ES2387656B1 - APPARATUS AND METHOD OF REPAIR OF SUBMARINE PIPES. - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus and method of repairing underwater pipelines. # Includes a housing (1) equipped with two portions (2) joined by an extensible element (7) to separate them and allow mounting around a pipe (5). # Includes sliding means (18) and (19) on the pipe to allow the housing (1) to slide to a point to be repaired, in which the portions (2) are coupled on the pipe (5) establishing a sealed chamber (6) that empties of water and then it is repaired by means of repair means provided in the waterproof chamber (6). # Includes sensors (20) of the condition of the pipe (5) and means of cleaning the pipe, to allow inspection, cleaning and Pipe repair (5) automatically.

Description

DEVICE AND METHOD OF REPAIRING UNDERWATER PIPES OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, as expressed in the statement of this specification, refers to an apparatus and a method that allow the repair of submarine pipes, such as for example to repair leaks, areas damaged by corrosion, etc .; and which is intended to provide the apparatus with means of sliding on the pipe that allow the device to move along the pipe to the area to be repaired.

It is another object of the invention to allow the pipeline to be inspected by sliding the apparatus thereon, until an area in which the pipeline is damaged is detected, allowing the repair of said damaged area, of according to the apparatus and method of the invention.

It is also the object of the invention to allow the pipeline to be repaired, by applying a layer of resin on it, by way of painting, and / or by applying a repair sheet around the pipe.

The invention allows cleaning the pipe prior to repair. Therefore the invention allows to inspect, clean, and / or repair the pipe.

The invention is applicable in any type of submarine pipe, such as horizontal, vertical or elbow pipes, so that in the case of being applied to vertical pipes, it allows the device to be placed on the pipe outside an area of water, and slide the device along the pipeline by means of a lifting device until a damaged area is detected, which allows subsequent cleaning and / or repair. In the case where it is applied to a horizontal pipe the sliding can be done manually or by means of a robot or by any other device that allows

move the device over the pipe.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The closest antecedent to the invention is the Spanish patent with application number 2 OO 1 O 3 11 5 O, in which the use of a tubular shaped housing is taught which is provided with two portions that are joined together and fixed to a pipe by means of end flanges that have an inner edge that adapts to the configuration of said pipe by means of a watertight seal, the contour housing being wrapped around the pipe, so that a sealed chamber is established between the housing and the pipe. It also includes means for emptying the water from said sealed chamber, by injecting air that evacuates the water through non-return valves provided in the housing, so that once the sealed chamber is emptied of water, the repair of the pipeline by applying a conventional sheet, pipe repair, around the damaged area. The sheet is acquired rolled up in coils, so that in order to repair the pipe, the device comprises a watertight magazine of coils through which the coil is inserted into the sealed chamber on rotating discs, and all this so that the end of the sheet is unrolled and positioned on the surface of the pipe. It also comprises a roller that is located in correspondence with the end of the sheet located on the surface of the pipe, so that said coil is also located on the rotating discs, whereby the angular displacement of the coil and the roller around the pipe to be repaired, wrapping the sheet in the damaged area, thus performing its repair.

In the cited patent document, it is required to mount the housing portions in the area damaged manually by divers, and it is not allowed to slide

the device on the pipe, to slide it along it and carry out its inspection, so that when a damaged area is detected, the carcass portions are automatically coupled on the surface of the pipe in the area to be repaired, subsequently performing the repair.

The invention allows the apparatus to slide on the pipe, so that it can perform the inspection, cleaning and / or repair of the same automatically, eliminating the need for manual assembly by divers.

DESCRIPTION

FROM THE INVENTION

For

get the objectives Y solve the

inconvenience

previously indicated, the invention

provides

a new apparatus Y method from repair from

pipelines

Underwater

The apparatus of the invention, as well as the device of the document cited in the state of the

Technically, it comprises a tubular configuration housing that is provided with two portions that are joined together and fixed to a pipe by means of end flanges that have a lower edge that adapts to the configuration of said pipe by means of a watertight joint, all so that the housing has an outline that surrounds the pipe, establishing a sealed chamber between the housing and the pipe, so that said waterproof chamber is emptied of the water that is housed there after mounting the housing on the pipe. This emptying is done by means of

emptying

from Water, the that It allows perform the repair

later

from the pipeline from agreement with the media that he

apparatus

from invention provides, Y that will be described with

later.

The

principal novelty from the invention resides in that

in addition to the elements described above, it comprises at least one extensible element fixed to the two portions of the housing, so that said extensible element allows the separation / approximation of the two

portions. In addition, the apparatus comprises at least two

complementary collar segments, each of them

jointly attached to at least one of the ends of a

of the housing portions, comprising, in turn, the

5

collar segments connecting means between segments and

sliding elements on the pipe.

The at least extensible element is configured of

such that when the separation of the

portions, its location around the pipe is allowed

10

and when approached they are coupled on the pipe forming the

waterproof camera In addition, said collar segments are

configured in such a way that once the

shell portions separated around the pipe, at

fix the collar segments to each other, the means of

fifteen

sliding rest on the pipe allowing to perform

the guided sliding of the housing on said pipe

to an area to repair.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention the

sliding elements on the pipe comprise

2 o

rollers that are assisted by a spring with preload

to press against the pipe. This configuration

allows the device to slide on

the pipe, the springs absorb the irregularities that

Such pipe may present.

25

Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment of the invention,

provides that the collar segments are equipped with means

of braking of the housing on the pipe to prevent its

displacement during a repair, which is

especially useful when the apparatus of the invention is

30

apply on vertical pipes, since in these once

that the emptying of the water inside the

waterproof chamber, the housing tends to float and therefore,

ascend along the pipe, which is prevented with

said braking means, which comprise wedges that

35

are arranged on inclined guides provided in

brackets that are fixed on the inside of the

collar segments, so that said guides allow simultaneous guided displacement of the wedges axially and radially with respect to the pipe. In addition, the supports are provided with guide pivots in which a ring segment is arranged for each collar segment, so that each ring segment is arranged perpendicularly to the inner face of the collar, attached to the wedges and to an inflatable piston, while they are assisted by springs, so that this configuration allows that when inflating the inflatable piston the transverse displacement of the hoop segments on the collar segments is caused by overcoming the spring action, which simultaneously causes the radial displacement and length of the wedges towards the outside of the pipe separating from it, and in such a way that when deflating the piston, the reverse movement occurs, pressing the wedges on the surface of the pipe, anchoring the apparatus in the position on the pipe in the one that the piston deflation has been carried out.

To facilitate the separation / approximation of the housing portions, it is envisaged that the two portions are related to each other by means of guides

displacement

from separation / approach from sayings

portions.

Saying

element extensible, is constituted by a

pneumatic jack, whose ends are fixed to each of the portions, so that the extension of the pneumatic jack causes the separation between the portions of the housing, and its shortening, causes the coupling of the two housing portions on the pipe in the area to repair.

In order to allow the pipeline to be inspected, it is envisaged that the device incorporates sensors for detecting said condition of the pipeline, such as probes, ultrasonic sensors and image capture cameras, which can be located anywhere in the apparatus of the pipeline. invention, as for example, in the case of probes and

ultrasonic sensors, these may be provided on the collar segments, and in the case of

cameras

from catchment from image, be they can provide in the

face

inside the portions from Case.

Respect

to the media from repair from the pipeline, in

An embodiment of the invention comprises two rotating discs arranged parallel to the end flanges and which are related to a toothed crown whose rotation causes the angular displacement of the rotating discs around the pipe, for which a motor that meshes with the crown gear to produce angular displacement of the rotating discs around said pipe.

In addition, the pipe repair means are provided with a roller whose ej and has a tubular configuration that communicates with holes provided in the surface of the roller, and all this in such a way that said roller can rotate on its e and be arranged on the rotating discs by means of a lifting / lowering mechanism to allow the roller to be placed on the surface of the pipe by pressing on it; with at least one connection of the tubular axis of the roller with a resin tank, so that when the roller is rotated on the surface of the pipe by means of the motor, the resin is applied on said surface of the pipe through the coil holes, establishing a resin coating that determines the repair of the pipe. Obviously, the roller can take a variable number of turns depending on the repair to be performed to provide a coating of a certain thickness that allows the said repair to be performed.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the roller lifting / lowering mechanism comprises a rotating arm assisted by a spring, which is fixed on the rotating discs and of which two arms are integral,

at whose ends the roller shaft is fixed. Also the

axis

rotary is solidary from a lever actionable

through

a cam from position scrollable,  through a

piston,

on the discs swivel, from way that to the

position

the cam in he journey from the lever be produces

the angular displacement of the rotating shaft, overcoming the action of the spring, which determines the elevation of the roller. When the roller is raised, the rotating shaft is locked in this position, by means of a pin that is locked in said rotating shaft that keeps the roller in the elevated position until a wedge arranged in the rotating discs acts on the pin interlocking producing its unlocking and lowering of the roller by the action of the spring, placing the roller in the position where it contacts and presses against the pipe. The lifting of the roller prevents it from sticking on the surface of the pipe when the resin dries.

With respect to the at least connection of the tubular ej e of the roller with a resin tank, this comprises a first and a second female fitting adjacent and assisted by a spring that are fixed on one of the rotating discs and which by means of a conduit are connected with the tubular roller e. Said connection of the tubular ej of the roller with a resin tank, also one comprises a first and a second male fitting, each arranged in a semicircular rail of fixed position in the housing portions. These rails are provided around the pipe and connected, each of them, with a resin tank. The male fittings are assisted by a strap that keeps them at the initial end of the lane. Furthermore, said means for connecting the tubular axis of the roller with a resin tank include two cams that are provided in correspondence with the start and end of each rail and located in the path of the female fittings, to produce the displacement of

said female fittings overcoming the spring action by contacting the cams.

Based on the described configuration, it is understood that with the first female fitting coupled to the first male fitting, the rotation of the rotating discs causes the displacement of the female fittings by dragging the first female fitting to the first male fitting overcoming the action of the strap, so that when arriving at the end of the lane, the initial cam of the other lane raises the second female fitting and produces its coupling in the second male fitting arranged at the beginning of the lane, and then the first female connector contacts the cam provided at the end of the lane causing the lifting of the first female fitting overcoming the action of its spring and disconnecting it from the first fitting

male,

from shape that saying first fitting male returns to its

position

initial by the action of the strip. He process be

repeat

with every half turn of the discs rotating

In

other realization from the invention the media from

Pipe repair includes a sealed box that is arranged longitudinally in one of the portions of the housing, so that said sealed box is provided with a trap door that communicates with the sealed chamber, further comprising telescopic guides in which a coil in which a pipe repair sheet is wound. The coil comprises two extreme pivots, so that the coil is disposed with an end section of the unwound sheet and guided by guide rollers that keep the unwound section of the sheet in an upright position. Furthermore, the sealed case is provided with a displacement piston of said telescopic guides, to move them to a position in which the coil is fixedly fixed in an arm provided in each of the two rotating discs, for which said arms are provided of a location and fixing housing for the pivots included in the roller.

Based on the description given, it is understood

easily, when the piston is actuated, the telescopic guides are moved by opening the flap and housing the coil pivots in the housing of the supports, so that the unwound end of the sheet is located on the surface of the pipe. In addition the arms in which the coil is retained, are located in correspondence with the roller, so that when positioning the end of the coil sheet on the surface of the pipe, and when rotating the rotating disks, the The roller is arranged on the end of the sheet, pressing it against the surface of the pipe, and thus allowing the sheet to be wound around the pipe when the angular displacement of the rotating discs occurs.

In one embodiment of the invention it is envisioned that the apparatus of the invention is provided with means for cleaning the pipe, comprising a deposit of an abrasive product, a compressor connected with nozzles provided in the housing portions, so that the If the compressor is activated, the abrasive cleaning product is projected on the pipe, thus cleaning the pipe in the area to be repaired; cleaning that is complemented by the incorporation of means of aspiration of the waste produced in the cleaning through nozzles provided in the housing portions.

With respect to the means of emptying the water from the sealed chamber, which were discussed above, in an embodiment of the invention it is provided that these are constituted by means of injecting air into the chamber

waterproof

that produce he emptying of the Water to through from

valves

anti-return planned in the portions from

Case.

The media from injection from air understand a

air compressor that is selectively applied on injectors arranged in the housing, or on a conduit that is connected to the tubular coil e, so

that

he air be apply to the inside from the camera waterproof to

through

from the holes planned in bliss coil, that

were

described previously. Fits comment that the

nozzles and compressors can be shared, both by the means of emptying the water from the sealed chamber, as by the cleaning means or the suction means.

In one embodiment of the invention, the housing includes heating resistances of the sealed chamber and the pipe segment in which the apparatus is installed, to facilitate the chemical reaction and solidification of the resin applied, in the case where only the repair It is made by resin, and also allows to facilitate the chemical reaction and solidification of the coil sheet on the pipe, when a sheet is used in the repair, as already described.

In order to facilitate the coupling of the carcass portions on the pipe, it is provided that said carcass portions comprise centering feet assisted by a spring, so as to approximate the portions on the pipe, the centering feet rest on the pipe and center on this one of said portions.

In the case where the pipes have considerable thickness damage, it is envisaged that the apparatus of the invention comprises a trigger element, by means of compressed air, of balls of a chemical compound for filling the cavities detected on the surface of the pipe, so that it is then allowed to repair it as described above.

As previously mentioned, the invention is applicable in both horizontal and vertical submarine pipes, resulting in its most advantageous application in vertical pipes, for which in this case the apparatus is provided with fixing means of a lifting cable the housing portions, so as to arrange them around a vertical pipe outside or inside the water, so that when the collar segments are fixed, it is allowed to operate the

lifting means, and sliding down the housing portions along the pipe, and inspecting it, until a damaged area is detected, the repair being carried out as already mentioned.

The apparatus of the invention also comprises a depth sensor, to establish the depth at which the different damaged areas in the pipeline are located.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of repairing pipes, by means of the described apparatus, which comprises a phase in which the extensible element that is fixed to the portions forming the housing of the apparatus is actuated, to separate them and allow them to be located around of a vertical pipe in the area where it is out of the water, which then allows joining the complementary collar segments around the pipe, where the collar segments articulate at least one of the ends of the portions, to locating the sliding means provided in the collar segments by pressing on the pipe, which allows the device to slide along the pipe by operating the lifting device, and detecting the condition of the pipe by means of the sensors provided in said device, so that once a damaged area is detected, the sliding of the apparatus on the pipe is stopped, and the portions over re the pipe surface in the area to be repaired, by acting on the extensible element, forming the sealed chamber, so that the position of the housing is then blocked by the action of the braking means, and the water from the inside the watertight chamber, to then carry out the cleaning of the pipe, if necessary and its subsequent repair.

In one embodiment of the invention, the repair of the pipe comprises applying a resin to a tubular axis of a roller, arranged in the sealed chamber by pressing on the surface of the pipe, and applying the resin to the

surface of the pipe through holes provided in the surface of the roller when making its rotation around its axis and the pipe.

In another embodiment of the invention, the repair is carried out by introducing, in a sealed manner in the sealed chamber, a coil in a position parallel to the pipe, with the end of the sheet unwound a section which determines that the sheet is located on the pipe, so that the roller is then actuated so that it is located on the surface of the pipe by pressing

against

the same Y to continuation to the be done he turn from

the

discs swivel, Y by so much of the roller around from

the

pipeline Y from its axis, press on he extreme from

the

sheet

from the coil on the pipeline, producing he

unwound

from the sheet from the coil around from the

pipe by moving the roller over said pipe.

In addition to winding the sheet around the pipe, a resin injection phase is provided inside the roller, which through the holes applies the resin to the sheet to produce the coating of the surface of the pipe and its subsequent solidification.

It is planned to carry out a phase of cleaning the pipeline before the repair in the case where such repair requires it. After the pipe cleaning phase, an air application phase can be carried out on the pipe surface to achieve a more complete cleaning of the pipe. Furthermore, after the repair of the pipe, the sealed chamber and the pipe segment are heated or cold or hot air is applied, to facilitate the chemical reaction of the resin, the sheet and accelerate its solidification.

Once the repair of a damaged area has been repaired, the housing portions are separated, in order to continue inspecting the pipe, and

Repeat the process in a new damaged area.

Therefore, by means of the apparatus and method of the invention it is possible to perform the inspection, cleaning and repair of a pipe in an automated manner and without the need for divers in the case of vertical pipes.

In order to facilitate a better understanding of this descriptive report, and as an integral part thereof, a series of figures are attached, in which the object of the invention has been illustrated and not limited to

BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE FIGURES Figure 1.- Shows a perspective view of the housing of the invention in the position in which the two

portions

that constitute the Case be they find

separated

for allow its arrangement around dor from a

pipeline.

Figure 2.- Shows a perspective view of the apparatus of the previous figure coupled on a pipe for repair.

Figures 3 and 4. - They show a collar segment which includes the sliding means of the apparatus on the pipe, the braking means of the apparatus on the pipe in the repair position, and the sensing probes of the state of The pipe.

Figure 5.- It shows a detail of the inside of the waterproof case in which a roller of a pipe repair tape is arranged, which by means of a piston is introduced inside the waterproof chamber.

Figure 6.- Shows a detail of the arrangement of the coil inside the sealed chamber on some arms provided in the rotating discs, whose angular displacement makes the winding of the coil tape around the pipe.

Figure 7.-Shows a perspective view of the

detail of the location of the coil inside the waterproof chamber. Figure 8. - Shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of the invention.

Figure 9.- Shows a perspective view of the detail of the mechanism of lifting / lowering the roller that has a double function: to be located on the surface of the pipe running around it and impregnating it in a resin, and simultaneously or additionally, press on the coil sheet for winding

from

the same on the pipeline.

The

figures 10 to 12.- Show he detail of the

functioning

of the mechanism from ele vacation / descent of the

roller.

Figure

13.- Sample a view schematic from the

elevated position of

roller.

Figure

14.- Sample a view in perspective of the

detail of the coupling of the tubular ej e of the roller to a resin tank for the application of said resin on the surface of the pipe.

Figures 15 and 16. - They show the detail of the decoupling / coupling of the female fittings on the male fittings to make the connection of the tubular axis of the roller with the resin tanks.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Below is a description of the invention based on the figures mentioned above.

The apparatus of the invention comprises a casing 1 of tubular configuration that is constituted by two portions 2 that are joined together by an extensible element 7 which allows the separation / approximation of said portions 2, and thus allows the casing 1 to be located around a pipe 5. The extensible element is a pneumatic jack 7.

Portions 2 are related to each other

through guides 8 that facilitate separation / approximation

of said portions 2 when the pneumatic jack 7 acts.

Portions 2 are fixed to pipe 5 by

extreme flanges 3 having an inner edge 4 that

5

adapts to the configuration of the pipe 5 by means of a

waterproof seal (not shown)

On each of the flanges 3 a fixed

collar segment 9 by means of an articulated arm 10, which

articulates both in collar segments 9, and over

10

extreme flanges 3.

Each of the collar segments 9 is provided with

joining means between said segments, which in example of

realization are determined by plates 11 by means of the

which is the union between the two segments of

fifteen

collar 9. Additionally, collar segments 9 are

provided with braking means of the housing 1 on the

pipe 5, whose functionality will be described with

subsequently, and which are made up of wedges 12

arranged on inclined guides 13 provided in

2 o

brackets 14 fixed to the inner face of the segments of

collar 9 so that wedges 12 can move to

along the inclined guides 13. In addition the supports 14

they are integral with guide pivots 15 in which it is located

a ring segment 16 that is attached to wedges 12 and a

25

inflatable piston 17 which is also provided on the face

internal of the collar segments 9, so that when

Inflation of the inflatable piston 17 occurs, the

lifting of the ring segments 16 guided by the

guide pivots, in whose displacement they drag the

30

wedges 12 sliding down inclined guides 13, so

that these rise and move away from the pipe 5. Instead of

after deflation of the piston 17, the

descent of the ring segments 16 and wedges 12 which

press against the pipe by braking the

same when proceed to repair.

In addition, in the inner face of the collar segments, sliding elements of the housing 1 on the pipe 5 are provided, elements that are constituted by rollers 18 assisted by a spring 19 with preload to press against the pipe when the collar segments 9 are join together.

Another of the elements provided on the inner face of the collar segments 9, is formed by probes 20 that allow the pipeline to be inspected. Sensors of any other type conventionally known, such as ultrasonic sensors, can also be arranged, and cameras for viewing the image of the pipe can also be located, but in the latter case said viewing cameras are located on the face internal portions 2, which do not

be

have represented by be obvious for he expert

means, medium

in The matter.

In

base to the description done, be understands

easily, once the housing portions 2 are located, in their separate position, around a pipe 5, the collar segments 9 are joined by their plates 11, position in which the rollers 18 press against pipe 5, as indicated above.

The embodiment of the invention is described for the application of the housing 1 on a vertical pipe 5, so that in this case the housing 1 is arranged around the vertical pipe 5 in the area where the water comes out, by so that the arrangement of the housing 1 around the vertical pipe 5, as described above, is carried out extremely easily without the need for divers.

It should be noted that one of the housing portions 2 is provided with transport wheels 21 that apart from

to facilitate the transport of the housing 1, they also allow it to be supported on a surface provided in the area where the vertical pipe 5 goes out of the water.

In addition, the portions 2 are provided with means for fixing a lifting cable, which are determined by hooks 22, in which cables of a lifting device are fixed to make the housing 1 slide on the pipe 5.

Thus, once the collar segments 9 are fixed, and by means of the lifting device it is allowed to descend to the housing 1 along the pipe 5, so that by means of the probes 20 the condition thereof is inspected, so that the rollers 18 absorb the irregularities of the pipe 5 by the action of the springs 19 during the sliding of the housing 1 on said pipe 5.

In this way, it is possible to perform the inspection of the pipe until an area that requires repair is detected, at which point the portions 2 are positioned, and then the pneumatic jack 7 is activated, making the approximation between the portions 2 so that the inner edge 4 of the flanges 3 is adapted to the configuration of the pipe 5 by means of a seal 3a, the housing 1 defining a contour that envelops the pipe 5 establishing a sealed chamber 6 between the housing 1 and the pipe 5 .

It should be noted that the probes 20, and different elements that have to be operated, are connected to a surface equipment that allows performing the functions mentioned. In the case that they are electrical connections, these can be made wirelessly. A possible connection with the housing 1 with pipes that run to the surface is represented by reference 23.

Once the sealed chamber 6 is formed, the inflatable piston 17 is deflated, so that the wedges 12 move

on

the guides inclined 13 interlocking  on the

surface

from the pipeline 5, from mode that be produces the

fixing of

the Case one on the pipe 5.

Next, the sealed chamber 6 is drained, of the water it contains inside, by means of air injection in the sealed chamber 6 that produce the emptying of the water through non-return valves (not shown) provided in the Portions 2 of the housing lo These means, for example, can be a compressor that can be located outside the water and connected with the portions 2 in which nozzles (not shown) are provided that blow the air into the sealed chamber 6, displacing water through the non-return valves. The compressor can also be arranged on one of the portions 2, and be operated from the surface.

At this point it should be noted that the portions 2 are provided with centering feet assisted by a spring, which when approximating the portions 2, support and press on the surface of the pipe 5, so that the centering of the Portions 2 by placing them on the pipe 5.

Once the sealed chamber 6 is emptied of water, in the case where the pipe has to be cleaned, the incorporation of cleaning means comprising a deposit of an abrasive product and a compressor connected with the nozzles is provided. provided in portions 2 to project the abrasive cleaning product on the pipe and then suction means are activated which sucks all the waste produced in the cleaning, through nozzles.

The suction means can also be used as means of emptying the water included in the chamber

waterproof 6.

Once the pipe is ready to be

repaired, the invention provides that its repair can be

made by a roller 24, located inside

5

the sealed chamber 6, which by means of arms 27 is

fixed on a rotating arm 25 assisted by a spring

26, so that the ends of the rotating shaft 25 are

fixed on two rotating discs 28 arranged parallel

to the end flanges 3, whose angular displacement is

10

guided by bearings 29 fixed on the flanges

3. To produce angular displacement of the

rotating discs 28, these are expected to be provided with

a toothed crown 31 that meshes with an engine that produces

the angular displacement of said rotating discs 28.

fifteen

By the action of spring 26, the roller is held

24 pressing on the surface of the pipe 5, of

so that when the motor is driven, roller 24 rotates around

from its axis and around the pipe 5.

The axis of the roller 24 has a configuration

2 o

tubular and is connected with resin deposits, and with

holes 30 made in the surface of the roller

24, so that when the displacement of the

roller 24 on the pipe 30, it is impregnated with resin

providing you with a coating layer, by way of

25

paint, which can determine the repair of said

pipe, when the damages suffered in the pipe are not

high. The number of turns that roller 24 gives

around pipe 5, varies depending on the

repair needs to be carried out in the pipeline 5.

30

The resin tank can be found in the

surface, or on the housing 1, so that in

Either case is in a fixed position,

so to allow the rotation of the

roller 24 on its ej e and around the pipe 30, it

they provide means for connecting the tubular ej of the roller 24 with the resin tanks, for which said connection comprises a first female fitting 32 and a second female fitting 33 which are fixed to the rotating disks 28, such that said fittings 32 and 33 rotate together with the rotating discs 28, and are also connected to the tubular axis of the roller 24.

In correspondence with the first female fitting 32 a first male fitting 35 is provided, and in correspondence with the second female fitting 33 a second male fitting 36 is provided. The first and second male fitting 35 and 36 are arranged on a semicircular rail. 37 with a fixed and provided position around the pipe 5, so that each of said first and second male fittings 35 and 36 are connected to a resin tank by a conduit 39, and in turn are assisted by a strap that keeps at the initial end of the semicircular lane

37.

In addition, cams 38 are provided for the first and second female fitting 32 and 33, so that they are provided in correspondence with the start

Y

final from every rail 37, for produce he displacement

from

sayings fittings female 36 Y 37 overcoming the action of the

spring

3. 4.

In

base to the description done, be understands

easily that when the first female fitting 32 is coupled to the first male fitting 35, the rotation of the rotating disks 28 causes the displacement of the female fittings 32 and 33, so that the first female fitting 32 drags the first male fitting 35 over the lane 37 overcoming the action of the strapping, whereby when the end of lane 37 reaches the cam 38 which is arranged in the initial part of the next lane 37, produces the raising of the second female fitting 33 overcoming the action of its

spring 34, so that when the cam 38 stops operating

on the second female fitting 33, the spring 34 produces its

descent, engaging on the second male fitting 36, which

by driving 39 it is attached to a tank

5

of resin, so that the resin circulates through the

second male fitting 36, of the second female fitting 34, up to

which reaches the tubular axis of roller 24. A

then the first female fitting 32 contacts the cam

38 located at the beginning of the next lane 37, producing

10

its elevation and disconnection from the first fitting

male 35, so that you can always keep the

resin feeding inside the tubular ej e of the

roller 24. In the next 180 0 offset

angle of the rotating discs 28, is again the

fifteen

first male fitting 35 which is coupled on the first

female fitting 32 and then the second one is disconnected

female fitting 33 of the second male fitting 36, repeating the

process for each one of the turns that the

roller 24.

2 o

At this point it should be noted that the emptying of water

inside the waterproof chamber 6, you can also

be performed by injecting air into the roller e 24 through

of the mechanism described for resin injection to ej e

tubular roller 24, but with the difference that in

25

this case instead of resin compressed air is applied.

In the case where the damage suffered by the pipe does not

can be repaired by applying a layer of

resin, the invention provides for other means of repair that

they comprise a waterproof case 40 that communicates with the camera

30

sealed 6 by a trapdoor 41, and so that in the

inside the waterproof case 40 guides are provided

telescopic 42 assisted by a piston 43, to locate in

the lower end of the telescopic guides 42 a coil

44, that in the embodiment of the invention the

coil 44 is disposed on a support 45 which is located on the telescopic guides 42. The coil 44 has a conventional type pipe repair sheet wound up, so that said coil 44 is arranged on the telescopic guides 42 with a section of its unrolled and guided end on guide rollers 46, so that the unrolled section is kept in an upright position.

In order to allow the repair to be carried out by means of the coil sheet 44, it must be wound around the pipe 5, for which inside the sealed chamber 6 two arms 47 are provided, each one fixed on the rotating disks 28, so that when the piston 43 is actuated, the telescopic guides 42 displace the opening of the hatch 41, so that the coil 44 descends into the sealed chamber 6, until about extreme pivots 48 provided on the support 45 of the coil, are introduced into a housing 49 provided at the end of the arms 47, which by means of a ball prisoner 50 the entry of the ball into a notch made in the extreme pivots 48 , thus fixing the coil 44 on the arms 47, and all so that the end of the roller sheet is located on the surface of the pipe 5. In addition the roller 24 is located in a position in which, when the displacement of the rotating disks 28 is carried out, and therefore the displacement of the roller 24 and coil 44, said roller 24 presses on the end of the sheet, carrying out its unwinding, and simultaneously winding it around the pipe 5 .

In this case, while winding the sheet around the pipe 5, resin can also be applied through the holes 30 of the roller 24 to achieve a greater repairing effect of the pipe 5.

Once the resin is applied, independently or

together with the sheet, according to the two described embodiments, it is envisaged that the roller 24 is provided with a lifting / lowering mechanism that is complemented by the incorporation of a lever 51 integral with the rotating shaft 25 on which the roller 24 is supported by the arms 27 already described, so that in the path made by the lever 51, a movable position cam 52 is provided, the position of which is adjustable by means of a piston 53, so that when said movable cam 52 is positioned in correspondence with The lever 51, upon contact with the movable cam 52, produces the angular displacement of the rotating shaft 25 overcoming the action of the spring 26, which produces the lifting of the roller 24, so that by means of a pin 54 the shaft interlock occurs rotating 25 in the position where the roller 24 is raised, as shown schematically in Figure 12.

In this way, it is avoided that the roller can stick on the surface of the pipe, once the resin has been applied and drying of the same occurs.

In order to once again lower the roller 24 in its position on the pipe 5, it is foreseen the incorporation of a wedge 55 arranged in the path of a movable element 56 that is integral with the pin 54, so that when the wedge 55 contacts the movable element 56, overcoming the action of a spring 57, which assists it, produces the displacement of the past 54 and the unlocking of the rotating shaft 25, which by the action of the spring 26, descends until pressing with the surface of the pipe 5, to Have a new repair.

In order to favor the chemical reaction of the resin, and to accelerate its drying, the incorporation of drying means is provided which are constituted by a heating resistance of the sealed chamber 6 and the segment of

pipe in which the housing is installed, to facilitate the chemical reaction and solidification of the applied resin.

It should be noted that in the case where the repair of a pipe requires the filling of cavities detected on its surface, it is envisaged that the housing comprises an element fired by compressed air of resin balls for filling said cavities detected on the surface of the pipe.

Once the pipe repair has been carried out, the portions 2 are separated again by acting on the extensible element 7, allowing the carcass to slide on the pipe 5, until a new damaged area is found, and its repair is carried out in the way already commented.

The different references used in the examples of realization are listed below, to facilitate the follow-up of their explanation:

1.-Housing

2.-Portions (of housing)

3.-Extreme flanges

3rd-Waterproof seal

4.-Bottom edge (of extreme flanges)

5.-Pipe

6.-Waterproof camera

7.-Extensible element

8.-Guides

9.-Collar segments

10.-Articulated arm

11.-Plates

12.-Wedge

13.-Inclined guide

14.-Support

15.-Guide Pivots

16.-Hoop segments

17.-Inflatable Piston

18.-Rollers 19.-Spring

20.-Probes

21.-Transport wheels

22.-Hooks

23.-Surface connections

24.-Roller

25.-Rotating shaft

26.-Spring

27.-Arms

28.-Rotating discs

29.-Bearings

30.-Holes

31.-Crown gear

32.-First female fitting

33.-Second female fitting

34.-Spring

35.-First male fitting

36.-Second male fitting

37.-Rail

38.-Cams

39.-Connection of 35 and 36 with resin tank

40.-Waterproof case

41.-Trapdoor

42.-Telescopic guides

43.-Piston

44.-Coil

45.-Coil holder

46.-Guide rollers

47.-Arms

48.-Extreme Pivots

49.-Accommodation

50.-Ball Prisoner

51.-Lever

52.-Movable position cam

53.-Piston

54.-Pin 55.-Wedge 56.-Movable element 57.-Spring

Claims (21)

 1.-SUBMARINE PIPE REPAIR SYSTEM, which at least it comprises: a housing (1) of tubular configuration that is provided with two portions (2) that are joined together and fixed to a pipe (5) by means of end flanges (3) that have an inner edge (4) that adapts to the configuration of said pipe (5) by means of a tight seal (3a); the boundary housing (1) being the one that envelops the pipe (5), establishing a sealed chamber (6) between the casing (1) and the pipe (5), water drainage means of the watertight chamber (6);

media

from repair from pipeline planned in the

camera

waterproof (6);

characterized by

that also understands:

to the

less a element extensible (7) set to the two

portions (2), of separation / approximation of said portions (2), at least two complementary collar segments (9), each of them articulated at least one of the ends of one of the portions (2) of the housing (1), in turn comprising the collar segments  (9):

•

joining means between collar segments, and

•

sliding elements on the pipe

 (5) , where the at least extensible element (7) is configured in such a way that upon separation of the portions (2) its location is allowed around the pipe (5) and when approached it is coupled onto the pipe forming the waterproof chamber (6), And where said collar segments (9) are configured in such a way that once the portions (2) of the housing (1) separated around the pipe (5) are arranged, by fixing the collar segments (9) to each other, the means of sliding support on the pipe allowing the sliding or guiding of the housing (1) on said pipe (5) to a selected area between an area to be inspected, an area to be cleaned and an area to be repaired. 2.-SUBMARINE PIPE REPAIR DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the sliding elements on the pipe (5) comprise rollers (18) assisted by a spring (19) with preload to press against the pipe (5) and when sliding on said pipe (5), to absorb the irregularities of the surface that may present said pipe (5). 3.-SUBMARINE PIPE REPAIR DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the collar segments (9) comprise braking means of the housing (1) on the pipe (5) to prevent its sliding during a repair. 4.-SUBMARINE PIPE REPAIR DEVICE, according to claim 3, characterized in that the braking means comprise wedges (12) arranged in inclined guides (13) provided on supports (14) fixed to the inner face of the collar segments (9), to guide the simultaneous movement of the wedges (12) axially and radially with respect to the pipe (5); the supports (14) being provided with guide pivots (15) in which a ring segment (16) is arranged for each collar segment (9), which are arranged perpendicular to the inner face of the collar segment (9); attached to the wedges (12) and an inflatable piston (17) and assisted by springs (19); for inflating the inflatable piston (17) causing the transverse displacement of the ring segments (16) on the collar segments (9) overcoming the action of the springs (19); and simultaneously cause the radial displacement of the wedges (12) towards the outside of the pipe

(5)

separating it, and deflating the inflatable piston

(17)

produce the reverse movement by pressing the wedges

(17)

on the surface of the pipe (5).

5.-SUBMARINE PIPE REPAIR DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the two portions (2) are related by means of displacement guides (8) for separating / approaching said portions (2). 6.-SUBMARINE PIPE REPAIR DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least extensible element (7) is a pneumatic jack, whose ends are fixed to each of the portions (2). 7.-SUBMARINE PIPE REPAIR DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises sensors for detecting the condition of the pipe (5). 8.-SUBMARINE PIPE REPAIR DEVICE, according to claim 7, characterized in that the sensors for detecting the condition of the pipe (5) are selected from probes (20), ultrasonic sensors and image capture cameras. 9.-SUBMARINE PIPE REPAIR DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the pipe repair means comprise: two rotating discs (28) arranged parallel to the end flanges (3) and which are related to a toothed crown (31) whose drive causes the rotation of the rotating discs around the pipe (5), a motor that meshes with the crown gear (31) to produce the rotation of the rotating discs (28) around the pipe (5), a roller (24) provided with a tubular shaft that communicates with holes (30) provided in your surface, which can rotate on its tubular axis and which is arranged on rotating discs (28) by means of a lifting / lowering mechanism to place the roller (24) on the surface of the pipe (5) pressing on it, at least one connection of the tubular roller e

(24)

with a resin tank, to turn the roller (24) on the surface of the pipe (5), apply the resin to said surface of the pipe

(5)

through its holes (30), covering and repairing said surface.

10.-SUBMARINE PIPE REPAIR DEVICE, according to claim 9, characterized in that the pipe repair means comprise: a sealed box (40) arranged longitudinally in one of the portions (2) of the housing (1), which in turn comprises:

•

a trapdoor (41) that communicates with the waterproof chamber,

•

telescopic guides (42) on which it is arranged,

•

a coil (44) of a pipe repair sheet, comprising two end pivots (48), which is disposed with an end section of the sheet unwound and guided by

•

guide rollers (46) that keep the unwound section of the sheet upright,

•

a piston (43) for displacing said telescopic guides (42) to a position in which the coil (44) is positioned and fixed in

an arm (47) provided in each of the rotating discs (28), and which is provided with a housing (49) for positioning and fixing the pivots (48) of the roller (24), the piston (43), the telescopic guides (42) and the arms (47) being configured so that when the piston (43) is actuated ) moves the telescopic guides (42) by opening the flap (41) and housing the pivots (48) of the coil (44) in the seating (49) of the arms (47) leaving the unwound end of the sheet on the surface of the pipe (5); and said arms (47) being located in correspondence with the roller (24) so that when positioning the end of the coil sheet (44) on the surface of the pipe (5), when rotating the rotating disks ( 28) the roller (24) is placed on the end of the sheet by pressing it against the surface of the pipe (5). 11.-SUBMARINE PIPE REPAIR DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means for cleaning the pipe (5) including a deposit of an abrasive product, a compressor connected with nozzles provided in the portions (2) of the housing (1), to project the abrasive cleaning product on the pipe (5); And means of suction of the waste produced in the cleaning through nozzles. 12.-SUBMARINE PIPE REPAIR DEVICE, according to claim 1 or 9, characterized in that the water drainage means of the sealed chamber are selected between air injection means in the sealed chamber (6), which produce the emptying of the water through non-return valves provided in the portions (2) of the housing (1), and water suction means 5 included in the waterproof chamber (6); the air injection means comprising an air compressor that is selectively applied on injectors arranged in the housing (1), and on a conduit that is connected to the tubular axis of the coil (44). 10 13.-SUBMARINE PIPE REPAIR APPARATUS, according to claim 10, characterized in that the housing portions (2) include resistors of

heating of the watertight chamber and the segment of

pipe (5) in which it is installed, to facilitate the

fifteen

chemical reaction and solidification of the resin applied and

the chemical reaction and solidification of the sheet of the

coil (44) on the pipe (5).

14. -REPAIR OF SUBMARINE PIPE REPAIR,

according to claim 1, characterized in that the portions

twenty

(2) comprise centering feet assisted by a

spring to approach the portions (2) on the

pipe (5), the centering feet rest on the pipe and

centering said portions (2) on said

pipe (5) in the approximation of the portions (2).

25

15.-SUBMARINE PIPE REPAIR APPARATUS,

according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a

trigger element, by compressed air, of balls

resin for filling cavities detected in the

pipe surface.

3 o

16. - SUBMARINE PIPE REPAIR APPARATUS,

according to claims 1 to 7, characterized in that

they comprise means for fixing a lifting cable of the

portions (2) of the housing (1) to arrange said

portions (2) around a vertical pipe outside the

35

water and make its slide on the pipe (5) by means of the lifting cable drive. 17.-SUBMARINE PIPE REPAIR DEVICE, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a depth sensor. 18.-SUBMARINE PIPE REPAIR DEVICE, according to claim 9, characterized in that the roller lifting / lowering mechanism comprises a rotating shaft (25) assisted by a spring (26), fixed to the rotating discs (28), And of which two end arms (27) in which the roller axis (24) is fixed, and also the axis are integral

rotary

(25) is solidary from a lever (51)

actionable

through a cam (52) from position

scrollable

on the discs swivel (28) through

a

piston (53), for position the cam (52) from

movable position on the lever path (51), produce angular displacement of the rotary ej (25) overcoming the action of said spring (26), and producing the lifting of the roller (24); which by means of an interlocking pin (54) in the rotating shaft (25) is held in the raised position until a wedge (55) arranged in the rotating disks acts on the locking pin (54) causing the roller (24) to be lowered by the action of the spring (26) until it contacts the pipe. 19.-SUBMARINE PIPE REPAIR DEVICE, according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least connection of the roller tubular ej (e) with a resin tank comprises: a first and a second female fitting (32) and (33) contiguous and assisted by a spring (34) that are fixed on one of the rotating discs (28), and which by means of a conduit are connected to the shaft tubular roller (24), a first and a second male fitting (35) and (36), each arranged in a rail semicircular (37) fixed position, provided around the pipe (5) and connected, each of said first and second male fittings (35) and (36), with a resin tank; being the male fittings

(35)

and (36) assisted by a strap that keeps them at the initial end of the lane (37), two cams (38) provided in correspondence with the start and end of each lane (37) and located in the path of the female fittings ( 32) and (33), to produce the displacement of said female fittings

(32)

and (33) overcoming the spring action (34); where the female fittings (32) and (33), the male fittings (35) and (36) and the cams (38) are

configured in such a way that when the first female fitting (32) is coupled to the first male fitting (35), the rotation of the rotating discs (28) causes angular displacement of the fittings

female

(32) Y (33) dragging he first fitting

female

(32) to the first fitting male (35) overcoming the

action

of the strip, from shape that to the arrive to the final

of the

rail (37), the cam initial (38)  of the other

rail

(37) raises he second fitting female (33) Y

produces its coupling in the second male fitting (36), arranged at the beginning of the rail (37) and then the first female connector (32) contacts the cam (38) provided at the end of the rail (37), producing the elevation of the first female fitting (32) overcoming the action of its spring (34) and disconnecting it from the first male fitting (35), returning the first male fitting (35) to its initial position by the action of the strap. 20.-METHOD OF REPAIRING SUBMARINE PIPES, by means of the apparatus of claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: act an extensible element (7) that is fixed to two portions (2) that form a housing (1) to separate them and place them around a vertical pipe (5) in the area where it is out of the water, join two segments of complementary collar (9) around the pipe (5), where the collar segments (9) articulate at least one of the ends of the portions (2), to locate a sliding means provided in the collar segments (9 ) by pressing on the pipe surface, slide the housing by means of a lifting device (1) on the pipe (5), detect the condition of the pipe during the sliding, by means of sensors provided in the device, stop sliding in an area where detect damage to the surface of the pipe (5), attach the portions (2) on the surface of the pipe (5) in the area to be repaired, forming a sealed chamber (6), block the position of the housing (1 ) by means of the performance of one of the braking means provided

in

he apparatus,

empty

he Water of the inside from the camera waterproof

(6),

repair

the pipeline (5).

twenty-one.-

METHOD FROM REPAIR FROM PIPELINES SUBMARINES,

according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a cleaning phase of the pipe (5), prior to the repair phase, by means of cleaning means provided in the

apparatus,

that apply a product abrasive from cleaning on

the

surface from  the pipeline (5) Y that later

suck

the waste resulting from the cleaning

done.

22.-METHOD OF REPAIRING UNDERWATER PIPES, according to claim 20, characterized in that the repair of the pipe (5) comprises applying a resin to a tubular e of a roller (24), arranged in the sealed chamber (6) by pressing on the pipe surface (5), And apply the resin to the surface of the pipe (5) through holes (30) provided on the surface of the roller (24) when making its rotation around its axis and the pipe (5). 23.-METHOD OF REPAIRING SUBMARINE PIPES, according to claim 20, characterized in that the repair of the pipeline comprises the following phases: insert a coil (44) in the sealed chamber (6) in which a pipe repair sheet is wound, in a position parallel to the pipe (5), with the end of the sheet unwound a section so that is located on the pipe (5), act a roller (24) arranged in the waterproof chamber (6) so that it presses on the surface of the pipe (5), making its rotation around its axis and the pipe (5) to retain the end of the coil sheet (44) between the roller (24) and the pipe (5) and unwind the coil sheet (44) around the pipe (5) by moving the roller (24) over said pipe  (5) . 24.-METHOD OF REPAIRING SUBMARINE PIPES, according to claim 23, characterized in that the winding of the sheet around the pipe (5) comprises a phase resin injection into the roller (24), which through holes (30) provided in said roller (24) applied to the sheet to produce the coating of the surface of the pipe and its subsequent solidification. 25. 25. METHOD OF REPAIRING SUBMARINE PIPES, according to claims 21, 22 and 23, characterized in that the cleaning phases of the pipe comprise an application phase of air on the surface of the pipe (5), on which after the repair phase is performed a phase 10 selected between a heating phase of the sealed chamber and the pipe segment, and an air application phase, to facilitate the chemical reaction of the resin, sheet and accelerate its solidification. 26.-SUBMARINE PIPE REPAIR METHOD, 15 according to claim 23, characterized in that the emptying of the water inside the sealed chamber (6) is carried out by means of a phase selected from an air injection phase that displaces the water outside the chamber through non-return valves , and an aspiration phase 20 of the water inside the waterproof chamber (6). / 221 FIG. one

-

5

FIG. 2  FIG. 3   FIG. 4 \.OR • C) OR FIG. 6 / ' / / / { \ \ o or \ fifty / \ \ ____ ./ '"44 FlG.7 1 22 44 29 2 6 28 32 35 37 2 FIG. 8 28 29 . ~ \ \ \. 53 25 24  FIG. 9   26 FIG. 10 FIG. eleven UEtf -: 1ffi ~ 57 FIG. 12 31  FIG. 13  FIG. 14   EC C"') in C"') C"') EC C"') C \ J co C"') THE ... •

-