Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
  • F16L55/16—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders
  • F16L55/162—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from inside the pipe
  • F16L55/165—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from inside the pipe a pipe or flexible liner being inserted in the damaged section
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
  • E03B—INSTALLATIONS OR METHODS FOR OBTAINING, COLLECTING, OR DISTRIBUTING WATER
  • E03B7/00—Water main or service pipe systems
  • E03B7/006—Arrangements or methods for cleaning or refurbishing water conduits
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
  • F16L55/18—Appliances for use in repairing pipes

Definitions

• the invention relates to casing equipment configured to repair a fluid pipe having a defect at the origin of a leak, or even a casing kit for obtaining such casing equipment.
• the present invention also relates to a pipe, in particular a branch pipe having a defect at the origin of a leak, and repaired by the casing equipment according to the present disclosure;
• the present invention also relates to a method for repairing a fault in a fluid line at the origin of a fluid leak, implementing casing equipment, or even the casing kit according to the present invention.
• the present disclosure finds particular application when the fluid is a liquid and in particular water.
• This disclosure relates to the field of the repair and/or rehabilitation of pipes, in particular small diameter pipes, in particular pipes called “drinking water supply connections” or “AEP connections”.
• the pipes referred to as branch pipes are conventionally of a nominal diameter less than or equal to 100mm, typically between 10mm and 100mm.
• branch pipes are connected to the pipes of the main network, which are generally of a diameter greater than or equal to the diameter of the branch pipes.
• the diameter of the carrier network pipes is typically between 40 mm and 2000 mm.
• the connection between the carrier network pipe and the service pipe is typically obtained by a branch collar, also called a support collar, which can be an electro-weldable collar.
• Document FR 2,962,516 A1 is an example of such a tapping collar which comprises a flexible flange, encircling the pipe, and a saddle applied in a leaktight manner via a seal on a tapping opening of the pipe.
• Other types of support collar exist, such as collars with two rigid parts, typically molded in cast iron.
• the saddle of the collar is provided with a branch connection usually provided with a stop valve to which is connected in a leaktight manner the branch pipe, hereinafter referred to as the branch pipe.
• Repair techniques by lining consist of inserting into the pipe to be repaired a flexible sheath, typically made of polyester fiber, impregnated with resin, in particular epoxy fiber.
• This sheath is pushed into the pipe, bearing by its outer surface against the inner wall of the pipe, at least up to the length section of the pipe having a defect at the origin of the leak.
• the sheath is heated using a portable boiler, in order to obtain the hardening of the resin.
• the sheath forms a hardened coating which comes to cover the wall of the pipe, by adhering to this wall.
• a disadvantage of this technique is in particular that it requires, among the equipment necessary for its implementation, a portable boiler, equipment which is cumbersome, and is not always easily movable on the site of intervention. The hardening of the resin, which typically takes several hours, generates significant implementation times. Another disadvantage of this technique is that it is irreversible.
• the Neofit system is also known, a technique of lining by inserting a flexible PET tube into a pipe, then the introduction into the tube of water at high temperature and under high pressure to ensure the irreversible deformation of the tube against the wall of the pipe to be lined.
• the high temperature and high pressure water is obtained in a controlled manner thanks to dedicated equipment for pressurizing and heating the water.
• a disadvantage of this technique is in particular that it requires, among the equipment necessary for its implementation, such equipment which is bulky, and is not always easily movable on the site of intervention.
• Tubing repair techniques essentially consist of inserting a tube from a first end of the pipe to be repaired, then pushing it and/or pulling it to the other end of the pipe, namely up to its second extremity.
• the technique of repair by casing generally involves the presence of an annular void between the internal wall of the pipe, and the outer wall of the tube.
• this annular void can be filled by various injection techniques, in particular with a view to ensuring that the external stresses are taken up by the casing equipment.
• This system comprises a body hereinafter referred to as a box intended to be inserted into the pipe, precisely at the location of the defect to be sealed.
• a pneumatic duct of the system is supplied with pressurized air, and ensures the inflation of two annular seals, which ensure fluid tightness between the external wall of the box and the internal wall of the pipe, on either side of the leak to be sealed: an annular sealing chamber is thus defined between the internal section of the pipe presenting the defect and the outer wall of the box, on the one hand, and between the two annular seals on the swollen state, on the other hand.
• the box of the system then has two injection points for a clogging chemical product intended to supply the annular clogging chamber with the clogging chemical product which is routed to the two injection points through pipes of power supply extending inside the case, most likely pressurized using an air compressor.
• Document US Pat. No. 4,581,801 also discloses a technique for repairing a pipe of a heat exchanger, and finding a particular application for the repair of a fault in a pipe of a heat exchanger of a power station. nuclear.
• the repair is carried out by inserting a metal sleeve made of Inconel, which comprises on its outer surface a plurality of annular grooves, deep, leaving ribs between them.
• This sleeve comprises, within it, an expansion member, made of metal, which comprises a threaded hole allowing insertion of a hydraulic cylinder rod ensuring the radial deformation of the sleeve by ensuring contact between the ribs and the inner surface of the pipe to be repaired, under the very high force of the hydraulic jack.
• an expansion member made of metal, which comprises a threaded hole allowing insertion of a hydraulic cylinder rod ensuring the radial deformation of the sleeve by ensuring contact between the ribs and the inner surface of the pipe to be repaired, under the very high force of the hydraulic jack.
• Such a repair technique is only suitable for repairing substantially straight metal pipes, and is unsuitable for pipes with a curved trajectory, or else in a plastic material.
• the gas is then cut off by inserting a balloon, which is inflated at the junction between the main network and the straight pipe via a pneumatic pipe.
• a casing system comprising a plastic tube and a head connector of great length compared to the diameter of the tube, is inserted and is pushed into the straight pipe to a position where the head connector is left at a distance of the junction zone with the main network
• the head connector comprises a peripheral seal, comprising several flexible ribs.
• DE 198 53 868 describes an improvement of the head connector seal which is a deployable seal which is housed in a groove of the head, pinched on one side by the body of the head connector, and on the other by a part screwed into a bored and tapped part of the body.
• a straight tool can be inserted into the tube to proceed with the screwing of the screwed part with respect to the body using the tool: during rotation by the tool, the seal is compressed between the two parts screwed together, and spreads radially and firmly on the pipe, ensuring a reliable seal.
• This joint which is firmly placed on the internal wall of the pipe, guarantees improved sealing, without the risk of infiltration of the sealing product (ie the resin). Holes in the tubular wall of the head fitting, then allowing the air present in the annular space to escape when the sealant is injected under pressure.
• the documents DE 198 53 868 and DE 195 40 707 describe irreversible techniques by the use of a sealing product which solidifies by ensuring the maintenance of the tube in the repaired pipe.
• the casing system described in the documents DE 198 53 868 and DE 195 40 707 describe techniques for repairing a substantially straight gas pipe, and are unsuitable for the rehabilitation of pipes with a curved trajectory.
• the configuration of the rigid part body head connector in documents DE 198 53 868 and DE 19540 707, in particular screwed to the pipe has an axial dimension that is too large, and will block in a trajectory pipe curve, prohibiting the taking of turns necessary for following a curved trajectory.
• casing equipment configured for the repair by casing of a defect in a pipe at the origin of a fluid leak from the pipe, comprising a casing system intended to be inserted into the pipe from an insertion end, the tubing system including a tube and a tubular head connector sealed to one end of the tube in sealed communication with the tube, the head connector including a tubular body and a gasket , device, of outer diameter greater than the tube, said seal being intended to provide a fluid seal with the inner wall of the pipe in any intermediate position on the pipe.
• Such equipment is configured to ensure the repair of the pipe, by inserting the tubing system, including the head connector followed by the tube linked to the head connector, from an insertion end of the pipe.
• the tube can be flexible, configured, when the pipe does not have a straight trajectory, to bend following the curvature or changes in curvature of the pipe from the insertion end to a laying position of the casing system;
• the head connector may preferably have, along the tubular axis of the connector, a length less than five times the internal diameter of the tube, in particular a length less than four times the internal diameter of the tube, or even less than three times and in particular between once and three times the internal diameter, in particular twice and/or additionally or alternatively, the head connector can preferably have, along the tubular axis of the connector, a length of less than 100 mm; the length of the head connector and extends from a distal end of the head connector (outside the tube) forming a first mouth of the tube connector, to a proximal end of the tube connector (inside the tube) forming a second mouth of the tubular connector;
• the equipment comprises a tail connector, tubular, fixed in a sealed manner to an end of the tube opposite that to which the head connector is connected, said tail connector being in sealed communication with the tube, the tail connector comprising a tubular body and a peripheral seal, of external diameter greater than the tube configured to provide a seal with the internal wall of the pipe in any intermediate position on the pipe, the peripheral seal of the head connector and the seal peripheral of the tail connector being intended to be positioned on either side and on the other side of the fault in the pipe, resting on the internal wall of the pipe, in a position for laying the casing system;
• the tail connector has, along the tubular axis of the connector, a length less than five times the internal diameter of the tube, in particular a length less than four times the internal diameter of the tube, or even less than three times, and in particular between once and three times the internal diameter, in particular twice and additionally or alternatively, the head connector may preferably have, along the tubular axis of the connector, a length of less than 100 mm; or even preferably less than 80 mm; the length of the tail connector extends from a distal end of the tubular connector (outside the tube) forming a first mouth of the tubular connector, to a proximal end of the tail connector (inside the tube ) forming a second mouth of the tubular connector;
• said casing system is intended to be fully inserted into the pipe, at a distance from said pipe insertion end, said equipment comprising a removable pushing tool, have a slender element possibly obtained by assembling several sub- elements connected one after the other, as well as removable coupling means between a distal end of the slender element and the tail connector;
• the removable coupling means comprise a coupling portion adjoining the tail connector tubular body via one or more breakable material bridges, the coupling portion having a thread, in particular an internal thread configured to be connected by screwing to the end distal to the longitude member of the pushing tool by a threaded portion and such that the pushing tool and coupling means are configured not only to push the tubing system into the pipe from the insertion end , but also for pulling the casing system by pulling the coupling portion of the tail connector from the insertion end, and wherein the pushing tool comprises means for exerting a shear between the coupling portion and the tubular body of the tail connector until the breaking of the breakable bridge or bridges of material to allow decoupling the pushing tool and the casing system;
• said head connector and/or the tail connector comprises an anchoring device ensuring anchoring of the head connector and/or the tail connector by gripping the internal wall of the pipe;
• the anchoring device comprises one or more anchoring members, configured to pass from a retracted position allowing the sliding of the tubular head connector, to an extended position ensuring the anchoring of the head connector, in a static position of the pipe casing system, as well as a triggering system, remotely, of the anchor member(s) from the retracted position to the deployed position;
• the equipment comprises the head coupling and the tail coupling, as well as the pushing tool and in which the tubular body of the coupling comprises a section of radially deformable length, in a plastic manner, forming a seat for the peripheral seal, or even simultaneously for notching teeth which, in an undeformed state of the coupling, form a constriction in the hollow of the tubular body and in which the remote triggering system comprises said elongated element of said pushing tool, as well as the removable coupling means between said distal end of the slender element and the tail connector, as well as a deformation member of section greater than the section of the constriction, said deformation member being intended to be inserted into the hollow of the tubular body, driven by a pull cable of the remote release system, said deformation member being configured to radially outwardly deform the dice-length section formable as well as the peripheral seal resting on the seat when the deformation member is moved through the constriction, until sealing and anchoring of the fitting on the internal wall of the pipe is ensured;
• the anchoring device comprises the peripheral seal of the head connector and/or the peripheral seal of the tail connector, the peripheral seal of the head and/or tail connector being a roll-up seal, configured to be inserted from the end for inserting the pipe up to a laying position, and configured to roll up on itself by causing an increase in the thickness of the joint gripping the pipe, during a recoil of the casing system;
• the tubular body of the head coupling and/or of the tail coupling comprises a outer portion extending outside the tube, forming a seat for the peripheral seal, and an inner portion fitted in a sealed manner in the tube; in particular the length of the outer portion, along the axis of the head connector (or tail connector) may be less than the length of the inner portion;
• the internal portion of the head connector or the tail connector comprises an external thread, screwed onto the internal wall of the tube;
• the equipment comprises a mechanical connection device configured to fix the tube on the insertion end of the pipe, comprising at least one fixing part, from the outside encasing the end of insertion of the pipe, ensuring mechanical holding of the tube on the insertion end of the pipe, said tube of the casing system extending from the head connector, in tight connection on the pipe via the peripheral joint, up to 'to the mechanical connection device, or even extending outside the pipe, beyond a mouth of the insertion end of the pipe, the fault in the pipe positioned in an intermediate position between the peripheral joint of the coupling head and the insertion end of the pipe in the laying position of the casing system;
• a casing kit for obtaining casing equipment comprising the following components of the casing system in the unassembled state:
• a water network pipe repaired by the casing technique implementing a casing system of a casing equipment according to the invention according to the first possibility, and in which the repair of the defect is ensured, by inserting the tubing system into the pipe, from an insertion end of the pipe, said head connector being followed by the tube connected to the head connector, the pipe defect positioned intermediate between the head connection in sealed connection with the internal wall of the pipe and the insertion end of the pipe and in which the casing system has the tail connection, fixed in a sealing manner at the opposite end of the pipe to that to which the head tube connector is connected, in fluid-tight communication with the tube, the tail connector comprising the tubular body and the said peripheral seal, of diameter greater than the tube, the peripheral seal of the head connector and the seal tail connection device resting respectively on the internal wall of the pipeline, being positioned on either side of the fault along the length of the pipe, in the laying position of the casing system.
• a water network pipe repaired by the casing technique implementing a casing system of a casing equipment according to the invention according to the second possibility and in which the repair of the defect is ensured, by inserting the tubing system into the pipe, from an insertion end of the pipe, the said head connector being followed by the tube connected to the head connector, the fault in the pipe positioned intermediate between the head in sealed connection with the inner wall of the pipe and the insertion end of the pipe and in which the tubing system has the mechanical connection device configured to ensure mechanical retention of the pipe on the insertion end the pipe, said tube extending from the head connector, in a fluid-tight connection in an intermediate position of the peripheral seal between the two ends of the pipe, up to the connecting device ment in connection on the insertion end, or even extending outside the pipe, through the insertion end of the pipe, the defect of the pipe being located between the peripheral seal of the head fitting and the device connection in the laying position of the tubing system.
• the trajectory pipe repaired according to the third aspect or the fourth aspect can typically have a curved trajectory
• a method for repairing a fault in a fluid pipe at the origin of a fluid leak implementing casing equipment according to the first possibility, or even itself. even obtained by the casing kit, and in which - /A/ is inserted from the insertion end of the pipe, the tubing system comprising the tube including the head connector and the tail connector connected to the two ends of the tube, and the system is pushed casing in the pipe to a laying position of the casing system for which the peripheral seal of the head connector and the peripheral seal of the tail connector ensure a fluid seal between the pipe and the tube, by being respectively positioned on either side and on the other from the defect of conduct.
• Such a method can implement casing equipment comprising said pushing tool, and in which in step /A/ the casing system is pushed with the pushing tool from the insertion end, after securing the coupling means of the slender element to the tail connector, and up to the laying position of the casing system, then the coupling means are separated and the pushing tool is removed in order to leave the casing system in the laying position.
• Such a method can implement casing equipment comprising said anchoring device and in which successively at step /A/ of inserting and pushing the casing system to the laying position:
• the head fitting is anchored to the pipe by activating the anchoring device in said installation position.
• the tubing system comprising the tube including the head connector connected to the end of the tube is inserted from the insertion end of the pipe, and the tubing system is pushed into the pipe to a laying position of the tubing system for which the fault in the pipe is located between the peripheral joint of the head fitting and the insertion end of the pipe and in which the pipe is of sufficient length to extend into the pipe from the head fitting to said pipe insertion end, or even extend outside the mouth of the pipe insertion end, - /b/ the mechanical connection device is put in place between the tube and the insertion end of the pipe, with the pipe being embedded in order to ensure mechanical retention of the tube on the insertion end of the pipe.
• the pipe is a branch pipe extending from the insertion end at the level of a metering point comprising a manhole, pit, box or cellar or the like receiving a meter water and up to a pipe of the water carrier network, of greater diameter than the pipe, the branch pipe connected to the pipe by a support collar encircling the pipe, at the level of a tapping orifice of the pipeline, the take-up collar is provided with a connection fitting comprising a shut-off valve to which the connection pipe is linked in leaktight manner, comprising an operating square accessible from a mouth for a key with extension tube using the spanner with extension tube, prior to the casing operations to cut off the water, and without having to carry out an excavation, and in which step /A/ of the method according to one of according to this disclosure ion according to the fifth aspect, or also step /a/ of the method according to the present disclosure according to the sixth aspect from the counting point after closing the stop valve of the support collar, without disconnecting the line from the pipeline,
• the repaired pipe is a pipe with a curved trajectory.
• FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a connection pipe for the drinking water network which extends underground, from a pipe of the carrier network, connected to the pipe via a bypass collar surrounding the pipe, provided with a shut-off valve, and up to a metering point comprising a manhole receiving a water meter.
• FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view along a plane passing through the axis of the pipe, and illustrating a fluid pipe having a defect, said pipe being repaired using a tube of a casing system which is extends from a head fitting in leaktight connection with the tube and with the pipe via a peripheral seal, to the insertion end of the pipe where the tube is fixed to the pipe by a mechanical coupling device, and according to a first embodiment of the casing equipment.
• FIG. 2a is a schematic view of a step in the repair process making it possible to obtain the repaired pipe according to FIG. 2, with insertion of the head connector, followed by the tube, by an operator pushing the tube, from the pipe insertion end, at the metering point
• FIG. 2b is a consecutive view of Figure 2a, illustrating the head connector in its laying position, the fault in the pipe then intermediate, positioned between the head connector and the insertion end, Figure 2b further illustrating the installation of the mechanical connection device on the insertion end of the pipe.
• FIG. 2c is a consecutive view of FIG. 2b, after fixing the mechanical connection device.
• FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view along a plane passing through the axis of the pipe, and illustrating a fluid pipe having a defect repaired using a tube of a casing system which extends from a head fitting sealed connection with the tube and with the pipe via a peripheral joint, up to a tail connector in sealed connection with the tube and with the pipe via a (second) peripheral joint, and according to a second embodiment of the casing method and casing equipment.
• FIG. 3a is a schematic view of a step in the repair process for repairing the pipe according to Figure 3, with insertion of the head connector, followed by the tube, then the tail connector, by an operator pushing action via a pushing tool comprising an elongate element coupled to the tail fitting
• FIG. 3b is a consecutive view of the insertion of the casing system, in a laying position, suitable for which the peripheral joint of the head connection and the peripheral joint of the tail connection are located on either side of the defect source of the leak.
• FIG.3c is a consecutive view of Figure 3b, after uncoupling the push tool from the tail connector, and removal of the push tool through the opening of the insertion end of the driving.
• FIG. 4 shows on the left, a perspective view of an embodiment of a "one-way" head connector, which is notable in that it includes an anchoring ring, provided with non-return fins intended to cooperating with the inner wall of the pipe, the ring being configured to be moved along a limited stroke along the tubular body of the fitting causing the diameter of the peripheral seal to increase, and on the left, a sectional view of the head fitting linked to the tube in the pipe, and before an increase in the diameter of the peripheral seal by the displacement of the anchoring ring on the tubular body caused by the recoil of the head fitting in the pipe, according to the limited stroke.
• Fig. 5 shows on the left, a perspective view of an embodiment of a "one-way" head connector, which is notable in that it includes an anchoring ring, provided with non-return fins intended to cooperating with the inner wall of the pipe, the ring being configured to be moved along a limited stroke along the tubular body of the fitting causing the diameter of the peripheral seal to increase, and on
• FIG. 5 is a view of an embodiment of a “bi-directional” head connection, without anchoring device.
• FIG. 6a is a partial sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the mechanical connection device, comprising a ring body encasing the insertion end of the pipe from the outside, as well as a clamping ring, the screwing onto the ring body makes it possible to tighten the pipe via a spacer ring secured to the tube, the spacer ring secured to the tube, for example crimped onto the tube.
• FIG. 6b is a perspective view of the mechanical connection device of Figure 6a.
• FIG. 6c is a cross-sectional view illustrating the screwing of the head connector to the tube, as well as the peripheral seal ensuring the seal between, on the one hand, the head connector and the pipe, and on the other hand, between the connector head and tube.
• FIG. 6d is a perspective detail view of the head connector with its internal portion intended to be fitted into the tube, by screwing the external thread into the plastic material of the tube, the external portion of the tubular body notably comprising a hexagonal recess for an Allen key.
• FIG. 7 shows at the top, a perspective view of a short length casing system, of the "sleeve" type comprising a tube, as well as the head connector and the tail connector connected to the two ends of the tube, and at the bottom , a cross-sectional view of such a tubing system in a pipe.
• Fig. 8 shows at the top, a perspective view of a short length casing system, of the "sleeve" type comprising a tube, as well as the head connector and the tail connector connected to the two ends of the tube, and at the bottom , a cross-sectional view of such a tubing system in a pipe.
• Fig. 8 shows at the top, a perspective view of a short length casing system, of the "sleeve" type comprising a tube, as well as the head connector and the tail connector connected to the two ends of the tube, and at the bottom , a cross-sectional view of such a tubing system in a pipe.
• Fig. 8 shows at
• FIG. 8 shows on the left a perspective view, and on the right, in section, two alternative views, of a mechanical connection device for casing equipment according to a second embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 9 schematically represents in sectional view the insertion of the head connector in the pipe, the head connector notably having a roll-up joint having a first portion integral with the tubular body and a second portion in friction on the pipe
• FIG. 10 is a consecutive view of FIG. 9, after the seal has rolled up caused by the head fitting moving back into the pipe, this rolling up doubling the thickness of the seal, and thus gripping the pipe, as well as sealing.
• FIG. 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of a tail connector, the tubular body of which is provided with a plastically deformable section, forming a seat for the peripheral seal and for notching teeth, the deformable section forming a constriction of the tubular hollow , the deformable section being configured to be deformed radially outwards to ensure sealing and anchoring of the coupling on the pipe.
• FIG. 12 is a view of the trigger system which is activated by the operator to allow the anchoring of the coupling according to FIG. 11, by deformation of the constriction outwards, the system comprising the pushing tool, including comprising a coupling part at the longitudinal end of the slender element intended to bear against the tail connector, as well as a deformation member, movable relative to this coupling part under the driving of a cable traction of the trigger system.
• the pushing tool including comprising a coupling part at the longitudinal end of the slender element intended to bear against the tail connector, as well as a deformation member, movable relative to this coupling part under the driving of a cable traction of the trigger system.
• FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the pipe inside which the casing system comprising the tail connector is inserted by using the pushing tool of the triggering system according to figure 12, before anchoring the tail connector on the pipe, the plastic deformable length section, in the undeformed state, located between the deformation member and the coupling part of the pushing tool.
• FIG. 14 is a sectional view consecutive to figure 13, the deformation member having passed through the constriction under the action of the traction cable, causing the outward deformation of the section of deformable length SD as well as the peripheral seal 131 and the anchoring teeth, to ensure sealing and anchoring of the tail connector on the internal wall of the pipe.
• FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a tubing system according to another embodiment comprising a head connector, and a tail connector assembled at the ends of a flexible tube, the tail connector being notable in that it comprises a coupling portion, in the form of a ring, intended to be screwed to a threaded portion of a distal end of a pushing tool, the pushing tool being suitable not only for pushing the casing system, but again to pull it from an insertion end of the pipe, the coupling portion being separable, by breaking bridges of breakable material.
• FIG. 16 is a sectional view of Figure 15, at the head connector.
• FIG. 17 is a sectional view of FIG. 15, at the level of the tail connector, particularly illustrating the ring forming the coupling portion, which comprises an internal thread, and the bridges of breakable material connecting the ring to the tubular body of the tail connector. Description of embodiments
• the present invention relates to casing equipment 1, configured for the repair by casing of a defect D in a pipe Co at the origin of a leak F of fluid from the pipe.
• This casing equipment 1 comprises a casing system 10 intended to be inserted into the pipe.
• the tubing system 10 includes a tube 11, and a tubular head connector 12, sealed to one end of the tube in sealed communication with the tube 11.
• the head connector comprises a tubular body 120 and a seal 121, peripheral, of outer diameter greater than the tube 11 intended to ensure fluid tightness with the internal wall of the pipe Co in any intermediate position on the pipe, namely in an intermediate position between the two ends of the pipe.
• This casing equipment 1 is configured to ensure the repair of the pipe Co, by inserting the casing system 10, including the head connector 12 followed by the tube 10 linked to the head connector 12, from a insertion end Ei of the pipe Co, and until positioning the tubing system 10 in a laying position Po for which the head connector 12 is in a position between the two ends of the pipe Co; the defect D of the pipe at the origin of the leak is then located intermediate between the peripheral seal 121 of the head fitting 12 and the insertion end Ei of the pipe Co.
• the tube 11 therefore extends only partially over the length of the pipe Co to be repaired, the head connector being positioned at a distance from the end of the pipe. driving opposite the insertion end Ei, and as seen in Figure 1, and at a distance from the insertion end Ei.
• the casing equipment according to the present invention is advantageous in that it can be implemented having the only access for implementation that associated with the insertion end of the pipe, and contrary to the techniques casing known from the state of the art which very often require having double access, namely access to both ends of the pipe to be repaired.
• action is taken from an easily accessible insertion end Ei of the pipe, without having to carry out any digging, such as for example an insertion end Ei of a pipe Co accessible from a metering point where finds the water meter: it can in particular be a metering point accessible from a manhole RG receiving the water meter, or even a pit receiving the water meter, or even a cellar receiving the water meter water, or even a box receiving the water meter.
• the casing equipment according to the present invention is further advantageous in that the tube (of smaller diameter than the pipe to be repaired), reducing the useful section of the pipe, extends only over a portion of the length of the pipe. to be repaired, and not over its entire length as taught according to known casing techniques.
• the casing equipment according to the present invention makes it possible to limit pressure drops and therefore the loss of flow rate at the user after repair.
• the tube is flexible, namely that it is configured, when the pipe to be repaired does not have a straight trajectory, to bend following the curvature or the changes in curvature of the pipe from the insertion end Ei to the laying position Po of the casing system.
• the flexible tube can bend to follow the curvature or changes in curvature of the pipe inside which it is inserted , and until the installation of the casing system in the laying position Po.
• the head connector 12 may have, along the tubular axis of the connector, a length Lg less than five times the internal diameter of the tube 11, in particular a length less than four times the internal diameter of the tube, or even less three times.
• the length Lg of the head connection may in particular be between a times and three times the internal diameter of tube 11, such as approximately twice the internal diameter.
• the head connector may preferably have, along the tubular axis of the connector, a length Lg of less than 100 mm; or even preferably less than 80 mm.
• the length Lg of the head connector can for example measure between 35 mm and 42 mm, such as 38 mm.
• the tube with an external diameter of 50 mm and an internal diameter of 36 mm the length Lg of the head connector can measure for example between 70 mm and 75 mm.
• the length Lg of the head connector is illustrated in Figure 16, and extends from a distal end of the head connector (outside the tube) forming a first mouth of the tubular connector, up to a proximal end of the head fitting 12 inside the tube forming a second mouth of the tubular fitting.
• a short length of the head connector 12 advantageously facilitates changes of direction of the casing system in the pipe, when the latter is not of a straight trajectory, avoiding the blocking of the head connector, typically a rigid part in the pipe Co .
• the rigidity of the tube must however be sufficient for the establishment to be obtained by a thrust on the tubing system (including the tube 11), only from the insertion end and up to the position laying Po, without risk that the tube 1 1 does not turn on itself in the pipe.
• the tubing system can be pushed from the insertion end Ei of the pipe Co, either directly by a manual push on the tube 11 as shown schematically in FIG. 2a, or indirectly thanks to a pushing tool which is described below, and as visible in Figure 3a.
• This insertion of the tubing system is preferably facilitated, with lubrication, in order to limit friction between the peripheral seal(s) 121 and 131 of the head connector 12 (and/or of the tail connector 13 which is described below) and the inner wall of the pipe Co.
• the design of the head fitting 12 can provide a geometry with constitution of an annular reserve Ra for the grease (see in particular FIG. 6c), upstream of the peripheral seal 121 of the head fitting 12.
• This annular reserve Ra is formed upstream of the peripheral seal by an overhanging portion of the body tubular 120 of the head connector 12 which extends in front of the peripheral seal, in the direction of the direction of insertion, and which defines at this point with the internal wall of the pipe the annular reserve for the grease.
• the tube has a diameter of between 20 mm and 150 mm, and is made of plastic resin, in particular polyethylene (PE), poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) or polyvinyl chloride ( PVC), or a multilayer material, the multilayer material comprising for example a layer of polyethylene (PE), and/or a layer of PVDF and/or a layer of ductan and optionally a layer of aluminum, the different layers being typically glued between them.
• PE polyethylene
• PVDF poly(vinylidene fluoride)
• PVC polyvinyl chloride
• the tube is made of polyethylene.
• the person skilled in the art will choose the type of polyethylene in particular according to the desired diameter.
• cross-linked polyethylene in particular of the PER or PEX type, or else high-density polyethylene (HDPE): cross-linked polyethylene is preferably chosen for diameters between 20 and 70 mm, and HDPE for diameters between between 70mm and 100mm.
• HDPE high-density polyethylene
• the material can also be PE RD (RD for Increased Resistance to Disinfectants), PE RC (for “Resistance to Crack”) which is characterized by a long lifespan with reference to resistance to cracking, or again PE RT (RT for “polyethylene of Raised Temperature resistance”).
• PE RD RD for Increased Resistance to Disinfectants
• PE RC for “Resistance to Crack” which is characterized by a long lifespan with reference to resistance to cracking
• PE RT RT for “polyethylene of Raised Temperature resistance”.
• the wall thickness of the tube providing casing without risk of reversal can be between 1 mm and 2.2 mm, such as 1.6 mm.
• the wall thickness may be greater than this range; in particular when the tube is made of HDPE or PEX for diameters between 70 mm and 100 mm.
• This tail connector 13 is in sealed communication with the tube 11, the tail connector 13 comprising a tubular body 130 and a peripheral seal 131, with an outer diameter greater than the tube 11 .
• the diameter of the peripheral seal 121 of the head connector 12 and the peripheral seal 131 of the tail connector may or may not be identical.
• the head connection and the tail connection can be constituted by identical equipment.
• the peripheral seal 131 of the tail connector 13 is configured to provide a seal with the internal wall of the pipe Co in any intermediate position on the pipe, the peripheral seal 121 of the head connector 12 and the peripheral seal 131 of the tail connector 131 being intended to be positioned on either side of the fault D of the pipe, resting on the internal wall of the pipe Co, in the laying position Po of the casing system 10.
• the length dimension of the tubing system between the peripheral joint of the head connection 12 and the peripheral joint 131 of the tail connection can be less than 2 meters, for example less than 1 meter, by way of example 50cm.
• the tubing system 10 (with the tube 11, as well as the head connector 12 and the tail connector 13), is intended to be inserted entirely into the pipe Ca, at such a distance from said insertion end Ei of the pipe Co.
• the casing system 10 can advantageously make it possible to rehabilitate a pipe Co with a non-straight trajectory. For this purpose, and as already described:
• the tube may be flexible, namely that it is configured, when the pipe to be repaired does not have a straight trajectory, to bend following the curvature or the changes in curvature of the pipe from the end of insertion Ei up to the laying position Po of the casing system, and preferably,
• the length Lg of the head connector 12 is limited in particular in absolute value or in relation to the diameter of the tube as described.
• the length Lg of the tail connector 13 can also be limited.
• the head connector 12 may have, along the tubular axis of the connector, a length Lg less than five times the internal diameter of the tube 11, in particular a length less than four times the internal diameter of the internal tube of the tube, or even less three times.
• the length Lg of the tail connector may in particular be between one time and three times the internal diameter of tube 11, such as approximately twice the internal diameter.
• the tail connector 13 may preferably have, along the tubular axis of the connector, a length Lg of less than 100 mm; even less than 80 mm.
• the length Lg of the tail connector can measure, for example, a measure between 35 mm and 42 mm, such as 38 mm.
• the tube, with an external diameter of 50 mm and an internal diameter of 36 mm the length Lg of the tail connector can measure for example between 70 mm and 75 mm.
• the length Lg of the tail connector is illustrated in Figure 17, and extends from a distal end of the tubular connector (outside the tube) forming a first mouth of the tubular connector, to one end proximal to the tail connector 13 (inside the tube) forming a second mouth of the tubular connection.
• a short length of the tail connector 13 facilitates changes of direction of the casing system in the pipe, when the latter is not of a straight trajectory, avoiding the blocking of the tail connector, typically a rigid part in the pipe Co.
• said casing equipment comprises a push tool 14, removable, have a slender element possibly obtained by assembling several sub-elements 140,141,142 connected one after the other, as well as removable coupling means 143, for example screwed, between a distal end of the slender element and the tail connector 13.
• the slender element is itself an element of sufficient rigidity to ensure the thrust (or even a traction if necessary at the end of installation), from the insertion end, while being flexible so as to be able to follow the curvature (or changes in curvature) of the pipe when it is not a straight trajectory.
• the slender element can be designed as an assembly of several sub-elements 140, 141, 142 which are assembled successively, as the casing system progresses in the pipe, which will facilitate operations in the case where the thrust must be carried out in a small space such as from a pit.
• the assembly between the various sub-elements 140, 141, 142 can be an assembly by screwing.
• reverse screw pitches can be chosen so that the assembly by screwing of one sub-element 141 to another sub-element 141 does not cause the coupling means of the tail connector 13 to be unscrewed.
• the tail connector 13 is typically at a distance from the insertion end Ei, from the pipe Co and the head connector typically at a distance from the end of the pipe Co opposite the insertion end Ei.
• removable coupling means comprise a coupling portion 130c adjoining the tubular body 130 of the tail connector 13 via one or more breakable material bridges 130s.
• the coupling portion is in the form of a ring, for example coaxial with the axis of the tubular body 130.
• Breakable material bridges 130s s extend from an outer surface of the ring and to an inner wall of the tubular body. These breakable bridges of material can extend in several directions radial to the axis of the tubular body, and for example every 90° around the axis according to the example of FIG. 4 whose ring forming the coupling portion 130c and connected to the tubular body by four breakable 130s material bridges.
• the coupling portion 130c having a thread, in particular an internal thread configured to be connected by screwing to the distal end of the longitude element of the pushing tool 14.
• the thread is internal and forms a thread on the internal wall of the ring.
• the pushing tool 14 includes a threaded portion (not shown) configured to be screwed to the coupling portion 130c so that the pushing tool 14 and the coupling means are configured not only to push the casing in the pipe Co from the insertion end E1, but also to operate a traction of the casing system 10 by pulling on the coupling portion 130c of the tail connector 13 from the insertion end.
• the pushing tool thus makes it possible in particular to correct the position of the casing system, from the insertion end Ei, if the latter has been inserted too deeply.
• the pushing tool 14 comprises means for exerting shear between the coupling portion 130c and the tubular body d130u tail connector 13 until the breakage of the breakable bridge or bridges 130s for allow the decoupling of the pushing tool 14 and the casing system 10.
• the distal end of the pushing tool comprises not only the threaded portion, linked to the coupling portion 130c, but also a counter-support portion, configured to come into simple abutment against one end of the external potion of the tubular body 130, and means for exerting a relative movement between the threaded portion and the counter bearing portion.
• These means may comprise a traction cable which runs from a first end, within the longilinear (tubular) element of the pushing tool 14 from a proximal end, operable by the operator, and up to a distal end.
• This traction cable makes it possible to pull on the coupling portion 130c while the counter-support portion, then fixed, is in contact with the tubular body 130, and in order to exert the shearing force leading to the rupture of the bridges of breakable materials 130s.
• the coupling portion 130c integral with the pushing tool is separated from the casing system which is then in its laying position Po in the pipe. The operator can then remove the pushing tool from the pipe Co.
• the tail connector with the coupling portion can typically be made of rigid plastic, typically obtained by molding, in particular by injection.
• said head connector 12 and/or tail connector 13 may include an anchoring device ensuring anchoring of head connector 12 and/or tail connector 13 by gripping the internal wall of the pipe Co.
• an anchoring device When the pipe is pressurized, such an anchoring device is configured to ensuring that the casing system is held in position in the pipe, avoiding its slipping relative to the pipe, the force generated by the flow of the fluid.
• Such an anchoring device can be configured to at least prevent the sliding of the head connector 12 and/or the towards the insertion end Ei of the pipe Co when the pipe is pressurized with fluid. Co.
• the present invention also relates to a method for repairing a fault D in a pipe Co using such casing equipment according to this first embodiment.
• the tubing system 10 comprising the tube 10 including the head connector 12 and the tail connector 13 connected to the two ends of the tube 1 1, and the casing system 10 is pushed into the pipe Co as far as a laying position Po of the casing system O for which the peripheral seal 121 of the head connector 12 and the peripheral seal 131 of the tail connector 13 ensure a fluid tightness between the pipe Co and the tube 11 being respectively positioned on either side of the defect D of the pipe Co.
• the head connection 12, including the peripheral seal 121 and the head connection 13, including the peripheral seal 131 can be positioned on either side of the defect D, slightly upstream and slightly downstream of the fault D, for example respectively at a distance less than 1 meter from the fault, for example respectively less than 50 cm from the fault.
• the position of the casing system in this laying position may require prior identification of the position of the defect D in order to ensure the correct positioning of the casing system.
• a video system of the type pipe inspection endoscope can be used for this purpose, in order to locate the length of the defect and its position relative to the insertion end Ei.
• step /A/ the casing system 10 is pushed with the pushing tool from the insertion end Ei, after securing the coupling means 143 of the slender element to the connection of tail 13, as illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b, and up to the laying position Po of the casing system 10, then the coupling means 143 are separated and the pushing tool 14 is removed in order to leave the system in place casing 10 in the laying position Po, as shown in Figure 3c.
• the slender element of the thrust element is obtained by assembling sub-elements 140, 141, 142, said sub-elements can be assembled as the casing system progresses in the pipe, for example by screwing the sub-elements together.
• step /A/ of inserting and pushing the casing system to the laying position Po successively at step /A/ of inserting and pushing the casing system to the laying position Po: /B/ the head connector is anchored to the pipe by activating the anchoring device in said laying position Po.
• the activation of the anchoring device can be triggered by a slight return of the guidance system towards the insertion end Ei, in particular caused by traction on the pushing tool. Examples of anchoring devices operating in this mode of activation are described below.
• Another possibility of activating the anchoring device can be triggered by the decoupling of the push tool from the tail connector, with the presence of a trigger mechanism integrated into the tail connector mechanically detecting the decoupling to ensure the activation of the anchor device.
• the repair of the fault D is thus ensured, by inserting the casing system 10 into the pipe Co, the fault D of the pipe positioned intermediate between the head connector 12 sealed with the inner wall of the pipe and the insertion end of the pipe.
• the tail connector 13 is sealed to the end of the tube opposite that to which the head tube connector is connected, in fluid-tight communication with the tube 11, the tail connector 13 comprising the tubular body 130 and said peripheral seal 131, of greater diameter than the tube.
• the peripheral seal 121 of the head connector 12 and the peripheral seal 131 of the tail connector 13 bear respectively on the internal wall of the pipe being positioned on either side of the following defect D the pipe length, in the laying position Po of the casing system 10, and as illustrated in Figure 3.
• the head connection and the tail connection are not too far from the defect, in order to limit the length of the tube as much as possible, and thus the pressure drops generated by this tube of smaller section than the Co pipe.
• the anchoring device comprises an anchoring ring 122, provided on its periphery with anti-return fins 123, inclined backwards towards the tube 11, and which are distributed in particular regularly over the periphery of the anchoring ring 122.
• This anchoring ring 122 is mounted on the tubular body 120 of the head connector, and/or on the tubular body 130 of the tail connector 13.
• the non-return fins 122 are configured to slide on the internal wall of the pipe Co when the head connector 12 or the tail connector 13 is inserted into the pipe from the insertion end Ei, said anti-return fins -returns configured to grip the internal wall, preventing the system from returning casing 10 towards the insertion end Ei when the casing system is moved back towards said insertion end Ei.
• the anchoring ring 122 is movably mounted on the tubular body 120 of the head connector 12 (or of the tail connector 13) according to an axial travel limited by stops of the tubular body.
• This anchoring ring 122 is then configured, when the casing system 10 is moved back from the limited stroke towards the insertion end Ei, to be anchored on the pipe Co and drive the peripheral seal 121 in bearing on the anchoring ring 122 from a first rear position P1 of the peripheral seal 121 on the tubular body of the fitting (visible on the right in FIG. 4) and up to a second position (not shown) of the peripheral seal on the body tubular forward.
• the tubular body 120 notably has a flared outer surface 124, from the rear to the front of the head connector 12 (or of the tail connector 13), forming a seat for the internal diameter of the peripheral seal 121
• This flared surface 124 is configured to cause an increase in diameter of the peripheral seal when the peripheral seal is moved by the anchoring ring 122 relatively with respect to the tubular body 120 from the first position P1 and up to the second position on the tubular body 120.
• the tubular body 120 of the head connector 12 may include non-return notches 125 cooperating with the anchoring ring 122, allowing the advancement of the anchoring ring 122 forward of the head connector 12 (or, where applicable, of the tail connector), and preventing the return to the rear of the anchoring relative to the tubular body, and thus preventing the return of the peripheral seal driven by the anchoring ring 122.
• the anchoring device comprises one or more anchoring members, configured to pass from a retracted position allowing the sliding of the tubular head connector, up to in a deployed position ensuring the anchoring of the head connector, in a static position of the pipe casing system, as well as a remote triggering system for the anchoring members from the retracted position to the deployed position .
• the tubular body 130 of the connector may comprise a plastically deformable length section SD radially. This deformable section can be formed in particular by reducing the wall thickness of the tubular body 130
• the deformable section SD forms a seat for the anchoring member formed by the peripheral seal 131, which in an undeformed state of the connection, visible in Figure 1 1, forms a constriction of the hollow of the tubular body 130.
• the anchoring member may also include notching teeth 132 to further improve the anchoring of the coupling in the pipe Co.
• the remote trigger system 16 visible in Figure 12, comprises said slender element of the pushing tool 14 as well as the removable coupling means 143 between said distal end of the slender element and the tail 13, as well as a deformation member 160, conical with a section greater than the section of the constriction.
• the deformation member 160 is intended to be inserted into the hollow of the tubular body 130 of the connector 13, then driven by a traction cable 161 of the triggering system 16 to cause the activation of the anchoring device, by radial deformation of the section of length SD outwards.
• This traction cable 161 runs from a first end, in particular within the longilinear (tubular) element of the pushing tool 14 from a proximal end, operable by the operator, and up to an end distal, removably coupled to the deformation member 160.
• the deformation member 160 is thus configured to deform radially outwards the section of deformable length SD as well as the peripheral seal 131 resting on the seat when the deformation member 160 is moved through the constriction, thus ensuring sealing and anchoring of the fitting on the internal wall of the pipe Co.
• the anchoring teeth 132 make it possible to obtain a surplus of anchoring in the event that the friction between peripheral seal 131 deformed by the seat, on the one hand, and the internal wall of the pipe, on the other hand, on the other hand, are not sufficient to ensure stable maintenance of the casing system.
• the deformation member 160; truncated cone is designed as a removable element of the distal end of the traction cable 161 .
• the distal end of the traction cable 161 may include a coupling end piece 162 of section greater than the traction cable 161 .
• This coupling end piece 162 for example spherical, is threaded into a first opening at the level of a large base of the truncated cone, passing the cable through a slot 163
• This slot 163, of smaller size than the coupling endpiece 162 extends from a first opening at the level of the large base of the truncated cone and up to a second opening at the level of the small base of the truncated of cone, prohibiting the passage of the coupling tip.
• the positioning of the pushing tool 14 and the triggering system 16 is obtained, the deformation member 160 decoupled from the coupling tip 162, by pressing the coupling part 1430 of the tool thrust against the tail fitting 13, and with excess cable 161 protruding from the coupling part 1430 allowing the coupling tip 162 having passed through the tubing system to come out through the tubing of the head connector 12.
• the truncated-conical deformation member 160 is then coupled by threading the coupling end piece 162 (in particular through the first opening at the large base of the truncated cone and the traction cable through the slot 163, and until the cable emerges through the second opening at the level of the small base of the truncated cone), then the traction cable is pulled to drive the deformation member 160 within the casing system, up to a position of the deformation member 150 slightly downstream of the throttle, and as shown in Figure 13.
• the thrust member 14 can then be used to move the casing system in the pipe Co, and up to the laying position Po. Possibly a synchronous traction on the traction cable 161 and the thrust 14 (namely without causing relative displacement between the deformation member 160 and the coupling part 1430) makes it possible to pull on the casing system, for example if the laying position Po has been exceeded, in order to carry out a readjustment of position by recoil in driving Co..
• the operator can activate the anchoring device by pulling on the traction cable 161, with relative movement between the deformation member 150 and the coupling part 1430, the latter then in a fixed position in the pipe Co.
• the deformation member 16 with a section greater than the constriction, then deforms the section of deformable length SD radially outwards, and thus deforms the peripheral seal 131, or even the notching teeth 132, until ensure sealing and gripping of the pipe wall Co.
• the anchoring device comprises the peripheral seal 121 of the head connector 12 and/or the peripheral seal 131 of the tail connector 12, the peripheral seal of the head and/or tail being a roll-up seal.
• Such an embodiment is illustrated in Figure 9 when the anchoring device is not activated, and in Figure 10, after activation of the anchoring device caused by a slight recoil of the casing system.
• roller-up in a “roll-up” seal means that the seal is configured to be inserted from the insertion end of the pipe to the laying position Po, and configured to roll up on it. -even by causing an increase in the thickness of the joint gripping the pipe, during a recoil of the casing system.
• the peripheral seal is secured to the tubular body 130 of the head connector by a first portion PJ1 of the seal which extends rearwards in widening out to a second portion PJ2 of the peripheral seal, of larger diameter than the first portion.
• This second portion is sized to be in friction on the pipe Co.
• This roll-up generates a doubling of the wall of the joint which is then constrained, on the one hand externally on the internal wall of the pipe Co and, on the other hand, internally on the external surface of the tubular cops of the fitting. A firm gripping of the head fitting on the pipe is obtained, as well as sealing on the pipe of the fitting. The anchor device is then activated.
• the head connector and/or the tail connector are preferably designed as separate elements of the pipe, intended to be connected to the pipe.
• the pipe can then be a pipe available on the market, in plastic, in particular PER, or HDPE, typically obtained by an extrusion die.
• the tubular body 120 of the head connector 12 and/or of the tail connector 13 may thus comprise an outer portion extending outside the tube, forming a seat for the peripheral seal 121; 131, and an internal portion 126 ; 136, nested tightly in the tube 1 1.
• the peripheral seal 121 or 131 can typically be made of an elastomeric material.
• the inner portion 126; 136 may be a fitting portion comprising anti-return ridges allowing fitting into the tube 11, and opposing its extraction by engagement of the ridges with the internal wall of the tube, and as understandable from the view on the right in Figure 4 by way of non-limiting example.
• a fixing ring 127; 137, in particular crimped, can be provided to encase the part of the tube 1 1 from the outside, the tube 1 1 then being clamped between the internal portion 126; and the fixing ring 127, external of the head connector 12 and/or of the tail connector 13.
• the internal portion 126, 136 of the connector is fitted into the pipe, before pinching the pipe from the outside by deformation of the fixing ring 127.
• the tubular body 120, 130 is typically made of metal, for example copper, typically machined.
• the metal securing ring 127, 137 is configured to be deformed to crimp the pipe.
• the head connector and/or the tail connector can be provided as an element screwed to the pipe Co.
• the internal portion 126 of the head connector 12 or of the tail connector 13 comprises an external thread thread, screwed onto the internal wall of the tube 11.
• This external thread is intended to be screwed onto the internal wall of the tube 11, plastic.
• the internal wall can be smooth (not tapped), the external thread creating its own groove during screwing by biting the plastic when the tubular body is screwed.
• the length Lg 1 of the external portion of the head connector 12 along the axis of the connector may be less than the length Lg2 of the internal portion 126 of the head connector, and as shown in figure 16,
• the length Lg1 of the external portion of the tail connector 13 along the axis of the connector may be less than the length Lg2 of the internal portion 126 of the head connector, and as shown in figure 17.
• the length Lg1 of the outer portion of the head connector (or of the tail connector) can typically be between 15mm and 40mm, such as 20mm.
• a short length of the external portion, of larger diameter compared to the internal portion, facilitates the changes of direction in a pipe with a curved trajectory.
• the seal between the tubular body 120 and the tube 1 1 can be obtained at the end of screwing by a pinched seal between the tube 1 1 and the tubular body 120.
• the peripheral seal 121 comprises a first portion ensuring the seal between the tubular body 120 and the pipe Co, but also a second portion providing a fluid seal between the tubular body 120 of the fitting and the tube 11.
• two separate seals to ensure these two seals between the tubular body and the pipe, on the one hand, and between the tubular body and the tube, on the other hand, and as for example illustrated in Figures 9, 10, 11 and 13, 14.
• the fitting may comprise an imprint Ep, for example of hexagonal shape intended to be removably coupled to a screwing tool, such as a key (for example an Allen key in Figure 6d)
• a key for example an Allen key in Figure 6d
• This second embodiment finds particular application when the fault D of the pipe to be repaired is not too far from the insertion end Ei, and contrary to the first mode of construction (with tail connection) which allows the pipe to be repaired even when the fault is at a greater distance from the insertion end Ei of the pipe Co.
• the casing equipment comprises a mechanical connection device 15 configured to fix the tube 1 1 on the insertion end Ei of the pipe Co.
• the tube 1 1 extends at least from the head connector 12, in sealed connection with the pipe Co via the peripheral seal and at least up to the insertion end Ei to which the tube 11 is connected by the mechanical connection device 15.
• the mechanical connection device 15 comprises at least one fixing part 150, which encases the insertion end Ei of the pipe Co from the outside, ensuring a mechanical retention of the tube 11 on the end of insertion Ei driving Co.
• the tube 1 1 of the casing system extends from the head connector 12, in sealed connection on the pipe via the peripheral seal 121, to the mechanical connection device 15, as illustrated in the views on the right in Figure 8, or even extending outside the pipe Co, beyond a mouth of the insertion end Ei of the pipe as shown in Figure 6a.
• the defect D of the pipe Co is positioned in an intermediate position between the peripheral seal 121 of the head connector 12 and the insertion end Ei of the pipe in the laying position Po of the casing system 11.
• the fixing part 150 comprises:
• the ring body having a deformable cylindrical portion encasing the insertion end Ei of the pipe from the outside, and an end portion comprising a shoulder configured to bear against the edge of the pipe Co, or even an opening through which the tube 11 passes casing system which is intended to extend outside the pipe,
• a clamping ring 152 comprising an internal thread engaged by screwing on an external thread of the ring body 151 configured to ensure the clamping of the insertion end Ei of the pipe Co by screwing.
• the pipe is then clamped between, on the one hand, the ring body 151 internally deformed by the clamping ring 152, pressing on the outside of the pipe Co, and on the other hand, a spacer ring 153 in bearing on the inner wall of the pipe, bracing the inner wall of the insertion end Ei of the pipe and the outer wall of the tube 11.
• the spacer ring 153 is preferably provided integral with the tube 1 1, and in particular crimped to the tube 1 1.
• the fixing part 150 comprises:
• tubular connector 155 comprising, on the one hand, a tubular fitting portion, fitted in a sealed manner on the end of the tube 1 1 opposite that carrying the head connector 12, and an external connecting portion , configured to be connected in a fluid-tight manner to downstream equipment.
• the present invention also relates to a method for repairing a fault D in a pipe Co at the origin of a leak, implementing a casing equipment 10 according to this second embodiment comprising such a connection device mechanical 15.
• the tubing system 10 comprising the tube 1 1 including the head connector 12 connected to the end of the tube, and the system is pushed of casing in the pipe up to a laying position Po of the casing system for which the fault in the pipe is located between the peripheral seal 121 of the head connector 12 and the insertion end Ei of the pipe: the pipe 11 is of sufficient length to extend into the pipe Co from the head connector 12 to said insertion end Ei of the pipe, or even extend outside the mouth of the insertion end Ei of the pipe Co,
• the mechanical connection device 15 is put in place between the tube 1 1 and the insertion end Ei of the pipe, with the pipe being embedded to ensure mechanical retention of the tube 1 1 on the end d insertion of the pipe Co.
• step /a/ the operator can push directly on the tube, from the insertion end Ei, and as illustrated in FIG. 2a, and therefore without requiring the use of a tool specific for pushing.
• a water network pipe repaired by the casing technique is obtained using a casing system for equipment with the mechanical connection device 15 in which the repair of the defect D is ensured, by inserting the tubing system 10 into the pipe Co, from an insertion end Ei of the pipe, said head connector 12 being followed by the tube 11 linked to the head connector, the defect D of the pipe positioned intermediate between the head connector 12 in tight connection with the inner wall of the pipe and the insertion end Ei of the pipe.
• the tubing system has the mechanical connection device 15 configured to ensure mechanical retention of the tube 1 1 on the insertion end Ei the pipe Co.
• Said tube 1 1 extends from the connector head 12, in a fluid-tight connection in an intermediate position of the peripheral seal 121 between the two ends of the pipe as far as the connection device 15 in connection on the insertion end Ei, or even extends outside the pipe Cp , through the insertion end Ei of the pipe, the fault D of the pipe being located between the peripheral seal 121 of the head connector 12 and the connection device 15 in the laying position Po of the casing system 10.
• the pipe Co can be a branch pipe extending from the insertion end Ei at the level of a metering point comprising a manhole RG , pit, box or cellar or similar receiving a water meter and up to a Ca pipe of the water carrier network, of greater diameter than the pipe, the branch pipe connected to the pipe.
• Step /A/ of the method according to the first embodiment, or even step /a/ of the method according to the second embodiment, is then carried out from the metering point and therefore without having carried out any digging.
• the repaired pipe Co is then a branch pipe extending from the insertion end Ei in a manhole RG, a pit or a cellar, or similar, receiving a water meter and up to a pipe Ca of the water carrier network, with a diameter greater than the branch pipe.
• the support collar When the branch pipe is connected to the pipeline of the carrier network by a support collar encircling the pipe, at the level of a tapping orifice of the pipe, the support collar is typically provided with a branch connector comprising a stop valve VA to which the branch line is sealed.
• This shut-off valve may include an operating square which is typically accessible from a mouth for a wrench with an extension tube. This shut-off valve can be operated using the wrench with extension tube, prior to casing operations to shut off the water, and without having to dig.
• Step /A/ of the method according to the first embodiment, or else step /a/ of the method according to the second embodiment, is carried out from the counting point after closing the stop valve VA of the support collar, without disconnecting the pipe from the pipe, and always without having to carry out an excavation.
• the repair obtained according to the method of the invention can be a temporary repair, for example for a period of one year, or even more, and makes it possible in particular to ensure continuity of service of the network before incurring larger renovation works (such as the replacement of the pipe, for example). The repair may still be final.
• the annular space between the internal wall of the repaired pipe, on the one hand, and the external surface of the tube of the casing system, on the other hand, is left free, i.e. it is not filled with sealant.
• the casing can then be reversible, i.e. it remains possible to remove the casing system.
• the present invention also relates to a casing kit for obtaining casing equipment (in particular according to the present invention), comprising the following components of the casing system 10 in the unassembled state:
• the tube 11 may in particular be in the form of a reel of tube wound, for example on a support.
• the user can determine the length of the tube 11 necessary to obtain the casing system (according to one or the other of the two modes construction), and cut the size of the tube just necessary for the intervention, from the coil.
• the kit can comprise a set of several head connectors 12 the different head connectors having peripheral seals 121 of different diameters (or even a set of several tail connectors 13 the different head connectors having peripheral seals peripherals 131 of different diameters).
• the head connectors and the tail connectors may be identical, or even include common parts.
• the user chooses from among the head connectors 12 (and/or the tail connectors 13) of the available game the one whose peripheral seal 121 and/131 is of adequate diameter. to achieve fluid tightness with the Co pipe. It is thus possible to repair Co pipes of different diameters.
• kits may comprise the screwing tool such as a spanner provided with one end intended to be coupled in a removable manner to the recess, to ensure the screwing of the internal portion of the head connector 12 and / or the tail connector 13 on the wall of the tube 1 January.
• the screwing tool such as a spanner provided with one end intended to be coupled in a removable manner to the recess, to ensure the screwing of the internal portion of the head connector 12 and / or the tail connector 13 on the wall of the tube 1 January.
• the kit may also include the pushing tool, in the disassembled state when the slender element is composed of several sub-elements 140, 141, 142, with or without the trigger system 16.
• thrust can be manual or motorized (not shown).
• Peripheral seal Head connection
• Anchor ring
• Tubular body (tail fitting),
• Spacer ring (united or even crimped to the tube),

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