Pipe lap joint with bridged slot

摘要

A pipe lap joint is disclosed with an improved sealing zone structure in the overlap region of the pipes. The sealing zone comprises a slot extending from the end of the outer pipe to an inner end wall of the slot. The joint comprises a band clamp with a clamping band which covers the sealing zone including the inner end of the slot. The slot has a bridge extending between the sidewalls and dividing the slot into an outboard slot segment and an inboard slot segment. The bridge has an axial dimension which is substantially smaller than the axial length of either of the slot segments. When the band clamp is tightened, the sealing zone is collapsed by collapse of the slot and consequent deformation of the bridge such that it obstructs fluid flow between the slot segments.