Apparatus and method for sealing a tube joint

摘要

An apparatus for sealing a joint between two substantially collinear tubes (12,14) is provided. Particularly useful for repairing a welded joint which has developed a crack (20) in the area of the weld (18), the apparatus provides a sleeve (26) which fits closely over the cracked joint. A housing (32), surrounding the sleeve (26), and a thrust ring (38) act to compress packing rings (28,30) against the sleeve to form a fluid-tight seal over the leaking joint. The sealing nut (40) maintains compression on the packing rings (28,30) when the installation apparatus (50,60,70) is removed. A method for installing the sealing apparatus is also disclosed herein.