US 6,142,165 AGranted

Method and apparatus for installing a branch connector from the top of an excavation

AssigneeGaz de France

InventorsChristian Wartel, Dominique Pfeiffer, Patrick Le Cointe

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Abstract

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for installing a branch connector on a buried pipe for transporting a fluid, and to do so by means of a multi-purpose long handle from the top of an excavation. The apparatus comprises a bottom saddle positioner having a support structure on which there are disposed firstly clamping connection means adapted to the diameter of the pipe together with a support adaptor for supporting a bottom saddle, and secondly means for releasably fixing the positioner to the end of the multi-purpose long handle and situated on the side of the support structure opposite from its side on which the clamping connection means are situated. Removable means can be fitted to the end of the multi-purpose long handle to put the branch connector into place on the pipe above the bottom saddle, to make a mechanical connection between the branch connector and the bottom saddle, to disconnect the bottom saddle positioner from the pipe, and to perform the operations of welding the branch connector to the pipe, of piercing the shank of the branch connector and of putting a cap into place on the shank.

Claims10

Dependent claims

A method of installing a branch connector on a buried pipe for transporting a fluid, from the top of an excavation, the method comprising the following steps:

a) digging an excavation of small size so as to clear away the surrounds of the length of pipe onto which the branch connector is to be installed;
b) installing a bottom saddle that is separable from the branch connector onto a bottom saddle adaptor, itself mounted on a bottom saddle positioner provided with clamps adapted to the diameter of the pipe;
c) lowering the bottom saddle positioner into the excavation by means of a multi-purpose long handle engaging a first portion of the positioner to place the saddle positioner on the pipe;
d) using the clamps to mount the bottom saddle positioner on the cleared away length of pipe;
e) disconnecting the multi-purpose long handle from the positioner and engaging a second portion of the bottom saddle positioner so as to cause it to turn about the pipe until the bottom saddle is positioned beneath the pipe;
f) mounting the shank of the branch connector on the end of the multi-purpose long handle and lowering the branch connector to the pipe;
g) putting the branch connector into place on the bottom saddle and fixing it there by means of a screwdriver end piece fixed to the end of the multi-purpose long handle;
h) using a tool with arms mounted on the multi-purpose long handle to disconnect the positioner from the bottom saddle while leaving the bottom saddle in place;
i) raising the bottom saddle positioner from the excavation;
and
j) proceeding with the operations of welding the branch connector to the pipe, piercing the pipe through the shank of the branch connector, and then placing a sealing cap on the shank of the connector to seal the fluid after the pipe has been pierced.

8 more elements

Apparatus for installing a branch connector on a buried pipe for transporting a fluid, and for doing so by means of a multi-purpose long handle from the top of an excavation, said excavation having cleared away the surroundings of the length of pipe onto which the branch connector is to be installed, the apparatus comprising a bottomll saddle positioner comprising a support structure on which there are disposed firstly a clamp connection adapted to the diameter of the pipe and an adaptor for supporting a bottom saddle, and secondly means removably fixed to the end of the multi-purpose long handle and situated on the opposite side of the support structure relative to the clamp connection, and removable means adaptable to the end of the multi-purpose long handle, said removable means comprising a first element to install the branch connector on the pipe above the bottom saddle which has been initially placed on the top of the pipe, and rotated about the pipe until it is properly positioned on the bottom of the pipe, said removable means further comprising a second element to establish a mechanical connection between the branch connector and the bottom saddle, said removable means further comprising a third element to disconnect the bottom saddle positioner from the pipe while leaving the bottom saddle in place, said removable means further comprising a welding element capable of welding the branch connector to the pipe, said removable means further comprising a piercing element capable of piercing the pipe through the shank of the branch connector and said removable means further comprising a sealing cap placed on said shank to seal the fluid after the pipe has been pierced.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.