Mechanical pipe coupling for metallic pipes

Abstract

A mechanical pipe coupling, for metallic pipes, is disclosed. The mechanical pipe coupling comprises: a first segment and a counter second segment; a seal; and one or more fasteners, wherein each one of the first and second segments comprises: an inner recess shaped to receive the seal; two side shoulders from both sides of the inner recess, such that each side shoulder is shaped to encompass a metallic pipe, and comprising an inner surface facing the metallic pipe. In some embodiments, the inner surface of at least one shoulder, comprises a plurality of discrete friction-enhancing elements distributed on at least a portion of the inner surface; and the each segment comprises two lugs positioned at each end of the segment and project outwardly from the segment, wherein each lug comprises a hole for receiving a fastener.

Description

MECHANICAL PIPE COUPLING FOR METALLIC PIPESCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 527,835, filed July 20, 2023, the contents of which are all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to the field of mechanical coupling elements and more specifically to mechanical pipe coupling, for metallic pipes.BACKGROUND

[0003] Pipe couplings generally allow two pipes to be joined. Typically, the ends of the pipes are aligned co-axially and a rubber gasket is fitted over the pipe ends to provide a fluid tight seal. A two-part metal coupling is positioned around the pipe ends and the rubber gasket and is screwed together with bolt / s and nut / s to hold the pipes together even under high internal pressure. Grooved couplings have rims that act as keys that engage circumferential grooves that extend around each of the pipe elements to be joined.

[0004] Coupling metal pipes and more specifically high-pressure metal pipes require good attachment between the coupling and the pipes. The attachment must withstand the axial forces applied on the coupling and the pipes by the high pressure. One solution includes grooved coupling. However, grooved coupling requires forming grooves in the pipes and therefore is not suitable for quick replacement for damaged (e.g., leaking) pipes.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a pipe coupling that allows the replacement of a damaged portion of a pipe, by simply cutting the damaged portion and replacing it with a new portion secured by two pipe couplings. There is also a need for coupling pressurized pipes, that do not have a circumferential groove.SUMMARY

[0006] Some aspects of the invention are directed to a mechanical pipe coupling, for metallic pipes, comprising: a first segment and a counter second segment; a seal; and one or more fasteners, wherein each one of the first and second segments comprises: an inner recess shaped to receive the seal; two side shoulders from both sides of the inner recess, wherein each side shoulder is shaped to encompass a metallic pipe, and comprising an inner surface facing the metallic pipe, and wherein the inner surface of at least one shoulder, comprising a plurality of discrete friction-enhancing elements distributed on at least a portion of the inner surface; and two lugs positioned at each end of the segment and project outwardly from the segment, wherein each lug comprises a hole for receiving at least one fastener from the one or more fasteners.

[0007] In some embodiments, the distribution of the discrete friction-enhancing elements is determined based on a diameter of at least one pipe and a pressure the pipe is configured to withstand. In some embodiments, the discrete friction-enhancing elements are distributed at a distribution of between 0.1 to 20 friction-enhancing elements for each square cm. In some embodiments, the discrete friction-enhancing elements are distributed at a first distribution in a first portion of the inner surface and at a second distribution at second portion of the inner surface, wherein the first distribution is higher than the second distribution.

[0008] In some embodiments, the mechanical pipe coupling comprises at least two different types of discrete friction-enhancing elements differ in at least one of: geometrical shape, height, and geometrical size. In some embodiments, the discrete friction-enhancing elements are an integral part of the inner surfaces of the two side shoulders. In some embodiments, the mechanical pipe coupling comprises a first side shoulder shaped to encompass a first metallic pipe having a first diameter; and a second side shoulder shaped to encompass a second metallic pipe having a second diameter different than the first diameter.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first side shoulder comprising the plurality of discrete friction-enhancing elements distributed on at least the portion of the inner surface; and the second side shoulder comprising a radial tooth to fit into a groove in the second pipe.In some embodiments, the discrete friction-enhancing elements are selected from, pins, rivets, pyramidal shape, a prism shape, a semi-spherical shape, a jagged bulge, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, first and second segments are made from alloys selected from, cast iron, steel alloys, titanium alloys, stainless steel, copper alloys, and aluminum alloys and magnesium alloys.

[0010] In some embodiments, an inner diameter of the side shoulders is between 6 to 600 mm. In some embodiments, a width of each side shoulder is between 5 to 100 mm. In some embodiments, a thickness of each side shoulder is between 4 to 30 mm. In some embodiments, a length of each side shoulder is between 10 to 900 mm.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0011] Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures. Dimensions of components and features shown in the figures are generally chosen for convenience and clarity of presentation and are not necessarily shown to scale. The figures are listed below.

[0012] Fig. 1 includes illustrations of a top view and a side view of a stand-alone pipe coupling and metal pipes according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0013] Figs. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are illustrations of top views and perspective views of several pipe coupling segments according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0014] Figs. 3A, 3B, and 3C are illustrations of a top view a perspective view, and a side view, respectively, of a pipe coupling segment according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0015] Fig. 3D is an illustration of another stand-alone pipe coupling, coupling pipes according to some embodiments of the invention; and

[0016] Figs. 4A and 4B are illustrations of pipe couplings having more than two pipe coupling segments according to some embodiments of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Disclosed herein in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a mechanical pipe coupling for use with a seal, and configured to seal end portions of pipe elements.

[0018] The term “pipe element” is used herein to describe any pipe-like item or component having a pipe like form. Pipe elements include, without limitation, pipe stock, pipe fittings such as elbows, caps, and tees as well as fluid control components such as valves, reducers, strainers, restrictors, pressure regulators, and the like.

[0019] As used herein “metallic pipe” or “metallic pipe element” may be defined as any pipe or pipe element made from metal or alloy, for example, cast iron, stainless steel, brass, or any other copper alloys, nickel alloys, aluminum alloys, iron alloys, or any other metallic alloy. Some nonlimiting examples for metallic pipes or metallic pipe elements may include high-pressure cast iron pipes, stainless steel pipes for the pharmaceutical and / or food industry, brass water piping, and the like. The metallic pipes or pipe elements may have an internal diameter that varies between 5 to 600 mm, for example, between k?” to 24”, between ’A” to 12” and any range or value in between.

[0020] A mechanical pipe coupling according to some embodiments of the invention is designed to couple metallic pipes or pipe elements, for example, for replacing a leaking portion of the pipe.

[0021] In accordance with some aspects of the present invention, the mechanical pipe coupling comprises at least two coupling segments (in some aspects the segments are hingedly coupled at one end of the segments) that are configured to be tightened around pipe element ends to join the pipes together. In some embodiments, the coupling segments may be made from the same metal / alloy of the pipes in order to avoid corrosion. In some embodiments, the coupling segments may be made from different metals / alloys and may further be coated or include sacrificial elements for providing the required protection against corrosion.

[0022] In some embodiments, the mechanical pipe coupling may be designed to couple pressurized pipes while providing a sufficient seal between the pipes. Therefore, at leastone segment of the at least two coupling segments may include a plurality of discrete friction-enhancing elements on an inner surface of the segment attached to the pipe. The friction-enhancing elements are configured to at least partially be imbedded in the pipe’s outer surface.

[0023] In accordance with some aspects of the present invention, the pipe coupling segments are provided with an inner recess shaped to receive a seal when fastening lugs are drawn toward each other. Thereby, the recess prevents damage to the seal by maintaining the integrity of the seal, resulting in prolonging the working life of the seal. Typically, the recess slides along an outer surface of the seal to physically block radial deformation (e.g., projection) of the seal. Additionally, or alternatively, the recess closes a gap between the at least first and at least second segments when the lugs are drawn toward each other, thereby inhibiting outward bulging of the seal that may result in pinching and trapping of the seal between the fastening lugs of the first and second segments.

[0024] Reference is first made to Fig. 1 and Figs. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D. Fig. lincludes illustrations of a top view and a side view of a stand-alone pipe coupling, coupling pipes according to some embodiments of the invention; and Figs. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D include illustrations of top views and perspective views of several nonlimiting examples for pipe coupling segments according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0025] In some embodiments, mechanical pipe couplings 100 may include a first segment 10a and a counter second segment 10b, one or more fasteners 20, and a seal 30 (shown also in Fig. 3D). In some embodiments, mechanical pipe coupling 100 may couple first pipe 5 and second pipe 6. In some embodiments, mechanical pipe coupling 100 may include a single fastener 20 at a first side and a hinge and the other side (not illustrated). In some embodiments, mechanical pipe coupling 100 may include two fasteners, as illustrated in Fig. 1, three fasteners as illustrated in Fig. 4A, four fasteners as illustrated in Fig. 4B or more.

[0026] In some embodiments, mechanical pipe coupling 100 may include two lugs 15 positioned at each end of segments 10a and 10b and project outwardly from the segment, such that, each lug 15 comprises a hole for receiving a fastener 20.

[0027] In some embodiments, each one of first segment 10a, and second segment 10b comprises an inner recess 18 (shown also in Figs. 2A - 2D) shaped to receive seal 30. In some embodiments, seal 30 comprises a circumferential elastomeric ring seal disposed inside recess 18 and extending along a major portion, but not all, of the width of recess 18 (for example, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the width of recess 18 is larger than the width of an outer diameter of seal 30 by about 1-2 mm, e.g., about 1.5 mm.

[0028] In some embodiments, each one of first segment 10a, and second segment 10b may further include two side shoulders 11 and 12 (shown in Figs. 2 and 3) from both sides of recess 18, wherein each side shoulder 11 and 12 is shaped to encompass metallic pipe 5 and / or 6, and comprising an inner surface facing the metallic pipe. In some embodiments, the inner surface of at least one shoulder 11 and / or 12, comprising a plurality of discrete friction-enhancing elements 13 (shown in Fig. 1) and, 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d (shown in Figs. 2A-2D) distributed on at least a portion of the inner surface.

[0029] In some embodiments, an inner diameter of the side shoulders 11 and 12 is between 6to 600 mm, for example, between 12 to 450 mm, between 20 to 350 mm, between 50 to 250 mm and any value in between. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of side shoulders 11 is different from the inner diameter of side shoulder 12, since the diameter of pipe 5 is different from the diameter of pipe 6.

[0030] In some embodiments, a width of each side shoulder is between 5 to 100 mm, for example, 2 to 40, 3 to 30, 5 to 20 and any value in between. In some embodiments, the width of side shoulders 11 is different from the width of side shoulder 12.

[0031] In some embodiments, a thickness of each side shoulder is between 4 to 30 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of side shoulders 11 is different from the thickness of side shoulder 12.

[0032] In some embodiments, a length of each side shoulder is between 10 to 900 mm, for example, 10 to 100, 10 to 200, 10 to 500, 100 to 700, 200 to 800, and any value in between. In some embodiments, the length of side shoulders 11 is different from the length of side shoulder 12.

[0033] In some embodiments, first side shoulder 11 is shaped to encompass first metallic pipe 5 having a first diameter; and second side shoulder 12 is shaped to encompass second metallic pipe 6 having a second diameter different than the first diameter. In the nonlimiting example, shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the diameter of pipe 5 is larger than the diameter of pipe 6.

[0034] In some embodiments, discrete friction-enhancing elements 13, 13a, 13b, 13c and 13d are selected from: pins, rivets, a pyramidal shape, a prism shape, a semi-spherical shape, a jagged bulge, a wave, and any combination thereof. Some nonlimiting examples may include, pyramidal and prism shape elements 13b, pins 13a, semi-spherical wave shape elements 13c, and the combined strips and pins 13d.

[0035] In some embodiments, the distribution of discrete friction-enhancing elements 13, 13 a, 13b, 13c. and 13d is determined based on the diameter of at least one pipe and the pressure the pipe is configured to withstand. In some embodiments, the internal diameter of pipes 5 and 6 may vary between 5 mm to 600 mm, for example, between 10 mm to 500 mm, between 20 mm to 300 mm, between 20 mm to 100 mm and any value in between. In some embodiments, the pressure pipes 5 and 6 are configured to withstand may vary between 1 to 16 bar. The higher the pressure, the larger is the distribution, such that, a larger number of friction-enhancing elements 13, 13a, 13b, 13c and 13d is distributed on a cm2.

[0036] In some embodiments, the distribution of discrete friction-enhancing elements 13, 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d may be between 0.1 to 20 elements per cm2. For example, the distribution of discrete friction-enhancing elements 13 a, 13b, 13c and 13d may be between 0.5 to 15 elements per cm2, between 1 to 10 elements per cm2, between 0.2 to 5 elements per cm2, and any value in between. In some embodiments, the distribution of discrete friction-enhancing elements 13, 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d on first side shoulder 11 may differ from the distribution of discrete friction-enhancing elements 13, 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d on second side shoulder 12.

[0037] In some embodiments, first side shoulder 11 may comprise the plurality of discrete friction-enhancing elements 13, 13a, 13b, 13c and 13d distributed on at least the portionof the inner surface; and second side shoulder 12 may comprise a radial tooth 17 to fit into a groove 7, in pipe 5 shown and discussed with respect to Fig. 3D.

[0038] Reference is now made to Figs. 3A, 3B, and 3C which are illustrations of a front view, a perspective view, and side view of a pipe coupling segment according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, segment 10a may include inner recess 18 shaped to receive the seal and two side shoulders 11 and 12 from both sides of inner recess 18. In some embodiments, inner surfaces of at least one shoulder 11 and / or 12, comprising a plurality of discrete friction-enhancing elements 13a’ and / or 13a” distributed on at least a portion of the inner surface. In the nonlimiting example illustrated in Figs. 3 A, 3B and 3C, discrete friction-enhancing elements 13a’ and / or 13a” have a pyramidal shape. In some embodiments, friction-enhancing elements 13a’ may differ from friction-enhancing elements 13a” by at least one of geometrical shape and geometrical size. In the nonlimiting example illustrated in Fig. 3A discrete frictionenhancing elements 13 a’ have a smaller base than discrete friction-enhancing elements 13a”.

[0039] In some embodiments, friction-enhancing elements 13a’ may have a different height than friction-enhancing elements 13a”. For example, friction-enhancing elements 13a’ may be higher (e.g., longer) than friction-enhancing elements 13a”, thus providing higher friction force and attachment near lugs 15, where segments 10a and 10b are to be connected, as discussed with respect to Fig. 3C.

[0040] In some embodiments, it may be required to add additional attachment force / friction between pipes 5 and 6 and shoulders 11 and 12, at specific locations. For example, the additional attachment force / friction may be required at locations closer to lugs 15. In some embodiments, discrete friction-enhancing elements are distributed at a first distribution in a first portion 131 of the inner surface and at a second distribution at a second portion 132 of the inner surface, wherein the first distribution is higher than the second distribution, as illustrated. For example, the first distribution in first portion 131 may be 5 elements per cm2, and the second distribution at second portion 132 may be 2 elements per cm2.

[0041] In some embodiments, shoulders 11 and 12 of segments 10a and 10b may have different inner curvatures at different portions of shoulders 11 and 12. For example, at the middle of each shoulder 11 or 12, the radius of curvature may be Ra and towards the edges of shoulders 11 and 12, the radius may change into Rb. In some embodiments, the inner curvature of shoulders 11 and 12 may include more than two radiuses of curvature.

[0042] Reference is now made to Fig. 3C which shows pipe coupling segment 10a at which the size (e.g., height) of friction-enhancing elements 13a’ and 13a” may vary across the surface of shoulders 11 and 12. The height may be defined by two radiuses R and Rl. R is the radius of the surface of shoulders 11 or 12 and R1 is a radius defining the height of the tips of friction-enhancing elements 13a’ and 13a”. Rl may be equal or different than R. Rl may be concentrically shifted from the symmetry center of shoulders 11 and 12, The shift may be between 0.2 to 1 mm, between 0.2 to 0.5 mm, between 0.3 to 0.5 (as illustrated), between 0.4 to 0.8mm, between 0.5 to 1 mm and any value or range in between. Therefore, friction-enhancing elements 13a’ located closer to lugs 15 are shorter than friction-enhancing elements 13a” located closer to the middle of shoulders 11 or 12. This arrangement may allow a more even distribution of the tightening force and the force applied on the connector from internal pressure. Since the main tightening is provided by the lugs and fasteners, using larger friction-enhancing elements at areas distant from the lugs, may allow these friction-enhancing elements to carry a larger portion of the force, in comparison to the smaller friction -enhancing elements located in proximity to the lugs.

[0043] Reference is now made to Fig. 3D, which is an illustration of another stand-alone pipe coupling, coupling pipes according to some embodiments of the invention. Pipe coupling 100a may couple two pipes 5 and 6. In order to prevent any leakages seal 30 may be inserted into inner recess 18. In some embodiments, first side shoulder 11 of pipe coupling 100a may include a plurality of discrete friction-enhancing elements 13 distributed on at least the portion of the inner surface, and second side shoulder 12a may include a radial tooth 17 sized to fit into a groove 7 in a pipe 5.

[0044] In some embodiments, second side shoulder 12 that includes radial tooth 17 may have a larger diameter than first side shoulder 11 comprising the plurality of discretefriction-enhancing elements 13. In a nonlimiting example of replacing a section in a pipe, the damaged section in a thinner pipe may be cut and replaced with an overlapping wider pipe using two pipe couplings 100a. The wider pipe may include two groves to fit radial tooths 17. Two pipe couplings 100a may be placed at each side of the wider pipe, such that, upon tightening and locking pipe couplings 100a, radial tooth 17 on second side shoulder 12, of each pipe coupling 100a, may be locked into a corresponding groove 7 of the wider pipe. Simultaneously, discrete friction-enhancing elements 13 on first side shoulder 11 may be locked into two surfaces at two ends of the thinner pipe.

[0045] Reference is now made to Figs. 4A and 4B, which are illustrations of mechanical pipe couplings comprising more than two segments according to some embodiments of the invention. In Fig. 4A pipe coupling 100A may include 3 segments 10a, 10b, and 10c, and in Fig. 4B pipe coupling 100B may include 4 segments 10a, 10b, 10c, and lOd. As should be understood by one skilled in the art, the 2, 3, and 4 segments illustrated in Fig. 1 and Figs. 4A and 4B are given as examples only and the invention is not limited to a specific number of segments. In some embodiments, segments 10a, 10b, 10c, and lOd may have substantially the same structure and elements as segments 10a and 10b discussed above, segments 10a, 10b, 10c, and lOd may differ in the length and angular angle, which can be 180° (segments 10a and 10b), 120° (segments 10a, 10b and 10c), 90° (segments 10a, 10b, 10c and lOd) and the like.

[0046] In the description and claims of the application, each of the words “comprise” “include” and “have”, and form thereof, are not necessarily limited to members in a list with which the words may be associated. In addition, where there are inconsistencies between this application and any document incorporated by reference, it is hereby intended that the present application controls.

[0047] The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologiesfound in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A mechanical pipe coupling, for metallic pipes, comprising: a first segment and a counter second segment; a seal; and one or more fasteners, wherein each one of the first and second segments comprises: an inner recess shaped to receive the seal; two side shoulders from both sides of the inner recess, wherein each side shoulder is shaped to encompass a metallic pipe, and comprising an inner surface facing the metallic pipe, and wherein the inner surface of at least one shoulder, comprising a plurality of discrete friction-enhancing elements distributed on at least a portion of the inner surface; and two lugs positioned at each end of the segment and project outwardly from the segment, wherein each lug comprises a hole for receiving at least one fastener from the one or more fasteners.

2. The mechanical pipe coupling of claim 1 , wherein the distribution of the discrete friction-enhancing elements is determined based on a diameter of at least one pipe and a pressure the pipe is configured to withstand.

3. The mechanical pipe coupling of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the discrete frictionenhancing elements are distributed at a distribution of between 0.1 to 20 frictionenhancing elements for each square cm.

4. The mechanical pipe coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the discrete friction-enhancing elements are distributed at a first distribution in a first portion of the inner surface and at a second distribution at second portion of the inner surface, wherein the first distribution is higher than the second distribution.

5. The mechanical pipe coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising at least two different types of discrete friction-enhancing elements differ in at least one of: geometrical shape, height, and geometrical size.

6. The mechanical pipe coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the discrete friction-enhancing elements are an integral part of the inner surfaces of the two side shoulders.

7. The mechanical pipe coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a first side shoulder shaped to encompass a first metallic pipe having a first diameter; and a second side shoulder shaped to encompass a second metallic pipe having a second diameter different than the first diameter.

8. The mechanical pipe coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a first side shoulder comprising the plurality of discrete friction-enhancing elements distributed on at least the portion of the inner surface; and a second side shoulder comprising a radial tooth sized to fit into a groove in a pipe.

9. The mechanical pipe coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the discrete friction-enhancing elements are selected from, pins, rivets, pyramidal shape, a prism shape, a semi-spherical shape, a jagged bulge, and any combination thereof.

10. The mechanical pipe coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first and second segments are made from alloys selected from, cast iron, steel alloys, titanium alloys, stainless steel, copper alloys, and aluminum alloys and magnesium alloys.

11. The mechanical pipe coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein an inner diameter of the side shoulders is between 6 to 600 mm.

12. The mechanical pipe coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a width of each side shoulder is between 5 to 100 mm.

13. The mechanical pipe coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a thickness of each side shoulder is between 4 to 30 mm.

14. The mechanical pipe coupling according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a length of each side shoulder is between 10 to 900 mm.

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