Apparatus and method for slotting a pipe

摘要

A method and apparatus for slotting a pipe including a clamping system comprising a clamping surface adapted to engage at least about 50 percent of the pipe circumference and at least about 50 percent of the pipe length in a clamped position and which defines a longitudinal clamping gap oriented to permit the slotting of the pipe therethrough. A first perforating mechanism moves a cutting head comprising a plurality of cutters toward and away from the clamping gap such that the cutters perforate the pipe wall. A second independently operable longitudinal cutting mechanism moves the cutting head along the clamping gap to further cut the pipe wall by the cutters to form a plurality of discrete slots. A third indexing mechanism rotates the pipe about its longitudinal axis in an unclamped position to vary the location of contact between the cutters and the pipe wall about the pipe circumference.