A device and its method for gripping a pipe and / or sealing leaks in pipe

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a device (100) and its method for gripping a pipe and / or sealing leaks in pipe. The device (100) for gripping a pipe (130) and / or sealing leaks in pipe (130) comprising at least one disc (110), adapted to enclose a pipe (130) so as to tightly grip it and exert a gripping force on the outer surface of pipe (130). A housing (101) integrally formed to enclose and support the flange / disc (110). The housing (101) facilitating alignment of the disc (110) around the pipe (130). A sealing portion (105) is positioned within the housing (101). The sealing portion (105) being compressible by the disc (110) so as to provide adequate sealing against the outer surface of the pipe (130) and by means of attachment (125) adapted to secure the main cover (101) around the pipe (130) and adjustably tighten to compress the sealing portion (105) against the pipe surface, thereby sealing the leakage. Additionally, the device (100) is simple due to the usage of less number of captive components, cost-effective, and efficient in arresting leakage quickly in a pipe (130) or pipeline.

Description

[0001] A DEVICE AND ITS METHOD FOR GRIPPING A PIPE AND / OR SEALING LEAKS IN PIPE

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a device and its method for gripping a pipe and / or sealing leaks in pipe. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the field of industrial piping, especially for fluid pipes.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.

[0006] A gripping and sealing technology plays an essential role in various industries where maintaining the integrity and efficiency of pipelines and other fluid-carrying systems is equally important. Certain devices are commercially available in the industrial market for arresting pipeline leakages. Conventional devices for gripping a pipe to address leaks typically involve the use of clamps, adhesives, mechanical fittings and mechanical leakage arresting devices usually in two halves, which are screwed over the leaking pipe. Apart from those, certain other devices employ chemical sealants as well as wraps and tapes etc. to arrest the leakage which leads to complexity, requirement of skilled labour requirement and specialized tools for installation, which can increase downtime and labour costs. Based on the severity and location of the leak, traditional methods may not always provide a reliable or long-term fix. Adhesives can degrade over time, mechanical fittings may corrode or loosen, and clamps may not adequately seal irregularly shaped leaks. Further, certain adhesives and sealants used in traditional pipe repair methods may contain harmful chemicals, posing environmental risks if not handled or disposed of properly. The cost of materials and labour associated with traditional repair methods can be significant, especially for large-scale or recurring leaks. Furthermore, working with traditional repair methods in hazardous or remote locations can present safety challenges for maintenance crews. There are conventional techniques of pipe repair such as welding or pipe replacement can be costly and time-consuming, particularly in environments where immediate human intervention is crucial to prevent operational disruptions or environmental hazards. Shutting down operations for repairs using traditional methods can lead to substantial production losses and affect overall productivity.

[0007] Reference is made to patent no. IN469789. The patent introduces a leakagearresting gripper that uses a cylindrical housing with two inclined machined slots opposite to each other with a gradient. Two respective nuts when tightened move their respective sliders in the slot and hence enabling the gripping and squeezing of the gasket elastomer.

[0008] Another reference is made to patent Application no. US4357961A. The patent application introduces the pipeline repairing kit consists of a flexible envelope divided into compartments. It contains two parts of a resin system in separate compartments and an absorbent bandage in another, equipped with a vent. To use the kit, first, the barriers between the resin compartments are removed, allowing the components to mix. Then, the mixed resin contacts the bandage, saturating it. The bandage, soaked in resin, is then applied around the damaged pipeline section. The vent on the bandage can be closed to aid the curing of the resin, ensuring a seal.

[0009] Still, another reference is made to patent no. US9261218B2. The patent introduces a method for sealing a leak in a pipeline which is used to transport fluid that includes positioning a sealing device within the pipeline, moving the sealing device through the pipeline to a leak location, and internally generating an inflation pressure to inflate the sealing device to substantially cover a leak opening and limit release of the fluid from the pipeline. Yet, another reference is made to patent no. US6334465B2. The patent introduces a device configured to stop leaks in pipes with cracks by utilizing an elastomer sheet, a force applicator, and a clamping mechanism. The elastomer sheet is positioned against the crack and subjected to pressure using the force applicator, which includes shearing elements. These shearing elements consist of two groups of rigid partitions: one group arranged parallel to each other and another group arranged perpendicular to the first set. These partitions are oriented perpendicularly to the pipe's surface and exert shearing forces on the elastomer sheet at the crack site. This action deforms the elastomer sheet to conform to the shape of the crack, effectively sealing it and preventing further leakage. The clamping mechanism around the pipe ensures that the force applicator maintains sufficient pressure on the elastomer sheet to achieve a secure seal. This device offers a mechanical solution for repairing pipe cracks without requiring invasive methods like welding or pipe replacement, thereby reducing downtime and maintenance costs associated with traditional repair techniques.

[0010] Another reference is made to patent no. US8528945B2. The patent introduces a pipe coupling which connects the ends of two pipes with a sleeve and a split-ring gland arrangement. The split-ring gland comprises two partially circular members with gaps bridged by armor, which includes a corrugated section that engages the gasket during compression for a tight seal. The annular gasket within the split-ring gland features a pressure assist slot to manage pressurized fluid and cross grooves to maintain fluid communication.

[0011] However, these references have limitations in regard to complex construction and usage of larger number of components as well as more time taken to arrest the leakage. Therefore, there is a need for a device as well as a method for gripping a pipe and / or sealing leaks in pipe for the abovementioned bottlenecks. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:

[0013] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a device and method to arrest the leakage from the pipeline at ease and comparatively lesser time.

[0014] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device and method for a single unskilled person who can use it conveniently to arrest the leak.

[0015] Another object of the present disclosure is to achieve a simple, durable yet cost- effective construction of the device and method for gripping a pipe and / or sealing leaks in pipe.

[0016] Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0017] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following disclosure presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the present invention. It is not intended to identify the key / critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concept of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description of the invention presented later.

[0019] The present disclosure envisages a device and its method for gripping a pipe and / or sealing leaks in pipe. The present disclosure relates to a device for gripping and / or sealing leaks in pipe, the pipe having an outer leaky surface. The device for gripping a pipe and / or sealing leaks in pipe comprising a device (100) for gripping and / or sealing leaks in pipe, said pipe having an outer leaky surface, said device comprising at least one disc (110), adapted to enclose a pipe (130) so as to tightly grip it and exert a gripping force on the outer surface of pipe (130). The housing (101) with opening integrally formed to enclose and support the disc (110). Further, the housing (101) facilitating alignment of (101) and the disc (110) around the pipe (130). A sealing portion (105) positioned within the housing (101). The sealing portion (105) being compressible by the flange / disc (110) using at least one means of attachment (125) so as to provide adequate sealing against the pipe surface. Further, the means of attachment (125) adapted to secure said flange / disc (110) around the pipe (130) and adjustably tighten to compress the sealing portion (105) against the pipe surface, thereby sealing the leakage.

[0020] In an embodiment, the housing (101) having a cylindrical shape further comprising an inner diameter corresponding to an outer diameter of the pipe (130) to ensure secure and uniform gripping.

[0021] In another embodiment, the device optionally comprising a vent valve (120) operable to release excess fluid, ensuring proper alignment and sealing conveniently.

[0022] In yet another embodiment, the disc is substantially “C-shaped”adapted to securely grip the pipe (130). The pipe and the housing (101) are in close proximity upon fastening, thereby forming a secure seal by generating squeeze or compression of said sealing portion (105) without leakage.

[0023] In an embodiment, the housing (101) having an outer surface. The housing cover (101) includes alignment guides and internal channels or grooves on said outer surface to facilitate correct positioning and rotational movement of the disc (110) during installation on the pipe (130). The disc (110) can rotate in the said channel or groove on (101) but does not have any axial or linear movement. In another embodiment, the sealing portion (105) is made from materials selectively comprising elastomers, polymers, resilient material and polymeric material or any combination thereof.

[0024] In yet another embodiment, the sealing portion (105) is an elastomeric patch- made integral with housing (101).

[0025] Still, in an embodiment, the means of attachment (125) is selected from fasteners, bolts, and screws.

[0026] The present disclosure also envisages gripping and / or sealing leaks in pipe using a device, comprising:

[0027] • placing the device (100) onto the leaking pipe (130) in which device comprises one open side of a housing (101) and at least one disc (110) aligned to facilitate placement,

[0028] • Sealing portion (105) within the housing (101) is set to cover the leaky area on the outer surface of pipe (130),

[0029] • The flange / disc(110)is rotated by 180 degree after placement of the device (100). The flange / disc has attachment (125) which can now get direct contact access to the outer surface of pipe (130). Fastening the housing (101) around the pipe (130) by a means of disc(HO)., thereby compressing the sealing portion (105) against the pipe surface to seal the leakage of the pipe (130), and

[0030] • adjusting the means of attachment (125) to control the compression applied to the sealing portion (105) and enhance the sealing pressure on the pipe (130).

[0031] In an embodiment, the disc (110) is rotated by an angle approximately 180 degrees after placement of said device. In another embodiment, the method further optionally comprising a step of creating a valve (120) open during the process of arresting the leakage.

[0032] In yet another embodiment, the method further optionally comprising a step of closing said valve (120) after fastening to capture leakage.

[0033] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0034] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

[0035] A device and its method for gripping and / or sealing leaks in pipe, of the present disclosure, will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:

[0036] FIGURE 1 illustrate a perspective view of a device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIGURE 2 illustrates a top view of the device of Figure 1;

[0038] FIGURE 3 illustrates a front view of the device of Figure 1;

[0039] FIGURE 4 illustrates a side view of the device of Figure 1;

[0040] FIGURE 5 illustrates a schematic view of a flange / disc in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIGURE 6 illustrates a schematic view of a sealing component mainly “C- shaped” in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] FIGURE 7 illustrates a schematic view of a housing in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] FIGURE 8 illustrates a photographic view of the device according to the present disclosure; FIGURE 9 illustrates a schematic view of a step in a method for gripping pipe and sealing leaks using a device with valve that is before placing the device onto the leaking pipe;

[0044] FIGURE 10 illustrates a schematic view of a step in a method for gripping pipe and sealing leaks using a device with valve that is after placing the device onto the leaking pipe;

[0045] FIGURE 11 illustrates a schematic view of a step in a method for gripping pipe and sealing leaks using a device without valve that is before placing the device onto the leaking pipe;

[0046] FIGURE 12 illustrates a schematic view of a step in a method for gripping pipe and sealing leaks using a device without valve that is after placing the device onto the leaking pipe;

[0047] FIGURE 13 illustrates a representation of the device according to the present disclosure;

[0048] FIGURE 14 illustrates a schematic view of the device with sealing portion according to the present disclosure; and

[0049] FIGURE 15 illustrates a application based view of the device according to the present disclosure;

[0050] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may not have been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

[0051] DETAIEED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] The present invention may be embodied in several forms, and the details of embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following content with figures. The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are merely illustrative of the technical solutions of the present disclosure but are not to be constructed as limited to the technical solutions of the present disclosure.

[0053] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of the present invention is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims. As used in the description of the invention and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0054] Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] A device and its method for gripping and / or sealing leaks in pipe, of the present disclosure, will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 15.

[0056] The present disclosure envisages a device and its method for gripping and / or sealing leaks in pipe. The present disclosure relates to a device (100) for gripping and / or sealing leaks in pipe (130), the pipe (130) having an outer surface. The device (100) for gripping a pipe (130) and / or sealing leaks in pipe (130) comprising a housing with an open linear slot (101), adapted to enclose a pipe (130) so as to tightly grip it and exert a gripping force on the outer surface of pipe (130). The housing (101) integrally formed to support at least one disc (110) sitting on the outer surface of (101) in their respective groove(s). The disc(s) can rotate or slide in their respective groove(s) but without any axial movement. Further, the housing cover (101) opening is in straight alignment with the opening in the disc(s) (110) around the pipe (130) before placing the device (100) onto the leaking pipe (130). In this configuration, the vent valve (120) and the means of attachment (125) mainly fastener are on the same side of the pipe. The means of attachment (125) mainly fastener is an integral part of disc(s) (110). This specific configuration of the aligned slots in the housing (101) and the disc(s) (110) enables clear pathway to be properly positioned and secured over the leaking pipe (130).

[0057] In another embodiment, the device (100) are placed over the pipe (130), the disc are rotated by half a turn approximately 180 degrees thereto. In this configuration, the fastener (125) is at 180 degree to the vent valve side that is opposite side. The fastener (125) can now be tightened to create squeeze in the sealing portion. The sealing portion (105) is attached integrally within the inner surface of the housing (101). The sealing portion (105) being compressible by the disc(s) (110). The device (100) is fastened using the means of attachment (125) mainly screw fastener which provides adequate sealing against the outer surface of the pipe (130). The means of attachment (125) mainly screw fastener is fastened against the pipe (130) which generates compression in the sealing portion (105) thereby pressing the housing (101) onto the pipe (130). This tighteneing of screw fastener (125) draws the pipe (130) and the housing (101) in close proximity, thereby squeezing the elastomer sandwiched between the housing (101) and the pipe (130).

[0058] In this embodiment, the disc (110) is substantially “C-shaped” or a ring shaped.

[0059] In this embodiment, the means of attachment (125) is selected from fasteners, bolts, and screws.

[0060] Still, in this embodiment, the housing is a main cylindrical housing cover or a flange / disc.

[0061] In yet another embodiment, the sealing portion (105) is an elastomeric patch or an elastomer sealing portion which is made integral with the housing (101). In an aspect, the present disclosure can be applied to a pipe (130) or a pipeline carrying water, hydrocarbons, gases, other chemicals and other fluids and a combination thereof.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, a device (100) for gripping and / or sealing leaks in pipe, the pipe (130) having an outer surface. The device (100) for gripping a pipe (130) and / or sealing leaks in pipe (130) comprising at least two flanges / disc(s) (110), adapted to enclose a pipe (130) so as to tightly grip it and exert a gripping force on the outer surface of pipe (130). A housing (101) integrally formed to enclose and support the flanges / discs (110). The housing (101) facilitating alignment of the flange / disc (110) around the pipe (130). A sealing portion (105) is positioned within the housing (101) and between the pipe (130).

[0063] The sealing portion (105) is in integral with the housing (101). The sealing (105) is compressible by the disc (110) when the means of attachment (125) is tightened against the pipe (130). The amount of tighteneing of the means of attachment (125) is proportional to the squeeze imparted to the elastomer (105).

[0064] In another preferred embodiment, the leaking area in the pipe is comparatively smaller. Thereafter, the device (100) may work with a single disc / ring (110). Also, for smaller leakages the vent valve (120) may not be needed. There may be more than one disc / ring (110) if the device needs to cover a longer area of leakage.

[0065] In an embodiment the disc (110) has an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the main cover (101).

[0066] In an embodiment, the inner diameter of the main cylindrical cover (101) has an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the pipe (130). In another embodiment, the device (100) optionally comprising a valve (120) operable to vent out excess fluid / air of the disc (110), ensuring convenient arresting of the leakage and gripping of the pipe(130).

[0067] In this embodiment, the valve (120) can be vent ball valve, gate valve etc.

[0068] In yet another embodiment, the disc (110) is substantially “C-shaped” adapted to generate mutual compression between (101) and (130). This compression is generated when the screw fastener (125) is tightened against the pipe (130). In this embodiment, the disc (110) can be a ‘C’ shaped ring.

[0069] In an embodiment, the housing (101) includes alignment guides and internal channels to facilitate correct positioning and movement of the disc (110) during installation on the pipe (130). The disc(HO) can not have any axial movement but can easily rotate in its groove on the outer surface of main cylindrical housing cover (101). In this embodiment, the alignment guides are step collars. The slot opening in the ring(s) / disc(s) (110) is in straight alignment with the slot opening in (101) before the device (100) is placed onto the leaking pipe (130). After the device (100) is placed onto the pipe (130) the disc / ring(110) is rotated by 180 degrees In their respective grooves so the the fastener(125) can be tightened directly over the pipe(130). In this position the bottom end of the fastener(125) touches the pipe(130) outer surface directly.

[0070] In another embodiment, the sealing portion (105) is made from materials selectively comprising elastomers, polymers, resilient material and polymeric material or any combination thereof.

[0071] In another embodiment, the sealing portion (105) is placed between the housing (101) and the pipe (130) which is stuck on the inner wall of the housing (101) making it integral. In an aspect, the device (100) underwent successful testing at pressures up to 20 Kgf / cm2in a 2-inch water pipeline and up to 10 Kgf / cm2against air pressure. The device (100) can be conveniently manufactured for pipelines ranging from 3 / 8 inch to 36 inches in size, and even larger.

[0072] The present disclosure also envisages a method for gripping and / or sealing leaks in pipe using a device using a device (100), comprising:

[0073] • placing the device onto the leaking pipe (130) in which device comprises one open side of a housing (101) and at least one disc (110) aligned to facilitate placement,

[0074] • inserting a sealing portion (105) within the housing (101),

[0075] • fastening the housing (101) around the pipe (130) by a means of attachment (125) (only after the disc (110) is rotated by 180 degrees), thereby compressing the sealing portion (105) against the pipe surface to seal the leakage of the pipe (130), and

[0076] • adjusting the means of attachment (125) to control the compression applied to the sealing portion (105) and enhance the sealing pressure on the pipe (130).

[0077] In an embodiment, the disc (110) is rotated by about half a turn that is approximately about -180 degrees after placement of the device (100). In this position configuration the vent valve side (120) and the fastener (125) are on the opposite side (180 degree to each other).

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the method of gripping the pipe (130) using ‘C’ shaped disc (110), housing (101) and means of attachment (125) can also be utilized for tasks other than arresting leakage such as providing support to the pipeline especially on vertical pipeline. In particular, the gripper can act as a support to place tooling and may be utilized for some light erection / structural repair jobs.

[0079] • placing the device (100) onto the leaking pipe (130) in which the device (100) comprises at least one open side of the housing (101) alongwith the disc(s) (110) positioned on top of the housing (101) initially aligned in such a way that the linear slot opening of the housing (101) and the slot opening in the disc(s) (110) are in same orientation thereby facilitating the device (100) to be positioned onto the leaking pipe (130) without any obstruction;

[0080] • providing the direct placement of the sealing portion (105) alongwith the housing onto the leaking hole / zone of the pipe (130);

[0081] • positioning the ‘C’ shaped disc or ring (HO)over the housing (101) with the sealing portion (105). The housing (101) has the opening linear slot width sufficient to accommodate the pipe diameter suitably.

[0082] • rotating of the disc(s) / ring(s) (110) by 180 degree approximately in its respective groove leading to the slot in the disc (110) to be at 180 degree orientation with respect to the slot in the housing (101).

[0083] • fastening the housing (101) around the pipe (130) by at least one means of attachment (125), thereby compressing the sealing portion against the pipe surface to seal the leakage of the pipe. The means of attachment (125) mainly fastened in the disc(s) (110) which can be tightened over the leaking pipe (130) as the bottom face / portion of the means of attachment (125) directly touches the outer surface of the pipe (130). The means of attachment (125) can provide sufficient squeeze to the sealing portion (105) in the housing (101). The fastener (125) is fastened on the pipe (130) drawing the housing (101) and the pipe (130) in close proximity, thus generating squeeze in the sealing portion (105) which is sandwiched between the housing (101) and the pipe (130).

[0084] • adjusting the means of attachment that is disc with the means of attachment to control the compression applied to the sealing portion and enhance the sealing pressure on the pipe.

[0085] In this preferred embodiment, the disc(s) / ring(s) (110) are rotated by 180 degree approximately in their respective groove without axial movement. In yet another embodiment, the method for gripping and / or sealing leaks in pipe using a device (100) optionally comprising a step of creating the valve (120) open during the process of gripping the pipe and arresting the leakage. The valve may be closed once the elastomer (105) is sufficiently compressed using screw fastener (125). In certain situation, with less severe leakage of pipe (130) or lower flow rate of fluid from pipe (130), the vent valve (120) may not be involved for this present disclosure.

[0086] In this embodiment, the method for gripping and / or sealing leaks in pipe using a device (100) further comprising a step of closing the valve (120) after fastening to capture leakage.

[0087] In this embodiment, the method for gripping and / or sealing leaks in pipe using a device (100) further comprises a monitor to verify the sealing effectiveness and monitoring the pipe pressure.

[0088] Advantageously, the device (100) is simple due to usage of less number of captive components, cost effective, efficient in arresting leakage quickly in a pipe (130) or pipeline.

[0089] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0090] The aspect herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0091] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

[0092] The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

[0093] Any discussion of devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

[0094] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

[0095] List of Reference Numerals:

[0096] 100 device

[0097] 101 main cylindrical housing cover with opening

[0098] 105 sealing portion

[0099] 110 disc

[0100] 120 vent valve

[0101] 125 means of attachment

[0102] 130 pipe

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A device (100) for gripping and / or sealing leaks in pipe, said pipe having an outer leaky surface, said device comprising:• at least one disc (110), adapted to enclose a pipe (130) so as to tightly grip it and exert a gripping force on the outer surface of pipe (130);• a housing (101) with opening integrally formed to enclose and support the disc (110), said housing (101) facilitating alignment of (101) and said disc (110) around the pipe (130);• a sealing portion (105) positioned within the said housing (101), said sealing portion (105) being compressible by said disc (110) using at least one means of attachment (125) so as to provide adequate sealing against the pipe surface; further said means of attachment (125) adapted to secure said disc (110) around the pipe (130) and adjustably tighten to compress the sealing portion (105) against the pipe surface, thereby sealing the leakage.

2. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said housing (101) having a cylindrical shape further comprising an inner diameter corresponding to an outer diameter of the pipe (130) to ensure secure and uniform gripping.

3. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, optionally comprising a vent valve (120) operable to release excess fluid, ensuring proper alignment and sealing conveniently.

4. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said disc (110) is substantially “C-shaped” adapted to securely grip the pipe (130) and said housing (101), in close proximity upon fastening, thereby forming a secure seal by generating squeeze or compression of said sealing portion (105) without leakage.

5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said housing cover (101) having an outer surface; said housing cover (101) includes alignment guides and internal channels or grooves on said outer surface to facilitate correct positioning and rotational movement of the disc (110) during installation on the pipe (130).

6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sealing portion (105) is made from materials selectively comprising elastomers, polymers, resilient material and polymeric material or any combination thereof.

7. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sealing portion (105) is an elastomeric patch.

8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means of attachment (125) is selected from fasteners, bolts, and screws.

9. A method for gripping and / or sealing leaks in pipe using a device as claimed in claim 1, comprising:• placing the device onto the leaking pipe (130); wherein said device comprises one open side of a housing (101) and at least one disc (110) aligned to facilitate placement;• inserting a sealing portion (105) within said housing (101);• fastening said housing (101) around the pipe (130) by a means of attachment (125), thereby compressing said sealing portion (105) against the pipe surface to seal the leakage of the pipe (130); and• adjusting said means of attachment (125) to control the compression applied to said sealing portion (105) and enhance the sealing pressure on the pipe (130).

10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein said disc (110) is rotated by an angle approximately 180 degrees after placement of said device, ensuring at least one open side to be perpendicular to the pipe axis.

11. The method as claimed in claim 9, further optionally comprising a step of creating a valve (120) open during the process of arresting the leakage.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, further optionally comprising a step of closing said valve (120) after fastening to capture leakage.

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