Apparatus and method for threaded-welded reinforced thermosetting resin pipe joints

Abstract

A system for coupling pipes includes a first pipe having a tapered, spigot end; a second pipe having a tapered, spigot end; wherein the first pipe and the second pipe are made from a reinforced thermosetting resin (RTR), and a coupler having two tapered socket ends adapted to internally receive the respective tapered, spigot ends of the first pipe and the second pipe, wherein a thermoplastic material is disposed between an exterior of the first pipe and an interior of the coupler. A thermoplastic material is disposed between an exterior of the second pipe and the interior of the coupler. Upon application of induction heating to the coupler, the heat between the first pipe, the second pipe, and the coupler is sufficient to melt the thermoplastic material such that, when the heat is removed, the hardened thermoplastic material seals the first pipe and the second pipe to the coupler. A system for coupling pipes includes a first pipe having a tapered, spigot end; and a second pipe having a tapered, socket end adapted to internally receive the tapered, spigot end of the first pipe. The first pipe and the second pipe are made from a reinforced thermosetting resin (RTR). A thermoplastic material is disposed between an exterior of the first pipe and an interior of the second pipe. Upon application of induction heating to the coupler, the heat between the first pipe and the second pipe is sufficient to melt the thermoplastic material such that, when the heat is removed, the hardened thermoplastic material seals the first pipe to the second pipe. A method includes disposing a thermoplastic material between an exterior of a first pipe and an interior of a coupler; disposing a thermoplastic material between an exterior of a second and an interior of the coupler; inserting the first pipe and the second pipe into the coupler; and applying induction heating to the coupler sufficient to melt the thermoplastic material such that, when the heat is removed, the hardened thermoplastic material seals the first pipe and the second pipe to the coupler. A method of coupling pipes includes disposing a thermoplastic material between an exterior of a first pipe and an interior of a second pipe; inserting the first pipe into the second pipe; and applying induction heating to the coupler sufficient to melt the thermoplastic material such that, when the heat is removed, the hardened thermoplastic material seals the first pipe to the second pipe.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.