GB2202693A - Soldered connection for electrically connecting pipes - Google Patents

Abstract

Solder carriers (4, 7) attached to the end of respective pipes (1, 2) are joined by a wire (5) soldered to a carrier (4, 7) at each end thereof, so as to provide an electrical connection between the pipes (1, 2) to facilitate cathodic protection. The pipes may be of ductile iron and the carriers of steel tube welded to respective pipes. <IMAGE>

Description

Improvements in or relating to Electrical Connectors This invention relates to Electrical Connectors, and more particularly to Electrical Connectors for providing a sure electrical connection between juxtaposed and connected pipes.

It is understood that by the expression "pipes" as used herein is meant pipes, tubes and pipe-like members such as pipe fittings and valve inlets and outlets, for example.

With some pipes, such as those laid underground for carrying water, gas or sewage, electrical protection systems are utilised. These may comprise for example a cathodic protection system in which current is passed through a length of pipeline incorporating a plurality of pipes from a ground bed" cathode arrangement comprising conductive material embedded in the earth and connected to the pipes. By this means any natural tendency in varied soil conditions to corrode either by galvanic means or other means, is hindered or overcome by the action of the "ground bed".An alternative but similar system uses appropriate sacrificial anodes With other pipes, such as those above the ground or in ground of particularly variable nature for example, it is most important to ensure that potential variations between pipes is reduced to a minimum, or eliminated entirely so as to prevent any electrical discharge which might occur and which might have a detrimental, or even disastrous, affect upon either the contents of the pipe or gas within the environment.

With such arrangements it is desirable that there should be provided electrical connection between each of the pipes in the pipeline system to ensure a free flow of current and a even-spread of potential respectively.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an arrangement for achieving this affect.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided an electrical connection arrangement comprising a first member carrying solder and securable to one pipe at -or adjacent an end thereof, and second member also carrying solder and securable to a second pipe at or adjacent an end thereof and an electrical connecting element capable of securing to the solder of both of the members so as to electrically interconnect the two members, and hence, the two pipes.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a pipe joint between the adjacent or juxtaposed ends of two metallic pipes including a first member carrying solder electrically secured at or adjacent the end of one pipe and having a connector element secured by the solder to said first member, and a second member carrying solder electrically secured at or adjacent the end of the second pipe and capable of being secured by solder to the connector element attached to the first member.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of electrically connecting two pipes jointed together comprising securing for electrical contact to one pipe at or adjacent its end a first member carrying solder; securing for electrical contact to the second pipe at or adjacent its end a second member carrying solder, and soldering between the two members a connecting element.

A plurality of solder carrying members may be provided for each pipe so as to enable the provision of a plurality of electrical connections according to the invention between the pipes.

In a preferred form of the invention the members may be tube-like members within which a quantity of solder is located. The members may each be closed at one end. The members may be welded on the ends of each of the pipes.

The connecting element may be a copper connector such as a wire which may be soldered to one of the members prior to on-site connection of the pipes.

Both solder carrying members may be connected to the pipes prior to on-site working.

The invention is particularly applicable to large diameter spigot and socket water and drainage pipes formed of ductile iron.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, one embodiment thereof will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates two spigot and socket pipes prior to assembly together showing an electrical connecting arrangementof the present invention; Figure 2 shows the same pipes jointed and electrically interconnected.

Referring now to the drawings, it will be seen that the pipes 1, 2 are spigot and socket type pipes formed of ductile iron. Just behind of the socket 3 of one pipe 1 is welded a short closed end steel tube 4 within which is disposed a quantity of solder 9 which, in turn, has been joined to an inserted copper wire 5 so as to be connected electrically to the tube 4.

The wire 5 may be protected by an insulating sleeve or coating (not shown) except at its ends.

Similarly the spigot 6 of the next adjacent pipe 2 has welded to it a second steel tube 7 again carrying solder 8.

On formation of the joint between the two pipes 1,2 the tube 7 on the spigot is heated such as to melt the solder 8 contained therein and the copper wire 5 inserted therein and the tube allowed to cool so as to hold firmly in position the copper wire, this then provides a positive secure and permanent electrical connection between the two pipes which are then in excellent condition for use in a cathodic protection bonding system along the pipeline into which they are connected.

Claims (10)

1. An electrical connection arrangement between two pipes comprising a first member carrying solder and securable to one pipe at or adjacent an end thereof, and a second member also carrying solder and securable to a second pipe at or adjacent an end thereof and an electrical connecting element capable of securing to the solder of both of the members so as to electrically interconnect the two members, and hence, the two pipes.
2. 2 A pipe joint between the adjacent or juxtaposed ends of two metallic pipes including a first member carrying solder electrically secured at or adjacent the end of one pipe and having a connector element secured by the solder to said first member, and a second member carrying solder electrically secured at or adjacent the end of the second pipe and capable of being secured by solder to the connector element attached to the first member.
3. 3 A pipe joint according to claim 2 wherein a plurality of solder carrying members are provided for each pipe whereby to enable a plurality of electrical connections between the pipes.
4. 4 A pipe joint according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the members are tube like within which a quantity of solder is located.
5. 5 A pipe joint according to claim 2, 3 or 4 wherein the members are closed at one end.
6. 6 A pipe joint according to any of claims 2 to 5 wherein the members are welded on the ends of each of the pipes.
7. 7 A pipe according to any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein the connecting element is a copper connector soldered to one of the members prior to on-site connection of the pipes.
8. 8 A method of electrically connecting two pipes jointed together comprising securing for electrical contact to one pipe at or adjacent its end a first member carrying solder; securing for electrical contact to the second pipe at or adjacent its end a second member carrying solder, and soldering between the two members a connecting element.
9. 9 A pipe joint substantially as shown in and as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
10. 10 A method of electrically connecting two pipes substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.