Related Applications

[001] This application claims priority from Australian provisional patent application no. 2022902114 filed 28 July 2022, the contents of which are incorporated by reference.

Technical Field

[002] The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for protecting and sealing pipe mechanical joints such as flange joints between pipes, bends between pipes and fittings such as valves.

Background

[003] Piping such as water piping may have multiple pipe sections that meet at joints such as flange joints. Such flange joints are subject to corrosion and may degrade overtime resulting in increased maintenance and possible failure of the joint. Such flange joints are also subject to leakage, especially once the flange joint becomes degraded.

[004] Accordingly, various apparatuses and methods have been developed to protect and seal flange joints. Once such method includes initially covering the flange joint with a petrolatum mastic sealant and then wrapping the joint with a tape or similar. A problem with this method relates to the manual process packing the joint and reliability of applying the petrolatum mastic to the joint and the manual process of wrapping the tape.

[005] A further problem relates to the stability and robustness of the seal and the tape, and still further problems relate to the ability to inspect the seal, or the flange should a need arise to do so and the ability to replace the mastic sealant and/or the tape. The wrap made of petrolatum is also not environmentally friendly. [006] The invention disclosed herein seeks to overcome one or more of the above identified problems or at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary

[007] In accordance with a first broad aspect there is provided, an apparatus for protecting a joint between pipes. The joint may be a flange joint, an elbow joint, or other type of joint. The apparatus includes a body adapted to secure about and receive the joint with the pipes extending from opposing sides of the body, the body defining an internal space arranged to allow a sealant to be introduced about the joint so as to encapsulate and seal the joint within the body.

[008] In an aspect, the body includes a first part and a second part that are coupled in the fitted condition about the joint.

[009] In another aspect, the first part is a first half of the body and the second part is a second half of the body.

[0010] In yet another aspect, the first half and the second half are pivotally coupled together.

[0011] In yet another aspect, the first half and the second half are securable together by a fastening arrangement.

[0012] In yet another aspect, the first half and the second half are detachable from one another.

[0013] In yet another aspect, the body includes a first aperture and a second aperture, the first aperture and the second aperture being on opposing sides of the body.

[0014] In yet another aspect, the first aperture is dimensioned to allow passage of a first of the pipes associated with the joint and the second aperture is dimensioned to allow passage of a second of the pipes associated with the joint. [0015] In yet another aspect, the first aperture and second aperture are arranged to locate the pipes such that the joint suspended within the internal space to allow encapsulation of the joint upon introduction of the sealant.

[0016] In yet another aspect, each of the first aperture and second apertures include an associate seal arranged fit about the first and second pipes in the fitted condition.

[0017] In yet another aspect, the body includes an opening to allow the sealant to be introduced into the internal space.

[0018] In yet another aspect, the opening is closable.

[0019] In yet another aspect, the opening is closable with a hatch.

[0020] In yet another aspect, the opening is a port.

[0021] In yet another aspect, the internal space is at least partially defined by an inner surface adapted to retain the sealant.

[0022] In yet another aspect, the internal space is dimensioned to provide space between the joint and the inner surface.

[0023] In yet another aspect, the body includes a window to view the internal space.

[0024] In yet another aspect, the internal space is generally annular.

[0025] In yet another aspect, the internal space is larger than the joint to provide a space for the sealant.

[0026] In accordance with a second broad aspect there is provided, an apparatus for protecting a flange joint, the apparatus including: a clamping body with apertures on opposing sides of an internal space, the apertures being adapted to substantially fit with adjacent pipes associated with the flange joint and the internal space being dimensioned to receive the flange joint in a fitted condition; and a means to introduce a sealant into the internal space in the fitted condition so as to substantially encapsulate the flange joint within the clamping body. [0027] In accordance with a third broad aspect there is provided, an apparatus for protecting a flange joint, the apparatus including: a clamping body adapted to fit about the flange joint in a fitted condition; and a sealant carried within the clamping body so as to substantially encapsulate the flange joint within the clamping body in the fitted condition.

[0028] In accordance with a fourth broad aspect there is provided, a method for protecting a flange joint between pipes, the method including the steps of: securing a clamping body about the flange joint with the flange joint received by an internal space of the clamping body and apertures of the clamping body being fitted about pipes extending from opposing sides of the flange joint; and encasing the flange joint within a sealant introduced to the internal space of the clamping body.

[0029] In an aspect, the method includes the step of introducing the sealant through at least one of a port or opening into the internal space of the clamping body.

[0030] In yet another aspect, the clamping body is at least partially see-through, and the method includes a visual inspection of the sealant within the internal space of the clamping body.

[0031] In yet another aspect, the clamping body is formed of at least two clamping sections, and the method includes the steps of clamping the at least two sections together about the flange joint.

[0032] In yet another aspect, sealant is two-part and the method includes introducing a first part and then a second part to set the sealant within the internal space.

Brief Description of the Figures

[0033] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which;

[0034] Figure l is a perspective view illustrating a first example of an apparatus having a clamping body for protecting a flange joint in a closed condition; [0035] Figure 2 is another perspective view illustrating the apparatus having the clamping body for protecting the flange joint in the closed condition;

[0036] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating the apparatus having the clamping body being fitted to the flange joint;

[0037] Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating the apparatus having the clamping body fitted to the flange joint in a fitted condition;

[0038] Figure 5 is a side hidden detail view illustrating the apparatus in the fitted condition;

[0039] Figure 6 is a front sectional view illustrating the apparatus in the fitted condition;

[0040] Figure 7 is a front sectional view illustrating the apparatus in a part open condition;

[0041] Figure 8 is a perspective hidden detail view illustrating the apparatus in the fitted condition;

[0042] Figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating a second example of the apparatus in the fitted condition with a closable opening;

[0043] Figure 10 is a perspective view illustrating a third example of the apparatus in the fitted condition with ports;

[0044] Figure 11 is a perspective view illustrating a fourth of the apparatus in the fitted condition with an inspection window;

[0045] Figure 12 is a perspective view illustrating a fifth example of the apparatus showing a first clamping section with a hatch and an inspection window;

[0046] Figure 13 is a perspective view illustrating the fifth example of the apparatus showing a second clamping section with an inspection window; [0047] Figure 14 is a perspective view illustrating the fifth example of the apparatus showing the first clamping section;

[0048] Figure 15 is a perspective underside view illustrating the fifth example of the apparatus showing the first clamping section;

[0049] Figure 16 is a perspective view illustrating the fifth example of the apparatus in the fitted condition; and

[0050] Figure 17 is a perspective view illustrating the fifth example of the apparatus in the fitted condition.

Detailed Description

[0051] Referring to Figures 1 to 8 there is shown a first example of an apparatus 10 for protecting a joint or junction 12 between pipes 22a and 22b. The joint 12 may be a flange joint as shown in the examples herein. However, the joint may take other forms such as an elbow joint or the like or may be or includes a fitting such as a valve.

[0052] The apparatus 10 includes a body 14 adapted to fit about the joint 12 in a fitted condition, as shown in Figure 4 and a sealant 16 provided within the body 14 so as to substantially encapsulate the flange joint 12 within the body 14 in the fitted condition. It is noted that the shape of the body 14 may be varied to suit different types of joints 12 such as a flange joint or an elbow joint. For example, with an elbow joint, the body 14 may need to allow for a 90-degree arrangement of the associated pipes 22a and 22b.

[0053] The sealant 16 may be provided pre-applied or prefilled with the apparatus 10 or the sealant 16 may be introduced into the apparatus 10 during installation. Both examples are contemplated herein. The apparatus 10 may be provided as a kit or system with one or more of the bodies 14 and associated sealant 16.

[0054] In more detail, the body 14 may include two sections or halves 21a and 21b that are adapted to be coupled and clamp together to form a generally annular shape with an internal space 18 adapted to receive the flange joint 12 and the sealant 16. The body 14 includes apertures 20a and 20b which fit about pipes 22a and 22b associated with the flange joint 12. The body 14 may be preferably, but not essentially, formed of a plastic material. The pipes 22a and 22b extend from the apertures 20a and 20b at opposite sides 23 a and 23b of the body 14 in the fitted condition.

[0055] Seals 19a and 19b may be provided at the apertures 20a and 20b to improve the seal with the pipes 22a and 22b. It is noted that the seal between the clamping body 14 and pipes 22a, 22b may be such that some of sealant escapes or is visible during the fitted condition to provide a visual indication that the sealant has substantially encapsulated the flange joint 12. The seals 19a and 19b may be, but not limited to, annular foam strips or the like.

[0056] In this example, the two parts 21a and 21b may be generally equal halves coupled by a hinge coupling 24 at one junction and at fastening arrangement 28 at the other junction. The coupling 24 and fastening arrangement 28 may initially allow the body 14 to be manoeuvred such as being rotated about the flange joint 12 whilst it is positioned.

[0057] The hinge coupling 24 may include tabs 29 and eyelets 30 that hook together to allow a hinge or pivot like action to close the two parts 21a and 21b together, and the fastening arrangement 28 may include ties 32 and clips 34 which allow the two parts 21a and 21b to be secured and clamped together. The fastening arrangement 28 may therefore be progressively tightened by hand and may also be released by hand.

[0058] The internal space 18 includes an inner circumferential surface 36 adapted to locate and retain the sealant 16. The inner circumferential surface 36 is radially setback from the apertures 20a and 20b to allow clearance for the flange joint 12, and a volume for the sealant 16. The inner circumferential surface 36 includes surface features 38 provided here in the form of ridges 40 and troughs 42 shaped to retain the sealant 16.

[0059] It is noted that the apertures 20a and 20b generally centre and located the pipes 22a and 22b so that the flange joint 12 is suspended within the internal space 18 and spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface 36 so that the sealant 16 may fully encapsulate the flange joint 12.

[0060] In this example, the sealant 16 may be provided in the form of an annular gel insert 44 formed of gel 45 which is located about the inner circumferential surface 36 and has a thickness that extends to or toward the apertures 20a and 20b. The annular gel insert 44 may be formed on both of the two clamping parts 21a and 21b and may initially be covered by a covering 46 such a film, as best shown in Figure 7.

[0061] The thickness of the annular gel insert 44 and associated volume may be such that when the flange joint 12 is received, and the clamping body 14 is clamped in place, there is enough gel to fill the internal space 18 and fully encase the flange joint 12. An excess gel aperture (not shown) may be provided, or any excess gel may egress via the fit between the apertures 20a and 20b and the pipes 22a and 22b.

[0062] The clamping body 14 may be at least partially clear such that at least one of the gel 45 and the flange joint 12 are viewable from outside of the clamping body 14 in the fitted condition. The clamping body 14 may be formed of a clear plastic or the like, or may be formed with a clear viewing window or the like. Both examples are contemplated herein. It is noted that the clamping body 14 may include tracer wire or some type of metal within for locating the clamping body 14 and parts thereof once buried.

[0063] Turning to the gel in more detail, the gel may be a non-corrosive gel, filling up the clamping body 14 completely to keep the flange joint 12 free of water and condensation. An example of a suitable gel is a Raytech™ gel - which is a two-part liquid that when mixed turns into a gel.

[0064] Of course, other suitable gels may be used. When the gel is pre-set, as is the case in this example, the flange joint 12 is pressed into the annular gel insert 44. It is noted that in some examples, the gel may be configured to change colour potentially with water contact. As such, to find out if a joint is faulty, a person may visually see the gel changing colour which may mean the presence of water internally of the clamping body 12.

[0065] The above apparatus 10 may find use in a method for protecting and sealing the flange joint 12 between the pipes 22a and 22b. The method generally includes the steps of: securing the clamping body 14 about the flange joint 12 with the flange joint 12 received by the internal space 18 of the clamping body 14, and apertures 20a, 20b of the clamping body 14 being fitted about pipes 22a, 22b extending from opposing sides of the flange joint 12; and encasing the flange joint 12 with the sealant 16 located within the internal space 18 of the clamping body 14.

[0066] The step of securing the clamping body 14 may include bringing together the two clamping sections 21a and 21b by pivoting about the hinge coupling 24 and securing the fastening arrangement 28 by passing the ties 32 through the clips 34. In this example, in which the sealant 16 is provided in the form of the annular gel insert

44 carried by the internal space 18, a covering 46 over the gel insert 44 may firstly need to be removed, and then when the two clamping sections 21a and 21b are brought or clamped together, the flange joint 12 extends into and at least partially displaces the gel

45 which encases the flange joint 12.

[0067] Excess gel 45 may then egress the clamping body 14 via the apertures 20a, 20b or other aperture to indicate the state of the sealant being sufficient to encase the flange joint 12. It is noted that in other examples as further detailed below, the sealant 16 may be added after the fitting of the clamping body 14.

[0068] Turning to further examples of the apparatus 10 as shown in Figures 9 to 11 in which like numerals denote like parts, in these examples, the apparatus 10 is not prefitted with the annular gel insert 44 and rather the sealant 16 is introduced at the time of or just after the clamping body 14 is clamped in place. Like numerals are used to denote like parts, and already described parts are not again described below.

[0069] Turning to Figure 9 there is shown a second example of the apparatus 10 in which the clamping body 14 is formed similarly to the first example. However, means 60 in the form of a closable opening 62 is provided in which the sealant 16 (or parts that are mixed to form the sealant) may be introduced such as by pouring the sealant 16 into the internal space 18 through the closable opening 62. The sealant 16 which may be the gel 45 then is settable within the internal space 18 to cover and protect the flange joint 12. The closable opening 62 may be a hatch. The hatch may have various sizes being smaller or larger than that shown in Figure 9.

[0070] Similarly, in Figure 10, there is shown a third example of the apparatus 10 in which the means 60 may be provided in the form of ports 64a and 64b that allow introduction of the sealant 16. Depending on the application and sealant type - one port may be used for a first part of a sealant composition and the other port for the second part of the sealant composition such as a setting agent.

[0071] Alternatively, one port may be used for introduction of the sealant composition and the other port may be used to allow egress of the sealant to indicate the internal space 18 has been filled and the flange joint 12 has been encapsulated therein. The ports 64a and 64b may be removable such as being screw fittings to allow replacement.

[0072] In Figure 11, the clamping body 14 may include an inspection window 68 to allow viewing of the sealant 18 and flange joint 12 therein. The window 68 may be utilised in any of the above examples.

[0073] Referring now to Figures 12 to 17, there is shown fifth example of the apparatus 10 in which like numerals denote like parts. In this example, the apparatus 10 includes the two parts 21a and 21b that are coupled by a hinge coupling 24 at one junction and a fastening arrangement 28 at the other junction.

[0074] The hinge coupling 24 includes a projecting part 70 carried by one of the clamping parts 21b which may be T-shaped that is received by a recess 72 of the other of the parts 21a. The projecting part 70 may fit with the recess 72, such as a snap fit to provide a hinge like action.

[0075] The fastening arrangement 28 may include an eyelet 74 of one of the clamping parts 21a that receives a projection 76 of the other of the clamping parts 21b. The projection 76 may be shaped for a one-directional snap fitment with the eyelet 74, and it may be decoupled by depressing the projection 76 to disengage it from the eyelet 74.

[0076] The arrangement of the hinge coupling 24 and the fastening arrangement 28 allows the two parts 21a and 21b to be decoupled, and partly joined for positioning and receipt of the flange joint 12 before being secured together.

[0077] Similarly, to the other examples, in this example, the two clamping parts 21a and 21b may include a closable opening 62 and have inspection windows 68. The closable opening 62 may include a hatch 78 that may be opened to pour the sealant 16 into the internal space 18 about the flange joint 12 in the fitted condition. [0078] The underside of the hatch 78 may include information about the apparatus 10 and its installation. For example, a code such as a bar code may be provided to provide information to a user about the apparatus 10 such as, but not limited to, its installation date and sealant type. There may be associated application software, operated on a computer or mobile device, that references the bar code to provide further information such as details of the apparatus 10, installation date, time, location and size of the apparatus, pipes and or flange.

[0079] In this example, each of the parts 21a and 21b may include locators 81 provided in the form of tongues 80 and associated slots 82 which assist to locate and align the parts 21a and 21b when being fitted together in the fitted condition. The tongues 80 and associated slots 82 also provide further sealing at the junction of the parts 21a and 21b.

[0080] Each of the parts 21a and 21b may also carry associated seals 19a and 19b, and the inner circumferential surface 36 includes surface features 38 provided here in the form of ridges 40 and troughs 42 shaped to retain the sealant 16 when it is introduced and sets into a gel as is further detailed below.

[0081] In this example, unlike the first example, the sealant 16 is not pre-applied and it is introduced at the time of installation via the hatch 78. The sealant 16 may be, but not limited to, a gel. As aforesaid, a suitable gel is a Raytech™ gel - which is a two-part liquid that when mixed turns into a gel. Of course, other suitable gels may be used. Such a two-part liquid may be poured through the hatch 78 and the seals 19a and 19b minimise leakage whilst the liquid sets into the gel. The distribution and progress of the sealant forming into the gel may be viewed through the inspection windows 68 along with the flange joint 12.

[0082] Again, it is noted that the apparatus 10, in particular, the body 14 may be modified to suit many types of joints, fittings and connections. Such joints and connections may not be straight, such as being an elbow joint, and could include other parts such as a valve. It is also possible the apparatus 10 may need to include multiples of the body 14 and/or the body 14 may need to include several parts, such as 3 or 4 sections to be able to fit with larger or difference sized joints. The apparatus 10 may be used to secure fittings or the like and is not limited to only joints between pipes. Such use scenarios and adaptations are contemplated herein. [0083] Advantageously, there has been described an apparatus and a method for the protection and sealing of a flange joint. The clamping body allows the flange joint to be concealed therein and the sealant such as the gel be formed and set about the flange joint. The clamping body provides a consistent and repeatable mould to hold the sealant. The clamping body is easily and quickly hand operatable and may be removed, replaced or reused. The clamping body may be clear or have a window to allow the gel, which may also be clear, and flange joint to be inspected therein.

[0084] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0085] The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.

[0086] While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

[0087] Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.