Systems and methods for establishing electrical continuity about pipes and other conduits
OwnerValerie Briandinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and methods for establishing electrical continuity about pipes and other conduits are detailed. The systems may include conductive seals formed, for example, of polymeric and conductive materials. Polymeric materials may include rubber, silicon, and fluorosilicon and conductive materials may include metal charges, carbon, carbon nanotubes, carbon fibers, and intrinsically conducting polymers, although neither type of material is so limited.
Claims11
A pipe-connecting assembly comprising:
- a. a first seal;
- b. a proof ring configured to contact the first seal;
- and
- c. a coupling ring configured to encapsulate at least the proof ring;
- and
- in which each of the first seal and the proof ring conducts electricity.
An assembly for conveying fluid and having electrical and mechanical continuity, the assembly comprising:
- a. a first fluid-accommodating member;
- b. a second fluid-accommodating member;
- c. a first ferrule associated with the first member and having a cavity;
- d. a second ferrule associated with the second member and having a cavity;
- e. a first seal positioned in the cavity of the first ferrule;
- f. a second seal positioned in the cavity of the second ferrule;
- g. a proof ring contacting the first and second seals;
- and
- h. a coupling ring contacting the proof ring;
- and
- in which each of the first and second members, the first and second seals, and the proof ring conducts electricity.
A method of connecting first and second fluid-conveying, electrically-conductive pipes in a manner providing electrical and mechanical continuity through the connection, comprising:
- a. contacting the first pipe with a connecting assembly comprising at least one electrically-conductive seal, an electrically-conductive proof ring contacting the at least one seal, and a coupling ring encapsulating the proof ring;
- and
- b. contacting the second pipe with the connecting assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.