Method of retrofitting a primary pipeline system with a semi-rigid pipeline

• US 4,939,923 A
• Filed: 10/03/1989
• Issued: 07/10/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 05/25/1988
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Bruce R. Sharp
• Original Assignee: Bruce R. Sharp
• Inventors: Sharp, Bruce R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Williams, Hezron E.
• Application Number:
  US07/416,603
• Time in Patent Office: 280 Days
• Field of Search: 285/373, 285/45, 285/133.1, 285/138, 285/139, 285/15, 285/419, 285/93, 285/42.3, 285/906, 285/915, 73/49.1, 73/40.5 R, 137/312, 138/104
• US Class Current: 73/40.50R
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 39/00 Joints or fittings for double-walled or multi-channel pipes or pipe assemblies
• CPC Class Codes: F17D 5/04 by means of a signalling fluid enclosed in a double wall
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/02 by using fluid or vacuum

Abstract

Split fittings for use in the installation of a semi-rigid secondary pipe over a primary pipe comprise a pair of housing halves which, when mated, form a housing enclosure, sealing means and clamping means capable of holding the secondary pipe and housing halves as a sealed enclosure. A method of fitting a rigid pipeline system with secondary containment system with a secondary semi-rigid pipe uses the split fittings.

Claims

1. A method of retrofitting a primary pipeline system having at least one junction to provide secondary containment, comprising the steps of:

(a) disconnecting a portion of the primary pipeline;

(b) sliding a semi-rigid pipeline over said disconnected primary pipeline;

(c) sliding the secondary semi-rigid pipeline over another section of an adjoining primary pipeline section;

(d) positioning a split fitting over the same or a second junction for said secondary semi-rigid pipeline sections, said split fittings comprised of (i) a pair of housing halves such that when mated and secured together a complete housing enclosure is formed which has at least two extremities with openings through which the primary pipeline passes, and said housing enclosure being capable of enclosing a portion of the pipeline and capable of having the secondary pipeline held to the extremities by clamping means, (ii) sealing means positioned on each mated surface to form a liquid tight seal between the housing halves, and (iii) a clamping means;

(e) mating said housing halve to form a housing enclosure;

(f) attaching said semi-rigid pipeline sections to the housing enclosure;

(g) clamping the secondary semi-rigid pipeline sections to the housing enclosure with a clamping means to form a liquid tight seal;

(h) reconnecting the disconnected portion of the primary pipeline to the junction; and

(i) attaching ends of said secondary pipeline sections to form a closed space providing the secondary containment.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the junction at which the secondary pipelines are joined is a 90 degree bend and the split fittings is an elbow fitting.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the junction point at which the secondary pipelines are joined is a three-way junction and the split fitting is a three-way fitting.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the junction point at which the secondary pipelines are joined is a four-way junction and the split fittings is a four-way fitting.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the sealing means is a pressure sealing means.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the housing halves are rigid.