an annular chamber around the outer surfaces of the first and second pipes at said connection point; and e) welding the first pipe end to the second pipe end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an isometric schematic view of a pipe assembly according to an aspect of the invention;

Figure 2 is an isometric cross-sectional schematic view of the pipe assembly of Figure 1;

Figures 3a to 3d illustrate schematic cross-sectional views during the alignment of the pipe assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a pipe assembly according to an aspect of the invention;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a first cuff member of the pipe assembly of Figure 4; and

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a second cuff member of the pipe assembly of Figure 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 3, there is illustrated a pipe assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pipe assembly 10 is formed from a first elongate pipe 12 and a second elongate pipe 14. The first pipe 12 and the second pipe 14 have substantially the same or similar internal and external diameters as one another. The first pipe 12 has a first pipe end 16 and the second pipe 14 has a second pipe end 18. When the pipe assembly 10 is in an assembled state, the first pipe end 16 abuts against the second pipe end 18 at a connection point 20 so as to form a continuous flow path through the bore of the pipes. The first pipe 12 and the second pipe 14 are preferably secured together at the connection point 20 via welding, as is discussed in more detail below.

The first pipe 12 is provided with a first cuff member 22, which extends around the first pipe end 16. The second pipe 14 is provided with a second cuff member 24, which extends around the second pipe end 18. The first cuff member 22 and the second cuff member 24 include complementary surfaces, which are configured to collectively form an annular chamber 26 extending around the outer surfaces of the first pipe 12 and the second pipe 14 when the first pipe end 16 abuts against the second pipe end 18. Specifically, the chamber 26 extends around the first pipe end 16 and the second pipe end 18, such that the chamber 26 is provided around the connection point 20. During a cutting/joining process carried out inside the pipe assembly 10, the chamber 26 works to catch/collect the debris resulting from such a process, which prevents the debris from entering, and contaminating, the surrounding area.

The first cuff member 22 is provided proximate to, but radially spaced from, the first pipe end 16. The first cuff member 22 includes a first cuff flange 28 extending from an outer surface of the first pipe 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cuff flange 28 extends substantially radially outward from the outer surface of the first pipe 12. However, it will be appreciated that in alternative arrangements, the extension of the first cuff flange 28 from the surface of the first pipe 12 may be tapered or curved or extend on a non-radial direction, i.e. obliquely at a non-zero angle from a radial plane of the pipe.

The first cuff member 22 also includes a second portion, extending from the first cuff flange 28, which is provided in the form of a first annular collar 30 extending around the first pipe end 16. The first annular collar 30 is arranged to be substantially parallel with the outer surface of the first pipe 12, i.e. parallel with the elongate axis of the first pipe 12. The first annular collar 30 is spaced apart from the outer surface of the first pipe 12, so as to define a first annular spacing or annular gap, therebetween. That is, the first annular collar 30 and the first pipe end 16 define a recessed region therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the first annular collar 30 is connected to the pipe wall by flange 28, but can be held relative to the pipe end 16 by other means, e.g. by elongate radial legs, in certain instances. Other possible arrangements will be evident.

The first annular collar 30 extends along the elongate axis of the pipe to a position beyond the first pipe end 16. This extension of the collar 30 aids in alignment of the second pipe 14 with the first pipe 12 during construction of the pipe assembly 10, and also works to protect the first pipe end 16 against damage from external objects.

The second cuff member 24 is provided proximate to, but radially spaced from, the second pipe end 18. The second cuff member 24 includes a second cuff flange 32 extending from an outer surface of the second pipe 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the second cuff flange 32 extends substantially radially outward from the outer surface of the second pipe 14. However, it will be appreciated that in alternative arrangements, the extension of the second cuff flange 32 from the outer surface of the second pipe 14 may be tapered or curved.

The second cuff member 24 also includes a second portion, extending from the second cuff flange 32, which is provided in the form of a second annular collar 34 extending around the second pipe end 18. The second annular collar 34 is arranged to be substantially parallel with the outer surface of the second pipe 14, i.e. parallel with the elongate axis of the second pipe 14. Due to the second cuff flange 32, the second annular collar 34 is spaced apart from the outer surface of the second pipe 14, so as to define a second annular spacing therebetween. That is, the second annular collar 34 and the second pipe end 18 define a recessed region therebetween.

The second annular collar 34 extends along the elongate axis of the second pipe 14 to a position beyond the second pipe end 18. This collar extension aids in alignment of the first pipe 12 with the second pipe 14 during construction of the pipe assembly 10, and also works to protect the second pipe end 18 against damage from external objects.

The second annular spacing is smaller than the first annular spacing. Specifically, the outer diameter of the second annular collar 34 is preferably smaller than the inner diameter of the first annular collar 30. Providing a small spacing between the outer diameter of the second annular collar 34 and the inner diameter of the first annular collar 30 removes friction between the collars 30, 34, which makes it easier to determine when the first and second pipe ends 16, 18 are in contact. However, it will be appreciated that in alternative arrangements, the outer diameter of the second annular collar 34 may be substantially the same as the inner diameter of the first annular 30 collar to provide an interference fit, so as to substantially seal the annular chamber 26.

The arrangement of the first and second collars 30, 34 enables the second cuff member 24 to be inserted into the first annular spacing during construction of the pipe assembly 10. This arrangement of the first cuff member 22 and the second cuff member 24 forms the annular chamber 26 around the connection point 20. The radially outer surface of the second annular collar 34 may include a series of radial protrusions 40 spaced therearound. The protrusions 40 can be configured such that, when the pipe assembly 10 is constructed, a radially outer surface 42 of the protrusions 40 engages the radially inner surface of the first annular collar 30 to centre the second cuff member 24 within the first cuff member. When the first and second cuff members form the chamber 26, the spacing between the protrusions 40 is able to provide a controlled release rate of gas exiting the chamber 26. However, it will be appreciated that, in alternative arrangements, the protrusions 40 may not be provided, and the outer diameter of the second annular collar 34 may be substantially equal to the inner diameter of the first annular collar 30. This arrangement would be such that the radially outer surface of the second annular collar 34 and the radially inner surface of the first annular collar 30 would provide a close mechanical fit between the two cuff members 22, 24, to form a sealed annular chamber 26 around the connection point 20.

A radially inner face of the first annular collar 30 has a tapered surface 36 to aid in guiding the second pipe 14 into alignment and engagement with the first pipe 12 during construction of the pipe assembly 10. The tapered surface 36 is provided on a radially inner face proximate the distal end of the first annular collar 30. It will be appreciated that, in alternative arrangements, the tapered surface 36 may be provided as a curved surface, or the first annular collar 30 may not include a tapered surface.

A radially outer face of the second annular collar 34 is tapered 38 proximate the end thereof, to aid in guiding the first pipe 12 into alignment and engagement with the second pipe 14 during construction of the pipe assembly 10. In alternative arrangements, it will be appreciated that the radially outer face of the second annular collar 34 may include a substantially rounded surface, to aid in the alignment of first and second pipes 12, 14. It will further be appreciated that the second annular collar 34 may include both the tapered surface 38 and an additional curved surface.

The second cuff member 24 includes an aperture 44 therethrough. The aperture 44 enables debris from the joining/severing process to be removed from the chamber. Additionally, the aperture 44 can function as a gas line. During a cutting/joining process, a specific atmosphere, e.g. an inert gas atmosphere, is often required. Providing an aperture 44, i.e. a gas line, into the annular chamber 26 allows a gas to be pumped into the chamber 26. Additionally, when a close mechanical fit between the two cuff members 22, 24 is provided, this aperture 44 also allows the annular chamber 26 to be pumped down to a vacuum, if required. It will be appreciated that, in alternative arrangements, more than one such aperture may be provided. In such an arrangement, a first aperture may be provided as an inlet, and a second aperture may be provided as an outlet. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture 44 is provided in the second cuff flange 32. However, it will be appreciated that the aperture 44 may be provided in the first cuff flange 28 in alternative arrangements, or in the outer wall of a collar 30, 34.

The alignment and assembly of the first and second pipes 12, 14 will now be described with reference to Figures 3A to 3D. The first and second cuff members 22, 24 of the present invention are able to correct differences in angular alignment and parallel alignment between first and second pipes 12, 14, with respect to the elongate axis of the pipes 12, 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second cuff members 22, 24 are able to correct differences in such angular and parallel alignment between the first and second pipes 12, 14 up to an angle of approximately ±5°.

A first pipe 12 is provided, the first pipe 12 extending along a first axis and having a first cuff member 22 at the first pipe end 16. A second pipe 14 is provided, the second pipe 14 extending along a second axis and having a second cuff member 24 at the second pipe end 18. The axis of the second pipe 14 may be angularly misaligned with the axis of the first pipe 12 by, for example, up to 5°.

The second pipe 14 is moved towards the first pipe 12, e.g. via a mechanical manipulator, such that a portion of the second cuff member 24 engages a portion of the first cuff member 22. In the illustrated embodiment, it is the tapered surface 38 of the second cuff member 24 which engages the tapered surface 36 of the first cuff member 22 (Figure 3A). The two tapered surfaces 36, 38 guide the second cuff member 24 such that the second cuff member 24 is inserted into the first annular spacing between the first annular collar 30 and the first pipe end 16. As the second cuff member 24 is inserted into the first annular spacing, substantially the entire perimeter of the first cuff member 22 is in contact with at least some of the second cuff member (Figure 3B). The engagement of the first and second cuff member 22, 24 can work to align the second pipe 14 with the first pipe 12 (Figure 3C).

Following this, the second pipe 14 is moved such that the first pipe end 16 abuts against the second pipe end 18 at a connection point 20. The complementary surfaces of the first and second cuff members 22, 24 are then arranged so as to form an annular chamber 26 around the outer surfaces of the first pipe end 16 and the second pipe end 18, i.e. around the connection point 20 (Figure 3D).

Providing the alignment arrangement on an external surface of the first and second pipes 12, 14 ensures that the internal volume of the first and second pipes 12, 14 is clear. Due to this, it is possible for a processing tool to pass along the internal space of the pipes 12, 14, so as to connect the first pipe end 16 to the second pipe end 18 via a tool, e.g. a laser. An example of a known internal pipe welding device is disclosed in W02014190156, for example.

Referring now to Figure 4, there is illustrated a pipe assembly 110 according to an embodiment of the invention. Like features with respect to Figures 1 to 3 are labelled with the prefix '1', and only differences are discussed.

Referring to Figure 5, a first pipe 112 and first cuff member 122 are illustrated. The first pipe 112 includes an annular recess 146 extending around an inner surface of the first pipe 112. The recess 146 is provided to act as a locating arrangement for an internal processing tool (not shown) to ensure that a welding and/or cutting tool is aligned with the connection point 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the annular recess 146 of the first pipe 112 is provided proximate the first cuff flange 128, but it will be appreciated that the position of the recess 146 may be adjusted to suit the processing tool to be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 146 is shown as a shallow recess. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable recess shape may be used, such as U-shaped, Vshaped etc.

A radially inner face of the first annular collar 130 is tapered to aid in guiding the second pipe 114 into alignment and engagement with the first pipe 112 during assembly of the pipe assembly 10. The tapered surface 136 is provided on a radially inner face proximate the distal end of the first annular collar 130. In addition to the tapered surface 136, the first cuff member 122 also includes a second tapered surface 148. The second tapered surface 148 is provided proximate to the first cuff flange 128. The second tapered surface 148 provides a further alignment feature, which improves the alignment accuracy of the cuff members 122, 124. The cuff member 122 therefore includes first and second internal tapered surfaces, the first 136 being disposed at a distal end of the cuff and the second 148 being disposed between the distal end of the cuff and the cuff flange 128. Prior to construction of the pipe assembly 110, the first pipe end 116 may also be prepared for a welding process. That is, the pipe end 116 may be specifically shaped to aid a welding process, or may be coated with a weldable material.

Referring now to Figure 6, a second cuff member 124 is illustrated. The second pipe 114 also includes an annular recess 152 extending around an inner surface of the second pipe 114. Similarly to the first pipe, the annular recess 152 is provided to act as a locating arrangement for an internal processing tool (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the annular recess 152 of the second pipe 114 is provided proximate the second cuff flange 132, but it will be appreciated that the position of the recess 152 may be adjusted to suit the processing tool to be used.

The first and second annular internal recesses 146, 152 act as gripping points for an internal processing tool and combine together to enable the processing tool grip each of the pipes 12, 14, and longitudinally apply forces to the pipes 12, 14. This arrangement enables the processing tool to pull the two pipes 12, 14 in to engagement, e.g. for a welding process, and also to push to the two pipes 12, 14 apart, e.g. during a cutting process.

A radially outer face of the second annular collar 134 is tapered to aid in guiding the first pipe 112 into alignment and engagement with the second pipe 114 during construction of the pipe assembly 110. The tapered surface 138 is provided on a radially outer face proximate the distal end of the second annular collar 134. In addition to the tapered surface 138, the second cuff member 124 also includes a substantially rounded outer region 154 which has a substantially convex profile. The rounded region 154 is configured to be located adjacent to the second tapered surface 148 when the assembly is constructed. This rounded region 154 has been found to further aid in the alignment of the first and second pipes 112, 114 during construction of the pipe assembly 110. Prior to construction of the pipe assembly 110, the second pipe end 118 may also be prepared for a welding process. That is, the pipe end 118 may be specifically shaped to aid a welding process, or may be coated with a weldable material.

In the present embodiment, the second cuff member 124 is provided with two apertures. The two apertures function as an inlet 156 and an outlet 158 for the annular chamber 126. In alternative arrangements, the outlet 158 may be at least partially filled with a foam material. The foam material provided so as to control the release rate of a gas from within the annular chamber 126, for applications where a sealed chamber is not required. It will be appreciated that the outlet 158 may not include a foam material but may be sealed closed, or may be open, for example, depending on the application.

The radially inner surface of the second cuff member 124 also includes an annular deflector 162. This can be provided in the form of a protrusion 162 which runs circumferentially therearound. The protrusions 162 can be provided in the form of a substantially rounded region, e.g. a convexly curved region, which can have a substantially convex profile in cross-section. The deflector 162 is positioned so as to be substantially aligned, in a longitudinal direction, with the second pipe end 118. That is, the rounded region is substantially level with the connection point 120, when the pipe assembly has been constructed. This rounded region works to deflect any of the welding laser beam that passes through the connection point 120 whilst welding the first and second pipes 112, 114 together. Providing the deflector 162 as a convexly curved region ensures that this region is thicker than the rest of the annular collar 134, which enables it to withstand more damage from a head load, e.g. from a laser welding beam, before failing. Although not illustrated, the rounded region could be coated with a reflective coating to improve deflection of the welding laser, and/or with a surface protective coating so as to improve resistance of the rounded region to damage from a welding laser.

In the above embodiments, the first and second cuff members are described as being integral with the first and second pipes. However, in alternative arrangements, the first and second cuff members may be manufactured separately, and then later attached to the first and second pipes, e.g. via welding or an adhesive. In a further alternative arrangement, the first and second cuff members may be connected to the first and second pipe via a flexible element. An example of such a flexible element is a bellows arrangement, which for example may be formed from corrugated metal. Providing a flexible connection between a pipe and an end of a pipe comprising the cuff members enables the pipe end region to flex with respect to the main pipe body, which further aids alignment of the first and second pipes during construction of a pipe assembly.

In alternative arrangements, cooling fins may be provided along an external surface of the first cuff member. The cooling fins would work to cool the first and second cuff members, along with the internal chamber volume, during a welding process. Cooling the first and second cuff members would reduce the damage caused to the second cuff member from the welding laser. The fins may be provided in the form of radial fins extending circumferentially around the first collar. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable cooling means may be provided.

Additionally, the first and/or second pipe may be provided with a weakened region configured to fail if the first and second pipe are pulled apart. The weakened region may be provided as an annular recess in the outer surface of the first and/or second pipes, so as to define a thinner region of the pipe wall. The thinned region(s) may be positioned proximate to an end of the first and/or second pipe.

Although the invention has been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (26)

Claims

1. A pipe assembly comprising:

a first pipe comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a first pipe end, and a first cuff member for aligning the first pipe with a second pipe, wherein the first cuff member extends beyond the first pipe end and extends substantially circumferentially around the first pipe end; and a second pipe comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a second pipe end, and a second cuff member extending substantially circumferentially around the second pipe end, wherein the first pipe end is abuttable against the second pipe end to form a connection point;

wherein a distal end of the first cuff member is radially spaced from the outer surface of the first pipe end, so as to define a first gap therebetween, and wherein the second cuff member extends into the first gap when the pipe assembly is assembled.

2. A pipe assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first and second cuff members are configured to form an annular chamber around the outer surfaces of the first and second pipes at the connection point when the pipe assembly is assembled.

3. A pipe assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first cuff member comprises a first annular collar that is spaced apart from the outer surface of the first pipe, so as to define the first gap.

4. A pipe assembly according to claim 3, wherein a wall of the first annular collar is substantially parallel with the outer surface of the first pipe.

5. A pipe assembly according to either of claims 3 or 4, wherein the second cuff member comprises a second annular collar that is spaced apart from an outer surface of the second pipe, so as to define a second gap therebetween, and wherein the first gap has a greater radial dimension than the second gap.

6. A pipe assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the second cuff member extends beyond the second pipe end.

7. A pipe assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the first cuff member comprises a radially inner surface, and wherein a distal end of said radially inner surface comprises a taper.

8. A pipe assembly according to claim 7, wherein the radially inner surface of the first cuff member comprises a second tapered surface, wherein the second tapered surface is disposed between the distal end of the cuff and the first cuff flange.

9. A pipe assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the second cuff member comprises a radially outer surface, and wherein a distal end of said radially outer surface comprises a taper.

10. A pipe assembly according to claim 9, wherein the radially outer surface of the second member further comprises a second tapered region adjacent to the tapered region, wherein the second tapered region is substantially rounded.

11. A pipe assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the first cuff member comprises a radially inner surface and the second cuff member comprises a radially outer surface, and wherein said radially outer surface of the second cuff member comprises a plurality of protrusions which engage said radially inner surface of the first cuff member.

12. A pipe assembly according to claim 11, wherein the protrusions are substantially equally spaced around the radially outer surface of the second cuff member.

13. A pipe assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the second cuff member comprises a radially inner surface, and wherein said radially inner surface of the second cuff member comprises a deflector configured so as to be substantially aligned, in a longitudinal direction, with the connection point where the first and second pipe ends meet.

14. A pipe assembly according to claim 13, wherein the deflector comprises a substantially rounded protrusion.

15. A pipe assembly according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the deflector comprises a reflective coating.

16. A pipe assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the deflector surface comprises a protective coating.

17. A pipe assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner surface of the first and/or second pipe(s) comprises an annular recess for locating a robotic welding device therein.

18. A pipe assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein a wall of the first cuff member and/or the second cuff member comprises an aperture therethrough.

19. A pipe assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first and second cuff members is integrally formed with its respective first or second pipe.

20. A pipe assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein at least one of the first and second cuff members is formed separately from its respective first or second pipe, and secured thereto, e.g. via welding.

21. A pipe assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the first cuff member comprises cooling fins on a radially outer surface thereof.

22. A pipe assembly according to claim 21, wherein the cooling fins are radial fins extending circumferentially around the first collar.

23. A pipe assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first and second pipes comprise a weakened region that is configured to fail if the first and second pipes are pulled apart.

24. A first pipe for a pipe assembly, the first pipe comprising:

an inner surface;

an outer surface;

a first pipe end for abutting against a second pipe end of a second pipe;

a first cuff member extending substantially circumferentially around the first pipe end, wherein the first cuff member extends longitudinally beyond the first pipe end for aligning the first pipe with a second pipe, and wherein a distal end of the first cuff member is radially spaced from the outer surface of the first pipe, so as to define a first gap therebetween.

25. A second pipe for a pipe assembly, the second pipe comprising:

an inner surface;

an outer surface;

a second pipe end for abutting against a first pipe end of a first pipe;

a second cuff member extending substantially circumferentially around the second pipe end, wherein a distal end of the second cuff member is radially spaced from the outer surface of the second pipe end, so as to define a second gap therebetween.

26. A method of assembling a pipe assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 23, the method comprising the steps of:

a. providing a first pipe comprising: an outer surface; a first pipe end; and a first cuff member extending around the first pipe end, wherein the first cuff member extends beyond the first pipe end;

b. providing a second pipe comprising: an outer surface; a second pipe end; and a second cuff member extending around the second pipe end and defining an opening for receiving the second pipe end;

c. inserting the second pipe end into the first cuff opening;

d. abutting the first pipe end against the second pipe end at a connection point thereby engaging complementary mating surfaces of the first and second cuff members to form an annular chamber around the outer surfaces of the first and second pipes at said connection point; and

e. connecting the first pipe end to the second pipe end.