Pipe repair apparatus and method

摘要

A pipe repair apparatus includes first and second housings that are bolted together to form a closed conduit extending between the ends of the housings. This conduit is shaped to received a pipe to be repaired. A first seal is mounted in the housing to seal against an outer circumferential surface of the pipe, and a second seal is mounted to extend around the conduit at an end of the housings to seal the housings against a wall extending outwardly from the pipe. A retainer is coupled to the housings to clamp the second seal against the wall. This retainer can include a threaded rod that passes through the housings or a spring that biases the housings toward the wall. The disclosed pipe repair is well suited for repairing a supply pipe in an internal core spray system of a nuclear reactor. This pipe repair forms a permanent repair that structurally replaces the pipe and welds being repaired. It is well suited for remote installation with minimal as-built information and in a minimal time. The repair provides an effective leakage barrier, and it allows inspection access to adjacent welds that are not covered by the repair.