Importance

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Abstract

In accordance with the invention there is provided an internal line-up clamp for securing two adjacent pipe sections together in end-to-end relationship comprising a first clamping mechanism operable to extend a first set of circumferentially disposed clamping shoes radially into clamping engagement with the interior of a first pipe section; a second clamping mechanism operable to extend a second set of circumferentially disposed clamping shoes radially into clamping engagement with the interior of a second pipe section; and a back-up shoe mechanism comprising a plurality of circumferentially extending back-up shoes arranged to provide a radially outer cylindrical surface. The back-up shoes being located axially between the sets of clamping shoes and being extendible radially outwardly into engagement with the interior of the pipe sections when the sections are clamped by respective clamping mechanisms. Conveniently each of the back-up shoes is resiliently biased in a radially outward direction so as to be engageable under bias with the interior walls of and to bridge an axial spacing between adjacent pipe sections when they are clamped by the respective clamping mechanisms.

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First Claim