WO2013144593A1 - Pipe joint and method of sealing/testing - Google Patents

Pipe joint and method of sealing/testing Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013144593A1
WO2013144593A1 PCT/GB2013/050748 GB2013050748W WO2013144593A1 WO 2013144593 A1 WO2013144593 A1 WO 2013144593A1 GB 2013050748 W GB2013050748 W GB 2013050748W WO 2013144593 A1 WO2013144593 A1 WO 2013144593A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
component
pipe
annular area
seals
female component
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2013/050748
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Richard Mark Stanway
Neil Richard Deane WALLACE
Christopher Jonathan Richard NORTHERN
Original Assignee
Aquaspira Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Aquaspira Limited filed Critical Aquaspira Limited
Priority to GB1419078.9A priority Critical patent/GB2516574A/en
Publication of WO2013144593A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013144593A1/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L17/00—Joints with packing adapted to sealing by fluid pressure
    • F16L17/10—Joints with packing adapted to sealing by fluid pressure the packing being sealed by the pressure of a fluid other than the fluid in or surrounding the pipe
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
    • G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
    • G01M3/26—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
    • G01M3/28—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds
    • G01M3/2853—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves ; for welds for pipe joints or seals
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L2201/00—Special arrangements for pipe couplings
    • F16L2201/30—Detecting leaks

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a pipe joint.
  • the present invention also relates to apparatus for sealing and testing a pipe joint, a pipe comprising first and second pipe sections joined together by means of such a pipe joint, and to a method of sealing a joint between two pipe sections and testing the joint.
  • the present invention relates to a pipe joint in a pipe which is used to transport liquids such as water or sewage.
  • Water conveying systems comprising underground pipes are employed to transport waste water from buildings, rainwater run-off from land, and sewage or 'foul water'
  • the pipes comprise individual pipe lengths or sections which are joined together end-to-end to form a pipe of desired length.
  • the pipes are located in trenches in the ground which are back-filled with suitable material, typically a construction aggregate such as a gravel, following installation of the pipe.
  • the pipe sections normally have a male spigot at one end, and a female socket at the opposite end.
  • the spigot on one pipe section is located in the socket in an adjacent pipe section to couple them together.
  • the joint between the spigot and the socket must be sealed to prevent fluid leakage out of the joined pipe sections along the annular region defined between the spigot and the socket.
  • a seal is mounted on the spigot (or the socket), and provides an interference fit with the socket (or the spigot) when the pipe sections are joined together.
  • the seals can become displaced during transport to the construction site where the pipe sections are to be installed, and also during handling on site. Additionally, materials can foul the joint, either damaging the seal, or creating a leak path past it.
  • the pipe typically sits on a layer of gravel in the foot of the trench, which provides an appropriate bed for the pipe.
  • the pipe is assembled by locating a first pipe section in the trench, and then bringing a second pipe section into the trench and joining it to the first pipe section. Typically the spigot of the second pipe section will be inserted into the socket of the first pipe section, which has already been positioned in the trench.
  • a pipe joint between first and second pipe sections comprising:
  • first seal provided on one of said male component and the female component; a second seal provided on one of said male component and the female component; in which the first and second seals are arranged to provide an interference fit with the other one of said male component and the female component; in which the first and second seals are axially spaced apart so that an annular area is defined between the first and second seals, a wall of said male component and a wall of the female component;
  • the joint further comprises an arrangement for communicating with the annular area, so that pressure can be applied to fluid contained within the annular area and the pressure of the fluid in the annular area measured, whereby any reduction in the fluid pressure can be detected, which reduction would be indicative of a leak path existing past at least one of the seals.
  • the pipe j oint of the present invention provides advantages over prior pipe j oints in that the integrity of the joint can be tested during assembly of a pipe comprising a number of such pipe sections coupled together. In the event that a reduction in the pressure of fluid in the annular area of a particular pipe joint is detected, the problem can be remediated at that time and prior to installation of the complete pipeline.
  • the female component may be a socket on the first pipe section, and said male component may be a male spigot on the second pipe section.
  • the first and second pipe sections may be joined together by locating the male spigot within the female socket.
  • the female component may be a tubular coupling component, and said male component may comprise respective ends of the first and second pipe sections which are to be joined together, or end components which are connected to or provided on the pipe sections.
  • the tubular coupling component may be arranged to receive the ends of the first and second pipe sections to join the pipe sections together.
  • the annular area may be defined between the seals, a wall of the end of the first pipe section, a wall of the end of the second pipe section and a wall of the tubular coupling component.
  • a further seal may be provided between opposing faces of the ends of the first and second pipe sections.
  • the tubular coupling component may bridge across an interface between the ends of the first and second pipe sections, and may be a sleeve or the like.
  • the first and second seals may be deformable and shaped so that: a) when located on the female component, they describe a minimum internal diameter which is less than a maximum external diameter of said male component; b) when located on said male component, they describe a maximum external diameter which is greater than a minimum internal diameter of the female component. Such is true prior to location of said male component in the female component and so prior to deformation of the seals. References to the first and second seals providing an interference fit should be determined accordingly. Reference is made to male and female components which serve for joining pipe sections together. It will be understood that the female component describes an internal bore having a bore diameter, and that the male component describes an external diameter which is less than said female bore diameter so that it can fit within the female component.
  • the pipe joint may comprise at least one further seal provided on one of said male component and the female component, and the further seal may be axially spaced apart from the second seal so that: a first annular area is defined between the first and second seals, a wall of said male component and a wall of the female component; and a second annular area is defined between the second and further seals, a wall of said male
  • the joint may comprise a first arrangement for communicating with the first annular area, and a second arrangement for communicating with the second annular area.
  • the seals may each be provided on said male component.
  • the seals may each be provided on the female component.
  • At least one seal may be provided on said male component and at least one on the female component.
  • the female component is a tubular coupling component, and said male component respective ends of the first and second pipe sections, at least one seal may be provided on one of the ends and at least one seal on the tubular coupling component.
  • the arrangement for communicating with the annular area may comprise at least one flow control device which can communicate with the annular area, and which may be a valve.
  • the flow control device may be provided on or in a wall of one of said male component and the female component. It may be preferred to provide the flow control device on or in a wall of said male component so that the flow control device is protected against displacement, damage or fouling by solids materials during transportation or handling of the pipe section.
  • the flow control device may be adapted for coupling to a pump so that pressure can be applied to the fluid in the annular region.
  • the flow control device may be adapted for coupling to a pressure measuring device (such as a pressure gauge) for measuring the pressure of the fluid in the annular area.
  • the pipe sections may be of a type which is suitable for assembly to form a pipe for the transport of water in a water conveying system, and so may be pipe sections for forming a water conveying pipe.
  • the water may, for example, be waste water from a building, rainwater run-off from land, sewage or 'foul water'.
  • the pipe sections may be of other types, such as those used to transport gasses (including air duct pipes), oil/natural gas or petroleum products, and pipes which are used as fluid storage tanks or chambers.
  • apparatus for sealing and testing a joint between a first pipe section and a second pipe section comprising a female component and at least one male component located within the female component, in which the apparatus comprises:
  • a first seal which can be provided on one of said male component and the female component
  • a second seal which can be provided on one of said male component and the female component
  • first and second seals are:
  • the apparatus comprises an arrangement for applying pressure to fluid contained within the annular area and measuring the pressure of the fluid in the annular area so that any reduction in the fluid pressure can be detected, which reduction would be indicative of a leak path existing past at least one of the seals.
  • the arrangement for applying pressure may serve for communicating with the annular area, so that pressure can be applied to the fluid contained within the annular area and the pressure of the fluid measured.
  • the arrangement for applying pressure may communicate with the annular area.
  • the arrangement for applying pressure to fluid contained within the annular area may comprise a flow control device which communicates with the annular area, and which may be a valve.
  • the arrangement may comprise a pump for applying pressure to the fluid in the annular region, and a pressure measuring device (such as a pressure gauge) for measuring the pressure of the fluid in the annular area.
  • first and second pipe sections joined together by locating said male component within the female component; a first seal provided on one of said male component and the female component; a second seal provided on one of said male component and the female component; in which the first and second seals are:
  • the pipe further comprises an arrangement for communicating with the annular area, so that pressure can be applied to fluid contained within the annular area and the pressure of the fluid in the annular area measured, whereby any reduction in the fluid pressure can be detected, which reduction would be indicative of a leak path existing past at least one of the seals.
  • the pipe may comprise a third pipe section joined to the second pipe section, and the pipe may comprise:
  • a first seal may be provided on one of said further male component and the further female component;
  • a second seal may be provided on one of said further male component and the further female component; and the first and second seals may be:
  • the pipe further comprises an arrangement for communicating with the annular area, so that pressure can be applied to fluid contained within the annular area and the pressure of the fluid in the annular area measured, whereby any reduction in the fluid pressure can be detected, which reduction would be indicative of a leak path existing past at least one of the seals.
  • a method of sealing a joint between two pipe sections and testing the joint comprising the steps of: providing a first seal on one of a female component and at least one male component;
  • first and second pipe sections together by locating said male component within the female component, whereupon the first and second seals seal said male component relative to the female component by an interference fit so as to restrict the flow of fluid between said male component and the female component;
  • first and second seals are arranged so that, when the pipes are joined together, the first and second seals are axially spaced apart, and an annular area is defined between the first and second seals, a wall of said male component and a wall of the female component; applying pressure to fluid contained within the annular area;
  • the method may involve applying pressure to fluid contained within the annular area, measuring the pressure of the fluid in the annular area to confirm that no leak paths exist, and then joining a third pipe section to the second pipe section.
  • the method may comprise:
  • first and second seals are arranged so that, when the pipe sections are coupled together, the first and second seals are axially spaced apart, and an annular area is defined between the first and second seals, a wall of said further male component and a wall of the further female component;
  • the method may comprise the step of testing the integrity of the joint between the first and second pipe sections during assembly of a pipe comprising a number of such pipe sections coupled together. In the event that a reduction in the pressure of fluid in the annular area of a joint between the first and second pipe sections is detected, the problem can be remediated prior to installation of the complete pipeline. This might involve release of said male component from the female component, inspection and cleaning of the seal and joint area and refitting of said male component in the female component, removal and replacement or resetting of a displaced or damaged seal or seals, and/or replacement of a pipe section having a displaced or damaged seal or seals with a fresh pipe section.
  • the method may comprise applying a coating of a relatively viscous fluid, such as a sealant fluid or lubricant, to said male component and/or female component, to enhance sealing and/or facilitate joining of said male component and the female component.
  • the method may comprise charging such a viscous fluid into the annular area following joining of the pipe sections, to displace air from the annular area and/or to provide a further barrier to fluid flow through the joint along the interface between said male component and the female component.
  • the viscous fluid may be injected through a flow control device, such as a valve, which communicates with the annular area.
  • the fluid may be for providing a further barrier to fluid flow from the joint, or to effect a repair of a leaking joint. This will be of assistance for pipe sections which cannot be separated for effecting a repair.
  • the method may comprise providing at least one further seal on one of said male component and the female component, the further seal axially spaced apart from the second seal so that: a first annular area is defined between the first and second seals, a wall of said male component and a wall of the female component; and a second annular area is defined between the second and further seals, a wall of said male component and a wall of the female component.
  • the method may comprise providing further seals if desired, defining further annular areas.
  • the method may comprise applying pressure to fluid contained in the first annular area and measuring the pressure in said area; and applying pressure to fluid contained in the second annular area and measuring the pressure in said area.
  • the female component may be a socket on the first pipe section, and said male component may be a male spigot on a second pipe section.
  • the first and second pipe sections may be joined together by locating the male spigot within the female socket.
  • the female component may be a tubular coupling component, and said male component may comprise respective ends of the first and second pipe sections which are to be joined together, or end components which are connected to or provided on the pipe sections.
  • the pipe sections may be joined together by locating the ends of the first and second pipe sections in the tubular coupling component.
  • the annular area may be defined between the seals, a wall of the end of the first pipe section, a wall of the end of the second pipe section and a wall of the tubular coupling component.
  • a further seal may be provided between opposing faces of the ends of the first and second pipe sections.
  • the tubular coupling component may be arranged so that it bridges across an interface between the ends of the first and second pipe sections, and may be a sleeve or the like.
  • a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of repairing a leaking pipe joint which has been assembled according to the method of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the method comprising:
  • the sealing fluid may be relatively viscous.
  • the sealing fluid may be injected through a flow control device, such as a valve, which communicates with the annular area.
  • Fig. 1 is a partially sectioned perspective view of a pipe comprising first and second pipe sections joined together and having a pipe joint, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the drawing shows the pipe sections prior to joining;
  • Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional side view of part of the joint between the first and second pipe sections of Fig. 1, showing the pipe sections joined together;
  • Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 of part of a pipe joint in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;
  • Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2 of part of a pipe joint in accordance with a still further embodiment of the present invention;
  • Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 2 of part of a pipe joint in accordance with a still further embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 2 of part of a pipe joint in accordance with a still further embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 2 of part of a pipe joint in accordance with a still further embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 1 there is shown a partially sectioned perspective view of a pipe in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the pipe indicated generally by reference numeral 10.
  • the pipe is used to transport water in a water conveying system, for example, waste water from a building or rainwater run-off from land, sewage or 'foul water'.
  • the pipe 10 is located below ground surface level 12 in a trench 14, in a fashion which is well known in the drainage industry.
  • Sidewalls 16 and 18 of the trench 14 are shown in the drawing, with part of the sidewall 16 removed, for illustration purposes.
  • the pipe 10 sits on a bed or layer 20 of aggregate, typically in the form of a gravel 20, which supports and provides a firm footing for the pipe.
  • the pipe 10 is formed from a number of pipe sections which are coupled together end-to-end, two such sections being shown in the drawing.
  • a first pipe section 22 is shown positioned in the trench 14, and a second pipe section 24 during lowering into the trench 14 for joining to the first pipe section 22.
  • the pipe 10 may be manufactured from pipe sections of a wide range of different types including concrete, metal or metal alloys, and plastics materials.
  • composite, metal reinforced plastics pipes may be employed, such as those which are commercially available from the present applicant. B2013/050748
  • Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional side view of part of a joint 26 between the first pipe section 22 and the second pipe section 24, according to the present invention.
  • the drawing shows the pipe sections 22 and 24 joined together.
  • the pipe joint comprises a female component in the form of a socket 28 on the first pipe section 22, and a male component in the form of a spigot 30 on the second pipe section 24.
  • the first and second pipe sections 22 and 24 are joined together by locating the male spigot 30 within the female socket 28 in a fashion which is known in the industry.
  • the pipe joint 26 comprises first and second seals 32 and 34 which, in the illustrated embodiment, are both provided on the male spigot 30.
  • the seals 32 and 34 will be of a deformable material, which may be an elastomeric material, and provide an interference fit with the female socket 28 when the spigot 30 and socket are joined.
  • the seals 32 and 34 may be bonded to the male spigot 30, such as by an adhesive, and/or may be located or held captive in annular recesses or grooves (not shown) formed in an external surface 36 of the spigot 30.
  • the first and second seals 32 and 34 are axially spaced apart along a length of the joint 26 so that an annular area, region or void 38 is defined between the seals 32, 34, spigot 30 and socket 28.
  • the joint 26 further comprises an arrangement for communicating with the annular area 38, the arrangement indicated generally by reference numeral 40.
  • the arrangement 40 takes the form of a valve which is located in a wall 42 of the spigot 30, which can communicate with the annular area 38 from inside the pipe 10. Pressure can be applied to fluid contained within the annular area 38, and the pressure of the fluid measured so that any reduction in the fluid pressure can be detected. Any such reduction of the pressure would be indicative of a leak path existing past at least one of the seals 32 and 34.
  • the valve 40 can be closed when fluid communication is no longer required, following testing and verification that an adequate seal has been provided.
  • an arrangement for applying pressure to fluid contained within the annular area and measuring the pressure of the fluid in the annular area which comprises a pump 44 and a pressure gauge 46.
  • the pump 44 and pressure gauge 46 are coupled to the valve 40, for pressurising the fluid in the annular area 38, and measuring the pressure to detect any reduction.
  • the pump 44 and pressure gauge 46 are connected to the valve 40 by means of a hose 48 which extends along the inner bore 50 of the second pipe section 24 to the valve.
  • Coupling the hose 48 to the valve 40 may require an operator to crawl along the bore 50 of the second pipe section 24, and so may only be suitable for pipes 10 having an internal diameter of at least about 900 mm.
  • the hose 48 may extend out of the pipe section 24 so that the test can be carried out from outside the pipe section, or a shorter hose 48 may be provided, requiring the operator to reside within the pipe section to perform the test.
  • a fluid in the annular area 38.
  • the fluid will simply be air, although it may, under certain circumstances, be desirable to provide a fluid such as a relatively viscous sealant and/or lubricant in the annular area 38.
  • a lubricant may facilitate joining of the spigot 30 to the socket 28, whilst a sealant may provide a further barrier to the passage of fluid between the joined spigot 30 and socket 28.
  • the pipe 10, incorporating the joint 26, offers numerous advantages over prior pipes and joints.
  • the ability to define an annular area 38 between the two seals 32 and 34 enables the area to be pressure tested so that any leaks can be detected before further construction work on the pipe 10 proceeds.
  • each pipe joint can be tested before a new pipe section (not shown) is connected to the last pipe section that was located in the trench 14.
  • the problem can be remediated at that time and prior to installation of the complete pipeline. This might involve release of the spigot 30 from the socket 28, inspection and cleaning of the seals 32 and 34 and joint 26 area, and then refitting of the spigot in the socket.
  • FIG. 3 to 7 there are shown views similar to Fig. 2 of pipe joints in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention, the joints indicated generally by reference numeral 26a to 26e, respectively.
  • Like components of the joints 26a to 26e with the joint 26 shown in Fig. 2 share the same reference numerals, with the addition of the suffixes "a" to "e", as appropriate. Only the substantive differences between the pipe joints 26a to 26e and the joint 26 will be described in detail herein.
  • the joint 26a comprises a first seal 32a that is provided on a female socket 28a, rather than a male spigot 30a. In this way, one of the seals is provided on the socket 28a and one on the spigot 30a.
  • the joint 26a is otherwise constructed, assembled and tested as described above in relation to the joint 26. It will be noted that the axially outermost seal 34a will normally require to be positioned on the spigot 30a, otherwise the seals 32a and 34a would come into contact during insertion.
  • Fig. 4 shows a joint 26b between first and second pipe sections 22b and 24b.
  • seals 32b and 34b are both located on a female socket 28b, so that they provide an interference fit with a male spigot 30b when it is inserted into the socket.
  • Fig. 5 shows a joint 26c between first and second pipe sections 22c and 24c.
  • a valve 40c is provided in a wall 52 of a female socket 28c, rather than in a wall 42c of a spigot 30c. This allows for access to the valve 40c from outside the pipe 10, and so does not require an operator to enter an inner bore 50c of the second pipe section 24c.
  • the configuration of the joint 26c shown in Fig. 5 may be employed on pipes having an internal diameter of around 900 mm or less.
  • Fig. 6 shows a joint 26d between first and second pipe sections 22d and 24d.
  • three seals 32d, 34d and 54 are provided on a male spigot 30d of the second pipe section 24d.
  • a first annular area 38d is defined between the first and second seals 32d, 34d, the spigot 30d and the socket 28d.
  • a second annular area 56 is defined between the second seal 34d, the third seal 54, the spigot 30d and the socket 28d.
  • a first valve 40d communicates with the first annular area 30d, and a second valve 58 communicates with the second annular area 56.
  • Provision of a joint 26d comprising three such seals 32d, 34d and 54 provides an additional barrier, and also the ability to define two such annular areas 38d and 56. Both of these annular areas 38d and 56 can be tested in the fashion described above in relation to Figs. 1 and 2, to ensure pressure integrity of the joint 26d.
  • Fig. 7 shows a joint 26e between first and second pipe sections 22e and 24e.
  • the joint 26e comprises a female component which is a generally tubular coupling component in the form of a sleeve 28e.
  • the joint 26e also comprises at least one male component and, in the illustrated embodiment, comprises two male components in the form of ends 30e and 30e' of the first and second pipe sections 22e and 24e, respectively. As shown in the drawing, the ends 30e and 30e' are located within the sleeve 28e.
  • First and second seals 32e and 34e are provided on the sleeve 28e, and seal the sleeve to the ends 30e and 30e' of the pipe sections 22e and 24e. It will be understood however that one or both of the seals 32e and 34e may be provided on the pipe sections 22e, 24e.
  • An annular area 38e is defined between the first and second seals 32e, 34e, the end 30e of the pipe section 22e, and the end 30e' of the pipe section 24e.
  • a valve 40e is provided in the sleeve 28e and communicates with the annular area 38e, in the fashion described above. It will be understood however that the valve 40e may equally be internally located, and so provided in one of the pipe section ends 30e or 30e'.
  • An additional seal 60 is provided in a recess 62 or 64 located in end faces 66, 68 of the pipe sections 22e and 24e, which abut when the pipe sections are joined.
  • the seal 60 seals the end faces 66 and 68 to prevent leakage from the annular area 38e. It will be understood that the seal 60 may be located in a different manner, for example, the end sections 30e and 30e' may overlap as shown in Fig. 2 and described above.
  • a joint may be provided with seals arranged as shown in Fig. 4, but with an externally located valve, that is a valve provided in the socket rather than the spigot.
  • the pipe may comprise any desired number of pipe sections, such as the sections 22 and 24, coupled together end-to-end.
  • a joint between each of the pipe sections may be constructed and tested according to the principles described above. The joints may each be tested prior to coupling a further pipe section to the pipe which is being formed. Reference is made in this document to a joint comprising a male component and a female component. It will be understood however that the principles of the present invention may apply to other types of pipe joints from those shown, for example joints in which pipe sections to be coupled together carry end flanges that (typically) extend perpendicularly to main axes of the pipe sections.
  • first and second seals may be provided which are radially spaced (and typically provided at a common axial position), defining an annular area between the two seals and the end flanges. Fluid in that area may be pressurised and monitored according to the method outlined above.
  • a coating of a relatively viscous fluid such as a sealant fluid or lubricant, may be applied to the spigot and/or the socket, to enhance sealing and/or facilitate joining of the spigot and the socket.
  • a viscous fluid may be charged into the annular area following joining of the pipe sections, to displace air from the annular area and/or to provide a further barrier to fluid flow through the joint along the interface between the spigot and the socket.
  • the fluid may be for providing a further barrier, or for effecting a repair of a leaking joint.
  • the pipe sections may be any other suitable or desirable pipe section, such as ones which are employed to convey gasses (including air duct pipes), pipes for conveying oil/natural gas or petroleum products, and pipes used as fluid storage tanks or chambers.
  • the arrangement for applying/measuring pressure may be coupled to the relevant pipe section (for example the flow control device) prior to coupling of the pipe sections together.
  • the arrangement for example the pump, valve and hose
  • the seals may be inflatable from a first position in which they do not contact the component to be sealed, and an inflated position where they contact and seal the component.

Abstract

The invention relates to a pipe joint, apparatus for sealing and testing a pipe joint, a pipe comprising first and second pipe sections joined together by means of such a pipe joint, and to a method of sealing a joint between two pipe sections and testing the joint. In one embodiment, a pipe joint (26) between first and second pipe sections (22, 24) is disclosed which comprises a female component (28) and at least one male component (30), the first and second pipe sections joined together by locating said male component within the female component. A first seal (32) is provided on one of said male component and the female component and a second seal (34) on one of said male component and the female component. The first and second seals are arranged to provide an interference fit with the other one of said male component and the female component, and are axially spaced apart so that an annular area (38) is defined between the first and second seals, a wall of said male component and a wall of the female component. The joint further comprises an arrangement (40) for communicating with the annular area, so that pressure can be applied to fluid contained within the annular area and the pressure of the fluid in the annular area measured, whereby any reduction in the fluid pressure can be detected, which reduction would be indicative of a leak path existing past at least one of the seals.

Description

PIPE JOINT AND METHOD OF SEALING/TESTING
The present invention relates to a pipe joint. The present invention also relates to apparatus for sealing and testing a pipe joint, a pipe comprising first and second pipe sections joined together by means of such a pipe joint, and to a method of sealing a joint between two pipe sections and testing the joint. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a pipe joint in a pipe which is used to transport liquids such as water or sewage. Water conveying systems comprising underground pipes are employed to transport waste water from buildings, rainwater run-off from land, and sewage or 'foul water'
(contaminated waste water) into a sewer system. Typically, the pipes comprise individual pipe lengths or sections which are joined together end-to-end to form a pipe of desired length. The pipes are located in trenches in the ground which are back-filled with suitable material, typically a construction aggregate such as a gravel, following installation of the pipe.
The pipe sections normally have a male spigot at one end, and a female socket at the opposite end. The spigot on one pipe section is located in the socket in an adjacent pipe section to couple them together. The joint between the spigot and the socket must be sealed to prevent fluid leakage out of the joined pipe sections along the annular region defined between the spigot and the socket. To this end, a seal is mounted on the spigot (or the socket), and provides an interference fit with the socket (or the spigot) when the pipe sections are joined together.
However, the seals can become displaced during transport to the construction site where the pipe sections are to be installed, and also during handling on site. Additionally, materials can foul the joint, either damaging the seal, or creating a leak path past it. In particular and as outlined above, the pipe typically sits on a layer of gravel in the foot of the trench, which provides an appropriate bed for the pipe. The pipe is assembled by locating a first pipe section in the trench, and then bringing a second pipe section into the trench and joining it to the first pipe section. Typically the spigot of the second pipe section will be inserted into the socket of the first pipe section, which has already been positioned in the trench.
It has been found that gravel in the trench (or indeed other materials on the construction site) can enter the joint region during handling of the pipe sections, and/or insertion of the spigot into the socket. The gravel can foul the joint region, with the consequences described above. Also, the seals, particularly the one on the spigot, can easily become displaced during positioning in the trench and joining to the first pipe section. Problems resulting from an insufficient seal being provided between the spigot and the socket are not typically detected until after complete installation and testing of the entire pipe, when it is difficult not only to isolate the problem area, but also to gain access to the pipe section in question for repositioning or replacement of the displaced seal, or replacement of the pipe section.
Similar problems can be encountered in pipes used to transport other fluids such as gasses (including air duct pipes), oil/natural gas or petroleum products, and pipes which are used as fluid storage tanks or chambers. It is amongst the objects of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one of the foregoing disadvantages.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pipe joint between first and second pipe sections, the pipe joint comprising:
a female component and at least one male component, in which the first and second pipe sections can be joined together by locating said male component within the female component;
a first seal provided on one of said male component and the female component; a second seal provided on one of said male component and the female component; in which the first and second seals are arranged to provide an interference fit with the other one of said male component and the female component; in which the first and second seals are axially spaced apart so that an annular area is defined between the first and second seals, a wall of said male component and a wall of the female component;
and in which the joint further comprises an arrangement for communicating with the annular area, so that pressure can be applied to fluid contained within the annular area and the pressure of the fluid in the annular area measured, whereby any reduction in the fluid pressure can be detected, which reduction would be indicative of a leak path existing past at least one of the seals. The pipe j oint of the present invention provides advantages over prior pipe j oints in that the integrity of the joint can be tested during assembly of a pipe comprising a number of such pipe sections coupled together. In the event that a reduction in the pressure of fluid in the annular area of a particular pipe joint is detected, the problem can be remediated at that time and prior to installation of the complete pipeline. This might involve release of said male component from the female component, inspection and cleaning of the seal and joint area and refitting of said male component in the female component, removal and replacement of a displaced or damaged seal or seals, and/or replacement of a pipe section having a displaced or damaged seal or seals with a fresh pipe section. Reference is made to the presence of a fluid in the annular area. It will be understood that the fluid will typically be air, although the possibility exists that a fluid other than air could be present in the annular area. For example, it may be desirable to apply a coating of a relatively viscous sealant fluid or lubricant to said male component or female component, to enhance sealing and/or to facilitate joining of the components. It may be desirable to charge such a viscous fluid into the annular area following joining of the pipes, to displace air from the annular area and provide a further barrier to fluid flow through the joint along the interface between said male component and the female component.
The female component may be a socket on the first pipe section, and said male component may be a male spigot on the second pipe section. The first and second pipe sections may be joined together by locating the male spigot within the female socket. The female component may be a tubular coupling component, and said male component may comprise respective ends of the first and second pipe sections which are to be joined together, or end components which are connected to or provided on the pipe sections. The tubular coupling component may be arranged to receive the ends of the first and second pipe sections to join the pipe sections together. The annular area may be defined between the seals, a wall of the end of the first pipe section, a wall of the end of the second pipe section and a wall of the tubular coupling component. A further seal may be provided between opposing faces of the ends of the first and second pipe sections. The tubular coupling component may bridge across an interface between the ends of the first and second pipe sections, and may be a sleeve or the like.
The first and second seals may be deformable and shaped so that: a) when located on the female component, they describe a minimum internal diameter which is less than a maximum external diameter of said male component; b) when located on said male component, they describe a maximum external diameter which is greater than a minimum internal diameter of the female component. Such is true prior to location of said male component in the female component and so prior to deformation of the seals. References to the first and second seals providing an interference fit should be determined accordingly. Reference is made to male and female components which serve for joining pipe sections together. It will be understood that the female component describes an internal bore having a bore diameter, and that the male component describes an external diameter which is less than said female bore diameter so that it can fit within the female component. The pipe joint may comprise at least one further seal provided on one of said male component and the female component, and the further seal may be axially spaced apart from the second seal so that: a first annular area is defined between the first and second seals, a wall of said male component and a wall of the female component; and a second annular area is defined between the second and further seals, a wall of said male
component and a wall of the female component. By this arrangement, an enhanced seal may be provided between said male component and the female component. Further such seals may be provided if desired, defining further annular areas. The joint may comprise a first arrangement for communicating with the first annular area, and a second arrangement for communicating with the second annular area.
The seals may each be provided on said male component. The seals may each be provided on the female component. At least one seal may be provided on said male component and at least one on the female component. Where the female component is a tubular coupling component, and said male component respective ends of the first and second pipe sections, at least one seal may be provided on one of the ends and at least one seal on the tubular coupling component.
The arrangement for communicating with the annular area may comprise at least one flow control device which can communicate with the annular area, and which may be a valve. There may be a plurality of flow control devices. The flow control device may be provided on or in a wall of one of said male component and the female component. It may be preferred to provide the flow control device on or in a wall of said male component so that the flow control device is protected against displacement, damage or fouling by solids materials during transportation or handling of the pipe section. There may be a flow control device on or in a wall of both said male component and the female component. The flow control device may be adapted for coupling to a pump so that pressure can be applied to the fluid in the annular region. The flow control device may be adapted for coupling to a pressure measuring device (such as a pressure gauge) for measuring the pressure of the fluid in the annular area.
The pipe sections may be of a type which is suitable for assembly to form a pipe for the transport of water in a water conveying system, and so may be pipe sections for forming a water conveying pipe. The water may, for example, be waste water from a building, rainwater run-off from land, sewage or 'foul water'. The pipe sections may be of other types, such as those used to transport gasses (including air duct pipes), oil/natural gas or petroleum products, and pipes which are used as fluid storage tanks or chambers.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for sealing and testing a joint between a first pipe section and a second pipe section, the joint comprising a female component and at least one male component located within the female component, in which the apparatus comprises:
a first seal which can be provided on one of said male component and the female component;
a second seal which can be provided on one of said male component and the female component;
in which, in use, the first and second seals are:
• arranged to provide an interference fit with the other one of said male component and the female component; and
· axially spaced apart so that an annular area is defined between the first and second seals, a wall of said male component and a wall of the female component;
and in which the apparatus comprises an arrangement for applying pressure to fluid contained within the annular area and measuring the pressure of the fluid in the annular area so that any reduction in the fluid pressure can be detected, which reduction would be indicative of a leak path existing past at least one of the seals.
The arrangement for applying pressure may serve for communicating with the annular area, so that pressure can be applied to the fluid contained within the annular area and the pressure of the fluid measured. The arrangement for applying pressure may communicate with the annular area.
Further features of the apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention are defined above in relation to the first aspect of the invention, at least in so far as common component parts are referred to.
The arrangement for applying pressure to fluid contained within the annular area may comprise a flow control device which communicates with the annular area, and which may be a valve. The arrangement may comprise a pump for applying pressure to the fluid in the annular region, and a pressure measuring device (such as a pressure gauge) for measuring the pressure of the fluid in the annular area. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pipe comprising: a first pipe section;
a second pipe section;
a female component and at least one male component, the first and second pipe sections joined together by locating said male component within the female component; a first seal provided on one of said male component and the female component; a second seal provided on one of said male component and the female component; in which the first and second seals are:
• arranged to provide an interference fit with the other one of said male component and the female component; and
• axially spaced apart so that an annular area is defined between the first and second seals, a wall of said male component and a wall of the female component;
and in which the pipe further comprises an arrangement for communicating with the annular area, so that pressure can be applied to fluid contained within the annular area and the pressure of the fluid in the annular area measured, whereby any reduction in the fluid pressure can be detected, which reduction would be indicative of a leak path existing past at least one of the seals. Further features of the pipe of the third aspect of the present invention are defined above in relation to the first or second aspects of the invention, at least in so far as common component parts are referred to.
The pipe may comprise a third pipe section joined to the second pipe section, and the pipe may comprise:
at least one further male component and a further female component, the second and third pipe sections joined together by locating said further male component within the further female component;
a first seal may be provided on one of said further male component and the further female component;
a second seal may be provided on one of said further male component and the further female component; and the first and second seals may be:
• arranged to provide an interference fit with the other one of said further male component and the further female component; and
• axially spaced apart so that an annular area is defined between the first and second seals, a wall of the said further male component and a wall of the further female component;
and in which the pipe further comprises an arrangement for communicating with the annular area, so that pressure can be applied to fluid contained within the annular area and the pressure of the fluid in the annular area measured, whereby any reduction in the fluid pressure can be detected, which reduction would be indicative of a leak path existing past at least one of the seals.
Further pipe sections may be provided, coupled in similar manner to that described above, so as to form a pipe of desired length.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of sealing a joint between two pipe sections and testing the joint, the method comprising the steps of: providing a first seal on one of a female component and at least one male component;
providing a second seal on one of the female component and said male component;
joining the first and second pipe sections together by locating said male component within the female component, whereupon the first and second seals seal said male component relative to the female component by an interference fit so as to restrict the flow of fluid between said male component and the female component;
arranging the first and second seals so that, when the pipes are joined together, the first and second seals are axially spaced apart, and an annular area is defined between the first and second seals, a wall of said male component and a wall of the female component; applying pressure to fluid contained within the annular area; and
measuring the pressure of the fluid in the annular area so that any reduction in the fluid pressure can be detected, which reduction would be indicative of a leak path existing past at least one of the seals. The method may involve applying pressure to fluid contained within the annular area, measuring the pressure of the fluid in the annular area to confirm that no leak paths exist, and then joining a third pipe section to the second pipe section. The method may comprise:
providing a first seal on one of a further female component and at least one further male component;
providing a second seal on one of the further female component and said further male component;
joining the second and third pipe sections together by locating said further male component within the further female component, whereupon the first and second seals seal said further male component relative to the further female component by an interference fit so as to restrict the flow of fluid between said further male component and the further female component;
arranging the first and second seals so that, when the pipe sections are coupled together, the first and second seals are axially spaced apart, and an annular area is defined between the first and second seals, a wall of said further male component and a wall of the further female component;
applying pressure to fluid contained within the annular area; and
measuring the pressure of the fluid in the annular area so that any reduction in the fluid pressure can be detected, which reduction would be indicative of a leak path existing past at least one of the seals.
Further pipe sections may be provided, coupled in similar manner to that described above, so as to form a pipe of desired length.
The method may comprise the step of testing the integrity of the joint between the first and second pipe sections during assembly of a pipe comprising a number of such pipe sections coupled together. In the event that a reduction in the pressure of fluid in the annular area of a joint between the first and second pipe sections is detected, the problem can be remediated prior to installation of the complete pipeline. This might involve release of said male component from the female component, inspection and cleaning of the seal and joint area and refitting of said male component in the female component, removal and replacement or resetting of a displaced or damaged seal or seals, and/or replacement of a pipe section having a displaced or damaged seal or seals with a fresh pipe section. The method may comprise applying a coating of a relatively viscous fluid, such as a sealant fluid or lubricant, to said male component and/or female component, to enhance sealing and/or facilitate joining of said male component and the female component.
The method may comprise charging such a viscous fluid into the annular area following joining of the pipe sections, to displace air from the annular area and/or to provide a further barrier to fluid flow through the joint along the interface between said male component and the female component. The viscous fluid may be injected through a flow control device, such as a valve, which communicates with the annular area. The fluid may be for providing a further barrier to fluid flow from the joint, or to effect a repair of a leaking joint. This will be of assistance for pipe sections which cannot be separated for effecting a repair.
The method may comprise providing at least one further seal on one of said male component and the female component, the further seal axially spaced apart from the second seal so that: a first annular area is defined between the first and second seals, a wall of said male component and a wall of the female component; and a second annular area is defined between the second and further seals, a wall of said male component and a wall of the female component. The method may comprise providing further seals if desired, defining further annular areas. The method may comprise applying pressure to fluid contained in the first annular area and measuring the pressure in said area; and applying pressure to fluid contained in the second annular area and measuring the pressure in said area.
The female component may be a socket on the first pipe section, and said male component may be a male spigot on a second pipe section. The first and second pipe sections may be joined together by locating the male spigot within the female socket. The female component may be a tubular coupling component, and said male component may comprise respective ends of the first and second pipe sections which are to be joined together, or end components which are connected to or provided on the pipe sections. The pipe sections may be joined together by locating the ends of the first and second pipe sections in the tubular coupling component. The annular area may be defined between the seals, a wall of the end of the first pipe section, a wall of the end of the second pipe section and a wall of the tubular coupling component. A further seal may be provided between opposing faces of the ends of the first and second pipe sections. The tubular coupling component may be arranged so that it bridges across an interface between the ends of the first and second pipe sections, and may be a sleeve or the like.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of repairing a leaking pipe joint which has been assembled according to the method of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the method comprising:
charging a sealing fluid into the annular area.
The sealing fluid may be relatively viscous. The sealing fluid may be injected through a flow control device, such as a valve, which communicates with the annular area. An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a partially sectioned perspective view of a pipe comprising first and second pipe sections joined together and having a pipe joint, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the drawing shows the pipe sections prior to joining;
Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional side view of part of the joint between the first and second pipe sections of Fig. 1, showing the pipe sections joined together; Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 of part of a pipe joint in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2 of part of a pipe joint in accordance with a still further embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 2 of part of a pipe joint in accordance with a still further embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 2 of part of a pipe joint in accordance with a still further embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 2 of part of a pipe joint in accordance with a still further embodiment of the present invention.
Turning firstly to Fig. 1 , there is shown a partially sectioned perspective view of a pipe in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the pipe indicated generally by reference numeral 10. The pipe is used to transport water in a water conveying system, for example, waste water from a building or rainwater run-off from land, sewage or 'foul water'. The pipe 10 is located below ground surface level 12 in a trench 14, in a fashion which is well known in the drainage industry. Sidewalls 16 and 18 of the trench 14 are shown in the drawing, with part of the sidewall 16 removed, for illustration purposes. The pipe 10 sits on a bed or layer 20 of aggregate, typically in the form of a gravel 20, which supports and provides a firm footing for the pipe.
In a conventional fashion, the pipe 10 is formed from a number of pipe sections which are coupled together end-to-end, two such sections being shown in the drawing. A first pipe section 22 is shown positioned in the trench 14, and a second pipe section 24 during lowering into the trench 14 for joining to the first pipe section 22. It will be understood that the pipe 10 may be manufactured from pipe sections of a wide range of different types including concrete, metal or metal alloys, and plastics materials. In particular, composite, metal reinforced plastics pipes may be employed, such as those which are commercially available from the present applicant. B2013/050748
-13-
Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional side view of part of a joint 26 between the first pipe section 22 and the second pipe section 24, according to the present invention. The drawing shows the pipe sections 22 and 24 joined together. The pipe joint comprises a female component in the form of a socket 28 on the first pipe section 22, and a male component in the form of a spigot 30 on the second pipe section 24. The first and second pipe sections 22 and 24 are joined together by locating the male spigot 30 within the female socket 28 in a fashion which is known in the industry. The pipe joint 26 comprises first and second seals 32 and 34 which, in the illustrated embodiment, are both provided on the male spigot 30.
Typically, the seals 32 and 34 will be of a deformable material, which may be an elastomeric material, and provide an interference fit with the female socket 28 when the spigot 30 and socket are joined. The seals 32 and 34 may be bonded to the male spigot 30, such as by an adhesive, and/or may be located or held captive in annular recesses or grooves (not shown) formed in an external surface 36 of the spigot 30. As can be seen in the drawings, the first and second seals 32 and 34 are axially spaced apart along a length of the joint 26 so that an annular area, region or void 38 is defined between the seals 32, 34, spigot 30 and socket 28. The joint 26 further comprises an arrangement for communicating with the annular area 38, the arrangement indicated generally by reference numeral 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement 40 takes the form of a valve which is located in a wall 42 of the spigot 30, which can communicate with the annular area 38 from inside the pipe 10. Pressure can be applied to fluid contained within the annular area 38, and the pressure of the fluid measured so that any reduction in the fluid pressure can be detected. Any such reduction of the pressure would be indicative of a leak path existing past at least one of the seals 32 and 34. The valve 40 can be closed when fluid communication is no longer required, following testing and verification that an adequate seal has been provided.
In the illustrated embodiment, an arrangement for applying pressure to fluid contained within the annular area and measuring the pressure of the fluid in the annular area is provided, which comprises a pump 44 and a pressure gauge 46. The pump 44 and pressure gauge 46 are coupled to the valve 40, for pressurising the fluid in the annular area 38, and measuring the pressure to detect any reduction. The pump 44 and pressure gauge 46 are connected to the valve 40 by means of a hose 48 which extends along the inner bore 50 of the second pipe section 24 to the valve. Providing the valve 40 in the spigot 30 helps to prevent damage to the valve, as the female socket 28 shields the valve once the spigot has been positioned in the socket. Coupling the hose 48 to the valve 40 may require an operator to crawl along the bore 50 of the second pipe section 24, and so may only be suitable for pipes 10 having an internal diameter of at least about 900 mm. The hose 48 may extend out of the pipe section 24 so that the test can be carried out from outside the pipe section, or a shorter hose 48 may be provided, requiring the operator to reside within the pipe section to perform the test.
Reference is made to the presence of a fluid in the annular area 38. Typically the fluid will simply be air, although it may, under certain circumstances, be desirable to provide a fluid such as a relatively viscous sealant and/or lubricant in the annular area 38. A lubricant may facilitate joining of the spigot 30 to the socket 28, whilst a sealant may provide a further barrier to the passage of fluid between the joined spigot 30 and socket 28.
The pipe 10, incorporating the joint 26, offers numerous advantages over prior pipes and joints. In particular, the ability to define an annular area 38 between the two seals 32 and 34 enables the area to be pressure tested so that any leaks can be detected before further construction work on the pipe 10 proceeds. Specifically, each pipe joint can be tested before a new pipe section (not shown) is connected to the last pipe section that was located in the trench 14. In the event that a reduction in the pressure of fluid in the annular area 38 is detected, the problem can be remediated at that time and prior to installation of the complete pipeline. This might involve release of the spigot 30 from the socket 28, inspection and cleaning of the seals 32 and 34 and joint 26 area, and then refitting of the spigot in the socket. It might involve removal and replacement of a displaced or damaged seal or seals 32 and 34, or indeed replacement of the pipe section 24 carrying the displaced or damaged seal or seals 32, 34, and replacement with a fresh pipe section. Turning now to Figs. 3 to 7, there are shown views similar to Fig. 2 of pipe joints in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention, the joints indicated generally by reference numeral 26a to 26e, respectively. Like components of the joints 26a to 26e with the joint 26 shown in Fig. 2 share the same reference numerals, with the addition of the suffixes "a" to "e", as appropriate. Only the substantive differences between the pipe joints 26a to 26e and the joint 26 will be described in detail herein. Fig. 3 shows a joint 26a between first and second pipe sections 22a and 24a. The joint 26a comprises a first seal 32a that is provided on a female socket 28a, rather than a male spigot 30a. In this way, one of the seals is provided on the socket 28a and one on the spigot 30a. The joint 26a is otherwise constructed, assembled and tested as described above in relation to the joint 26. It will be noted that the axially outermost seal 34a will normally require to be positioned on the spigot 30a, otherwise the seals 32a and 34a would come into contact during insertion.
Fig. 4 shows a joint 26b between first and second pipe sections 22b and 24b. In the joint 26b, seals 32b and 34b are both located on a female socket 28b, so that they provide an interference fit with a male spigot 30b when it is inserted into the socket.
Fig. 5 shows a joint 26c between first and second pipe sections 22c and 24c. In the joint 26c, a valve 40c is provided in a wall 52 of a female socket 28c, rather than in a wall 42c of a spigot 30c. This allows for access to the valve 40c from outside the pipe 10, and so does not require an operator to enter an inner bore 50c of the second pipe section 24c. The configuration of the joint 26c shown in Fig. 5 may be employed on pipes having an internal diameter of around 900 mm or less.
Fig. 6 shows a joint 26d between first and second pipe sections 22d and 24d. In the joint 26d, three seals 32d, 34d and 54 are provided on a male spigot 30d of the second pipe section 24d. A first annular area 38d is defined between the first and second seals 32d, 34d, the spigot 30d and the socket 28d. A second annular area 56 is defined between the second seal 34d, the third seal 54, the spigot 30d and the socket 28d. A first valve 40d communicates with the first annular area 30d, and a second valve 58 communicates with the second annular area 56. Provision of a joint 26d comprising three such seals 32d, 34d and 54 provides an additional barrier, and also the ability to define two such annular areas 38d and 56. Both of these annular areas 38d and 56 can be tested in the fashion described above in relation to Figs. 1 and 2, to ensure pressure integrity of the joint 26d.
Fig. 7 shows a joint 26e between first and second pipe sections 22e and 24e. In this embodiment, the joint 26e comprises a female component which is a generally tubular coupling component in the form of a sleeve 28e. The joint 26e also comprises at least one male component and, in the illustrated embodiment, comprises two male components in the form of ends 30e and 30e' of the first and second pipe sections 22e and 24e, respectively. As shown in the drawing, the ends 30e and 30e' are located within the sleeve 28e.
First and second seals 32e and 34e are provided on the sleeve 28e, and seal the sleeve to the ends 30e and 30e' of the pipe sections 22e and 24e. It will be understood however that one or both of the seals 32e and 34e may be provided on the pipe sections 22e, 24e. An annular area 38e is defined between the first and second seals 32e, 34e, the end 30e of the pipe section 22e, and the end 30e' of the pipe section 24e. A valve 40e is provided in the sleeve 28e and communicates with the annular area 38e, in the fashion described above. It will be understood however that the valve 40e may equally be internally located, and so provided in one of the pipe section ends 30e or 30e'. An additional seal 60 is provided in a recess 62 or 64 located in end faces 66, 68 of the pipe sections 22e and 24e, which abut when the pipe sections are joined. The seal 60 seals the end faces 66 and 68 to prevent leakage from the annular area 38e. It will be understood that the seal 60 may be located in a different manner, for example, the end sections 30e and 30e' may overlap as shown in Fig. 2 and described above.
Various modifications may be made to the foregoing without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.
For example, various different embodiments of pipe joints are disclosed, having different arrangements of seals and/or arrangements for applying pressure to fluid contained within an annular area. Other embodiments may comprise one of more of the features shown and described above. For example, a joint may be provided with seals arranged as shown in Fig. 4, but with an externally located valve, that is a valve provided in the socket rather than the spigot.
It will be understood that the pipe may comprise any desired number of pipe sections, such as the sections 22 and 24, coupled together end-to-end. A joint between each of the pipe sections may be constructed and tested according to the principles described above. The joints may each be tested prior to coupling a further pipe section to the pipe which is being formed. Reference is made in this document to a joint comprising a male component and a female component. It will be understood however that the principles of the present invention may apply to other types of pipe joints from those shown, for example joints in which pipe sections to be coupled together carry end flanges that (typically) extend perpendicularly to main axes of the pipe sections. In that situation, first and second seals may be provided which are radially spaced (and typically provided at a common axial position), defining an annular area between the two seals and the end flanges. Fluid in that area may be pressurised and monitored according to the method outlined above.
A coating of a relatively viscous fluid, such as a sealant fluid or lubricant, may be applied to the spigot and/or the socket, to enhance sealing and/or facilitate joining of the spigot and the socket. Such a viscous fluid may be charged into the annular area following joining of the pipe sections, to displace air from the annular area and/or to provide a further barrier to fluid flow through the joint along the interface between the spigot and the socket. The fluid may be for providing a further barrier, or for effecting a repair of a leaking joint.
The pipe sections may be any other suitable or desirable pipe section, such as ones which are employed to convey gasses (including air duct pipes), pipes for conveying oil/natural gas or petroleum products, and pipes used as fluid storage tanks or chambers. The arrangement for applying/measuring pressure may be coupled to the relevant pipe section (for example the flow control device) prior to coupling of the pipe sections together. The arrangement (for example the pump, valve and hose) may be remotely disconnectable following jointing of the pipe sections.
The seals may be inflatable from a first position in which they do not contact the component to be sealed, and an inflated position where they contact and seal the component.

Claims

1. A pipe joint between first and second pipe sections, the pipe joint comprising: a female component and at least one male component, in which the first and second pipe sections can be joined together by locating said male component within the female component;
a first seal provided on one of said male component and the female component; a second seal provided on one of said male component and the female component; in which the first and second seals are arranged to provide an interference fit with the other one of said male component and the female component;
in which the first and second seals are axially spaced apart so that an annular area is defined between the first and second seals, a wall of said male component and a wall of the female component;
and in which the joint further comprises an arrangement for communicating with the annular area, so that pressure can be applied to fluid contained within the annular area and the pressure of the fluid in the annular area measured, whereby any reduction in the fluid pressure can be detected, which reduction would be indicative of a leak path existing past at least one of the seals.
2. A pipe joint as claimed in claim 1 , in which the female component is a socket on the first pipe section, and said male component is a male spigot on the second pipe section, the first and second pipe sections joined together by locating the male spigot within the female socket.
3. A pipe j oint as claimed in claim 1 , in which the female component is a tubular coupling component, and said male component comprises respective ends of the first and second pipe sections which are to be joined together, the tubular coupling component arranged to receive the ends of the first and second pipe sections to join the pipe sections together.
4. A pipe joint as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first and second seals are deformable and shaped so that: a) when located on the female component, they describe a minimum internal diameter which is less than a maximum external diameter of said male component; b) when located on said male component, they describe a maximum external diameter which is greater than a minimum internal diameter of the female component.
5. A pipe joint as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising at least one further seal provided on one of said male component and the female component, the further seal axially spaced apart from the second seal so that: a first annular area is defined between the first and second seals, a wall of said male component and a wall of the female component; and a second annular area is defined between the second and further seals, a wall of said male component and a wall of the female component.
6. A pipe joint as claimed in claim 5, comprising a first arrangement for
communicating with the first annular area, and a second arrangement for communicating with the second annular area.
7. A pipe joint as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the seals are each provided on the female component.
8. A pipe joint as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the seals are each provided on said male component.
9. A pipe joint as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, in which at least one seal is provided on said male component and at least one on the female component.
10. A pipe joint as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the arrangement for communicating with the annular area comprises a flow control device which can communicate with the annular area.
11. A pipe joint as claimed in claim 10, in which the flow control device is provided on or in a wall of one of said male component and the female component.
12. A pipe joint as claimed in claim 10, comprising a flow control device on or in a wall of both said male component and the female component.
13. A pipe joint as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the pipe sections are water conveying pipe sections for directing water into a sewage system.
14. Apparatus for sealing and testing a joint between a first pipe section and a second pipe section, the joint comprising a female component and at least one male component located within the female component, in which the apparatus comprises:
a first seal which can be provided on one of said male component and the female component;
a second seal which can be provided on one of said male component and the female component;
in which, in use, the first and second seals are:
· arranged to provide an interference fit with the other one of said male component and the female component; and
• axially spaced apart so that an annular area is defined between the first and second seals, a wall of said male component and a wall of the female component;
and in which the apparatus comprises an arrangement for applying pressure to fluid contained within the annular area and measuring the pressure of the fluid in the annular area so that any reduction in the fluid pressure can be detected, which reduction would be indicative of a leak path existing past at least one of the seals.
15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14, comprising a pump for applying pressure to the fluid in the annular region, and a pressure measuring device for measuring the pressure of the fluid in the annular area.
16. A pipe comprising:
a first pipe section;
a second pipe section; a female component and at least one male component, the first and second pipe sections joined together by locating said male component within the female component; a first seal provided on one of said male component and the female component; a second seal provided on one of said male component and the female component; in which the first and second seals are:
• arranged to provide an interference fit with the other one of said male component and the female component; and
• axially spaced apart so that an annular area is defined between the first and second seals, a wall of said male component and a wall of the female component;
and in which the pipe further comprises an arrangement for communicating with the annular area, so that pressure can be applied to fluid contained within the annular area and the pressure of the fluid in the annular area measured, whereby any reduction in the fluid pressure can be detected, which reduction would be indicative of a leak path existing past at least one of the seals.
17. A pipe as claimed in claim 16, in which the pipe is a water conveying pipe.
18. A pipe as claimed in either of claims 16 or 17, in which the pipe sections are joined together by means of a joint according to any one of claims 2 to 13.
19. A pipe as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18, comprising a third pipe section joined to the second pipe section, the pipe comprising:
at least one further male component and a further female component, the second and third pipe sections joined together by locating said further male component within the further female component;
a first seal provided on one of said further male component and the further female component;
a second seal provided on one of said further male component and the further female component;
and in which the first and second seals are: • arranged to provide an interference fit with the other one of said further male component and the further female component; and
• axially spaced apart so that an annular area is defined between the first and second seals, a wall of the said further male component and a wall of the further female component;
and in which the pipe further comprises an arrangement for communicating with the annular area, so that pressure can be applied to fluid contained within the annular area and the pressure of the fluid in the annular area measured, whereby any reduction in the fluid pressure can be detected, which reduction would be indicative of a leak path existing past at least one of the seals.
20. A method of sealing a joint between two pipe sections and testing the joint, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a first seal on one of a female component and at least one male component;
providing a second seal on one of the female component and said male component;
joining the first and second pipe sections together by locating said male component within the female component, whereupon the first and second seals seal said male component relative to the female component by an interference fit so as to restrict the flow of fluid between said male component and the female component;
arranging the first and second seals so that, when the pipes are joined together, the first and second seals are axially spaced apart, and an annular area is defined between the first and second seals, a wall of said male component and a wall of the female component; applying pressure to fluid contained within the annular area; and
measuring the pressure of the fluid in the annular area so that any reduction in the fluid pressure can be detected, which reduction would be indicative of a leak path existing past at least one of the seals.
21. A method as claimed in claim 20, comprising applying pressure to fluid contained within the annular area, measuring the pressure of the fluid in the annular area to confirm that no leak paths exist, and then joining a third pipe section to the second pipe section.
22. A method as claimed in claim 21, comprising:
providing a first seal on one of a further female component and at least one further male component;
providing a second seal on one of the further female component and said further male component
joining the second and third pipe sections together by locating said further male component within the further female component, whereupon the first and second seals seal said further male component relative to the further female component by an interference fit so as to restrict the flow of fluid between said further male component and the further female component;
arranging the first and second seals so that, when the pipes are coupled together, the first and second seals are axially spaced apart, and an annular area is defined between the first and second seals, a wall of said further male component and a wall of the further female component;
applying pressure to fluid contained within the annular area; and
measuring the pressure of the fluid in the annular area so that any reduction in the fluid pressure can be detected, which reduction would be indicative of a leak path existing past at least one of the seals.
23. A method as claimed in either of claims 20 to 22, comprising the step of testing the integrity of the joint between the first and second pipe sections during assembly of a pipe comprising a number of such pipe sections coupled together and, in the event that a reduction in the pressure of fluid in the annular area of a joint between the first and second pipe sections is detected, remediating the pipe section in question prior to coupling of a third pipe section to the second pipe section.
24. A method as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 23, comprising applying a coating of a relatively viscous sealant fluid or lubricant to said male component or the female component, to enhance sealing and/or facilitate joining of said male component and the female component.
25. A method as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 24, comprising charging a viscous sealant fluid into the annular area following joining of the pipe sections, to displace air from the annular area and/or to provide a further barrier to fluid flow through the joint along the interface between said male component and the female component.
26. A method as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 25, comprising providing at least one further seal on one of said male component and the female component, the further seal axially spaced apart from the second seal so that: a first annular area is defined between the first and second seals, a wall of said male component and a wall of the female component; and a second annular area is defined between the second and further seals, a wall of said male component and a wall of the female component.
27. A method of repairing a leaking pipe joint which has been assembled according to the method of claim 20, the method comprising:
charging a sealing fluid into the annular area.
28. A method as claimed in claim 27, comprising injecting the sealing fluid through a flow control device which communicates with the annular area.
PCT/GB2013/050748 2012-03-27 2013-03-22 Pipe joint and method of sealing/testing WO2013144593A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
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GBGB1205343.5A GB201205343D0 (en) 2012-03-27 2012-03-27 Pipe joint and method of sealing/testing
GB1205343.5 2012-03-27

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CN110031196A (en) * 2019-04-18 2019-07-19 燕山大学 A kind of efficient test device of interference fit face fretting damage
CN113531238A (en) * 2021-07-05 2021-10-22 谢娟 Leakage-proof oil-gas pipeline based on fluid pressure and leakage detection alarm method thereof

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US3860270A (en) * 1971-09-30 1975-01-14 Hydrotech Int Inc Apparatus for effecting a connection to a tubular member or the like
DE2550742A1 (en) * 1975-11-12 1977-05-18 Erich Kiesling Spigot pipe joint leakage test - with pressure medium introduction tube fitted to spigot and closed after test
DE19601652A1 (en) * 1996-01-18 1997-07-24 Sander Karl Heinz Gmbh & Co Kg Concrete, stoneware or cast iron pipe
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CN110031196A (en) * 2019-04-18 2019-07-19 燕山大学 A kind of efficient test device of interference fit face fretting damage
CN113531238A (en) * 2021-07-05 2021-10-22 谢娟 Leakage-proof oil-gas pipeline based on fluid pressure and leakage detection alarm method thereof
CN113531238B (en) * 2021-07-05 2024-01-09 辽宁福兴奉天数智科技有限公司 Leak-proof oil-gas pipeline based on fluid pressure and leak detection alarm method thereof

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