System and method for encapsulating a pipe

An apparatus for encapsulating a pipe fitted with a connection for transporting a fluid;

• the apparatus comprising:
• a first section having a first end, a second end and a substantially arcuate length extending between the first and second ends such that the substantially arcuate length conforms to a curved outer surface of the pipe adjacent the saddle tap, the first and second ends provided with electrocoil surfaces operable to sealingly engage a surface of the pipe;
• and
• a second section having a first and a second end each provided with electrocoil surfaces adapted to sealably engage the surface of the pipe, the second section further provided with an outer shell extending between the first and second ends defining a cavity therein the second section having a clearance sufficient to encapsulate the pipe and the connection of the pipe when the second portion is disposed about the surface of the pipe, the first and second sections operably sealable to one another to encapsulate the connection of the pipe.

An apparatus for sealing a leak portion of a pipe fitted with a connection for transporting natural gas;

• the apparatus comprising:
• a first upper section having an electrocoil surface operable to sealingly engage a surface of the pipe;
• a first lower section having an electrocoil surface operable to sealingly engage the surface of the pipe, the first upper and lower sections adapted to matingly engage one another;
• a second upper section having an electrocoil surface operable to sealingly engage a surface of the pipe;
• a second lower section having an electrocoil surface operable to sealingly engage the surface of the pipe, the second upper and lower sections adapted to matingly engage one another;
• a first barrel section having a first end operable to sealingly engage the first upper section and a second end of the first barrel section operable to sealingly engage the second upper section when the first barrel section is positioned between the first and second upper sections;
• and
• a second barrel section having a first end operable to sealingly engage the first lower section and a second end of the second barrel section operable to sealingly engage the second lower section when the second barrel section is positioned between the first and second lower sections such that the first upper and lower sections, the second upper and lower sections and the first and second barrel sections are operable to encapsulate a portion of the pipe and the connection of the plastic pipe thereby sealing the leak portion.

A method of encapsulating a pipe fitted with a connection for transporting a fluid;

• the method comprising:
• providing an apparatus including:
• a first section having a first and second electrocoil surface operable to sealingly engage a surface of the pipe;
• and
• a second section having a first and second electrocoil surface operable to sealingly engage the surface of the pipe, the second section operably sealable to at least the first section to encapsulate a portion of the pipe and the connection of the pipe;
• at least one terminal mounted on at least one of the first and second sections, the terminal operable to energize the electrocoil surfaces of the first and second sections to electrofuse the electrocoil surfaces of the first and second sections to the surface of the pipe;
• and
• positioning the first section adjacent the pipe and the connection of the pipe;
• positioning the second section adjacent the pipe and the connection of the pipe such that the first and second sections are disposed about the pipe and the connection so as to substantially encapsulate the pipe and connection;
• and
• energizing the terminal on the apparatus so as to electrofuse the electrocoil surfaces of the first and second sections to the surface of the pipe thereby sealably encapsulating the connection of the pipe.