CA2868987C - Gas stream suspension pipe viewer and method for using same - Google Patents

Abstract

A gas stream suspension viewer for use in a pipe comprising an eye to view inside the pipe; a housing to protect the eye from debris and projectiles astern; and a projection stemming from the housing to bias the eye radially inward on gas stream application. Another embodiment is a method of any of determining pipe condition, assessing leakage, removing liquid, and removing debris, comprising inserting a viewer within a pipe gas stream.

Description

TITLE
GAS STREAM SUSPENSION PIPE VIEWER AND METHOD FOR USING SAME
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to pipe cleaning, and more specifically pipe cleaning and condition assessment with a gas stream.
BACKGROUND

[0002] Transport pipes (especially liquid transport pipes) are known to become infested with many forms of build up, including tubercles in a case of municipal water pipes.
The pipes become sclerotic and continually narrow as tubercles build up.
Regardless of pipe type (gas! liquid/ solid transport), flow eventually occludes with tubercle residue and other build up. Few viable industrial and commercial solutions are available to deal with sclerotic pipes quickly and effectively.

[0003] One option is to replace infected pipes, but this is frequently unnecessary, time consuming, impractical in urban areas and established neighbourhoods, expensive, and results in an additional problem of waste pipe disposal.

[0004] Another option is to accelerate abrasive projectiles (like rocks of progressive calibre) through infected pipes. A pipe is pressurized with a gas stream, and abrasive projectiles are fed into the stream. The streaming projectiles strike and break away protruding tubercle portions, and discharge out of the pipe along with broken tubercles. This option's defects include inability to clean a) smaller tubercle portions and thin residual layers satisfactorily; and b) pipe elbows, bends, and pipe joints satisfactorily.
This option does not always leave a properly prepared and dried finish for bonding, making subsequent coating or lining difficult and unsatisfactory.

[0005] Certain pipes, over time, can build up corrosion or retain remnants of previous coatings (bitumen, cement), and the like. Normally these patches cannot be fully removed without harsh and corrosive chemicals, or high pressure water blasting (which can damage pipes). Projectile cleaning alone is insufficient to completely remove these remnants and dry the pipe.

[0006] Other defects exist in the prior art, and are also discussed in US
patent application 12/923,201.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In one embodiment the present invention is a gas stream suspension viewer for use in a pipe. The viewer is comprised of an eye to view inside the pipe. A
housing to protect the eye from debris and projectiles astern houses the eye. A projection stems from the housing to bias the eye radially inward on gas stream application.

DRAWINGS

[0008] FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a deflector.

[0009] FIGURE 2 is a cut away view of a deflector within a pipe.

[0010] FIGURE 3 is a cross-section along the line 1-1 in FIGURE 2.

[0011] FIGURE 4 a cut-away view of an alternate embodiment deflector deflecting projectiles pipe.

[0012] FIGURE 5 is a cut away view of an alternate embodiment deflector within a pipe.

[0013] FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of a pipe cleaning system and method.

[0014] FIGURE 7 is a projectile hopper with rotary air lock and gate valve, for dispensing projectiles.

[0015] FIGURE 8 is a cut away view of a deflector and viewer arrangement removing debris, detecting pipe leaks, and extracting liquid from pipe.

[0016] FIGURE 9 is a cut away view of a deflector removing debris, detecting pipe leaks, and extracting liquid from pipe.

[0017] FIGURE 10 is a plan view of one embodiment of a gas stream suspension viewer.

[0018] FIGURE 11 is a perspective view of the viewer in FIGURE 10.

[0019] FIGURE 12 is an alternate perspective view of the viewer in FIGURE
10.

[0020] FIGURE 13 is an exploded view of the viewer in FIGURE 10.

[0021] FIGURE 14 is a plan view of a second embodiment of a gas stream suspension viewer.

[0022] FIGURE 15 is a exploded view of the viewer in FIGURE 14.

[0023] FIGURE 16 is an alternate perspective view of the viewer in FIGURE
14.
DESCRIPTION

[0024] Figure 6 shows a pipe cleaning system and method (10) generally.
The system and method (10) deflects streaming projectiles (20) (Figure 4) by striking them against a deflector (of which one embodiment is shown in Figure 1 generally by (30);
another in Figure generally by (40); and still yet another in Figure 4 generally by (70)) within a pipe (50). It is known to stream projectiles (20) through a pipe (50) to break and remove tubercles (60), but it is not known to use a deflector to increase cleaning effectiveness and speed.

[0025] A tubercle (60) is generally a bumpy, rocky, and rigid protuberance, forming wart-like lesion in pipes (50). Tubercles (60) arise from natural atherosclerosis and mineral deposition, pollution, residual matter, and living organisms. Tubercle (60) formation is highly likely when any of solid, liquid, and gas matter is conveyed in pipes (50)

[0026] A projectile (20) is an impel capable body for firing into pipes (50), to smash tubercles (60). These include bumpy rocks, smooth rocks, ball bearings, shot, shards, ice, sand, shrapnel, bullets, rounds, and pellets, among others, all of variable calibre, shape, density, and hardness, as required.

[0027] In context, streaming means impelling, firing, or propelling (by gas, liquid, magnetic propulsion, or other means). In one embodiment it is preferable to use a pump (80) to stream gas through the pipe (50). In another embodiment it could be a vacuum (not shown) to suck or draw gas through the pipe (50). Tubercles (60) are, in that embodiment, easier to smash with impelled projectiles (20) when tubercles (60) are dried and hardened.
Drying and hardening can be done after a select pipe (50) section is isolated.
The pump (80) can be a blower or a compressor of any variation or type.

[0028] In one embodiment the deflector (30) has a head (90) that can be described as any of angled, curved, conical, semi-spherical, spherical, oblate, planar, and polyhedral. The head (90) is a deflection surface. Any projectile (20) striking that head (90) will alter course and ricochet (see stippled arrows in Figure 4).

[0029] In one embodiment the deflector (30) additionally has a tail (100) that can be any of long, elaborate, extending, protruding, branched, forking, with arms, containing a tail therein, including an axial shaft, including bolts, angled, curved, conical, oblate, spherical, and polyhedral.

[0030] In another embodiment the deflector (70) has a tail (110) that includes a connection neck, a lower disposed skirt (120), and brushes (130).

[0031] These tails (100, 110), when present, bias their respective head (90) radially inward the pipe (50) when gas is streamed through the pipe (50). The head (90) becomes a relatively steady and consistent target for controlled projectile (20) ricochet. The head (90) and whichever tail (100, 110) are paired to each other.

[0032] The deflectors (30, 40, 70) can be controlled and moved back and forth in a gas stream, to improve cleaning effectiveness (ie more thorough cleaning of particularly tubercle (60) infested pipe (50)). Cleaning effectiveness is important for adhering coating or lining to the pipe (50) after cleaning. The cleaner and drier the pipe (50), the better the coating or lining adheres, and the better protected (from infestation) it is in future use. This is also true when the lining or coating becomes classified as a replacement pipe (50).

[0033] In one embodiment the deflector (30, 40, 70) (as in Figures 1, 2, and 4 respectively) is cephalopodic ¨ squid like, with bilateral body symmetry, a prominent head, and branch-like arms).

[0034] In one embodiment the deflector (40) head and tail are semi-spherical, together spherical, and integrated into one. The semi-spheres in alternate embodiments need not be together and integrated as one.

[0035] A system can be formed by fitting a head (90) with cable (140) (or any other suitable connector e.g. chain link, etc.). Once fitted, the deflector (30), in whichever embodiment it may be, is then suitable for using in pipe (50) cleaning.

[0036] The system is scalable by adding at least one more paired head (90) and tail (100) to any preceding paired head (90) and tail (100), in a head to tail configuration.

[0037] One method for pipe (50) cleaning requires digging ground to access a pipe (50).
Typically, a first (150) and second (160) pit is dug with a shovel (180), and the pipe (50) section of interest is isolated. Any liquid supply to the pipe (50), if present, is terminated. A pump (80) is connected to one end of the pipe (50) in the first pit (150), using a split- or multi-arm pipe (170) connection. The pump (80) streams gas through the pipe (50) to empty the pipe (50) interior, and expose tubercles (60) encrusted therein to gas and projectile (20) flow.

[0038] A hopper (190) communicates with the pipe (50) through a pipe connection (170) near the first pit (150). Preferably the hopper (190) permits continuous projectile feeding without ceasing and restarting the gas stream. One such hopper (190) includes a rotary air lock valve (200) and a gate valve (210). Projectiles (20) are loaded into the hopper (190) at atmospheric pressure, or a pressure lower than the pipe (50) pressure when gas is streamed therein. The air lock valve (200) moves a pre-determined number of projectiles (20) from the hopper (190) bottom into position for transit past the gate valve (200). On rotation, the air lock (200) transfers projectiles from a lower pressure state to an area set for increased pressure once the gate valve (210) is opened. The increased pressure (from gas streaming, once the valve (210) is opened) impels the projectile (20) forward and through the pipe (50). If the projectiles (20) strike any tubercles (60), the projectiles (20) typically break away some portion of those tubercles (60) for discharge into the second pit (160).

[0039] An initial cleaning is performed by impelling enough projectiles (20) through the pipe (50) to create a reasonably consistent bore of a prescribed diameter.
During the initial cleaning, intermixed projectiles (20) and tubercles (60) are discharged from the pipe (50) into the second pit (160). When all cleaning is complete, projectile (20) feeding and gas streaming are ceased, and the discharged projectiles (20) and tubercles (60) can be collected and removed for waste disposal.

[0040] To improve both cleaning speed and resolution, after the initial cleaning the gas stream and projectile (20) are ceased. A deflector (30) is connected to a cable (140), and the cable (140) is connected to a winch (220) (for feeding and pulling cable (140)). The deflector (30) is fed into a pipe connection (170) housing. The connection (170) houses the deflector (30) until it is ready to be fed into the pipe (50). The gas stream is then reintroduced, to assist in feeding the deflector (30) through the pipe (50) to a desired location. When in position, the projectile (20) feed is reintroduced. The projectiles (20) are impelled forward to strike the deflector (30). The projectiles (20) ricochet thereafter, striking the pipe (50) inner surface. The deflector (30) can be gently fed and pulled by the winch (220), to increase cleaning resolution in a target area. Projectile (20) calibre can be adjusted to increase cleaning resolution and speed. The deflected projectiles (20) clean the pipe (50) interior faster and more thoroughly than by just streaming projectiles (20) through the pipe (50) unobstructed.

[0041] When all cleaning is complete, the pipe (50) interior can be coated or lined, to extend pipe (50) life and prevent re-infestation. The pipe (50) thereafter can be reintroduced into its original network and location for service. Liquid supply, if present, can afterward be reintroduced. After the projectiles (20) and tubercles (60) are collected and removed (if required), the pits (150, 160) can be refilled (if required).

[0042] In another method, pipe (50) cleaning can be enhanced by removing debris (240), including rocks, pebble, grit, bitumen, tar, and the like. At any appropriate time in a pipe (50) cleaning process, a turbulator can be inserted into the pipe (50) gas stream. The turbulator may be a piston (such as a deflector (40) or camera (eye) (270) /
viewer (320) attached to cable (140)). When introduced into the gas stream, the deflector (40) surface causes turbulence in the passing stream. The turbulator or piston can be plunged at a specified location to increase debris removal intensity Increased turbulence displaces debris (240) upward and the stream pushes it forward, and out of the pipe (50). Other turbulators are possible, and turbulence can be created in ways other than plunging with a piston or turbulator. The debris (240) removal can be viewed with an eye (270) to ensure the pipe (50) is properly cleaned.

[0043] In yet another method, pipe (50) cleaning can be enhanced to remove debris (240), including rocks, pebble, grit, bitumen, tar, and the like, by varying the gas stream flow properties (stream expansion and contraction). One way of varying the properties of the flow is to introduce a turbulator or piston into the pipe (50). Another way is to introduce selective pipe (50) constrictions, reducing the flow area (like in a Venturi pipe). That stream area reduction (ie flow velocity variance) displaces debris (240) upward and the stream pushes it forward, and out of the pipe (50). Again, the debris (240) removal can be viewed with a camera or eye (270) to ensure thorough cleaning.

[0044] In yet another method, pipe (50) cleaning can be enhanced to remove debris (240), including rocks, pebble, grit, bitumen, tar, and the like, by varying the gas stream pressure. One way of varying the pressure is to plunge the pipe (50) with a turbulator or piston. Another way is to introduce selective pipe (50) constrictions, reducing the flow area (like in a Venturi pipe). Yet another is to increase pump (80) force (ie the pressure at which it pumps gas or air). Selective pressure variance at a desired location displaces debris (240) upward and the stream pushes it forward, and out of the pipe (50). A camera (eye) (270) /
viewer (320) can be used to view the debris (240) removal.

[0045] In another method, pipe (50) leaks can be detected near any of service connections (230), pipe elbows (not shown) and pipe joints (260). At any appropriate time in a pipe (50) cleaning process, a turbulator or piston can be inserted into the pipe (50) gas stream. The turbulator or piston can be plunged at a specified location, and that plunging causes any liquid (250) that would otherwise slowly leak into the pipe (50) (but not be consistently visible), to be forceably and immediately drawn into the pipe (50). The increased stream turbulence draws liquid (250) from cracks, and exposes any pipe (50) leaks. Leak detection can be visually confirmed by using a camera (270) to view any liquid (250) seepage (Figure 8). This same step can also be used to extract liquid (250) from the leak site, and draw it out the pipe (50) altogether, making both detection and extraction possible. The increased turbulence pulls liquid (250) along the pipe (50) during extraction, helping to more quickly and thoroughly dry the pipe (50) for subsequent coating or lining.

[0046] In another method, pipe (50) leaks can be detected near any of service connections (230), pipe elbows (not shown) and pipe joints (260), by varying the gas stream flow (stream expansion and contraction). One way of varying the flow is to plunge the pipe (50) with a turbulator or piston. Another way is to introduce selective pipe (50) constrictions, reducing the flow area (like in a Venturi pipe). That selective flow variance causes any liquid (250) that would otherwise slowly leak into the pipe (50) (but that may not be consistently visible), to be forceably and immediately drawn into the pipe (50). The stream expansion and contraction draws liquid (250) from cracks, and exposes any pipe (50) leaks.
Leak detection can be visually confirmed by using an eye (270) to view any liquid (250) seepage. This same step can also be used to extract liquid (250) from the leak site, and draw it out the pipe (50) altogether, making both detection and extraction possible. The stream expansion and contraction pulls liquid (250) along the pipe (50) during extraction, helping to more quickly and thoroughly dry the pipe (50) for subsequent coating or lining.

[0047] In another method, pipe (50) leaks can be detected near any of service connections (230), pipe elbows (not shown) and pipe joints (260), by varying the gas stream pressure. One way of varying the pressure is to plunge the pipe (50) with a turbulator or piston. Another way is to introduce selective pipe (50) constrictions, reducing the flow area (like in a Venturi pipe). Yet another is to increase pump (80) force (ie the pressure at which it pumps gas or air). Selective pressure variance causes any liquid (250) that would otherwise slowly leak into the pipe (50) (but that may not be consistently visible), to be forceably and immediately drawn into the pipe (50). The pressure variance draws liquid (250) from cracks, and exposes any pipe (50) leaks. Leak detection can be visually confirmed by using a camera (270) to view any liquid (250) seepage. This method can also be used to extract liquid (250) from the leak, and draw it out the pipe (50) altogether, making both detection and extraction possible. The stream pressure variance pulls liquid (250) along the pipe (50) during extraction, helping to more thoroughly dry the pipe (50) for subsequent coating or lining.

[0048] In yet another method debris (240) can be vacuumed out of the pipe (50), for improved cleaning. One way of creating a vacuum is to plunge a piston at a specified location, which in turn creates a localized and controllable vacuum. The vacuum displaces debris (240) upward and the stream pushes it forward, and out of the pipe (50). A localized vacuum can be created in other ways. The debris (240) removal can be viewed with a camera (270) to ensure the pipe (50) is properly cleaned.

[0049] In yet another method, pipe (50) leaks can be detected near any of service connections (230), pipe elbows (not shown) and pipe joints (260), by localized pipe (50) vacuuming. One way of creating a vacuum is to introduce (and optionally) plunge a piston at a specified location. Another way is to introduce selective pipe (50) constrictions, reducing the flow area (like in a Venturi pipe). Selective localized vacuuming causes any liquid (250) that would otherwise slowly leak into the pipe (50) (but that may not be consistently visible), to be forceably and immediately drawn into the pipe (50). The vacuum draws liquid (250) from cracks, and exposes any pipe (50) leaks. Leak detection can be visually confirmed by using a camera or eye (270) to view any liquid (250) seepage. This method can also be used to extract liquid (250) from the leak, and draw it out the pipe (50) altogether, making both detection and extraction possible. The vacuuming displaces the liquid (250), and the stream pulls the liquid (250) along the pipe (50) during extraction, helping to more quickly and thoroughly dry the pipe (50) for subsequent coating or lining.

[0050] Apart from the above, a camera (270) (or other kind of viewer) can be used to view many of the other method steps disclosed herein. The prior art is defective in this regard because the prior art does not offer an easy and accessible way to view inside pipes (50) once serviced, or otherwise require wheels and complicated motors to navigate cameras (270) through said pipes (50). Such motorized or wheeled cameras (270) travel slowly, and cannot easily or normally navigate pipe (50) bends, elbows, or joints (260) without losing stability, thus tipping or becoming unbalanced.

[0051] In another method, pipe (50) defects (like cracks, fractures, and holes) can be detected, enabling condition assessment of the pipe (50). At any appropriate time in a pipe (50) cleaning process, a turbulator or piston can be inserted into the pipe (50) gas stream near a suspected crack, fracture, or hole. The turbulator or piston can also be plunged at that specified location. That insertion or plunging causes any liquid (250) or debris (240) inside that crack, fracture, or hole, to be drawn into the pipe (50), thereby exposing that defect. The defect detection can be visually confirmed by using a camera (270) to view that drawing of liquid (250) or debris. The increased turbulence pulls liquid (250) and debris (240) along the pipe (50) during extraction, helping to more quickly and thoroughly clean and dry the pipe (50) for subsequent coating or lining.

[0052] In another method, pipe (50) defects (like cracks, fractures, and holes) can be detected, by varying the gas stream flow properties (stream expansion and contraction). One way of varying the flow properties is to introduce (and optionally) plunge the pipe (50) with a turbulator or piston. Another way is to introduce selective pipe (50) constrictions, reducing the flow area (like in a Venturi pipe). That selective flow variance causes any liquid (250) or debris (240) inside that crack, fracture, or hole, to be drawn into the pipe (50), thereby exposing that defect. The defect detection can be visually confirmed by using a camera (270) to view that drawing of liquid (250) or debris (240). The stream expansion and contraction displaces liquid (250) and debris (240) into the air stream, which pushes it forward along the pipe (50) during extraction, helping to more quickly and thoroughly clean and dry the pipe (50) for subsequent coating or lining.

[0053] In another method, pipe (50) defects (like cracks, fractures, and holes) can be detected, by varying the gas stream pressure. One way of varying the pressure is to introduce (and optionally) plunge the pipe (50) with a turbulator or piston. Another way is to introduce selective pipe (50) constrictions, reducing the flow area (like in a Venturi pipe). Yet another is to increase pump (80) force (ie the pressure at which it pumps gas or air).
Selective pressure variance causes any liquid (250) or debris (240) inside that crack, fracture, or hole, to be drawn into the pipe (50), thereby exposing that defect. The defect detection can be visually confirmed by using a camera (270) to view that drawing of liquid (250) or debris. The stream pressure variance displaces liquid (250) and debris (240) into the air stream, which pushes it forward along the pipe (50) during extraction, helping to more thoroughly clean and dry the pipe (50) for subsequent coating or lining.

[0054] In yet another method pipe (50) defects (like cracks, fractures, and holes) can be detected by vacuuming the pipe (50). One way of creating a vacuum is to introduce (and optionally) plunge a piston at a specified location, which in turn creates a localized and controllable vacuum. When near a defect, the vacuum displaces debris (240) upward and the stream pushes it forward, and out of the pipe (50). A localized vacuum can be created in other ways. The defect detection can be viewed with a camera (270) to ensure the pipe (50) is properly cleaned.

[0055] In another embodiment the present invention is a gas stream suspension viewer (generally indicated in varying forms by reference numerals 320 and 330) for use in a pipe (50). The viewer is comprised of an eye (270) to view inside the pipe (50).
The eye (270) can be a lens, picture camera, motion capture camera, ultrasonic transmitter, radiation transmitter, laser, or any other device capable of viewing inside of the pipe (50) or otherwise forming a view of the pipe (50) inside (including schematic, radiographic, ultrasonic, tactical, optical, and thermographic).

[0056] A housing (280) houses the eye (270) to protect it from flying debris (240), projectiles (20), and other hazardous materials typically coming from astern.
The hazards are carried in a gas stream, and the housing (280) prevents shattering or destruction of the eye (270).

[0057] A projection (290) stems from the housing (280). During gas stream application, the projection (290) biases the eye (270) radially inward, keeping it roughly centred within the pipe (50), to optimize viewing. The projection (290), depending on the viewer (320, 330) construction, may be housed in a projection holder (300). The projection (290) could be a solid band extending circumferentially around the housing, or it may preferably be a plurality of radially extending fingers spaced apart as permitted by the holder (300), as shown in Figures 10 and 11 for example.

[0058] Depending on the nature of the eye (270), a cable (140) can be attached to the eye (270) and housing (280), to feed the viewer (320) into the pipe (50) gas stream. If the eye (270) has no ability to transmit a signal remotely to facilitate remote viewing (for example, in the case of a video camera having a wireless transmitter to transmit pictures to a remote location), then an optical cable (140) in particular can be used, to permit direct viewing in the pipe (50).

[0059] A flanged skirt (310) can circumscribe the housing (280). The skirt (310), when deployed within a pipe (50) gas stream, can act as a turbulator or piston, to vary any of flow, turbulence, and pressure within the stream. In the stream, it can help to create a localized vacuum, and thereby improve debris removal, detect leaks, extract liquid, and assess pipe (50) condition for defects. It can also aid in propulsion of the viewer (320) within the gas stream.

[0060] To better protect the eye (270), the viewer can have a deflector head (90) mounted to the housing (280). When mounted with a deflector head (90), projectiles (20) in particular can be continually streamed through the pipe (50) without damaging the eye (270).
The deflector head (90) may also have mounted thereon, a projection (290) to ensure the viewer is biased radially inward the pipe (50) for optimal viewing. In one specific embodiment of the viewer (330), the housing (280) and deflector head (90) can be integrated as one. In one example of that integration, the viewer is orb-shaped (as in Figure 16).

[0061] Depending on the viewer embodiment (either of 320 or 330), construction of the viewer may require either retainer rings (340) and retainer washers (370) (for example, to clamp a deflector head (90) to a housing (280)), or openings (350) and fasteners (360) (to fasten the integrated housing (280) and head (90) as in Figure 14, to form an orb shaped viewer).

[0062] Apart from being used for (or in conjunction with) viewing, the viewer (320, 330) can be deployed in the methods described above where deflectors (30, 40), turbulators, and pistons would otherwise be used. Such a viewer (320, 330) does not require complicated motors or wheel / track arrangements, and so can more likely navigate bends, elbows, and joints (260), and travel more quickly without destabilizing or tipping.

Claims (12)

1. A gas stream suspension viewer for use in a pipe defining an internal diameter comprising:
a) an eye to view inside the pipe;
b) a housing encompassing and protecting the eye from debris and.
projectiles within a gas stream approaching the viewer from astern, the gas stream traveling within the pipe from one pipe end to another;
c) a projection stemming from the housing to bias the eye radially inward on gas stream application;
d) the housing and projection being sized smaller than the pipe internal diameter to permit gas stream clearance around the housing and projection when inside the pipe;
e) the housing being shaped for producing aerodynamic lift and thrust within the pipe upon gas stream application from one pipe end to another; and the viewer being propelled by and suspended within said gas stream.

2. The viewer in claim 1 further comprising any one selected from an optical cable communicating with the eye for remote viewing, a flanged skirt circumscribing the housing, a flanged skirt positioned astern the housing, and a deflector mounted to the housing to deflect projectiles and debris.

3. The viewer in claim 1 wherein any one of i) the projection is a plurality of radially extending fingers, and ii) the housing is orb shaped.

4. The viewer in claim 2 further comprising a retainer ring to clamp the deflector to the housing.

5. The viewer in claim 4 wherein the deflector projection is a plurality of radially extending fingers.

6. The viewer in claim 2 wherein the deflector is any one selected from angled, planar, curved, conical, oblate, spherical, polyhedral, and cephalopodic.

7. The viewer in claim 1 wherein the housing is any one selected from a group of angled, planar, curved, conical, oblate, spherical, polyhedral, and cephalopodic.

8. The viewer in claim 2 wherein the housing and deflector are integrated into one.

9. A method of any of determining pipe condition, assessing leakage, removing liquid, and removing debris, comprising inserting a viewer within a pipe, the viewer being propelled by and suspended within a gas stream in the pipe, the gas stream traveling within the pipe from one pipe end to another, the pipe defining art internal diameter, the viewer having:
a) an eye to view inside the pipe;
b) a housing encompassing and protecting the eye from debris and projectiles traveling within the gas stream approaching the viewer from astern; and c) a projection stemming from the housing to bias the eye radially inward on gas stream application;
d) the housing and projection being sized smaller than the pipe internal diameter to permit gas stream clearance around the housing and projection when inside the pipe;
e) the housing being shaped for producing aerodynamic lift and thrust within the pipe upon gas stream application from one pipe end to another; and the viewer being moved from select location to select location within the pipe, as appropriate to determine pipe condition, assess leakage, and remove debris accordingly.

10. The method in claim 9 further comprising a preceding step of at least any one of providing a projectile hopper to feed projectiles, providing projectiles to strike pipe, providing a gas pump to stream gas, providing a shovel to dig and fill ground, providing a winch to feed and pull cable, winching cable, feeding cable, pulling cable, digging ground, terminating liquid supply, isolating pipe, drying pipe, housing deflector, streaming gas through pipe, feeding deflector into pipe, feeding projectiles into pipe, deflecting projectiles by striking against deflector within pipe, discharging tubercles, discharging projectiles, and.
ceasing projectile feed,.

11. The method in claim 9 further comprising a subsequent step of at least any one of discharging tubercles, discharging projectiles, ceasing projectile feed, ceasing gas stream, withdrawing deflector, terminating viewing, collecting tubercles, collecting projectiles, removing tubercles, removing projectiles, coating pipe, lining pipe, reintroducing pipe to its original location, restoring liquid supply, and filling ground.

12. Use of a viewer sized smaller than a pipe internal diameter and shaped for aerodynamic lift and thrust, in a pipe gas stream suspension, to do any of determine pipe condition, assess leakage, remove liquid, and remove debris, wherein the viewer is inserted into the pipe and is propelled by and suspended within the gas stream in the pipe with a clearance so that the eye does not touch any internal pipe wall, and the gas stream travels within the pipe from one pipe end to another.