Patent ID: 7431341
Filing Date: 2008-10-07
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
1. A pipe liner connector suitable for use with connected pipe sections having an internal liner, the pipe liner connector comprising a substantially cylindrical sleeve located inside the pipe sections having opposed open ends for sealed attachment to the internal liner of the connected pipe sections, one open end including a diametrically increased ring section longitudinally displaced from said open end towards the opposed open end, said ring section having one or more venting grooves located on an outer surface thereof and extending longitudinally thereon, said open end including one or more seals located between the open end and the ring section having a diameter intermediate of the cylindrical sleeve and ring section, wherein the one or more seals provides a liquid tight connection with an internal surface of the internal liner while the ring section engages with an internal surface of the pipe section, and the substantially cylindrical sleeve defines one or more vents extending radially through the cylindrical sleeve to provide fluid communication, in use, between a micro-annulus, formed between the internal liner and the connected pipe sections, and a bore defined by the connected pipe sections, for balancing a pressure differential between the micro-annulus and the bore.