Pipe supporting device

Abstract

The pipe supporting device is a tool used to support vertical or substantially vertical industrial pipes arranged to support a first pipe section and a second pipe section that are connected by a pipe

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5 This invention relates to a pipe support device. In particular the invention relates to a pipe supporting device arranged to support a first pipe section and a second pipe section that are connected by a pipe joint to enable the pipe joint to be removed. The invention extends to a method of supporting a first pipe section and a second pipe section that are connected by a pipe joint to enable the pipe joint to be removed. 10 BACKGROUND It is known to use pipe connection devices to bring two pipe ends together in a horizontal manner while connecting pipe sections. Such devices are generally not designed to support the entire load of the pipes and require one or more additional 15 support structures to hold up the pipes, extending from a wall, ceiling or floor mount. Alternatively, when connecting or disconnecting pipework pipe sections may be rested on a surface to support their weight. Such connection devices are designed to guide pipe sections into alignment and are not intended to support the weight of the pipe section, whether arranged horizontally 20 or vertically. Some industrial pipes are formed of two or more pipe sections arranged on top of one another, with a pipe joint between the pipe sections. It is desirable for this pipe joint to be removed on occasion, primarily to be replaced. It is noted that industrial pipe sections may weigh over a tonne and supporting pipe sections during such 25 operations may involve the use of ad hoc bracing and support structures and / or the use of the above known pipe connection devices in conjunction with ad hoc bracing and support structures. Given the weight of industrial pipework such arrangements may not fully support the pipe sections during removal of a joint section which may make replacement difficult and / or dangerous. 30 It is therefore an objection of the present invention to provide a pipe support device that overcomes or substantially mitigates the above-mentioned problems. SUMMARY OF INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a pipe supporting device arranged to support a first pipe section and a second pipe section 5 that are connected by a pipe joint to enable the pipe joint to be removed; a first pipe clamping device arranged to be removably clamped to the first pipe section, the first pipe clamping device comprising first and second pipe socket support members; a second pipe clamping device arranged to be removably clamped to the second pipe section, the second pipe clamping device comprising first and second pipe socket 10 support members, the first and second pipe clamping devices arranged to be held in spaced apart relationship by first and second bar members wherein a first end of the first bar member is arranged to engage with the first pipe socket support member on the first pipe clamping device; and a first end of the second bar member is arranged to engage with the second pipe socket support member on the first pipe clamping 15 device; and the second pipe clamping device is arranged to be in rigid communication with the first and second bar members. Each pipe clamping device comprises a support member with an L shaped cross section having first and second ends, the first and second pipe socket support members being located at either end of the support member. The support member of the first pipe clamping device 20 comprises a pipe facing surface that faces the first pipe section when the first pipe clamping device is clamped to the first pipe section. The pipe facing surface comprises a pipe gripping member. The pipe gripping member comprises a serrated plate. The serrated plate comprises a pipe facing surface that is concave. The present invention provides a pipe supporting device in which first and second 25 pipe clamping devices are removably clamped to first and second pipe sections (for example, in the event of replacing a pipe joint in a vertical section of pipework, the first clamping device may be clamped to an upper pipe section which is located above the pipe joint to be removed and the second clamping device may be clamped to a lower pipe section which is located below the pipe joint to be removed). First and 30 second bar members are provided to hold the first and second pipe clamping devices in spaced apart relationship so that the first and second pipe sections are supported once the pipe joint is removed. First and second pipe socket support 14 1024 members engage with the first and second bar members in order to provide support against bending loads within the bar members. The pipe supporting device according to the first aspect of the present invention enables the separation of first and second pipe components (e.g., upper and lower 5 vertical industrial pipe components) and secures such pipe components in position thereby enabling the pipe joint to be removed and replaced. The pipe supporting device may also be used to bring the first and second pipe components closer to each other, for example to tighten the connection between the first pipe component, the pipe joint and the second pipe component when the joint component has been io replaced. Advantageously the device is arranged to support the load of the first and second pipe components without the need to rely on a nearby wall, floor, beam and / or ceiling which an ad hoc supporting structure may otherwise be attached to. When engaged, each pipe socket support member may extend along part of the bar member. This supports the bar member against bending loads. 15 Moreover, a second end of the first bar member may be arranged to engage with the first pipe socket support member on the second pipe clamping device and a second end of the second bar member may be arranged to engage with the second pipe socket support member on the second pipe clamping device. This reduces bowing of the pipe supporting device. 20 Furthermore, each pipe socket support member may be elongate and define a central bore to receive one of the bar members. The first and second bar members may be threaded and arranged to engage with the pipe socket support members on the first and second pipe clamping devices via locking nuts. 25 The threaded bar members and locking nuts may provide a secure connection means. Each of the pipe socket support members on the first and second pipe clamping devices may comprise a thread pattern that is complementary to the thread on the bar members. The locking nuts may be arranged to be rotatable in order to move the first and second pipe clamping devices relative to one another in the direction of the first and second bar members. The pipe supporting device may optionally further comprise third and fourth bar 5 members, each of which has a first and second end. The first end of the third bar member may be arranged to engage with the first pipe socket support member on the second clamping device. The second end of the first bar member of the third bar member may be arranged to be coupled to the second end of the first bar member by an intermediate pipe socket support member. The first end of the fourth bar 10 member may be arranged to engage with the second pipe socket support member on the second clamping device and the second end of the fourth bar member may be arranged to be coupled to the second end of the second bar member by a further intermediate pipe socket support member. This configuration enables the pipe supporting device to be fitted to pipes with larger pipe joints. The first and second bar members may be threaded and arranged to engage with the pipe socket support members on the first pipe clamping device via a locking nut and the third and fourth bar members may be threaded and arranged to engage with the pipe socket support members on the second pipe clamping device via a locking nut. 20 Each of the pipe socket support members on the first and second pipe clamping devices may comprise a thread pattern that is complementary to the thread on the bar members. Each of the intermediate pipe socket support member and further intermediate pipe socket support member may be elongate and comprise a central bore that is open at 25 both ends. The intermediate and further intermediate pipe socket support members provide a connection means between the first and second and third and fourth bar members and reduces bowing of the bar members. One end of the central bore of the intermediate pipe socket support member may be arranged to receive the second end of the first bar member such that the 30 intermediate pipe socket support member extends along part of the first bar member. The other end of the central bore of the intermediate pipe socket support member may be arranged to receive the second end of the third bar member such that the 14 1024 intermediate pipe socket support member extends along part of the third bar member. One end of the central bore of the further intermediate pipe socket support member may be arranged to receive the second end of the second bar member such that the 5 further intermediate pipe socket support member extends along part of the second bar member. The other end of the central bore of the further intermediate pipe socket support member may be arranged to receive the second end of the fourth bar member such that the intermediate pipe socket support member extends along part of the fourth bar member. io The configuration of the intermediate pipe socket support member and further intermediate pipe socket support member reduces bowing of the bar member. The intermediate and further intermediate pipe socket support members may comprise a ratchet turn mechanism arranged to move the first and second pipe clamping devices relative to one another in the direction of the first and second bar 15 members. The ratchet turn mechanism allows the first and second pipe clamping devices to be moved apart to make it easier to remove and replace a pipe joint. Each pipe clamping device comprises a support member with an L-shaped cross section having first and second ends. The first and second pipe socket support 20 members are located at either end of the support member. Each support member may be on the same part of the “L” shape, so they point in the same direction. Each pipe clamping device may comprise a U-shaped clamping member. The ends of the U-shaped clamping member may be arranged to be secured to the support member in order to clamp a pipe section between the inner surface of the U-shaped 25 clamping member and the support member. The U-bar and L-shaped support member may have a pipe section in between. The U-bar hugs the pipe and pulls it in. The support member of the first pipe clamping device comprises a pipe facing surface that faces the first pipe section when the first pipe clamping device is clamped to the first pipe section and the pipe facing surface comprises a pipe gripping member. The support member of the second pipe clamping device may comprise a pipe facing surface that faces the second pipe section when the second pipe clamping 5 device is clamped to the second pipe section and the pipe facing surface comprises a pipe gripping member. The pipe gripping member of the first and second pipe support device may grip the pipe to improve the connection between the pipe clamping device and pipe sections to allow pipe sections to be held in a separated position. 10 The pipe gripping member of the first pipe support device comprises a serrated plate. The pipe gripping member of the second pipe support device may comprise a serrated plate. The pipe gripping member improves the grip between the plate and pipes. The serrated plate of the first pipe support device comprises a pipe facing surface 15 that is concave. The serrated plate of the second pipe support device may comprise a pipe facing surface that is concave. The concave pipe facing surface allows the plate to be positioned flush to the curved pipe, improving the grip. The pipe facing surface of the support member of the first and / or second pipe clamping device may comprise a pair of anchor holes arranged to receive the ends 20 of different sized U-shaped clamping member. This allows different sized U-shaped clamping members to be secured to pipes with different diameters. The pipe facing surface of the support member of the first and / or second clamping device comprises a plurality of anchor hole pairs arranged to receive the ends of different sized U-shaped clamping members. This also allows different sized U- 25 shaped clamping members to be secured to pipes with different diameters. The pipe socket support members may comprise a hollow rod welded to the support member. This reduces bowing of the bar members. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for supporting a first pipe section and a second pipe section that are connected by a 30 pipe joint to enable the pipe joint to be removed. The method comprises removably clamping a first pipe clamping device to the first pipe section, the first pipe clamping device comprising first and second pipe socket support members. The method further comprises removably clamping a second pipe clamping device to the pipe section, the second pipe clamping device comprising first and second pipe socket 5 support members. The method further comprises engaging a first end of the first bar member with the first pipe socket support member on the first pipe clamping device. The method additionally comprises engaging a first end of the second bar member with the second pipe socket support member on the first pipe clamping device such that the first and second pipe clamping devices are held in a spaced apart 10 relationship by the first bar member and the second bar member. The second pipe clamping device is arranged to be in rigid communication with the first and second bar members. Each pipe clamping device comprises a support member with an L shaped cross section having first and second ends, the first and second pipe socket support members being located at either end of the support member. The support 15 member of the first pipe clamping device comprises a pipe facing surface. The step of removably clamping the first pipe clamping device to the first pipe section comprises the pipe face surface facing the first pipe section. The pipe facing surface comprises a pipe gripping member. The pipe gripping member comprises a serrated plate. The serrated plate comprises a pipe facing surface that is concave. 1   20 The method may optionally further comprise engaging a first end of a third bar member with the first pipe socket support member on the second clamping device and coupling a second end of the third bar member to the second end of the first bar member by an intermediate pipe socket support member. The method may optionally further comprise engaging a first end of a fourth bar member with the 25 second pipe socket support member on the second clamping member and coupling a second end of the fourth bar member to the second end of the second bar member by a further intermediate pipe socket support member. The method may optionally further comprise moving the first and second pipe clamping devices relative to one another in the direction of the first and second bar 30 members by turning a ratchet turn mechanism. This makes it easier to remove and replace a pipe joint positioned between the first and second pipe sections. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 14 1024 Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows an angled perspective of a pipe supporting device in accordance 5 with a first aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a front perspective of the pipe supporting device of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a pipe socket support member of the pipe supporting device before it engages with a threaded bar member; Figure 4 shows a pipe socket support member of the pipe supporting device io engaged with a bar member; Figure 5 shows a pipe gripping member of the pipe supporting device; Figure 6 shows a pipe supporting device in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention; Figure 7 shows an intermediate pipe socket support member of the pipe supporting 15 device and a ratchet in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention; Figure 8 shows a method for supporting a first pipe section and second pipe section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION 20 Figure 1 illustrates a pipe supporting device 100 in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention. The pipe supporting device 100 is arranged to support a vertically arranged first pipe section 102 and vertically arranged second pipe section 104. The first pipe section 102 is positioned above the second pipe section 104. A removeable pipe joint 106 is shown connecting the first and second pipe sections. 25 The first and section pipe sections 102, 104 and pipe joint 106 are represented in Figure 1 by dashed lines in order to show the features of the pipe supporting device 100 more clearly. It is noted that although the pipe support device 100 of Figure 1 is shown in relation to vertically arranged pipework (102, 104, 106) it is appreciated that that the pipe support device 100 may be deployed in relation to pipework at any orientation (e.g., horizontal or at an angle to the vertical). The pipe supporting device 100 comprises a first pipe clamping device 108 which is arranged to be removably clamped to the first pipe section 102 and a second pipe 5 clamping device 122, which is arranged to be removably clamped to the second pipe section 104. The first and second pipe clamping devices 108, 122 are arranged to be held in a spaced apart relationship by a first bar member 132 and second bar member 134. The second pipe clamping device is arranged to be in rigid communication with the first and second bar members. io As is described in more detail below, the first and second pipe clamping devices 108, 122, are movable relative to each another in at least a vertical direction. As shown in the embodiment of Figure 1, the first bar member 132 and second bar member 134 are arranged parallel to and either side of the first and second pipe sections 102, 104. The first and second bar members 132, 134 may be threaded, as 15 indicated by the markings on the bar members in Figure 1 .As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first pipe clamping device 108 comprises an elongate support member 110 having a generally “L” shaped cross section and first and second pipe socket support members 112, 114 (pipe socket support member 114 is shown in Figure 2) located at either end of the support member 110. The pipe socket support members 20   112, 114 each take the form of an elongate cylinder having a bore that is dimensioned to receive the first and second bar members 132, 134. Further details of the pipe socket support members 112, 114, and alternative forms of the pipe socket support members are described below in relation to Figures 3 to 5. A first end of the first bar member 132 is arranged to engage with the first pipe 25 socket support member 112 on the first clamping device 108 and a first end of the second bar member 134 is arranged to engage with the second pipe socket support member 114 on the first clamping device 108. In one arrangement, the first and second bar members 132, 134 may be partially (e.g., at their first ends) or fully threaded and configured to engage with the first and 30 second pipe socket support members 112, 114 via a complementary threading within the bore of the pipe socket support members. The first and second bar members may then be secured in place by a locking nut 113. It is noted that in such an arrangement either the bar members (132, 134) or locking nuts may be rotated (for example clockwise) in order to change the relative separation of the first and second pipe clamping devices 108, 122. The second pipe clamping device 122 is of similar construction to the first pipe clamping device 108 and comprises first and second pipe socket support members 126, 128. A second end of the first bar member 132 may be arranged to engage with the first pipe socket support member 126 on the second pipe clamping device 122 and / or a second end of the second bar member 134 may be arranged to engage with the second pipe socket support member 128 on the second pipe clamping device 122. For example, the second ends of the first and second bar members 132, 134 may be threaded and configured to engage with the pipe socket support members 126, 128 via a complementary threading in the bore of the pipe socket support members and locking nuts 113. The second pipe clamping device 122 may further comprise a support member 124. The first and second pipe socket support members 126, 128 of the second pipe clamping device 122 may be located at either end of the support member. The first pipe clamping device 108 may further comprise a first clamping member 116, arranged to be removably attached to the first support member 110 in order to clamp / secure the first pipe section 102 between an inner surface of the first clamping member 116 and the first support member 110. The second pipe clamping device 122 may further comprise a second clamping member 130, arranged to be removably attached to the second support member 124, in order to clamp / secure the second pipe section 104 between the inner surface of the second clamping member 130 and the second support member 124. The clamping member 116 of the first pipe clamping device 108 and the clamping member 130 of the second pipe clamping device 122 shown in Figure 1 are of a generally U-shaped configuration. However, it is noted that they may comprise any suitable shape, e.g., C-shaped or in the shape of an extended bracket, as long as they can clamp against the pipework to the first and second pipe clamping devices In Figure 1, the support member 110 of the first pipe clamping device 108 comprises three pairs of anchor holes 118. The clamping member 116 is shown engaged with the innermost pair of anchor holes 118 of the first pipe clamping device 108 such that the clamping member 116 is secured to the support member 110. The clamping member 116 of the first pipe clamping device 108 may for example be threaded at its ends and secured to the support member 110 of the first pipe clamping device 108 5 using a pair of locking nuts. The middle and outer pairs of anchor holes 118 are provided in order to accommodate larger clamping members so that larger diameters pipe sections may be secured. Additional anchor holes could be provided to accommodate even large pipes. As an example, the position of the one or more pairs of anchor holes 118, 136 may be configured to support at least 100mm, io 150mm and 200mm diameter pipes. The support member 124 of the second pipe clamping device 122 also comprises three pairs of anchor holes 136. The clamping member 130 is shown engaged with the innermost pair of anchor holes of the second pipe clamping device 122 such that the clamping member 130 is secured to the support member 124. The clamping 15 member 130 of the second pipe clamping device 122 may for example be threaded CXI at its ends and secured to the support member 124 of the second pipe clamping device 124 using a pair of locking nuts. 1— The one or more pairs of anchor holes 118, 136 of the first or second pipe clamping device 108, 122 may be arranged adjacent to one another in the same horizontal 20 plane. A pipe gripping member 120 is provided on the support member 110 of the first pipe clamping device 108. As discussed in more detail below the pipe gripping member 120 grips the pipe section 102 which the pipe section is clamped against the pipe clamping device 108 by the clamping member 116. The support member 124 of the 25 second pipe clamping device 122 is also provided with a pipe gripping member 138, arranged to grip the second pipe section 104. The support member 110, 123 of the pipe supporting device 100 may be wider than proportionally shown in Figures 1 to 8. The width of the support member and location of the bar members may for example be configured to allow users to use tools such 30 as reciprocating saws on the pipes, without being obstructed by the bar members. The components of the pipe supporting device 100 may be manufactured with a range of dimensions to support different sized pipes. For example, the pipe gripping members 120, 138 and clamping members 116, 130 of the first and second pipe clamping devices 108, 122 may be configured to support at least 100mm, 150mm and 200mm diameter pipes. Both the pipe gripping members 120, 138 and clamping members 116, 130 of the first and second pipe clamping devices 108, 122 may be 5 easily removable such that a single pipe supporting device can be used to support different sized pipes, provided the appropriately sized pipe gripping members and clamping members are fitted to the support members. Figure 1 shows the pipe supporting device 100 engaged with first pipe section 102 and second pipe section 104 such that the first pipe clamping device 108 is io supporting the first pipe section 102 and the second pipe clamping device 122 is supporting the second pipe section 104. As the pipe sections 102, 104 are being fully supported it is possible for the pipe joint 106 to be removed and repaired / serviced / replaced. x 15 CXI 20 In order to facilitate easy removal of the pipe joint (which may be held in an interference fit even once the nuts and bolts connecting it to the first and second pipe sections have been removed), the first and second pipe clamping devices 108, 122 may be moved relative to one another. Once the pipe supporting device is engaged with the pipe sections, the clamping members (116, 130) and pipe gripping members (120, 138) of the pipe clamping devices (108, 122) clamp the pipe sections (102, 104). Once the pipe sections are clamped in this way, the pipe clamping devices can be moved relative to each other, for example by turning the threaded bar members 132, 134 or by turning the locking nuts such that the pipe sections 102, 104 are raised or lowered with the first and / or second pipe clamping devices 108. Moving the first and second pipe clamping devices 108, 122 relative to each other in 25 this way (and thereby moving the first and second pipe sections 102, 104 relative to one another) allows the pipe joint 106 to be removed and replaced more easily. The support member 110 of the first pipe clamping device 108 comprises a pair of through-holes 121, each of which is aligned with one of the pipe socket support members 112, 114. The provision of the through holes 121 allow the first and second 30 bar members (132, 134) to pass through the support member 110. The support member 124 of the second pipe clamping device 122 comprises a similar pair of through holes 123, each of which is aligned with one of the pipe socket support members 126, 128 of the second clamping device 122. The presence of the through holes 121, 123 conveniently allows the first and second support members (110, 124) to be located just above and below the pipe joint 106 to be removed. The pair of through-holes 121, 123 in the support members 110, 124 of the first 5 and / or second pipe clamping devices 108, 122 allows the distance between the first and second pipe clamping devices 108, 122 to be adjustable. For example, it may be desirable to arrange the first and second pipe clamping devices 108, 122 at different separations depending on the size of the pipe joint 106. A larger pipe joint 106 may require the first and second pipe clamping devices 108, 122 to be further apart from io each other than a shorter pipe joint 106. The adjustable separation between the first and / or second pipe clamping devices 108, 122 also enables the first and second pipe section 102, 104 to be separated, making it easier to remove and replace the pipe joint 106. Figure 2 shows the pipe supporting device 100 Figure 1 in a front facing orientation, with the pipe joint 106 removed, ready to be replaced. The features referred to in relation to Figure 1 are also present in Figure 2, although the pipe gripping members 120, 138 of the first and second pipe clamping devices 108, 122 are concealed from view by the first and second pipe sections 102, 104. Figure 3, 4 and 5 show example representations of a pipe socket support member, a 20 bar member, locking nuts and a support member of a pipe clamping device. For ease of reference the description relating to Figures 3 to 5 is presented with respect to pipe socket support member 112 that is mounted on the support member 110 of the first clamping device 108 along with first bar member 132 and locking nuts 113. It is appreciated however that this description equally applies to the other pipe socket 25 support members 114, 126, 128, the second bar member 134 and to the support member 124 of the second clamping device 122. The pipe socket support members 112 may be any shape, such as but not limited to a cylinder, cuboid or polyhedron. As shown in Figure 3 the pipe socket support member 112 is of cylindrical form, specifically a hollow rod welded to the support 30 member 110. It is noted that in alternative arrangements the pipe socket support member 112 may be integrally formed with the support member 110 (e.g., as a single machined metal component or as a 3D printed component) or may be bolted to the support member 110. The pipe socket support member 112 shown in Figure 3 is dimensioned to receive the threaded end of bar member 132 and comprises a central bore 140. It is noted 5 that the internal bore 140 of the pipe socket support member 112 may comprise a complementary thread to engage the threaded end of the bar member. Since the pipe socket support member 112 is elongate in form, when the bar member 132 has been engaged with the pipe socket support member 112, the pipe socket support member 112 extends along at least part of a bar member 132. The pipe socket io support member 112 therefore provides structural support to the bar member 132 which, depending on the manner in which the pipe supporting device 100 is deployed, may be carrying the weight of a pipe section (e.g., pipe section 102) in conjunction with the second bar member 134. The pipe socket support member 112 therefore mitigates against the risk of bowing of the bar member that it is engaged 15 with. The pipe socket support member 112 may be made of a metal or alloy. As shown in Figures 1,3-5 and 7, the support member 110, 124 of the first or second pipe clamping device 108, 122 are elongate components with an “L” shaped cross section. In alternative configurations the support members may have a square cross section. The bracket may be made of a metal or alloy. The support member 20   110, 124 of the first or second pipe clamping device 108, 122 is straight. Alternatively, the support member 110, 124 may be curved. However, a straight shape of the support member 110, 124 is preferred as such a configuration is better able to withstand the load of the pipes than a curved shape and prevents the pipe supporting device 100 from tilting. 25 Figure 3 shows bar member 132 in the process of being introduced to the central bore 140 of the pipe socket support member 112. As noted above, the bar member 132 is threaded and arranged to engage with a complementary thread pattern within the bore. The bar member 132 is then locked in place using the locking nut 113. Figure 4 shows the first pipe socket support member 112 fully engaged with the first 30 bar member 132. It is noted that, as explained above, it is appreciated that pipe socket support member 114 is connected in an equivalent manner to the support member 110 and first bar member 132. Additionally, the pipe socket support members 126, 128 are connected in an equivalent manner to the second bar member 134 and second support member 124 of the second clamping device 122. Rotation of the threaded first and / or second bar members 132, 134 or locking nuts 113 allows the first and / or second pipe clamping devices 108, 122 to be moved 5 relative to each other and thereby increase the separation between the first and second pipe sections 102, 104 in the direction parallel to the first and second bar members 132, 134. The movement of the first and / or second pipe clamping devices 108, 122 relative to each other enables the first pipe section 102 and second pipe section 104 to move io apart from each other, making it easier for a pipe joint 106, arranged between the first and second pipe sections 102, 104, to be removed and replaced. Figure 5 shows the pipe gripping members 120, 138 that are incorporated on to the first or second support members 110, 124 respectively. The pipe gripping members 120, 138 may be welded to their respective support 15 member 110, 124 or alternatively secured thereto by any suitable means such as but not limited to screws or nuts and bolts. The pipe gripping members 120, 138 comprise a plate with a serrated, grooved, or indented face in order to improve the grip between the pipe gripping member 120, 138 and first or section pipe section 102, 104 when the pipe sections are clamped by 20 the clamping members 116,130. The pipe gripping members 120, 138 are mounted on the first and / or second support members 110, 124 such that they face the first or second pipe sections 102, 104, respectively. The pipe-facing face of the pipe gripping member 120, 138 is concave in shape so as to provide more than one point of contact between the pipe gripping 25 member (120, 138) and the pipe section being gripped in order to securely hold the pipe section in place and to avoid or mitigate and slipping of the pipe section relative to the support member 110, 124. In an alternative arrangement, the curve of the pipe-facing face of the pipe gripping member 120, 138 may be dimensioned to correspond to the curve of the first or second pipe section 102, 104. The rear face of 30 the pipe gripping member 120, 138, facing the first and / or second support member 110, 124, may be flat or curved so as to be flush with the first or second support member 110, 124 respectively. Figure 6 illustrates a pipe supporting device 200 in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention. Compared to Figures 1 to 5, like features are denoted by 5 like reference numerals. The pipe supporting device 200 has many of the same features as the pipe supporting device 100 but additionally further comprises a third bar member 202 and a fourth bar member 204, which are provided in order to allow the first and second clamping devices 108, 122 to be spaced further apart than in the embodiment shown io in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 6 the first and third bar members 132, 202 are arranged one above the other such that a first end of the first bar member 132 is engaged with the pipe socket support member 112 and a first end of the third bar member 202 is engaged with the first pipe socket support member 126 on the second clamping £\j 15 device 122. The second end of the third bar member 202 is coupled to the second end of the first bar member 132 by an intermediate pipe socket support member 206. Similarly, the second and fourth bar members 134, 204 are arranged one above the other such that a first end of the second bar member 134 is engaged with pipe 20 socket support member 114 and a first end of the fourth bar member 204 is engaged with the second pipe socket support member 128 on the second clamping device 122. The second end of the fourth bar member 204 is coupled to the second end of the second bar member 134 by a further intermediate pipe socket support member 208. 25 The third and fourth bar members 202, 204 may be threaded and arranged to engage with the pipe socket support members 126, 128 on the second pipe clamping device 122 via complementary threaded portions within central bores of the pipe socket support members 126, 128 and locking nuts. The intermediate pipe socket support member 206 and further intermediate pipe 30 socket support member 208 may be elongate and comprise a central bore that is open at both ends. One end of the central bore of the intermediate pipe socket support member 206 may be arranged to receive the second end of the first bar member 132 such that the intermediate pipe socket support member 206 extends along part of the first bar member 132. The other end of the central bore of the intermediate pipe socket support member 206 may be arranged to receive the second end of the third bar member 202 such that the intermediate pipe socket support member 206 extends along part of the third bar member 202. One end of the central bore of the further intermediate pipe socket support member 208 may be arranged to receive the second end of the second bar member 134 such that the further intermediate pipe socket support member 208 extends along part of the second bar member 134. The other end of the central bore of the further intermediate pipe socket support member 208 may be arranged to receive the second end of the fourth bar member 204 such that the intermediate pipe socket support member 208 extends along part of the fourth bar member 204. The provision of the intermediate and further intermediate socket support members 206, 208 provides an advantage over simply using two longer bar members to connect the first and second pipe clamping devices 108, 122. Longer bar members might be susceptible to bending moments while supporting pipe sections 102, 104. The intermediate and further intermediate socket support members 206, 208 however provide a supporting mechanism that makes the coupled pipe members (132 / 202 and 134 / 204) stiffer relative to two single bar members of the same length as the coupled pipe members. Figure 7 shows an example exploded view of the intermediate pipe socket support member 206 or further intermediate pipe socket support member 208. The intermediate and further intermediate pipe socket support members 206, 208 may comprise a ratchet turn mechanism arranged to move the first and / or second pipe clamping devices 108, 122 relative to one another in the direction parallel to the first and second bar members 132, 134. For example, the intermediate and further intermediate pipe socket support members 206, 208 may each comprise a threaded female tube into which the first and second bar members 132, 134 and third and fourth bar members 202, 204 may be secured. The threaded female tubes may each be configured to engage with a ratchet 207, for example at a port positioned on their outer surface. The threaded female tubes may have a left-hand thread and the first, second, third and fourth bar members may have a right-hand thread. Alternatively, the threaded female tubes may have a righthand thread and the first, second, third and fourth bar members may have a left- 5 hand thread. When the ratchet 207 is engaged with one of the threaded female tubes and rotated, at least one of the bar members 132, 134, 202, 204 is raised up or lowered down, thereby separating the distance between the first and second pipe clamping device 108, 122 and the first and second pipe sections 102, 104. With the pipe sections separated, it is easier for the pipe joint 106 to be removed and io replaced. Because the ratchet turn mechanism allows movement in one direction only (upwards or downwards), the first pipe section 102 is held in place and prevented from slipping down. Figure 8 describes a method for supporting a first pipe section 102 and a second pipe section 104 that are connected by a pipe joint 106, enabling the pipe joint 106 to 15 be removed and replaced. The method comprises at step 300, removably clamping a CXI first pipe clamping device to the first pipe section. The first pipe clamping device comprises first and second pipe socket support members. The method further comprises at step 302, removably clamping a second pipe clamping device to the section pipe section. The second pipe clamping device comprises first and second 1   20 pipe socket support members. The method further comprises at step 304, holding the first and second pipe clamping devices in a spaced apart relationship by a first bar member and a second bar member. The method further comprises at step 306, engaging a first end of the first bar member with the first pipe socket support member on the first pipe clamping device. The method may further comprise at step 25   308, engaging a first end of the first bar member with the second pipe socket support member on the first pipe clamping device. The second pipe clamping device is arranged to be in rigid communication with the first and second bar members. The method may further comprise engaging a first end of a third bar member with the first pipe socket support member on the second clamping device and coupling a 30 second end of the third bar member to the second end of the first bar member by an intermediate pipe socket support member. The method may further comprise engaging a first end of a fourth bar member with the second end of the fourth bar member to the second end of the second bar member by a further intermediate pipe socket support member. 14 1024

Claims

14 10241. A pipe supporting device arranged to support a first pipe section and a second pipe section that are connected by a pipe joint to enable the pipe joint to be removed;5          a first pipe clamping device arranged to be removably clamped to the first pipesection, the first pipe clamping device comprising first and second pipe socket support membersa second pipe clamping device arranged to be removably clamped to the second pipe section, the second pipe clamping device comprising first and second pipe socket10 support members,the first and second pipe clamping devices arranged to be held in spaced apart relationship by first and second bar memberswherein:a first end of the first bar member is arranged to engage with the first pipe socket support15 member on the first pipe clamping device;a first end of the second bar member is arranged to engage with the second pipe socket support member on the first pipe clamping device;the second pipe clamping device is arranged to be in rigid communication with the first and second bar members;20 each pipe clamping device comprises a support member with an L shaped cross section having first and second ends, the first and second pipe socket support members being located at either end of the support member;the support member of the first pipe clamping device comprises a pipe facing surface that faces the first pipe section when the first pipe clamping device is clamped to the first pipe25 section;the pipe facing surface comprises a pipe gripping member;wherein the pipe gripping member comprises a serrated plate;wherein the serrated plate comprises a pipe facing surface that is concave.

2. The pipe supporting device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein, when engaged, each pipe socket support member extends along part of the bar member3. The pipe supporting device as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein a second end of the 5 first bar member is arranged to engage with the first pipe socket support member on thesecond pipe clamping device and a second end of the second bar member is arranged to engage with the second pipe socket support member on the second pipe clamping device4. The pipe supporting device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each pipe socket 10 support member is elongate and defines a central bore to receive one of the bar members.

5. The pipe supporting device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first and second bar members are threaded and are arranged to engage with the pipe socket support members on the first and second pipe clamping devices via locking nutsCM is6. The pipe supporting device as claimed in Claim 5, wherein each of the pipe socket support members on the first and second pipe clamping devices comprise a thread pattern that is complementary to the thread on the bar members.1—20   7. The pipe supporting device of Claim 5 or 6, wherein the locking nuts are arranged to berotatable in order to move the first and second pipe clamping devices relative to one another in the direction of the first and second bar members.

8. The pipe supporting device of any preceding Claim, further comprising third and fourth bar 25 members, each of which has a first and second endwherein the first end of the third bar member is arranged to engage with the first pipe socket support member on the second clamping device and the second end of the third bar member is arranged to be coupled to the second end of the first bar member by an intermediate pipe socket support member30          and wherein the first end of the fourth bar member is arranged to engage with thesecond pipe socket support member on the second clamping device and the second end ofthe fourth bar member is arranged to be coupled to the second end of the second bar member by a further intermediate pipe socket support member.

9. The pipe supporting device of Claim 8, wherein the first and second bar members are5 threaded and are arranged to engage with the pipe socket support members on the first pipe clamping devices via a locking nut and the third and fourth bar members are threaded and are arranged to engage with the pipe socket support members on the second pipe clamping device via a locking nut.10   10. The pipe supporting device of Claim 8 or 9 wherein each of the pipe socket supportmembers on the first and second pipe clamping devices comprise a thread pattern that is complementary to the thread on the bar members.CM1511. The pipe supporting device of any of Claims 8 to 10, wherein each of the intermediate pipe socket support member and further intermediate pipe socket support member are elongate and comprise a central bore that is open at both ends.

12. The pipe supporting device of Claim 11, wherein one end of the central bore of the intermediate pipe socket support member is arranged to receive the second end of the first 20 bar member such that the intermediate pipe socket support member extends along part of the first bar member and the other end of the central bore of the intermediate pipe socket support member is arranged to receive the second end of the third bar member such that the intermediate pipe socket support member extends along part of the third bar member.25   13. The pipe supporting device of Claim 11 or 12, wherein one end of the central bore of thefurther intermediate pipe socket support member is arranged to receive the second end of the second bar member such that the further intermediate pipe socket support member extends along part of the second bar member and the other end of the central bore of the further intermediate pipe socket support member is arranged to receive the second end of30 the fourth bar member such that the intermediate pipe socket support member extends along part of the fourth bar member.

14. The pipe supporting device of any of Claims 11 to 13, wherein the intermediate and further intermediate pipe socket support members comprise a ratchet turn mechanism arranged to move the first and second pipe clamping devices relative to one another in the direction of the first and second bar members.

15. The pipe supporting device of any preceding claim, wherein the support member of the second pipe clamping device comprises a pipe facing surface that faces the second pipe section when the second pipe clamping device is clamped to the second pipe section and the pipe facing surface comprises a pipe gripping member.1016. The pipe supporting device of any preceding claim, wherein the pipe facing surface of the support member of the first and / or second pipe clamping device comprises a pair of anchor holes arranged to receive the ends of different sized U-shaped clamping members.CM152017. The pipe supporting device of any preceding claim, wherein the pipe facing surface of the support member of the first and / or second pipe clamping device comprises a plurality of anchor hole pairs arranged to receive the ends of different sized U-shaped clamping members.

18. The pipe supporting device of any preceding claim wherein each pipe clamping device comprises a U-shaped clamping member, the ends of the U-shaped clamping member arranged to be secured to the support member in order to clamp a pipe section between the inner surface of the U-shaped clamping member and the support member.25   19. The pipe supporting device of any preceding claim, wherein the pipe socket supportmembers comprise a hollow rod welded to the support member20. A method for supporting a first pipe section and a second pipe section that are connected by a pipe joint to enable the pipe joint to be removed;30 the method comprising:removably clamping a first pipe clamping device to the first pipe section, the first pipe clamping device comprising first and second pipe socket support members;removably clamping a second pipe clamping device to the second pipe section, the second pipe clamping device comprising first and second pipe socket support members;5 engaging a first end of the first bar member with the first pipe socket support member on the first pipe clamping device;engaging a first end of the second bar member with the second pipe socket support member on the first pipe clamping device such that the first and second pipe clamping devices are held in a spaced apart relationship by the first bar member and the second bar member;10 wherein:the second pipe clamping device is arranged to be in rigid communication with the first and second bar members;each pipe clamping device comprises a support member with an L shaped cross section having first and second ends, the first and second pipe socket support members being 15 located at either end of the support member;the support member of the first pipe clamping device comprises a pipe facing surface;the step of removably clamping the first pipe clamping device to the first pipe section comprises the pipe face surface facing the first pipe section; the pipe facing surface comprises a pipe gripping member;20 wherein the pipe gripping member comprises a serrated plate;wherein the serrated plate comprises a pipe facing surface that is concave.

21. The method of Claim 20, further comprising engaging a first end of a third bar member with the first pipe socket support member on the second clamping device and coupling a25 second end of the third bar member to the second end of the first bar member by an intermediate pipe socket support member;engaging a first end of a fourth bar member with the second pipe socket support member on the second clamping member and coupling a second end of the fourth bar member to the second end of the second bar member by a further intermediate pipe socket support30 member.

22. The method of Claim 20 or 21, further comprising moving the first and second pipe clamping devices relative to one another in the direction of the first and second bar members by turning a ratchet turn mechanism.14 1024

Images