GB2599352A

GB2599352A - Tapping apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: GB2599352A
Application number: GB2013648.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hunter John; Chirnside Iain; Smith Ryan
Original assignee: Scotland Gas Networks PLC
Current assignee: Scotland Gas Networks PLC
Priority date: 2020-08-31
Filing date: 2020-08-31
Publication date: 2022-04-06
Also published as: GB202013648D0

Abstract

A tapping apparatus 10 for tapping into a fluid pipe 12 comprises a body portion 14 defining a pipe bore for receiving the pipe, a fluid port intersecting the pipe bore, and a cutter 22 configured to be moved transversely across the pipe bore to cut a longitudinal section 60 from the pipe when received within the pipe bore to establish fluid communication between the pipe and the fluid port 46. The cutter may be cylindrical and define a cutting diameter greater than or equal to the diameter of the pipe. The cutter may be configured to retain the cut section of the pipe. The cutter may define a hollow section configured to retain the removed section of pipe. The apparatus may comprise a threaded arrangement between the cutter bore and the cutter such that the cutter may be rotated to be linearly translated relative to the pipe. A method of installing a connection in a pipe network and a method of switching a mains connection to a service pipe using such a tapping apparatus are also claimed. A kit of parts making up the apparatus is also claimed. A method additive manufacturing is also claimed.

Description

TAPPING APPARATUS AND METHOD

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a tapping apparatus and method for providing a fluid connection to a fluid pipe, such as a fluid pipe for natural gas, oil, hydrogen, water, etc.

BACKGROUND

Fluid supply networks typically comprise a main pipe and a service pipe, the main pipe supplying fluid to the service pipe, and the service pipe providing a connection to a premises or installation. New connections are often required to be formed between the main pipe and the service pipe when pipe sections are replaced, renewed, upgraded or maintained.

Connections between pipes are commonly made using tapping tees. Known tapping tees comprise a mounting portion, a cutter and a fluid port. The mounting portion, commonly referred to as the saddle or base, generally takes the form of an arcuate member.

Traditionally, fitting a new connection in a fluid supply network requires the fluid supply to the service pipe to be temporarily disconnected. The disconnected service pipe is cut and the fluid port of the tapping tee is sealingly connected to the cut end of the service pipe. The mounting portion of the tapping tee is sealingly mounted, for example bonded, fused etc., on the side of the main pipe. The cutter is deployed to cut an aperture in the wall of the main pipe. Once the main pipe is cut, a flow path is provided between the main pipe and the service pipe via the fluid port.

During the period of fluid supply disconnection for fitting the tapping tee, air will enter the service pipe which must therefore be vented, for example to ensure safe operation of connected equipment within the connected premises or installation. In situations such as a domestic natural gas supply, an engineer must enter a customers home to vent the air from the service pipe after reconnection. This has obvious drawbacks, for example the safety of personnel, and the time and cost involved in deploying personnel. Further, in times when restrictions on access to a property are in place, for example during periods of vacancy, during periods where social distancing is in effect, and the like, access might be difficult to achieve and as such the safety of the reconnected service pipe may not be guaranteed.

Typically service pipes are a standard diameter, e.g., 32mm diameter for natural gas service pipes, and tapping tee fluid ports are of a corresponding standard diameter. In instances where the service pipe to be connected is of a smaller than standard diameter, the service pipe is commonly replaced with a standard diameter service pipe or a crossover part is installed. This requires significant ground works and therefore has obvious drawings, for example the time, cost and disruption to services associated with carrying out ground works.

Known tapping tees are limited in the size of pipe that they can tap. Generally, the aperture cut in the pipe must be less than or equal to a quarter of the pipe diameter. When using a known tapping tee to form a connection between a relatively small pipe and a relatively large pipe, the limitation on the size of aperture has obvious drawbacks, for example the available flow capacity from the large pipe to the small pipe may be significantly restricted.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect there is provided a tapping apparatus. The tapping apparatus comprises a clamp portion. The clamp portion has a clamping configuration. In the clamping configuration the clamp portion defines a pipe bore for receiving a pipe. The clamp portion may be configured in the clamping configuration to form a seal around the pipe. The tapping apparatus comprises a cutter housing. The cutter housing comprises a cutter bore for receiving a cutter. The cutter bore intersects the pipe bore. The tapping apparatus comprises a fluid port. The fluid port intersects the pipe bore.

In use, the tapping apparatus may be sealingly mounted around a pipe via the clamp portion in the clamping configuration. In use the cutter may be movable through or across the pipe bore. The cutter may be moved through the pipe bore to cut a section from the pipe. The cutter may be returned to the cutter bore to remove the cut section of pipe. In use the fluid port may be in fluid communication with the cut pipe. After cutting and removing the pipe section, fluid communication may be established between the cut pipe and the fluid port. Fluid may flow from the fluid port to the cut pipe, or vice versa. The fluid may be natural gas, hydrogen, water, etc. The fluid port may be in fluid connection with another pipe, either directly or via another tapping apparatus.

Beneficially the the cutter moving through or across the pipe bore to cut a whole section from the pipe permits the tapping apparatus to be installed on pipes having a small diameter (relative to a standard diameter) without negatively impacting, limiting or restricting the fluid flow capacity through the tapping tee.

According to a second aspect there is provided a tapping apparatus for tapping into a fluid pipe, the apparatus comprising: a body portion defining a pipe bore for receiving the pipe; a fluid port intersecting the pipe bore; and a cutter configured to be moved transversely across the pipe bore to cut a longitudinal section from the pipe when received within the pipe bore to establish fluid communication between the pipe and the fluid port.

The tapping apparatus may also be referred to or defined as a tapping tee.

The pipe may be constructed of any material, such as a composite, polymer, metal, metal alloy and/or the like. In some examples the pipe may comprise a Polyethylene (PE) material.

Removing a longitudinal section (or whole section) from the pipe may effectively open the pipe to its full flow area or diameter. This may therefore permit fluid communication to be established with the pipe without negatively impacting, limiting or restricting the fluid flow capacity through the tapping apparatus. That is, flow to/from the pipe may be achieved across its full pipe flow area (e.g., across its full diameter), rather than via a smaller window created in an outer surface of the pipe.

It should be recognised that by cutting a longitudinal section from the pipe the pipe becomes bisected, producing opposing cut pipe ends within the tapping apparatus, with the opposing cut pipe ends no longer being connected (other than via the tapping apparatus).

The longitudinal section cut from the pipe may result in a longitudinal flow gap being formed between opposing cut ends of the pipe. The cutter may be configured, for example by its shape and/or dimensions, to cut a longitudinal section from the pipe to create a longitudinal flow gap with a desired flow area. In some examples the desired flow area of the longitudinal flow gap may be greater than or equal to the flow area of the pipe. As such, the longitudinal flow gap may not negatively impact, limit or restrict the fluid flow capacity through the tapping apparatus.

The cutter may be of any suitable shape. The cutter may define a cutting dimension aligned laterally with the pipe bore (i.e., a lateral cutting dimension) which is greater than or equal to the diameter of the pipe to ensure that a longitudinal section may be removed. The cutter may define a cutting dimension in a longitudinal direction relative to the pipe bore (i.e., a longitudinal cutting dimension) which facilitates removal of a desired length of the pipe. For example the longitudinal cutting dimension may be such that the resulting longitudinal flow gap defines a flow area greater than or equal to the flow area of the pipe.

In one example the cutter may be generally cylindrical. In such an example the cutter may define a cutting diameter which is greater than or equal to the diameter of the pipe to ensure that a longitudinal section may be removed.

The cutter may be non-circular. In such an example the cutter may be aligned relative to the pipe bore to ensure that a lateral cutting dimension is greater than or equal to the diameter of the pipe to ensure that a longitudinal section may be removed. The cutter may be oval in shape. The cutter may be polygonal in shape, for example square, rectangular or the like.

The cutter may be of a type suitable for cutting through the pipe, for example suitable for cutting through a PE pipe, metallic pipe etc. The cutter may be configured to cut the pipe by any suitable cutting action or mechanism, for example by punching, shearing, abrading, sawing and/or the like. In some examples the cutting action or mechanism may be selected in accordance with the specific application, for example in accordance with the fluid type being transported through the pipe. For example, a combustible fluid, such as natural gas, oil etc, may require a cutting mechanism which minimises generation of any flame source, such as a spark, and/or excessive temperatures.

The cutter may comprise or define a cutting edge. The cutting edge may be provided around a perimeter of the cutter. In such an example the cutter may be moved only in a transverse direction (e.g., linearly) across the pipe bore to cut the pipe, for example by a punching action. Alternatively, the cutter may be moved, for example rotated, such that the cutting edge is also moved relative to the pipe to facilitate cutting, for example by a sawing action.

A discrete cutting edge may be provided and moved around a cutting path to facilitate cutting of the pipe. Such movement of the discrete cutting edge may be achieved by rotating the cutter, for example.

The cutting edge may comprise a knife edge. The cutting edge may comprise one or more cutting elements, such as saw-tooth elements, cutting inserts, and/or the like.

The cutter may comprise a cutting blade which comprises a cutting edge.

The cutter may be configured to be extended into the pipe bore to facilitate cutting of the pipe therein, and remain in this extended position following cutting of the longitudinal section. In this example the cutter may comprise one or more flow ports or apertures to accommodate flow to/from the pipe.

The cutter may be configured to be moved transversely across the pipe bore in reverse directions. In this manner the cutter may be retractable. That is, the cutter may be extended to cut a section from the pipe, and then retracted to avoid the cutter from restricting the cut section or longitudinal flow gap.

The cutter may be configured to retain the longitudinal section which is cut from the pipe. In this respect the removed longitudinal section may remain with the cutter and as such minimise the risk of the cut section adversely restricting flow. The cutter may define a hollow section configured to retain the removed longitudinal section. The cutter may comprise one or more gripping elements, such as teeth, ribs, serrations, dimples, knurlings etc. to assist in retention of the removed longitudinal section.

In some examples the apparatus may comprise a retainer region configured to receive the removed longitudinal section of the pipe. For example, the retainer region may be defined by a pocket, recess or the like formed within or associated with the body portion. In this example the cutter may remove the longitudinal section of the pipe and then displace this removed section towards and/or into the retainer region.

The tapping apparatus may comprise a cutter housing configured to accommodate the cutter therein. The cutter housing may comprise or define a cutter bore within which the cutter is moveably mounted. The cutter bore diameter may be greater than the pipe bore diameter. In use, the relative diameters of the cutter bore and the pipe bore may allow the cutter to cut a longitudinal section of the pipe within the pipe bore, rather than an aperture in the pipe wall.

The cutter may be extended from the cutter bore and laterally or transversely across the pipe bore. The cutter may be retracted back into the cutter bore.

The cutter may be removable from the cutter bore, alternatively the cutter may be captive within the cutter bore.

The cutter bore may be threaded. The cutter may comprise a threaded portion. The cutter may comprise a body. The body may be generally cylindrical in form. The threaded portion of the cutter may be the exterior surface of the body. The threaded portion of the cutter may be in threaded engagement with the threaded cutter bore. The cutter may comprise a tool interface configured to receive a tool and translate rotation of the tool to rotation of at least a portion of the cutter. The tool interface may be a generally polygonal or star shaped bore within the body. Rotation in a first direction of the tool engaged with the tool interface of the cutter may result in rotation of at least a portion of the cutter in the first direction. Interaction between the threaded cutter bore and the threaded portion of the cutter rotating in the first direction may cause the cutter to move in a first axial direction out of the cutter bore, into the pipe bore to cut a section of pipe. Rotation in a second direction of the tool engaged with the tool interface of the cutter may result in rotation of at least a portion of the cutter in the second direction. Interaction between the threaded cutter bore and the threaded portion of the cutter rotating in the second direction may cause the cutter to move in a second axial direction through the pipe bore, out of the pipe bore and into the cutter bore.

The cutter housing may be provided by or within the body portion. In one example the cutter housing and the fluid port may be diametrically opposed. As such, the cutter housing and the fluid port may be provided on opposing lateral sides of the pipe. In alternative examples the cutter housing and fluid port may be disposed at any other suitable relative orientation.

The body portion by defining the pipe bore may be considered to circumscribe the pipe received therein. This may facilitate or permit a longitudinal section to be entirely removed from the pipe. That is, breaching the wall of the pipe around its entire circumference may be accommodated by the body portion circumscribing the pipe.

The body portion may be configured to provide a seal around the pipe. Such a seal may permit the longitudinal section of the pipe to be removed while avoiding any fluid within the pipe from escaping into the environment. As such, the tapping apparatus may be configured for use in tapping into a live pipe (i.e. a pipe which contains or is actively transporting a fluid therethrough, for example under operational pressure).

Providing a seal around the pipe may also minimise exposure of the cut pipe to oxygen, which may have benefits where the fluid under transport is combustible, such as natural gas, oil etc. The body portion may comprise one or more electrofusion surfaces for forming a seal around the pipe. The tapping apparatus may comprise one or more gaskets and/or annular seals for providing a full circumferential seal around the pipe. The tapping apparatus may comprise a layer of adhesive or sealant for providing sealing around the pipe.

The body portion may be provided as a unitary component. In such an example the body portion may be slipped onto the pipe. Alternatively, the body portion may be directly formed onto the pipe, for example by an additive manufacturing process, moulding process and/or the like.

The body portion may provide additional structural strength to the tapping apparatus, in particular tensile and compressive strength.

The body portion may be provided in multiple components and configured to be assembled onto the pipe. Such an arrangement may permit the tapping apparatus to be applied to a live pipe. Further, such an arrangement may permit the tapping apparatus to be applied over a pipe section with no available free end which could otherwise accommodate a slip-on design.

The body portion may define or be defined by a clamping assembly having a clamping configuration in which the clamping assembly defines the pipe bore. The clamping assembly may be configured to provide a seal around the pipe when said clamping assembly is in its clamping configuration.

The clamping assembly may comprise two opposing clamp members. The clamp members may be installed on the pipe without requiring external tooling. When the clamping assembly is in the clamping configuration the clamp members may define the pipe bore therebetween. Each clamp member may comprise a bore portion, and first and second flanges. The first and second flanges may be located on either side of the bore portion. The bore portion and the first and second flanges of each clamp member may be integrally formed. In the clamping configuration, the bore portion of each clamp member may define the pipe bore. In the clamping configuration, the first flange of each clamp member may be in engagement. In the clamping configuration, the second flange of each clamp member may be in engagement.

The clamping assembly may comprise a hinge rotatably connecting the clamp members. The hinge may be integral with or connected to the first flange of each clamp member. Each clamp member may be rotatable around the hinge. The clamp members may be relatively rotatable between an installation configuration and the clamping configuration.

The clamping assembly may comprise fasteners for holding the clamp portion in the clamping configuration. The fasteners may be pins, bolts, ratchet straps, buckles, clamps, etc. The fasteners may hold the clamping assembly in the clamping configuration, either via the first flange of each clamp member or via the second flange of each clamp member.

The clamp members may comprise electrofusion surfaces for forming a seal around the pipe. A first clamp member may have an electrofusion surface extending across the first flange, the bore portion and the second flange. A second clamp member may have an electrofusion surface extending across the bore portion only. The electrofusion surfaces may be at least partially in contact with each other when the clamp portion is in the clamping configuration. The electrofusion surfaces may be connected via the hinge to form a single circuit.

The clamping assembly may comprise a gasket and/or an annular seal between the clamp members for forming a seal around the pipe.

The clamping assembly may comprise a layer of adhesive or sealant between the clamp members for forming a seal around the pipe.

The fluid port may be integral with or connected to one clamp member. A cutter housing may be integral with of connected to the other clamp member. Such an arrangement may avoid complications of seeking to define the fluid port and/or cutter housing by both clamp members when assembled together. The cutter housing and the fluid port may be diametrically opposed when the clamp members are assembled together.

The tapping apparatus may be configured to provide a permanent connection to the pipe. As such, the tapping apparatus may be configure to form an integral part of a pipe network.

The pipe bore may have a pipe bore diameter. The pipe bore diameter may be between lOmm and 30 mm, although any other suitable size is possible, including smaller than 10mm and greater than 30mm. The pipe bore diameter may be between 16mm and 25mm. The pipe bore diameter may be 16mm, 17.5mm, 20mm or 25mm.

The body portion may comprise a removable insert. The insert may define the pipe bore. Use of an insert may allow the pipe bore diameter to be adjusted without changing any other dimensions of the tapping apparatus, thus simplifying manufacture of the tapping apparatus and reducing tooling costs.

The port diameter may be greater than the pipe bore diameter. The port diameter may be a standard diameter, e.g., 32mm for connection to a standard tapping tee mounted on a natural gas main.

The fluid port may axially extend perpendicular to the pipe bore. The fluid port may axially extend perpendicular or parallel to the cutter bore. The fluid port may comprise an elbow. The elbow may be a 90 degree elbow. The elbow may be connected with a secondary pipe axially extending parallel to the pipe bore.

The fluid port may be configured to be connected to a fluid system, such as a mains system, for example a natural gas mains system, oil system, hydrogen supply, water supply etc. In this respect, the tapping apparatus may facilitate a fluid connection between the fluid system and the pipe.

The tapping apparatus may be configured for tapping into a first pipe which is connected to a second pipe. In this example the first pipe may supply the second pipe, or vice versa. A longitudinal section of the first pipe may be removed to establish fluid communication between the first pipe and the fluid port of the tapping apparatus, without disrupting the connection with the second pipe, such that supply between the first and second pipes may remain intact. The fluid port may be configured to be connected to a third pipe, such that the third pipe may become fluidly connected to the first pipe. When such a connection to the third pipe is achieved via the tapping apparatus, the first pipe may remain fluidly connected to both the second and third pipes, thus effectively extending a supply connection. In some examples when the connection to the third pipe is achieved via the tapping apparatus, the connection with the second pipe may be terminated, blocked, diverted etc. As such, the tapping apparatus may ensure a continuous fluid supply to/from the first pipe while accommodating a switch in connection from the second pipe to the third pipe, without disrupting supply of fluid. This may avoid complications associated with temporarily terminating a supply to/from the first pipe, such as having to subsequently purge parts of a pipe network. This arrangement may have particular (but not exclusive) advantages where fluid supply to the first pipe is to be switched from the second pipe to the third pipe. In this example the first pipe may define a service pipe, and the second and third pipes may define mains pipes.

The tapping apparatus may comprise an auxiliary port. The auxiliary port may intersect the pipe bore. In use the auxiliary port may be in fluid communication with the cut pipe to provide an auxiliary function. The auxiliary port may be configured for connection with a fluid source and the auxiliary function may be providing an auxiliary fluid supply. The auxiliary port may comprise a pressure sensor and the auxiliary function may be monitoring the fluid pressure within the tapping apparatus and/or the cut pipe. The auxiliary port may be integral with or connected to the body portion. The auxiliary port may be integral with or connected to a first clamp member or a second clamp member.

According to a third aspect there is provided a method of installing a connection in a fluid pipe network, the method comprising: mounting a tapping apparatus on a first pipe; providing a flow path between a fluid port of the tapping apparatus and a second pipe; and operating a cutter of the tapping apparatus to remove a longitudinal section of the first pipe and provide fluid communication between the first pipe and the fluid port of the tapping tee.

The tapping apparatus may be provided in accordance with any other aspect of the present disclosure. As such, the method may comprise steps defined in relation to the tapping apparatus according to any other aspect. For example, any statements defining or implying any operational step or use of the tapping apparatus or any component or feature thereof may be considered to form part of the method according to the present aspect.

Mounting the tapping apparatus on the first pipe and removing a whole section of the first pipe may permit connection between the first and second pipes without negatively impacting, limiting or restricting the fluid flow capacity through the tapping tee. This may have particular application where the first pipe is substantially smaller than the second pipe.

Tapping the first pipe in the manner according to this third aspect may allow the connection to be installed without suspending existing flow of fluid in the first pipe. In this example the first pipe may be initially connected to a third pipe, wherein the connection to the third pipe may be maintained during the process of connecting the first pipe to the second pipe. This may therefore minimise or avoid air from entering the pipe system, which in turn may avoid or minimise the requirement to subsequently purge the air. In some applications this may avoid the requirement for personnel to enter premises or installations which are supplied by the first and/or second pipe. Further, any premises or installation supplied by the first and/or second pipe may not have the inconvenience of a service disruption.

The method may comprise maintaining fluid communication between the first and third pipes following establishing communication between the first and second pipes. This may thus effectively permit a pipe network to be extended without terminating fluid supply.

The method may comprise terminating fluid communication between the first and third pipe following establishing communication between the first and second pipes. This may be performed in circumstances where the supply of fluid to/from the first pipe is to be replaced or switched from the third pipe to the second pipe. This might be the case where the third pipe has become damaged, reached the end of its operational life etc., and is thus to be replaced or upgraded. This might be the case where the third pipe is a metallic pipe, such as a cast iron pipe, and is to be replaced with a PE pipe. In some examples the first pipe may define a service pipe and the second and/or third pipe may define a mains pipe.

The flow path between the fluid port of the tapping apparatus and the second pipe may be provided via a second tapping apparatus associated with the second pipe. The method may comprise mounting the second tapping apparatus on the second pipe and establishing fluid communication between the second tapping tee and the second pipe.

The method may comprise forming an aperture in the second pipe at the location of the second tapping apparatus. The aperture may be formed in the second pipe by a cutter which forms part of the second tapping tee.

The method may comprise providing the flow path between the fluid port of the tapping apparatus and the second pipe before or after the longitudinal section is removed from the first pipe.

According to a fourth aspect there is provided a method of switching a mains connection to a service pipe, the method comprising: mounting a tapping apparatus on the service pipe which is connected to a first mains pipe; providing a flow path between a fluid port of the tapping apparatus and a second mains pipe; and operating a cutter of the tapping apparatus to remove a longitudinal section of the first pipe and provide fluid communication between the service pipe and the fluid port of the tapping tee and thus the second mains pipe.

The method may comprise subsequently terminating the connection between the service pipe and the first mains pipe.

The method may have application in pipes which carry any fluid, such as water, oil, natural gas, hydrogen etc. According to a fifth aspect there is provided a kit of parts for installing a tapping apparatus on a pipe, the kit comprising: a body portion defining a pipe bore for receiving the pipe, and a fluid port intersecting the pipe bore; and a cutter configured to be translated transversely across the pipe bore to remove a longitudinal section from the pipe when received therein.

The body portion may define a cutter bore for receiving or accommodating the cutter.

The body portion may comprise a first clamp member and a second clamp member, wherein the first and second clamp members are configured to be assembled on a pipe, wherein the pipe bore is formed when the first and second clamp members are assembled together.

The kit of parts may comprise at least one fastener for holding the first and second clamp members in a clamping configuration around the pipe.

The kit of parts may comprise any component defined in relation to any other aspect.

According to a sixth aspect there is provided a tapping apparatus comprising: a body portion defining a pipe bore for receiving a pipe; a fluid port intersecting the pipe bore; and a cutter configured to be moved transversely across the pipe bore to cut a longitudinal section from the pipe when received within the pipe bore to establish fluid communication between the pipe and the fluid port.

According to a seventh aspect there is provided a tapping apparatus comprising: a body portion defining a pipe bore for receiving a pipe; a fluid port intersecting the pipe bore; and a cutter bore configured to receive a cutter to be moved transversely across the pipe bore to cut a longitudinal section from the pipe when received within the pipe bore to establish fluid communication between the pipe and the fluid port.

The cutter may be provided as a separate component to the tapping apparatus according to the seventh aspect.

The tapping apparatus or any aspect defined herein, or any individual component or groups of components, may be manufactured in any suitable manner. In some examples the tapping apparatus of any other aspect, or any individual component or groups of components may be manufactured by additive manufacturing. Such described additive manufacturing typically involves processes in which components are fabricated based on three-dimensional (3D) information, for example a three-dimensional computer model (or design file), of the component.

Accordingly, examples described herein not only include the tapping apparatus and associated components, but also methods of manufacturing the tapping apparatus or associated components via additive manufacturing and computer software, firmware or hardware for controlling the manufacture of the tapping apparatus and associated components via additive manufacturing. All future reference to "product" are understood to include the described tapping apparatus and all associated components.

The structure of the product may be represented digitally in the form of a design file. A design file, or computer aided design (CAD) file, is a configuration file that encodes one or more of the surface or volumetric configuration of the shape of the product. That is, a design file represents the geometrical arrangement or shape of the product.

Design files may take any now known or later developed file format. For example, design files may be in the Stereolithography or "Standard Tessellation Language" (.stl) format which was created for stereolithography CAD programs of 3D Systems, or the Additive Manufacturing File (.amf) format, which is an American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) standard that is an extensible markup-language (XML) based format designed to allow any CAD software to describe the shape and composition of any three-dimensional object to be fabricated on any additive manufacturing printer.

Further examples of design file formats include AutoCAD (.dwg) files, Blender (.blend) files, Parasolid (.x_t) files, 3D Manufacturing Format (.3mf) files, Autodesk (3ds) files, Collada (.dae) files and Wavefront (.obj) files, although many other file formats exist.

Design files may be produced using modelling (e.g. CAD modelling) software and/or through scanning the surface of a product to measure the surface configuration of the product.

Once obtained, a design file may be converted into a set of computer executable instructions that, once executed by a processer, cause the processor to control an additive manufacturing apparatus to produce a product according to the geometrical arrangement specified in the design file. The conversion may convert the design file into slices or layers that are to be formed sequentially by the additive manufacturing apparatus. The instructions (otherwise known as geometric code or "G-code") may be calibrated to the specific additive manufacturing apparatus and may specify the precise location and amount of material that is to be formed at each stage in the manufacturing process. The formation may be through deposition, through sintering, or through any other form of additive manufacturing method.

The code or instructions may be translated between different formats, converted into a set of data signals and transmitted, received as a set of data signals and converted to code, stored, etc., as necessary. The instructions may be an input to the additive manufacturing system and may come from a part designer, an intellectual property (IF) provider, a design company, the operator or owner of the additive manufacturing system, or from other sources. An additive manufacturing system may execute the instructions to fabricate the product using any of the technologies or methods disclosed herein.

Design files or computer executable instructions may be stored in a (transitory or non-transitory) computer readable storage medium (e.g., memory, storage system, etc.) storing code, or computer readable instructions, representative of the product to be produced. As noted, the code or computer readable instructions defining the product that may be used to physically generate the object, upon execution of the code or instructions by an additive manufacturing system. For example, the instructions may include a precisely defined 3D model of the product and may be generated from any of a large variety of well-known computer aided design (CAD) software systems such as AutoCADO, TurboCADO, DesignCAD 3D Max, etc. Alternatively, a model or prototype of the component may be scanned to determine the three-dimensional information of the component.

Accordingly, by controlling an additive manufacturing apparatus according to the computer executable instructions, the additive manufacturing apparatus may be instructed to print out the product.

In light of the above, embodiments include methods of manufacture via additive manufacturing. This includes the steps of obtaining a design file representing the product and instructing an additive manufacturing apparatus to manufacture the product in assembled or unassembled form according to the design file. The additive manufacturing apparatus may include a processor that is configured to automatically convert the design file into computer executable instructions for controlling the manufacture of the product. In these embodiments, the design file itself may automatically cause the production of the product once input into the additive manufacturing device. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the design file itself may be considered computer executable instructions that cause the additive manufacturing apparatus to manufacture the product. Alternatively, the design file may be converted into instructions by an external computing system, with the resulting computer executable instructions being provided to the additive manufacturing device.

Given the above, the design and manufacture of implementations of the subject matter and the operations described in this specification may be realised using digital electronic circuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them. For instance, hardware may include processors, microprocessors, electronic circuitry, electronic components, integrated circuits, etc. Implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure may be realised using one or more computer programs, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions, encoded on computer storage medium for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus. Alternatively or in addition, the program instructions may be encoded on an artificially generated propagated signal, e.g., a machine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal that is generated to encode information for transmission to suitable receiver apparatus for execution by a data processing apparatus. A computer storage medium may be, or be included in, a computer-readable storage device, a computer-readable storage substrate, a random or serial access memory array or device, or a combination of one or more of them.

Moreover, while a computer storage medium is not a propagated signal, a computer storage medium may be a source or destination of computer program instructions encoded in an artificially generated propagated signal. The computer storage medium may also be, or be included in, one or more separate physical components or media (e.g., multiple CDs, disks, or other storage devices).

Although additive manufacturing technology is described herein as enabling fabrication of complex objects by building objects point-by-point, layer-by-layer, typically in a vertical direction, other methods of fabrication are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter. For example, although the discussion herein refers to the addition of material to form successive layers, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the methods and structures disclosed herein may be practiced with any additive manufacturing technique or other manufacturing technology.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer program comprising computer executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to control an additive manufacturing apparatus to manufacture the described tapping apparatus.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a tapping apparatus or a component thereof via additive manufacturing, the method comprising: obtaining an electronic file representing a geometry of the described tapping apparatus or component thereof; and controlling an additive manufacturing apparatus to manufacture, over one or more additive manufacturing steps, the tapping apparatus or component thereof according to the geometry specified in the electronic file.

Aspects of the disclosure described may include one or more examples, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an axial section of a tapping apparatus in use; Figure 2 is perspective view of a transverse section of the tapping apparatus of Figure Figure 3a is a section view of the tapping apparatus of Figure 1 sealingly mounted around a pipe; Figure 3b is a section view of the tapping apparatus of Figure 1 wherein a cutter has cut a section of the pipe around which the tapping apparatus is sealingly mounted; Figure 3c is a section view of the tapping apparatus of Figure 1 wherein a cut section of the pipe around which the tapping apparatus is sealing mounted has been removed from the pipe bore; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the tapping apparatus of Figure 1 assembled with a standard tapping tee to provide a connection between a main pipe and a service pipe; Figure 5 is a perspective section view of an alternative tapping apparatus; Figure 6 is a perspective section view of an alternative tapping apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In reference to Figure 1, a tapping apparatus 10 is installed on a pipe 12. The tapping apparatus 10 comprises a body portion 14 which is shown in Figure 1 clamped around the pipe 12. When in this clamped configuration, the body portion 14 defines a pipe bore 16 which receives the pipe 12. The pipe bore 16 is generally circular in cross section.

The tapping apparatus 10 further comprises a cutter housing 18. The cutter housing 18 is generally cylindrical in form. The cutter housing 18 is integral with the body portion 14 of the tapping apparatus 10. The cutter housing 18 comprises a cutter bore 20. The cutter bore 20 intersects the pipe bore 16. The cutter bore 20 is threaded.

Within the cutter bore 20 there is located a cutter 22 for cutting a longitudinal section of the pipe 12 (the cut section of pipe is removed from Figure 1 for clarity). In some cases the cutter 22 is removable from the cutter housing 18, alternatively the cutter 22 is captive within the cutter housing 18. The cutter 22 comprises a cutter body 24 and a blade 26 which includes a cutting edge 28. The cutting edge 28 is generally circular in form in the present example, although any other suitable shape or form may be used.

The cutter body 24 comprises a tool interface 30 shaped for receiving a tool (not shown) and translating rotation of said tool to rotate at least the cutter body 24 of the cutter 22. In the present example the tool interface 30 is formed by a hex-shaped bore in the cutter body 24, although any other tool interface profile may be utilised. The cutter body 24 is generally cylindrical in form and includes a threaded exterior 32 which engages the threaded cutter bore 20 such that rotation of the cutter body 24 relative to the cutter bore 20 is translated to axial movement of the cutter 22 relative to the cutter bore 20.

The tapping apparatus 10 further comprises a cap 34 which is generally cylindrical in form, having an open end 36 and a closed end 38. The cap 34 comprises a threaded interior 40 which threadedly engages and external threaded portion 42 of the cutter housing 18, to thus seal the cutter bore 20.

The tapping apparatus 10 further comprises a fluid port 44 which is integral with the body portion 14 and which extends generally parallel to the cutter housing 18. The fluid port 44 comprises a fluid port bore 46 which intersects the pipe bore 16 such that a fluid path is provided between the fluid port bore 46 and the cut pipe 12. The fluid port bore 46 and the cutter bore 20 intersect the pipe bore 16 at substantially the same axial location such that in use the fluid port bore 46 is axially aligned with the cut section of the pipe 12 and a direct fluid path is provided between the cut pipe 12 and the fluid port bore 46. The fluid port bore 46 diametrically opposes the cutter bore 20.

With reference to Figure 2, the body portion 14 comprises a first clamp member 48 and a second clamp member 50, wherein each clamp member 48, 50 comprises a bore portion 48a, 50a, a first flange 48b, 50b, and a second flange 48c, 50c. The bore portions 48a, 50a of the clamp members 48, 50 are each shaped to partially define the pipe bore 16, i.e. the bore portions 48a, 50a of each clamp member 48, 50 each comprise a groove 52 having a semi-circular cross section. When the body portion 14 of the tapping apparatus 10 is assembled as shown in Figure 2, the grooves 52 of the bore portions 48a, 50a of the clamp members 48, 50 collectively define the pipe bore 16. Each flange 48b, 50b, 48c, 50c comprises an engagement surface 54, wherein the engagement surfaces 54 of the first flanges 48b, 50b of each clamp member 48, 50 are in engagement when the body portion 14 is assembled. Similarly, the engagement surfaces 54 of the second flanges 48c, 50c of each clamp member 48, 50 are in engagement when the body portion 14 is assembled. The body portion 14 is held in the assembled or clamping configuration via fasteners 56. The fasteners 56 are nested pins 56a, 56b that extend through the flanges 48b, 50b, 48c, 50c. In other embodiments the fasteners may be bolts, ratchet traps, buckles, clamps, etc. With continued reference to Figure 2, in the assembled or clamping configuration, the body portion 14 forms a seal around the pipe 12 (not shown in Figure 2). The clamp members 48, 50 comprise electrofusion surfaces 58 which form the seal. A first of the clamp members 48 comprises a first of the electrofusion surfaces 58a. The first electrofusion surface 58a extends across the engagement surfaces 54 of the first and second flanges 48b, 48c and the groove 52 of the bore portion 48a of the first clamp member 48. A second of the clamp members 50 comprises a second of the electrofusion surfaces 58b. The second electrofusion surface 58b extends across the groove 52 of the bore portion 50a of the second clamp member 50 only. In alternative examples the electrofusion surfaces may extend across any combination of surfaces of the clamp members 48, 50 suitable to form a seal around the full circumferential extent of a pipe located in the pipe bore 16. In alternative examples the body portion 14 may alternatively or additionally comprise a mechanical seal such as a gasket, an 0-ring or a combination of such, suitable to form a seal around the full circumferential extent of a pipe located in the pipe bore 16. In further alternative examples, an adhesive or a sealant may be provided on surfaces of the clamp members 48, 50 suitable to form a seal around the full circumferential extent of a pipe located in the pipe bore 16.

Installation of the tapping apparatus 10 on a pipe 12 will now be described with reference to Figures 3a-c. As shown in Figure 3a, the body portion 14 is mounted around the pipe 12 in the assembled or clamping configuration. The fasteners (not shown) are attached to hold the body portion 14 around the pipe. The seal is formed around the pipe 12 via the electrofusion surfaces 58.

As shown in Figure 3b, the blade 26 of the cutter 22 is moved out of the cutter bore 20, and transversely across the pipe bore 16. The cutter 22 is rotated in a first direction by a tool (not shown) engaged in the tool interface 30. Rotation of the cutter 22 in the first direction relative to the cutter housing 18 results in axial movement of the cutter 22 across the pipe bore 16 due to the interaction of the threaded exterior 32 of the cutter 22 and the threaded cutter bore 20. As the blade 26 passes through the pipe bore 16 the cutting edge 28 cuts a longitudinal section 60 of the pipe 12. The diameter of the blade 26 is larger than the diameter of the pipe bore 16 such that a whole section of the pipe 12 is cut.

As shown in Figure 3c, the blade 26 of the cutter 22 is then retracted back into the cutter bore 20. The cutter 22 is rotated in a second direction by a tool (not shown) engaged in the tool interface 30. Rotation of the cutter 22 in the second direction relative to the cutter housing 18 results in axial movement of the cutter 22 from the pipe bore 16 due to the interaction of the threaded exterior 32 of the cutter 22 and the threaded cutter bore 20. The cut section 60 of pipe is captured within the blade 26, thereby removing the cut section of pipe 60 from the pipe bore 16. Following removal of the blade 26 from the pipe bore 16, fluid is free to flow between the cut pipe 12 and the fluid port bore 46. The seal formed around the pipe 12 by the body portion 14and the seal provided by the cap 34 ensures that the tapping apparatus 10 is a sealed assembly when installed on the pipe 12. The sealed assembly of the tapping apparatus 10 prevents ingress of air into the pipe 12, and of fluid in the pipe 12 escaping into the environment. Such an arrangement may thus permit the pipe 12 to be tapped when in a live condition 0.e., when containing or communication a fluid, such as natural gas, water, hydrogen etc. When the cut pipe section 60 is removed a longitudinal flow gap 61 is formed between adjacent cut ends of the pipe 12. This flow gap 61 may define a flow area which is greater than or equal to the pipe flow area. This may therefore permit fluid communication to be established with the pipe without negatively impacting, limiting or restricting the fluid flow capacity through the tapping apparatus 10. That is, flow to/from the pipe may be achieved across its full pipe flow area (e.g., across its full diameter), rather than via a smaller window created in an outer surface of the pipe.

With reference to the schematic illustration of Figure 4, the tapping apparatus 10 may be used in a connection assembly to connect a mains pipe 62 to a service pipe 12. A standard tapping tee 64 of the type described in the background section is mounted on the main pipe 62. The tapping apparatus 10 is mounted around the service pipe 12, in the manner described above with reference to Figures 3a-c. The fluid port 44 of the tapping apparatus 10 further comprises an elbow 66 and a linking pipe 68 is provided between a fluid port 70 of the standard tapping tee 64 mounted on the main pipe 62 and the elbow 66 of the tapping apparatus 10 mounted around the service pipe 12. The linking pipe 68 provides a flow path between the tapping apparatus 10 and the standard tapping tee 64. The service pipe 12 is tapped via the cutter 22 (not shown) within the tapping apparatus 10, as described above. The main pipe 62 is then tapped via a cutter (not shown) within the standard tapping tee 64. Fluid communication is thus established between the main pipe 62 to the service pipe 12 via the standard tapping tee 64, the linking pipe 68 and the tapping apparatus 10.

A connection assembly as shown in Figure 4 can be used to establish a connection between the mains pipe 62 and a new service pipe 12 (i.e., a newly commissioned service pipe). However, the connection assembly, and in particular the tapping apparatus 10, may facilitate the replacement of an existing connection without disrupting flow within the service pipe 12, which may currently supply a fluid, such as natural gas, water etc. to a premises or installation. This may therefore provide significant advantages in replacing the connection without also requiring disruption of the service, and subsequent remedial action within the premises or installation to purge air from the pipe network. For example, the service pipe 12 may initially be connected to a separate supply or mains pipe 69 which is to be replaced by new mains pipe 62.

Such replacement may be necessary in view of a compromise of the existing pipe 69, the operational lifetime of the existing pipe 69 approaching or being exceeded, and/or the like. In some examples the existing mains pipe 69 may be formed of cast iron, and is to be replaced with a new mains pipe 62 constructed from PE. In the present illustration the separate mains pipe 69 is shown in broken outline, and so too is the original connected section of service pipe 12.

The tapping apparatus 10 is sealingly mounted around the service pipe 12 downstream of the existing connection with the original mains pipe 69. After fluid communication between the service pipe and the new mains pipe 62 is established, in the manner described above, the connection to the original mains pipe 69 can be removed. For example, a clamping arrangement (not shown) can be applied to the service pipe 12 to isolate a section of the pipe which may be cut and terminated, for example using a stop-end cap 72.

Although the above example illustrates the use of a conventional tapping tee 64 to facilitate connection to the mains pipe 62, it should be recognised that any other means of connection may be provided.

With reference to Figure 5, an alternative tapping apparatus 110 is provided. The tapping apparatus 110 is the substantially the same as tapping tee 10 except for the following (like features are provided with like reference numerals augmented by 100). The fluid port 144 is positioned such that the fluid port bore extends perpendicular to the cutter bore 120 rather than parallel to the cutter bore 120. The different fluid port positions may be more useful in different installation conditions and pipe network configurations. In other examples any other orientation of the fluid port may be provided.

With reference to Figure 6, an alternative tapping tee 210 is provided. The tapping tee 210 is substantially the same as tapping tee 10 with the addition of the following (like feature are provided with like reference numerals augmented by 200). The tapping tee 210 further comprises an auxiliary port 280. The auxiliary port 280 comprises an auxiliary bore 282. The auxiliary port 280 is integral with the body portion 214. In the depicted example the auxiliary port 280 is integral with a first clamp member 248 and a cutter housing 218. However, in other examples the auxiliary port 280 may be integral with a second clamp member and the fluid port. The auxiliary port 280 may provide a variety of functions, For example the auxiliary port may provide a means of testing the integrity of any seal formed with the pipe to be tapped into, before said pipe is cut. Furthermore, the auxiliary port 280 may provide a means of providing a secondary connection of a fluid, such as a natural gas (for example from a portable source, such as a bottled source), to the pipe.

It should be understood that the examples provided herein are indeed only exemplary of the present disclosure and that various modifications may be made thereto.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A tapping apparatus for tapping into a fluid pipe, the tapping apparatus comprising: a body portion defining a pipe bore for receiving the pipe; a fluid port intersecting the pipe bore; and a cutter configured to be moved transversely across the pipe bore to cut a longitudinal section from the pipe when received within the pipe bore to establish fluid communication between the pipe and the fluid port.
2. The tapping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cutter is configured to cut a longitudinal section from the pipe to create a longitudinal flow gap between opposing cut ends of the pipe with a flow area greater than or equal to the flow area of the pipe.
3. The tapping apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cutter defines a cutting dimension aligned laterally with the pipe bore (i.e., a lateral cutting dimension) which is greater than or equal to the diameter of the pipe.
4. The tapping apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the cutter defines a cutting dimension in a longitudinal direction relative to the pipe bore (i.e., a longitudinal cutting dimension) which facilitates removal of a desired length of the pipe.
5. The tapping apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the cutter is cylindrical and defines a cutting diameter which is greater than or equal to the diameter of the pipe.
6. The tapping apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the cutter is configured to be moved transversely across the pipe bore in reverse directions such that the cutter is retractable relative to the pipe bore.
7. The tapping apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the cutter is configured to retain the longitudinal section which is cut from the pipe.
8. The tapping apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the cutter defines a hollow section configured to retain the removed longitudinal section of the pipe.
9. The tapping apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising a cutter housing configured to accommodate the cutter therein.
10. The tapping apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the cutter housing forms part of the body portion.
11. The tapping apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the cutter housing defines a cutter bore within which the cutter is moveably mounted.
12. The tapping apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a threaded arrangement is provided between the cutter bore and the cutter, such that the cutter may be rotated to be linearly translated relative to the pipe bore.
13. The tapping apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the body portion is configured to provide a seal around the pipe.
14. The tapping apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the body portion comprises one or more electrofusion surfaces for forming a seal around the pipe.
15. The tapping apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the body portion comprises a clamping assembly having at least two clamp members, wherein when the clamping assembly is installed on the pipe the at least two clamp members define the pipe bore therebetween.
16. The tapping apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising an insert mountable within the body portion to define the pipe bore.
17. The tapping apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising an auxiliary port which intersects the pipe bore.
18. A method of installing a connection in a fluid pipe network, the method comprising: mounting a tapping apparatus on a first pipe; providing a flow path between a fluid port of the tapping apparatus and a second pipe; and operating a cutter of the tapping apparatus to remove a longitudinal section of the first pipe and provide fluid communication between the first pipe and the fluid port of the tapping tee.
19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the first pipe is initially connected to a third pipe, wherein the connection to the third pipe is maintained during the process of providing fluid communication between the first pipe and the second pipe.
20. The method according to claim 19, comprising terminating fluid communication between the first and third pipe following providing fluid communication between the first and second pipes.
21. A method of switching a mains connection to a service pipe, the method comprising: mounting a tapping apparatus on the service pipe which is connected to a first mains pipe; providing a flow path between a fluid port of the tapping apparatus and a second mains pipe; and operating a cutter of the tapping apparatus to remove a longitudinal section of the first pipe and provide fluid communication between the service pipe and the fluid port of the tapping tee and thus the second mains pipe.
22. The method according to claim 21, comprising subsequently terminating the connection between the service pipe and the first mains pipe.
23. A kit of parts for installing a tapping apparatus on a pipe, the kit comprising: a body portion defining a pipe bore for receiving the pipe, and a fluid port intersecting the pipe bore; and a cutter configured to be translated transversely across the pipe bore to remove a longitudinal section from the pipe when received therein.
24. A computer program comprising computer executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to control an additive manufacturing apparatus to manufacture a tapping apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17.
25. A method of manufacturing a tapping apparatus or a component thereof via additive manufacturing, the method comprising: obtaining an electronic file representing a geometry of the described tapping apparatus or component thereof; and controlling an additive manufacturing apparatus to manufacture, over one or more additive manufacturing steps, the tapping apparatus or component thereof according to the geometry specified in the electronic file.