AU2021102901A4

AU2021102901A4 - A bladder assembly and method

Info

Publication number: AU2021102901A4
Application number: AU2021102901A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Garry McGuinness
Original assignee: Pull in Place Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Pull in Place Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2020-08-14
Filing date: 2021-05-27
Publication date: 2021-07-15
Anticipated expiration: 2029-05-27
Also published as: AU2021102902A4; AU2021102901B4; AU2021323979A1; AU2021102902B4; WO2022032346A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a bladder assembly for repairing a pipe. The bladder assembly comprising an inflatable elongate elastically stretchable bladder and at least one elastically stretchable sleeve arranged to receive an end portion of the bladder therein to stretchably reinforce the end portion of the bladder during inflation. The sleeve being formed from a material that includes an elastically stretchable woven layer and an elastically stretchable sealing layer, the sealing layer being bonded to the woven layer. CO N N 1 C0 N I o N C)U r-I r~j --"\I N /N

Description

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A BLADDER ASSEMBLY AND METHOD

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a bladder assembly, and more particularly to a bladder assembly for repairing a pipe.

Background

[0002] Current systems for in-line pipe repair include relining the damaged section or sections of a pipe with a new portion of piping provided to the interior of the damaged pipe. The relining system is typically passed through nearby pipes until the relining system is in place within the pipe at the area requiring repair. Once so positioned, an expandable bladder in the relining system is expanded to press a cylindrical section of curable resin material against the interior surface of the damaged pipe. Once the resin material has cured, the cylindrical section forms an inner layer formed to seal against the damaged portion of the pipe. In doing so, the pipe is repaired.

[0003] Typically, the expandable bladder may be made from rubber, so that the bladder can expand to fill almost any pipe diameter. This means that the pipe itself limits the radial expansion of the bladder. However, the ends of relining system are susceptible to linear and radial over expansion. Over expansion of the relining system may lead to malformations in the cylindrical section of curable resin material. Such malformations negatively affect the flow within the repaired pipe and the repaired pipes structural integrity. For example, creating wrinkles, creases, variations in pipe thickness or other formations that may create structural deficiencies or lead to debris retention and blockages. In more extreme cases, over expansion of the ends of the relining system can lead to a rupture of the bladder and complete failure of the relining system.

[0004] To prevent such overexpansion, the relining system may include non-stretchable elements, such as vinyl cuffs, aimed at limiting the radial over expansion of the bladder. However, the use of such devices limit the application of the system where the piping is more complex that a simple straight section of pipe. For example, such relining systems are unable to adjust to the sections of piping requiring repair that include varied pipe diameters and angled pipe junctions. Further, the use of such systems also commonly creates the above mentioned malformations in the relined pipe for piping with 900 or greater bends.

[0005] Further, current systems with non-stretchable sleeves are also unable to carry out repairs where the pipe being repaired is required to be accessed by a smaller pipe. That is, the non-stretchable sleeves are sized to fit the larger pipe to be repaired, and thus, often get stuck or damaged passing through the smaller pipe.

[0006] The preferred embodiments of the present invention seek to address one or more of these disadvantages.

[0007] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from the prior publication), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from the prior publication) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Summary

[0008] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0009] According to a first example form, there is provided a bladder assembly for repairing a pipe, comprising: an elongate elastically stretchable bladder arranged to be inflated, wherein the bladder is formed from a material including a elastically stretchable woven layer and an elastically stretchable sealing layer, the sealing layer being bonded to the woven layer.

[0010] In an embodiment, the sealing layer is bonded to at least one of an interior surface and an exterior surface of the woven layer.

[0011] In an embodiment, the elastically stretchable woven layer and the elastically stretchable sealing layer are arranged to stretch to a predefined stretchability limit.

[0012] In an embodiment, the bladder is inflated by air.

[0013] In an embodiment, the bladder further includes a waterproof inner layer and wherein the bladder is arranged to be inflated by a liquid.

[0014] In an embodiment, the bladder assembly includes a sheathing portion arranged to receive the bladder.

[0015] In an embodiment, the sheathing portion is made from plastic.

[0016] In an embodiment, a first end of the bladder assembly and a second end of the bladder assembly each include a sealing arrangement arranged to attach the sheathing portion to the bladder at the first end and second end.

[0017] In an embodiment, the sealing arrangement at the first end and/or the sealing arrangement at the second end includes at least one passage connected to a source of inflation in fluid connection with the bladder.

[0018] In an embodiment, the sealing arrangement at the first end and/or the sealing arrangement at the second end includes a connecting fixture.

[0019] In an embodiment, the bladder assembly is arranged to be received within a repair liner including a curable resin.

[0020] In a second aspect, there is provided a method of repairing a pipe using a repair assembly in accordance with the first aspect, wherein the method comprises the steps of: preparing the repair assembly by inserting the bladder assembly within a repair liner arranged to include a curable resin; inserting the repair assembly inside the pipe; moving the repair assembly along the pipe until the repair assembly is aligned with an area of the pipe requiring repair; inflating the bladder assembly until the repair liner is pressed against the area of the pipe requiring repair; maintaining the inflated bladder assembly until the repair liner is cured; deflating the bladder assembly; and removing the bladder assembly from the pipe.

[0021] In an embodiment, the repair liner is cured over a period of time.

[0022] In an embodiment, the repair liner is cured at a specific temperature.

[0023] In a third aspect there is provided, a bladder assembly for repairing a pipe, comprising: an elongate elastically stretchable bladder arranged to be inflated; an elongate elastically stretchable jacket arranged to receive the bladder, wherein the jacket is formed from a material including an elastically stretchable woven layer and an elastically stretchable sealing layer, the sealing layer being bonded to the woven layer.

[0024] In an embodiment, the sealing layer is bonded to at least one of an interior surface and an exterior surface of the woven layer.

[0025] In an embodiment, the elastically stretchable woven layer and the elastically stretchable sealing layer are arranged to stretch to a predefined stretchability limit.

[0026] In an embodiment, the bladder assembly includes a sheathing portion arranged to receive the jacket and bladder.

[0027] In an embodiment, the sheathing portion is made from plastic.

[0028] In an embodiment, a first end of the bladder assembly and a second end of the bladder assembly each include a sealing arrangement arranged to attach the sheathing portion to the jacket and the jacket to the bladder at the first end and second end.

[0029] In an embodiment, the sealing arrangement at the first end and/or the sealing arrangement at the second end includes at least one passage connected to a source of inflation in fluid connection with the bladder.

[0030] In an embodiment, the sealing arrangement at the first end and/or the sealing arrangement at the second end includes a connecting fixture.

[0031] In an embodiment, the bladder is made from a rubber material.

[0032] In an embodiment, the bladder is arranged to be inflated by air.

[0033] In an embodiment, the bladder, wherein the bladder is arranged to be inflated by a liquid.

[0034] In an embodiment, the bladder assembly is received within a repair liner.

[0035] In a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of repairing a pipe using a repair assembly in accordance with the third aspect, wherein the method comprises the steps of: preparing the repair assembly by inserting the bladder assembly within a repair liner arranged to include a curable resin; inserting the repair assembly inside the pipe; moving the repair assembly along the pipe until the repair assembly is aligned with an area of the pipe requiring repair; inflating the bladder assembly until the repair liner is pressed against the area of the pipe requiring repair; maintaining the inflated bladder assembly until the repair liner is cured; deflating the bladder assembly; and removing the bladder assembly from the pipe.

[0036] In an embodiment, the repair liner is cured over a period of time.

[0037] In an embodiment, the repair liner is cured at a specific temperature.

[0038] In a fifth aspect, there is provided a bladder assembly for repairing a pipe, comprising: an elongate elastically stretchable bladder arranged to be inflated; an elongate elastically stretchable jacket arranged to receive the bladder; at least one elastically stretchable sleeve arranged to receive the jacket and locate proximate to at least one end of the bladder assembly; wherein the jacket and the at least one sleeve are formed from a material including an elastically stretchable woven layer and an elastically stretchable sealing layer, the sealing layer being bonded to the woven layer.

[0039] In an embodiment, the sealing layer is bonded to at least one of an interior surface and an exterior surface of the woven layer.

[0040] In an embodiment, the elastically stretchable woven layer and the elastically stretchable sealing layer are arranged to stretch to a predefined stretchability limit.

[0041] In an embodiment, the bladder assembly includes a sheathing portion arranged to receive the at least one sleeve, jacket and bladder.

[0042] In an embodiment, the sheathing portion is made from plastic.

[0043] In an embodiment, a first end of the bladder assembly and a second end of the bladder assembly each include a sealing arrangement arranged to attach the sheathing portion to the at least one sleeve, the at least one sleeve to the jacket and the jacket to the bladder at the first end and second end.

[0044] In an embodiment, the sealing arrangement at the first end and/or the sealing arrangement at the second end includes at least one passage connected to a source of inflation in fluid connection with the bladder.

[0045] In an embodiment, the sealing arrangement at the first end and/or the sealing arrangement at the second end includes a connecting fixture.

[0046] In an embodiment, the bladder is made from a rubber material.

[0047] In an embodiment, the bladder is arranged to be inflated by air.

[0048] In an embodiment, the bladder, wherein the bladder is arranged to be inflated by a liquid.

[0049] In an embodiment, the bladder assembly is received within a repair liner.

[0050] In a sixth aspect, there is provide a method of repairing a pipe using a repair assembly in accordance with the fifth aspect, wherein the method comprises the steps of: preparing the repair assembly by inserting the bladder assembly within a repair liner arranged to include a curable resin; inserting the repair assembly inside the pipe; moving the repair assembly along the pipe until the repair assembly is aligned with an area of the pipe requiring repair; inflating the bladder assembly until the repair liner is pressed against the area of the pipe requiring repair; maintaining the inflated bladder assembly until the repair liner is cured; deflating the bladder assembly; and removing the bladder assembly from the pipe.

[0051] In an embodiment, the repair liner is cured over a period of time.

[0052] In an embodiment, the repair liner is cured at a specific temperature.

[0053] In a seventh aspect, there is provided a bladder assembly for repairing a pipe, comprising: an elongate elastically stretchable bladder arranged to be inflated; at least one elastically stretchable sleeve arranged to receive the bladder and locate proximate to at least one end of the bladder assembly, wherein the at least one sleeve is formed from a material including an elastically stretchable woven layer and an elastically stretchable sealing layer, the sealing layer being bonded to the woven layer.

[0054] In an embodiment, the sealing layer is bonded to at least one of an interior surface and an exterior surface of the woven layer.

[0055] In an embodiment, the elastically stretchable woven layer and the elastically stretchable sealing layer are arranged to stretch to a predefined stretchability limit.

[0056] In an embodiment, the bladder assembly includes a sheathing portion arranged to receive the bladder.

[0057] In an embodiment, the sheathing portion is made from plastic.

[0058] In an embodiment, a first end of the bladder assembly and a second end of the bladder assembly each include a sealing arrangement arranged to attach the sheathing portion to the bladder at the first end and second end.

[0059] In an embodiment, the sealing arrangement at the first end and/or the sealing arrangement at the second end includes at least one passage connected to a source of inflation in fluid connection with the bladder.

[0060] In an embodiment, the sealing arrangement at the first end and/or the sealing arrangement at the second end includes a connecting fixture.

[0061] In an embodiment, the bladder is made from a rubber material.

[0062] In an embodiment, the bladder is arranged to be inflated by air.

[0063] In an embodiment, the bladder, wherein the bladder is arranged to be inflated by a liquid.

[0064] In an embodiment, the bladder assembly is received within a repair liner.

[0065] In an eighth aspect, there is provided a method of repairing a pipe using a repair assembly in accordance with the seventh aspect, wherein the method comprises the steps of: preparing the repair assembly by inserting the bladder assembly within a repair liner arranged to include a curable resin; inserting the repair assembly inside the pipe; moving the repair assembly along the pipe until the repair assembly is aligned with an area of the pipe requiring repair; inflating the bladder assembly until the repair liner is pressed against the area of the pipe requiring repair; maintaining the inflated bladder assembly until the repair liner is cured; deflating the bladder assembly; and removing the bladder assembly from the pipe.

[0066] In an embodiment, the repair liner is cured over a period of time.

[0067] In an embodiment, the repair liner is cured at a specific temperature.

Brief Description of Figures

[0068] Example embodiments are apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only, of at least one non-limiting embodiment, described in connection with the accompanying figures.

[0069] Figure 1 illustrates a partial side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 2 illustrates a partial side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Figures 3 to 7 illustrate partial side views of an embodiment of the present invention being assembled.

[0072] Figure 8A illustrates an assembled side section view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 8B illustrates an assembled side section view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Figures 9 to 13 illustrate partial side views of an embodiment of the present invention being assembled.

[0075] Figure 14 illustrates an assembled side section view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Figures 15 to 17 illustrate a partial side view of an embodiment of the present invention at various levels of inflation.

[0077] Figures 18 to 23 illustrate partial side views of an embodiment of the present invention being assembled.

[0078] Figure 24 illustrates an assembled side section view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 25 illustrates an assembled side section view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Figure 26 illustrates a partial side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Figures 27 to 29 illustrate a partial side view of an embodiment of the present invention at various levels of inflation.

[0082] Figures 30 to 35 illustrate a top view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Figure 36 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Figure 37 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Figure 38 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Figure 39 illustrates a section end view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Figure 40 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Figure 41 illustrates a section end view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Figure 42 illustrates a perspective view of two embodiments of the present invention.

[0090] Figure 43 illustrates an assembled side section view of an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

[0091] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of one or more embodiments. In the figures, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the figures.

[0092] Referring to Figure 1, there is provided an example of a repair assembly 100 for repairing a pipe. The repair assembly 100 includes a bladder assembly 102, where the bladder assembly 102 is received within a repair liner 104. The repair liner 104 may include a tubular portion of an absorbent material that has been saturated with a curable liquid resin. For example, the curable liquid resin may include epoxy, silicate or polyester resins. The absorbent material may include fabrics, woven material, or other such absorbent materials capable of retaining the resin.

[0093] Referring to Figure 2, the repair assembly 100 may be prepared by arranging the repair liner 104 to receive the bladder assembly 102 and binding them together to maintain them in their arrangement and to reduce the circumference of the repair assembly 100. For example, one or more lengths of tape 106 may be helically wrapped around the length of the repair assembly 100, where the tape 106 may be of an easy-tear or perforated tape so that the tape will easily tear upon expansion of the bladder assembly 102. Further, the repair assembly 100 may further include an outer cover 108 to encapsulate the resin and/or to protect the repair liner 104 from mud, dirt other substances when passing the repair assembly 100 through the pipe to the location of the pipe requiring repair.

[0094] When using such an arrangement to repair a pipe, the resin saturated repair liner 104 is arranged to locate within the pipe and to align with the broken or damaged section of the pipe requiring repair. Once so aligned, the bladder assembly 102 is inflated or expanded to press the resin saturated repair liner 104 against the inner surface of the pipe. The bladder assembly 102 is maintained in its inflated state until the resin has cured. Once so cured, the resin-saturated repair liner 104 forms an inner pipe lining portion that locates within the pipe and covers the broken or damaged section, and in doing so, repairs the pipe. Once the resin has cured, the bladder assembly 102 may be deflated and withdrawn or removed from the pipe.

[0095] The resin may be curable under a number of different conditions. For example, the resin may be cured through the passage time. Alternatively, the resin may be cured at a certain temperature. For example, where the bladder is inflated by water at a specific temperature, where that specific temperature is the curing temperature of the resin. Further, the type of pipes that may be repaired in this manner may include water, gas, sewage, electrical conduit piping or any other types of pipe made from any type of pipe material.

[0096] Referring generally to Figures 3 to 8A, a first example of a bladder assembly 200 for repairing a pipe is provided. The bladder assembly 200 may comprise an elongate bladder

202 arranged to be inflated, wherein the bladder 202 is formed from a material including an elastically stretchable woven layer and an elastically stretchable sealing layer, the sealing layer being bonded to the woven layer. The elastically stretchable woven layer may include elastic fibres woven together in an arrangement that allows for a high degree of stretchability. Further, the elastically stretchable sealing layer may also include a high degree of stretchability and may be bonded to the exterior, interior or a combination of interior and exterior surfaces of the woven layer, for example as a film. The elastically stretchable woven layer and the elastically stretchable sealing layer may be bonded together such that they cannot be separated.

[0097] In an example, the woven layer may include a needle punch felt, knitted or fleece of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or other polyester type polymers or knitted fibre glass threads and the elastically stretchable sealing layer may be made from polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane or other such plastics, or silicon and other such materials.

[0098] In an embodiment, the elastically stretchable woven layer and the elastically stretchable sealing layer are arranged to stretch to a predefined stretchability limit at which the bladder 202 will no longer stretch but still will elastically return to at or near its original shape and size. For example, the elastically stretchable woven layer and the elastically stretchable sealing layer may be arranged to expand or be stretched to a length that is up to four times the original size and return to the original size (or close to) after being stretched. The bladder 202 may be provided using any one of a number of different predefined stretchability limits as determined by the particular characteristics of the elastically stretchable woven layer and the elastically stretchable sealing layer. For example, the bladder 202 may be provided to stretch up to two or four times the un-stretched diameter.

[0099] In an embodiment, the bladder assembly 200 may be inflated or expanded by a fluid. The fluid may include gas, such as air or steam, being pumped into the bladder 202. In another embodiment, the bladder assembly 200 may be inflated or expanded by a liquid, such as water, being pumped into the bladder 202. The bladder assembly 200 may be configured to retain the gas or liquid such that that bladder 202 retains its inflated or expanded form. For example, the elastically stretchable sealing layer may be configured to provide an air tight seal for the bladder 202 such that the air is retained therein.

[00100] Alternatively, the bladder assembly 200 may further include a waterproof inner layer (not shown) within the bladder 202 that is configured to provide a water tight seal for the bladder 202 such that the liquid is retained therein. In such an embodiment, the fluid may include water that has been heated may be pumped into the bladder 202. The bladder assembly 200 may be configured to retain the heated water within a flow and return heating system to maintain a correct temperature and pressure, such that the bladder 202 retains its inflated or expanded form and temperature, for instance where the curing resin cures at a specific temperature. Such an example is discussed in further detail later in the specification.

[00101] In a further alternate example, the bladder assembly 200 may be inflated or expanded by a steam air mixture, being conveyed into the bladder 202 and vented through suitable size orifice or vent (not shown) to maintain correct inflation pressure and curing temperature.

[00102] In an embodiment, the bladder assembly 200 may include a sheathing portion 204 arranged to receive the bladder 202. The sheathing portion 204 may be arranged to allow separation from the repair liner 104 once it has cured. For example, the sheathing portion 204 may be made from polyvinyl chloride, acrylic or polymethyl methacrylate or similar materials. The sheathing portion 204 may be formed from a thin portion of the above materials formed into a tubular shape with open ends. The sheathing portion 204 may be arranged loosely around the bladder 202 and provided at sufficient size so as to accommodate the bladder assembly 200 when fully expanded.

[00103] As shown in Figure 3, the bladder 202 is formed from a tubular section of material including the elastically stretchable woven layer and the elastically stretchable sealing layer. The tubular portion may include two open ends. Such an arrangement allows the dimensions of the bladder assembly 200 to be easily varied to accommodate particular pipe requirements.

[00104] For example, initially, the bladder 202 may be first provided as an elongate rectangle of the material including the elastically stretchable woven layer and the elastically stretchable sealing layer. The elongate sheet may be folded such that the elongate and opposite sides of the sheet are brought together to overlap and be joined together to form the tubular section that will in turn form the bladder 202. The elongate and opposite sides may be joined together by stitching the two sides together where they overlap. An example of such an arrangement is shown in Figure 3 including stitching 206. One or more rows of stitching or various types of stitching may be used to join the two sides together. Alternatively, the opposite sides may be joined together by fuse welding or other such methods. In a further alternate embodiment, the tubular section may be formed by weaving or knitting the material of the elastically stretchable woven layer together in such a way as to form a continuous tubular portion without a seam.

[00105] In an embodiment, a sealing portion 208 maybe provided along the stitching 206 (if present) to seal the bladder 202. The sealing portion 208 may also be arranged to be elastically stretchable to a predefined stretchability limit to limit or to support the bladder 202 in limiting the expansion of the bladder in a longitudinal fashion. For example, the sealing portion 208 may include a portion of tape made from polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane or other such plastics, or silicon and other such materials, to seal the area around the stiches. The sealing portion 208 may be formed from a plastic material with a suitably lower yield strength relative to that of the material forming the bladder 202.

[00106] In an embodiment, a first end 210 of the bladder assembly 200 and a second end 212 of the bladder assembly 200 may each include a sealing arrangement 214 arranged to seal the first end 210 and second end 212 of the bladder assembly 200. Further, each sealing arrangement 214 is arranged to attach the sheathing portion 204 to the bladder 202 at the first end 210 and second end 212. The sealing arrangement 214 may include a body 216 of a rigid material, such as metal or hard plastic.

[00107] Further the sealing arrangement 214 may include a connecting fixture 218 provided to the body 216. The connecting fixture 218 may be arranged to connect to a push and/or pull arrangement that enables the bladder assembly 200 to be placed in the appropriate location within the damaged pipe. For example, a rope may be connected to the connecting fixture 218 for a pull arrangement, where the bladder assembly 200 is pulled through the pipe and/or a rigid rod may be connected to the connecting fixture 218 for a push arrangement where the bladder assembly 200 is pushed through the pipe.

[00108] In an example embodiment, the connecting fixture 218 may include a loop of metal wire or a loop of rigid metal. The connecting fixture 218 may be arranged to be welded, connected with adhesive, integrally formed with the body 216 or any other means of providing a strong connection.

[00109] In an embodiment, the sealing arrangement 214 at the first end 210 and/or the sealing arrangement 214 at the second end 212 may be further arranged to be in fluid communication with a source of inflation for the bladder 202. That is, the sealing arrangement 214 may be solidly formed or alternatively may include at least one passage running through the body 216. The at least one passage may be arranged to be connected to a hose or hoses, where the hose is in turn connected to a supply of a source of inflation for the bladder 202. For example, the source of inflation for the bladder 202 may include an air compressor or a water pump. Alternatively, the hose connected to the supply of a source of inflation may be connected directly to the bladder 202 bypassing the body 216 of the sealing arrangement 214.

[00110] Referring to Figure 4, the body 216 of the sealing arrangement 214 may be received within each open end of the bladder 202. The open end of the bladder 202 is tightly bound around the body 216 by a binding fixture 217, such as adhesive tape, mechanical fasteners or other means. Then, in reference to Figure 5 and 6, the open end of the sheathing portion 204 is also tightly bound around the body 216 by the binding fixture 217, such as adhesive tape, mechanical fasteners or other means. Once so arranged, the sealing arrangement 214 may include one or more clamps 222 that are arranged to tightly bind and seal the sealing arrangement 214, the sheathing portion 204 and the bladder 202. Such arrangement may be provided at the either the first end 210, the second end 212 or both.

[00111] Referring to Figure 8B, an alternate embodiment of the bladder assembly 200' is provided, where the bladder assembly 200' includes the same arrangement as bladder assembly 200, however the bladder 202' can be formed of any material. Where like reference numerals are used in the following description, the features are considered to be the same unless specified as being otherwise. The bladder assembly 200' further comprises an elastically stretchable sleeve 220 that is located proximate to at least one end of the bladder assembly 200'. The sleeve 220 is shaped and sized so as to receive the bladder 202' therein and is formed from a material having an elastically stretchable woven layer and an elastically stretchable sealing layer, where the sealing layer is bonded to the woven layer, and may otherwise be formed in the manner described above regarding the bladder 202. The sleeve 220 is arranged to stretch to a predefined stretchability limit at which the sleeve 220 will no longer stretch, and provided it has not been stretched beyond the predefined stretchability limit the sleeve 220 will elastically return to at or near its original shape and size. The elastically stretchable sleeve 220 provides additional support to the end portion of bladder 202' during inflation by applying a substantially even counter pressure that acts to reinforce the end portion of the bladder 202' that is contained within the sleeve 220. The elastically stretchable sleeve 220 can thus reduce the risk of the bladder 202' failing at the end portions due to over-pressurization during inflation. Being formed of elastically stretchable material as defined above, the sleeve 220 can be used to reinforce the inflatable bladder 202' when repairing pipes of varying sizes. Once the liner 104 has cured, the bladder 202' can be deflated and both the bladder 202' and the sleeve 220 can be removed from the repaired section of pipe. In some embodiments, the sleeve 220 may be particularly advantageous where the bladder 202' is formed from a stretchable rubber material, that lacks reinforcement against failure due to over-pressurization at either of the opposing end portions of the bladder 202'. For example, with reference to Figure 33, the bladder assembly including sleeve portions 406, 504 can elastically stretch to accommodate the shape of the pipe to prevent malformations in the repair liner 104 whilst at the same time controlling and limiting the expansion of the repair assembly 100 within the 900 bend of the pipe 600. The sleeve portion 406, 504 thus acts to reinforce the bladder during expansion through the 90° bend of the pipe 600, and reduce the risk of malformations forming in the repair liner 104. A further example arrangement of the sleeve 220,406,504 is provided in detail with respect to bladder assembly 400 and 500 below.

[00112] Referring generally to Figures 9 to 14, there is provided a second example of a bladder assembly 300 for repairing a pipe is provided. The bladder assembly 300 comprises an elongate elastically stretchable bladder 302 that is arranged to be inflated. The bladder 302 may be formed from a stretchable and waterproof material, such as rubber. Further, the bladder 302 can be arranged to receive an elongate elastically stretchable jacket 304 intermediate the opposing end portions of the bladder 302. The jacket 304 is formed from the aforementioned material including an elastically stretchable woven layer and an elastically stretchable sealing layer, the sealing layer being bonded to the woven layer in accordance as described above. The jacket 304 is arranged to stretch to a predefined stretchability limit at which the jacket 304 will no longer stretch and will elastically return to at or near its original shape and size. For example, the elastically stretchable woven layer and the elastically stretchable sealing layer of the jacket 304 can in some forms be arranged to expand or be stretched to a stretched length that is up to four times the original size and return to the original size (or close to) after being stretched. The jacket 304 can provided improved versatility with regards to the size and shape of the pipe for which it is suitable for use. The jacket 304 may be provided using any one of a number of different predefined stretchability limits as determined by the particular characteristics of the elastically stretchable woven layer and the elastically stretchable sealing layer. For example, in some forms the jacket 304 may be provided to stretch up to two times the un-stretched diameter without exhibiting plastic deformation, whilst in other embodiments the jacket 304 may be provided to stretch up to four times the un-stretched diameter without exhibiting plastic deformation.

The elastically stretchable jacket 304, when located intermediate the opposing end portions of the bladder 302, can provide additional support to the intermediate body portion of bladder 302 during inflation by applying a substantially even counter pressure that acts to reinforce the portion of the bladder 302 that is in contact with the jacket 304. The jacket 304 thus can provide a supportive reinforcement for the bladder 302 against failure due to over pressurization intermediate the opposing end portions of the bladder 302. In a manner that is similar to the sleeve 220 described above, the jacket 304 can thus reduce the risk of the bladder 202' failing intermediate the end portions of the bladder 302 due to over pressurization during inflation. Once the liner 104 has cured, the bladder 302 can be deflated and both the bladder 302 and the jacket 304 can be removed from the repaired section of pipe. For example, in use, when a bladder assembly having a jacket 304 is inserted within a pipe having a series of non-linear sections (e.g. bends), the jacket 304 elastically stretches during inflation to accommodate for the shape of the pipe, whilst controlling and limiting the expansion of the bladder 302 through the bends of the pipe. In addition, the jacket 304 assists in reducing, or in some forms preventing, malformations from forming in the repair liner 104. In a further example, in some embodiments where the pipe comprises one or more T-shaped junctions, or other non-continuous sections of pipe having one or more openings therealong, the jacket 304 can be used to bridge across such non-continuous sections, providing support to the bladder 302 to prevent expansion of the bladder 302 into the one or more openings.

[00113] In an embodiment, the bladder assembly 300, and any of the below described bladder assembly 400 or bladder assembly 500 may be inflated or expanded by a fluid. The fluid may include gas, such as air, being pumped into the bladder 302, 402, 502. In another embodiment, the bladder assembly 300, 400, 500 may be inflated or expanded by a liquid, such as water, being pumped into the bladder 302, 402, 502. The bladder assembly 300, 400, 500 may be configured to retain the gas or liquid such that that bladder 302, 402, 502 retains its inflated or expanded form whilst the resin included in the repair liner is curing, in accordance with the different gas, liquid and various combinations thereof, such as heated or non-heated air, steam or water as discussed above.

[00114] In an embodiment, the bladder assembly 300 may include the sheathing portion 306 arranged to receive the bladder 302, the sheathing portion 306 being arranged to allow separation from the repair liner 104 once it has cured. For example, the sheathing portion 306 may be made from polyvinyl chloride, acrylic or polymethyl methacrylate or similar materials. The sheathing portion 204 may be formed from a thin portion of the above materials formed into a tubular shape with open ends. The bladder assembly 300 may be so arranged to enable easy separation from the repair liner 104. The sheathing portion 306 may be arranged loosely around the bladder 302 and jacket 304 and be provided at sufficient size so as to accommodate the bladder assembly 300 when fully expanded.

[00115] As shown in Figure 9, the bladder 302 is formed by a tubular section of rubber or similar material and formed with open ends. The jacket 304 may also be formed from a tubular section of the material including the elastically stretchable woven layer and the elastically stretchable sealing layer, where the material is initially provided as an elongate rectangle. Such an arrangement allows the dimensions of the bladder assembly 300 to be easily varied to accommodate different pipe requirements. The elongate sheet of the jacket 304 may be folded such that the elongate and opposite sides of the sheet are brought together to overlap and be joined together to form the tubular section. In an embodiment, the elongate and opposite sides may be joined together by stitching the two sides together where they overlap. That is, the jacket 304 may be formed in a similar manner to the bladder 202 described above, such that it includes stitching and the sealing portion as shown in Figure 3 and described above. Alternatively, the opposite sides may be joined together by fuse welding or other such methods. In a further alternate embodiment, the tubular section may be formed by weaving or knitting the material of the elastically stretchable woven layer together in such a way as to form a continuous tube without a seam. Further, the optional sealing portion of the jacket 304 may also be arranged to be elastically stretchable to a predefined stretchability limit in limiting the expansion of the bladder 302 in a longitudinal fashion.

[00116] Referring to Figure 9 and 14, an embodiment is provided wherein a first end 308 of the bladder assembly 300 and a second end 310 of the bladder assembly 300 each include a sealing arrangement 312 arranged to seal the first end 308 and second end 310 of the bladder assembly 300. Further, each sealing arrangement 312 is arranged to attach the sheathing portion 306 to thejacket304 andthejacket304 tobladder302 atthefirstend308 and second end 310. The sealing arrangement 312 may include a body 314 of a rigid material, such as metal or hard plastic.

[00117] Further the sealing arrangement 312 may include a connecting fixture 316 provided to the body 314. The connecting fixture 316 may be arranged to connect to a push and/or a pull arrangement that enables the bladder assembly 300 to be placed in the appropriate location within the damaged pipe. For example, a rope may be connected to the connecting fixture 316 for a pull arrangement where the bladder assembly 300 is pulled through the pipe and/or a rigid rod may be connected to the connecting fixture 316 for a push arrangement where the bladder assembly 300 is pushed through the pipe. Alternatively, a combination of push or a pull arrangements may be provided. For example a rope may be connected to the connecting fixture 316 at the first end 308 and a rod being connected to the connecting fixture 316 at the second end 310, or indeed, the rope and the rod may both be connected to the connecting fixture 316 at first end 308 and/or the second end 310.

[00118] In an example embodiment, the connecting fixture 316 may include a loop of metal wire or a loop of rigid metal. The connecting fixture 316 may be arranged to be welded, connected with adhesive, integrally formed with the body 314 or any other means of providing a strong connection.

[00119] In an embodiment, the sealing arrangement 312 at the first end 308 and/or the sealing arrangement 312 at the second end 310 may be further arranged to be in fluid communication with a source of inflation for the bladder 302. That is, the sealing arrangement 312 may be solidly formed or alternatively include at least one passage running through the body 314. The at least one passage may be arranged to be connected to a hose or hoses connected to the supply of a source of inflation for the bladder 302. For example, the source of inflation for the bladder 302 may include an air compressor or a water pump. Alternatively, the hose connected to the supply of a source of inflation may be connected directly to the bladder 302 bypassing the body 316 of the sealing arrangement 312.

[00120] Referring to Figure 10, the body 314 of the sealing arrangement 312 may be received within each of the open ends of the bladder 302 and the jacket 304. The open ends of the bladder 302 and the jacket 304 are tightly bound around the body 314 by a binding fixture 318, such as adhesive tape, mechanical fasteners or other means. Then, in reference to Figures 11 and 12, the open ends of the sheathing portion 306 are also tightly bound around the body 314 by the binding fixture 318, such as adhesive tape, mechanical fasteners or other means. Referring to Figure 13, once so arranged, the sealing arrangement 312 may include one or more clamps 320 that are arranged to enclose the body 314 tightly bind and seal the sealing arrangement 312, the sheathing portion 306, the jacket 304 and the bladder 302. Such arrangement may be provided at the either the first end 308, the second end 310 or both.

[00121] Referring to Figures 15 to 17, and embodiment is provided showing the expansion of the bladder assembly 200 or the bladder assembly 300 for repairing a pipe 322, wherein Figure 15 provides the bladder assembly 200, 300 at 25% expansion or inflation, Figure 16 provides the bladder assembly 200, 300 at 75% expansion or inflation and Figure 17 provides the bladder assembly 200, 300 at 100% expansion or inflation. As can be seen, the jacket and/or bladder elastically stretches to accommodate any features of the pipe at the same time as controlling and limiting the expansion of the bladder assembly 200, 300 within the pipe 322.

[00122] Referring generally to Figures 18 to 24, there is provided a third example of a bladder assembly 400 for repairing a pipe. The bladder assembly 400 may comprise an elongate elastically stretchable bladder 402 arranged to be inflated. The bladder 402 may be formed from a stretchable and waterproof material, such as rubber. Further, the bladder assembly 400 may also comprise an elongate elastically stretchable jacket 404 arranged to receive the bladder 402, and may also comprise at least one elastically stretchable sleeve 406 arranged to receive the jacket 404 and locate proximate to at least one end of the bladder assembly 400. Further, the jacket 404 and the at least one sleeve 406 can be formed from the aforementioned material including the elastically stretchable woven layer and the elastically stretchable sealing layer the sealing layer bonded to the woven layer as described above.

[00123] In an embodiment, the elastically stretchable woven layer and the elastically stretchable sealing layer of the jacket 404 and the at least one sleeve 406 are arranged to stretch to a predefined stretchability limit at which the jacket 404 and the at least one sleeve 406 will no longer stretch and will elastically return to at or near their original shape and size. For example, the material including the elastically stretchable woven layer and the elastically stretchable sealing layer may be arranged to expand to a stretched to a length that is up to four times the original size and return to the original size (or close to) after being stretched. The jacket 404 and the at least one sleeve 406 may be provided to stretch to any one of a number of different predefined stretchability limits as determined by the particular characteristics of the elastically stretchable woven layer and the elastically stretchable sealing layer. For example, the jacket 404 and the at least one sleeve 406 may be provided to stretch up to two or four times the un-stretched diameter.

[00124] In an embodiment, the bladder assembly 402 may include the sheathing portion 408, which is arranged to receive the at least one sleeve 406, the jacket 404 and the bladder 402. The sheathing portion 408 may be arranged to allow separation from the repair liner 104 once it has cured. For example, the sheathing portion 408 may be made from plastic, such as a sheet of thin plastic material. The sheathing portion 408 may be arranged loosely around the bladder 402, jacket 404 and the at least one sleeve 406 and be provided at sufficient size so as to accommodate the bladder assembly 400 when fully expanded.

[00125] As shown in Figure 18, the bladder 402 maybe formed from a tubular section of rubber or similar material and formed with open ends. Further, the jacket 404 and the the at least one sleeve 406 may also be formed from a tubular section of the material including the elastically stretchable woven layer and the elastically stretchable sealing layer. This allows the bladder assembly 400 to be easily formed by any length. The jacket 404 may be initially provided as elongate rectangle of the material including the elastically stretchable woven layer and the elastically stretchable sealing layer. Further the at least one sleeve 406 may be provided as a rectangular sheet of the the material including the elastically stretchable woven layer and the elastically stretchable sealing layer. For example, the length of the rectangular sheet (along the longitudinal or elongate axis of the bladder assembly 400) may be sized to be at least two times the width of the pipe that is to be repaired.

[00126] The elongate sheet of the jacket 404 and the at least one sleeve 406 may each be folded such that opposite sides (which may be also elongate sides) of the sheets are brought together to overlap and be joined together to form the tubular sections of the jacket 404 and the the at least one sleeve 406. In an embodiment, the opposite sides may be joined together by stitching the two sides together where they overlap. That is, the jacket 404 and the the at least one sleeve 406 may be formed in a similar manner to the manner described in relation to the bladder 202, such that the jacket 404 and the the at least one sleeve 406 may include the stitching and a sealing portion as shown in Figure 3 and described above. Alternatively, the opposite sides may be joined together by fuse welding or other such methods. In a further alternate embodiment, the tubular section may be formed by weaving or knitting the material of the elastically stretchable woven layer together in such a way as to form a continuous tube without a seam. Further, the optional sealing portion provided tothe jacket 404 and the the at least one sleeve 406 may also be arranged to be elastically stretchable to a predefined stretchability limit in limiting the expansion of the bladder assembly 400 in a longitudinal fashion.

[00127] Referring to Figures 18 and 24, an embodiment is provided wherein a first end 410 of the bladder assembly 400 and a second end 412 of the bladder assembly 400 each include a sealing arrangement 414 that is arranged to seal the first end 410 and second end 412 of the bladder assembly 400. Further, each sealing arrangement 414 is arranged to attach the sheathing portion 408 to the at least one sleeve 406, the at least one sleeve 406 to the jacket 404 and the jacket 404 to bladder 402 at the first end 410 and second end 412. The sealing arrangement 414 may include a body 416 of a rigid material, such as metal or hard plastic.

[00128] Further the sealing arrangement 414 may include a connecting fixture 418 provided to the body 416. The connecting fixture 418 may be arranged to connect to a push and/or a pull arrangement that enables the bladder assembly 400 to be placed in the appropriate location within the damaged pipe. For example, a rope may be connected to the connecting fixture 418 for a pull arrangement where the bladder assembly 400 is pulled through the pipe and/or a rigid rod may be connected to the connecting fixture 418 for a push arrangement where the bladder assembly 400 is pushed through the pipe. Alternatively, a combination of push or a pull arrangements may be provided. For example a rope may be connected to the connecting fixture 418 at the first end 410 and a rod being connected to the connecting fixture 418 at the second end 412, or indeed, the rope and the rod may both be connected to the connecting fixture 418 at first end 410 and/or the second end 412.

[00129] In an example embodiment, the connecting fixture 418 may include a loop of metal wire or a loop of rigid metal. The connecting fixture 418 may be arranged to be welded, connected with adhesive, integrally formed with the body 416 or any other means of providing a strong connection. In an embodiment, the sealing arrangement 414 at the first end 410 and/or the sealing arrangement 414 at the second end 412 may be further arranged to be in fluid communication with a source of inflation for the bladder 402. That is, the sealing arrangement 414 may be solidly formed or alternatively may include at least one passage running through the body 416. The at least one passage may be arranged to be connected to a hose or hoses connected to the supply of a source of inflation for the bladder 402. For example, the source of inflation for the bladder 402 may include an air compressor or a water pump. Alternatively, the hose connected to the supply of a source of inflation may be connected directly to the bladder 402 bypassing the body 416 of the sealing arrangement 414.

[00130] Referring to Figure 19, the body 416 of the sealing arrangement 414 may be received within each of the open ends of the bladder 402 and the jacket 404. The open ends of the bladder 402 and the jacket 404 are tightly bound around the body 416 by a binding fixture 420, such as adhesive tape, mechanical fasteners or other means. Then, in reference to Figures 20 to 22, the at least one sleeve 406 receives an end of the bladder 402 and the jacket 404 once so connected. Then, at least a portion of the at least one sleeve 406 the open ends of the sheathing portion 408 are also tightly bound around the body 416 by the binding fixture 420, such as adhesive tape, mechanical fasteners or other means. The at least one sleeve 406 may be provided to one or both ends of the bladder assembly 400. Referring to Figure 23, once so arranged, the sealing arrangement 414 may include one or more clamps 422 that are arranged to enclose the body 416 tightly bind and seal the sealing arrangement 414, the sheathing portion 408, the at least one sleeve 406, the jacket 404 and the bladder 402 together. Such arrangement may be provided at the either the first end 410, the second end 412 or both.

[00131] Referring to Figures 25 and 26, there is provided a bladder assembly 500, which includes the same features as the above described bladder assembly 400, but bladder assembly 500 does not include the jacket 404. As such, the bladder assembly 500 may comprise an elongate stretchable bladder 502 arranged to be inflated and at least one elastically stretchable sleeve 504 arranged to receive the bladder 502 and locate proximate to at least one end of the bladder assembly 500, wherein the at least one sleeve 504 is formed from the aforementioned material including the elastically stretchable woven layer and the limited elastically stretchable sealing layer, wherein the sealing layer is bonded to the woven layer as described above. The bladder 502 may be formed from a stretchable and waterproof material, such as rubber.

[00132] That is, an embodiment is provided of bladder assembly 500 that includes the bladder 502, at least one sleeve 504 and optionally the sheathing portion 506. At a first end 508 of the bladder assembly 500 and a second end 510 of the bladder assembly 500 each include the sealing arrangement 512 arranged to seal the first end 508 and second end 510 of the bladder assembly 500. Further, each sealing arrangement 512 is arranged to attach the sheathing portion 506 to the at least one sleeve 504 and the at least one sleeve 504 to the bladder 502 at the first end 508 and second end 510. The sealing arrangement 512 may include a body 514 of a rigid material, such as metal or hard plastic, and the connecting fixture 516, which may include a loop of metal wire or a loop of rigid metal, as described above.

[00133] In another embodiment, the bladder assembly 500 may further include an compression or expansion limiter 518, which may be arranged to aid the at least one sleeve 504 in controlling the compression or expansion of the bladder assembly 500. For example, the compression or expansion limiter 518 may include a portion of a flexible and relatively non-compressible material or a strap of flexible and relatively non-stretchable material that may be retained within the bladder 502. Alternatively, the expansion limiter may include the optional sealing portion as described above.

[00134] Referring to Figures 27 to 29, and embodiment is provided showing the expansion of the bladder assembly 400 or the bladder assembly 500 for repairing a pipe 322, wherein Figure 27 provides the bladder assembly 400, 500 at 25% expansion or inflation, Figure 28 provides the bladder assembly 400, 500 at 75% expansion or inflation and Figure 29 provides the bladder assembly 400, 500 at 100% expansion or inflation. As can be seen, the jacket and/or at least one sleeve elastically stretches to accommodate the features of the pipe and at the same time as controlling and limiting the expansion of the bladder assembly 400, 500 within the pipe 322.

[00135] Referring generally to Figures 30 to 36, there is illustrated an example of the repair assembly 100 being used to repair a pipe 600 with a 90° bend, the repair assembly 100 including a bladder assembly, which may include any one of the above described bladder assemblies 200, 300, 400, 500, the repair liner 104, the tape 106 and possibly the outer cover

108 as discussed above. As shown in Figures 30 and 31, the bladder assembly 100 may be pulled or pushed through a pipe of considerably smaller diameter to access the pipe 600 to the location requiring repair using positioning devices 602. The positioning devices 604 may include ropes, cords or rods or a combination of such features in connection with the connecting fixtures as described above.

[00136] Once so positioned, the repair assembly 100 is inflated as shown in Figure 32 and 33, wherein Figure 32 shows the inflation of a repair assembly including either of bladder assembly 200 or bladder assembly 300 and Figure 33 shows the inflation of a repair assembly including either of bladder assembly 400 or bladder assembly 500, the latter including sleeve portions 406, 504. As can be seen, the bladder, jacket and/or at least one sleeve elastically stretches to accommodate the shape of the pipe to prevent malformations in the repair liner 104 at the same time as controlling and limiting the expansion of the repair assembly 100 within the 900 bend of the pipe 600. In particular, Figure 33 illustrates the sleeve expanding to accommodate the 90° bend of the pipe 600 without causing any malformations in the repair liner 104.

[00137] As the bladder assembly 200, 300, 400, 500 inflates, the tape 106 holding the repair assembly 100 in the reduced diameter arrangement is broken and the repair liner 104 is pressed against the inner surface of the pipe 600. The repair liner 104 is maintained in this position until cured as discussed above, and once cured, the pipe 600 at the 90° bend has been relined and repaired.

[00138] Referring to Figure 34, the bladder assembly 200, 300, 400, 500 is deflated, and due to the elastic nature of the bladder, jacket and/or at least one sleeve, the bladder assembly 200, 300, 400, 500 returns to its original arrangement of reduced diameter. The sheathing portion allows for the bladder assembly 200, 300, 400, 500 to easily disengage from the now cured repair liner 104. Then, as shown at Figure 35, the repair liner 104 bladder assembly 200, 300, 400, 500 is withdrawn from the pipe 600 using positioning devices 602. Due to the ability of the bladder assembly 200, 300, 400, 500 to elastically return to its original size, the bladder assembly 200, 300, 400, 500 may be withdrawn through a considerably smaller access pipe 604.

[00139] Referring to Figures 36 and 37, an embodiment is provided illustrating the repair assembly 100 arranged to repair a pipe 700, where the section of the pipe 700 requiring repair, where the pipe 700 includes multiple complex elements including a boundary trap bend 702, one or more sections of varied pipe diameter 704, and an angled pipe junction 706 into a larger diameter pipe 708. The repair assembly 100 in Figure 36 includes either of bladder assembly 200 or bladder assembly 300, and repair assembly 100 in Figure 37 includes the either of bladder assembly 400 or bladder assembly 500 that includes sleeve portions 406, 504. The repair assembly 100 is positioned by means of positioning devices 602. As can be seen, the bladder, jacket and/or at least one sleeve elastically stretches to accommodate these complex elements whilst ensuring that the repair liner 104 is arranged to prevent malformations and at the same time control and limiting the expansion of the repair assembly 100. Further, as can be seen at the angled junction, the bladder, jacket and/or at least one sleeve elastically stretches to accommodate the junction area without creating malformations and also is limited in its expansion so that the bladder assembly does not over expand to failure.

[00140] Referring to Figures 38, 39 and 42, an example of a sealing arrangement 800 is provided, where said example may be included at either end or both ends of any one of bladder assemblies 200, 300, 400 or 500. Sealing assembly 800 may formed from a cylindrically shaped body 802 of metal or robust plastic, or a combination of both. The sealing assembly 800 may include a first end 804 and a second end 806. The first end 804 may include a head portion 808 and the second end 806 may include an end portion 810, wherein the end portion 810 is of a relatively larger width than the body 802 and the head portion 808 is of a relatively larger width than the body 802 and the end portion 810.

[00141] The body 802 may include a plurality of groves 812 that encircle the body 802 to create a corrugated surface. The plurality of groves 812 are provided to enable better enable the sheathing portion to be tightly bound around the body 802 by the aforementioned binding fixtures, which may include adhesive tape, mechanical fasteners or other means. Further, plurality of groves 812 may also enable more effective clamping by the aforementioned clamps, which are arranged to tightly bind and seal the sealing arrangement 800.

[00142] In an embodiment, the head portion 808 may be arranged to include at least one connecting aperture 814 which is arranged to pass through the head portion 808, wherein the connecting aperture 814 is arranged to receive the aforementioned connecting fixture. The openings of the connecting aperture 814 may also be arranged to be countersunk.

[00143] Further, in an embodiment, the sealing arrangement 800 may further include a passage 816 that passes through the body 802. The passage 816 may be arranged to be connected to a hose via a nozzle 818, which is best shown in Figure 42. The nozzle 818 may then in turn be connected to the hose, which is connected to a supply of a source of inflation for the bladder as discussed above. For example, the source of inflation that may be used for the sealing arrangement 800 may include air.

[00144] Referring to Figures 40, 41 and 42, another example of a sealing arrangement 900 is provided, where said example may be included at either end or both ends of any one of bladder assemblies 200, 300, 400 or 500. Sealing assembly 900 may formed from a cylindrically shaped body 902 of metal or robust plastic. The sealing assembly 900 may include a first end 904 and a second end 906. The first end 904 may include a head portion 908 and the second end 906 may include an end portion 910, wherein the end portion 910 and the head portion 908 are approximately of the same width and of a relatively larger width than the body 902.

[00145] The body 902 may include a plurality of groves 912 that encircle the body 902 to create a corrugated surface. The plurality of groves 912 are provided to enable better enable the sheathing portion to be tightly bound around the body 902 by the aforementioned binding fixtures, which may include adhesive tape, mechanical fasteners or other means. Further, plurality of groves 912 may also enable more effective clamping by the aforementioned clamps, which are arranged to tightly bind and seal the sealing arrangement 900.

[00146] In an embodiment, the head portion 908 maybe arranged to include a connecting aperture 914, which is arranged to pass through the head portion 908 and be arranged to receive the aforementioned connecting fixture. The openings of the connecting aperture 814 may also be arranged to be countersunk.

[00147] Further, in an embodiment, the sealing arrangement 900 may further include a first passage 916 and a second passage 918, both of which pass through the body 902. The passages 916, 918 may each be arranged to be connected to hoses via a first nozzle 920 and a second nozzle 922, which are best shown in Figure 42. The nozzles 920, 922 may then in turn be connected to the hoses.

[00148] In an embodiment, the a first nozzle 920 may be arranged to connect to a supply of a source of inflation for the bladder as discussed above and the second nozzle 922 may be arranged to connect to an outlet for the source of inflation. In such an arrangement, the source of inflation may include water, such as heated water, or steam. For example, as shown in Figure 43, the bladder assembly 400 includes the sealing arrangement 900 including the first nozzle 920, which is arranged to connect to a first end of a flexible tube 924 provided within the bladder 402. The second end of the flexible tube 924 is arranged to be freely arranged proximate to the second end 412 of the bladder assembly 400. As can be seen by the arrows indicating flow, heated water passes through the first nozzle 920, along the tube 924 and into the bladder 402. The heated water fills up the bladder 402 and flows back towards the first end 410 of the bladder assembly 400, through the sealing assembly 900 and out the second nozzle 922.

[00149] The second nozzle 922 provides an outlet so that the pressure within the bladder 402 remains stable and the water can be reheated so that the bladder assembly remains at a constant temperature to enable curing of the repair liner 104. In such an arrangement, the sealing assembly 926 provided to the second end 412 of the bladder assembly 400 is solidly formed and thus does not include any passages passing through the body, but may include the other described the features. In an alternate embodiment where the bladder assembly 400 is used with steam, where the second nozzle 922 may include a vent or valve to vent the steam.

[00150] Optional embodiments may also be said to broadly include the parts, elements, steps and/or features referred to or indicated herein, individually or in any combination of two or more of the parts, elements, steps and/or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[00151] Although a preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that modifications, changes, substitutions or alterations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[00152] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprised", "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[00153] As used herein, a, an, the, at least one, and one or more are used interchangeably, and refer to one or to more than one (i.e. at least one) of the grammatical object. By way of example, "an element" means one element, at least one element, or one or more elements.

[00154] In the context of this specification, the term "about" is understood to refer to a range of numbers that a person of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value in the context of achieving the same function or result.

Advantages

[00155] The embodiments described herein provide a novel bladder assembly for relining a pipe. In particular, the bladder assembly enables the repair of piping with varied pipe diameters, particularly where the change in pipe diameter occurs close to the end of the area requiring repair. The stretchable nature of the bladder assembly enable the bladder assembly to automatically self-adjust and accommodate any variations in diameter or shape within the pipe without creating malformations in the repair liner.

[00156] Further the bladder assembly enables the repair of piping with complex layouts or paths. For example, repairing a pipe with a 900 bend and/or a boundary trap bend. The stretchable and reinforced structure of the bladder assembly enables the bladder assembly to automatically self-adjust and accommodate any convoluted pipe arrangements without creating malformations in the repair liner. For example, the bladder assembly including the sleeves is able to accommodate the 900 bend shown in Figure 33. Current systems do not allow for the same level of stretchability of the bladder assembly due to non-stretchable reinforcement, and as such are not able to repair pipes of such arrangements without creating malformations in the repair liner.

[00157] Moreover, the bladder assembly enables the repair of piping with complex pipe junctions. For example, repairing a pipe with an angled junction, particularly where the angled junction is proximate to the area requiring repair. The stretchable and reinforced structure of the bladder assembly enables the bladder assembly to automatically self-adjust and accommodate any such junction or angled pipe arrangements without creating malformations in the repair liner and without creating over expansion in the end of the bladder assembly that is located proximate or within the junction point.

[00158] Due to the automatically self-adjusting nature of the stretchable and reinforced structure of the bladder assembly, allows the ability for entry into the piping systems via a considerably smaller diameter pipe than the pipe work to be relined. For example, after entering via a 50mm pipe to gain access to a 100mm pipe, the bladder assembly automatically self-adjusts to the size and shape of the pipe to be relined.

Claims

The claims defining the present invention are as follows:

1. A bladder assembly for repairing a pipe, comprising:

an elongate elastically stretchable bladder, the bladder being inflatable;

at least one elastically stretchable sleeve that is arranged to receive an end portion of the bladder therein, the sleeve being formed from a material that includes an elastically stretchable woven layer and an elastically stretchable sealing layer, the sealing layer being bonded to the woven layer;

wherein, in use, the at least one sleeve locates proximate to the end portion of the bladder, so as to stretchably reinforce the end portion of the bladder during inflation.

2. The bladder assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein the sealing layer is bonded to at least one of an interior surface and an exterior surface of the woven layer.

3. The bladder assembly in accordance with claim 1 or 2, wherein the elastically stretchable woven layer and the elastically stretchable sealing layer are arranged to stretch to a predefined stretchability limit.

4. The bladder assembly in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the bladder is made from the same material as the sleeve or a rubber material.

5. The bladder assembly in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the bladder assembly is received within a repair liner.