WO2008052544A1

WO2008052544A1 - System and method for installation of t-shaped pipe lining

Info

Publication number: WO2008052544A1
Application number: PCT/DK2007/000458
Authority: WO
Inventors: Niels Arne Lauridsen
Original assignee: Nal Products Aps
Priority date: 2006-11-01
Filing date: 2007-10-27
Publication date: 2008-05-08
Also published as: DK200900654A

Abstract

System and a method for installing a flexible T-shaped pipe lining (14) in a pipe construction (22), the system including a flexible and inflatable packer (6) containing an element (4) for introducing air that includes devices for supplying (16) and discharging air, a flexible impregnable T-shaped pipe lining (14), means for fastening the packer (6) in rolled up/collapsed condition and means (18) for providing transport for the packer (6). The system furthermore includes a flexible film (12) for inserting the T-shaped pipe lining (14), means for drawing out the film (12).

Description

System and Method for Installation of T-shaped Pipe Lining

Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns a system and a method for installing a flexible T- shaped pipe lining in a pipe construction, the system including a flexible and inflatable packer containing an element for introducing air that includes devices for supplying and discharging air, a flexible T-shaped pipe lining, means for fastening the packer in rolled up/collapsed condition and means for providing transport for the packer.

Background of the Invention

There exist a number of systems for renovating pipe systems, including sewer systems. For renovating pipe systems as e.g. sewer systems, a so-called T-shaped pipe lining is often used. A T-shaped pipe lining is a T-shaped branch pipe that can be made of a flexible material. In connection with renovating wrecked branch pipes, a T-shaped pipe lining is introduced in the damaged pipe system. The inserted T-shaped pipe lining will then, e.g. after a hardening process, ensure that the pipe system is tight and operational. Many attempts have been made to provide systems and methods for installing a T-shaped pipe lining in connection with the renovation of pipe systems.

GB 2 041 147 discloses a method and a system for renovating existing pipe systems. This method uses a rope and packing. Initially, a flexible pipe is inserted into the collecting pipe. Then a hole is provided in the flexible pipe, after which a rope is lowered which is used for pulling the connecting part and for drawing off the packing.

US 2004/0020544 concerns a pressure bag for lining a branch pipe. The joining pipe is lined initially, after which an opening for the branch pipe is established. Hereafter the branch pipe is lined. A number of pull cords are used in connection with the system.

US 5,950,682 discloses a method and a system for repairing damaged sewer pipes. An inflatable bag is used for pressing a connection part impregnated with adhesive against the inner walls of the connecting pipe. These systems are, however, associated with a number of drawbacks, as they do not allow renovation of pipes with small dimensions, e.g. 90 mm. Moreover, in connection with these methods there is a great risk that the applied materials are damaged during the installation.

Object of the Invention

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a system and a method for installing a T-shaped pipe lining in a pipe system, including sewer pipes and in particular branch pipes, where the system and the method allow the making of installations in pipes with small dimensions. Furthermore, it is purpose of the present invention to provide a system and a method for installing a T-shaped pipe lining in a pipe system, where a T- shaped pipe lining protected by a device that simultaneously provides guiding of the applied materials can be used during the whole installation process, and that the used elements ensure a smoothing of the applied T-shaped pipe lining.

Description of the Invention

According to the present invention, this is achieved with a system for installing a flexible T-shaped pipe lining in a pipe construction, the system including a flexible and inflatable packer containing an element for introducing air that includes devices for supplying and discharging air, a flexible impregnable T-shaped pipe lining, means for fastening the packer in rolled up/collapsed condition and means for providing transport for the packer, the system further including a flexible film for inserting T- shaped pipe lining, means for drawing out the film.

By a system according to the invention is thus achieved an advantage as it becomes possible to dispose T-shaped pipe linings in small dimensions (about 90 mm). Besides, the T-shaped pipe lining will be protected by the film during the entire installation process, and when pulled off, the film will smooth the T-shaped pipe lining.

The method according to the invention is peculiar in that a flexible film is used, that a T-shaped pipe lining is impregnated with an adhesive enabling subsequent hardening of the T-shaped pipe lining, that the packer is collapsed or rolled up, that the packer is passed through the T-shaped pipe lining and unrolled/unpacked, that means for fastening the packer are fastened, that the means for fastening the packer are passed through the film, the film being moved down over the impregnated T-shaped pipe lining, that means for drawing out the film are fastened in the film, that the packer, the T-shaped pipe lining and the film are rolled up/packed and subsequently fixed with fixing means, that the packer is subsequently inserted into a pipeline, after which the packer is moved into position by pulling the means for providing transport for the packer, that subsequently air is introduced into the packer and the means for drawing out the film are pulled, whereby the film is drawn off and smoothes the T-shaped pipe lining, whereafter the packer is inflated more, and that the T-shaped pipe lining is hardened.

Hereby is achieved the possibility of accomplishing installations in pipes with small dimensions. During the entire installation process, there is simultaneously used a T- shaped pipe lining which is protected by a film. This film even ensures a smoothing of the used T-shaped pipe lining.

The adhesive furthermore ensures that the T-shaped pipe lining is bonded to the pipes in connection with which the T-shaped pipe lining is to be installed. It may be an advantage to lubricate the film with a friction-reducing agent such as oil. Alternatively, a Teflon-coated film may be applied for reducing friction without using oil or similar friction-reducing means. The T-shaped pipe lining may e.g. be impregnated with an adhesive consisting of silicate resin.

The pipeline in which the packer is inserted may be a stocking-lined pipeline. This pipeline may be smaller than a standard pipe, e.g. 6-8 mm less in diameter than a (0100 mm) standard pipe. The packer may advantageously be moved in position under camera surveillance. When the film has been drawn out, the packer bag may be further inflated to e.g. a pressure of 0.8 bar in order to move the T-shaped pipe lining in towards the pipes in connection with which the T-shaped pipe lining is to be installed. It may be an advantage to suck the air out of the packer bag before it is collapsed or rolled up. If the inflation of the packer bag occurs by using a pipe or a hose, the packer bag may advantageously be rolled up on the pipe or the hose.

According to one embodiment, the present invention is peculiar in that a pipe is provided at the distal end of the packer (for use in connection with inflating the packer), upon which balls are rotatably disposed in relation to the pipe. Hereby is achieved possibility of guiding the packer, whereby it becomes easier to control the position of the packer. The balls may e.g. be made of plastic.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

Description of the Drawing

In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the appended drawing, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows a view of a felt T-shaped pipe lining together with a packer and a film; Fig. 2 shows a view of the elements unit shown in Fig. 1 in rolled up condition; and Fig. 3 shows drawing out of a film in connection with installing a T-shaped pipe lining.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Firstly, it is to be noted that the attached illustration only illustrates a non-limiting embodiment of the invention. Other embodiments will be possible within the scope of the present invention.

Fig. 1 shows a T-shaped pipe lining 14 made of felt. To the right of the T-shaped pipe lining 14 is located a packer 6. The packer 6 consists of a pipe 4 to which is fastened a largely T-shaped inflatable bag 7 by means of four hose clamps 10. The four hose clamps 10 ensure that the bag is disposed tightly against the pipe 4. In the distal end of the bag is provided an eyelet 16 in which a cord or similar (not shown) may be fastened for use in connection with subsequent adjusting of the position of the bag. At the centre of the pipe 4, there may be provided a hole (not shown) through which air for inflating the bag 7 of the packer may be passed. Laterally of the fastened hose clamps 10 and rotatably relative to the pipe 4, plastic balls 8a, 8b are provided. Laterally of the right ball 8b there is provided a plug 9 blocking the pipe 4. Laterally of the left ball 8a there is provided a valve 17 for air supply in connection with inflating the bag 7. Upon the packer 6 there is placed a transparent film 12. During use, the balls 8a, 8b ensure a good possibility of guiding the packer 6, as the balls 8a and 8b may rotate about the pipe 4. The most lateral of the four hose clamps 10 will ensure that the balls 8a, 8b cannot be displaced medially in over the packer 6.

It is possible to make the packer 6 of plastic/PU-film with web welded into shapes that are adapted to specific tasks, including the shape and dimension of the pipe constructions involved. The main thing is, however, that the packer 6 includes a bag 7 which in connection with installing the T-shaped pipe lining 14 may be inflated so that the bag 7 can push the T-shaped pipe lining 14 into position, i.e. in against the pipes to be sealed. The applied pipe 4 may e.g. be a flexible pipe made of plastic. It will be advantageous to use flexible pipes 14 as the packer 6 may hereby more easily be inserted into the actual pipe system. The packer 6, the T-shaped pipe lining 14 and the film 12 may be adapted to various tasks, including various requirements to dimension and shape. The packer 6, T-shaped pipe lining 14 and film 12 shown in Fig. 1 fit a branch line which is angled 90° in relation to the adjoining main line. The packer 6, T- shaped pipe lining 14 and film 12 maybe designed so that they fit a branch line which is differently angled (e.g. 45°) in relation to the adjoining main line. In connection with the inflation of the packer bag 7, air may be introduced via the packer valve 17. This may be effected by connecting a pressurised air hose which is connected to a pump unit to the valve 17. It is an advantage to regulate the degree of inflation, including the air flow rate and the air pressure. By using a pressurised air hose, this may be used to move the packer 6.

Fig. 2 shows elements illustrated in Fig. 1. The packer 6 is, however, passed in through the T-shaped pipe lining 14, and the film 12 is passed down on the impregnated T-shaped pipe lining 14, after which the packer 6, the T-shaped pipe lining 14 and the film 12 are rolled up and subsequently fixed by a Velcro strap. A packer cord 18 is fastened to the packer 6. This packer cord 18 is passed out through an opening in the film 12. Also, a film cord 20 is fastened to the film 12.

The fixing of the rolled-up unit consisting of the packer 6, the T-shaped pipe lining 14 and the film 12 may also be effected by using a rubber band.

Fig. 3 shows drawing out of the film 12 in connection with installing a T-shaped pipe lining. The packer (not shown) is disposed in a pipe 22, and by inflating and mechanical action (pulling) of the packer, the T-shaped pipe lining is moved up into a branch pipe 24. The film 12 is drawn off the T-shaped pipe lining by pulling the film cord 20. Before the film 12 is drawn off, the position of the packer may be adjusted by pulling the packer cord 18.

It will be possible to use a wire, a rod or a cable as an alternative to the applied cords 18, 20.

Claims

1. A system for installing a flexible T-shaped pipe lining (14) in a pipe construction (22), the system including a flexible and inflatable packer (6) containing an element (4) for introducing air that includes devices for supplying (16) and discharging air, a flexible T-shaped pipe lining (14), means for fastening the packer (6) in rolled up/collapsed condition and means (18) for providing transport for the packer (6), the system further including a flexible film (12) for inserting the T-shaped pipe lining (14) and means (20) for drawing out the film (12).

2. System according to claim 1 wherein the element (4) for introducing air is a reinforced plastic or rubber member comprising connection means to a source of pressurized air.

3. System according to claim 1 wherein the flexible T-shaped pipe lining (14) is made of a woven or non-woven material selected from one or more of the following materials: glass fibres, PP, PE, nylon, PVC or other non-biodegradable materials.

4. System according to claim 1 wherein the flexible film (12) is made from PE, PP, PVC, aluminium or any other thin film material, and that optionally the film (12) may be coated with a friction reducing agent, such as for example Teflon, oil or talcum.

5. System according to claim 1 wherein the flexible T-shaped pipe lining (14) is impregnated with an adhesive where the adhesive is a one or two component material, and where the hardening process of the adhesive may be activated either by thermal means or chemical means.

6. A method for installing a flexible T-shaped pipe lining (14) in a pipe construction (22), where a flexible film (12) is applied, where a liner (14) is impregnated with an adhesive enabling subsequent hardening of the T-shaped pipe lining (14), where the packer (6) is collapsed or rolled up, where the packer (6) is passed through the T- shaped pipe lining (14) and unrolled/unpacked, where means (18) for fastening the packer (6) are fastened, where the means (18) for fastening the packer (6) are passed through the film (12), the film (12) being moved down over the impregnated T-shaped pipe lining (14), where means (20) for drawing out the film (12) are fastened in the film (12), where the packer (6), the T-shaped pipe lining (14) and the film (12) are rolled up/packed and subsequently fixed with fixing means, where the packer (6) is subsequently inserted into a pipeline, after which the packer (6) is moved into position by pulling the means (18) for providing transport for the packer (6), where subsequently air is introduced into the packer (6) and the means (20) for drawing out the film (12) are pulled, whereby the film (12) is drawn off and smoothes the T-shaped pipe lining (14), whereafter the packer (6) is inflated more, and where the T-shaped pipe lining (14) is hardened.