An electroweldable branch fitting for high diameter pipes comprises at least a first collar (20, 20′) provided with a predetermined radius of curvature (R), wherein the collar (20, 20′) identifies on opposite sides a concave surface (21) and a convex surface (22), further comprising at least one first electrical wire winding (23) associated with the concave surface (21) of the collar (20, 20′) and carrying one first pair of electrical terminals (24), arranged on the convex surface (22) of the collar (20, 20′) for applying an electric current adapted to cause the electrofusion of the collar (20, 20′), wherein the concave surface (21) of the collar (20, 20′) is continuous, i.e. not perforated, and wherein the first electrical wire winding (23) is uniformly distributed on the concave surface (21) at least in the central part thereof, the collar (20, 20′) being provided with a branch sleeve (30), centrally on the convex surface (22), for the connection to a branch pipe, the branch sleeve identifying a blind hole (32) having a bottom wall (32) consisting of the wall of the collar (20, 20′).

A robot includes a power bus assembly configured to receive a voltage and a continuous dock. The robot also includes a microcontroller in communication with the power bus assembly and the continuous dock. The microcontroller is configured to determine that the continuous dock is in contact with a surface that results in a voltage differential between the continuous dock and the surface. The microcontroller is also configured to activate a motor to apply a force that presses the continuous dock against the surface. The voltage causes a current to flow from the continuous dock to the surface such that a portion of the continuous dock melts and forms a bond to the surface.

A method and an apparatus for welding a first object to a second object, wherein the first object is produced from a thermoset and comprises a thermoplastic material outer layer, wherein the second object comprises at least one thermoplastic material outer layer. In addition, a layer of carbon nanotubes is applied to the thermoplastic material outer layer of the first object, and the second object is placed onto the first object. At least some of the thermoplastic material outer layer of the second object lies atop the applied layer of carbon nanotubes. In addition, a potential is applied to the layer of carbon nanotubes, such that an electrical current flows through the carbon nanotubes, wherein the thermoplastic material outer layer of the first object and the thermoplastic material outer layer of the second object are heated and are welded to one another.

A method of securing a first component part and a second component part together, the method comprising providing an electrically conductive member between a first surface of the first component part and a facing first surface of the second component part and securing the first and second components together by passing a current through the electrically conductive member. The electrically conductive member is distributed across at least 50% of the surface area of the first surface of the first component part.

A method of securing a first component part and a second component part together, the method comprising providing an electrically conductive member between a first surface of the first component part and a facing first surface of the second component part and securing the first and second components together by passing a current through the electrically conductive member. The electrically conductive member may comprise a first portion connectable to a source of current and a second portion electrically connected to the first portion and comprising a plurality of sub-conductive members. The electrically conductive member may be distributed across at least 50% of the surface area of the first surface of the first component part.

A jig assembly and method of use are provided for positioning and re-rounding pipes for welding. The jig assembly comprises a first jaw assembly and a second jaw assembly which position and move a coupling onto one pipe then the second pipe for subsequent welding.

A jig assembly and method of use are provided for positioning and re-rounding pipes for welding. The jig assembly comprises a first jaw assembly and a second jaw assembly which position and move a coupling onto one pipe then the second pipe for subsequent welding.

A liner bridge for a lined pipeline has bores extending through a tubular wall and terminals fitted in the bores, each terminal being exposed to an inward side of the wall for conducting electricity to an electrofusion element. A sealing interface between each terminal and its surrounding bore has one or more projecting formations of the terminal and at least one complementary formation of the bore engaged with the or each of the projecting formations. The interface can also include a sealing mass in the bore.

A method for joining primary and secondary members includes providing a primary member, a secondary member and a heating element which is joined to one of the primary and secondary members. The heating element includes an electrically insulating matrix material and an electrically conductive reinforcing element extending through the matrix material. The method further includes bringing the other of the primary and secondary members and the heating element into engagement and controlling a flow of electrical current in the reinforcing element so as to resistively heat and fuse at least some of the matrix material of the heating element with a matrix material of the other of the primary and secondary members. The method may be used to join a primary member such as a composite tubular and a secondary member such as a component for terminating the composite tubular.

A method of connecting together two unit elements (4, 4) of a fluid transport pipe, each unit pipe element being covered in an outer insulating coating (6, 6) made of a thermoplastic material, with the exception of an end portion that does not have an outer insulating coating. The method includes: a step of welding together two abutting unit pipe elements; a step of positioning an annular sleeve (14) around a cut-back and in part around the outer insulating coatings of the two unit pipe elements, the sleeve being made of a thermoplastic material; a step of fastening the sleeve in sealed manner by weld bonding on the outer insulating coatings; and a step of applying an external pressure on the sleeve to enable it to be deformed elastically and match the shape of the respective end portions of the two unit pipe elements.