Service tee cutting apparatus and abandonment method

Abstract

An apparatus for mounting a cutting tool or grinding tool in substantially perpendicular orientation with a pipe is provided. The apparatus comprises a support arm with a clamp for engaging the pipe; a pivot means on the support arm; and a tool mounting arm with a tool mount means for engaging the pivot. The clamp is positioned to grip the pipe, with the pivot means extending generally parallel to the pipe; the tool mounting arm is engaged with the support arm; then the cutting or grinding tool is mounted on the tool arm. A tool so mounted may then be swivelled in a generally arcuate path towards and away from the pipe to be cut in a plane generally perpendicular to the orientation of the pipe. A method for severing a service tee with the mounting apparatus is also provided.

1 . A mounting assembly for mounting a tool in movable relation to a pipe, comprising:
 a support means having a first face and comprising a clamp means at a first end and a pivot means near a second end, wherein the clamp means is adapted to engage a pipe extending substantially vertically from a surface and the pivot means extends from the first face;   a tool mounting arm comprising a tool mount at a first end, the tool mounting arm adapted near a second end to be engaged with the pivot means, such that a tool mounted on the tool mount can be moved in a generally arcuate path towards and away from a pipe engaged by the clamp means.   
   
   
       2 . The mounting assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the tool is a cutting tool. 
   
   
       3 . The mounting assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the tool is a grinding tool. 
   
   
       4 . The mounting assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the pipe is a service tee extending from a service main. 
   
   
       5 . The mounting assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the pivot means comprises a separate bearing means. 
   
   
       6 . A method for mounting a cutting tool for cutting a substantially vertical pipe extending from a surface, comprising the steps of:
 providing the mounting assembly of  claim 1 ;   providing a cutting tool;   mounting the support means on the surface;   clamping the clamp means around the pipe;   mounting the tool mounting arm on the pivot means; and   mounting the tool on the tool mounting arm.