CA3012146A1

CA3012146A1 - Pipe liner and methods and systems of making and installing pipe liners

Info

Publication number: CA3012146A1
Application number: CA3012146A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Alejandro Gutierrez Katze; Ted COMPTON
Original assignee: United Pipeline Systems Inc
Current assignee: United Pipeline Systems Inc
Priority date: 2018-07-20
Filing date: 2018-07-20
Publication date: 2020-01-20

Abstract

A polymer liner for lining a pipe has a plurality of longitudinal grooves formed along an outer surface and a plurality of longitudinal ribs interleaved between the grooves. The grooves and ribs are sized and arranged so to allow gas in an annulus between the liner and a host pipe to flow to an annulus gas management system without compromising the strength characteristics of the liner for purposes of the lined pipe application in which the liner is used. Methods of providing the liner with adequate strength characteristics are disclosed. In addition, a system and method for installing the liner by forcing lubricant to flow along the grooves is disclosed.

Description

PIPE LINER AND METHODS AND SYSTEMS OF MAKING AND INSTALLING PIPE
LINERS
FIELD
[0001] This disclosure generally pertains to a polymer pipe liner with external longitudinal grooves, as well as to systems and methods of installing grooved pipe liners.
BACKGROUND

[0002] Polymer pipe liners can be positioned inside a host pipe to provide a barrier between the host pipe and the fluid flowing through it. Certain polymer pipe liners comprise thermoplastic tubes (e.g., HDPE tubes) that are compression-fit inside an existing host pipe. In a typical process, a long thermoplastic tube is pulled into the host pipe by a winch. As the liner is pulled into the host pipe, rollers elastically deform the liner to reduce the diameter of the liner. The pulling forces impart tension that prevents the liner from rebounding so that the reduced diameter of the liner is maintained as the liner is pulled into the host pipe. But even with the reduced diameter, the contact area between the liner and the host pipe remains large. Hence, frictional resistance to movement of the liner through the host pipe can be high. After the pull-in is complete, the thermoplastic tube resiliently expands toward its original diameter, pressing radially outward against the wall of the host pipe.

[0003] In certain circumstances, after a thermoplastic liner is installed, gas flowing through a lined pipe can over time permeate radially through the liner into an annulus between the liner and the host pipe. It is known to manage annulus gas by forming grooves in the outer surface of the liner that can channel the annulus gas to atmospheric vents or ports that facilitate reinjecting the annulus gas into the interior of the lined pipe.

SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect, a liner for lining a pipe comprises a polymer tube having a length and an inner surface and an outer surface extending along the length.
The outer surface defines an outer diameter of the liner. The outer surface comprises a plurality of grooves extending along the length of the tube at locations that are circumferentially spaced about the outer surface of the tube. The outer diameter is in an outer diameter range selected from the group of outer diameter ranges consisting of a first outer diameter range of less than 8 inches (20.32 cm), a second outer diameter range of greater than or equal to 8 inches (20.32 cm) and less than or equal to 24 inches (60.96 cm), and a third outer diameter range of greater than 24 inches (60.96 cm). If the outer diameter is in the first outer diameter range, the plurality of grooves comprises greater than 6 grooves. If the outer diameter is in the second outer diameter range, the plurality of grooves comprises greater than 12 grooves. If the if the outer diameter is in the third outer diameter range the plurality of grooves comprises greater than 24 grooves.

[0005] In another aspect, a method of providing a liner for lining a pipe comprises determining, for a hypothetical liner having a diameter of the liner to be provided, a maximum number of longitudinal grooves that would not be expected to collapse when pressure in an interior of the hypothetical liner exceeds a pressure in an annulus about the hypothetical liner by a hypothetical maximum differential pressure. An embodied number of longitudinal grooves to include in the liner to be provided is determined based on the determined maximum number of longitudinal grooves. The embodied number of longitudinal grooves is less than or equal to the maximum number of longitudinal grooves. A polymer tube having the diameter and the embodied number of longitudinal grooves at circumferentially spaced locations about an outer surface of the polymer tube is formed.

[0006] In still another aspect, a liner for lining a pipe comprises a polymer tube having a length and inner and outer surfaces extending along the length. The outer surface comprises a plurality of ribs extending along the length of the tube at uniformly spaced apart locations about the outer surface. The outer surface further comprises a plurality of grooves extending along the length of the tube at uniformly spaced apart locations about the outer surface. The grooves are interleaved between the ribs. Each of the ribs has a rib width, and each of the grooves has a groove width.
The rib width is less than two-times greater than the groove width.

[0007] In yet another aspect, a method of installing a liner comprising a polymer tube having a plurality of longitudinal grooves at circumferentially spaced locations about an outer surface of the tube comprises pulling the liner into a host pipe. While pulling the liner into the host pipe, a lubricant is directed to flow along the longitudinal grooves.

[0008] Other aspects and features will be apparent hereinafter..
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a cross-section of a lined pipe;

[0010] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG 1;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a normally closed annulus vent system coupled to the lined pipe;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a passive reinjection system coupled to the lined pipe;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of an normally open annulus vent system coupled to the lined pipe;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an active reinjection system coupled to the lined pipe;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross section of a liner being pulled into a host pipe through a lubrication system;

[0016] FIG. 8 is a cross section of the liner and the lubrication system taken through the plane of line 8-8 of FIG. 7; and

[0017] FIG. 9 is a cross section of the liner and the lubrication system taken through the plane of line 9-9 of FIG. 7.

[0018] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019]Referring to Fig. 1, one embodiment of a lined pipe is generally indicated at reference number 10. The lined pipe 10 comprises a host pipe 12 and a polymeric (e.g., thermoplastic) liner, generally indicated at 14. The liner 14 is received in the host pipe 12 in a close tolerance or compressive fit. An annulus 15 is located at an interface between the liner 14 and the host pipe 12. As will be explained in further detail below, the liner 14 is configured to facilitate gas flow through the annulus 15 to manage differential pressure between the annulus and the interior of the lined pipe such that substantial distortion or deformation of the liner due to the differential pressure is inhibited. In one or more embodiments, the tube 14 can be placed in the host pipe 12 after the host pipe has been installed in the field or put into service. In certain embodiments, the host pipe 12 can be formed from metal or other material that can be degraded by direct contact with a fluid that may flow through the host pipe and/or by the exterior of the environment. In an exemplary embodiment, the liner 14 is generally inert and resistant to degradation in response to contact with the fluid. Accordingly, the liner 14 provides a barrier between the host pipe 12 and a fluid flowing through the lined pipe 10, and the barrier inhibits degradation (e.g., corrosion, abrasion) of the host pipe by preventing the fluid from directly contacting the host pipe. The lined pipe 10 can be used to carry various fluids without departing from the scope of the invention. In certain embodiments, the lined pipe 10 is used to convey a fluid comprising a gas. In one or more embodiments, the lined pipe is used to covey a fluid comprising at least one of sour crude, sour gas, produced water, brine, or wet carbon dioxide.
I. Overview of Liner

[0020]The liner 14 comprises one or more polymer tubes, each having a length and an outer surface and an inner surface extending along the length.
In certain embodiments, the liner comprises a plurality of polymer tubes that are connected by butt fusion in an end-to-end chain. Various polymers can be used to form the tubes of the liner 14. In one or more embodiments, the liner 14 is formed from thermoplastic tubes. For example, the liner 14 can comprise monolithic tubes of high density polyethylene (HDPE). The outer surface of the liner 14 defines an outer diameter OD of the liner tube 14, and the inner surface defines an inner diameter ID
of the liner tube. Liners 14 of any suitable outer diameter OD can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in one or more embodiments, the liner 14 comprises an outer diameter in an inclusive range of from about 3 inches (7,62 cm) to about 42 inches (106.68 cm). In certain embodiments, the inner diameter ID is from about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) to about 3 inches (7.62 cm) less than OD range such that a single-wall thickness of the liner is in an inclusive range of from about 0.25 inches (0.635 cm) to about 1.5 inches (3.81 cm).

[0021]The outer surface of the liner 14 includes a plurality of longitudinal ribs 20 and a plurality of longitudinal grooves 22 that extend along the length of each liner tube. In the illustrated embodiment, the ribs 20 and the grooves 22 are substantially straight. In other embodiments, the longitudinal ribs and the longitudinal grooves can have other shapes without departing from the scope of the invention (e.g., the ribs and the grooves can extend circumferentially about the outer surface of the liner as they extend along the length of the liner tube). The grooves 22 are interleaved between the ribs 20 such that the grooves are circumferentially spaced apart about the outer surface of the liner 14 and the ribs are likewise circumferentially spaced apart about the outer surface of the liner. In the illustrated embodiment, the grooves

22 are equally spaced apart about the circumference (broadly, perimeter) of the liner 14. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, each groove 22 is spaced apart from an adjacent groove by about the same angular spacing distance ASD, e.g., the angle about a center axis of the liner 14 between the same cross-sectional reference point (e.g., an edge, a midpoint) of each of the adjacent grooves. Like the grooves 22, the ribs 20 are equally spaced about the perimeter of the liner 14 in the illustrated embodiment. In one or more embodiments, each of the grooves 22 has about the same cross-sectional size and about the same cross-sectional shape. Likewise, the ribs 20 can have about the same cross-sectional size and about the same cross-sectional shape. Other liners can have other arrangements of external longitudinal ribs and/or grooves without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0022] Referring still to FIG 2, the illustrated grooves 22 have semicircular cross-sectional shapes. Grooves can also have other cross-sectional shapes (e.g., rectangular, irregular) in one or more embodiments of the liner. Each groove 22 has as a groove radius GR and a groove width GW at the outer surface of the tube.
The groove width GW is a measurement of the distance between adjacent edges of the ribs 20 on each side of the groove. In the illustrated embodiment, the groove width GW is twice the groove radius GR, and the groove radius defines the depth of the groove. As will be explained in further detail below, the grooves 22 are suitably sized and arranged such that gas can flow through the grooves along the length of the lined pipe 10.

[0023] Each of the ribs 20 has a radial dimension that is equal to the depth or radius GR of the grooves 22. A non-grooved inner portion 24 of the liner is located radially inward of the grooves 22 and the ribs 20. In one or more embodiments, the non-grooved inner portion 24 of the liner 14 has a single-wall thickness that is about the same as the single-wall thickness of a conventional thermoplastic pipe liner sized for being installed in the host pipe 12. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the ribs 20 has a rib width RW. As will be explained in further detail below, the ribs are sized and arranged to provide the liner 14 with strength characteristics that limit changes in the cross-sectional size and shape of the grooves 22, even when there is a substantial pressure differential between the interior of the liner 14 and the annulus 15.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the outer surface of the liner 14 can include, in addition to the longitudinal grooves 22, a plurality of transverse grooves (not shown) at spaced apart locations along the length of the liner. Each transverse groove provides fluid communication between two or more longitudinal grooves 22 at a respective location along the length of the liner tube. Providing fluid communication between the longitudinal grooves 22 at spaced apart locations along the length of the liner tube of the liner 14 creates redundant flow paths through the grooves along the length of the liner tube. It will be understood that a liner tube can also be free of transverse grooves without departing from the scope of the invention. The liner 14 can be free of transverse grooves in certain embodiments.

[0025]Any suitable way of forming a liner 14 to have a plurality of external longitudinal grooves 22 interleaved between external ribs 20 can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. In one or more embodiments, the liner 14 is formed by extrusion. In certain embodiments, the liner 14 is extruded through a die head that forms the ribs 20 and the grooves 22 in the outer surface of the tube as the tube is being extruded. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the liner 14 comprises an uncut extruded tube. The liner 14 can also be extruded or otherwise formed as a smooth tube, and then material can later be removed or cut from the smooth tube in a subsequent process to form the grooves 22.

[0026] As will be explained in greater detail below, the liner 14 is configured to be installed in the host pipe 12 by being pulled into the host pipe. As is known in the art, in one or more embodiments, as the liner 14 is being pulled into the host pipe 12, it is elastically deformed using rollers (not shown) such that the outer diameter OD is reduced. Pulling forces maintain the reduced diameter of the liner 14 until it is pulled to its final position in the host pipe 12. The reduced diameter allows the liner 14 to pass through the interior of the host pipe 12. When pull-in is complete, the liner 14 elastically rebounds, expanding in diameter until the outer surface of the liner contacts the inner surface of the pipe 12. In one or more embodiments, the non-deformed outer diameter OD of the liner 14 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the host pipe 12 such that the host pipe radially compresses the liner after it rebounds. The compression securely holds the liner in place. Even though the liner 14 has a reduced diameter during pull-in, the contact area between the liner and the host pipe 12 is large, which creates substantial frictional resistance to pulling the liner through the host pipe. As will be explained in further detail below, in the illustrated embodiment, the number and/or size of the grooves 22 is maximized, which substantially reduces the contact area along which the liner contacts the host pipe during pull-in. This reduction in contact area along with the use of an air driven lubrication system (describe hereinafter) substantially reduces the frictional resistance to pulling the liner 14 into the host pipe 12.
Annulus Gas Management

[0027]During use, the longitudinal grooves 22 provide passages for receiving gas that permeates the liner 14 into the annulus 15 from the interior of the lined pipe 10. As explained in further detail below, the passages defined by the grooves 22 can be used to channel the annulus gas to vents or other systems for managing the annulus gas. In certain embodiments, the lined pipe 10 is used to carry high pressure gas, e.g., gas having a pressure of greater than 500 psi, greater than 750 psi, greater than 1000 psi, or greater than 1250 psi. As gas permeates into the annulus 15 over time, the pressure of the gas in the annulus equalizes with the pressure of the gas flowing through the lined pipe 10. During use of the lined pipe 10, events can occur that cause the pressure in the interior of the liner 14 to drop suddenly and dramatically. Absent some system for managing the annulus gas, a quick drop in pressure in the interior of the lined pipe 10 creates a substantial pressure differential across the wall of liner tube 14 between the still-high pressure in the annulus 15 and the now-low pressure in the interior of the lined pipe. In certain circumstances when the grooves 22 lack sufficient flow capacity to allow gas in the annulus 15 to flow quickly to an annulus gas management system, this pressure differential can cause the liner tube 15 to collapse. These events are catastrophic failures that can cut off all flow through the lined pipe 10 until a repair is made.

[0028]In one or more embodiments, the lined pipe 10 comprises one or more annulus gas management systems at one or more locations along the length of the lined pipe. Various embodiments of annulus gas management systems are described in reference to Figs. 3-7 below. In general, an annulus gas management system is fluidly coupled to the grooves 22 of the liner 14 to control a pressure in the annulus 15 by managing gas flow through the grooves. Exemplary annulus gas management systems can ensure that the pressure in the annulus 15 does not substantially exceed the pressure in the interior of the lined pipe 10.

[0029] Referring to Fig. 3, in one embodiment, each of one or more annulus gas management systems comprises a normally closed annulus vent system, generally indicated at 30. The normally closed annulus vent system 30 comprises vent passaging 32 configured to provide fluid communication between the annulus 15 and atmosphere and a normally closed valve 34 coupled to the vent passaging.
In the illustrated embodiment, the passaging 32 is fluidly coupled to the annulus 15 at each side of a coupling 36 between tube members of the lined pipe 10. Normally closed annulus vent systems can also have other arrangements in other embodiments. The valve 34 is opened manually or using an automated valve actuator when venting the annulus gas to atmosphere is desired (e.g., after a drop an in pressure inside the lined pipe 10). When a normally closed annulus vent system is used to manage annulus gas in the lined pipe, unless the annulus has sufficient flow capacity to quickly vent annulus gas after the vent 34 opens, damage to the liner 14 can occur when the pressure in the interior of the liner suddenly drops.

[0030] Referring to Fig. 4, in certain embodiments, each of one or more annulus gas management systems comprises a passive reinjection system, generally indicated at 40. The passive reinjection system 40 comprises reinjection passaging 42 configured to provide fluid communication between the annulus 15 and the interior of the lined pipe 10. The passive reinjection system 40 also comprises a check valve 44 configured to prevent backflow from the interior of the liner into the annulus through the passaging 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the reinjection passaging 42 is fluidly coupled to the interior of the lined pipe 10 at the coupling 36 and is fluidly coupled to the annulus at each side of the coupling. Unlike the normally closed annulus vent system 30, the passive reinjection system 40 is not configured to release annulus gas to atmosphere. This may be useful when the annulus gas comprises a harmful, toxic, or regulated material. As will be understood, if the pressure in the interior of the lined pipe 10 is lower than the pressure in the annulus 15, annulus gas will passively flow through the reinjection passaging 42 into the interior of the lined pipe. Unless the annulus 15 of the lined pipe 10 has sufficient flow capacity to allow the annulus gas to quickly flow into the reinjection passaging, damage to the liner 14 can occur when the pressure in the interior of the liner suddenly drops.

[0031] Referring to Fig. 5, in one or more embodiments, each of one or more annulus gas management systems comprises a normally open annulus vent system, generally indicated at 50. The normally open annulus vent system 50 comprises vent passaging 52 configured to provide fluid communication between the annulus 15 of the lined pipe 10 and atmosphere. In the illustrated embodiment, the vent passaging 52 is fluidly coupled to the annulus 15 at each side of the coupling 36.
Normally open annulus vent systems can also have other arrangements in other embodiments. A
normally open valve 54 is coupled to the vent passaging 52 and is configured to allow the annulus gas to be vented to atmosphere unless the valve is forced closed.
When a normally open annulus vent system 50 is used and functioning properly, the pressure in the annulus 15 will usually be maintained at about atmospheric pressure.
However, it is possible for the pressure in the interior of the liner 14 to fall to sub-atmospheric levels in some applications. Unless the annulus 15 of the lined pipe 10 has sufficient flow capacity to allow the annulus gas to quickly flow to the normally open vent passaging 52, damage to the liner 14 can occur when the pressure in the interior of the liner suddenly drops below the pressure in the annulus.
Furthermore, when the lined pipe 10 is used to carry high pressure fluid, the pressure in the interior of the lined pipe can substantially exceed the atmospheric pressure in the annulus 15. Unless the liner 14 has sufficient strength characteristics, this differential pressure can impart forces on the liner that can deform the liner in such a way that the flow characteristics of the annulus 15 are altered unexpected and undesirable ways (e.g., cause the liner to creep, cause the liner to become radially compressed, cause the grooves 22 of the liner to collapse, etc.).

[0032] Referring to Fig. 6, in certain embodiments, each of one or more annulus gas management systems comprises an active reinjection system, generally indicated at 60. The active reinjection system 60 comprises reinjection passaging 62 configured to provide fluid communication between the annulus 15 and the interior of the lined pipe 10. The active reinjection system 60 also comprises a check valve 64 configured to prevent backflow from the interior of the liner 14 into the annulus 15 through the passaging 62. Like The reinjection passaging 62 of the illustrated active reinjection system 60 is fluidly coupled to the interior of the lined pipe 10 at the coupling 36 and is fluidly coupled to the annulus 15 at each side of the coupling. Like the passive reinjection system 40, the active reinjection system 60 can manage the pressure of the annulus gas without releasing the annulus gas into the environment.
But unlike the passive reinjection system 40, the active reinjection system 60 comprises a pump 66 that is configured to actively pump gas from the annulus through the passaging 62 into the interior of the lined pipe 10. The pump 66 is operated continuously in one or more embodiments. If the pump 66 is operated continuously and the active reinjection system 60 is operating properly, the pressure in the annulus 15 usually be less than the pressure in the interior of the lined pipe 10.
However, it is still possible for the pressure in the interior of the liner 14 to fall to below the pressure in the annulus 15 in some applications. Unless the annulus has sufficient flow capacity to allow the annulus gas to quickly flow to the reinjection passaging 62, damage to the liner 14 can occur when the pressure in the interior of the liner suddenly drops below the pressure in the annulus. Furthermore, as explained above, unless the liner 14 has sufficient strength characteristics, the typical differential pressure by which the interior pressure exceeds the annulus pressure can impart forces on the liner that can alter the flow characteristics of the annulus 15 in unexpected and undesirable ways. In certain embodiments, instead of being run continuously, the pump 66 is controlled based on the pressure differential between the interior of the lined pipe 10 and the annulus 15 (e.g., when the pressure in the annulus exceeds the pressure in the interior of the lined pipe 10 by a predetermined amount, the pump is automatically activated to pump gas from the annulus into the interior of the lined pipe). Still other ways of controlling the pump 66 can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

III. Exemplary Arrangements of Grooves and Ribs

[0033]Referring again to FIG. 2, in one or more embodiments, the configuration of the grooves 22 in the liner 14 is such that, when a normally closed vent system 30 or an active reinjection system 40 is used to manage the annulus gas in the lined pipe 10, the grooves provide sufficient annulus flow capacity to prevent the liner from collapsing when the pressure inside the liner suddenly drops.
In addition, in certain embodiments, the configuration of the ribs 20 and the grooves 22 of the liner 14 is such that, when a normally open annulus vent 50 or an active reinjection system 60 is used to manage the annulus gas in the lined pipe 10, forces imparted on the liner when an internal pressure is substantially greater (e.g., 500 psi greater, 1000 psi greater, 1500 psi greater) than the pressure in the annulus 15 do not distort the flow passages provided by the grooves 22 in substantial or unexpected ways. In comparison to conventional grooved liners, the illustrated configuration of the grooves 22 can also reduce the contact area between the liner 14 and the host pipe 12 during pull-in and thereby reduce the frictional resistance to pulling the liner into the host pipe. Various exemplary configurations of the grooved liner 14 will now be described.

[0034]In one or more embodiments, at least some of the grooves 22 have a cross-sectional size that is sufficiently large to minimize capillary resistance to gas flow along the groove and frictional resistance to gas flow along the groove.
Grooves of this size allow the gas to flow through each groove toward the annulus gas management system at an appropriate flow rate. While the flow capacity of each groove 22 increases as the cross-sectional size increases, an increase in groove cross-sectional size typically increases the cost of producing the liner 10.
Thus, individual groove flow capacity must be balanced against production cost when determining groove cross-sectional size. In one or more embodiments, the grooves 22 have a groove radius GR in an inclusive range of from about 0.05 inches (0.127 cm) to about 1 inch (2.54 cm) (e.g., an inclusive range of from about 0.1 inches (0.254 cm) to about 0.7 inches (1.778 cm); an inclusive range of from about 0.125 inches (0.3175 cm) to about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm); about 0.125 inches (0.3175 cm)).
In certain embodiments, the grooves 22 have a groove width GW in an inclusive range of from about 0.1 inch (,254 cm) to about 2 inches (5.08 cm) (e.g., an inclusive range of from about 0.2 inches (0.508 cm) to about 1.4 inches (3.556 cm); an inclusive range of from about 0.25 inches (0.635 cm) to about 1.0 inches (2.54 cm);
about 0.25 inches (0.635 cm)). In one or more embodiments, the grooves 22 have a groove cross-sectional area in an inclusive range of from about 0.0075 square inches (0.048 cm2) to about 3.2 square inches (20.65 cm2) (e.g., an inclusive range of from about 0.032 square inches (0.21 cm2) to about 1.6 square inches (10.32 cm2);
an inclusive range of from about 0.045 square inches (0.29 cm2) to about 0.80 square inches; about 0.05 square inches (0.322 cm2)).

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the aggregate gas flow capacity in the annulus 15 of the lined pipe 10 is maximized by including a large number of longitudinal grooves 22 in the liner 14. Increasing the number of grooves 22 can increase the aggregate flow capacity of the grooves at a lower production cost than generating an equivalent increase in flow capacity by increasing the cross-sectional size of the grooves. However, for a liner of any hypothetical size and material, any increase in the number of grooves 22 of a given size that are included in the liner can reduce the strength characteristics of the liner 14 (e.g., creep resistance, resistance to yield in radial compression, resistance to buckling or collapse of the grooves).
Thus, aggregate annulus gas flow capacity must be balanced against liner strength characteristics when determining the number of grooves to include in the liner 14. In certain embodiments, the liner 14 comprises greater than 16 grooves, e.g., greater than 20 grooves, greater than 25 grooves, greater than 30 grooves, greater than 35 grooves, greater than 40 grooves, greater than 45 grooves, greater than 50 grooves, greater than 55 grooves, greater than 60 grooves, greater than 65 grooves, greater than 70 grooves, greater than 75 grooves, greater than 80 grooves, greater than 85 grooves, about 90 grooves, greater than 90 grooves, greater than 100 grooves, greater than 125 grooves, greater than 150 grooves, greater than 175 grooves, greater than 200 grooves, greater than 225 grooves, greater than 250 grooves.

[0036]The number of longitudinal grooves 22 in a liner 14 can be related to the outer diameter OD of the liner.

[0037]In one or more embodiments, the liner 14 has an outer diameter OD in each of the ranges set forth in in Table 1 and a number n of grooves 22 in the respective groove number range listed in Table 1:
Table 1 Range of Outer Diameter (OD) of Liner Range of Number (n) of Longitudinal Grooves formed in Liner OD <8 inches (20.32 cm) n > 6 grooves 8 inches (20.32 cm) 5_ OD 24 inches n> 12 grooves (60.96 cm) OD > 24 inches (60.96 cm) n > 24 grooves

[0038]In certain embodiments, the liner 14 has an outer diameter OD in each of the ranges set forth in in Table 2 and a number n of grooves 22 in the respective groove number range listed in Table 2:
Table 2 Range of Outer Diameter (OD) of Liner Range of Number (n) of Longitudinal Grooves formed in Liner OD < 8 inches (20.32 cm) n > 8 grooves 8 inches (20.32 cm) 5 OD 5 24 inches n> 14 grooves (60.96 cm) OD > 24 inches (60.96 cm) n > 30 grooves

(0039] In one or more exemplary embodiments, the liner 14 has an outer diameter OD in each of the ranges set forth in in Table 3 and a number n of grooves 22 in the respective groove number range listed in Table 3:

Table 3 Range of Outer Diameter (OD) of Liner Range of Number (n) of Longitudinal Grooves formed in Liner OD <8 inches (20.32 cm) n> 10 grooves 8 inches (20.32 cm) 5_ OD 24 inches n> 16 grooves (60.96 cm) OD > 24 inches (60.96 cm) n > 42 grooves

[0040]In certain embodiments, the liner 14 has an outer diameter OD in each of the ranges set forth in in Table 4 and a number n of grooves 22 in the respective groove number range listed in Table 4:
Table 4 Range of Outer Diameter (OD) of Liner Range of Number (n) of Longitudinal Grooves formed in Liner OD < 8 inches (20.32 cm) n> 12 grooves 8 inches (20.32 cm) OD 24 inches n > 30 grooves (60.96 cm) OD > 24 inches (60.96 cm) n > 84 grooves

[0041]In one or more exemplary embodiments, the liner 14 has an outer diameter OD in each of the ranges set forth in in Table 5 and a number n of grooves 22 in the respective groove number range listed in Table 5:
Table 5 Range of Outer Diameter (OD) of Liner Range of Number (n) of Longitudinal Grooves formed in Liner OD <8 inches (20.32 cm) n> 18 grooves 8 inches (20.32 cm) 5 OD 5 24 inches n > 48 grooves (60.96 cm) OD > 24 inches (60.96 cm) n> 144 grooves

[0042] In certain embodiments, the liner 14 has an outer diameter OD in each of the ranges set forth in Table 6 and a groove-to-outer-diameter ratio R in the respective ratio range listed in Table 6, wherein the ratio R is the number n of grooves 22 of the liner divided by the outer diameter of the liner in inches.
The upper ends of the ranges in Tables 6-11 are based on an extreme pressure differential condition (e.g., 1500 psi (10.34 MPa) between the interior of the liner 14 (at the higher pressure) and the annulus 15 (at the lower pressure). The details of this calculation are described more fully hereinafter. Lower operating pressures would permit a higher number of grooves at the upper end of the range.
Table 6 Range of Outer Diameter (OD) of Liner Range of Groove-to-Outer-Diameter Ratio (R) of Liner OD < 8 inches (20.32 cm) 2 grooves-per-outer-diametric inch (0.79 grooves-per-outer diametric cm) < R
3.75 grooves-per-outer-diametric inch (1.48 grooves-per-outer diametric cm) 8 inches (20.32 cm) 5 OD 5 24 inches 2 grooves-per-outer-diametric inch (0.79 (60.96 cm) grooves-per-outer diametric cm) 5 R
2.75 grooves-per-outer-diametric inch (1.08 grooves-per-outer diametric cm) OD > 24 inches (60.96 cm) 1.75 grooves-per-outer-diametric inch (0.69 grooves-per-outer diametric cm)5 R
2.2 grooves-per-outer-diametric inch (0.87 grooves-per-outer diametric cm)

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the liner 14 has an outer diameter OD in each of the ranges set forth in Table 7 and a groove-to-outer-diameter ratio R
in the corresponding ratio range listed in Table 7.

Table 7 Range of Outer Diameter (OD) of Liner Range of Groove-to-Outer-Diameter Ratio (R) of Liner OD < 8 inches (20.32 cm) 2.5 grooves-per-outer-diametric inch (0..98 grooves-per-outer diametric cm) 5_ R 5 3.2 grooves-per-outer-diametric inch (1.26 grooves-per-outer diametric cm) 8 inches (20.32 cm) 5. OD 5 24 inches 2.0 grooves-per-outer-diametric inch (0.79 (60.96 cm) grooves-per-outer diametric cm) 5 R 5 2.1 grooves-per-outer-diametric inch (0.83 grooves-per-outer diametric cm) OD > 24 inches (60.96 cm) 1.75 grooves-per-outer-diametric inch (0.69 grooves-per-outer diametric cm) 5 R
5. 2.0 grooves-per-outer-diametric inch (0.79 grooves-per-outer diametric cm)

[0044] In certain embodiments, the liner 14 has about each of the outer diameters OD of set forth in Table 8 and a number n of grooves 22 in the respective groove number range listed in Table 8.

Table 8 Outer Diameter (OD) of Liner in inches Range of Number (n) of Longitudinal Grooves formed in Liner 3.5 (8.89 cm) 6 grooves < n 5 15 grooves 4.5 (11.43 cm) 6 grooves < n 5 18 grooves 6.625 (16.8275 cm) 6 grooves < n 5 21 grooves 8.625 (21.9075 cm) 12 grooves < n 5 24 grooves 10.75 (27.305 cm) 12 grooves < n 5 29 grooves 12.75 (32.385 cm) 12 grooves < n 5 35 grooves 14 (35.56 cm) 12 grooves < n 5 36 grooves 16 (40.64 cm) 12 grooves < n 5 39 grooves 18 (45.72 cm) 12 grooves < n 5 47 grooves 20 (50.8 cm) 12 grooves < n 5 50 grooves 22 (55.88 cm) 12 grooves < n 5 59 grooves 24 (60.96 cm) 12 grooves < n 5 62 grooves 26 (66.04 cm) 24 grooves < n 5 68 grooves 30 (76.2 cm) 24 grooves < n 5 78 grooves 36 (91.44 cm) 24 grooves < n 5 90 grooves

(0045] In certain embodiments, the liner 14 has about each of the outer diameters OD of set forth in Table 9 and a number n of grooves 22 in the respective groove number range listed in Table 9.

Table 9 Outer Diameter (OD) of Liner in inches Range of Number (n) of Longitudinal Grooves formed in Liner 3.5 (8.89 cm) 8 grooves 5 n 5 15 grooves 4.5 (11.43 cm) 9 grooves 5 n 5 18 grooves 6.625 (16.8275 cm) 10 grooves 5n 5 21 grooves 8.625 (21.9075 cm) 14 grooves 5 n 5_ 24 grooves 10.75 (27.305 cm) 15 grooves 5 n 5 29 grooves 12.75 (32.385 cm) 17 grooves 5 n 5 35 grooves 14 (35.56 cm) 18 grooves 5 n 5 36 grooves 16 (40.64 cm) 19 grooves 5 n 5 39 grooves 18 (45.72 cm) 21 grooves 5 n 5 47 grooves 20 (50.8 cm) 22 grooves 5 n 5 50 grooves 22 (55.88 cm) 25 grooves 5 n 5 59 grooves 24 (60.96 cm) 26 grooves 5 n 5 62 grooves 26 (66.04 cm) 34 grooves 5 n 5 68 grooves 30 (76.2 cm) 38 grooves 5 n 5 78 grooves 36 (91.44 cm) 42 grooves 5 n 5 90 grooves

[0046]In certain embodiments, the liner 14 has about each of the outer diameters OD of set forth in Table 10 and a number n of grooves 22 in the respective groove number range listed in Table 10.

Table 10 Outer Diameter (OD) of Liner in inches Range of Number (n) of Longitudinal Grooves formed in Liner 3.5 (8.89 cm) 8 grooves 5 n 5 13 grooves 4.5 (11.43 cm) 9 grooves 5 n 5 15 grooves 6.625(16.8275 cm) 10 grooves 5 n 5. 18 grooves 8.625 (21.9075 cm) 13 grooves 5 n 5 20 grooves 10.75 (27.305 cm) 15 grooves 5 n 5 24 grooves 12.75 (32.385 cm) 17 grooves 5 n 5 29 grooves 14 (35.56 cm) 18 grooves 5 n 5 30 grooves 16 (40.64 cm) 19 grooves 5 n 5 33 grooves 18 (45.72 cm) 23 grooves 5 n 5 39 grooves 20 (50.8 cm) 24 grooves 5 n 5 42 grooves 22 (55.88 cm) 29 grooves 5 n 5 49 grooves 24 (60.96 cm) 30 grooves 5 n 5 52 grooves 26 (66.04 cm) 34 grooves 5 n 5 57 grooves 30 (76.2 cm) 39 grooves 5 n 5 65 grooves 36 (91.44 cm) 45 grooves < n 5 75 grooves

[0047] In certain embodiments, the liner 14 has about each of the outer diameters OD of set forth in Table 11 and a number n of grooves 22 in the respective groove number range listed in Table 11 Table II
Outer Diameter (OD) of Liner in inches Range of Number (n) of Longitudinal Grooves formed in Liner 3.5 (8.89 cm) 9 grooves 5 n 5 11 grooves 4.5 (11.43 cm) 10 grooves 5 n 5 14 grooves 6.625 (16.8275 cm) 12 grooves 5 n 5 16 grooves 8.625 (21.9075 cm) 14 grooves 5 n 5 18 grooves 10.75 (27.305 cm) 17 grooves 5 n 5 21 grooves 12.75 (32.385 cm) 20 grooves 5 n 5 26 grooves 14 (35.56 cm) 21 grooves 5 n 5 27 grooves 16 (40.64 cm) 23 grooves 5 n 5 29 grooves 18 (45.72 cm) 27 grooves 5 n 5 35 grooves 20 (50.8 cm) 29 grooves 5 n 5 37 grooves 22 (55.88 cm) 35 grooves 5 n 5 43 grooves 24 (60.96 cm) 36 grooves 5 n 5 46 grooves 26 (66.04 cm) 40 grooves 5 n 5 50 grooves 30 (76.2 cm) 46 grooves 5 n 5 58 grooves 36 (91.44 cm) 54 grooves 5 n 5 66 grooves

[0048]Tables 12 provides numbers n of grooves for liners 14 of indicated outer diameters OD that, based on the methods of determining a maximum number of grooves n, are believed to provide sufficient strength for providing liners 14 that can withstand relatively high gas pipeline pressures. In certain embodiments, the liner 14 has about each of the outer diameters OD of set forth in Table 12 and about the respective number of grooves listed in Table 12:

Table 12 Outer Diameter (OD) of Liner in inches Number (n) of Longitudinal Grooves formed in Liner 3.5 (8.89 cm) 10 4.5 (11.43 cm) 12 6.625 (16.8275 cm) 14 8.625 (21.9075 cm) 16 10.75 (27.305 cm) 19 12.75 (32.385 cm) 23 14 (35.56 cm) 24 16 (40.64 cm) 26 18 (45.72 cm) 31 20 (50.8 cm) 33 22 (55.88 cm) 39 24 (60.96 cm) 41 26 (66.04 cm) 45 30 (76.2 cm) 52 36 (91.44 cm) 60

[0049]The liner 14 can also have circumferential density of grooves 22, e.g., a number of grooves-per-circumferential inch of the outer surface of the liner.
For example, in one or more embodiments, the outer surface of the liner 14 comprises at least 1.0 groove-per-circumferential inch (0.39 grooves-per-circumferential cm) of the outer surface, e.g., at least 1.2 grooves-per-circumferential inch (0.47 grooves-per-circumferential cm), at least 1.4 grooves per grooves-per-circumferential inch (0.55 grooves-per-circumferential cm), at least 1.5 grooves-per-circumferential inch (0.59 grooves-per-circumferential cm), at least 1.6 grooves-per-circumferential inch (0.63 grooves-per-circumferential cm), at least about 1.8 grooves-per-circumferential inch 0.71 grooves-per-circumferential cm), at least about 1.9 grooves-per-circumferential inch (0.75 grooves-per-circumferential cm), at least about 2.0 grooves-per-circumferential inch (0.78 grooves-per-circumferential cm), at least about 2.1 grooves-per-circumferential inch (0.83 grooves-per-circumferential cm), at least about 2.2 grooves-per-circumferential inch (0.87 grooves-per-circumferential cm), or in a range of from about 2.2 grooves-per-circumferential inch (0.87 grooves-per-circumferential cm) to about 2.5 grooves-per-circumferential inch (0.98 grooves-per-circumferential cm).

[0050] Strength characteristics of the liner can also be related to the relative sizes of the grooves 22 and the ribs 20. In one or more embodiments, the rib width RW is in a range of less than two-times the groove width, e.g., less than or equal to 1.8-times, 1.6-times, or 1.5-times the groove width. In one or more embodiments, the rib width RW is in a range of from about 0.5-times to about 2-times the groove width GW, e.g., an inclusive range from about 0.5-times to about 1.5-times, an inclusive range from about 0.5-times, to about 1.0-times, an inclusive range of from about 0.6-times to about 0.75 t-times, or about 0.65-times the groove width. Inversely, in certain embodiments, the groove width GW is in an inclusive a range of from about 0.35-times to about 1.8-times the rib width RW, e.g., the groove width is from about 0.6-times to about 1.6-times the rib width, or from about 1.2-times to about 1.5-times the rib width.

[0051] Characteristics of the liner can also be related to the angular spacing dimension ASD between each adjacent pair of grooves 22. In one embodiment, the angular spacing dimension ASD is measured as the angle about a center axis of the liner 14 between two adjacent grooves at mid-points along the respective widths GW.
In one or more embodiments, the angular spacing distance ASD is in an inclusive range of from about 1 to about 20 , e.g., from about 1 to about 15 , from about 1 to about 10 , from about 1 to about 7 , from about 2 to about 6 , from about 3 to about 5 , about 4 , etc.

[0052] Based on empirical testing, it is believed that in one or more embodiments of the liner 14, the cross-sectional area of the grooves 22 is reduced by less than 20% when the pressure in the interior of the lined pipe 10 has a sustained pressure that exceeds the sustained pressure in the annulus 15 by 28 Bar. In certain embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the grooves 22 is reduced by less than 15% when the pressure in the interior of the lined pipe 10 has a sustained pressure that exceeds the sustained pressure in the annulus 15 by 28 Bar. For example, the cross-sectional area of the grooves 22 is reduced by less than 10% when the pressure in the interior of the lined pipe 10 has a sustained pressure that exceeds the sustained pressure in the annulus 15 by 28 Bar. In one or more embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the grooves 22 is reduced by less than 5% when the pressure in the interior of the lined pipe 10 has a sustained pressure that exceeds the sustained pressure in the annulus 15 by 28 Bar.
IV. Example Liners

(0053] Characteristics of one example of a liner 14¨which has been found to provide an appropriate balance of annulus gas flow capacity, pull-in contact area, strength, and production cost¨for lining certain host pipes 12 having internal diameters of about 12.312 inches (31.272 cm) are shown in Table 13.
Table 13 Characteristic Value/Description Material Monolithic HDPE
Production Method Extrusion without groove cutting Non-deformed outer diameter OD 12.55 inches (31.877 cm) Single-wall thickness 0.45 inches (1.143 cm) Number of grooves 90 Groove radius GR 0.125 inches (0.3175 cm) Groove width GW 0.25 inches (0.635 cm) Rib width RW 0.20 inches(0.508 cm) Angular spacing distance ASD 40

[0054] Characteristics of another example of a liner 14 for lining certain host pipes 12 having internal diameters of about 12.126 inches (30.800 cm) are shown in Table 14.
Table 14 Characteristic Value/Description Material Monolithic HDPE
Production Method Extrusion without groove cutting Non-deformed outer diameter OD 12.370 inches (31.420 cm) Single-wall thickness 0.45 inches (1.143 cm) Number of grooves 90 Groove radius GR 0.125 inches (0.3175 cm) Groove width GW 0.25 inches (0.635 cm) Rib width RW 0.19 inches (0.483 cm) Angular spacing distance ASD 40

[0055]Characteristics of yet another example of a liner 14 for lining certain host pipes 12 having internal diameters of about 12.00 inches (30.48 cm) are shown in Table 15.
Table 15 Characteristic Value/Description Material Monolithic HDPE
Production Method Extrusion without groove cutting Non-deformed outer diameter OD 12.20 inches (30.99 cm) Single-wall thickness 0.45 inches (1.143 cm) Number of grooves 90 Groove radius GR 0.125 inches (0.3175 cm) Groove width GW 0.25 inches (0.635 cm) Rib width RW 0.17 inches (0.432 cm) Angular spacing distance ASD 40

[0056]Characteristics of still another example of a liner 14 for lining certain host pipes 12 having internal diameters of about 17.0 inches (43.18 cm) are shown in Table 16.
Table 16 Characteristic Value/Description Material Monolithic HDPE
Production Method Extrusion without groove cutting Non-deformed outer diameter OD 17.20 inches (17.2 cm) Single-wall thickness 0.55 inches (1.397 cm) Number of grooves 90 Groove radius GR 0.125 inches (0.3175 cm) Groove width GW 0.25 inches (0.635 cm) Rib width RW 0.35 inches (0.889 cm) Angular spacing distance ASD 40

[0057]Characteristics of still another example of a liner 14 for lining certain host pipes 12 having internal diameters of about 17.50 inches (44.45 cm) are shown in Table 17.
Table 17 Characteristic Value/Description Material Monolithic HDPE
Production Method Extrusion without groove cutting Non-deformed outer diameter OD 17.65 inches (44.831 cm) Single-wall thickness 0.55 inches (1.397 cm) Number of grooves 90 Groove radius GR 0.125 inches (0.3175 cm) Groove width GW 0.25 inches (0.635 cm) Rib width RW 0.37 inches (0.940 cm) Angular spacing distance ASD 40

[0058]It will be appreciated that liners can have characteristics that vary from those shown in Tables 13-17 without departing from the scope of the invention.
V. Providing Liner with Required Strength Characteristics

[0059]Referring again to Figs. 1 and 2, a method of providing a liner 14 such that the liner that has a large number of grooves 22 yet still has desired strength characteristics for a particular application will now be described. In one or more embodiments of a method of providing a pipe liner 14, a maximum number of grooves nmax is determined for a hypothetical set of liner parameters. The maximum number of grooves nmax is the greatest number of grooves at which a liner is expected to retain the desired strength characteristics for the hypothetical liner parameters. In one or more embodiments, worse-case-scenario conditions are used for the hypothetical parameters when determining the maximum number of grooves nmax.

[0060]The grooves 22 of a hypothetical liner should be expected to withstand the hypothetical liner application parameters without collapsing. In certain instances, grooves 22 can collapse when the forces imparted on the liner 14, due to a differential pressure by which the pressure in the interior of the liner exceeds the pressure in the annulus 15, exceed the compressive yield strength of the ribs 20. If the compressive yield strength of the ribs 20 is exceeded, the ribs will yield in compression, causing a groove or grooves 22 to collapse.

[0061]The compressive yield strength of the ribs 20 is a function of the cross-sectional contact dimension A between the ribs and the host pipe 12. For liners 14 comprising equally sized and spaced grooves 22, the contact dimension A can be determined as a function of the number of grooves n, the outer diameter OD of the liner, and the width of the grooves WG in accordance with Equation 1 below.

[0062]Equation 1: A= it * OD ¨ (WG * n)

[0063]The compressive yield strength of the ribs 20 is equal to the rib contact dimension A times the compressive yield strength Y of the material used to form the liner 14. To prevent the grooves 22 from collapsing, the compressive yield strength of the ribs 20 must be greater than compressive forces imparted on the liner 14 by the differential pressure DP by which the pressure inside the liner exceeds the pressure in the annulus, as shown in Equation 2 below (wherein ID is the inner diameter of the liner).

[0064]Equation 2: (7r * OD¨ (WG * n)) *Y it * ID * DP

[0065]Accordingly, for a hypothetical liner 14 having a hypothetical outer diameter OD, a hypothetical inner diameter ID, a hypothetical groove width WG, and a hypothetical compressive yield strength Y, the maximum number of grooves nmax that can be formed in the liner without compromising the desired strength characteristics of the liner can be determined in accordance with Equation 3 below.
Tr*ODL m*IDL*DP

[0066]Equation 3: nmax =
WG WG*YL

[0067]Other methodologies may also be used to determine a maximum number of grooves that can be formed in the liner without departing from the scope of the invention. But in view of Equation 3, it can be seen that, in certain embodiments, hypothetical parameters that may be used to determine the maximum number of grooves nmax, include one or more of: a hypothetical maximum differential pressure DP, a hypothetical groove width WG a hypothetical compressive yield strength YL; a hypothetical inner diameter ID; and/or a hypothetical outer diameter OD. Some of these hypothetical parameters are strictly predetermined for a given liner that is to be produced. For example, in one or more embodiments it is known that the liner 14 will be formed to have the outer diameter OD, the inner diameter ID, the compressive yield strength Y, and/or grooves having the groove width WG. If the exact value for any of the parameters OD, ID, Y, WG of the liner to be produced are not strictly known, when determining the maximum number of grooves nmax, the value of the unknown hypothetical parameter can be set at the plausible value for the parameter that would produce ribs 20 with the lowest compressive strength. For example, in one or more embodiments, the outer diameter OD and the inner diameter ID are set to values associated with the smallest plausible single-wall thickness of the liner; the compressive yield strength Y is set to the value of the weakest plausible material that may be used to form the liner, and/or the groove width WG is set to the maximum plausible groove width. Similarly, the hypothetical maximum differential pressure DP
is set to the maximum conceivable differential pressure for a liner of the size or type under consideration. In one or more embodiments, the hypothetical maximum differential pressure DP used to determine the maximum number of grooves nma, is 1500 psi.

[0068]After determining the maximum number of grooves nmax that can be safely used at a maximum differential pressure DPmax with a hypothetical liner having a hypothetical outer diameter OD, a hypothetical inner diameter ID, a hypothetical compressive yield strength Y, and hypothetical groove width WG, an embodied liner 14 can be formed to have an embodied number of longitudinal grooves 22 that is less than or equal to the determine maximum number of grooves, an embodied groove width that is less than or equal to the hypothetical groove width, an embodied compressive yield strength that is greater than or equal to the hypothetical compressive yield strength, and/or an embodied single-wall thickness that is at least one-half of a difference between the hypothetical inner diameter and the hypothetical outer diameter. For example, suitable tooling such as an extrusion die head or a milling tool can be developed and used to form one or more of tubes 14 having these embodied characteristics.
VI. Systems and Methods for Installing a Liner

[0069]Having described exemplary embodiments of the liner tube 14, systems and methods for installing the liner in the host pipe 12 will now be described.
Referring to Figs. 7-9, in one embodiment the grooved liner 14 is configured to be pulled into the host pipe through a lubrication system generally indicated at reference number 80. In the illustrated embodiment, a pull head 81 is secured to a leading end of the liner 14 and connected to a winch (not shown) that pulls the pull head and the liner conjointly along the host pipe 12. Figures 7-9 show the liner 14 after the liner has been pulled through a roll-down system (not shown), such that the liner has a reduced outer diameter OD in comparison to the non-deformed or equilibrium outer diameter of the liner. As explained above, even though the outer diameter of the liner 14 is reduced, the contact area between the liner 14 and the host pipe 12 is still large, which creates substantial frictional resistance to pulling the liner along the host pipe. As will be explained in further detail below, the lubrication system 80 is configured to direct lubricant to flow along the longitudinal grooves 22 to lubricate the annulus between the liner 14 and the host pipe 12 and thereby reduce friction on the liner as it is being pulled into the host pipe. In one or more embodiments, the liner 14 being pulled into the host pipe 12 can have a length of greater than 10 meters, greater than 25 meters, greater than 50 meters, greater than 100 meters, greater than 250 meters, greater than 500 meters, or greater than 1 kilometers.

[0070]The lubrication system 80 comprises a lubrication fitting 82 coupled to the upstream end of the host pipe 12. The lubrication fitting 82 defines a longitudinally extending lubrication lumen 84 through which the liner 14 passes as the liner is pulled into the host pipe 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the lubrication fitting 82 comprises a flange-ended conduit. A downstream flange of the lubrication fitting 82 is fastened to an upstream flange of the host pipe 12 to mount the lubrication fitting on the host pipe such that the lubrication lumen 84 is aligned with the interior of the host pipe 12.

[0071]The illustrated lubrication fitting 82 defines six circumferentially spaced lubricant ports 90 (FIG. 8) through which lubricant can be injected into the lubrication lumen 84. Other lubrication fittings can comprise other numbers (e.g., one or more) and arrangements of lubricant ports. The lubrication lumen 84 provides fluid communication between the lubricant ports 90 and the annulus 15 between liner and the host pipe 12 during pull-in. As explained in further detail below, the lubrication system 80 is configured to direct lubricant that is injected into the lubrication lumen 84 through the lubricant ports 90 to flow along the longitudinal grooves 22 and along substantially an entire length of the liner 14 as the liner is being pulled into the host pipe 12. The lubrication system thereby lubricates the annulus 15 to reduce friction between the liner 14 and the host pipe 12.

[0072] The illustrated lubrication fitting 82 also defines six circumferentially spaced compressed air ports 92 (FIG. 9) through which compressed air can be imparted into the lubrication lumen 84. Other lubrication fittings can comprise other numbers and arrangements of compressed air ports or be devoid of compressed air ports without departing from the scope of the invention. It will be understood that the lubrication system 80 can include an air compressor (not shown) for delivering compressed air to the compressed air ports 92. In the illustrated embodiment, a flow regulator 94 is connected to each of the compressed air ports 92 to regulate the flow rate at which the compressed air is imparted into the lubrication lumen 84. In one or more embodiments, the flow regulators 94 are configured to regulate the flow of compressed air into the lubrication lumen 84 such that the compressed air and lubricant flow along grooves 22 at a flow rate that is less than the maximum flow rate capacity of the grooves. The flow regulator 94 can comprise a check valve that prevents backflow through the compressed air ports 92 in one or more embodiments.
The lubrication lumen 84 provides fluid communication between the compressed air ports 92 and the annulus 15 between liner 14 and the host pipe 12 during pull-in.
During use of the lubrication system 80, compressed air imparted through the compressed air ports 92 forces the lubricant that is delivered into the lubrication fitting 82 to flow along the longitudinal grooves 22 toward the downstream end of the liner 14. The grooves 22 provide unobstructed passages along which the lubricant can flow so that the lubricant can flow along the entire length of the liner 14.

[0073] Referring to Fig. 7, the lubrication system 80 further comprises a seal 96 coupled to an upstream end portion of the lubrication fitting 82. The illustrated seal 96 extends circumferentially about the liner 14 as the liner passes through the lubrication system 80. The seal 96 is configured to sealingly engage the liner about the entire circumference of the liner as it is pulled through the lubrication fitting 82. The seal 96 is configured to provide a fluid seal of an upstream end of the lubrication lumen 84 between the lubrication fitting 82 and the liner 14.
Suitably, the seal 86 is configured to provide a fluid seal that can withstand the pressure of the compressed air being delivered into the lubrication lumen 84 through the compressed air ports 92.

[0074] As can be seen, the lubrication system 80 facilitates installing the liner by directing lubricant to flow along the longitudinal grooves 22 of the liner 14 while the liner is being pulled into the host pipe 12. Lubricant is injected into the annulus 15 between the liner 14 and the host pipe 12 under pressure. For example, lubricant and compressed air are imparted through a lubrication system 80 that is fluidly coupled to the upstream end of the host pipe 12. The compressed air forces the lubricant to flow along the longitudinal grooves 22, which channel the lubricant along the entire segment of the length of the liner located downstream of the seal 96. The seal prevents fluid (air, lubricant, or a mixture thereof) from escaping the lubrication lumen 84 through the upstream end of the lubrication fitting 82. As the lubricant flows along the grooves 22, it wets the contact area (e.g., the ribs 20) between the liner 14 and the host pipe 12 and thereby reduces the coefficient of friction between the liner and the host pipe. It will be appreciated that reduced friction between the liner and host pipe reduces the requirements of the pull-in equipment, thereby reducing cost.
In addition, the reduced friction can allow longer lengths of liner to be pulled into a host pipe at one time. The friction reduction will also facilitate the stopping and starting of the liner pull process when various segments of liner pipe need to be fused together during the installation.

[0075] When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiments(s) thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the" and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0076] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

[0077] As various changes could be made in the above products and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A liner for lining a pipe, the liner comprising: a polymer tube having a length and an inner surface and an outer surface extending along the length, the outer surface defining an outer diameter of the liner, the outer surface comprising a plurality of grooves extending along the length of the tube at locations that are circumferentially spaced about the outer surface of the tube, wherein the outer diameter is in an outer diameter range selected from the group of outer diameter ranges consisting of:
a first outer diameter range of less than 8 inches (20.32 cm);
a second outer diameter range of greater than or equal to 8 inches (20.32 cm) and less than or equal to 24 inches (60.96 cm); and a third outer diameter range of greater than 24 inches (60.96 cm); and wherein:
if the outer diameter is in the first outer diameter range, the plurality of grooves comprises greater than 6 grooves;
if the outer diameter is in the second outer diameter range, the plurality of grooves comprises greater than 12 grooves; and if the if the outer diameter is in the third outer diameter range the plurality of grooves comprises greater than 24 grooves.

2. A liner as set forth in claim 1, wherein:
if the outer diameter is in the first outer diameter range, the plurality of grooves comprises at least 8 grooves, if the outer diameter is in the second outer diameter range, the plurality of grooves comprises at least 14 grooves, and if the outer diameter is in the third outer diameter range, the plurality of grooves comprises at least 30 grooves.

3. A liner as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

if the outer diameter is in the first outer diameter range, the plurality of grooves comprises at least 10 grooves;
if the outer diameter is in the second outer diameter range, the plurality of grooves comprises at least 16 grooves; and if the if the outer diameter is in the third outer diameter range, the plurality of grooves comprises at least 42 grooves.

4. A liner as set forth in claim 1, wherein:
if the outer diameter is in the first outer diameter range, the plurality of grooves comprises at least 12 grooves, if the outer diameter is in the second outer diameter range, the plurality of grooves comprises at least 30 grooves, and if the outer diameter is in the third outer diameter range, the plurality of grooves comprises at least 84 grooves.

5. A liner as set forth in claim 1, wherein:
if the outer diameter is in the first outer diameter range, the plurality of grooves comprises at least 18 grooves;
if the outer diameter is in the second outer diameter range, the plurality of grooves comprises at least 48 grooves; and if the if the outer diameter is in the third outer diameter range, the plurality of grooves comprises at least 144 grooves.

6. A liner as set forth in claim 1, wherein each of the grooves has a width in a range of from about 0.1 inches (0.254 cm) to about 1.0 inch (2.54 cm).

7. A liner as set forth in claim 1, wherein the tube has a groove-to-outer diameter ratio of a number of grooves formed in the tube to the outer diameter of the tube, and wherein:

if the outer diameter is in the first outer diameter range, the groove-to-outer diameter ratio is in an inclusive range of from about 2 grooves-per-outer-diametric-inch (0.787 grooves-per-outer-diametric-cm) to about 3.75 grooves-per-outer-diametric-inch (1.476 grooves-per-outer-diametric-cm);
if the outer diameter is in the second outer diameter range, the groove-to-outer diameter ratio is in an inclusive range of from about 2 grooves-per-outer-diametric-inch (0.787 grooves-per-outer-diametric-cm) to about 2.75 grooves-per-outer-diametric-inch (1.083 grooves-per-outer-diametric-cm); and if the outer diameter is in the third outer diameter range, the groove-to-outer diameter ratio is in an inclusive range of from about 1.75 grooves-per-outer-diametric-inch (0.689 grooves-per-outer-diametric-cm) to about 2.2 grooves-per-outer-diametric inch (0.866 grooves-per-outer-diametric-cm).

8. A liner as set forth in claim 7, wherein:
if the outer diameter is in the first outer diameter range, the groove-to-outer diameter ratio is in an inclusive range of from about 2.5 grooves-per-outer-diametric-inch (0.984 grooves-per-outer-diametric-cm) to about 3.2 grooves-per-outer-diametric-inch (0.126 grooves-per-outer-diametric-cm);
if the outer diameter is in the second outer diameter range, the groove-to-outer diameter ratio is in an inclusive range of from about 2.0 grooves-per-outer-diametric-inch (0.787 grooves-per-outer-diametric-cm) to about 2.1 grooves-per-outer-diametric-inch (0.827 grooves-per-outer-diametric-cm); and if the outer diameter is in the third outer diameter range the groove-to-outer diameter ratio is in an inclusive range of from about 1.75 grooves-per-outer-diametric-inch (0.689 grooves-per-outer-diametric-cm) to about 2.0 grooves-per-outer-diametric inch (0.787 grooves-per-outer-diametric-cm).

9. A liner as set forth in claim 1, wherein the outer diameter is one of about 3.5 inches (8.89 cm), about 4.5 inches (11.43 cm), about 6.625 inches (16.8275 cm), about 8.625 inches (21.9075 cm), about 10.75 inches (27.305 cm), about 12.75 inches (32.385 cm), about 14 inches (35.56 cm), about 16 inches (40.64 cm), about 18 inches (45.72 cm), about 20 inches (50.8 cm), about 22 inches (55.88 cm), about 24 inches (60.96 cm), about 26 inches (66.04 cm), about 30 inches (76.2 cm), and about 36 inches (91.44 cm).

10. A liner as set forth in claim 9, wherein:
if the outer diameter is about 3.5 inches (8.89 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is less than or equal to 15 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 4.5 inches (11.43 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is less than or equal to 18 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 6.625 inches (16.8275 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is less than or equal to 21 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 8.625 inches (21.9075 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is less than or equal to 24 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 10.75 inches (27.305 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is less than or equal to 29 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 12.75 inches (32.385 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is less than or equal to 35 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 14 inches (35.56 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is less than or equal to 36 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 16 inches (40.64 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is less than or equal to 39 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 18 inches (45.72 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in less than or equal to 47 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 20 inches (50.8 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is less than or equal to 50 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 22 inches (55.88 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is less than 59 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 24 inches (60.96 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is less than or equal to 62 grooves;

if the outer diameter is about 26 inches (66.04 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is less than or equal to 68 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 30 inches (76.2 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is less than or equal to 78 grooves; and if the outer diameter is about 36 inches (91.44 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is less than or equal to 90 grooves.

11. A liner as set forth in claim 9, wherein:
if the outer diameter is about 3.5 inches (8.89 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 8 grooves and less than or equal to 15 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 4.5 inches (11.43 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 9 grooves and less than or equal to 18 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 6.625 inches (16.8275 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 10 grooves and less than or equal to 21 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 8.625 inches (21.9075 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 14 grooves and less than or equal to 24 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 10.75 inches (27.305 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 15 grooves and less than or equal to 29 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 12.75 inches (32.385 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 17 grooves and less than or equal to 35 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 14 inches (35.56 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 18 grooves and less than or equal to 36 grooves;

if the outer diameter is about 16 inches (40.64 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 19 grooves and less than or equal to 39 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 18 inches (45.72 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 21 grooves and less than or equal to 47 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 20 inches (50.8 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than 22 grooves and less than or equal to 50 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 22 inches (55.88 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than 25 grooves and less than 59 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 24 inches (60.96 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 26 grooves and less than or equal to 62 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 26 inches (66.04 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 34 grooves and less than or equal to 68 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 30 inches (76.2 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 38 grooves and less than or equal to 78 grooves; and if the outer diameter is about 36 inches (91.44 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 42 grooves and less than or equal to 90 grooves.

12. A liner as set forth in claim 9, wherein:
if the outer diameter is about 3.5 inches (8.89 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 8 grooves and less than or equal to 13 grooves;

if the outer diameter is about 4.5 inches (11.43 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 9 grooves and less than or equal to 15 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 6.625 inches (16.8275 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 10 grooves and less than or equal to 18 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 8.625 inches (21.9075 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 13 grooves and less than or equal to 20 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 10.75 inches (27.305 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 15 grooves and less than or equal to 24 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 12.75 inches (32.385 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 17 grooves and less than or equal to 29 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 14 inches (35.56 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 18 grooves and less than or equal to 30 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 16 inches (40.64 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 19 grooves and less than or equal to 33 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 18 inches (45.72 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 23 grooves and less than or equal to 39 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 20 inches (50.8 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 24 grooves and less than or equal to 42 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 22 inches (55.88 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 29 grooves and less than or equal to 49 grooves;

if the outer diameter is about 24 inches (60.96 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 30 grooves and less than or equal to 52 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 26 inches (66.04 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 34 grooves and less than or equal to 57 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 30 inches (76.2 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 39 grooves and less than or equal to 65 grooves; and if the outer diameter is about 36 inches (91.44 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 45 grooves and less than or equal to 75 grooves.

13. A liner as set forth in claim 9, wherein:
if the outer diameter is about 3.5 inches (8.89 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 9 grooves and less than or equal to 11 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 4.5 inches (11.43 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 10 grooves and less than or equal to 14 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 6.625 inches (16.8275 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 12 grooves and less than or equal to 16 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 8.625 inches (21.9075 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 14 grooves and less than or equal to 18 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 10.75 inches (27.305 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 17 grooves and less than or equal to 21 grooves;

if the outer diameter is about 12.75 inches (32.385 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 20 grooves and less than or equal to 26 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 14 inches (35.56 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 21 grooves and less than or equal to 27 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 16 inches (40.64 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 23 grooves and less than or equal to 29 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 18 inches (45.72 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 27 grooves and less than or equal to 35 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 20 inches (50.8 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 29 grooves and less than or equal to 37 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 22 inches (55.88 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 35 grooves and less than or equal to 43 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 24 inches (60.96 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 36 grooves and less than or equal to 46 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 26 inches (66.04 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 40 grooves and less than or equal to 50 grooves;
if the outer diameter is about 30 inches (76.2 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 46 grooves and less than or equal to 58 grooves; and if the outer diameter is about 36 inches (91.44 cm), a number of the plurality of grooves is in a range of greater than or equal to 54 grooves and less than or equal to 66 grooves.

14. A liner as set forth in claim 1, wherein the liner is configured to define an annulus between the outer surface and the pipe and the liner is configured to hold an internal pressure that is at least 1500 psi (10.34 MPa) greater than a pressure in the annulus without any of the plurality of the grooves collapsing.

15. A method of providing a liner for lining a pipe, the method comprising:
determining, for a hypothetical liner having a diameter of the liner to be provided, a maximum number of longitudinal grooves that would not be expected to collapse when pressure in an interior of the hypothetical liner exceeds a pressure in an annulus about the hypothetical liner by a hypothetical maximum differential pressure; and determining an embodied number of longitudinal grooves to include in the liner to be provided based on the determined maximum number of longitudinal grooves, wherein the embodied number of longitudinal grooves is less than or equal to the maximum number of longitudinal grooves; and forming a polymer tube having the diameter and the embodied number of longitudinal grooves at circumferentially spaced locations about an outer surface of the polymer tube.

16. A method as set forth in claim 15, wherein the step of determining the maximum number of longitudinal grooves comprises using a hypothetical width of longitudinal grooves of the hypothetical liner to determine the maximum number of longitudinal grooves and wherein the step or forming the polymer tube comprises forming the embodied number of longitudinal grooves to have an embodied width that is less than or equal to said hypothetical width.

17. A method as set forth in claim 15, wherein the step of determining the maximum number of longitudinal grooves comprises using a hypothetical compressive yield strength of the hypothetical liner to determine the maximum number of longitudinal grooves and the step of forming the polymer tube comprises forming the polymer tube to have an embodied compressive yield strength that is greater than or equal to the hypothetical compressive yield strength.

18. A method as set forth in claim 15, wherein the step of determining the maximum number of longitudinal grooves comprises using a hypothetical inner diameter and a hypothetical outer diameter of the hypothetical liner to determine the maximum number of longitudinal grooves and the step of forming the polymer tube to have an embodied single-wall thickness that is at least one-half of a difference between the hypothetical inner diameter and the hypothetical outer diameter.

19. A method as set forth in claim 15, wherein the step of determining the maximum number of grooves comprises calculating the maximum number of grooves according to the following equation:
wherein:
nmax = the maximum number of grooves;
ODL = a hypothetical outer diameter of the hypothetical liner;
IDL = a hypothetical inner diameter of the hypothetical liner;
WG = a hypothetical width of the longitudinal grooves of the hypothetical liner;
YL = a hypothetical compressive yield strength of the hypothetical liner;
and DPmax = the hypothetical maximum differential pressure.

20. A liner for lining a pipe, the liner comprising: a polymer tube having a length and inner and outer surfaces extending along the length, the outer surface comprising a plurality of ribs extending along the length of the tube at uniformly spaced apart locations about the outer surface, the outer surface further comprising a plurality of grooves extending along the length of the tube at uniformly spaced apart locations about the outer surface, the grooves being interleaved between the ribs, each of the ribs having a rib width and each of the grooves having a groove width, wherein the rib width is less than two-times greater than the groove width.

21. A liner as set forth in claim 20, wherein the rib width is in an inclusive a range of from about 0.5-times to about 2.0-times the groove width.

22. A liner as set forth in claim 20, wherein the groove width is in a range of from about 0.1 inches (0.254 cm) to about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm).

23. A liner as set forth in claim 20, wherein the plurality of grooves comprises more than 16 grooves.

24. A liner as set forth in claim 20, wherein the plurality of grooves comprises more than 50 grooves.

25. A liner as set forth in claim 20, wherein the plurality of grooves comprises more than 75 grooves.

26. A liner as set forth in claim 20, wherein the outer surface of the tube comprises at least 1.0 groove-per-circumferential inch (0.39 grooves-per-circumferential cm).

27. A liner as set forth in claim 20, wherein the outer surface of the tube comprises at least 1.2 grooves-per-circumferential inch (0.47 grooves-per-circumferential cm).

28. A liner as set forth in claim 20, wherein the tube comprises an uncut extruded tube.

29. A liner as set forth in claim 20, wherein each of the grooves is angularly spaced apart from an adjacent one of the grooves about a center axis of the liner by an angular spacing dimension in an inclusive range of from about 1° to about 20°.

30. A liner as set forth in claim 20, wherein the tube is formed from high density polyethylene.

31. A liner as set forth in claim 20, wherein the tube is configured such that a cross-sectional area of the grooves is reduced by less than 20% when the pressure in the interior of the liner exceeds a pressure in an annulus extending about the liner by 28 Bar.

32. A method of installing a liner comprising a polymer tube having a plurality of longitudinal grooves at circumferentially spaced locations about an outer surface of the tube, the method comprising:
pulling the liner into a host pipe; and while pulling the liner into the host pipe, directing a lubricant to flow along the longitudinal grooves.

33. A method as set forth in claim 32, wherein the step of directing the lubricant comprises injecting the lubricant into an annulus between the liner and the host pipe under pressure.

34. A method as set forth in claim 33, wherein the step of injecting lubricant comprises imparting the lubricant and compressed air through a lubrication system fluidly coupled to an upstream end of the host pipe.

35. A method as set forth in claim 34, wherein the lubrication system comprises:
a lubrication fitting coupled to the upstream end of the host pipe such that the liner is pulled through the lubrication fitting into the host pipe, the lubrication fitting defining a lubrication lumen through which the liner passes as the liner is pulled into the host pipe, the lubrication fitting defining at least one lubricant port and at least one compressed air port, the lubrication lumen providing fluid communication between the at least one lubricant port and the annulus as the liner is being pulled into the host pipe, and the lubrication lumen providing fluid communication between the at least one compressed air port and the annulus as the liner is being pulled into the host pipe; and a seal coupled to an upstream end portion of the lubrication fitting, the seal being configured to sealingly engage the liner as the liner is pulled through the lubrication fitting to provide a fluid seal of an upstream end of the lubrication lumen between the lubrication fitting and the liner.