| 摘要 |
<p>This invention is a new apparatus for installing press fit couplings about steel pipeline sections. Conventional apparatuses are extremely large, usually requiring extensive mounting equipment, and are incapable of being used in the confined spaces of a pipe trench. This invention solves the problem with a small, compact pipe coupling apparatus which is easily maneuvrable in tight spaces. The apparatus (10) fits within two pipes (1, 2) to be joined, with a coupling (3) disposed between them. Two hydraulically actuated grippers (6, 7) grip the insides of both pipes (1, 2), respectively, and a hydraulically actuated cylinder (5) is operated to pull the pipes (1, 2) together, press fitting the coupling (3) about them. The entire apparatus is controlled using only two hydraulic lines (8). The grippers (6, 7) can be retracted and the apparatus moved within the pipeline from one joint to the next. The invention is also applicable in joining two sections of pipe without the use of a coupling.</p> |
