Perforated fiber reinforced pipe and couplings for articulating movement

Abstract

A pipe for extracting gases from a landfill well comprises a series longitudinal windings of fiber reinforced resin windings wound for providing longitudinal strength. The longitudinal windings are wound in directions opposite to and intersecting with each other, forming a interlocking network of windings and openings. A number of reinforcing ribs extend circumferentially around the surface of the right and left hand windings at equidistant positions along the surface and at each end of the pipe for providing radial stiffness. The reinforcing rib at each end of the pipe comprises a groove extending circumferentially around the outside surface of the rib for facilitating interconnection with adjacent pipes. A helical winding is wound around the surface of longitudinal windings between adjacent reinforcing ribs for providing longitudinal strength and radial stiffness to the pipe. The pipe comprises a plurality of perforations in its surface. Adjacent pipes are joined together by an articulating coupling comprising a hollow cylindrical sleeve having an circular opening at each end and a groove extending circumferentially around the inside surface of each opening. A key is used for retaining each pipe within the coupling by inserting the pipe end into the coupling, aligning the groove in the pipe end with the groove in the respective coupling opening, and inserting the key to partially fill the space defined by the two grooves.