Patent ID: 6612341
Filing Date: 2003-09-02
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A method for securing a shell assembly to a pipeline, wherein the shell assembly includes a first part for locating on a first side of the pipeline removed from a second side that is damaged or from which a branch is to extend, and a second part, optionally incorporating a branch, for locating on the second side that is damaged or from which the branch is to extend, the method comprising:positioning a containment ring on the pipeline at a required position on the pipeline and surrounding the damaged area or the area from which the branch is to extend; positioning an annular seal on the pipeline so that the annular seal is wholly radially within the containment ring; positioning the second part of the shell assembly onto the annular seal; positioning the first part of the shell assembly on the pipeline and securing the first and second parts together to compress the annular seal and leave an annular space between the first and second parts and an external surface of the pipeline; providing a sealing device substantially preventing fluid from escaping from the annular space, wherein upper and lower sides of the containment ring are provided with an upper and lower groove, respectively, with the upper and lower annular grooves being connected to each other by a plurality of passages extending through the containment ring between the upper and lower grooves; and introducing sealant by a hole in a wall of the shell assembly, into the upper groove to fill the lower groove, the plurality of passages and the upper groove to provide sealing between the containment ring and the pipeline, and between the containment ring and the shell assembly.