EP1835126A1 - Sealing process and sealing joint for driving pipes - Google Patents

Abstract

The joint has a hydraulic seam comprising an elongation unit (44), and a sealing unit (2), a filling opening (3) and a ventilation opening (4) that are provided in the area of the hydraulic seam for inserting a grout to seal the drive units (18) together. The grout is made of a swellable and sealable material. The sealing unit is arranged in proximity to the elongation unit and in the area of a recess of the drive units. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for sealing drive units (2) a row of drive units.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a sealing device of propulsion elements according to the preamble of the first claim.
The invention is also based on a method for sealing propulsion elements according to the preamble of the independent method claim and of a number of propulsion elements with a sealing device.

State of the art

The classic laying of propulsion elements, especially pipes of any cross-section, takes place in trenches, where they are inserted piece by piece in a bed, sealed and covered again.
In an overbuilt, curved or otherwise difficult on the terrain terrain offers itself as per se known alternative to drive from a sunk bay, a number of propulsive elements, in particular a pipe string in the ground. It is configured as straight as possible Sollweg for the pipe string, with any obstacles are avoided in the largest possible radius of curvature.
The pipe string is pressed by successive application of propulsion elements in the soil, with a controllable headpiece shows the way. The new propulsion elements are lowered into a press shaft and propelled forward with a press device until the next pipe section can be used. The propulsion elements have a diameter of up to several meters, a pipe string of propulsion elements, for example, 1 to 4 m in diameter can reach a length of 1 to 2 km or more.
In a target shaft, the head of the pipe string can be removed and added the necessary termination devices and lines.
With increasing propulsion length, the required pre-pressing forces increase as a result of the skin friction of the propulsion elements. Depending on the length of the pipe string and the pressing force to be applied intermediate pressing stations or intermediate shafts can be created for other pressing devices, with which the range can be increased accordingly.

The removed from the conveyor head earth material must be dissipated in the opposite direction to the usually approximately horizontal pipe jacking, this can be done in a conventional manner with conveyor belts, rubble cars or the like. Further If the soil is suitable, it is possible to convey small streams in closed pipes.

The high propulsive forces must be transmitted as uniformly as possible and without local stress concentrations on the face side from tube element to tube element, which would not be possible in direct contact without damage.
It is known to insert the pipe cross section corresponding pressure transmission rings made of wood-based materials.

When pressing the propulsion elements are heavily stressed both in the axial and in the radial direction. The prepress forces must overcome the chest resistance and the friction between the pipe jacket and the ground. Directional corrections lead, in addition to an increase in the Vorpresskräfte, especially to a non-uniform distribution of the compressive stresses on the pipe end faces and in the pipe element itself. Other effects, such. As constraining forces and dead weight, the tubes also claim in the radial direction.

In the CH 574023 A5 is a joint seal for a pipe string is described, which is produced in the press drive. Between the end faces of the individual propulsion elements, an expansion element is arranged, which forms a closed cavity. This can be pressed with a pressurized filler so that the end faces of the adjacent components are pressed apart.

From the WO 2005/080753 A1 a method for propulsion of propulsion elements is known. In this case, in at least one part of the fluid-filled expansion elements distributed over the entire length of the tubing, the deformation is measured, the driving force and the eccentricity are calculated from these parameters, and the values are stored and / or compared with stored standard values. For process control, in at least one over the entire length of the Pipeline distributed part of the expansion elements of the fluid pressure and / or joints measured the deformation, calculated from these parameters the driving force and the eccentricity, and converted the values into control commands for the pressing direction and / or the individual fluid supply to the individual fluid drain from the expansion elements , After the tunneling has taken place, the expansion elements are removed and the joints are filled. With such a seal, however, there are concerns that it does not have a sufficient tightness over time.

In particular for environmental reasons, e.g. To prevent waste water from leaking into the subsoil, or in water pipes to avoid unnecessary loss of water in the pipes, a secure seal is increasingly important.

Presentation of the invention

The invention has for its object to improve the sealing between the propulsion elements in a sealing device of propulsion elements, methods for sealing propulsion elements, as well as series of propulsion elements with a sealing device of the type mentioned.

According to the invention this is achieved by the features of the first claim.

The core of the invention is thus that the hydraulic joint comprises at least one expansion element, and that the hydraulic joint seals the propulsion elements with each other.

Among other things, the advantages of the invention can be seen in the fact that a secure and simple sealing of the driving elements can take place with one another by means of the hydraulic joint.
The fact that the hydraulic joint is left in the building, there are also economic benefits, since in particular a gain of time is achieved and the tedious job of Fugenverflachtelung does not have to be performed, which is particularly advantageous in narrow pipes.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

It is particularly advantageous to further seal the hydraulic joint by introducing injection material. This can additionally prevent liquids from the series of propulsion elements off or enter this.

It is particularly expedient if the elements for introducing injection material can be emptied again after introduction of the injection material. This will allow you to create new ones later
To inject grout according to requirements. As a result, it can be ensured at all times that the row of driving elements is securely sealed.

Short description of the drawing

In the following, embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. The same elements are provided in the various figures with the same reference numerals.

Fig. 1

einen Vertikalschnitt durch einen Pressschacht mit einer Reihe von Vortriebselementen;

Fig. 2

einen Radialschnitt durch ein Dehnelement mit zusätzlicher erfindungsgemässer Abdichtung;

Fig. 3

einen Radialschnitt durch ein spiralförmiges Dehnelement mit zusätzlicher erfindungsgemässer Abdichtung;

Fig. 4

einen Tangentialschnitt durch zwei stirnseitig aneinander liegende Vortriebselemente mit einem Dehnelement und Abdichtung entsprechend Schnitt IV-IV in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5

einen Radialschnitt durch ein spiralförmiges Dehnelement mit einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer zusätzlichen Abdichtung;

Fig. 6

einen Radialschnitt durch ein spiralförmiges Dehnelement mit einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer zusätzlichen Abdichtung.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a vertical section through a press shaft with a number of propulsive elements;

Fig. 2

a radial section through an expansion element with additional inventive seal;

Fig. 3

a radial section through a spiral expansion element with additional inventive seal;

Fig. 4

a tangential section through two frontally adjacent propulsion elements with an expansion element and sealing according to section IV-IV in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5

a radial section through a spiral expansion element with a further embodiment of an additional seal;

Fig. 6

a radial section through a spiral expansion element with a further embodiment of an additional seal.

Only the elements essential for the immediate understanding of the invention are shown.

Way to carry out the invention

According to FIG. 1, in the underground 10, which may consist of soft soil up to monolithic rock, starting from a press shaft 12, a series of propulsion elements 14, here also called a pipe string, are propelled, which extends below the earth surface 16. The individual driving elements 18 are lowered by means of a lifting device 20 in the press shaft 12.
An abutment 22 supporting pressing device 24 is aligned with the tubing string 14. In the present case are hydraulic presses, but it can also be used pneumatic presses or lifting spindles become. A pressure ring 26 presses the front side of the rearmost tubular element 18 and presses the entire pipe string 14 in the feed direction 28 by the length of a tubular element 18 forward. Then, the pressure ring 26 is withdrawn, lowered a new tube member 18 and attached with the interposition of an expansion element 44. Then the insertion takes place by a further tube length I.
Simultaneously with the pressing of the tubing string 18 in the substrate 10, the displaced soil is reduced by a head piece 30 in a conventional manner. This is done for example by a built-in excavator 32, a milling machine or other well-known in mining or tunnel work equipment. With a treadmill, not shown, the excavated soil 34 in the direction of the press shaft 24, that is opposite to the propulsion direction 28, promoted.
The propulsion takes place as mentioned step by step. One step involves the insertion of a tubular element 18, the advancement of the tubing string 14 by the length I of the tubular element 18 in the advancing direction 28. The advancing force 40 is transmitted from tube element to tube element 18 via the expansion elements 44 (FIG. 2) shown below.
The headpiece 30 usually has a locating device 36, so the situation can be determined at any time and any necessary corrections are made. Next can be precisely excavated at a possibly necessary repair or replacement of the head piece 30, an auxiliary shaft.

In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the expansion element 44 is formed of an elastomeric tubular. The circulating hose has no division into sections. The pressure is, therefore, except for the geodetic pressure difference, always the same around, even with the largest pressure application.
All cavities of the expansion elements 44 over the entire pipe string 14 may be connected via a pressure line 56. This pressure line 56 is connected via a filling cock 58 with the fitting 60 of each connected expansion element 44. With a lever 62, the filler cock 58 can be opened. The Armature 60 is also equipped with a pressure gauge 64 and a vent cock 66 through which excess fluid can be discharged into the interior of the tubing string 14.
After laying the pipe string, the expansion element 44, ie the hydraulic joint assumes the sealing function. This means that the expansion element remains in the pipe string and the hydraulic joint thus assumes the seal. The fact that the hydraulic joint is left in the building, a gain of time is achieved because the expansion element 44 does not have to be removed and eliminates the tedious job of Fugenverflachtelung.
Although a sealing function is fulfilled by the expansion elements in the radial direction, but it could be a concern that this radial-acting seal over time is insufficient.
For further sealing, it is therefore advantageously additionally possible to arrange a sealing element 2 on the outer circumference of the expansion element 44. However, this sealing element 2 can also be arranged differently, for example on the inner circumference of the expansion element 44. This sealing element 2 is advantageously an injection hose, also called a compression hose, can be pressed out via the injection material. For this purpose, the sealing element has, for example, slots through which the injection material can emerge under the application of pressure. If pressure is applied externally to the hose, these exit slots are closed and fluids can not enter the hose. Such injection hoses are known, for example, from Sika® under the name Injectoflex or from other manufacturers than Predimax®. Such hoses can also have an additional outer skin.
At the ends, the hose has a filling opening 3 and a vent 4. The injection material is introduced into the hose via the filling opening, the vent opening is closed and, via the slots in the hose, it exits under pressure. If a further injection of injection material to be made possible, the vent 4 is opened and the tube 2 emptied, then both openings 3 and 4 are closed. Should now again expect a leak, can be introduced via the tube new injection material, and thus re-sealed.

During propulsion, not only an expansion element 44 is thus recognized, but in addition a sealing element 2. After or while the tubing is finished laid / is, in a first step, the expansion element 44 next to the outer sleeve seal 48 (see FIG. 4) take over the seal , In a second step, injection material is introduced into the cavities at the connection point of the pipes via the sealing element 2 and so further sealed. This second step can be done from the beginning, but the additional sealing can be done later as needed.

In Fig. 3 and 4, another embodiment of an expansion element 44 is shown, which is formed here in a spiral shape. Here, the sealing element 2 is inserted between the turns of the expansion element 44. Again, then the sealing element 2 can be filled via the filling opening 3 and the vent 4, respectively emptied. The function is the same as described above in FIG. 2.
4, the connection region of the two propulsion elements 18 is still shown, which is covered with a sleeve 48, which has a guiding and temporary sealing function. The sealing function can be supported by an O- or wedge ring, not shown, whereby the seal is further improved.

In Fig. 5, another possibility for sealing is shown. Here, one makes use of the fact that the critical point for the tightness is in the region of the connections of the expansion elements 60. There is usually a recess 50 or recesses arranged to at least partially receive the fitting 60 and the other associated parts. Through this Recess 50 and armature 60 are thus most likely to leak in this area. In this area, an opening element 6 is now arranged in the tubular element 18, via which the injection material can be introduced into this area. This opening element is advantageously designed so that the injection material can be introduced under pressure in this area. Advantageously, the opening element 6 can also be provided with a thread, so that the opening of the opening element can be closed with a screw element or equivalent parts.
For sealing, a so-called packer is advantageously introduced into the opening element. The packer has on the outside an expandable sleeve, which serves to seal the opening element 6. Inside, it has a continuous tube, via which the injection material can be brought under pressure to the desired location. After introduction of the injection material, the packer can be removed and, if desired, the opening 6 are closed, for example via a screw element.
Advantageously, a packer is used, but it is also possible to use directly an injection tube as described above or other injection means.

After the tubing string has been laid completely, in a first step the expansion element 44 together with the sleeve 48 can take over the seal. For this purpose, it is possible to use the fluid present in the expansion element. In a second step, injection material is introduced into the recess 50 and from there also into the cavities on the hydraulic joint of the tubes 18 via the opening element and the packer, and so further sealed. This second step can be done from the beginning, but the additional sealing can be done later as needed.

In Fig. 6, a further possibility for the seal is shown. Here, however, the pipe element in comparison to FIG. 5 additionally has a venting element 9. This venting element can analogously Opening element 6 be configured. About this venting element, the backfilling of the recess 50 can be checked.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described.
The cross sections of the drive elements 18 may be formed, for example, round, square, rectangular, rectangular with a transverse wall or arched. The elements have a diameter or a corresponding linear mass of one or more meters. They consist for example of concrete, fiber concrete or a metal.
The cross sections of the expansion elements 44 are, for example, circular, square, elliptical, long rectangular rounded, cassette-shaped and convex on both sides, spiral, etc. formed. There are a large variety of cross sections, the walls can be partially reinforced.

As injection material, any materials can be used which have a sealing property. In particular, swellable sealing materials are suitable for this purpose. Swellable polyurethane gels have proved to be particularly advantageous. However, other materials such as acrylate gels, latex swellable materials, epoxy resins, etc. may also be used.

Claims (17)

Sealing device of propulsion elements (18), which were pressed into the ground using hydraulic joints,
characterized,
in that the hydraulic joint comprises at least one expansion element (44), and in that the hydraulic joint seals the propulsion elements (18) to one another. Sealing device according to claim 1,
characterized
characterized,
that at least in the region of the hydraulic joint elements (2, 3, 4, 6, 9) are arranged for introducing injection material. Sealing device according to claim 2,
characterized,
in that the element (2, 3, 4, 6, 9) for introducing injection material comprises a sealing element (2, 6), in particular an injection hose (2) or an opening element (6). Sealing device according to claim 3,
characterized,
in that the sealing element (2) is arranged in the vicinity of the expansion element, and / or in that the sealing element (6) is arranged in the region of a recess (50) of the driving element (18). Sealing device according to claim 3 or 4,
characterized,
in that the sealing element (2, 6) can be emptied in order to introduce new injection material later. Sealing device according to claim 3, 4 or 5,
characterized,
that the sealing element (2, 6) having apertures for dispensing grout. Sealing device according to one of claims 3 to 6,
characterized,
that the sealing element (2, 6) has at least one opening (3) for the introduction of injection material and at least one opening (4) or an element (9) for draining of the sealing element (2, 6). Sealing device according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the injection material consists of a swellable, sealing material. Method of sealing propulsion elements (18) which are pressed into the ground using hydraulic joints,
characterized,
that the hydraulic joint comprises at least one expansion element (44), and that the hydraulic joint is used after completion of propulsion as a permanent structural seal on. Method according to claim 9,
characterized
In the area of the hydraulic joint via elements (2, 3, 4, 6, 9) injection material is introduced. Method according to claim 10,
characterized,
that the injection material through at least one sealing element (2, 6), in particular an injection tube (2) or a packer is introduced. Method according to claim 11,
characterized,
that the sealing element (2, 6) is emptied again after introduction of the injection material. Method according to claim 10, 11 or 12,
characterized,
that injection material is introduced via the at least one sealing element (2, 6) when a leak occurs in the region of the hydraulic joint. Method of sealing propulsion elements (18) which are pressed into the ground using hydraulic joints,
characterized,
that in a first step an expansion element (44) of the hydraulic joint is sealed, and that in the occurrence of a leak in the region of the hydraulic joint injection material via elements (2, 3, 4, 6, 9) is introduced. Method according to claim 14,
characterized,
that the injection material through at least one sealing element (2, 6), in particular an injection tube (2) or a packer (6), is introduced. Method according to claim 15,
characterized,
that the sealing element (2, 6) is emptied again after introduction of the injection material and that injection material is introduced again via the at least one sealing element (2, 6) in the event of a leak in the region of the hydraulic joint. Series of propulsion elements with a sealing device according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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