GB2451424A - Apparatus and method for removing loose debris from a pipe - Google Patents

Apparatus and method for removing loose debris from a pipe Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2451424A
GB2451424A GB0714042A GB0714042A GB2451424A GB 2451424 A GB2451424 A GB 2451424A GB 0714042 A GB0714042 A GB 0714042A GB 0714042 A GB0714042 A GB 0714042A GB 2451424 A GB2451424 A GB 2451424A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
pipe
vacuum
vacuum pump
motor
service
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
GB0714042A
Other versions
GB2451424B (en
GB0714042D0 (en
Inventor
Richard Christopher
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.)
Whirlwind Utilities Ltd
Original Assignee
Whirlwind Utilities Ltd
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 Whirlwind Utilities Ltd filed Critical Whirlwind Utilities Ltd
Priority to GB0714042.9A priority Critical patent/GB2451424B/en
Publication of GB0714042D0 publication Critical patent/GB0714042D0/en
Publication of GB2451424A publication Critical patent/GB2451424A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2451424B publication Critical patent/GB2451424B/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • 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
    • 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 
    • 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
    • B08B9/032—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing
    • B08B9/0321—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing using pressurised, pulsating or purging fluid
    • B08B9/0322—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing using pressurised, pulsating or purging fluid in combination with a plug, e.g. inflatable mole, to isolate a part of the tube
    • 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
    • B08B9/032—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing
    • B08B9/035—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing by suction
    • 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
    • E03B7/07—Arrangement of devices, e.g. filters, flow controls, measuring devices, siphons or valves, in the pipe systems
    • E03B7/074—Arrangement of water treatment devices

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)

Abstract

An apparatus for removing loose debris from service connections to a pipe comprises, a vacuum pump 14, an anti-siphon valve 16, a non-return valve 18 and a vacuum gauge 20. The apparatus are connected together using flexible piping 22. The apparatus is connected to a sealed section of pipeline (24, see Fig 2) and is used to suck out debris. Any taps in the pipeline ore opened and closed sequentially to clear any passages or ferrules off the pipeline. A method of removing debris is also disclosed.

Description

Apparatus and method for removing loose debris from within a pipe
Background to the invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for removing loose debris from service connections within a pipe and particularly but not exclusively to an apparatus and method for removing loose debris from a water main after cleaning.
When a water main is cleaned for re-lining, it is problem that after the water main has been cleaned, loose debris is often left sitting in the service ferrules of the water main.
This debris can cause the service ferrules to become blocked and should be removed before re-lining of the water main. There is also a danger that if service taps from the main are opened without subsequent cleaning, that debris can be drawn into water intended for domestic or other consumption.
Summary of the Invention
According to the first aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for removing loose debris from service connections to a pipe comprising a vacuum pump, a motor adapted to drive the vacuum pump, an in-line anti-siphon valve, an in-line non-return valve and connection means for connecting the apparatus to a pipe to be cleaned.
Preferably, the anti-siphon valve is connected immediately upstream of the vacuum pump. It should be understood that the direction of flow is intended to be towards the vacuum pump. ie the vacuum pump is at the downstream end of the apparatus.
The anti-siphon valve may prevent water from being drawn into the vacuum pump.
Preferably a vacuum gauge is connected in line with the vacuum pump.
The vacuum gauge may be situated upstream of the non-return valve.
The non-return valve may be situated upstream of the anti-siphon valve.
Preferably flexible piping is used to connect the vacuum pump, anti-siphon valve, non-return valve and vacuum gauge.
Flexible piping is also preferably used to connect between the apparatus and a pipe to be cleaned.
The apparatus may also include first and second end caps for closing the respective ends of a pipe. One of the end caps is preferably adapted to be connected to the apparatus in a substantially air-tight connection.
Preferably the motor is a stationary petrol engine. Alternatively, the motor may be a diesel engine, an electric motor or any other form of motor.
The motor is preferably directly connected to an input shaft of the vacuum pump.
The apparatus may be mounted on a vehicle, for example, on a trailer.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of removing loose debris from service connections to a pipe comprising sealing off a section of a pipe and evacuating the pipe to produce a vacuum state within the pipe.
Preferably, the pipe is evacuated to between -0.2 and -0.3 bar (2 to 3 metres vacuum).
Loose debris may be drawn Out of the pipe by the vacuum.
Preferably, any service taps in the pipe are initially closed whilst the vacuum is applied.
Preferably the or each service tap in the pipe is opened and closed sequentially whilst the vacuum is applied.
This is advantageous because a small quantity of water is drawn back into the pipe through each service tap as it is opened. This small quantity of water picks up and transports downstream (ie out of the pipe) any loose debris present in the ferrule of the service tap. In this manner, each service tap ferrule may be cleared of loose debris in turn.
Preferably the method utilises the apparatus of the first aspect of the invention and any preferred features thereof.
Brief description of the Drawings
For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of an apparatus of the invention; and Figure 2 shows a schematic plan view of the apparatus in use, connected to a mains water pipe.
Detailed description of the Invention
Referring firstly to Figure 1, an apparatus of the invention is indicated generally at 10.
The apparatus 10 includes a stationary petrol engine 12, a vacuum pump 14, an anti-siphon valve 16, a non-return valve 18 and a vacuum gauge 20. The parts of the apparatus are connected together using flexible piping 22. The direction of flow through the flexible piping 22 is intended to be towards the vacuum pump, le the vacuum pump is at the downstream end of the apparatus.
The vacuum gauge 20 is at the upstream end of the apparatus, and is followed sequentially in-line by the non-return valve 18, the anti-siphon valve 16 and then the vacuum pump 14. The flexible piping 22 extends from the vacuum gauge 20 and can be connected to a pipe to be cleaned, as described below.
Referring also to Figure 2, a section of water main is indicated at 24. The water main section 24 has already been cleaned, prior to re-lining. The water main has five service taps, indicated 1 to 5 sequentially. A first end cap 26 is postioned on one end of the section of water main 24, and a second end cap 28 is positioned on the other end of the section of water main 24. The apparatus 10 is connected into the second end cap through the flexible piping 22 with a substantially airtight seal.
All of the service taps 1-5 are closed, and a vacuum is applied to the water main by the apparatus 10. The water main section is evacuated to between -0.2 to -0.3 bar (2 to 3 metres vacuum).
The first service tap 1 is then opened and closed to allow a small amount of water to pass back into the water main 24, thus bringing with it any debris which has collected in the passage or ferrule of the service tap caused by the initial cleaning process.
Then the second, third, fourth and fifth taps are opened and closed sequentially for the same reason. There may be any number of taps in the water main, and they can be opened and closed in any order as desired.
The debris is effectively sucked out of the Service connection and in to the pipe by the vacuum. The debris may then be removed from the pipe by blowing it out of the pipe or by other methods. Should the power to the vacuum pump fail, the non-return valve 18 prevents debris from being sucked back into the water main pipeline 24.
Although the apparatus and method is intended for use with water mains, it can equally be used with gas pipelines, and any other similar pipeline structure where cleaning of debris is required.
In other embodiments of the invention, the stationary petrol engine can be replaced by a diesel engine, and electric motor or any other suitable source of rotary power input.

Claims (19)

1. An apparatus for removing loose debris from service connections to a pipe comprising a vacuum pump, a motor adapted to drive the vacuum pump, an in-line anti-siphon valve, an in-line non-return valve and connection means for connecting the apparatus to a pipe to be cleaned.
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the anti-siphon valve is connected immediately upstream of the vacuum pump.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claim I or claim 2, in which a vacuum gauge is connected upstream of the non-return valve.
4. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the non-return valve is connected upstream of the anti-siphon valve.
5. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which flexible piping is used to connect the vacuum pump, anti-siphon valve and non-return valve.
6. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which flexible piping is provided for connecting between the apparatus and a pipe to be cleaned.
7. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which first and second end caps are provided for closing the respective ends of a pipe.
8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, in which one of the end caps is adapted to be connected to the apparatus with a substantially air-tight connection.
9. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the motor is a stationary petrol engine.
10. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the motor is an electric motor.
11. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the motor is directly connected to an input shaft of the vacuum pump.
12. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the apparatus is mounted on a vehicle.
13. A method of removing loose debris from service connections of a pipe comprising sealing off a section of a pipe and evacuating the pipe to produce a vacuum state within the pipe.
14. A method as claimed in Claim 13, wherein the pipe is evacuated to between - 0.2 and -0.3 bar (2 to 3 metres vacuum).
15. A method as claimed in claim 14, in which any service taps in the pipe are initially closed whilst the vacuum is applied.
16. A method as claimed in claim 15, in which the or each service tap in the pipe is opened and closed sequentially whilst the vacuum is applied.
17. A method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16, in which the pipe is evacuated using the apparatus of the first aspect of the invention.
18. Apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.
19. A method substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.
GB0714042.9A 2007-07-18 2007-07-18 Apparatus and method for removing loose debris from within a pipe Active GB2451424B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0714042.9A GB2451424B (en) 2007-07-18 2007-07-18 Apparatus and method for removing loose debris from within a pipe

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0714042.9A GB2451424B (en) 2007-07-18 2007-07-18 Apparatus and method for removing loose debris from within a pipe

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0714042D0 GB0714042D0 (en) 2007-08-29
GB2451424A true GB2451424A (en) 2009-02-04
GB2451424B GB2451424B (en) 2012-01-11

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
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Country Status (1)

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012172377A1 (en) * 2011-06-17 2012-12-20 Paradigm Flow Services Limited Water deluge system cleaning apparatus and method
WO2017147680A1 (en) * 2016-03-02 2017-09-08 Envirologics Engineering Inc. Cleaning inside and adjacent service connections in preparation for pipe lining method

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB837090A (en) * 1959-01-09 1960-06-09 Alexander Bosch Improvements in or relating to equipment for clearing blocked pipes
EP0382985A1 (en) * 1989-02-13 1990-08-22 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Gas purge system
JPH09174009A (en) * 1995-12-28 1997-07-08 Tokyo Gas Co Ltd Removal of foreign matter from buried pipe and rising pipe

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB837090A (en) * 1959-01-09 1960-06-09 Alexander Bosch Improvements in or relating to equipment for clearing blocked pipes
EP0382985A1 (en) * 1989-02-13 1990-08-22 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Gas purge system
JPH09174009A (en) * 1995-12-28 1997-07-08 Tokyo Gas Co Ltd Removal of foreign matter from buried pipe and rising pipe

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012172377A1 (en) * 2011-06-17 2012-12-20 Paradigm Flow Services Limited Water deluge system cleaning apparatus and method
WO2017147680A1 (en) * 2016-03-02 2017-09-08 Envirologics Engineering Inc. Cleaning inside and adjacent service connections in preparation for pipe lining method
AU2016395125B2 (en) * 2016-03-02 2017-11-23 Envirologics Engineering Inc. Cleaning inside and adjacent service connections in preparation for pipe lining method
AU2016395125A9 (en) * 2016-03-02 2017-12-14 Envirologics Engineering Inc. Cleaning inside and adjacent service connections in preparation for pipe lining method
GB2552637A (en) * 2016-03-02 2018-01-31 Envirologics Eng Inc Cleaning inside and adjacent service connections in preparation for pipe lining method
US20180257119A1 (en) * 2016-03-02 2018-09-13 Envirologics Engineering Inc. Cleaning inside and adjacent service connections in preparation for pipe lining method
GB2552637B (en) * 2016-03-02 2018-10-10 Envirologics Eng Inc Cleaning inside and adjacent service connections in preparation for pipe lining method

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2451424B (en) 2012-01-11
GB0714042D0 (en) 2007-08-29

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