Simple Couplings for Pressure Pipes
Page 63
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IT is always a difficult matter to provide pipe junctions which will be proof against leakage and, at the same time, do not call for soldering.
A recently introduced coupling is the Simplifix, which is a product of Simplifix Patents, Ltd., 60, Victoria Road, Surbiton, Surrey. The idea is applicable to pipes carrying liquids or gases, and the making of the joint is extraordinarily simple.
As will be seen from the accompanying illustration, the central body has a hexagon at its middle in order that it may be held by a spanner when rotating either of the union nuts. This body is machined out at each end to allow the insertion of a pipe extremity, whilst there is cut away, at each end, a portion of the spigot of the body, so as to form an inclined shoulder. Inside each union nut is a coned compressing ring. The process of assembly consists of slipping over each end of the pips a union nut, compress
jug ring and a metallic sealing ring. The pipe is then placed into the spigoted portion of the central body and the union nut tightened up. Owing to the axial travel of the nut, the sealing ring is forced to assume the shape of an arrow head, being jammed between the cut-away portion of the central member and the compressing ring.
It will be noted that there is no application of heat to affect the strength of the tube, and it is stated that tests by the National Physical Laboratory show that the joint will stand any pressure that the pipe may be called upon to resist. The coupling can be made integral with fittings of all sorts, whilst a simple adapter enables standard screw fittings to be converted to the Simplifix system. The joints can be made and remade as frequently as necessary.