Pipe liner end termination

Abstract

To provide techniques regarding a termination of a liner used for restoring a pipe.SOLUTION: An end termination assembly for a pipe liner PL includes a liner fitting 112 and a clamping collar 114. The liner fitting 112 has a nipple 120. The clamping collar 114 can be disposed on the nipple 120 to clamp the liner PL between the two components. A clamping surface of one or both of the nipple 120 and clamping collar 114 can be tapered to accommodate a range of wall thicknesses of the liner PL. The clamping collar 114 can connect to the nipple 120 without rotating. For example, a draw mechanism 116 can draw the clamping collar 114 along a pipe liner PL to clamp the liner PL between the collar 114 and the nipple 120.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to the repair of pipes. In particular, the present disclosure relates to the termination of liners used to repair pipes. [Background technology]

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a liner system and method for internally lining an existing pipe with a liner. The pipe liner is installed within an existing host pipe system to restore a defined length of the host pipe. If the host pipe system carries pressurized fluid, it is necessary to mechanically connect the ends of the liner to the existing host pipe system to restore service. A mechanical assembly known to those skilled in the art as an "end termination" is used for this purpose.

[0003] A prior art end termination is shown in FIG. 1 at reference numeral 10. Those skilled in the art will recognize that end termination 10 is of a type conventionally used with form-fitting pipe liners for pressure pipes. These types of liners include an impermeable tube that can be deformed to allow for insertion into a host pipe. Once the pipe liner is in place, it can be expanded in situ to create a jointless, leak-free lining system that can independently carry the fluid pressure throughout the system. A well-known example of this type of pipe liner is Thermopipe® available from Insituform of Chesterfield, Missouri.

[0004] The end termination 10 consists of a liner fitting 12 and a clamping collar 13. The clamping collar is formed of separate arcuate collar sections 14 connected by screws 15 (e.g., bolts and nuts). In use, the clamping collar 13 is placed onto a pipe liner (not shown), then the end of the pipe liner is moved over the nipple 16 of the liner fitting 12, and the nipple is received into the end of the pipe liner. In order to slide the pipe liner over the nipple, it is necessary to apply lubricant to the nipple 16. The clamping collar 13 is then moved longitudinally along the liner so that it overlaps the nipple 16. The screws 15 are then tightened to clamp the liner end between the nipple 16 and the collar 13. As can be seen, the nipple 16 includes an external annular barb 17 and the collar 13 includes an internal annular barb 18. When collar 13 is tightened, inner annular barbs 18 move radially into the longitudinal space between outer annular barbs 17 to pinch the liner between adjacent barbs, thereby securing the end of the liner to end termination 10. The coupling end of liner fitting 12 can then be connected to an existing host pipe system using a conventional pipe coupling, such as flange end coupling 19 shown in FIG. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, a pipe liner end termination assembly includes a liner fitting having an axis. The liner fitting includes a pipe coupling configured to couple to a host pipe system and a nipple configured to be inserted into an end of a pipe liner. The nipple extends in a first axial direction from the pipe coupling. The nipple has a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction. The nipple includes an annular outer wall having an outer dimension and a length extending along an axis from the first end of the nipple to the second end of the nipple. The clamping collar has a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end of the clamping collar in a second axial direction. The clamping collar includes an annular inner wall. The annular inner wall has an inner dimension and a length extending along an axis from the first end of the clamping collar to the second end of the clamping collar. The clamping collar is configured to be disposed about the nipple to clamp an end of the pipe liner between the inner and outer annular walls of the nipple to fluidly couple the end termination assembly to the pipe liner. At least one of the inner annular wall of the clamping collar and the outer annular wall of the nipple tapers radially inward as it extends lengthwise in the first axial direction such that each of the inner and outer dimensions gradually decreases from the second end to the first end of each of the clamping collar and nipple. The clamping collar is operably connectable to the nipple for non-rotational movement relative to the nipple along the second axial axis for clamping the pipe liner to the nipple.

[0006] In another aspect, the end termination assembly includes a clamp collar configured to be disposed about a pipe liner. The liner fitting has an axis. The liner fitting includes a pipe coupling configured to couple to a host pipe system and a nipple configured to be inserted into an end of the pipe liner. The nipple extends in a first axial direction from the pipe coupling. The pulling mechanism is configured to pull the clamp collar in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction along the pipe liner without rotating the clamp collar relative to the nipple to place the clamp collar around the nipple inserted into the end of the pipe liner and clamp the end of the pipe liner between the clamp collar and the nipple to fluidly couple the end termination assembly to the pipe liner.

[0007] In another aspect, an end termination assembly compatible with a plurality of pipe liners of differing wall thicknesses includes a liner fitting including a nipple having a length extending along an axis. A clamping collar is configured such that the clamping collar is secured to the liner fitting at a plurality of different coupling locations extending circumferentially about the nipple relative to the axis. At each of the coupling locations, the collar is disposed on the nipple in generally concentric and radially spaced relationship with the nipple, the clamping collar and nipple defining an annular space in which the pipe liner may be clamped between the clamping collar and the nipple fluidly coupling the end termination assembly to the pipe liner. The annular space has a radial thickness relative to the axis. The radial thickness of the annular space is different at each of the plurality of coupling locations.

[0008] In another aspect, a method of terminating a pipe liner to an end termination assembly includes placing the pipe liner in a host pipe system. A clamp collar of the end termination assembly is received on an end of the pipe liner such that the clamp collar is circumferentially disposed about the pipe liner. After the pipe liner is placed and the clamp collar is received on the end of the pipe liner, a nipple of a pipe end fitting is inserted into the end of the pipe liner. After inserting the nipple, the clamp collar is moved along the pipe liner toward the liner fitting without substantially rotating the clamp collar to clamp the end of the pipe liner between the nipple and the clamp collar.

[0009] Other aspects and features will be set forth and / or pointed out hereinafter. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a prior art end termination assembly. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary longitudinal cross-sectional view of an end termination assembly within the scope of the present disclosure, showing an end termination that connects a liner to a host pipe system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded longitudinal cross-sectional view of the end termination assembly of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a liner fitting of the end termination assembly of FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a clamping collar of the end termination assembly of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a greatly enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 2. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

[0012] The present inventors have recognized shortcomings with the prior art end termination 10 of FIG. 1. For example, the clamp ring 13 is tightened into a defined shape that only works with liners of a particular wall thickness. When the clamp ring 13 is tightened, the thickness of the gap between the clamp ring and the nipple 16 is constant along the length of the nipple. Thus, if the wall thickness of the liner is less than the specified thickness, the clamp ring 13 and liner fitting 12 cannot sufficiently compress the liner between them to make an adequately sealed connection. This is because the sections 14 that form the clamp ring 13 engage each other and limit the minimum possible inside diameter of the clamp ring. If the wall thickness of the liner is greater than the specified thickness, the clamp ring 13 cannot be installed over the thick end of the liner in the liner fitting. Furthermore, the fitting 10 may not make a good seal with the liner where there is a significant gap between the annular sections 14 due to an overly thick liner. Because each end termination 10 is only compatible with liners of a particular wall thickness, different end fittings are required for different types of liners with different wall thicknesses, even for liners of the same nominal diameter.

[0013] 2-6, an end termination assembly for a pipe liner PL that addresses these and other shortcomings of the prior art is generally indicated by the reference numeral 110. The host pipe through which the pipe liner PL extends is not shown, but is on the left side of the drawing in FIG. 2 and is disposed about the pipe liner PL. The end termination assembly 110 includes a liner fitting, generally indicated at 112, a clamping collar, generally indicated at 114, and a pull-up mechanism, generally indicated at 116. The liner fitting 112 includes a first end configured to be inserted into the end of the pipe liner PL and a second end configured to fluidly couple to an existing host pipe system PS. The first end of the liner fitting 112 is spaced from the second end in a first axial direction along axis A, and the second end of the liner fitting is spaced from the first end in a second axial direction. In FIGS. 2-6, the first axial direction corresponds to the left of the drawing and the second axial direction corresponds to the right of the drawing. Thus, the terms "left" and "right" are used in this disclosure to connote the directions and relative positions shown in the drawings, although it will be understood that the orientation of the end termination assembly 110 will change during use.

[0014] In general, the pulling mechanism 116 is configured to pull the clamp collar 114 along the length of the liner fitting 112 and clamp the end of the pipe liner PL between the clamp collar and the nipple 120 of the liner fitting to fluidly connect the end termination assembly 110 to the pipe liner. The end termination assembly 110 is constructed such that the pulling mechanism 116 can secure the clamp collar 114 to the liner fitting at a plurality of spaced coupling locations along the length LN. As described more fully below, at each of the longitudinally spaced coupling locations, an annular gap or space 118 (FIGS. 2 and 6) between the clamp collar 114 and the liner fitting 112 has a different maximum radial thickness RT (FIG. 6). This allows the termination assembly 110 to be selectively adjusted to sealingly couple to pipe liners of different wall thicknesses.

[0015] The liner fitting 112 includes a left end (broadly a first end) and a right end (broadly a second end) spaced apart along an axis A. The left end of the liner fitting 112 is defined in the illustrated embodiment by a nipple 120, and the right end of the liner fitting includes a pipe coupling 122 configured to fluidly couple the end termination assembly 110 to a host pipe system PS. The nipple 120 is spaced left axially (broadly a first axially) from the pipe coupling 122. The nipple 120 defines a nominal diameter of a pipe liner PL compatible with the end termination assembly 110. Depending on the pipe liner used, various sizes of nipples can be used. It is contemplated that liner fittings within the scope of the present disclosure may be construed to be used with pipe liners having a nominal diameter in the inclusive range of about 4 inches to about 30 inches.

[0016] A fitting flange 124 for use with the pulling mechanism 116 extends radially outwardly at a spaced apart location to the right of the nipple 120 along the axis A. As will be described more fully below, the fitting flange 124 defines a plurality of rod openings 125 through which the pulling mechanism 116 movably couples the clamp collar 114 to the liner fitting 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the nipple 120 and the fitting flange 124 are formed from separate pieces of material (e.g., a metal such as stainless steel) that are attached (e.g., welded) together to form the liner fitting. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the liner fitting may be formed in other manners, such as from a single monolithic piece of machined or cast material.

[0017] In the illustrated embodiment, the pipe coupling 122 comprises a socket for coupling to a plain end pipe section of the host pipe system PS. In other embodiments, the pipe coupling can include a flange coupling to facilitate a flange connection. In certain embodiments, the fitting flange 124 used with the pulling mechanism 116 can also be used as a flange for coupling the liner fitting to the host pipe system PS. It is also contemplated that a variety of other victauric couplings, flanged couplings, and mechanical couplings (e.g., mega-lug based couplings) can be used to couple the second end of the coupling (also referred to as the closure pipe end) to an unlined section of the host pipe system (e.g., sometimes referred to as the closure pipe).

[0018] The nipple 120 has a left end (broadly a first end) and a right end (broadly a second end) spaced apart from the left end along the axis A such that a length LN of the nipple extends from the left end to the right end. A fitting flange 124 is coupled to the nipple 120 adjacent its right end. The nipple 120 includes an annular outer wall 126 having an outer dimension OD (FIG. 4) that extends along the length LN of the nipple. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer wall 126 tapers radially inward as it extends to the left along the axis A such that the outer dimension OD gradually decreases from the right end to the left end of the nipple. In the illustrated embodiment, the nipple includes a taper angle TA1 (FIG. 4) measured as the included angle between the main slope of the surface of the outer wall in a longitudinal cross section and the longitudinal axis A. In one or more embodiments, the taper angle TA1 of the annular outer wall 126 is in the inclusive range of about 1° to about 15°.

[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, the nipple 120 comprises an externally barbed tube. That is, the outer wall 126 of the nipple 120 includes a plurality of annular barbs 128 spaced apart along the length LN of the nipple 120. Each of the barbs 128 has a maximum diameter at the right end of the barb. The outer annular wall 126 is tapered such that the maximum diameter of the plurality of barbs 128 decreases continuously in a left axial direction along the length LN of the nipple 120.

[0020] The clamp collar 114 is generally configured to be disposed about the nipple 120 and clamp the end of the pipe liner PL to the outer annular wall 126 to fluidly couple the end termination assembly 110 to the pipe liner. The clamp collar 114 has a generally annular shape extending along an axis A from a left end (broadly a first end) to a right end (broadly a second end). In the illustrated embodiment, the clamp collar 114 comprises a collar piece 130 and a flange piece 132 connected to the collar piece to form a collar flange adjacent the right end of the collar. In one or more embodiments, the flange piece 132 can be attached to the collar piece 130, such as by welding, to form a unitary clamp collar 114. Alternatively, the flange piece 132 may not be attached to the collar piece 130, and instead may be connected to the flange piece by a drawing mechanism 116 that presses the flange piece against a lip 134 of the collar piece. In certain embodiments, the collar and flange may be integrally formed from a single piece of monolithic material. As will be described more fully below, collar flange 132 includes one or more rod openings 133 that allow draw mechanism 116 to movably connect clamp collar 114 to liner fitting 112 .

[0021] The clamping collar 114 includes an annular inner wall 136 having an inner dimension ID (FIG. 5) and a length extending along axis A from the left end of the clamping collar to the right end of the clamping collar. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner wall 136 is substantially smooth. In certain embodiments, the inner wall 136 tapers radially inward as it extends axially to the left, such that the inner dimension ID gradually decreases from the right end of the clamping collar 114 to the left end. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, it can be seen that both the inner wall 136 of the clamping collar 114 and the outer wall 126 of the nipple 120, which opposes the inner wall during use, are tapered. However, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, only the inner wall of the clamping collar or only the outer wall of the nipple may be tapered without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, the inner wall 136 has a taper angle TA2 (FIG. 5) that is approximately the same as the taper angle TA1 of the outer annular wall 126. Again, the taper angle TA2 may be measured as the included angle between the main slope of the surface of the inner wall 136 in a longitudinal cross section and the axis A. In one or more embodiments, the taper angle TA2 of the annular inner wall 136 is within an inclusive range of about 1° to about 10° (e.g., an inclusive range of about 1° to about 5°, e.g., about 3°).

[0023] The pulling mechanism 116 is generally configured to pull the clamp collar 114 axially to the right along the nipple 120 without rotating the clamp collar relative to the nipple to operatively clamp the end of the pipe liner L between the clamp collar and the nipple. In the illustrated embodiment, the pulling mechanism 116 comprises one or more threaded rods 140. Each rod is configured to extend axially from a left end (broadly a first end) rightward through one of the rod openings 133 formed in the collar flange, through a rod opening 125 in the fitting flange 124, to a right end (broadly a second end).

[0024] Generally, each threaded rod 140 is configured to couple to the liner fitting 112 and clamp collar 114 via respective rod openings 125, 133, such that a draw nut 142 is configured to threadably advance along the rod to engage one of the liner fitting and clamp collar, thereby drawing it in the other direction. In the illustrated embodiment, each advanceable draw nut 142 engages an outer (left) end face of the collar flange 132. However, in other embodiments, the draw nuts may be advanceable along one or more threaded rods and engage an outer end face of the fitting flange 124 in addition to, or instead of, the draw nut engaging the collar flange.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the right end of the threaded rod 140 is fixedly secured to the fitting flange 124. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a pair of anchor nuts 144, 146 are coupled to each threaded rod 140 to capture the fitting flange 124 between the anchor nuts, thereby securing the liner fitting 112 to the threaded rod. Again, it will be appreciated that in one or more embodiments, one or more threaded rods may be secured to the clamp collar instead of the liner fitting. As can be seen, the threaded rod 140 and nuts 142, 144, 146 of the pulling mechanism 116 couple the clamp collar 114 to the liner fitting 112 to substantially prevent any relative rotation between these two components. However, by threadingly advancing the pulling nut 142 along the threaded rod 140, the clamp collar 114 advances rightward along the nipple 120 toward the liner fitting 112 without rotating.

[0026] Thus, the drawing mechanism 116 enables the clamp collar 114 to be operably coupled to the liner fitting 112 at a plurality of longitudinally spaced coupling locations where the clamp collar 114 is disposed about the nipple 120. At each of the longitudinally spaced coupling locations, the inner wall 136 of the clamp collar 114 and the outer wall 126 of the nipple 120 define an annular space 118 (FIGS. 2 and 6) suitable for receiving an end of the pipe liner PL such that the liner is clamped between the clamp collar and the nipple. Furthermore, because one or both of the inner wall 136 and the outer wall 126 are tapered, a maximum radial thickness RT of the annular space 118 relative to the axis A is different at each of the longitudinally spaced coupling locations where the drawing mechanism 116 can secure the clamp collar 114 to the liner fitting 112. This enables the end termination assembly 110 to operably clamp liners of different wall thicknesses between the same liner fitting 112 and clamp collar 114. By way of example only and not by way of limitation, in one mating position, the end termination assembly 110 may define an annular space 118 between the nipple 120 and the clamping collar 114 having a maximum radial thickness RT of about 4 mm suitable for operably clamping a pipe liner PL having an uncompressed wall thickness of about 5 mm; however, by using the pulling mechanism 116 to pull the clamping collar 114 to the right, to another mating position, the radial thickness RT may be reduced to about 3 mm, which may be suitable for operably clamping a pipe liner PL of the same nominal diameter but with an uncompressed wall thickness of about 4 mm.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the clamping collar 114 has a left end bonding location (broadly, a first end bonding location) where the radial thickness RT is the maximum radial thickness of the end termination assembly 110, and a right end bonding location (broadly, a second end bonding location) where the radial thickness RT is the minimum radial thickness. It can be seen that the difference between the maximum and minimum radial thicknesses corresponds to a range of pipe liner wall thicknesses that can be operably received in the annular space 118.

[0028] A method of rehabilitating a host pipe system using the end termination assembly 110 will now be briefly described. Prior to operating the end termination assembly 110, an installer must place a suitable pipe liner within a section of pipe of the host pipe system. The pipe portion covered with the liner PL is not shown in the drawings. Various techniques for placing a pipe liner within a section of pipe are known to those skilled in the art and may be used within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in one or more embodiments, a pipe liner is pulled into the desired section of the host pipe. Suitably, the pipe liner may be of a type configured for use in pressure pipe applications such as water supply lines, industrial pressure lines, or sanitary sewer mains.

[0029] After placing the liner PL on the designated section of the host pipe, the installer approaches the end of the liner that protrudes from the pipe section that will be connected to the host pipe system PS. The installer places the clamp collar 114 on the end of the pipe liner PL (see FIG. 3) before inserting the nipple 120 into the liner end until the nipple is fully received by the liner. Here, "fully receiving" the nipple 120 means that the nipple moves axially into the end of the liner PL until the nipple presses radially outward against the entire circumference of the liner. Depending on the type of liner used, the nipple 120 can be inserted until the end of the liner begins to expand or stretch circumferentially around the nipple.

[0030] The installer then inserts the threaded rod 140 into each rod opening 124 of the fitting flanges and installs the anchor nuts 144, 146. The installer then moves the clamp collar 114 along the liner toward the liner fitting 112, rotating the collar so that the free end of the threaded rod 140 passes through the rod opening 133 of the collar flange 132. The installer then places a draw nut 142 on the end of each threaded rod 142 opposite the respective anchor nut 144, 146. Finally, the installer advances the draw nut 142 to draw the clamp flange along the length of the nipple 120 until the clamp collar reaches the proper mating position for clamping the liner PL between the inner wall 136 and the outer wall 126. This fluidly connects the end termination assembly 110 to the pipe liner PL.

[0031] After fluidly connecting the pipe liner PL to the end termination assembly 110, the installer can then fluidly connect the pipe coupling 122 to the existing host pipe system PS using appropriate techniques and fittings.

[0032] Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0033] Because various changes may be made in the above structures and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all subject matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. 1. An end termination assembly for a pipe liner, the end termination assembly comprising: a liner fitting having an axis, the liner fitting comprising: a pipe coupling configured to couple to a host pipe system; and a nipple configured to be inserted into an end of the pipe liner, the nipple extending away from the pipe coupling in a first axial direction, the nipple having a first end and a second end, the second end of the nipple being spaced from the first end of the nipple in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction, the nipple comprising an annular outer wall having an outer dimension and a length extending along the axis from the first end of the nipple to the second end of the nipple; a clamp collar having a first end and a second end, the second end of the clamp collar being spaced from the first end of the clamp collar in the second axial direction, the clamp collar comprising an annular inner wall having an inner dimension and a length extending along the axis from the first end of the clamp collar to the second end of the clamp collar, the clamp collar being configured to be disposed about the nipple to clamp an end of the pipe liner between the annular inner wall of the clamp collar and an annular outer wall of the nipple to fluidly couple the end termination assembly to the pipe liner, the length of the annular outer wall of the nipple being greater than the length of the annular inner wall of the clamp collar; Equipped with at least one of the annular inner wall of the clamping collar and the annular outer wall of the nipple tapers radially inwardly as it extends longitudinally in the first axial direction such that each of the inner and outer dimensions gradually decreases from the second end to the first end of each of the clamping collar and the nipple; the clamp collar is operably connectable to the nipple for non-rotational movement relative to the nipple along the axis in the second axial direction to clamp and seal the pipe liner to the nipple.

2. 2. The end termination assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the annular inner wall of the clamp collar and the annular outer wall of the nipple tapers radially inward as they extend lengthwise in the first axial direction such that the inner dimension and the outer dimension, respectively, gradually decrease from the second end to the first end.

3. 3. The end termination assembly of claim 2, wherein the inner annular wall of the clamp collar and the outer annular wall of the nipple each have a respective taper angle, the taper angles of the inner annular wall of the clamp collar and the outer annular wall of the nipple being approximately the same.

4. The end termination assembly of claim 3 , wherein the taper angle of the inner annular wall of the clamp collar and the outer annular wall of the nipple is within the inclusive range of about 1° to about 15°.

5. 2. The end termination assembly of claim 1, wherein an annular outer wall of the nipple tapers radially inward as it extends in the first axial direction, the annular outer wall of the nipple comprising a plurality of annular barbs spaced along a length of the nipple.

6. 6. The end termination assembly of claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of annular barbs has a maximum diameter, the maximum diameters of the plurality of annular barbs decreasing continuously along a length of the nipple in the first axial direction.

7. The end termination assembly of claim 6 , wherein the annular inner wall of the clamping collar tapers radially inward as it extends in the first axial direction, and wherein the annular inner wall of the clamping collar is substantially smooth.

8. The end termination assembly of claim 1 , wherein the clamp collar is formed from a single monolithic piece of material.

9. 2. The end termination assembly of claim 1, further comprising a pulling mechanism configured to pull the clamp collar along the nipple in the second axial direction without rotating the clamp collar relative to the nipple to clamp the end of the pipe liner between the clamp collar and the nipple.

10. The end termination assembly of claim 9 , wherein the pull-up mechanism comprises a threaded rod and a pull-up nut configured to threadably couple to the threaded rod.

11. each of the liner fitting and the clamp collar includes a rod opening; the threaded rod is configured to extend through rod openings in each of the liner fitting and the clamp collar; the draw nut is configured to engage one of the liner fitting and the clamp collar when the draw nut is threadably advanced along the threaded rod to draw the clamp collar in the second axial direction relative to the nipple. The end termination assembly of claim 10.

12. 2. The end termination assembly of claim 1, wherein the clamp collar is configured to be positioned about the nipple at a plurality of coupling locations spaced along a length of the nipple, and at each of the coupling locations, the clamp collar and the nipple are configured to define an annular space for receiving the pipe liner, the annular space having a radial thickness relative to the axis, the radial thickness of the annular space being different at each of the plurality of coupling locations.

13. 1. An end termination assembly for a pipe liner, the end termination assembly comprising: a clamping collar configured to be disposed about the pipe liner; a liner fitting having an axis, the liner fitting comprising a pipe coupling configured to couple to a host pipe system and a nipple configured to be inserted into an end of the pipe liner, the nipple extending away from the pipe coupling in a first axial direction, the nipple having a length in the first axial direction; a pulling mechanism configured to pull the clamp collar along the pipe liner in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction without rotation of the clamp collar relative to the nipple, to position the clamp collar around a nipple inserted into an end of the pipe liner, and to clamp the end of the pipe liner between the clamp collar and the nipple to fluidly couple the end termination assembly to the pipe liner, the pulling mechanism comprising a threaded rod having a length greater than a length of the nipple, first and second anchor nuts adapted to be threadably received on the threaded rod and engageable with the pipe coupling to selectively position the threaded rod relative to the pipe coupling, and a pulling nut adapted to be threadably received on the threaded rod and engageable with the clamp collar to press the clamp collar towards the pipe coupling; An end termination assembly comprising:

14. each of the liner fitting and the clamp collar includes a rod opening; the threaded rod is configured to extend through rod openings in each of the liner fitting and the clamp collar; the draw nut is configured to engage one of the liner fitting and the clamp collar when the draw nut is threadably advanced along the threaded rod to draw the clamp collar in the second axial direction. The end termination assembly of claim 13.

15. 14. The end termination assembly of claim 13, wherein the clamp collar comprises a collar flange and the liner fitting comprises a fitting flange, the collar flange and the fitting flange configured to receive the threaded rod therethrough such that the threaded rod has a first end protruding from the collar flange in the first axial direction and a second end protruding from the fitting flange in the second axial direction.

16. 1. A terminated pipe liner-to-pipe connection, said connection comprising: a host pipe system including a first host pipe and a second host pipe; a pipe liner extending from the first host pipe; a liner fitting having an axis, the liner fitting comprising: a pipe coupling coupled to the second host pipe; and a nipple received within an end of the pipe liner, the nipple extending away from the pipe coupling in a first axial direction, the nipple having a first end and a second end, the second end of the nipple being spaced from the first end of the nipple in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction, the nipple comprising an annular outer wall having an outer dimension and a length extending along the axis from the first end of the nipple to the second end of the nipple; a clamp collar having a first end and a second end, the second end of the clamp collar being spaced from the first end of the clamp collar in the second axial direction, the clamp collar comprising an annular inner wall having an inner dimension and a length extending along the axis from the first end of the clamp collar to the second end of the clamp collar, the clamp collar being disposed about the nipple to clamp an end of the pipe liner between the annular inner wall of the clamp collar and the annular outer wall of the nipple to fluidly couple an end termination assembly to the pipe liner; Equipped with at least one of the annular inner wall of the clamping collar and the annular outer wall of the nipple tapers radially inwardly as it extends longitudinally in the first axial direction such that each of the inner and outer dimensions gradually decreases from the second end to the first end of each of the clamping collar and the nipple; the clamping collar is connected to the nipple for non-rotational movement relative to the nipple along the axis in the second axial direction to clamp the pipe liner to the nipple; A connection, wherein the liner fitting and the clamp collar do not have any connection to the first host pipe other than the pipe liner.

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