Pipe, pipe connection and pipeline system

A method for

• joining a first pipe section to a second pipe section, each of the first pipe section and the second pipe section including:
• a metal tube having a length and a wall with an inner surface defining an inner diameter, an outer surface with an outer diameter and a wall thickness defined by the distance between the inner surface and the outer surface,
• the method comprising:
• inserting a pipe coupling into the inner diameter of a first metal tube of the first pipe section and mechanically engaging the pipe coupling to a second metal tube of the second pipe section;
• installing a press ring to encircle the wall of the first metal tube, the press ring having an inner diameter smaller than a diameter across the outer surface and installing the press ring includes deforming the metal tubular wall of the first pipe section radially inwardly into mechanical engagement with teeth on an outer diameter of the pipe coupling;
• and
• leaving the press ring in place encircling the wall of the first pipe section to hold the wall in mechanical engagement with the pipe coupling.

A method for joining a first pipe to a second pipe, wherein the first pipe includes:

• a metal tube formed with a bell end, wherein the bell end has an inner diameter greater than a normal inner diameter along a middle portion of the metal tube;
• a plastic liner installed in the metal tube, the plastic liner formed of a plastic material compatible with electro-fusion, the plastic liner having a length, an inside diameter and an outer diameter substantially equal to the normal inner diameter, the plastic liner being positioned within the metal tube with an end of the plastic liner extending into the bell end with an annulus formed between the plastic liner and the bell end;
• a cylindrical pipe coupling mechanically engaged in the bell end and including a protruding portion extending axially beyond the bell end;
• and
• an electro-fusion assembly in the annulus positioned between a base of the bell end and an end of the pipe coupling, the electro-fusion assembly including:
• a plastic sleeve connected to the plastic liner, the plastic sleeve having an extension extending axially beyond the plastic liner with a bore diameter greater than the inside diameter;
• an electrical conductor supported by the extension of the plastic sleeve;
• and an electrical contact for conducting electricity to the electrical conductor;
• and wherein the second pipe includes:
• a metal tubular wall formed with a bell-shaped end, the bell-shaped end having an outer surface;
• a liner installed in the metal tubular wall, the liner formed of a plastic material compatible with electro-fusion, the liner being positioned within the metal tubular wall with a second end of the liner extending into the bell-shaped end with a second annulus formed between the liner and the bell-shaped end;
• and wherein joining includes:
• inserting the protruding portion of the pipe coupling into the second annulus to position the second end of the liner within the extension of the plastic sleeve;
• electro-fusing the second end to the plastic sleeve to form a fluid tight seal therebetween;
• and
• installing a press ring to encircle the bell-shaped end, the press ring having an inner diameter smaller than a diameter across the outer surface and installing the press ring includes deforming the bell-shaped end radially inwardly into mechanical engagement with teeth on an outer cylindrical wall of the pipe coupling;
• and
• leaving the press ring in place encircling the bell-shaped end to hold the bell-shaped end in mechanical engagement with the pipe coupling.

A pipe connection comprising:

• a first pipe having a length, an inner surface defining an inner diameter, an outer surface with an outer diameter, and a wall thickness defined by the distance between the inner surface and the outer surface;
• a second pipe having a cylindrical wall with a cylindrical outer surface and a cylindrical inner bore;
• a pipe coupling mechanically engaging the first pipe to the second pipe, the pipe coupling formed as a cylindrical tube with outwardly extending teeth and including a first tubular end mechanically engaged within the inner diameter and a second tubular end mechanically engaged within the cylindrical inner bore;
• a first press ring having an inside diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the first pipe, the press ring encircling the first pipe radially outwardly of the pipe coupling and deforming the first pipe radially inwardly into engagement with the teeth on the first tubular end;
• and
• a second press ring having a diameter smaller than the cylindrical outer surface of the second pipe, the second press ring encircling the second pipe radially outwardly of the pipe coupling and deforming the second pipe radially inwardly into engagement with the teeth on the second tubular end.