GB2585385A

GB2585385A - Welding machine

Info

Publication number: GB2585385A
Application number: GB1909760.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mccormick Zac
Original assignee: West Siphonics Systems Ltd
Current assignee: West Siphonics Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2019-07-06
Filing date: 2019-07-06
Publication date: 2021-01-13
Anticipated expiration: 2039-07-06
Also published as: GB201909760D0; GB2585385B

Abstract

A butt fusion welding machine 201 for welding plastic pipes 101, 102, particularly a portable device for in situ welding of roof drainage pipes, has a frame 203 having a fixed 503 and moveable portion 502. The frame includes a support (206, fig 3) for supporting the frame on an upper surface of the pipes; securing means (301, fig 3) attach to the frame and secure the pipes to the moveable and fixed portion respectively. The moveable portion is configured to move the two pipes together and the securing means, which preferably comprise a plurality of detachable clamps 302, supports both pipes on their lower surface when attached to the frame. The movable portion may comprise a rack and pinion wherein the pinion comprises a shaft therethrough comprising a rotatable handle which may be detachable and mountable on either a first or second end of the fixed portion. Preferably, the welding machine may further comprise a visual guide 501, a pressure indicator, a lifting handle and/or a portable hot plate. A method of butt fusion welding comprises positioning and attaching the frame to first and second pipes, securing the pipes to stationary and movable portions with securing means, providing heat to the pipes to form a bead, moving the first pipe toward the second and applying pressure to fuse said pipes together.

Description

Welding Machine

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is the first application for a patent directed towards the invention and the subject matter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a butt fusion welding machine and a method of butt fusion welding, in particular butt fusion welding in respect of plastic pipes.

Roof drainage systems, and in particular, siphonic roof drainage systems, typically comprise a plurality of drainage pipes which are suspended from a rail which is in turn suspended from the infrastructure of a building. Roof drainage pipes of this type can be positioned at heights from the ground up to around fifty metres, and in order to construct the drainage system, operatives are required to use mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) such as those commonly termed cherry-pickers. Drainage pipes are often supplied and provided to site at given lengths and, in many cases, in order to achieve a required total length for the drainage system, a plurality of pipes need to be welded together. This is often conducted on site due to the difficulties in transporting pipes which have extended lengths.

The drainage pipes comprise a plastic material which is conventionally welded together by a butt fusion welding method using a suitable butt fusion welding machine. While this can be done on site at ground level, it is often preferable to do this at height on the MEWP once the pipes have been suspended given the lengths of pipes in use.

Conventional butt fusion welding machines are workshop or factory based and comprise a plurality of cradles fitted to a solid base. The two pipes for welding are placed within the cradle and a hot plate melts the ends of each pipe before the cradles are utilised to force the pipes together. These machines are typically large and heavyweight and are consequently unsuitable for using at height on a MEWP or similar.

As an alternative, GB 2 517 772 proposes a butt fusion welding machine which is portable. This machine also utilises cradles mounted to a base but which hook over the pipes or rails at height. The pipes are further supported by a ratchet strap during the welding process. This solution has a number of limitations. Firstly, the use of ratchet straps to secure the pipes often results in misalignment of the pipes during the weld. This leads to a weld which is uneven, and consequently less durable and more susceptible to breakage in use as a drainage system. In addition, when tightened, the ratchet straps can distort the cross-section of the pipe, leading to a weld on a misshapen, or oval-shaped cross-section which can affect the entire drainage system following fitting.

The overall design and shape of this existing machine also means that, in use, fitting the machine to perform welding can be cumbersome and difficult to manoeuvre around the pipes, pipe support rail and existing fittings.

There therefore remains a need for an improved portable butt fusion welding machine which can accurately weld pipes to meet relevant industry standards while maintaining safety standards for operatives on MEWPs.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a butt fusion welding machine for welding plastic pipes together, comprising: a frame comprising a fixed portion and a moveable portion, said frame further comprising a support for supporting said frame on an upper surface of a first pipe and a second pipe; and a securing means configured to attach to said frame and secure said first pipe to said moveable portion and secure said second pipe to said fixed portion; wherein said moveable portion is configured to move said first pipe towards said second pipe; and said securing means is configured to support said first pipe and said second pipe on a lower surface of said first pipe and said second pipe when attached to said frame.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of butt fusion welding for welding plastic pipes together, comprising the steps of: positioning a frame of a butt fusion welding machine onto an upper surface of a first pipe and a second pipe, said frame comprising a fixed portion and a moveable portion; attaching said frame to said first pipe and said second pipe; securing said first pipe to a moveable portion of said frame and securing a second pipe to a fixed portion of said frame by a securing means such that said first pipe and said second pipe are supported on a lower surface of said first pipe and said second pipe; providing heat to said first pipe and said second pipe to form a bead; moving said first pipe towards said second pipe; and applying pressure to said first pipe and said second pipe to fuse said first pipe and said second pipe together.

Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed embodiments show the best mode known to the inventor and provide support for the invention as claimed. However, they are only exemplary and should not be used to interpret or limit the scope of the claims. Their purpose is to provide a teaching to those skilled in the art. Components and processes distinguished by ordinal phrases such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily define an order or ranking of any sort.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a portion of a roof drainage system; Figure 2 shows a butt fusion welding machine positioned on a first pipe and a second pipe; Figure 3 shows an operative securing a butt fusion welding machine to the first pipe and the second pipe; Figure 4 shows further securement of the butt fusion welding machine of Figures 2 and 3; Figure 5 shows the butt fusion welding machine once secured to the first pipe and second pipe of the previous Figures; Figure 6 shows the butt fusion welding machine comprising a hot plate during a beading stage; Figures 7A and 7B show the butt fusion welding machine in an unpressured configuration and a pressured configuration respectively; Figure 8 shows a front perspective view of the butt fusion welding machine in isolation; Figure 9 shows a rear perspective view of the butt fusion welding machine in isolation; Figure 10 shows an underside perspective view of the butt fusion welding machine in isolation; Figure 11 shows a detachable clamp forming part of a securing means of a butt fusion welding machine; and Figure 12 shows an alternative detachable clamp forming part of a securing means of a butt fusion welding machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 An example part of a roof drainage system such as a siphonic roof drainage system comprises drainage pipes 101 and 102. Drainage pipes 101, 102 comprise a plastic material and are supplied to site at given lengths which are often required to be welded together in order to construct the drainage system to suit the particular application.

Traditionally, and as shown, drainage pipe 101 is suspended from rail 103A and drainage pipe 102 is suspended from rail 103B. Each rail 103 is suspended from the roof by means of a plurality of tie rods 104 which extend from the roof to the rail. To suspend drainage pipe 101 and drainage pipe 102 from rails 103, circular brackets 105 are utilised to support each drainage pipe.

Drainage pipes 101 and 102 can then be welded together by means of a butt fusion welding method which heats the plastic pipes and applies a pressure in order to fuse the two pipes together.

Figure 2 The present invention provides a butt fusion welding machine which is suitable for welding drainage pipes 101 and 102 together by a process of butt fusion welding.

To achieve this, butt fusion welding machine 201 is positioned onto an upper surface 202 of first pipe 101 and second pipe 102.

Butt fusion welding machine 201 comprises a frame which comprises a moveable portion and a fixed portion whereby the moveable portion is configured to move pipe 102 towards pipe 101. Frame 203 comprises at least one lifting handle and, in this illustrated embodiment, comprises lifting handles 204 and 205. Lifting handles 204 and 205 allow an operative to lift machine 201 and position frame 203 onto surfaces 202A and 202B.

Frame 203 further comprises a support 206 for supporting frame 203 on upper surfaces 202. Functionally, support 206 supports the frame above pipes 101 and 102. Support 206, in this illustrated embodiment, comprises four sections which are shaped to the diameter of pipes 101 and 102. It is appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, a different number of sections may be present or an alternative design may be utilised which achieves the same purpose. In a similar way, support 206 is shaped to fit over rail 103 by means of cross-section 207 which corresponds to the cross-section of rail 103.

In the embodiment, support 206 comprises a plurality of indentations configured to grip pipes 101 and 102 to prevent slippage during a welding process whereby pipe 101 and pipe 102 are welded together.

In order to use butt fusion welding machine 201, an operative can lift machine 201 by means of lifting handles 204 and 205 and position machine 201 over the pipe ready for welding. When positioned as shown in Figure 2, machine 201 will not fall off either pipe 101 or 102 which is important given that the machine will usually be used at heights above ground of up to fifty metres. Machine 201 has a size and weight which enables it to be lifted by a single operative, however, it is appreciated that, in use, it is possible for more than one operative to lift the machine.

For additional security, a lanyard 208 may be included to attach machine 201 to rail 103, the MEWP that the operatives are working from or another alternative supporting structure.

In the embodiment, machine 201 is positioned such that the gap 209 between pipe 101 and pipe 102 is positioned substantially central to the machine so that pipes 101 and 102 can be effectively welded.

Figure 3 Once in position, frame 203 of machine 201 can be attached and secured to first pipe 101 and second pipe 102. In the embodiment, first pipe 101 is secured to a moveable portion of frame 203 and second pipe 102 is secured to a fixed portion of frame 203 such that first pipe 101 can be moved towards second pipe 102.

In the embodiment, securement of first pipe 101 and second pipe 102 to frame 203 is achieved by a securing means 301. In the embodiment, the securing means 301 comprises at least one detachable clamp 302. In this illustrated embodiment, detachable clamp 302 is locked onto a first element of support 206 by an operative 303. In this illustrated embodiment, four detachable clamps are used to secure machine 201 in place and each correspond to a separate element of support 206.

While the embodiment described illustrates the securing means as comprising a plurality of detachable clamps, it is appreciated that, in alterative embodiments, other securing means may be utilised. For example, fixed clamps may be provided or a single clamp may be provided as alternatives. Furthermore, it is appreciated that the machine could be used with a conventional ratchet strap as the securing means if desired.

Figure 4 A further illustration of the step of securing pipes 101 and 102 to frame 203 is shown in Figure 4. In this example, detachable clamps 302A and 302B have secured second pipe 102 to a fixed portion of machine 201. Detachable clamp 30213 has been attached to assist in securing first pipe 101 to a moveable portion of machine 201 and detachable clamp 302C is in the process of being attached to the frame.

As will be illustrated further in respect to Figures 11 and 12, and referring specifically to detachable clamp 302C, detachable clamp 302C is hooked onto the rear of machine 201, brought around a lower surface 401 of pipes 101 and 102 and secured to a corresponding hooking element of support 206 such that pipe 101 and pipe 102 are supported on lower surface 401 of each of the pipes by the securing means or detachable clamps.

In this embodiment, detachable clamps 302C and 302D secure machine 201 to pipe 101 and detachable clamps 302A and 302B secure pipe 102 to machine 201. By their nature, detachable clamps 302 are configured to maintain the cross-sectional shape of pipes 101 and 102 during the welding process to ensure a stronger, more consistent and aligned weld.

Figure 5 Thus, once the securing means of the four detachable clamps 302 of this illustrated embodiment have been appropriately attached to the frame 203 of machine 201, pipes 101 and 102 are ready for welding.

In the embodiment, a visual guide 501 is included to indicate the most appropriate positioning of machine 201 on pipes 101 and 102.

As noted previously, frame 203 comprises a moveable portion 502 and a fixed portion 503 and visual guide 501 provides a point by which moveable portion 502 should be aligned with fixed portion 503. Visual guide 501 acts to provide assistance to an operative while also ensuring that machine 201 can be manufactured to as small a size as possible while still ensuring that there is sufficient space to weld pipes 101 and 102 together. The welding process will now be described further with respect to Figures 6 and 7.

Figure 6 Moveable portion 502 of machine 201 enables pipe 101 to be moved towards pipe 102 and away from pipe 102 as necessary by means of rotatable handle 601.

In order to weld pipe 101 and pipe 102 together, heat is provided to pipe 101 and pipe 102 to form a bead. Heat is supplied to the two pipes by means of a portable hot plate 602. Moveable portion 502 therefore moves pipe 101 in a first direction to create sufficient space such that hot plate 602 can be positioned between pipe 101 and pipe 102. In this embodiment, detachable clamp 302C comprises a protruding element which is configured to support hot plate 602. This protruding element is shown further in Figure 12.

Portable hot plate 602 may be any conventional hot plate available. In the embodiment, the operating temperature of hot plate 602 is between two hundred and twenty degrees Celsius (220°C) and two hundred and forty degrees Celsius (240°C) for pipes of two hundred and fifty millimetre (250 mm) diameter. It is appreciated that any other suitable hot plate may be utilised and any such hot plate can be selected on the basis of the pipes to be welded in respect of their size, material or other mechanical or chemical property.

Once hot plate 602 is in the appropriate position, rotatable handle 601 can be rotated to move moveable portion 502 and pipe 101 in a second direction towards pipe 102. Machine 201 can then be locked into position by means of a locking mechanism 603.

Prior to positioning the hot plate 602 in position, an operative removes any residual dirt or contamination by scraping the ends of pipe 101 and pipe 102 prior to the heating process. This ensures a clean weld as, if contaminated, a poor weld is produced which does not meet the same industry standards, for example, in terms of strength or other mechanical properties of the weld. The scraping and removal of dirt or contaminated materials is achieved by means of any suitable planing tool. In an alternative embodiment to that shown, a planing tool is incorporated as part of the butt fusion welding machine.

As heat is applied by hot plate 602, the pipes undergo a beading process in which a bead is formed. Once formed to the appropriate dimension, pressure is released and the hot plate is held in position for a period of time known as soaking time. The soaking time provides further heat to the ends of pipes 101 and 102. The time period for the soaking time is calculated depending on the size of pipe being welded.

Hot plate 602 can then be removed by rotating the rotatable handle 601 in an anticlockwise direction (when viewing machine 201 from the side as shown in Figure 6) to separate pipes 101 and pipes 102. Pipes 101 and 102 are then moved towards each other and pressure is applied to pipe 101 and pipe 102 so as to fuse pipe 101 and pipe 102 together by a fusion process.

Figures 711 and 7B Figure 7A shows machine 201 in a first position prior to pipes 101 and 102 being welded. In contrast, Figure 7B illustrates pipes 101 and 102 during the fusion stage when pressure is applied to pipe 101 and pipe 102 to fuse the pipes together.

To summarise, the hot plate 602 is inserted between the pipes as illustrated in Figure 6, a pressure is applied to hold hot plate 602 in position and the machine is held in position for a beading process until a uniform bead is produced on the ends of both of the pipes.

The hot plate is then left in place for a suitable period of time which is prespecified and this process is known as the soaking time. The predetermined time is dependent on the size of the pipe and the amount of heat required. At the end of the soaking time, the hot plate is removed and the two pipes are held together under pressure with machine 201 being locked in position under a prespecified pressure for a prespecified time period. This period is known as the cooling time. To ensure that the pressure is applied accurately, moveable portion 502 comprises a sprung member comprising a pin 701 which provides a visual indicator of pressure applied to the sprung member.

In use, rotatable handle 601 moves moveable portion 502 towards fixed portion 503 such that a ram 702 of moveable portion 503 compresses the sprung member of moveable portion 502 to ensure an appropriate pressure is applied. Pin 701, which is attached to the sprung member, moves in line with the pressure applied. The visual indicator is therefore provided when pin 701 is aligned with the pre-marked guide 703 which is set for a particular pressure dependent on the pipe size.

In the example as described in this and previous Figures, machine 201 is configured for pipes of diameter of two hundred and fifty millimetres (250 mm). Machine 201 therefore is suitable for pipes of this size. To ensure accurate alignment and consistency of welds, alternative machines are supplied with alternative dimensions for different pipe sizes although these follow the same principles and concept of the machine described. Thus, it is intended that machines will be supplied that are suitable for one hundred and sixty millimetre (160 mm), two hundred millimetre (200 mm), two hundred and fifty millimetre (250 mm) and three hundred and fifteen millimetre (315 mm) pipe diameters with each machine being provided and sized accordingly. It is appreciated however that alternative diameters of pipe may be welded using substantially similar machines following the same principle.

Thus, with respect to Figures 7A and 7B, it is appreciated that the spring is chosen such that its specifically corresponds to the two hundred and fifty millimetre (250 mm) pipe size and that the visual indicator is thus located on the machine such that the pin 701 aligns with pre-marked guide 703 when a pressure of seventy kilograms (70 kg) is met which is defined by the industry standard for a two hundred and fifty millimetre (250 mm) pipe. It is consequently appreciated that alternative sprung members may be utilised for different pipe sizes which perform to different pressures.

Once the appropriate pressure has been supplied, the pipes form a suitable consistent weld 704 at which point the pressure can be released and detachable clamps 302 can be removed from the machine. Machine 201 can then be lifted using lifting handles 204 and 205 such that pipes 101 and 102 are retained as a single pipe in a drainage system.

Figure 8 Butt fusion welding machine 201 in accordance with the present invention is shown isolation in Figure 8. As previously indicated, machine 201 comprises frame 203 having moveable portion 502 and fixed portion 503.

Frame 203 further comprises support 206 which supports frame 203 on the upper surface of pipes 101 and 102.

Moveable portion 502 is configured to move in the direction of arrow 801 as required to enable movement of pipe 101 towards pipe 102 and vice versa. This is possible when pipes 101 and 102 are secured to frame 203 by means of detachable clamps 302 which will be further described in isolation in Figures 11 and 12.

Support 206 comprises at least one hooking element 802 which is configured to receive a corresponding aperture from a securing means. In this illustrated example, hooking elements 802 are included to correspond to each detachable clamp 302. Thus, in this embodiment, there are four hooking elements on each side of frame 203 which correspond to the four detachable clamps previously described and as shown in Figures 3 to 5. Each hooking element comprises a hooked portion which is configured to receive a corresponding aperture which is present on each of the detachable clamps. Again, this will be described in further detail in Figures 11 and 12.

In the embodiment, moveable portion 502 comprises a rack and pinion.

Geared rack 803 extends through fixed portion 503 and the pinion comprises a shaft therethrough which comprises rotatable handle 601. Thus, in use, rotatable handle 601 is configured to rotate in either a clockwise or anticlockwise direction so as to move moveable portion 502 in the direction of arrow 801.

The rack and pinion mechanism further comprises a locking mechanism 603 which is configured to lock the rack and pinion mechanism and consequently moveable portion 502 in position such that when required, any applied pressure can be maintained accurately. Locking mechanism 603 in this embodiment comprises a lever which prevents rotation of rotating handle 601 and consequently the pinion on the rack. Moveable portion 502 is therefore locked into position by means of its attachment to rack 803.

Fixed portion 503 further comprises a piston 804 which is positioned within a tube 805 of moveable portion 502. This piston 804 comprises visual guide 501 which provides an indication of the required position to assist operatives when placing machine 201 onto the pipes 101 and 102. Thus, an edge of moveable portion 502 can be brought into line with visual guide 501 such that alignment with pipes 101 and 102 can be made.

Figure 9 An alternative perspective view of machine 201 is shown in Figure 9. In this illustration, machine 201 is pictured from the opposite side to that shown in Figure 8.

Shaft 901 of the rack and pinion is shown extending through fixed portion 503. Rotatable handle 601 is shown in this embodiment positioned on a first end 903 of shaft 901. However, in the embodiment, rotatable handle 601 is detachable and mountable on either the first side of fixed portion 503 as shown or a second side 902 of fixed portion 503.

Specifically, the first side of fixed portion 503 corresponds to a first end 903 of shaft 901 and the second side corresponds to a second end 904 of shaft 901. Thus, as illustrated, rotatable handle 601 may be attached to the first end 903 of shaft 901 but may also be detached and reattached to the second end 904 of shaft 901. Thus, when space is limited, for example, when in a corner of a building or if there is restricted space between the drainage pipes and walls, rotatable handle 601 can be detached and reattached at the most suitable side to ensure access.

In a similar way, frame 203 is configured to be substantially symmetrical along a longitudinal axis 905. This consequently allows machine 201 to be positioned either way round depending on convenience for operatives.

To further ease operation of machine 201, in this embodiment, moveable portion 502 is further provided with instructions 906 which are printed onto moveable portion 502. The instructions 906 provide an operative with a series of steps for utilising the machine to weld two pipes together. It is appreciated that instructions 906 may be printed anywhere on the machine 201 such as on fixed portion 502 as an alternative.

Figure 10 A further alternative view of machine 201 is shown in Figure 10 illustrating the underside of machine 201.

Shaft 901 extends through fixed portion 503 and across rack 803. Rack 803 extends towards ram 702 which is configured to compress sprung member 1001. Thus, as previously described movement of moveable portion 502 by means of rotation of rotating handle 601 allows moveable portion 502 to move towards fixed portion 503 and allows for compression of sprung member 1001 which, in this embodiment, comprises a spring.

As noted in Figure 9, frame 203 is substantially symmetrical along longitudinal axis 905, which allows frame 203 to be fitted to a pipe in opposite orientations.

As visible in Figure 10, rack and pinion comprises a locking mechanism which can lock the moveable portion 502 in position. In this embodiment, locking mechanism 603 comprises two separate levers 1002 which allows for locking to be made from either side of the machine and which can also assist in access in more confined spaces.

Figure 11 Figures 11 and 12 provide an example of a securing means which is configured to attach the frame of machine 201 to secure pipe 101 to the moveable portion and the pipe 102 to the fixed portion 503. As indicated previously, the securing means supports both pipe 101 and pipe 102 on their lower surface when attached to the frame. While it is appreciated that alternative securing means may be used, such as a single detachable clamp or some other form of clamping means or securing means, in the embodiment described, a plurality of detachable clamps are utilised to secure the machine to the pipes.

Figure 11 shows a suitable detachable clamp to be used in accordance with the invention. In respect of the embodiment previously described, clamps 302A, 302B and 302D are substantially similar to clamp 1101 which will now be described.

In the embodiment, detachable clamp 1101 comprises a substantially rigid material which, in an embodiment, comprises a metallic material such as steel or aluminium. Detachable clamp 1101 comprises a semi-circular C-shaped cross-section 1102 which forms a main body. When attached to frame 203 this combines with the shaped support such that the support and the clamp hold the pipe in position. Thus, the semi-circular cross-section has a radius 1103 which corresponds to the outer diameter of the pipe.

Detachable clamp 1101 further comprises a plurality of indentations, such as indentation 1104 which are positioned along the edge of radius 1103. The plurality of indentations provides additional grip around the pipe which is being welded and prevent slippage so as to ensure a more consistent weld.

This is particularly advantageous as any movement of the pipes during the welding procedure can result in misalignment of the weld or a less consistent weld which is more susceptible to failure.

It is noted that the plurality of indentations of clamp 1101 are substantially similar to similar indentations on support 206 of frame 203, such that the indentations provide a gripped surface around the circumference of the pipe.

As noted previously, support 206 of frame 203 comprises at least one hooking element which is configured to receive a corresponding aperture of the securing means. Thus, the hooking elements 802 are configured to receive apertures 1105 which are comprised on extending portions 1106. Extending portions 1106 extend from respective ends of clamp 1101 by means of a pivot. Referring to extending portion 1106A, pivot 1107 is attached to a first end 1108 of clamp 1101 and is pivotable to allow connection to a hooking element 802.

In a similar way, extending element 1106B comprises a pivot 1109 which is connected to second end 1110. Extending portion 1106B further comprises a second pivot 1111 which includes a pivotable lever 1112.

For connecting to frame 203, aperture 1105A is hooked over a first hooking element and clamp 1101 is brought underneath the pipe in question before aperture 1105B is hooked over an opposite hooking element and locked into position using lever 1112 in the manner shown in Figures 3 and 4.

The dual hooking nature of the arrangement ensures that once one aperture has been engaged with one hooking element, if an operative releases their grip on the clamp then the clamp will be retained onto frame 203 such that it does not drop from a height. To ensure complete securement however the second aperture must be hooked over a corresponding hooking element with the lever locked in place to secure clamp 1101 during the welding process.

Figure 12 A further detachable clamp in accordance with the present invention is shown in Figure 12. Detachable clamp 1201 is substantially similar to detachable clamp 1101 except detachable clamp 1201 comprises a protruding element 1202.

In this embodiment, the detachable clamp 1201 comprises two protruding elements 1202 and 1203. It is appreciated however that clamp 1201 is substantially similar to clamp 1101 aside from these two features. Thus, clamp 1201 can be attached to frame 203 and secure pipes 101 or 102 as required in a substantially similar manner to clamp 1101.

In this embodiment, detachable clamp 1201 corresponds to previously illustrated clamp 302C. The protruding elements 1202 and 1203 are specifically present to enable an additional support for hot plate 602. Consequently, once attached to frame 203 protruding elements 1202 and 1203 extend beneath hot plate 602 to assist with positioning hot plate 602 and assisting in preventing hot plate 602 from being dropped from a height. The machine as described has been tested to produce consistent aligned welds which perform to industry standards. Tested pipes have been shown to withstand conditions that are equivalent to a one-hundred-year life cycle. Additionally, it has been tested to pressures of twenty-five bar (25 bar) and been shown to withstand such pressures. Thus, the machine described provides a solution for producing consistent welds which are aligned but which can also be performed at height without creating additional health and safety issues.

Claims

CLAIMSThe invention claimed is: 1. A butt fusion welding machine for welding plastic pipes together, comprising: a frame comprising a fixed portion and a moveable portion, said frame further comprising a support for supporting said frame on an upper surface of a first pipe and a second pipe; and a securing means configured to attach to said frame and secure said first pipe to said moveable portion and secure said second pipe to said fixed portion; wherein said moveable portion is configured to move said first pipe towards said second pipe; and said securing means is configured to support said first pipe and said second pipe on a lower surface of said first pipe and said second pipe when attached to said frame.
2. A butt fusion welding machine according to claim 1, wherein said securing means comprises at least one detachable clamp.
3. A butt fusion welding machine according to claim 1, wherein said securing means comprises a plurality of detachable clamps.
4. A butt fusion welding machine according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein a first detachable clamp comprises a protruding element.
5. A butt fusion welding machine according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein each said detachable clamp comprises a substantially rigid material.
6. A butt fusion welding machine according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein each said detachable clamp comprises a plurality of indentations.
7. A butt fusion welding machine according to any preceding claim, wherein said support comprises at least one hooking element configured to receive a corresponding aperture of said securing means.
8. A butt fusion welding machine according to any preceding claim, wherein said moveable portion comprises a rack and pinion.
9. A butt fusion welding machine according to claim 8, wherein said pinion comprises a shaft therethrough comprising a rotatable handle.
10. A butt fusion welding machine according to claim 9, wherein said rotatable handle is detachable and mountable on either a first side of said fixed portion or a second side of said fixed portion, wherein said first side corresponds to a first end of said shaft and said second side corresponds to a second end of said shaft.
11. A butt fusion welding machine according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein said rack and pinion comprises a locking mechanism.
12. A butt fusion welding machine according to any preceding claim, wherein said fixed portion comprises a piston positioned within a moveable tube of said moveable portion.
13. A butt fusion welding machine according to claim 12, wherein said piston comprises a visual guide.
14. A butt fusion welding machine according to any preceding claim, wherein said moveable portion comprises a sprung member.
15. A butt fusion welding machine according to claim 14, wherein said moveable portion comprises a ram configured to compress said sprung member.
16. A butt fusion welding machine according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein said sprung member comprises a pin, said pin providing a visual indicator of pressure applied to said sprung member.
17. A butt fusion welding machine according to any preceding claim, wherein said frame comprises at least one lifting handle.
18. A butt fusion welding machine according to any preceding claim, wherein said frame is substantially symmetrical along a longitudinal axis.
19. A butt fusion welding machine according to any preceding claim, further comprising a portable hot plate.
20. A method of butt fusion welding for welding plastic pipes together, comprising the steps of: positioning a frame of a butt fusion welding machine onto an upper surface of a first pipe and a second pipe, said frame comprising a fixed portion and a moveable portion; attaching said frame to said first pipe and said second pipe; securing said first pipe to a moveable portion of said frame and securing a second pipe to a fixed portion of said frame by a securing means such that said first pipe and said second pipe are supported on a lower surface of said first pipe and said second pipe; providing heat to said first pipe and said second pipe to form a bead; moving said first pipe towards said second pipe; and applying pressure to said first pipe and said second pipe to fuse said first pipe and said second pipe together.
21. A method of butt fusion welding according to claim 20, wherein said step of providing heat comprises inserting a portable hot plate between said first pipe and said second pipe.
22. A method of butt fusion welding according to claim 20, wherein said step of applying pressure to said first pipe and said second pipe comprises compressing a sprung member of said moveable portion by means of a ram of said moveable portion.