METHOD OF MAKING A LEAK RESISTANT CONNECTION BETWEEN TUBULAR MEMBERS IN A FLUID TRANSPORT SYSTEM

摘要

A leak-resistant connection (20) between two generally tubular members (22, 26) in which second tubular member (26) is telescopically received in a first generally tubular member (22). There is at least one integral continuous annular stricture (28) formed in the lumen (30) of the first tubular member (22) for engaging and sealing with the second tubular member (26). A second, integral stricture (34) of larger profile may be provided as a stop to abut the end of the second tubular member (26). A method of making the connection (20) is disclosed. The method includes the step of forming the strictures (28, 34) in the tubular member (22) by inserting a grooved mandril (38) into the lumen (30) of the tubular member (22) and heating and applying pressure to the tubular member (22) to form the strictures (28, 34) in the grooves (42, 44) in the mandril (38). The tubular member (22) can be conveniently heated with RF energy applied through the mandril (38).