초록 ▼

A compact hot-tap saddle pipe fitting made of weldable plastic material integrates a branch saddle and a tubular adapter into a monolithic tee shaped unit. The fitting, which is characterized by short overall dimensions and a reinforced base portion, allows a fully pressure rated connection of a bra

A compact hot-tap saddle pipe fitting made of weldable plastic material integrates a branch saddle and a tubular adapter into a monolithic tee shaped unit. The fitting, which is characterized by short overall dimensions and a reinforced base portion, allows a fully pressure rated connection of a branch line to a main plastic pipeline using an isolation valve and a standard size hot-tap cutting tool.

대표청구항 ▼

[ That which is claimed is:] [7.] A method of tapping a main plastic pipe while in service under gas or water pressure, said method comprising:a) securely heat fusing a monolithic saddle fitting formed of a weldable plastic material to said main pipe using a heating iron having a curvature complimen

[ That which is claimed is:] [7.] A method of tapping a main plastic pipe while in service under gas or water pressure, said method comprising:a) securely heat fusing a monolithic saddle fitting formed of a weldable plastic material to said main pipe using a heating iron having a curvature complimentary to the curvature of the outer surface of said main pipe, and wherein temporary clamping of said saddle fitting to said main pipe is not required prior to using said heating iron to fuse said saddle fitting to said main pipe, said saddle fitting comprising:i) a saddle member having a circumferentially extending surface of about 180 degrees angular extent, said saddle member being mountable on said main pipe;ii) wherein dimensions for said circumferentially extending surface of said saddle member facilitates initial attachment of said saddle fitting to said main pipe by rendering a gripping action when placed on said main pipe;iii) a tubular connection member for connecting a branch pipe, said connection member comprising an axially extending tube joined at a first end to said saddle member in alignment a central opening in said saddle member so as to allow fluid flow through said branch pipe;b) operably attaching a hot-tap tool to said main pipe through said saddle fitting; andc) operating said hot-tap tool to cut a hole in said main pipe.