Friction Pipe Welding Device

BACKGROUND Various methods are available for joining plastic piping including the use of solvents, mechanical couplings and welding methods. Ease of use, speed of operation and above all robust joints are criteria by which available methods are judged. Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a novel method for welding polymer and polymer composite pipes of various geometries. The technique does not require any pipe surface pre-treatment. It is also fast, efficient, easy to use and widely applicable. THE TECHNOLOGY This is a welding system for polymer and polymer composite pipes, utilising friction heating. The novel design of the welding joint makes it a very reliable and efficient process, capable of producing welds of far superior quality than electric heat welding operations. The joint consists of a primary sleeve which encloses the pipe ends and a secondary sleeve for each pipe. The secondary sleeve rotates between the primary sleeve and the pipe under a small axial force. Primary Sleeve Secondary Sleeve
(Collar)
Pipe Both sleeves are injection moulded in such a way as to create a spiral molecular or fibre orientation pattern for maximum strength. The primary and secondary sleeves have a cross section of specially designed profiles to ensure perfect wetting, uniform melting and solidification of the interfaces. TURNING INNOVATIVE THINKING INTO COMMERCIAL REALITY FROM IDEAS TO BUSINESS SUCCESS KEY BENEFITS
• Fast, efficient and very easy to operate
• A 63mm (2.48”) dia. pipe can be welded in less than 30 seconds compared to 20 minutes using present methods
• No pre-treatment or cleaning of the pipe surfaces prior to welding
• Sleeves can be designed to weld a number of pipe geometries using the same equipment
• Can be powered using either electric or air motors
• Can be used where access is difficult (e.g. in trenches)
• Sleeves can be designed to join different polymer materials together
• Produces strong welds
• Can weld polymer and polymer composite pipes APPLICATIONS Rapid welding of plastic and composite pipes of any diameter for carrying:
• Oil
• Water
• Gas
• Domestic utilities INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
• Patents & Know-how OPPORTUNITY Licence opportunities especially in the USA CONTACT Frank Allison Business Manager, UMIP, The Fairbairn Building, PO Box No 88 Manchester M60 1QD [email protected] Tel: 0161 306 8831 TURNING INNOVATIVE

Type of Offer: Licensing



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