GB2122713A - Apparatus for working on the interior of pipes - Google Patents

Apparatus for working on the interior of pipes Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2122713A
GB2122713A GB08317388A GB8317388A GB2122713A GB 2122713 A GB2122713 A GB 2122713A GB 08317388 A GB08317388 A GB 08317388A GB 8317388 A GB8317388 A GB 8317388A GB 2122713 A GB2122713 A GB 2122713A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
drive
pipe
rollers
pipe wall
tandem
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB08317388A
Other versions
GB8317388D0 (en
GB2122713B (en
Inventor
Peter Lehmann
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Vodafone GmbH
Original Assignee
Mannesmann AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Mannesmann AG filed Critical Mannesmann AG
Publication of GB8317388D0 publication Critical patent/GB8317388D0/en
Publication of GB2122713A publication Critical patent/GB2122713A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2122713B publication Critical patent/GB2122713B/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
    • G01M3/005—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures using pigs or moles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
    • B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
    • B08B9/049—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes having self-contained propelling means for moving the cleaning devices along the pipes, i.e. self-propelled
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
    • B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
    • B08B9/049—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes having self-contained propelling means for moving the cleaning devices along the pipes, i.e. self-propelled
    • B08B9/0495—Nozzles propelled by fluid jets
    • 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
    • F16L55/26—Pigs or moles, i.e. devices movable in a pipe or conduit with or without self-contained propulsion means
    • F16L55/28—Constructional aspects

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)
  • Grinding Of Cylindrical And Plane Surfaces (AREA)
  • Finish Polishing, Edge Sharpening, And Grinding By Specific Grinding Devices (AREA)
  • Pipeline Systems (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to apparatus for use in working apparatus on the internal surfaces of a pipe wall such as a pipe scraper for the testing and inspection of pipe lines and pipe weld seams. The apparatus comprises a drive unit (1) coupled to a work unit (2) by a Cardan joint (3). Each unit supports a set of rollers (4, 9) for engaging the pipe wall, and those (4) on the drive unit (1) are arranged in tandem on each of a plurality of drive blocks (7) radially adjustable relative to a central carrier. The apparatus is suitable for use in gradient lines and around sharp bends. The tandem arrangement of the drive rollers also facilitates passage over sockets in pipe lines. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Apparatus for working on the interior of pipes The invention relates to apparatus for use in working operations such as the testing and inspection of the internal surface of pipe walls with reference to, for example, pipe weld seams in pipe lines. Such apparatus can also be used for observation and/or non-destructive testing of pipe walls. A pipe scraper is a typical application for such apparatus.
Devices which perform working operations in the interior of pipelines are known for various purposes, such as the removal of the weld seam in the interior of welded pipes. One known device is described in U.S. Patent No. 2 778 281 and consists of a base body, on which guide or drive rollers are arranged, which are pressed against the pipe wall and in this way enable automatic movement of the device through the pipe line. A problem with such known devices, which may also be connected to observation equipment, is that they are not suitable for use in a gradient line, i.e.
they only permit slight angles of inclination in the pipelines in which they are to operate. Neither are they well adapted to run through curved pipelines.
According to the present invention an apparatus for use in working operations on the internal surface of a pipe wall comprises a drive unit coupled to a work unit by a Cardan joint, the drive unit comprising a central carrier and at least three drive blocks mounted thereon in circumferentially spaced relationship, each drive block having drive rollers in tandem for engagement with a said pipe wall and the blocks being radially adjustable to control such engagement, and the work unit comprising an instrument carrier and at least three guide rollers circumferentially spaced therearound for engagement with a said pipe wall. Such apparatus is able to be used in gradient lines, and also in pipe curves of curvature radii below 1.5 times the pipe diameter.
Through the Cardan connection of the two units, apparatus according to the invention can accommodate sharp bends in pipes and consequently, possibilities of usage result which could not be achieved with conventional devices.
A particular feature is the tandem arrangement of the drive rollers and the construction of the rollers themselves can also be significant. A double tandem arrangement for the drive rollers is also possible. If the drive blocks are offset through 1200 with respect to each other around their central carrier, a stable guidance is produced for the drive unit and at the same time an undisturbed passage over socket welds is made possible, without the drive rollers being pressed into the sockets owing to their bearing pressure. This also applies to the guide rollers.
In preferred embodiments of the invention the plane containing the guide rollers and the plane containing the centres of the tandem drive roller engagements are equally spaced from the Cardan joint. The work unit can thus be aligned such that its working plane is always perpendicular to the pipe axis. This enables an exact centering to be brought about for the testing or inspection instrument provided on the work unit, so that therefore in a manner hitherto unachieved, pipe lines or welding work on pipes can be observed and reinspected in an identical manner.
The invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of apparatus according to the invention in the interior of a pipe line; Figure 2 shows in an end elevation the arrangement of the drive blocks in the central carrier of the drive unit; Figure 3 shows the apparatus of Figure 1 in a pipe bend; Figures 4a and 4b show two tandem arrangements for the drive rollers; and Figure 4c shows a parallel arrangement for the guide rollers.
The apparatus represented in Figure 1 consists of a drive unit 1 and a work unit 2 in Cardan connection. Around the central carrier 6 of the drive unit are arranged drive blocks 7 spaced for example through 1 200 with respect to each other.
Drive rollers 4 are mounted on each block 7 in a tandem arrangement 5. The arrangement of the drive blocks is again represented in Figure 2, and Figures 4a and 4b show manners in which the drive rollers may be arranged in the drive blocks; namely, in a simple tandem arrangement (Figure 4a), or in a double tandem arrangement (Figure 4b).
In Figures 1 and 2, the embodiment with a double tandem arrangement or rollers 4 is shown on the drive unit 1. Connected with the drive unit via the Cardan joint 3 is the work unit 2, which around the instrument carrier 8 has guide rollers 9, for example likewise spaced through 1200.
These guide rollers, like the drive rollers, are able to be pressed against the pipe wall; details of the devices used for this are not shown or only indicated generally by the adjustment device 10 which is slidable on the instrument carrier and able to be pressed by way of a lever arrangement of the guide rollers. According to requirements, instruments can be attached to the instrument carrier. The control of a pipe scraper for example can be accomplished externally, whereby the positioning in the pipe can be controlled for example by radioactive calibration preparations 13 by means of a probe 15 arranged externally.
Control is also possible by means of a television camera, for example an endoscope, whereby the input of energy takes place through the control or supply line 11,12.
As can be seen from Figure 3, relatively sharp pipe bends can be traversed by the apparatus illustrated, while the work unit always remains precisely aligned. This is because the distance a of the guide rollers on the work unit 2 from the Cardan joint 3 is equal to the distance of the Cardan joint from the centre of the tandem arrangement of the drive rollers on the drive blocks.
As can be seen from Figures 4a and 4b, through the tandem arrangement of the drive rollers, pipe sockets can be accommodated, although the maximum socket diameter to be travelled over will of course be determined by the roller spacing. This also applies to the guide rollers, a preferred arrangement of which is represented in Figure 4c.

Claims (7)

1. Apparatus for use in working operations on the internal surface of a pipe wall, in which apparatus a drive unit coupled to a work unit by a Cardan joint, the drive unit comprising a central carrier and at least three drive blocks mounted thereon in circumferentially spaced relationship, each drive block having rollers in tandem for engagement with a said pipe wall and the blocks being radially adjustable to control such engagement, and the work unit comprising an instrument carrier and at least three guide rollers circumferentially spaced therearound for engagement with a said pipe wall.
2. Apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the plane containing the guide rollers and the plane containing the centres of the tandem drive roller arrangements are equally spaced from the Cardan joint.
3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the drive rollers are in the form of a double tandem arrangement on each drive block.
4. Apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein the guide rollers are arranged in parallel.
5. Apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein at least one of the drive blocks and guide rollers are circumferentially spaced with respect to each other by 1200.
6. Apparatus for use in the inspection and testing of the internal surface of a pipe wall substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
7. A pipe scraper comprising apparatus according to any preceding claim.
GB08317388A 1982-06-28 1983-06-27 Apparatus for working on the interior of pipes Expired GB2122713B (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19823224498 DE3224498A1 (en) 1982-06-28 1982-06-28 TUBE PIG

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB8317388D0 GB8317388D0 (en) 1983-07-27
GB2122713A true GB2122713A (en) 1984-01-18
GB2122713B GB2122713B (en) 1986-02-26

Family

ID=6167273

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB08317388A Expired GB2122713B (en) 1982-06-28 1983-06-27 Apparatus for working on the interior of pipes

Country Status (4)

Country Link
JP (1) JPS5913200A (en)
DE (1) DE3224498A1 (en)
FR (1) FR2529295B1 (en)
GB (1) GB2122713B (en)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2190722A (en) * 1986-05-20 1987-11-25 British Nuclear Fuels Plc Pipework inspection apparatus
DE4133431A1 (en) * 1991-10-09 1993-04-15 Scharf Gmbh Maschf Trackless vehicle for underground water or sewage pipe - + has inspection or repair tools supported by releasable platform coupled to endless track propulsion unit
FR2724458A1 (en) * 1994-09-12 1996-03-15 Intercontrole Sa Drive module of autonomous pipe inspection vehicle used for non-destructive testing of gas or other mains supply pipes
WO1996030692A1 (en) * 1995-03-28 1996-10-03 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Internal pipe manipulator
WO1996037726A1 (en) * 1995-05-22 1996-11-28 British Gas Plc Self-centering suspension for in-pipe use
WO1998007532A1 (en) * 1996-08-22 1998-02-26 Röntgen Technische Dienst B.V. Method for inspecting pipelines, for cleaning pipelines, and apparatus for carrying out such methods
US5749397A (en) * 1992-12-01 1998-05-12 Molaug; Ole Pipe tractor
CH690595A5 (en) * 1996-04-12 2000-10-31 Ka Te System Ag Control means for a fluid aggregates exhibiting device and device for rehabilitating pipes.
WO2017153480A1 (en) * 2016-03-10 2017-09-14 Areva Gmbh Manipulator and manipulator unit

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3419683A1 (en) * 1984-05-24 1985-11-28 Mannesmann AG, 4000 Düsseldorf PIPE PIG WITH CHASSIS
DE3818853A1 (en) * 1988-06-03 1989-12-14 Gottfeld F H Werkstoffpruefung Apparatus for the non-destructive testing of pipelines
DE3836277A1 (en) * 1988-10-25 1990-05-10 Schlick Heinrich Gmbh Co Kg Manipulator arm
DE10215325A1 (en) * 2002-04-02 2003-10-23 Fraunhofer Ges Forschung Robot for inspection/cleaning/ repair of channels e.g. sewage pipes and similar consists of hub-like central body with three extendable supports moving along channel wall, with sensor device and tool
DE202010005845U1 (en) 2010-04-19 2010-10-14 Lorenz, Martin Mechatronic worm-like motion system for tubular elements
CN102642169B (en) * 2012-04-01 2014-02-19 茂名重力石化机械制造有限公司 Automatic polishing device for inner tube of loop reactor
CN106284637B (en) * 2016-08-29 2018-11-27 山东胜伟盐碱地科技有限公司 A kind of hidden pipe descaling machine cleaning pipe supporting mechanism
CN110340083B (en) * 2019-07-18 2021-06-11 辽宁工程技术大学 Pipeline cleaning mechanism

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1022860A (en) * 1963-04-05 1966-03-16 Alberto Johann Reinhart Improvements relating to propulsion units for pipe de-scaling apparatus
GB1258435A (en) * 1969-03-27 1971-12-30
GB1312229A (en) * 1970-07-20 1973-04-04 Amf Inc Apparatus and method for pipeline inspection
GB1501971A (en) * 1975-01-20 1978-02-22 Ross Lar Method and apparatus for cleaning the inside of long cylindrical chambers
GB1547301A (en) * 1975-05-27 1979-06-06 Inspection Technology Dev Pipeline leak detector
GB2030261A (en) * 1978-09-15 1980-04-02 Entreprises Soc Gle A method and apparatus for unclogging clogged up conduits
GB2088554A (en) * 1980-11-28 1982-06-09 Pls Pipeline Service Uk Ltd Pipeline route surveying device

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2604521A (en) * 1948-06-09 1952-07-22 Cormack E Boucher Conduit tractor
FR1197088A (en) * 1957-01-04 1959-11-27 Apparatus for tarring and cleaning the inner walls of water supply pipes
GB1116785A (en) * 1966-07-14 1968-06-12 C W Fuelling Inc Pipe joint locator
US3758050A (en) * 1969-11-25 1973-09-11 R Watts Photo inspection pod assembly for pipelines
US3775612A (en) * 1970-12-14 1973-11-27 Monroe X Ray Co Pipeline x-ray inspection machine
US3703947A (en) * 1971-03-08 1972-11-28 Int Pipeline Services Inc Internal pipeline coating apparatus
US3786684A (en) * 1971-12-27 1974-01-22 Automation Ind Inc Pipeline inspection pig
US3940855A (en) * 1974-07-19 1976-03-02 T. D. Williamson, Inc. Pipeline pig
US4170902A (en) * 1978-05-18 1979-10-16 British Gas Corporation Pipeline inspection vehicles

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1022860A (en) * 1963-04-05 1966-03-16 Alberto Johann Reinhart Improvements relating to propulsion units for pipe de-scaling apparatus
GB1258435A (en) * 1969-03-27 1971-12-30
GB1312229A (en) * 1970-07-20 1973-04-04 Amf Inc Apparatus and method for pipeline inspection
GB1501971A (en) * 1975-01-20 1978-02-22 Ross Lar Method and apparatus for cleaning the inside of long cylindrical chambers
GB1547301A (en) * 1975-05-27 1979-06-06 Inspection Technology Dev Pipeline leak detector
GB2030261A (en) * 1978-09-15 1980-04-02 Entreprises Soc Gle A method and apparatus for unclogging clogged up conduits
GB2088554A (en) * 1980-11-28 1982-06-09 Pls Pipeline Service Uk Ltd Pipeline route surveying device

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2190722A (en) * 1986-05-20 1987-11-25 British Nuclear Fuels Plc Pipework inspection apparatus
DE4133431A1 (en) * 1991-10-09 1993-04-15 Scharf Gmbh Maschf Trackless vehicle for underground water or sewage pipe - + has inspection or repair tools supported by releasable platform coupled to endless track propulsion unit
US5749397A (en) * 1992-12-01 1998-05-12 Molaug; Ole Pipe tractor
FR2724458A1 (en) * 1994-09-12 1996-03-15 Intercontrole Sa Drive module of autonomous pipe inspection vehicle used for non-destructive testing of gas or other mains supply pipes
WO1996030692A1 (en) * 1995-03-28 1996-10-03 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Internal pipe manipulator
US6019048A (en) * 1995-03-28 2000-02-01 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Internal manipulator for pipes
WO1996037726A1 (en) * 1995-05-22 1996-11-28 British Gas Plc Self-centering suspension for in-pipe use
CH690595A5 (en) * 1996-04-12 2000-10-31 Ka Te System Ag Control means for a fluid aggregates exhibiting device and device for rehabilitating pipes.
WO1998007532A1 (en) * 1996-08-22 1998-02-26 Röntgen Technische Dienst B.V. Method for inspecting pipelines, for cleaning pipelines, and apparatus for carrying out such methods
WO2017153480A1 (en) * 2016-03-10 2017-09-14 Areva Gmbh Manipulator and manipulator unit

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPH0338149B2 (en) 1991-06-07
GB8317388D0 (en) 1983-07-27
FR2529295A1 (en) 1983-12-30
DE3224498C2 (en) 1987-02-12
GB2122713B (en) 1986-02-26
JPS5913200A (en) 1984-01-23
DE3224498A1 (en) 1984-02-02
FR2529295B1 (en) 1986-02-21

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20000627