EP1728929B1 - Verbesserungen von oder in Bezug zu Drainagerohren - Google Patents

Verbesserungen von oder in Bezug zu Drainagerohren Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1728929B1
EP1728929B1 EP06252882A EP06252882A EP1728929B1 EP 1728929 B1 EP1728929 B1 EP 1728929B1 EP 06252882 A EP06252882 A EP 06252882A EP 06252882 A EP06252882 A EP 06252882A EP 1728929 B1 EP1728929 B1 EP 1728929B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pig
pipe
pipeline
liner
wall
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP06252882A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP1728929A2 (de
EP1728929A3 (de
Inventor
Mark David Lusher
Roger John Graham Kern
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Waterflow Group PLC
Original Assignee
Waterflow Group PLC
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Waterflow Group PLC filed Critical Waterflow Group PLC
Priority to EP09175828A priority Critical patent/EP2148010A3/de
Publication of EP1728929A2 publication Critical patent/EP1728929A2/de
Publication of EP1728929A3 publication Critical patent/EP1728929A3/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1728929B1 publication Critical patent/EP1728929B1/de
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B11/00—Drainage of soil, e.g. for agricultural purposes
    • E02B11/005—Drainage conduits

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to remedial work and/or replacement of conduits such as pipes, tubing or passageways located underground. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for inserting a liner into an existing conduit and making the composite structure selectively permeable.
  • Drainage pipes are known in which sections of tubing are buried end to end underground.
  • the tubing itself is non-permeable, being typically made of clay. Where one section of tubing overlaps the adjacent section, the joint is deliberately left open so that moisture and water can drain into the conduit through the joint.
  • the existing tube may have apertures in the form of holes or slots.
  • Such arrangements are commonly used in railway drainage systems.
  • the pipe sections are buried between parallel sets of tracks.
  • the fill-in material above the pipe sections is specially selected to both provide sufficient support for the railway above while providing passageways to allow water to drain away from tracks and thereby prevent flooding.
  • Catch pits are located at regular intervals e.g. 30 metres along the conduits to access the pipes and remove the silt and debris from the collected water.
  • a further example of the use of underground drainage pipes are those used in landfill sites. These are used to allow gas or leachate to pass into the pipe from ground surrounding the pipe or out of the pipe into ground surrounding the pipe.
  • the pipe may be so configured by providing apertures in the wall of the pipe. Under certain circumstances the need can arise to improve upon the drainage capabilities of drainage pipes. Conventionally this can involve the excavation of the existing pipe, the provision of apertures in the existing pipe followed by the re-covering of the existing pipe. Alternatively, the existing pipe can be excavated and removed and new pipe with the requisite apertures can be laid and covered. At any rate each approach is time consuming and expensive.
  • Pipeline pigs exist which are generally used for inspecting the inside of a conduit to determine the internal damage to the inner surface of a pipeline. These pigs are typically small vehicles which are propelled through a pipeline to complete a task. The simplest pigs are propelled by fluid pressure in the pipeline and include fins to wipe or scrape the inner surface of the pipeline to remove debris and other matter adhering thereto. More sophisticated pigs are remotely operated vehicles which are usually motorised to travel through a pipeline. These pigs can carry out a variety of tasks within a pipeline and are typically only limited in the requirement to have an umbilical line back to the point of launch. Such vehicles may be used to inspect the pipelines in drainage systems.
  • GB 2 252 807 describes a pipeline pig which includes a jetting cutter.
  • the cutter is arranged so that as the pig progresses though a pipeline or other conduit, the cutter can be used to jet, cut and generally clear debris or other matter which has adhered to the inner walls of the pipeline. Where the pipeline has partially collapsed the cutter can be used to clear obstructions within the conduit. While the present applicants have considered that such a cutter could be used to form apertures through existing pipes to improve drainage, the formation of the multiple apertures required in an existing pipe has been found to weaken the pipe and cause collapsing thereof.
  • a further disadvantage of this proposed technique is due to the force which can be applied to the cutting head. This force is created by either, or both, of the high pressure jets. When the water jet initially hits the pipe wall, and the pressure differential across the pipe wall accessed when breakthrough is achieved. The torque produced by either of these forces is sufficient to cause the pig to spin and knock the cutting element out of alignment.
  • a technique has been developed in which an underground passage can be lined in order to prevent leakage and erosion of the inner surfaces.
  • the process is described, for example, in GB 1 340 068 .
  • a flexible laminate is inserted through a section of the passageway or pipe and is forced against the inner wall therein by fluid pressure.
  • the laminate structure is then cured to form a liner contacting the inner wall of the passageway.
  • the laminate structure is typically made of a relatively impermeable membrane, a fibrous sheet e.g. glass reinforced plastics, together with a resin. Once in place the liner is cured by, for example, UV illumination.
  • a further method of repairing an underground drainage pipe with the use of a pipeline pig is known from EP-A-0172307 .
  • a method of repairing an underground drainage pipe comprising the steps:
  • the pipe By first lining the pipe, the pipe can be made sufficiently strong to counteract the weakening effect of creating holes through it, if loading on the pipe is an issue. As the lining operation and the cutting can be achieved by accessing only the inside of the pipe, there is no requirement to excavate the entire pipe. By selectively making apertures through the liner and wall simultaneously, a selective number of drainage channels can be made through the pipe, so that a desired permeability can be achieved.
  • the plurality of apertures are arranged substantially symmetrically around the inner surface. In this way, any force created from outside the pipe at breakthrough is balanced across the pig and prevents the pig from rotating and misaligning the cutting position. Additionally, by cutting a plurality of apertures at a time, this speeds up the process.
  • the method includes the step of locking the pig in a selected position prior to step (c).
  • the pig is prevented from travelling along the pipeline during the cutting procedure under the influence from fluids within the pipe or the pressure outwith when breakthrough occurs. Locking also reduces the vibration of the pipeline pig during the cutting procedure.
  • the pig is initially moved through the pipe and steps (c) and (d) are undertaken as the pig is reversed back through the pipeline.
  • the initial movement may provide a distance measurement from which the number of apertures required can be calculated. Additionally, the initial movement may be used to inspect the pipe. By cutting when the pig is reversed any debris from the cutting operation or which falls into the pipe through the newly created aperture is prevented from obstructing the forward passage of the pig.
  • the step of creating the plurality of apertures is achieved by using cutting elements which are drill bits or cutters of a relatively hard material e.g. diamond or tungsten carbide.
  • the step of creating the plurality of apertures may be achieved in two steps, the first by diamond cutting the liner and the second by fluid jetting the pipeline wall.
  • the material of the liner has been found to cut more easily with a diamond cutter than a fluid jet. This is because the fluid jet tends to split the laminate structure of the liner and thus is less effective.
  • the fluid By first providing a drilled hole, the fluid can be used to blast away the pipe wall behind.
  • the quantity of damage to the pipe wall is immaterial as the liner provides sufficient strength to the composite structure.
  • the combined cutting techniques may increase the speed of creation of the apertures.
  • a pipeline pig comprising traction means for moving the pig within a pipeline in a direction co-linear with a central axis of the pig; a plurality of cutting elements, operable substantially simultaneously for creating substantially simultaneously a plurality of apertures through a wall of the pipeline, the elements being arranged around the central axis; and extension means for moving the cutting elements towards the wall of the pipeline.
  • a symmetrical arrangement of the cutting elements around the pig advantageously ensures that the pig is balanced so that any force created when the cutters engage the pipe wall or at breakthrough is uniform across the cutting elements and prevents the pig from spinning or displacing during the cutting process. Indeed by allowing external forces to act across the pig, the pig is self-centering during the aperture creation process. Additionally, by cutting a plurality of apertures at a time, this speeds up the process.
  • the cutting elements are drill bits made of a relatively hard material. More preferably the cutting elements are diamond cutters which rotate to drill an aperture through the wall. Alternatively, the cutting elements may be formed from tungsten carbide. Such cutters can be made sufficiently small so that the pig can enter respectively small pipelines e.g. less than 9 inch diameter. They are also easily replaceable as required.
  • the cutting elements include fluid cutting means which ejects a jet of fluid.
  • each fluid cutting element is configured to eject under user control at least one jet of fluid such that the at least one jet of fluid impinges upon an inner surface of the conduit in which the pig is located, the jet of fluid being ejected with sufficient force to cut an aperture through the conduit.
  • the pig may include water cooling means, the inclusion of a water cutting system is advantageous for use alone or in combination with the diamond cutting system.
  • the pig further includes one or more cameras to view the wall of the pipeline. These cameras allow a user to inspect the pipeline while the pig traverses the pipeline. They also allow monitoring of the drilling process itself.
  • Figure 1 of the drawings illustrates a pipeline pig, generally indicated by reference numeral 10, used within a drainage pipe 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 illustrates the pig 10 in cross-section within the pipe 12.
  • the same reference numerals have been used to ease interpretation of the Figures.
  • the drainage pipe 12 is shown relatively close to the rails but this is for illustration purposes only. Additionally the pipe 12 in Figure 2 is enlarged to show relevant details of the pig 10 more clearly.
  • Drainage pipe 12 is shown as located under a set of railway lines 14a,b.
  • a backfill material 15 is used between the pipe 12 and the lines 14 which should provide sufficient support between the rails 14a,b and the pipe 12, while providing drainage pathways to allow water to flow from the surface 18 to the pipe 12.
  • Water, which drains to the pipe 12 will be directed towards the ends of the pipe 12 where it will enter the pipe 12 at the joint, as is known in the art.
  • the joint is formed from the overlapping ends of adjacent pipes which are left unsealed to provide an access passage therebetween. As described hereinbefore, some pipes have holes or slots formed in them also, to allow the water 20 to drain through without travelling to the joint.
  • Catch pits provide access to the inner surface 24 of the pipe 12 at regular intervals e.g. every 30 metres, along its length.
  • the present invention proposes a new and inventive technique.
  • a pig 10 is launched into the pipe 12 via access from the catch pit.
  • Pig 10 to be described in greater detail with reference to the various embodiments shown in figures 3 to 5 , is a remotely operated vehicle which is driven along the base 22 of the pipe 12.
  • a user can steer the vehicle or pig 10 by monitoring images relayed from four cameras positioned on the pig 10. The images are displayed on a control screen 13, illustrated at Figure 6 , at a remote surface location.
  • the remote surface location is typically a van or other mobile control unit located near the catch pit.
  • the cameras are used to inspect the inner surface 24 of the pipe 12. At the same time as the inspection is carried out, the distance travelled by the pig 10 is recorded via a gauge 36 mounted to the front of the pig 10.
  • the pig 10 will have completed a check run through the pipe 12.
  • the pig 10 is withdrawn by pulling or driving the device back to its starting point and removing it from the pipe 12.
  • the pipe 12 is then lined by a technique known to those skilled in the art and available from suppliers such as the Applicant of the present invention.
  • a tubular laminate structure is drawn through the pipe 12.
  • the flexible structure comprises a relatively impermeable membrane, a fibrous sheet e.g. glass reinforced plastics, together with a resin.
  • the structure is inflated so that that it is forced outwards towards the inner surface 24 of the pipe 12.
  • Fluid pressure such as by a gas, may be used to inflate the tubular structure. The force is maintained until it is believed that the structure has fully contacted the inner surface 24, leaving no air gaps therebetween.
  • a UV light is then shone at the inner surface 38 of the structure in order to cure the resin and 'set' the structure within the pipe 12.
  • the liner 40 can be inflated by other means such as using water and curing using an ambient cured resin or a heat cured resin whereby the water in the liner is heated.
  • the pig 10 is then launched through the pipe 12 to inspect the inner surface 38 of the liner. Once at the far end of the liner 40, as calculated from the distance gauge 36 or viewed via the cameras, the pig 10 is located at a first drilling point.
  • a signal transmitted down a pneumatic line 42 in the umbilical connection 44 from the pig 10, activates a locking system 46.
  • the locking system 46 comprises a number of pads 48 on pneumatically driven arms which are driven radially outwards so that the pads 48 engage the inner surface 38. Typically six or more pads are used on a pig. Pressure is maintained on the pads 48 to prevent movement of the pig 10 longitudinally and rotationally within the pipe 12. All hydraulics and pneumatics are preferentially air driven systems.
  • a second signal is sent via further lines 49 to the cutting heads 50.
  • the cutting heads 50 are arranged symmetrically around a central axis 52 of the pig 10.
  • Each head 50 includes a diamond cutter 54 as is known in the art. While a diamond cutter is selected here, it will be appreciated that any hard cutting material may be suitable.
  • Each cutter 54 is arranged on an extending arm 56, which is pneumatically or electrically driven to move the cutter 54 radially outwards to contact the inner surface 38. When correctly located, as verified by views given by at least one of the cameras 3, the three cutters 54 are activated together.
  • the cutters 54 drill through the liner 40, they effectively maintain the stability of the pig due to a balance of forces at the central axis 52.
  • the cutters continue through the wall of the pipe 12.
  • the cutters may experience a pressure or force when there is a pressure differential across the wall of the pipe 12 and liner 40.
  • Each cutter 54a-c will experience this force at substantially the same time and as a result the combined forces will counteract each other and the pig 10 will remain stable and with the central axis 52 undisturbed in location.
  • the pig 10 is prevented from rotating as each cutter 54 is effectively held in place, both by the surrounding liner 40 and the combined force from the other cutters 54.
  • the force created on breakthough can be detected via a gauge or the cameras to indicate to the user that drilling is complete.
  • the extending arms 56 are then retracted; the locking system 46 is disengaged; and, the pig 10 is driven a short, but calculated distance to a new position.
  • the procedure is repeated to drill a further set of holes 60 through the liner 40 and the pipe 12.
  • the procedure can be repeated along the length of the pipe 12 until the desired number of holes 60 are completed or for a predetermined proportion of the pipe length.
  • Figure 7(a) shows the pig 10 as it is towed by the robot tractor through the pipe 12.
  • the cutters or drill bits 54 are retracted within the outer circumference of the pig 10 for their own protection and that of the liner 40. Any collisions between the pig 10 and the liner 40 are managed by the guide wheels 55 arranged around the pig 10.
  • Figure 7(b) the cutters 54 are extended out to and through the liner 40 to create the apertures or holes 60, uniformly around the liner 40.
  • a carriage 63 on which the cutting heads 50 are mounted can be rotated.
  • sets of holes 60 can be created in a circumferential pattern around the inner surface 38 of the liner 40 and pipe 12.
  • a uniform pattern of holes 60 can be created along the length of the pipe 12.
  • the pig 10 When completed the pig 10 may be withdrawn the short distance out of the pipe 12 or may be re-launched through the pipe 12 to inspect the holes 60 drilled. The newly permeated pipe 12 can then be immediately operational.
  • Pig 10 comprises two sections, a traction or drive portion 62, and an operating portion 64.
  • the drive portion 62 is as known in the art and comprises a wheeled buggy, robot tractor, or vehicle arranged to be driven through a pipeline or other conduit.
  • the portion 62 is typically weighted so that it preferentially lies level within a pipe 12.
  • the portion 62 is driven by a motor 66 connected to at least one set of the wheels 68.
  • the motor 66 may be powered by battery and operated by wireless remote control from a location at the end of a pipe. Alternatively, the motor may be hydraulically or electrically driven through an umbilical cable 44 connection the pig 10 to a remote location outside the pipe 12.
  • This portion 64 Connected to the front of the drive portion 62 is the working portion 64.
  • This portion 64 comprises a carriage 63 on which are mounted the cutting heads 50.
  • the cutting heads 50 are arranged in a circular pattern, substantially in the same plane, which traverses the central axis 52. Any misalignment from this plane is purely due to the mechanical constraints and size limitations found on the pig 10.
  • Each cutting head 50 comprises an extending arm 56 which can be actuated to move a cutter element 54 on the head radially outwards.
  • the cutter element 54 is a diamond drill bit as is known in the art, however other suitable cutting elements may be used. It is important that the cutting elements, when viewed from an end of the pig 10, are arranged equidistantly and symmetrically, all radiating outwards from the central axis 52. In the embodiments shown the cutting elements are positioned at 90 degree intervals around three sides of the central axis 52. It will be appreciated that any number of elements 54 can be used and that they can be either equally spaced around the full circumference or, as shown, they can be spaced substantially around the circumference.
  • the extending arms 56 are hydraulically operated and driven via a line 70 along the umbilical 44.
  • Drive and control for the cutter elements 54 is also provided via the umbilical 44.
  • water cooling lines 72 run through the umbilical 44 which are used to cool and lubricate the drill bits.
  • Located adjacent to the cutting heads 50 are a set of cameras. Typically, Four cameras are used, though it will be appreciated that any number could be chosen.
  • the cameras view the inner surface 38 in real-time, sending video images back along the umbilical 44 for display on the control screen 13.
  • Illumination sources in the form of light bulbs can be incorporated with the cameras so that the inner surface 38 is illuminated for easier viewing.
  • a fluorescent or reflective dye may be incorporated in the material of the liner 40 to aid visibility within the pipe 12.
  • the locking system 46 comprises a number of pads 48 on pneumatically driven arms 47 which are driven radially outwards so that the pads 48 engage the inner surface 38.
  • Each of the circular pads 48 are spaced equidistantly from the adjacent pads 48 to provide a uniform distribution of pressure on contact with the inner surface 38. Pressure to operate the pads 48 and their control is provided through the flexible umbilical 44.
  • a second locking system may be arranged at the rear end of the working portion 64. This will be operated in tandem with the first locking system 46 to improve stability of the pig 10 within a conduit.
  • a distance gauge 36 Protruding from the front of the pig 10 is a distance gauge 36 in the form of a calibrated wheel or disc. Each revolution of the disc, or part thereof, is signalled to the user, through the flexible umbilical, so that the distance travelled by the pig 10 is recorded. In this way, length measurements can be made within the pipe 12 and coordinates provided for the location of the holes 60.
  • the carriage 63 is mounted between gimbals.
  • the gimbals allow the carriage 63 to selectively rotate with respect to the central axis 52.
  • Such rotation of the carriage 63 moves the cutting heads 50 by a set number of degrees.
  • a further set of holes can be drilled adjacent to the original set. This increases the density of holes on a single plane perpendicular to the central axis 52.
  • the locking systems 46 may both be located on the carriage 63. However, it is preferable for one to be located on the carriage 63 and one on a non-rotating part of the portion 64. In this way, the portion 62 can be fixed relative to the carriage 63, to provide the necessary torque for rotation to occur. Additionally, once rotated, the carriage can be locked in position prior to drilling of the holes.
  • Pipeline pig 110 comprises a vehicle 112, which is configured to move within an underground pipe (which constitutes a conduit) and which in turn comprises of three or more water cutting heads 114a-e (which constitute cutting elements). Only one cutting head 114 is illustrated, but it will be appreciated that any number can be arranged symmetrically around the pig 110 to provide the required balance on use.
  • the pipeline pig 110 comprises a camera 116, which provides visual feedback to a remote user of the pipeline pig on the location and operation of the vehicle 112, and a pump 118, which delivers pressurised water via a high pressure hose 120 to the vehicle 112.
  • the pump 118 is located remotely of the vehicle 112, for example above ground.
  • the pump 118 comprises a pressure regulator 122, which regulates the pressure of the water delivered to the vehicle 112 in dependence upon an output of a pressure measurement device 124 on the vehicle, which measures the pressure of the water at the water cutting heads 114.
  • the regulation of the pressure of the water is to a predetermined pressure (i.e. a set point pressure) set by a user of the pipeline pig.
  • the pressure measurement device 124 may be provided on the pump 118 instead of or in addition to on the vehicle 112.
  • the water may contain dispersed garnets and/or aggregates (not shown) to enhance the cutting effect of the water.
  • the pressure regulator may comprise a proportional valve (not shown), which regulates the pressure of the water in accordance with design principles that will be readily understood by the reader of ordinary skill.
  • the pressure regulator may comprise an on-off valve (not shown) that is operative to periodically engage with a flow of water, with the mark-to-space ratio of engagement regulating the pressure of the water in accordance with design principles that will be readily understood by the reader of ordinary skill.
  • the pipeline pig 110 of Figure 8 also comprises adjustable arms 126 (which constitute extension means), which are operable to vary a spacing of each water cutting head 114 in relation to the vehicle 112.
  • a motor 128 is provided in the vehicle 112 for providing motive force to move the vehicle.
  • Figure 9 a plan view of the pipeline pig 110 of Figure 8 is provided.
  • the reader is directed to the description given above with reference to Figure 8 for a description of the components of the pipeline pig 110 of Figure 9 .
  • Figures 10 and 11 should now be considered together as they show the pipeline pig 110 of Figures 8 and 9 in use in the bore 140 of a drainage pipe 142. More specifically, Figure 10 is a view of the pipeline pig 110 looking down the bore 140 of the pipe 142 and Figure 11 is a side view of the pipeline pig 110.
  • the drainage pipe of Figures 10 and 11 is lined with a glass reinforced plastics liner 144.
  • the liner 144 has been inflated so that it abuts the inside surface of the pipe 142.
  • each water cutting head 114 comprises three nozzles 146a-c (references numerals provided on one only) from each of which a jet of water 148 is ejected.
  • the nozzles 146 are formed at least in part of stainless steel as is each water cutting head 114 and a surface of each of the nozzles presented to the water is sapphire coated.
  • Each nozzle 146 is screwed into the respective water cutting head 114.
  • Each nozzle 146 is of predetermined characteristics (i.e. diameter, bore shape and length) to provide for a jet of water having requisite characteristics.
  • FIG 12 a representation of an oscillating water cutting head 114 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown.
  • a cam 150 couples rotation of an oscillation motor 154 to a shaft 152, on which the water cutting head 114 is mounted.
  • the shaft 152 is mounted on a part of the vehicle 158 by means of a flexible mount 156, which allows for back and forth movement of the shaft and hence the water cutting head.
  • Pressurised water is provided to the water cutting head 114 by means of a pliable high pressure hose 160.
  • the extent of oscillation of the water cutting head is determined by the dimension of the cam 150.
  • the cam may be exchanged for a cam of different dimensions. Thus, the extent of oscillation of the water cutting head can be changed.
  • the frequency of oscillation is determined by the gearing ratio of gears (not shown) coupling rotation of the oscillation motor 154 to the cam 150.
  • the gearing ratio is changeable by a user to change the frequency of oscillation of the water cutting head. Oscillation of the water cutting head 114 provides for the ejected jet of water to describe a predetermined path over time. Thus, apertures of a predetermined shape and size may be cut.
  • the water cutting head 114 may be non-oscillating.
  • the vehicle 112 is driven under the motive force provided by the motor 128 into the bore 140 of a lined underground pipe 142, 144.
  • the pipe 142 may have been lined because the pipe is worn or because the pipe would be strengthened by lining. Placement of a liner occludes apertures in the wall of the pipe or joints between pipe sections.
  • the pipeline pig is to be used to provide apertures to restore the drainage capabilities of the pipe.
  • the pipeline pig 110 may alternatively be used to provide apertures in unlined pipe 142 where existing apertures have become occluded over time or where the existing apertures have been found to provide insufficient drainage.
  • the pump 118 and other user control pipeline pig remains above ground for operation by a user.
  • the water cutting heads 114 are raised towards the crown of the pipe 142 by means of the adjustable arms 126.
  • High pressure water containing garnets and/or aggregates is driven by the pump 118 down the high pressure hose 120 to the vehicle 112 where it is ejected as jets of water 148 from the nozzles 146.
  • the jets of water 148 impinge upon the inner surface of the liner 144 and each is ejected with sufficient force to cut an aperture in the liner 144 and the pipe 142. It will be appreciated that five apertures will be simultaneously cut from the five heads 114a-e.
  • the progress of the vehicle and aperture cutting operations are monitored by a user above ground by means of the camera 116.
  • the pressure of the water and hence the force of the jets of water is measured by the pressure measurement device 124 and compared with a predetermined (set point) pressure set by the user. Maintenance of the water pressure at the predetermined pressure can be accomplished manually by the user or automatically by means of established and well known electrical control means in dependence upon the pressure measured by the pressure measurement device 124.
  • the vehicle 112 moves along the inside of the bore 140 of the pipe 142 under user control and as it so moves the jets of water 148 cut a series of apertures in the liner 144 and pipe 142.
  • drill and fluid cutting elements are used.
  • the drill bits first cut through the liner 40,144 and then the water jets are used to break away the pipe 12, 142 behind. In this way an accurate pore or hole is formed in the liner, while lower pressure can effectively create the required aperture through the pipe wall.
  • the principal advantage of the present invention is that it provides a method of repairing a drainage pipe without requiring excavation of the pipe.
  • the work can be done quickly and with minimal or no interruption to the site above the pipe.
  • this allows the work to be done in sections overnight without interrupting rail services.
  • a further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a method of repairing a drainage pipe which increases the drainage capability by improving the permeability of the pipe. By selecting the number and size of holes required any amount of additional drainage access to the pipe can be given.
  • a yet further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a method of repairing a drainage pipe which strengthens the existing pipe.
  • the incorporation of a liner both strengthens the original pipe and provides an impermeable membrane from which a calculated increase in drainage capability can be incorporated.
  • a still further advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is that it provides a pipeline pig which can form multiple accurate holes through the liner and/or pipe. This is achieved by balancing a plurality of cutting heads around the pig.
  • any form of portable cutting elements may be used. They may also be controlled to cut an aperture to any desired shape or dimensions. Further gauges may be mounted on the pig to record rate of movement, drilling speeds and pressures so that the system may be optimised and fully automated.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Agronomy & Crop Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Pipe Accessories (AREA)
  • Electric Cable Installation (AREA)
  • Control And Other Processes For Unpacking Of Materials (AREA)
  • Shearing Machines (AREA)
  • Rigid Pipes And Flexible Pipes (AREA)
  • Sink And Installation For Waste Water (AREA)

Claims (10)

  1. Ein Verfahren zum Reparieren eines unterirdischen Drainagerohrs (12, 142), das die folgenden Schritte beinhaltet:
    (a) Einführen einer Auskleidung (40, 144) durch mindestens einen Teil des Rohrs (12, 142), wobei die Auskleidung (40, 144) so angeordnet ist, dass sie eine Wand (24) des Rohrs (12, 142) berührt;
    (b) Schleusen eines Rohrleitungsmolchs (10, 110) durch das Rohr (12, 142), wobei der Molch (10, 110) eine Vielzahl von Schneideelementen (54, 148) umfasst;
    (c) Platzieren eines oder mehrerer Schneideelemente (54, 148) gegen eine Innenfläche (38) der Auskleidung (40, 144) und
    (d) Kreieren einer Vielzahl von Öffnungen (60) durch die Auskleidung (40, 144) und die Wand (24), um dadurch ein durchlässiges Rohr bereitzustellen.
  2. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei die Vielzahl von Öffnungen (60) im Wesentlichen symmetrisch um die Innenfläche (38) herum angeordnet ist.
  3. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1 oder Anspruch 2, wobei das Verfahren vor Schritt (c) den Schritt des Arretierens des Molchs (10, 110) in einer ausgewählten Position umfasst.
  4. Verfahren gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Molch anfangs durch das Rohr bewegt wird und die Schritte (c) und (d) ausgeführt werden, wenn der Molch durch die Rohrleitung zurückgeführt wird.
  5. Verfahren gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Schritt des Kreierens der Vielzahl von Öffnungen (60) in zwei Schritten erzielt wird, erstens durch Durchbohren (54) der Auskleidung (40, 144) und zweitens durch Fluiddurchstrahlen (148) der Rohrleitungswand (24).
  6. Ein Rohrleitungsmolch (10, 110), wobei der Molch (10, 110) Folgendes beinhaltet: ein Zugmittel (62, 112) zum Bewegen des Molchs innerhalb einer Rohrleitung (12, 142) in eine Richtung, die zu einer Mittelachse (52) des Molchs kollinear verläuft; eine Vielzahl von Schneideelementen (54, 148), die im Wesentlichen simultan betriebsfähig sind, zum im Wesentlichen simultanen Kreieren einer Vielzahl von Öffnungen durch eine Wand (24) der Rohrleitung, wobei die Elemente um die Mittelachse (52) herum angeordnet sind; und ein Verlängerungsmittel (56, 126) zum Bewegen der Schneideelemente in Richtung der Wand (24) der Rohrleitung.
  7. Rohrleitungsmolch (10, 110) gemäß Anspruch 6, wobei die Schneideelemente Bohrer (54) sind, die sich drehen, um eine Öffnung durch die Wand zu bohren.
  8. Rohrleitungsmolch (10, 110) gemäß Anspruch 6 oder Anspruch 7, wobei die Schneideelemente ein Fluidschneidemittel (148) umfassen, das einen Fluidstrahl ausstößt.
  9. Rohrleitungsmolch (10, 110) gemäß einem der Ansprüche 6 bis 8, wobei der Molch ein Arretiermittel (46) zum In-Eingriff-Bringen des Molchs mit der Wand, um ihn an einer Position zu arretieren, umfasst.
  10. Rohrleitungsmolch gemäß einem der Ansprüche 6 bis 9, wobei der Molch ferner eine oder mehrere Kameras umfasst, um die Wand der Rohrleitung zu betrachten.
EP06252882A 2005-06-03 2006-06-02 Verbesserungen von oder in Bezug zu Drainagerohren Not-in-force EP1728929B1 (de)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP09175828A EP2148010A3 (de) 2005-06-03 2006-06-02 Verbesserungen von oder in Bezug zu Drainagerohren

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB0511324.6A GB0511324D0 (en) 2005-06-03 2005-06-03 Apparatus for and methods of cutting apertures

Related Child Applications (2)

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EP09175828A Division EP2148010A3 (de) 2005-06-03 2006-06-02 Verbesserungen von oder in Bezug zu Drainagerohren
EP09175828.4 Division-Into 2009-11-12

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EP1728929A2 EP1728929A2 (de) 2006-12-06
EP1728929A3 EP1728929A3 (de) 2007-02-07
EP1728929B1 true EP1728929B1 (de) 2010-08-04

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EP09175828A Withdrawn EP2148010A3 (de) 2005-06-03 2006-06-02 Verbesserungen von oder in Bezug zu Drainagerohren

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AT (1) ATE476556T1 (de)
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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2475482B (en) * 2009-11-18 2014-09-10 Waterflow Group Plc Method and apparatus for creating apertures in a pipeline
US10894323B2 (en) * 2016-06-17 2021-01-19 Wuhan Easy-Sight Technology Co., Ltd. Pipeline robot, pipeline video-signal acquisition and transmission device and pipeline detection system and method

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1340068A (en) 1970-09-22 1973-12-05 Insituform Pipes & Structures Lining of surfaces defining passageways
GB8407707D0 (en) * 1984-03-24 1984-05-02 Edgealpha Ltd Cutters
GB2252807B (en) 1991-02-12 1994-12-07 Barriquand & Fils C Device for fluidic cutting within conduit

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EP1728929A2 (de) 2006-12-06
DE602006015880D1 (de) 2010-09-16
EP2148010A3 (de) 2010-11-24
EP1728929A3 (de) 2007-02-07
ATE476556T1 (de) 2010-08-15
GB0511324D0 (en) 2005-07-13
EP2148010A2 (de) 2010-01-27

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