AU6654096A - Pipe liner and method of installation - Google Patents
Pipe liner and method of installationInfo
- Publication number
- AU6654096A AU6654096A AU66540/96A AU6654096A AU6654096A AU 6654096 A AU6654096 A AU 6654096A AU 66540/96 A AU66540/96 A AU 66540/96A AU 6654096 A AU6654096 A AU 6654096A AU 6654096 A AU6654096 A AU 6654096A
- Authority
- AU
- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- pipe
- relining
- liner
- segments
- length
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 28
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 title description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000004927 fusion Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012809 cooling fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011440 grout Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
- F16L55/16—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders
- F16L55/162—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from inside the pipe
- F16L55/165—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from inside the pipe a pipe or flexible liner being inserted in the damaged section
- F16L55/1652—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from inside the pipe a pipe or flexible liner being inserted in the damaged section the flexible liner being pulled into the damaged section
- F16L55/1654—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from inside the pipe a pipe or flexible liner being inserted in the damaged section the flexible liner being pulled into the damaged section and being inflated
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C63/00—Lining or sheathing, i.e. applying preformed layers or sheathings of plastics; Apparatus therefor
- B29C63/26—Lining or sheathing of internal surfaces
- B29C63/34—Lining or sheathing of internal surfaces using tubular layers or sheathings
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2027/00—Use of polyvinylhalogenides or derivatives thereof as moulding material
- B29K2027/06—PVC, i.e. polyvinylchloride
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Lining Or Joining Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
- Supports For Pipes And Cables (AREA)
Description
TITLE: PIPE LINER AND METHOD OF INSTALLATION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to procedures for repairing or relining of pipelines, and in particular relining of sewer lines, water mains, gas lines and manholes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There continues to be considerable interest in systems for relining of sewer lines, which systems do not require extensive digging to allow a liner to be inserted in the sewer line. It is known to use continuous lengths of PVC or polyethylene pipe that are extruded and shortly after extrusion they are deformed into a generally 'U' shape. This flattened pipe is then coiled and easily transported to the installation site. It is installed by dragging the liner in its flattened condition through the existing pipe, whereafter the liner is plugged at either end and exposed to heat and pressure to force the deformed liner to return to its original circular shape. In some cases, it is then necessary to grout between the liner and the original sewer to maintain the liner in place. Note that these systems merely return the liner to its original extruded shape and do not use the original pipe as a mold for controlling expansion of the liner. One of the prime advantages of the deformed liner system is that the liner is of a continuous length and has no interruptions along the length thereof and once inserted in a reduced volume configuration, is returned to its extruded shape.
Although these wno-dig" systems have enjoyed some success, they can be difficult to install and the deformed liner, particularly in large diameters, is somewhat difficult to handle. With cooler temperatures, the liner becomes stiff and in some cases, it is necessary to preheat the liner to add flexibility for handling of the liner. Furthermore, the insertion can be difficult, even in the deformed shape.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention recognizes that certain thermoplastic'pipe, in particular PVC pipe, when heated and exposed to pressure, can be expanded and molded against the inside of an existing pipe to effect relining thereof. Furthermore, the present invention has found that it is possible to have joints between pipe segments and subject the joined pipes to the required heat and pressure with the resultant combination expanded and molded against the existing pipe to be relined with the integrity of the joints being maintained. The pipe segments can be of traditional sections, easily installed due to the reduced diameter and merely appropriately sized once properly located. The present invention further recognizes that, in many cases, it is not necessary to reline an entire length of pipe, as the pipe may only be damaged in a certain limited segment. With the present invention, it is possible to line only that portion which is damaged or a certain limited portion to effectively provide a spot repair along a length of pipe.
With the present invention, it is possible to have limited access to the existing pipe and insert smaller diameter liners into the pipe and form fusion joints, solvent joints or other joints to the pipe segments as they are being inserted into the existing pipe. The diameter of the liner can be significantly less than the diameter of the pipe being relined whereby the liner is easily inserted in the pipe. Once the length of pipe liner has been inserted in the existing pipe, the liner can be plugged at either end and exposed to steam under pressure to heat the liner along the length thereof and apply pressure thereby urging it to expand and contact the interior walls of the surrounding existing pipe. After the liner has fully expanded to conform to the interior surface of the existing pipe, it can be cooled and then the plugs removed. The resulting liner conforms to the walls of the existing pipe and it has been found that the joints formed .between the
pipe segments also expand and do not exhibit any problems due to the expansion thereof within the pipe.
With the present method and system, it is possible to use short pipe segments, form suitable fusion, solvent or other joints between segments and insert the joint segments along a length of pipe. Once the appropriate length has been inserted in the pipe, it is then possible to effectively expand and mold the liner to conform to the interior of an existing pipe. This method can be used whenever there is suitable access to a pipeline.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic view showing a number of joined pipe segments inserted into an existing pipeline between two manholes;
Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 with the pipe liner expanded to conform to the interior walls of the pipeline;
Figure 3 is a schematic view showing repair of a portion of a pipe liner with the smaller diameter pipe liner loosely located in the area of the repair;
Figure 4 is a schematic view similar to Figure 3 where the pipe liner has started to undergo expansion;
Figure 5 shows the pipe liner expanded and conforming to the walls of the damaged pipeline;
Figure 6 illustrates a mandrel assembly used at the end of a pipeline; and Figure 7 shows the end of the pipeline with the mandrel removed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The method and apparatus is shown in the figures where an existing sewer pipe or pipeline 2 is being relined with short pipe segments 4 joined with fusion joints 6, resulting in a joined pipe liner 8. The method and apparatus will be described with respect to a sewer pipe to
be relined, however, any pipeline, manhole or elongate conduit can be relined using this technique.
In contrast to existing technology, the pipe liner 8 is made up of joined pipe segments 4 and can have a host of joints 6. Furthermore, the pipe liner 8 is inserted as a conventional pipe (i.e. generally circular in cross section) can have a significantly reduced diameter relative to the diameter of the existing sewer. For example, if the existing sewer was an 8 inch sewer, the short pipe segments could be of a six inch diameter. This allows easy insertion of the liner while still being within a reasonable expansion range for the liner. The liner before expansion should be sized to allow easy insertion while keeping the necessary expansion to a minimum. One of the advantages of forming the pipe liner by means of short pipe segments 4 is that it can be connected at the base of a manhole such that a dug trench is not necessary. The system is also used where a dug trench is used to provide full access to an end of a sewer line and longer lengths of pipe segments can be used. The pipe segments can be joined using existing thermal or solvent technology. No coiling of pipe is required for insertion, as joints are easily made.
Once the pipe liner 8 is in place (merely by pushing or pulling it through the existing sewer, which is easily accomplished due to the reduced diameter of the liner relative to the existing sewer) , inflatable plugs 10 are inserted either end. These inflatable plugs or bulk heads essentially close the pipe liner and allow the pressurizing of the pipe liner by introducing steam, hot fluids or any other suitable media into the pipe liner. The pipe liner becomes hotter and starts to expand, and the liner is forced into contact with the existing sewer. Any irregularities in the sewer merely limit the molding process somewhat sooner or slightly later. It has been found that the pipe liner can easily be expanded to the diameter of the existing sewer, and thus, provides a snug fit with the interior walls of the existing sewer. After
the heat/pressure molding process, the plugs can be removed from the pipe. As can be appreciated, the inflatable plugs 10 have an inlet line 12 associated at one end and an exhaust 14 at the other end. Typically, steam under pressure is introduced into the pipe liner and after the liner has expanded to contact the interior walls of the existing sewer, cooling fluids can be introduced to effectively set the liner. It can be appreciated that the sewer or conduit could be noncircular in cross section, as the liner will expand until limited by the interior walls thereof.
It has been found that the joints expand much in the manner of the pipe segments and no problems are experienced in these areas. For pressure applications, such as water lines, fusion or solvent joints are preferred. For gravity lines, such as sewers, mechanical joints are satisfactory. Additional care with mechanical joints may be required to maintain quality. In some cases, the expanding agent, such as hot steam, is introduced into a fabric sleeve to uniformly heat and expand the connected pipe segments. When the pipe segments have thread type fasteners, solvent cement may also be used.
The expanded liner is shown in Figure 2. It is believed the pressurizing and expanding of the liner is simplified due to the circular cross section, which tends to expand and increase the size of the liner uniformly. Furthermore, the liner is not initially in a distorted state, as would be the case with liners initially deformed into a 'U' shape.
Although the system has been shown in Figures 1 and 2 for relining a pipe segment between two manholes 30 with access provided by the manholes, the pipe segments could be longer and access to one end of the pipe could be through a trench. Again, the pipe segments would be joined to form a continuous liner and the joining can be by means of the various joints described. The actual pipe segments are preferably of a PVC material, but other suitable materials
can be used. There are modified PVC materials with expansion additives and these materials can be used.
With PVC liners, heating in the range of 65°C to 70°C is desirable. This temperature range provides high expandability with less chance of localized failures due to blow outs. With higher temperatures, the expansion is less controllable and the properties of the plastic can change, making it more susceptible to damage or blow outs.
Figures 3, 4 and 5 show a further application where only a limited portion of the sewer needs to be relined. There is a damaged area 20 between two manholes and a segmented liner is positioned to repair the damaged area. Again, the liner is inflated and subjected to heat to effectively expand until limited by the existing walls of the sewer.
The actual thickness of the PVC liner can be selected to accommodate the needed expansion to fill the interior. In many cases, conventional PVC pipe is sufficient. To ensure that the inflatable plugs remain in the same spatial relationship, the plugs are chained together and thus, cannot separate. Once the plugs are deflated, they can pass through the pipe liner, either in the original or in the expanded condition, whereafter the chain can be removed, if desired, or merely the whole assembly can be withdrawn from one end of the liner.
Alternately, the mandrel assembly 40, shown in Figure 6, engages and grips the end of the existing pipe 42 which is being relined. The mandrel assembly grips pipe 42 by the adjustable ring fastener 44. The opposite end of the mandrel has a restrained blind flange which closes the pipe liner 48. The hot pressurizing medium is introduced through coupling 50. A stiffening ring insert 52 is inserted in the end of the liner to avoid collapse thereof. As shown in Figure 7, the sleeve 41 of the mandrel assembly 40 allows the liner to expand beyond the pipe end 42 to the diameter thereof. When the mandrel assembly is removed, the overexpanded end of the liner can be cut at an
appropriate length for joining with standard fittings (see Figure 7) .
A further advantage of the present system is that the expanding process can be used to achieve different diameters of the final lined pipe. For example, at an end of a waterline, a sleeve can be used to form an extension equal to the outer diameter of the waterline. The liner, when expanded, contacts the inner walls of the pipe, but at the sleeve the liner continues to expand until restricted by the sleeve with a smooth transition in the liner therebetween. The sleeve can then be removed and the liner trimmed. In this way, the ends of the liner can be shaped to fit with valves or other connectors, etc. In some cases, a thicker section of pipe section is added to the liner to provide more material for the necessary expansion. The method and apparatus can also be used for lining manholes. In this case, a large diameter liner is used which is preferably capped at one end. For example, a 24 inch liner can be located in a 48 inch manhole. The liner is then plugged at the upper end and expanded. The liner is expanded until it is restricted by the interior walls of the manhole. Any lines coming into the manhole are easily identified and the liner is cut to allow entry of these lines. With this system, the liner and the cap expand.
The actual material of the liner can be any suitable thermally expandable material and PVC or PVC with expansion additives have proven acceptable. The particular application, i.e. sewer, waterline, gas line or other fluid carrying line, may require care in selecting the most appropriate material of the liner. Any suitable joining method can be used for the particular application. For example sewer lines can use many types of joints, whereas for pressurized pipelines, fusion and solvent joints are better.
To assist in insertion of a liner, it can be warmed to provide more flexibility. Hot medium can be introduced
to heat the liner and allow it to accommodate curves or gradual transitions.
Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (12)
1. A method of relining a length of pipe requiring rehabilitation, comprising joining a plurality of thermoplastic pipe segments to form an appropriate length of relining pipe and inserting said length of relining pipe in said pipe to be rehabilitated with said relining pipe being of a diameter significantly less than the diameter of said pipe to be rehabilitated whereby the relining pipe is easily inserted and positioned in said pipe to be rehabilitated, sealing the ends of said relining pipe and heating said relining pipe under pressure to effectively soften said relining pipe and heat/pressure mold said relining pipe against the interior walls of said pipe requiring rehabilitation whereby the relining pipe increases in shape to reline the existing pipe including any joints in said relining pipe.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pipe segments are of a PVC material.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pipe segments are of a PVC material and have a large open longitudinally extending cavity in the length thereof.
4. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein said pipe segments are joined using a fusion joint technique.
5. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein said pipe segments are joined using a solvent joint technique.
6. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein said pipe segments are joined using overlapping locking mechanical joints formed as part of the pipe segments.
7. A method as claimed in claim 1 whereby said method is used to reline part of a pipeline.
8. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein said method is used to reline part of a sewer line.
9. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein said method is used to reline a manhole.
10. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pipe segments are standard PVC pipe segments.
11. A relined length of pipe comprising an outer pipe section and an inner pipe section of a thermoplastic material which is suitable for heat/pressure molding, said inner pipe section comprising a plurality of pipe sections joined together by means of a fusion or solvent joint, and wherein said pipe sections have been distorted and conform to the interior walls of the outer pipe including any irregularities therein.
12. A relined length of pipe as claimed in claim 1 wherein said outer pipe is a sewer pipe and said inner pipe segment is located in a damaged section of outer pipe located between two manholes and only forms part of the sewer pipe extending between said manholes.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA2156536 | 1995-08-18 | ||
CA002156536A CA2156536C (en) | 1995-08-18 | 1995-08-18 | Pipe liner and method of installation |
PCT/CA1996/000554 WO1997006941A2 (en) | 1995-08-18 | 1996-08-16 | Pipe liner and method of installation |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
AU6654096A true AU6654096A (en) | 1997-03-12 |
AU715444B2 AU715444B2 (en) | 2000-02-03 |
Family
ID=4156469
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
AU66540/96A Expired AU715444B2 (en) | 1995-08-18 | 1996-08-16 | Pipe liner and method of installation |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
AU (1) | AU715444B2 (en) |
DE (1) | DE69605675T2 (en) |
-
1996
- 1996-08-16 DE DE69605675T patent/DE69605675T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-08-16 AU AU66540/96A patent/AU715444B2/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU715444B2 (en) | 2000-02-03 |
DE69605675T2 (en) | 2000-06-08 |
DE69605675D1 (en) | 2000-01-20 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
FGA | Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent) |