Induction Weldable Pipe Connectors (IWPCs) (400) for electromagnetic induction welding with at least one plastic pipe (30). IWPCs (400) include a tubular induction weldable mounting (401) having an opposite pair of induction weldable sockets (404A, 404B), a tubular cover (406) externally mounted on the induction weldable mounting (401), and a tubular pipe tang (407) internally disposed in one induction weldable socket (404A, 404B) for destining an induction weldable socket (404A, 404B) as an induction weldable pipe socket (408A, 408B) for forced sliding insertion of a pipe end (31) thereinto. The cover (406) includes an opposite pair of thermally insulated induction weldable socket mouth rims (426A, 426B) for entrapping melted solder lining (412) inside the induction weldable mounting (401) during an electromagnetic induction welding operation, thereby ensuring improved welding.

The invention provides a carbon fiber reinforced plastic electrofusion fitting and a self-monitoring method of strain for the fitting. Carbon fiber filled polymer is used to fabricate the fitting to improve the mechanical strength of the fitting. The fitting comprises an electrofusion fitting body embedded with a resistance heating wire and two terminals arranged on the electrofusion fitting body and connected to the two ends of the resistance heating wire respectively. For the self-monitoring of strain, at least one pair of electrodes are set on the surface of the electrofusion fitting. The resistance change between electrodes caused by fitting deformation due to temperature change or mechanical loading during operation can be measured, and could be further used for structural health monitoring of the electrofusion fitting. The combination of mechanical enhancement and strain sensing of the electrofusion fitting can improve the performance and reliability of plastic pipelines.

A pipe manipulation apparatus having a base frame and a sliding end slidable towards and away from the base frame, each of the base frame and sliding end having at least one pipe support coupled with a press clamp pivotable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position, a pipe is placeable on to the at least one pipe support and, in the closed position, the inner surfaces of the press clamp and the pipe support define a bore in which a lengthwise portion of the pipe is receivable. The pipe manipulation apparatus may be portable, tiltable, and/or rotatable to accommodate pipes of various locations and angles.

The connector (200) can join an end of a first flexible thermoplastic tube segment (202) to an end of at least a second flexible thermoplastic tube segment (202). The connector (200) is made of a thermoplastic material allowing, through heat fusion, to join the inner surface (244) of the receptacles (240, 260) of the connector (200) to the outer surface (206) of the corresponding tube segments (202), and this, without creating a gap or an irregularity inside the portion of the liquid circuit. The heat fusion can result in airtight and robust joints made with a high precision and that are uniform, even if they can be made under difficult conditions. The proposed concept can be particularly useful in sugar making.

A method for joining a first conduit section with a second conduit section. The method includes: a) inserting a first end of the second conduit section in an open first end of the first conduit section with a gasket extending between an inner surface of the first conduit section and an outer surface of the second conduit section; b) positioning a flexible substrate having a bonding agent provided on at least a portion of an inner side of the flexible substrate to extend from an outer surface of the first conduit to an outer surface of the second conduit; c) applying pressure to the flexible substrate whereby the bonding agent is pressed against an outer surface of the first and second conduit sections; and d) heating the bonding agent whereby the bonding agent is secured to the outer surface of the first and second conduit sections.

A method for connecting a thermoplastic line element to a connecting element includes the steps of: providing the at least one thermoplastic line element; providing the connecting element having a thermoplastic body wherein a heating element is embedded in the body for generating heat in a welding region for welding the body to the at least one line element; joining the connecting element to the at least one thermoplastic line element; providing a welding device for welding the connecting element to the at least one thermoplastic line element; welding the connecting element to at least one thermoplastic line element by generating heat in the welding region using the welding device. The welding of the connecting element to the at least one thermoplastic line element is stopped by the welding device before the end of the planned welding duration if an error criterion is met.

A method and system for the ultrasonic non-destructive testing of joints in plastic pipes using A-scans. A hand-held ultrasonic transducer is used to perform an A-scan and a comparison made on a response from the interface region of the joint used to determine a quality of the joint. Levels of result can provide a binary output to give an indication of whether or not a defect is present in the joint. Comparison techniques are described. Tests for coupling efficiency and performance are described making the system useable by an unskilled technician. The system finds application in fault detection on electro-fusion welds in plastic pipe joints.

A fitting for use in fusion welding mating thermoplastic components includes a weld bead chamber to capture and conceal a bead formed as a result of the fusion weld. The weld bead chamber integrates the bead into the fitting so that the joined parts have a finished look without mechanical polishing or grinding of the completed piece. A stop ledge included in the weld bead chamber prevents over insertion of a pipe or other component into the fitting. A view window in the fitting permits inspection of the finished bead.

A drive shaft includes a first shaft member made of metal, a tubular member made of CFRP, and a first exterior sleeve. The first shaft member is capable of being attached on one end side thereof to a first constant velocity joint, and has a first serrated part on which serrations are formed on another end side thereof. The tubular member is formed with a first fitting part fitted externally over the first serrated part. The first exterior sleeve covers the first fitting part by being disposed to extend over outer circumferential surfaces of the first shaft member and the tubular member. A film provided with a bonding assistance region and an adhesive are interposed between the outer circumferential surface of the tubular member and the inner circumferential surface of the first exterior sleeve.

A pipe adapter includes a first tubular element, a second tubular element, and an annular securing member disposed around and fixed to a second portion of the first tubular element. The annular securing member has a flange portion that contacts and secures the second tubular element axially relative to the first tubular element while also allowing the second tubular element to rotate relative to the first tubular element and the annular securing member. An annular sealing member is located around the first portion of the second tubular element to provide an axial seal along the adapter.