CA2132526A1 - Apparatus for use in repairing a pipeline and method for carrying out such repairs - Google Patents
Apparatus for use in repairing a pipeline and method for carrying out such repairsInfo
- Publication number
- CA2132526A1 CA2132526A1 CA 2132526 CA2132526A CA2132526A1 CA 2132526 A1 CA2132526 A1 CA 2132526A1 CA 2132526 CA2132526 CA 2132526 CA 2132526 A CA2132526 A CA 2132526A CA 2132526 A1 CA2132526 A1 CA 2132526A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- conduit
- sheath member
- radially
- expandable device
- radially expandable
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
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
- F16L55/18—Appliances for use in repairing pipes
-
- 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
- F16L55/1645—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from inside the pipe a sealing material being introduced inside the pipe by means of a tool moving in the pipe
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Pipe Accessories (AREA)
- Lining Or Joining Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
This invention relates to an apparatus for applying in situ a repair material to a repair zone of an inner wall of a conduit, said apparatus comprising a radially expandable device adapted in use to extend over a predetermined axial length of the conduit to be repaired and over at least a part of the inner circumference of said conduit, said radially expandable device having an outer surface means forming an outer wall of an expandable cavity, means for supplying a pressure medium to said expandable cavity or withdraw said pressure medium from said expandable cavity to either move said outer surface means radially outwardly or to move said outer surface means radially inwardly, and a flexible sheath member separate from said radially expandable device and arranged so as to be capable of forming an outer layer extending along and at least partially circumferentially around said radially expandable device, in use, between said repair material and said outer surface means, and withdrawal means connected to said sheath member adjacent one end whereby said sheath member can be removed from said conduit with at least a portion of the sheath member contacting said repair material everting as the sheath member is moved axially along said conduit and also relates to a method of applying a repair material in situ to a repair zone of an inner wall of a conduit to be repaired.
Description
:: WO 93/193~1 2 1 3 2 ~ 2 ~i) PCI/~U93/00114 1' PP~RA~; FQR U$E ll~l REE~IRING A PIP~LIN~ AN~YI~THOD
FC3R CARRYING Q~IT ~CH REsC~AlRS
" ~
This invention relates to apparatus used in the process of refurbishing dama~ed conduits, pipelines and sewer pipes through the ~pplication of a 5 reinforced lining to their inner walls by means of an inflatable form.
The refurbishrnent of cracked, broken or eroded pipelines or sewer pipes through so-call0d soft lining methods involving the application of a r~inforced lining to their inner walls is well known in the art. Two principal methods are ernployed: the eversion of a tube of therrnosetting- resin - impregnated 10 reinforcernent fabric inlo a section to be relined from an external position by m~ans of a head of water, and the application of a layer of th~rmosetting resin -imprsgnated reinforcsment mat~rial ~o th~ inner walls of a s0ction to be relinedby means of a form inflatable by air or water pressure. In both cases, curing of~he thermosetting resin may be aecelerated by circulation of hct water, staam 15 through said inflatable form.
A shor~coming exists in the second method described in which an inflatabl~ form is employed in that, particularly wi~h repsated use, the external material of the form may develop an affinity for th~ resins smploy~d in the reiinlng process and may thus bond to the new lining. This renders difficult the20 stripping and removal of the form after euring of the r~sins. It is of coursepossible to provide a separate layer or sheath between the r~sins and the extP~rnal surface of the inflatable forrn to prev~nt the form being adhercd to the resins, however, in tha prior ar~ such separate layers have been s~cured in some way to the inflatabla form so that ~hey can be withdrawn from the pipe 25 being repaired. Such layers cannot b~ le~t in the pipeline as th~y may eventually become detached and ultimately form a blockage in ~he pipeline On the oth~r hand, if th~ layer is secured to the infiatable forn, ~t cre~t~s the same ~:
removal di~ficulty that existed with the infla~able form without suoh a iayer and 5 th~refor~ only serves to protect the inflatable form. !:
The present invention aims to pravide apparatus for the refurbishment of pip~lines and sewer pipes through the application of a layer of therrnoset~ing resin - impregnated reinforoement material to their inner walls by means of an ., .,. , ~ .
2132~2~ ~
WO 93/19321 PCI`/AU93/00114 -. ~
FC3R CARRYING Q~IT ~CH REsC~AlRS
" ~
This invention relates to apparatus used in the process of refurbishing dama~ed conduits, pipelines and sewer pipes through the ~pplication of a 5 reinforced lining to their inner walls by means of an inflatable form.
The refurbishrnent of cracked, broken or eroded pipelines or sewer pipes through so-call0d soft lining methods involving the application of a r~inforced lining to their inner walls is well known in the art. Two principal methods are ernployed: the eversion of a tube of therrnosetting- resin - impregnated 10 reinforcernent fabric inlo a section to be relined from an external position by m~ans of a head of water, and the application of a layer of th~rmosetting resin -imprsgnated reinforcsment mat~rial ~o th~ inner walls of a s0ction to be relinedby means of a form inflatable by air or water pressure. In both cases, curing of~he thermosetting resin may be aecelerated by circulation of hct water, staam 15 through said inflatable form.
A shor~coming exists in the second method described in which an inflatabl~ form is employed in that, particularly wi~h repsated use, the external material of the form may develop an affinity for th~ resins smploy~d in the reiinlng process and may thus bond to the new lining. This renders difficult the20 stripping and removal of the form after euring of the r~sins. It is of coursepossible to provide a separate layer or sheath between the r~sins and the extP~rnal surface of the inflatable forrn to prev~nt the form being adhercd to the resins, however, in tha prior ar~ such separate layers have been s~cured in some way to the inflatabla form so that ~hey can be withdrawn from the pipe 25 being repaired. Such layers cannot b~ le~t in the pipeline as th~y may eventually become detached and ultimately form a blockage in ~he pipeline On the oth~r hand, if th~ layer is secured to the infiatable forn, ~t cre~t~s the same ~:
removal di~ficulty that existed with the infla~able form without suoh a iayer and 5 th~refor~ only serves to protect the inflatable form. !:
The present invention aims to pravide apparatus for the refurbishment of pip~lines and sewer pipes through the application of a layer of therrnoset~ing resin - impregnated reinforoement material to their inner walls by means of an ., .,. , ~ .
2132~2~ ~
WO 93/19321 PCI`/AU93/00114 -. ~
2 ~ :
inflatable form which may be readily and reliably stripped from a refurbished section and whieh embodies a coaxial duct capable of sustaining a ~Low of liquid through the form whilst it is in use. ' Acoording to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided 5 apparatus for applying in situ a repair matarial to a repair zone of an inn~r wall of a conduit, sa~d apparatus for applying in situ a repair material to a repair zone of an inner wall of a conduit, said apparatus comprising a radially expandable device in use to extend over a predetermined axial length of the conduit to be repaired and over at least a part of the inner circumference of said conduit, said 10 radially ~xpandable device having an outer s~rface means forming an outer wall of an expandable oavity, means for supplying a pressure medium to said expandable cavity or withdraw said pressure medium from said ~xpandabls cavity to either move said outer surface means radially outwardly or to move said outer surface m~ans radially inwardly, and a flexible sh~ath member 15 separate from said radially expandable device and arranged so as to be capable of ~orming an outer layer extending along and at least partially circumferentially around said radially expandable device, in use, between said repair matsrial and said outer surface means, and withdrawat means eonn0cted ~o said sheath m~rnber adjac~nt one end whereby said sheath mernber can be 20 removed from said conduit with at least a portion of the sheath member contacting said repair material eYerting as the sheath member is moved axially along said oQndui~. Conveniently the radially expandable device may inelude a c~re rnember which can inGlude a ~hrough flow passage. The core member and said withdrawal means for removal of said flexible sheath member together 25 with said flexibl~ sheath member are by means of the present invention thus a~apted for independent wi~hdrawal from said conduit by virtue of lhe fac~ tha~
th~ flexibie sheath member is independent of said eors rn~mber. Alternatively, ~ -if it is desired to remove both the radially expandable devica and the flexible sheath member simultaneously, the means for removal of said flexible sheath ~`
30 m~mber may be adapted so as to wi~hdraw or be withdrawn ~y ths radially expandab!e device. In either case, the arrangement of the flexible ~heath member enab3es it to be peeled away ~rom the repair material by at least partial .. ~ .. . . .
:~.WO 93~19321 ~ 1~3 2 2 i, Pcr/AU93/noll4 eversion when the radially expandable device and/or the flexible sheath member is withdrawn along the pipeline without affecting the bond betwe~en the repair matsrial and the pipeline walJ.
In an al~ernative form of the invention, the flexible sheath member 5 comprises inner and outer layers, the inner layer being connected to the mear1s for rsmoval of the flexible sheath member and to the outer layer at ends of the inner layer which are axially remote from each other.
Preferably, the means for removal of the ~lexible sheath member and the oore member of tha apparatus are coaxial and define an axially extending 1 Q passage so as to permit ~low through ~he conduit whilst the apparatus is in use.
Conveniently, the means for removal of the flexible sheath member defines an annulus.
In this embodimen~ of the invention, the radially expandable device may comprise an infla~able element defining an annular or part annular enclosed 1~ space extending axially along the core member. Inflating medium inleVoutlet m~ans may b~ provided intemally of said cor~ member so as to enable inflation and deflation of the inflatable elernent.
According to a second aspect of the invention, a method o~ applying a repair material In situ to a repair ~one of an inner wall of a conduit to be 20 repaired, said process comprising:
providing a radially expandable device adapted in use ~o extend over a preJatermi.ted axial length of the conduit to be repaired and over at Isast part of the inner circumferenoe of said conduit, said radially expandabl~ devica having an out~r surface means forming an outer wall of an expandable cavity, msans 25 for supplying a pressure medium to said expandable cavity or withdrawn said pressure medium from said expandable oavity; .-providing a flexible sheath member, seoarate from said radially expandable device, over said outer surface means wi~h withdrawal means enabling wi~hdrawal of said sheath member from thP conduit means;
,croviding a structural repair material outwardly of said sheath member;
2132~2~
WO 93/19321 PCr/AU93/00114 , moving said radially ~xpandable device with said sheath member and repair material into said conduits to be repaired and thereby positioning said repair material adjacent the repair zone;
introducing a pressure medium to said expandable cavity to move said 5 ~uter surfaoe means radially outwardly to press said repair material against said repair zone;
subsequently withdrawing said pressure medium from said expandable ca\fity to move said outer surface radially inwardly; and withdrawing said radially expandabls device from sai~ conduit, said 10 flexîble sheath member being remoYed from said conduit either simultaneously with said radially expandable devic0 or separately therefrom with at least a portion of said shaath member contacting the repair material everting as the sheath member is moved axially along said conduit during remoYal.
In a preferred method, according to this aspect of the invention, the 15 radially expandable dQvice and said flexible sheath member toge~her with said means for r~moval Qf said flexible sheath member are withdrawn simultaneously or sequentially from said conduit by moving the radially expandable devic~ and:the means for removal of the flexible sheath member simultaneously or sequentially along the conduit in a direction towards an axial2û end of said flexible sh~ath member opposite to an end conn0cted to said withdrawal means for removal of said fiexible sheath member.
In an al~ernative embodiment of this aspect of the invengion, there is provided a method wh~rein said flexibl~ sheath member comprises an inner and outer layer, said inner layer b~ing connected to said msans for ramoval of 25 said flexible sheath m~mbcr and to said outer layer at ends of said inner layer axially remote from each other, said radially expandable device and said flexible sheath member tog~ther with said means for ramoval of said flexible sheath member being withd~awn from said conduit in a mann~r such as to allow the flexible sheath member to be peeled away ~rom said repair matarial by at 30 least partial ~version.
.. WO 93~19321 21 3 ~ S 2 G PCr/AU93/00114 1, Preferably the radially expandable device comprises an inflatable elemant defining an annular or part annular enclosed spacs forming said ~xpandabl~ cavity, extending axially aleng said core member.
In a further preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, fluid is 5 directed into said inflatable element so as to radially expand it. C:onveniently the fluid is heated and th~ repair material includes a th~rmosettlng material orsubstanc~.
Various preferred aspects of the pres~nt invention will be more readily understood by reference to the following description of preferred embodiments 10 given in rela~ion to the accompanyin~ drawings in whioh:
Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an inflatable ~orm according to the invention in situ in a pipeline to be repaired.
Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an inflatable form according to a s~cond embodiment of the invention in situ in a pipeline to be 1 5 repaired.
Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the infiatable form of Figur~ 1 in an inflated condition in situ in a pipeline being repaired.
Figura 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a repaired pipeline from which a flexible sh~ath member is to be rernoved by eversion. --With r~ference to Figure 1, an inflatable f~rm ~1~ is made by forrning an inflatable element (2) axially along and circum~erentially around ~ core member (3). The inflatable elem~nt is fixed at its ends (2a and 2b~ to the c~re member (3). InleUoutlet duct (4) is provided throu~h said core member (3) ~nd in~o saidinflat~bla ~lement ( ) ~o enable an inflating medium to be delivered to and 25 wi~hdrawn from the inflatable element (2). The inflatable ~orm (1) is also provided with a separat~ flexible sheath (~ which is connected to means for its r~moval ~6) in ~he forrn of an annulus at one axial end of the core member (3). ~-The separate flexibie sheath (5) is !ocated axially along and circu mfere ntiaily around the inflatable elemen~ (2) loe~ted ~xternally of th~ c~r~ rn~mber (3). Th~
30 fact that the flexible sheath ~5) is separa~ed from ~he core memb~r (3) and inflatable ~lement (2) enables it to be withdrawn from the pipelin~
independently of the core member (3) and inflatable elem0nt (2) if so desired.
wo 93,l9322 ~ 3 2 S 2 ~ PCI/AU93/00114 ~
. .
However, it is also possible, if the means for removal of the ~lexible sheath is of substantial enough form, that the two parts could be removed simultaneously.
With reference to Figure 2, a second embodiment of th~ invention is illustrated in which the flexible sheath (5~ comprises an inner layer ~5a) and an 5 outer layer (5b). The inner layer (~a) is connected to the means for removai of the flexible sheath (~) and to the outer layer (5b) at ends of the inner layer (5a) axially remote from ~ach other. This embodiment merely enables an alternate onentation of the inflatable form which may be more conv~niant than the embodiment of Figure 1, depending on the orienta~ion of the pipeline to be 1 0 repaired.
In use, repair material in the form of a sheet or tube of reinforcement material (7) impregnated with thermosetting resin is placed over the inflatable form ~1). The whole assembly including the core member (3) with attached inflatable elemen~ ~2) and the separate flexible sheath (5) tog~ther with the 15 maans for removal of the flexible sheath (6) is then simul~aneously introduced into the section of a pipPline or sewer pipB required to be refurbished. Ths appara~us may be orianted according to either Figures 1 or 2. Correct positioning may be verified through the use of closed circuit television.
Referring ~o Figur~ 3, an inflation medium at a suitable ~emparature and 20 pressure is than in~roduced through inleVoutlet duct ~4) causing th~ inflatable ~lement (2) to expand and force th~ resin - impregnated reinforcement material into intimate contact with the inner wall surfaces of the pipelin~ or sewer pipe.
The inflating medium circulates at a suitable pressure and t~mperaturs and is preferably continued until full curing of the resin of the resin - impregnated 25 reinforcemen~ material isobtained. Conveniently,th inflating medium might be water, air or some oth~r suitable gas or fluid.
Following tull euring of thP thermosetting resin with which the reinforcement material is impregnated, inf~ating medium circulation is s~opped and the inflatable elements (2) are deflated by remov~ of the infla~ing medium 30 frem the apparatus. The inflatable form (1) include the core member (3~ and the inflatable element (2) is then withdrawn from the pipeline or sewer pipe section.
H the core rnember (3) is ~o be withdrawn independently and before the flexible .. . ....
.
- ~ WO 93/19321 213 ~ ~ 2 ~ PCI/AU93/00114 sheath ~5~ and the means for removal of the flexible sheath (6) withdrawal should occur in ~n axial direction away from the means for removal of the flexible sheath (6). Referring to Figure 4, when wit~drawal of the core member (3) and inflatable element (2) oceurs independently of the flexible sheath (5), 5 withdrawal of the l~tter occurs subsequent to withdrawal of the former and is conducted so tha~ e flexible sheath everts and peels cleanly away from the reinforcement material (7). In this way, as the inflatable form exits the section which has been refurbished, it is, more or less, completely avert~d. This peeling action has been shown ~o be extremely efficient at overcoming any 10 residual adhesion be~ween the flexible sheath and the resin with which the reinforcement m~terial is impregnated.
Alternatively, the flexible sheath (~), means for removal of the flexible sheath (6) and the inflatable forrn (13 comprising core member (3) and inflatable element ~2), may b~ withdrawn from ~he pipeline simultaneously. In this 15 instanc~, it is necessary that, aecording to tha smbodirnent sf Figur~ 1, thcmeans for removal of the flexible sheath be of sufficient size to bear the forcerequired to withdraw the core member (3) and inflatable element (2). Again, howeY~r, simuttaneous withdrawal of the core member (3), inflatable element (2), flexible sheath (5) and means ~or removal of the ~lexible sheath (6~ mus~ be 20 in a direction such that the nexible sheath (5) is caused to evert thus paeling away from the resin Impr~gnated reinforcement material as previously deseribed.
in another alternate withdrawal method which may be used with respect ~o th~ embodimcnt of Figure 2, the flexibla sheath (5) and means for r~moval of 2~ thc same (6) may be carefully wi~hdrawn prior to withdrawal of the cor~ member (3) and the inflatable element (2). Care must be taken to ensure that eversion of the flexible sheath (5) occurs such that it is peeled away from the resin impregnated reinforcement material.
3û
inflatable form which may be readily and reliably stripped from a refurbished section and whieh embodies a coaxial duct capable of sustaining a ~Low of liquid through the form whilst it is in use. ' Acoording to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided 5 apparatus for applying in situ a repair matarial to a repair zone of an inn~r wall of a conduit, sa~d apparatus for applying in situ a repair material to a repair zone of an inner wall of a conduit, said apparatus comprising a radially expandable device in use to extend over a predetermined axial length of the conduit to be repaired and over at least a part of the inner circumference of said conduit, said 10 radially ~xpandable device having an outer s~rface means forming an outer wall of an expandable oavity, means for supplying a pressure medium to said expandable cavity or withdraw said pressure medium from said ~xpandabls cavity to either move said outer surface means radially outwardly or to move said outer surface m~ans radially inwardly, and a flexible sh~ath member 15 separate from said radially expandable device and arranged so as to be capable of ~orming an outer layer extending along and at least partially circumferentially around said radially expandable device, in use, between said repair matsrial and said outer surface means, and withdrawat means eonn0cted ~o said sheath m~rnber adjac~nt one end whereby said sheath mernber can be 20 removed from said conduit with at least a portion of the sheath member contacting said repair material eYerting as the sheath member is moved axially along said oQndui~. Conveniently the radially expandable device may inelude a c~re rnember which can inGlude a ~hrough flow passage. The core member and said withdrawal means for removal of said flexible sheath member together 25 with said flexibl~ sheath member are by means of the present invention thus a~apted for independent wi~hdrawal from said conduit by virtue of lhe fac~ tha~
th~ flexibie sheath member is independent of said eors rn~mber. Alternatively, ~ -if it is desired to remove both the radially expandable devica and the flexible sheath member simultaneously, the means for removal of said flexible sheath ~`
30 m~mber may be adapted so as to wi~hdraw or be withdrawn ~y ths radially expandab!e device. In either case, the arrangement of the flexible ~heath member enab3es it to be peeled away ~rom the repair material by at least partial .. ~ .. . . .
:~.WO 93~19321 ~ 1~3 2 2 i, Pcr/AU93/noll4 eversion when the radially expandable device and/or the flexible sheath member is withdrawn along the pipeline without affecting the bond betwe~en the repair matsrial and the pipeline walJ.
In an al~ernative form of the invention, the flexible sheath member 5 comprises inner and outer layers, the inner layer being connected to the mear1s for rsmoval of the flexible sheath member and to the outer layer at ends of the inner layer which are axially remote from each other.
Preferably, the means for removal of the ~lexible sheath member and the oore member of tha apparatus are coaxial and define an axially extending 1 Q passage so as to permit ~low through ~he conduit whilst the apparatus is in use.
Conveniently, the means for removal of the flexible sheath member defines an annulus.
In this embodimen~ of the invention, the radially expandable device may comprise an infla~able element defining an annular or part annular enclosed 1~ space extending axially along the core member. Inflating medium inleVoutlet m~ans may b~ provided intemally of said cor~ member so as to enable inflation and deflation of the inflatable elernent.
According to a second aspect of the invention, a method o~ applying a repair material In situ to a repair ~one of an inner wall of a conduit to be 20 repaired, said process comprising:
providing a radially expandable device adapted in use ~o extend over a preJatermi.ted axial length of the conduit to be repaired and over at Isast part of the inner circumferenoe of said conduit, said radially expandabl~ devica having an out~r surface means forming an outer wall of an expandable cavity, msans 25 for supplying a pressure medium to said expandable cavity or withdrawn said pressure medium from said expandable oavity; .-providing a flexible sheath member, seoarate from said radially expandable device, over said outer surface means wi~h withdrawal means enabling wi~hdrawal of said sheath member from thP conduit means;
,croviding a structural repair material outwardly of said sheath member;
2132~2~
WO 93/19321 PCr/AU93/00114 , moving said radially ~xpandable device with said sheath member and repair material into said conduits to be repaired and thereby positioning said repair material adjacent the repair zone;
introducing a pressure medium to said expandable cavity to move said 5 ~uter surfaoe means radially outwardly to press said repair material against said repair zone;
subsequently withdrawing said pressure medium from said expandable ca\fity to move said outer surface radially inwardly; and withdrawing said radially expandabls device from sai~ conduit, said 10 flexîble sheath member being remoYed from said conduit either simultaneously with said radially expandable devic0 or separately therefrom with at least a portion of said shaath member contacting the repair material everting as the sheath member is moved axially along said conduit during remoYal.
In a preferred method, according to this aspect of the invention, the 15 radially expandable dQvice and said flexible sheath member toge~her with said means for r~moval Qf said flexible sheath member are withdrawn simultaneously or sequentially from said conduit by moving the radially expandable devic~ and:the means for removal of the flexible sheath member simultaneously or sequentially along the conduit in a direction towards an axial2û end of said flexible sh~ath member opposite to an end conn0cted to said withdrawal means for removal of said fiexible sheath member.
In an al~ernative embodiment of this aspect of the invengion, there is provided a method wh~rein said flexibl~ sheath member comprises an inner and outer layer, said inner layer b~ing connected to said msans for ramoval of 25 said flexible sheath m~mbcr and to said outer layer at ends of said inner layer axially remote from each other, said radially expandable device and said flexible sheath member tog~ther with said means for ramoval of said flexible sheath member being withd~awn from said conduit in a mann~r such as to allow the flexible sheath member to be peeled away ~rom said repair matarial by at 30 least partial ~version.
.. WO 93~19321 21 3 ~ S 2 G PCr/AU93/00114 1, Preferably the radially expandable device comprises an inflatable elemant defining an annular or part annular enclosed spacs forming said ~xpandabl~ cavity, extending axially aleng said core member.
In a further preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, fluid is 5 directed into said inflatable element so as to radially expand it. C:onveniently the fluid is heated and th~ repair material includes a th~rmosettlng material orsubstanc~.
Various preferred aspects of the pres~nt invention will be more readily understood by reference to the following description of preferred embodiments 10 given in rela~ion to the accompanyin~ drawings in whioh:
Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an inflatable ~orm according to the invention in situ in a pipeline to be repaired.
Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an inflatable form according to a s~cond embodiment of the invention in situ in a pipeline to be 1 5 repaired.
Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the infiatable form of Figur~ 1 in an inflated condition in situ in a pipeline being repaired.
Figura 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a repaired pipeline from which a flexible sh~ath member is to be rernoved by eversion. --With r~ference to Figure 1, an inflatable f~rm ~1~ is made by forrning an inflatable element (2) axially along and circum~erentially around ~ core member (3). The inflatable elem~nt is fixed at its ends (2a and 2b~ to the c~re member (3). InleUoutlet duct (4) is provided throu~h said core member (3) ~nd in~o saidinflat~bla ~lement ( ) ~o enable an inflating medium to be delivered to and 25 wi~hdrawn from the inflatable element (2). The inflatable ~orm (1) is also provided with a separat~ flexible sheath (~ which is connected to means for its r~moval ~6) in ~he forrn of an annulus at one axial end of the core member (3). ~-The separate flexibie sheath (5) is !ocated axially along and circu mfere ntiaily around the inflatable elemen~ (2) loe~ted ~xternally of th~ c~r~ rn~mber (3). Th~
30 fact that the flexible sheath ~5) is separa~ed from ~he core memb~r (3) and inflatable ~lement (2) enables it to be withdrawn from the pipelin~
independently of the core member (3) and inflatable elem0nt (2) if so desired.
wo 93,l9322 ~ 3 2 S 2 ~ PCI/AU93/00114 ~
. .
However, it is also possible, if the means for removal of the ~lexible sheath is of substantial enough form, that the two parts could be removed simultaneously.
With reference to Figure 2, a second embodiment of th~ invention is illustrated in which the flexible sheath (5~ comprises an inner layer ~5a) and an 5 outer layer (5b). The inner layer (~a) is connected to the means for removai of the flexible sheath (~) and to the outer layer (5b) at ends of the inner layer (5a) axially remote from ~ach other. This embodiment merely enables an alternate onentation of the inflatable form which may be more conv~niant than the embodiment of Figure 1, depending on the orienta~ion of the pipeline to be 1 0 repaired.
In use, repair material in the form of a sheet or tube of reinforcement material (7) impregnated with thermosetting resin is placed over the inflatable form ~1). The whole assembly including the core member (3) with attached inflatable elemen~ ~2) and the separate flexible sheath (5) tog~ther with the 15 maans for removal of the flexible sheath (6) is then simul~aneously introduced into the section of a pipPline or sewer pipB required to be refurbished. Ths appara~us may be orianted according to either Figures 1 or 2. Correct positioning may be verified through the use of closed circuit television.
Referring ~o Figur~ 3, an inflation medium at a suitable ~emparature and 20 pressure is than in~roduced through inleVoutlet duct ~4) causing th~ inflatable ~lement (2) to expand and force th~ resin - impregnated reinforcement material into intimate contact with the inner wall surfaces of the pipelin~ or sewer pipe.
The inflating medium circulates at a suitable pressure and t~mperaturs and is preferably continued until full curing of the resin of the resin - impregnated 25 reinforcemen~ material isobtained. Conveniently,th inflating medium might be water, air or some oth~r suitable gas or fluid.
Following tull euring of thP thermosetting resin with which the reinforcement material is impregnated, inf~ating medium circulation is s~opped and the inflatable elements (2) are deflated by remov~ of the infla~ing medium 30 frem the apparatus. The inflatable form (1) include the core member (3~ and the inflatable element (2) is then withdrawn from the pipeline or sewer pipe section.
H the core rnember (3) is ~o be withdrawn independently and before the flexible .. . ....
.
- ~ WO 93/19321 213 ~ ~ 2 ~ PCI/AU93/00114 sheath ~5~ and the means for removal of the flexible sheath (6) withdrawal should occur in ~n axial direction away from the means for removal of the flexible sheath (6). Referring to Figure 4, when wit~drawal of the core member (3) and inflatable element (2) oceurs independently of the flexible sheath (5), 5 withdrawal of the l~tter occurs subsequent to withdrawal of the former and is conducted so tha~ e flexible sheath everts and peels cleanly away from the reinforcement material (7). In this way, as the inflatable form exits the section which has been refurbished, it is, more or less, completely avert~d. This peeling action has been shown ~o be extremely efficient at overcoming any 10 residual adhesion be~ween the flexible sheath and the resin with which the reinforcement m~terial is impregnated.
Alternatively, the flexible sheath (~), means for removal of the flexible sheath (6) and the inflatable forrn (13 comprising core member (3) and inflatable element ~2), may b~ withdrawn from ~he pipeline simultaneously. In this 15 instanc~, it is necessary that, aecording to tha smbodirnent sf Figur~ 1, thcmeans for removal of the flexible sheath be of sufficient size to bear the forcerequired to withdraw the core member (3) and inflatable element (2). Again, howeY~r, simuttaneous withdrawal of the core member (3), inflatable element (2), flexible sheath (5) and means ~or removal of the ~lexible sheath (6~ mus~ be 20 in a direction such that the nexible sheath (5) is caused to evert thus paeling away from the resin Impr~gnated reinforcement material as previously deseribed.
in another alternate withdrawal method which may be used with respect ~o th~ embodimcnt of Figure 2, the flexibla sheath (5) and means for r~moval of 2~ thc same (6) may be carefully wi~hdrawn prior to withdrawal of the cor~ member (3) and the inflatable element (2). Care must be taken to ensure that eversion of the flexible sheath (5) occurs such that it is peeled away from the resin impregnated reinforcement material.
3û
Claims (8)
1. Apparatus for applying in situ a repair material to a repair zone of an inner wall of a conduit, said apparatus comprising a radially expandable device adapted in use to extend over a predetermined axial length of the conduit to be repaired and over at least a part of the inner circumference of said conduit, said radially expandable device having a core member and an outer surface means forming an outer wall of an expandable cavity, means for supplying a pressure medium to said expandable cavity or withdraw said pressure medium from said expandable cavity to either move said outer surface means radially outwardly or to move said outer surface means radially inwardly, and a flexible sheath member separate from said radially expandable device including said core member and arranged so as to be capable of forming an outer layer extending along and at least partially circumferentially around said radially expandable device, in use, between said repair material and said outer surface means, and withdrawal means connected to said sheath member adjacent one end whereby said sheath member can be removed from said conduit with at least a portion of the sheath member contacting said repair material everting as the sheath member is moved axially along said conduit.
2. Apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein said outer surface means of the radially expandable device extends circumferentially around said device, said sheath means being formed as a tube separate from said radially expandable device.
3. Apparatus according to Claim 2 wherein said tube includes at least on circumferential fold with only an outer surface part of said tube being arrangedto contact said repair material.
4. Apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein said core member extends axially between opposed axial ends of the radially expandable device, said core member having a central through flow passage to maintain flow in said conduit during a repair operation.
5. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 4 wherein said radially expandable device includes positioning means for locating said device at said repair zone and removal means for removing said device from said conduit.
6. Apparatus according to Claim 5 wherein said withdrawal means connected to said sheath member forms part of said removal means.
7. Apparatus according to Claim 5 wherein said withdrawal means connected to said sheath member is operable independently of said removal means.
8. A method of applying a repair material in situ to a repair zone of an inner wall of a conduit to be repaired, said process comprising:
providing a radially expandable device adapted in use to extend over a predetermined axial length of the conduit to be repaired and over at least part of the inner circumference of said conduit, said radially expandable device having a core member and an outer surface means forming an outer wall of an expandable cavity, means for supplying a pressure medium to said expandable cavity to withdraw said pressure medium from said expandable cavity;
providing a flexible sheath member, separate from said radially expandable device including said core member, over said outer surface means with withdrawal means enabling withdrawal of said sheath member from the conduit;
providing a structural repair material outwardly of said sheath member;
moving said radially expandable device with said sheath member and repair material into said conduit to be repaired and thereby positioning said repair material adjacent the repair zone;
introducing a pressure medium to said expandable cavity to move said outer surface means radially outwardly to press said repair material against said repair zone, subsequently withdrawing said pressure medium from said expandable cavity to move said outer surface radially inwardly; and withdrawing said radially expandable device from said conduit, said flexible sheath member being removed from said conduit either simultaneously with said radially expandable device or separately therefrom with at least a portion of said sheath member contacting the repair material everting as the sheath member is moved axially along said conduit during removal.
providing a radially expandable device adapted in use to extend over a predetermined axial length of the conduit to be repaired and over at least part of the inner circumference of said conduit, said radially expandable device having a core member and an outer surface means forming an outer wall of an expandable cavity, means for supplying a pressure medium to said expandable cavity to withdraw said pressure medium from said expandable cavity;
providing a flexible sheath member, separate from said radially expandable device including said core member, over said outer surface means with withdrawal means enabling withdrawal of said sheath member from the conduit;
providing a structural repair material outwardly of said sheath member;
moving said radially expandable device with said sheath member and repair material into said conduit to be repaired and thereby positioning said repair material adjacent the repair zone;
introducing a pressure medium to said expandable cavity to move said outer surface means radially outwardly to press said repair material against said repair zone, subsequently withdrawing said pressure medium from said expandable cavity to move said outer surface radially inwardly; and withdrawing said radially expandable device from said conduit, said flexible sheath member being removed from said conduit either simultaneously with said radially expandable device or separately therefrom with at least a portion of said sheath member contacting the repair material everting as the sheath member is moved axially along said conduit during removal.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUPL1466 | 1992-03-20 | ||
| AUPL146692 | 1992-03-20 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2132526A1 true CA2132526A1 (en) | 1993-09-30 |
Family
ID=3776046
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2132526 Abandoned CA2132526A1 (en) | 1992-03-20 | 1993-03-19 | Apparatus for use in repairing a pipeline and method for carrying out such repairs |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0635112A4 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2132526A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1993019321A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE19644466A1 (en) * | 1996-10-25 | 1998-04-30 | Herbert Dietrich | Renovation equipment |
| AUPO695497A0 (en) * | 1997-05-26 | 1997-06-12 | Barry, Kevin Francis | End of line pipeliner |
| DE19824773C2 (en) * | 1998-06-03 | 2001-02-08 | Darius Peter Gatys | Device and method for repairing pipes |
| DE19933315C2 (en) * | 1999-07-16 | 2001-09-06 | Daimler Chrysler Ag | Sealing device and method for sealing pipes |
| EP1626220A1 (en) * | 2004-08-11 | 2006-02-15 | David Campbell Mitchell | Method and system for lining a pipe with a heat-curable lining |
| CA2854948C (en) * | 2010-07-30 | 2016-05-17 | Perma-Liner Industries, Inc. | Method and device for repairing piping |
| US9841135B2 (en) | 2013-05-29 | 2017-12-12 | Nal Products Aps | Heatable packer |
| GB2590694B (en) * | 2019-12-24 | 2024-05-08 | Steve Vick International Ltd | Methods and equipment for pipe insertion |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1990012243A1 (en) * | 1989-04-07 | 1990-10-18 | Barry Bros. Specialised Services Pty. Ltd. | Method of repairing a pipeline and apparatus for use in such a method |
-
1993
- 1993-03-19 CA CA 2132526 patent/CA2132526A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1993-03-19 EP EP93906381A patent/EP0635112A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1993-03-19 WO PCT/AU1993/000114 patent/WO1993019321A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO1993019321A1 (en) | 1993-09-30 |
| EP0635112A4 (en) | 1995-04-12 |
| EP0635112A1 (en) | 1995-01-25 |
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