Apparatus and method for joining in a tube
US11142964B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 6, 2016 |
| Grant date | Oct 12, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 3, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L2101/60
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for joining a longitudinal seam in a tube, to an apparatus and method of joining a longitudinal seam in a tube in a borehole, to an apparatus and method of repairing a tube and to a pig. In an aspect an apparatus is provided for joining a longitudinal seam in a tube. The apparatus (200) includes a spool (202) for progressively unwinding a coiled member (10) into an extended form (12). The member (10) transitions from a flat form when coiled (11) to a slit tube form when extended (12), in which form the member is resiliently biased. A joining device (214) is positioned downstream of the spool arranged to provide energy to a portion of the member in its extended form to cause heating so as to progressively join together the longitudinal edges of the slit tube as the member passes the joining device. A longitudinal seam (20) is thereby formed in the tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.