CA2253479A1 - Shuttle for use in insertion of a draw line into a conduit - Google Patents
Shuttle for use in insertion of a draw line into a conduit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2253479A1 CA2253479A1 CA002253479A CA2253479A CA2253479A1 CA 2253479 A1 CA2253479 A1 CA 2253479A1 CA 002253479 A CA002253479 A CA 002253479A CA 2253479 A CA2253479 A CA 2253479A CA 2253479 A1 CA2253479 A1 CA 2253479A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- air
- shuttle
- collector
- shaft
- shuttle according
- 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
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G1/00—Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing or dismantling electric cables or lines
- H02G1/06—Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing or dismantling electric cables or lines for laying cables, e.g. laying apparatus on vehicle
- H02G1/08—Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing or dismantling electric cables or lines for laying cables, e.g. laying apparatus on vehicle through tubing or conduit, e.g. rod or draw wire for pushing or pulling
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G1/00—Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing or dismantling electric cables or lines
- H02G1/06—Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing or dismantling electric cables or lines for laying cables, e.g. laying apparatus on vehicle
- H02G1/08—Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing or dismantling electric cables or lines for laying cables, e.g. laying apparatus on vehicle through tubing or conduit, e.g. rod or draw wire for pushing or pulling
- H02G1/086—Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing or dismantling electric cables or lines for laying cables, e.g. laying apparatus on vehicle through tubing or conduit, e.g. rod or draw wire for pushing or pulling using fluid as pulling means, e.g. liquid, pressurised gas or suction means
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- 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
- F16L55/26—Pigs or moles, i.e. devices movable in a pipe or conduit with or without self-contained propulsion means
- F16L55/28—Constructional aspects
- F16L55/30—Constructional aspects of the propulsion means, e.g. towed by cables
- F16L55/38—Constructional aspects of the propulsion means, e.g. towed by cables driven by fluid pressure
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Electric Cable Installation (AREA)
- Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)
- Light Guides In General And Applications Therefor (AREA)
- Pipe Accessories (AREA)
- Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
An air flow activated shuttle (1) for pulling a draw line (6) through a length of conduit (2) having entry and exit end, said shuttle comprising a shaft (3) having a leading end (4) and a trailing end (5); means (7) on said trailing end which receives and retains a leading end of said draw line; at least one air flow mitigation element (9, 10) attached to said shaft which at least partially interrupts an air flow introduced into the entry end of said conduit from an air source to said shuttle from the trailing end thereby urging said shuttle along said pipe urging said draw line therealong and through said exit.
Description
CA 022~3479 1998-ll-03 SHUTTLE FOR USI~ IN INSERTION OF A DRAW LINE INTO A CONDUIT
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in the insertion of a draw line inside 5 a conduit and more particularly relates to an air flow activated shuttle for use in effecting that insertion. The invention will be described with reference to the use of the shuttle for the insertion of a draw line in telecommunications cables but this is not to be construed as limiting of the applications to which the invention in all its forms may be put.
Telecommunications cables are nowadays generally laid underground in specially constructed trenches. In order to protect the cables from potential damage by water, debris and vermin, typically, communications cables are laid inside plastic ~usually polyvinylchloride (PVC)) conduits. ~here are many thousands of kilometres of such 15 cables already laid in underground conduits, but due to the rapid increase intelecommunications and thus the need for more cables, conceivably hundreds of thousands of kilometres of cable will be required in the future.
There are generally three categories of installed conduits, those that are left empty in 20 reserve awaiting receipt of new cables, those that are already partially filled and those that are fully occupied with cables. lt is the first and second of the two aforesaid categories that the invention is principally concerned with. The process of inserting cables into conduits is time con.c~ming, labour intensive and thus expensive. Existing methods of insertion of draw lines in conduits are slow, cumbersome and inef~lcient.
In order to feed a cable through a conduit, it is necessary to first insert a draw line inside the conduit which is then anchored to the leading end of the cable so it can be pulled through to the end of the length of conduit. Draw lines may be inserted in advance and simply left Iying in a conduit awaiting later insertion of a cable. This is helpful to the 30 cable installer as in this case, the draw line is already placed in the conduit in advance of the cable in~t~llation, enabling the draw line to be readily attached to the leading end of the cable which is then pulled through by the draw line. One existing method for CA 022~3479 l998-ll-03 insertion of a draw line in a conduit includes the use of a crude parachute to which a draw line is connected. The parachute is inserted via an entry end into the conduit.
Pressurised air is then delivered from an air source to the parachute causing it to inflate following which it exits the pipe taking the draw line with it. In order to m~int~in the 5 positive air pressure required, the entry end of the conduit must be sealed to prevent escape of air through the entry end. This is presently effected in a crude manner by the insertion in the entry end of the conduit of rags and the like which must be manually held in position whilst positive pressure is delivered to the inside of the pipe. Positive pressure is introduced into the conduit via a copper tube which is connected to a source 10 of pressurised air. The rags and other packing surround the copper tube. The draw line must be loose enough to travel through or around the packing resulting in a colnpro~ise to the integrity of the seal and in a pressure loss in the conduit via the entry end.
Another problem arising from use of the above method is that of unwanted collapsing or bunching of the parachute. The presently used parachute essentially conlp.ises a sheet of 15 textile or like material to which is connected at peripherally located points one end of each of multiple lengths of string or the like, each of which terminate at their other end at a junction which also receives the leading end of the draw line.
The parachute is prone to collapsing within the conduit particularly if the air is collected 20 asymmetrically in the parachute allowing greater air by pass around one edge compared to symmetric by pass and proper chute balance in normal operation. This imbalance can cause the parachute to rotate, t~neline the connecting strings in which case the string can capture the air collecting textile material of the parachute. This means that the tangled parachute can jamb in the pipe and has to be 'fished' out of the conduit and the insertion 25 process recommenced increasing the time and labour involved in drag line insertion. In practice this problem can occur repeatedly before successful insertion is achieved.
A further problem may occur where cables inside a partially filled conduit cross over to form a V which then catches the parachute in the throat of the V shape. When this 30 occurs the draw line (string) continues to be air blown beyond the capture point ofthe parachute conveying an impression to the operating personnel that the parachute is still drawing the draw line through the conduit when in fact it has jammed. The parachute CA 022~3479 1998-11-03 must be released from the capture point by pulling the draw line back through the conduit followed by repeated attempts at insertion until the parachute successfully travels through the pipe. This is inefficient, labour intensive and time con.~uming.
5 There are other problems with use of the prior art arrangements: for instance, the string of the draw line comes in contact with the users hands during feeding posing a risk of 'rope burn', and the copper tube must be held in position by an operator along with the packing rags and sponges to prevent blow out. Further, two men are usually required in the conduit pit, one feeding the draw line and the other holding the copper air line and 10 rags in position.
In another prior art method, rods may be inserted from either end of a conduit until they meet in the middle whereupon the conduit is cut and joined creating a further undesirable join and thus another place through which unwanted water can penetrate. Push rods may 15 be inserted from one end of a conduit up to 100 metres. This method is cumbersome and may lead to cable damage within the conduit particularly where a push rod engages a V
formation described above.
T~ INVENTION
20 The present invention provides an apparatus which enables the trouble free insertion of draw lines inside conduits adapted for carrying cables such as, but not limited to, telecommunications cables. The present invention is used in conjunction with an apparatus which has been made the subject of a co-pending application by the present applicant which overcomes the problems of the prior art methodology referred to above.
25 According to the present invention there is provided an air assisted self supporting shuttle for pulling a draw line through a length of conduit.
In its broadest form the present invention comprises:
an air flow activated shuttle for pulling a draw line through a length of conduit having 30 entry and exit ends, said shuttle comprising;
a shaft having a leading end and a trailing end;
means on said trailing end which receives and retains a leading end of said draw line, ... .
CA 022~3479 1998-11-03 at least one air flow mitigation element attached to said shaft which at least partially interrupts an air flow introduced into the entry end of said conduit from an air source to said shuttle from the trailing end thereby urging said shuttle along said pipe urging said draw line therealong and through said exit.
Preferably, the air flow retarding means comprises at least one air collector intermediate the ends of the shaft and disposed radially about said shaft and flared in the direction of the trailing end. Each shuttle preferably comprises at least one radial array of air collecting cells or at least one flexible skirt.
According to an alternative embodiment air collectors may be defined by a flexible skirt wherein the skirt of each air collector captures the air and displaces radially of said shaft responsive to positive air pressure thereby creating a low friction fit between a flared end of each said skirt and the internal wall of the conduit. The leading edge of the shaft 15 terminates in a nose cone and the leading end of each of any ~e~ -g collectors include a small opening allowing positive air pressure to exit in the direction of the leading collector to ensure that the leading collector is not starved of air.
The skirt of each collector terminates at or near said nose cone and allows positive air 20 pressure in each collector to exit via said nose cone thereby reversing the direction of air exiting each said collector. The collectors may be individually fixed to the shaft.
In an alternative embodiment the air collector may comprise an umbrella like structure connected to the shaft. The configuration, material and texture of the air collectors may 25 be varied according to circumstances such as the internal state of the conduit in which a draw line is to be inserted.
According to an alternative embodiment, the shuttle may include means at the leading end and trailing end to enable coupling of one shuttle to multiple shuttles where required.
30 Said means may comprise releasable couplings. The coupling may be effected by means of threaded male/female profile parts on the end of adjacent shaft elements.
WO 97/426gl PCT/AU97/00277 The present invention will now be described in more detail according to a plel~ ed but non limiting embodiment and with reference to the accompanying illustrations wherein;
Figure 1: shows an isometric view of a shuttle having a pair of air collectors and inserted in a conduit according to one embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2: shows an exploded view of a shuttle comprising two shaft elements;
Figure 3: shows the shuttle of figure 2 with shaft elements coupled together;
Figure 4: shows a shuttle with one air collector comprising an array of collecting cells,~0 Figure 5: shows a tandem shuttle with leading and trailing collectors wherein the trailing collector has by pass holes.
Referrin~ to figure I there is shown a shuttle I according to one embodiment adapted to travel along the inside of a conduit 2 under the assistance of positive air pressure from an 15 air source (not shown) applied at an entry end of the pipe. It will be recognised that the embodiment of the shuttle shown in figure 1 is merely an example of a wide possibility of shuttle configurations. For instance, a shuttle may comprise one shaft element with one or more collectors which may be of the flexible skirt type or air colJection cell type.
Thus, in the case where multiple collectors are used on one shaft element, the collectors 20 may be the same type or a combination of the skirt variety and air collection cell variety.
Shuttle I comprises a generally elongated shaft 3 having a leading end 4 and a trailing end 5. In use, shuttle 1 pulls a draw line ~ from an entry end of the pipe to an exit end.
Trailing end 5 of shaft 3 includes connecting means 7 which receives the leading end of dtaw line 6. Connecting means 7 may comprise a simple loop to which is tied said2~ leading end 6a of the draw line 6. The leading end 4 of shaft 3 has mounted thereon a nose cone 8 which provides an aerodynamic leading edge profile and contributes to the balance and operation of the shuttle. Intermediate the ends of the shaft there are provided two longitudinally spaced apart air collectors 9 and 10. Collectors 9 and 10 shown are each formed from a radial array of air collection cells disposed radially about 30 sha~ 3. According to an alternative embodiment one array only may be employed, with a minimum of two diametrically disposed air collectors. Ideally the air collectors are symmetrically disposed about the axis of shaft 3 to prevent out of balance forces CA 022~3479 1998-ll-03 generated by the air pressure, tending to rotate or tumble the shuttle co~ ulllising directional stability. Ideally, the shuttle is of sufficient length to preclude the possibility of overturning inside the conduit in which case the shuttle would jamb as occurred in the prior art arrangements previously described.
Each of collectors 9 and 10 comprises a plurality of radially disposed air collecting skirts 11 each of which comprise a flexible material. Each of said collectors are at least partially fixed to shaft 3. Each collecting skirt 11 is tapered from its leading to its trailing edge.
Once draw line 6 is connected to connecting means 7 which may comprise a resilient loop through which line 6 may be placed and the pipe end sealed, shuttle 1 is ready for use. Once the entry end of conduit 2 is sealed, air from a source of pressurised air is introduced into region 13 of conduit 2 whereupon collecting skirts I I of shuttle 1 15 displace radially as they collect the pressured air. This causes the shuttle to travel along conduit 2 at an extremely fast rate until it exits the conduit pulling draw line 6 along with it. Once draw line 6 is through the pipe, shuttle I is then uncoupled from draw line 6 for re use.
20 Where a single air collector is used, it is preferable that the skirt (where the skirt variety is used) or envelopes (where the collection cell variety is used) radially displaced to an extent which maximises air collection. Thus, it is ideal that the displacement is such that air collection from the full cross sectional area of the pipe is achieved. This will result in the skirt or cells eng~ging the inner wall of conduit 2 as the skirt or cell envelopes 25 radially displace. Where multiple collectors are used the trailing collectors will include a leading end opening to allow air by pass to ensure that the leading end collector is not staved of pressurised air. Also the trailing collectors will allow by pass about the periphery of the skirt or air collecting cells.
30 Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a double shuttle similar to the embodiment of the invention shown in figure 1.
CA 022~3479 1998-11-03 Each shuttle may be threadably connected to an adjacent shuttle such that uncoupling of a shuttle from an adjacent shuttle is a relatively simple matter. Likewise draw line 6 may as an alternative be uncoupled and coupled by means of a threaded connection on the trailing end 5 of shaft 3.
Figure 2 shows shaft elements 20 and 21 mutually separated. Shaft element 20 includes flexible skirt collector 22 and shaft element 21 comprises flexible skirt collector 23.
Shaft el~melltc 20 and 21 are engageable by means of threaded male female interfitting.
Element 20 comprises threaded male profile part 24 and element 21 female profile part 25. This arrangement enables convenient adjustment to the length ofthe shuttle according to requirements.
Figure 3 shows skirt collectors 22 and 23 as they appear when the shaft elements(concealed) of the shuttle of figure 2 are coupled together.
Figure 4 shows a single shaft element 30 with a collector 31 comprising air collecting cells 32 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 shows a tandem shuttle 40 comprising shaft elements 41 and 42 includingthereon respectively collectors 43 and 44. Collector 43 includes in each air collecting cell 45 an opening or openings 46 which provides an air by pass facility which prevents leading collector 44 from pressurised air starvation.
It will be recognised by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations andmodifications may be made to the invention as broadly described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in the insertion of a draw line inside 5 a conduit and more particularly relates to an air flow activated shuttle for use in effecting that insertion. The invention will be described with reference to the use of the shuttle for the insertion of a draw line in telecommunications cables but this is not to be construed as limiting of the applications to which the invention in all its forms may be put.
Telecommunications cables are nowadays generally laid underground in specially constructed trenches. In order to protect the cables from potential damage by water, debris and vermin, typically, communications cables are laid inside plastic ~usually polyvinylchloride (PVC)) conduits. ~here are many thousands of kilometres of such 15 cables already laid in underground conduits, but due to the rapid increase intelecommunications and thus the need for more cables, conceivably hundreds of thousands of kilometres of cable will be required in the future.
There are generally three categories of installed conduits, those that are left empty in 20 reserve awaiting receipt of new cables, those that are already partially filled and those that are fully occupied with cables. lt is the first and second of the two aforesaid categories that the invention is principally concerned with. The process of inserting cables into conduits is time con.c~ming, labour intensive and thus expensive. Existing methods of insertion of draw lines in conduits are slow, cumbersome and inef~lcient.
In order to feed a cable through a conduit, it is necessary to first insert a draw line inside the conduit which is then anchored to the leading end of the cable so it can be pulled through to the end of the length of conduit. Draw lines may be inserted in advance and simply left Iying in a conduit awaiting later insertion of a cable. This is helpful to the 30 cable installer as in this case, the draw line is already placed in the conduit in advance of the cable in~t~llation, enabling the draw line to be readily attached to the leading end of the cable which is then pulled through by the draw line. One existing method for CA 022~3479 l998-ll-03 insertion of a draw line in a conduit includes the use of a crude parachute to which a draw line is connected. The parachute is inserted via an entry end into the conduit.
Pressurised air is then delivered from an air source to the parachute causing it to inflate following which it exits the pipe taking the draw line with it. In order to m~int~in the 5 positive air pressure required, the entry end of the conduit must be sealed to prevent escape of air through the entry end. This is presently effected in a crude manner by the insertion in the entry end of the conduit of rags and the like which must be manually held in position whilst positive pressure is delivered to the inside of the pipe. Positive pressure is introduced into the conduit via a copper tube which is connected to a source 10 of pressurised air. The rags and other packing surround the copper tube. The draw line must be loose enough to travel through or around the packing resulting in a colnpro~ise to the integrity of the seal and in a pressure loss in the conduit via the entry end.
Another problem arising from use of the above method is that of unwanted collapsing or bunching of the parachute. The presently used parachute essentially conlp.ises a sheet of 15 textile or like material to which is connected at peripherally located points one end of each of multiple lengths of string or the like, each of which terminate at their other end at a junction which also receives the leading end of the draw line.
The parachute is prone to collapsing within the conduit particularly if the air is collected 20 asymmetrically in the parachute allowing greater air by pass around one edge compared to symmetric by pass and proper chute balance in normal operation. This imbalance can cause the parachute to rotate, t~neline the connecting strings in which case the string can capture the air collecting textile material of the parachute. This means that the tangled parachute can jamb in the pipe and has to be 'fished' out of the conduit and the insertion 25 process recommenced increasing the time and labour involved in drag line insertion. In practice this problem can occur repeatedly before successful insertion is achieved.
A further problem may occur where cables inside a partially filled conduit cross over to form a V which then catches the parachute in the throat of the V shape. When this 30 occurs the draw line (string) continues to be air blown beyond the capture point ofthe parachute conveying an impression to the operating personnel that the parachute is still drawing the draw line through the conduit when in fact it has jammed. The parachute CA 022~3479 1998-11-03 must be released from the capture point by pulling the draw line back through the conduit followed by repeated attempts at insertion until the parachute successfully travels through the pipe. This is inefficient, labour intensive and time con.~uming.
5 There are other problems with use of the prior art arrangements: for instance, the string of the draw line comes in contact with the users hands during feeding posing a risk of 'rope burn', and the copper tube must be held in position by an operator along with the packing rags and sponges to prevent blow out. Further, two men are usually required in the conduit pit, one feeding the draw line and the other holding the copper air line and 10 rags in position.
In another prior art method, rods may be inserted from either end of a conduit until they meet in the middle whereupon the conduit is cut and joined creating a further undesirable join and thus another place through which unwanted water can penetrate. Push rods may 15 be inserted from one end of a conduit up to 100 metres. This method is cumbersome and may lead to cable damage within the conduit particularly where a push rod engages a V
formation described above.
T~ INVENTION
20 The present invention provides an apparatus which enables the trouble free insertion of draw lines inside conduits adapted for carrying cables such as, but not limited to, telecommunications cables. The present invention is used in conjunction with an apparatus which has been made the subject of a co-pending application by the present applicant which overcomes the problems of the prior art methodology referred to above.
25 According to the present invention there is provided an air assisted self supporting shuttle for pulling a draw line through a length of conduit.
In its broadest form the present invention comprises:
an air flow activated shuttle for pulling a draw line through a length of conduit having 30 entry and exit ends, said shuttle comprising;
a shaft having a leading end and a trailing end;
means on said trailing end which receives and retains a leading end of said draw line, ... .
CA 022~3479 1998-11-03 at least one air flow mitigation element attached to said shaft which at least partially interrupts an air flow introduced into the entry end of said conduit from an air source to said shuttle from the trailing end thereby urging said shuttle along said pipe urging said draw line therealong and through said exit.
Preferably, the air flow retarding means comprises at least one air collector intermediate the ends of the shaft and disposed radially about said shaft and flared in the direction of the trailing end. Each shuttle preferably comprises at least one radial array of air collecting cells or at least one flexible skirt.
According to an alternative embodiment air collectors may be defined by a flexible skirt wherein the skirt of each air collector captures the air and displaces radially of said shaft responsive to positive air pressure thereby creating a low friction fit between a flared end of each said skirt and the internal wall of the conduit. The leading edge of the shaft 15 terminates in a nose cone and the leading end of each of any ~e~ -g collectors include a small opening allowing positive air pressure to exit in the direction of the leading collector to ensure that the leading collector is not starved of air.
The skirt of each collector terminates at or near said nose cone and allows positive air 20 pressure in each collector to exit via said nose cone thereby reversing the direction of air exiting each said collector. The collectors may be individually fixed to the shaft.
In an alternative embodiment the air collector may comprise an umbrella like structure connected to the shaft. The configuration, material and texture of the air collectors may 25 be varied according to circumstances such as the internal state of the conduit in which a draw line is to be inserted.
According to an alternative embodiment, the shuttle may include means at the leading end and trailing end to enable coupling of one shuttle to multiple shuttles where required.
30 Said means may comprise releasable couplings. The coupling may be effected by means of threaded male/female profile parts on the end of adjacent shaft elements.
WO 97/426gl PCT/AU97/00277 The present invention will now be described in more detail according to a plel~ ed but non limiting embodiment and with reference to the accompanying illustrations wherein;
Figure 1: shows an isometric view of a shuttle having a pair of air collectors and inserted in a conduit according to one embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2: shows an exploded view of a shuttle comprising two shaft elements;
Figure 3: shows the shuttle of figure 2 with shaft elements coupled together;
Figure 4: shows a shuttle with one air collector comprising an array of collecting cells,~0 Figure 5: shows a tandem shuttle with leading and trailing collectors wherein the trailing collector has by pass holes.
Referrin~ to figure I there is shown a shuttle I according to one embodiment adapted to travel along the inside of a conduit 2 under the assistance of positive air pressure from an 15 air source (not shown) applied at an entry end of the pipe. It will be recognised that the embodiment of the shuttle shown in figure 1 is merely an example of a wide possibility of shuttle configurations. For instance, a shuttle may comprise one shaft element with one or more collectors which may be of the flexible skirt type or air colJection cell type.
Thus, in the case where multiple collectors are used on one shaft element, the collectors 20 may be the same type or a combination of the skirt variety and air collection cell variety.
Shuttle I comprises a generally elongated shaft 3 having a leading end 4 and a trailing end 5. In use, shuttle 1 pulls a draw line ~ from an entry end of the pipe to an exit end.
Trailing end 5 of shaft 3 includes connecting means 7 which receives the leading end of dtaw line 6. Connecting means 7 may comprise a simple loop to which is tied said2~ leading end 6a of the draw line 6. The leading end 4 of shaft 3 has mounted thereon a nose cone 8 which provides an aerodynamic leading edge profile and contributes to the balance and operation of the shuttle. Intermediate the ends of the shaft there are provided two longitudinally spaced apart air collectors 9 and 10. Collectors 9 and 10 shown are each formed from a radial array of air collection cells disposed radially about 30 sha~ 3. According to an alternative embodiment one array only may be employed, with a minimum of two diametrically disposed air collectors. Ideally the air collectors are symmetrically disposed about the axis of shaft 3 to prevent out of balance forces CA 022~3479 1998-ll-03 generated by the air pressure, tending to rotate or tumble the shuttle co~ ulllising directional stability. Ideally, the shuttle is of sufficient length to preclude the possibility of overturning inside the conduit in which case the shuttle would jamb as occurred in the prior art arrangements previously described.
Each of collectors 9 and 10 comprises a plurality of radially disposed air collecting skirts 11 each of which comprise a flexible material. Each of said collectors are at least partially fixed to shaft 3. Each collecting skirt 11 is tapered from its leading to its trailing edge.
Once draw line 6 is connected to connecting means 7 which may comprise a resilient loop through which line 6 may be placed and the pipe end sealed, shuttle 1 is ready for use. Once the entry end of conduit 2 is sealed, air from a source of pressurised air is introduced into region 13 of conduit 2 whereupon collecting skirts I I of shuttle 1 15 displace radially as they collect the pressured air. This causes the shuttle to travel along conduit 2 at an extremely fast rate until it exits the conduit pulling draw line 6 along with it. Once draw line 6 is through the pipe, shuttle I is then uncoupled from draw line 6 for re use.
20 Where a single air collector is used, it is preferable that the skirt (where the skirt variety is used) or envelopes (where the collection cell variety is used) radially displaced to an extent which maximises air collection. Thus, it is ideal that the displacement is such that air collection from the full cross sectional area of the pipe is achieved. This will result in the skirt or cells eng~ging the inner wall of conduit 2 as the skirt or cell envelopes 25 radially displace. Where multiple collectors are used the trailing collectors will include a leading end opening to allow air by pass to ensure that the leading end collector is not staved of pressurised air. Also the trailing collectors will allow by pass about the periphery of the skirt or air collecting cells.
30 Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a double shuttle similar to the embodiment of the invention shown in figure 1.
CA 022~3479 1998-11-03 Each shuttle may be threadably connected to an adjacent shuttle such that uncoupling of a shuttle from an adjacent shuttle is a relatively simple matter. Likewise draw line 6 may as an alternative be uncoupled and coupled by means of a threaded connection on the trailing end 5 of shaft 3.
Figure 2 shows shaft elements 20 and 21 mutually separated. Shaft element 20 includes flexible skirt collector 22 and shaft element 21 comprises flexible skirt collector 23.
Shaft el~melltc 20 and 21 are engageable by means of threaded male female interfitting.
Element 20 comprises threaded male profile part 24 and element 21 female profile part 25. This arrangement enables convenient adjustment to the length ofthe shuttle according to requirements.
Figure 3 shows skirt collectors 22 and 23 as they appear when the shaft elements(concealed) of the shuttle of figure 2 are coupled together.
Figure 4 shows a single shaft element 30 with a collector 31 comprising air collecting cells 32 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 shows a tandem shuttle 40 comprising shaft elements 41 and 42 includingthereon respectively collectors 43 and 44. Collector 43 includes in each air collecting cell 45 an opening or openings 46 which provides an air by pass facility which prevents leading collector 44 from pressurised air starvation.
It will be recognised by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations andmodifications may be made to the invention as broadly described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
THE CLAIMS:
1. An air flow activated shuttle for pulling a draw line through a length of conduit having entry and exit end, said shuttle comprising;
a shaft having a leading end and a trailing end;
means on said trailing end which receives and retains a leading end of said draw line;
at least one air flow mitigation element attached to said shaft which at least partially interrupts an air flow introduced into the entry end of said conduit from an air source to said shuttle from the trailing end thereby urging said shuttle along said pipe urging said draw line therealong and through said exit.
2. A shuttle according to claim 1 wherein said mitigation element/s comprise/s an air collector or collectors which receive air to drive said shuttle along said pipe.3. A shuttle according to claim 2 wherein at least one collector comprises an array of separate air collecting cells adjacent each other and which are disposed radially about said shaft.
4. A shuttle according to claim 3 wherein each said cells are formed by a flexible envelope which inflates upon ingress of air therein.
5. A shuttle according to claim 2 wherein at least one collector/s comprise/s a flexible membrane in the form of a skirt having one end fixed to said shaft and an opposite free end which displaces radially of said shaft when air is collected by said flexible membrane.
6. A shuttle according to claim 5 wherein, when multiple air collectors are affixed to said shaft, a leading air collector, upon ingress of air, expands to an extent that the flexible envelope may engage the inside wall of the pipe so that minimal, if any, air by-passes said collector and one or more trailing air collectors allow air by-pass to avoid starving said leading air collector of air.
7. A shuttle according to claim 6 wherein at least one collector comprises said flexible skirt and at least one other collector comprises said air collecting cells.
8. A shuttle according to claim 7 wherein a leading collector comprises said cells and at least one trailing collector comprises said flexible skirt.
9. A shuttle according to claim 7 wherein a leading collector comprises said flexible skirt and at least one trailing collector comprises said air collecting cells.
10. A shuttle according to claim 8 or 9 wherein the leading end of a leading collector includes a nose cone.
11. A shuttle according to claim 10 wherein each collector has a nose cone.
12. A shuttle according to claim 11 wherein the shaft comprises interconnected shaft elements detachable from an adjacent shaft element.
13. A shuttle according to claim 12 wherein each shaft element includes at least one air collector mounted thereon.
14. A shuttle according to claim 6 wherein the material of the flexible cells or flexible skirt is a fabric.
15. A shuttle according to claim 14 wherein when multiple collectors are on saidshaft they are disposed in axial alignment.
16. A shuttle according to claim 15 wherein one shaft element is screw fitted to an adjacent element.
17. A shuttle according to claim 16 wherein when said shaft includes a plurality of collectors each trailing collector has air by-pass openings to reduce or preventdeprivation of air from a leading collector.
18. A shuttle according to claim 16 wherein the flexible skirt is wire reinforced.
1. An air flow activated shuttle for pulling a draw line through a length of conduit having entry and exit end, said shuttle comprising;
a shaft having a leading end and a trailing end;
means on said trailing end which receives and retains a leading end of said draw line;
at least one air flow mitigation element attached to said shaft which at least partially interrupts an air flow introduced into the entry end of said conduit from an air source to said shuttle from the trailing end thereby urging said shuttle along said pipe urging said draw line therealong and through said exit.
2. A shuttle according to claim 1 wherein said mitigation element/s comprise/s an air collector or collectors which receive air to drive said shuttle along said pipe.3. A shuttle according to claim 2 wherein at least one collector comprises an array of separate air collecting cells adjacent each other and which are disposed radially about said shaft.
4. A shuttle according to claim 3 wherein each said cells are formed by a flexible envelope which inflates upon ingress of air therein.
5. A shuttle according to claim 2 wherein at least one collector/s comprise/s a flexible membrane in the form of a skirt having one end fixed to said shaft and an opposite free end which displaces radially of said shaft when air is collected by said flexible membrane.
6. A shuttle according to claim 5 wherein, when multiple air collectors are affixed to said shaft, a leading air collector, upon ingress of air, expands to an extent that the flexible envelope may engage the inside wall of the pipe so that minimal, if any, air by-passes said collector and one or more trailing air collectors allow air by-pass to avoid starving said leading air collector of air.
7. A shuttle according to claim 6 wherein at least one collector comprises said flexible skirt and at least one other collector comprises said air collecting cells.
8. A shuttle according to claim 7 wherein a leading collector comprises said cells and at least one trailing collector comprises said flexible skirt.
9. A shuttle according to claim 7 wherein a leading collector comprises said flexible skirt and at least one trailing collector comprises said air collecting cells.
10. A shuttle according to claim 8 or 9 wherein the leading end of a leading collector includes a nose cone.
11. A shuttle according to claim 10 wherein each collector has a nose cone.
12. A shuttle according to claim 11 wherein the shaft comprises interconnected shaft elements detachable from an adjacent shaft element.
13. A shuttle according to claim 12 wherein each shaft element includes at least one air collector mounted thereon.
14. A shuttle according to claim 6 wherein the material of the flexible cells or flexible skirt is a fabric.
15. A shuttle according to claim 14 wherein when multiple collectors are on saidshaft they are disposed in axial alignment.
16. A shuttle according to claim 15 wherein one shaft element is screw fitted to an adjacent element.
17. A shuttle according to claim 16 wherein when said shaft includes a plurality of collectors each trailing collector has air by-pass openings to reduce or preventdeprivation of air from a leading collector.
18. A shuttle according to claim 16 wherein the flexible skirt is wire reinforced.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUPN9713 | 1996-05-07 | ||
| AUPN9713A AUPN971396A0 (en) | 1996-05-07 | 1996-05-07 | Shuttle for use in insertion of a draw line |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2253479A1 true CA2253479A1 (en) | 1997-11-13 |
Family
ID=3794026
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002253479A Abandoned CA2253479A1 (en) | 1996-05-07 | 1997-05-06 | Shuttle for use in insertion of a draw line into a conduit |
Country Status (14)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0990287A4 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2000509597A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR20000010828A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1221521A (en) |
| AU (1) | AUPN971396A0 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9710666A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2253479A1 (en) |
| CZ (1) | CZ360098A3 (en) |
| FI (1) | FI982383A (en) |
| HU (1) | HUP9903972A3 (en) |
| NZ (1) | NZ333217A (en) |
| PL (1) | PL329735A1 (en) |
| TR (1) | TR199802262T2 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1997042691A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN112956095A (en) * | 2018-11-13 | 2021-06-11 | 普拉麦特兹控股股份公司 | Installation of cables in a pipe array |
| EP4099526A1 (en) * | 2021-06-04 | 2022-12-07 | Bär, Brigitte | Injection system with injection device |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2775136B1 (en) * | 1998-02-13 | 2000-03-10 | France Telecom | PNEUMATIC "PASS-PARTOUT" PNEUMATIC DRAWING DEVICE IN CONDUITS OF ANY LENGTH |
| FR2835588B1 (en) | 2002-02-05 | 2004-09-03 | Cegelec | URBAN HEATING PIPE INSPECTION PROCESS |
| KR100602743B1 (en) * | 2004-02-10 | 2006-07-24 | 주식회사 청원에스아이 | A insert apparatus for cable to burried pipe |
| KR100846135B1 (en) * | 2008-04-15 | 2008-07-14 | (주)천도건축사사무소 | Apparatus for laying cable in channel |
| FR2930337B1 (en) * | 2008-04-22 | 2011-03-25 | Freyssinet | SYSTEM FOR OBTAINING INFORMATION RELATING TO A PIPELINE AND ASSOCIATED METHOD |
| GB2468113A (en) * | 2008-11-25 | 2010-09-01 | Ram Friedman | A device for inserting a guiding wire into a pipe or tube |
| EP2497170B1 (en) | 2009-11-05 | 2015-08-12 | Plumettaz Holding S.A. | Process, pig and pressure housing for laying an elongated element |
| KR101089815B1 (en) | 2009-11-30 | 2011-12-08 | 안영진 | The method for laying pipes for underground wire |
| ITMI20121814A1 (en) | 2012-10-25 | 2014-04-26 | Sb Lab Sa | SHUTTLE TO TRAVEL DUCTS AND KIT FOR LAYING A GUIDE WIRE IN DUCTS OF HIGH LENGTH |
| JP5737697B1 (en) * | 2014-08-26 | 2015-06-17 | 有限会社 三葉建設 | Lead wire conductor |
| US9821349B2 (en) * | 2014-09-10 | 2017-11-21 | Rolls-Royce Corporation | Wands for gas turbine engine cleaning |
| CN105305328B (en) * | 2015-12-08 | 2019-09-27 | 宁波市镇海西门专利技术开发有限公司 | Wire-leading device of pipeline |
| CN105402551B (en) * | 2015-12-10 | 2019-10-29 | 宁波市镇海西门专利技术开发有限公司 | Pipeline guy rope machine |
| CN105743025A (en) * | 2016-04-20 | 2016-07-06 | 王本 | Traction device for wire through pipe |
| CN108429192A (en) * | 2018-04-10 | 2018-08-21 | 国网甘肃省电力公司经济技术研究院 | A kind of spring lead device |
| CN109681720A (en) * | 2018-12-29 | 2019-04-26 | 成都普崔克机电有限公司 | A kind of fluid-operated soft pipeline unit |
| CN110185887A (en) * | 2019-05-23 | 2019-08-30 | 天津精仪精测科技有限公司 | A kind of detecting robot of pipe |
| CN112845423B (en) * | 2020-12-21 | 2022-11-22 | 中建三局绿色产业投资有限公司 | PE pipeline inner wall cleaning device |
| CN113328372B (en) * | 2021-06-21 | 2022-05-03 | 吉林省华鸿电信技术有限公司 | Remote automatic repairing system for cable |
| KR102612433B1 (en) * | 2022-11-02 | 2023-12-12 | 한국건설기술연구원 | Propulsion device for tow line installation and system including same |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB191010705A (en) * | 1910-04-30 | 1910-08-11 | George Abner Brown | Improvements in Electric Conduit Threaders. |
| CH484538A (en) * | 1969-03-14 | 1970-01-15 | Abnox Ag | Pneumatically operated pulling device |
| DE1950645A1 (en) * | 1969-10-08 | 1971-04-15 | Franz Wolff | Device for pulling the pull line for cables or lines through cable or conduit |
| GB2151414B (en) * | 1983-12-12 | 1987-04-23 | Kao Chiang Teng | Apparatus for feeding cable through a conduit |
| FR2623665B1 (en) * | 1987-11-20 | 1996-10-31 | Baldechi Sauro | PNEUMATIC LOW PRESSURE PROCESS FOR PULLING CABLES IN DUCTS AND DEVICE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE SAME |
-
1996
- 1996-05-07 AU AUPN9713A patent/AUPN971396A0/en not_active Abandoned
-
1997
- 1997-05-06 TR TR1998/02262T patent/TR199802262T2/en unknown
- 1997-05-06 PL PL97329735A patent/PL329735A1/en unknown
- 1997-05-06 NZ NZ333217A patent/NZ333217A/en unknown
- 1997-05-06 KR KR1019980708969A patent/KR20000010828A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1997-05-06 EP EP97917937A patent/EP0990287A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1997-05-06 CN CN97195200A patent/CN1221521A/en active Pending
- 1997-05-06 JP JP9539352A patent/JP2000509597A/en active Pending
- 1997-05-06 BR BR9710666A patent/BR9710666A/en unknown
- 1997-05-06 CA CA002253479A patent/CA2253479A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-05-06 CZ CZ983600A patent/CZ360098A3/en unknown
- 1997-05-06 WO PCT/AU1997/000277 patent/WO1997042691A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1997-05-06 HU HU9903972A patent/HUP9903972A3/en unknown
-
1998
- 1998-11-03 FI FI982383A patent/FI982383A/en unknown
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN112956095A (en) * | 2018-11-13 | 2021-06-11 | 普拉麦特兹控股股份公司 | Installation of cables in a pipe array |
| EP4099526A1 (en) * | 2021-06-04 | 2022-12-07 | Bär, Brigitte | Injection system with injection device |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| BR9710666A (en) | 1999-08-17 |
| EP0990287A1 (en) | 2000-04-05 |
| CN1221521A (en) | 1999-06-30 |
| FI982383A (en) | 1999-01-07 |
| HUP9903972A3 (en) | 2000-05-29 |
| CZ360098A3 (en) | 1999-07-14 |
| JP2000509597A (en) | 2000-07-25 |
| TR199802262T2 (en) | 1999-02-22 |
| HUP9903972A2 (en) | 2000-03-28 |
| KR20000010828A (en) | 2000-02-25 |
| EP0990287A4 (en) | 2000-04-05 |
| NZ333217A (en) | 2000-10-27 |
| FI982383A0 (en) | 1998-11-03 |
| AUPN971396A0 (en) | 1996-05-30 |
| PL329735A1 (en) | 1999-04-12 |
| WO1997042691A1 (en) | 1997-11-13 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |