A method and apparatus for joining hollow structures

An apparatus for joining two pipe sections of laminate structure, comprising:

• (a) means for connecting a first pipe section having an inner liner to a first connection member;
• (b) means for disposing a first assembly comprising the first pipe section connected to said first connection member within a sleeve with a space disposed between an outer surface of the first pipe section and an inner surface of the sleeve;
• (c) optional means for connecting the sleeve to the first pipe section;
• (d) means for providing a second pipe section having an inner liner with a second connection member joinable with the first connection member;
• (e) compression means for moving the second pipe section and first assembly towards each other such that the second connection member joins with the first connection member;
• (f) means for joining the second pipe section to the first assembly to form a joint in which the first and second pipe sections are connected to the sleeve, under compression, the inner liner of both the first and second pipe sections being locked within the joint;
• and
• (g) an injection means for filling a space between the sleeve and a pipe section at the joint with a sealing and adhesive material.