GB2478697A

GB2478697A - An apparatus and method for sealing a conduit to a vessel, an arrangement and method for delivering an apparatus, and a valve

Info

Publication number: GB2478697A
Application number: GB201003283A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Hope-Darby
Original assignee: WATER SERVICES GROUP Ltd
Current assignee: WATER SERVICES GROUP Ltd
Priority date: 2010-02-23
Filing date: 2010-02-26
Publication date: 2011-09-21
Also published as: GB201003283D0; GB201003015D0

Abstract

An apparatus for substantially sealing a member to a first vessel, the apparatus comprising: a first vessel configured to be attached to a pipe, the first vessel defining a chamber adapted to receive at least part of a member; a first and a second inflatable seal connected to the first vessel and configured for inflation and abutment against at least part of a conduit received by the chamber of the first vessel to define at least partially a sealant volume within the chamber, such that sealant injected into the sealant volume will substantially seal the member to the first vessel.

Description

Title: An apparatus and method for sealing a conduit to a vessel, an arrangement and method for delivering an apparatus, and a valve

Description of Invention

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus and method for sealing a conduit to a vessel, an arrangement and method for delivering an apparatus, and a valve. In addition, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods of manufacturing the aforementioned apparatuses, kits of parts and the like.

Lining a pipe or securing some other form of device to a pipe which is filled with water and which may be pressurised is difficult in situations in which there is no means by which to isolate the section of the pipe.

The launching of devices into a pressurised water system is difficult without de-pressurising the system -which is time consuming, expensive, and often inconvenient.

The running of cables and other elongate members through the wall of the vessel/pipe or the like is difficult if the vessel/pipe contains water and there is a desire to limit or substantially prevent the leakage of water. The problem is particularly acute when the water is pressurised.

Embodiments of the present invention seeks to ameliorate some of the

problems associated with the prior art.

Accordingly, aspects of the present invention are recited by the appended claims.

Embodiments of the present invention are described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 1 shows an arrangement in accordance with an embodiment; FIGURE 2 shows an explanation of aspects of an embodiment; FIGURE 3 shows an arrangement in accordance with an embodiment fitted to a pipe; FIGURE 4 shows an arrangement in accordance with an embodiment; FIGURE 5 shows an arrangement in accordance with an embodiment; and FIGURE 6 shows an arrangement in accordance with an embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to figures 1,2, and 3.

An embodiment of the invention comprises an apparatus which is intended to allow a pipe liner, flexible pipe or other apparatus to pass or be pulled through a water filled and/or pressurised pipe tunnel, culvert, etc. and to have the option to provide a substantially permanent seal around an annulus of the pipe.

A typical application of an embodiment would be to reline live reservoir inlet/outlet pipe with substantially no-loss of water, where no means of isolating the body of water exists.

An apparatus according to an embodiment comprises two substantially cylindrical pressure vessels (but are not restricted to being cylindrical -for example, vessels with other cross-sectional shapes are considered which may or may not be circular or substantially circular), which may or may not be transparent, of a size to suit the specific application and of a wall thickness/design capable of dealing with the pressure within the item to which they are to be attached.

The two pressure vessels are terminated at either end with an open flange.

In an embodiment, the first pressure vessel has a plurality of circumferential inflatable a' ring (doughnut-shaped/annular) seals which when deflated sit very close to the inner circumference of the pipe and may be flush with the inner face of the pipe in order to allow the pipe lining material/pipe/apparatus to pass them unhindered.

The seals are in turn are connected to external (through pressure vessel wall) injection nozzles which facilitate external filling/pumping. The injection nozzles may be fitted with valves to prevent the fluid/pressure leaking from the pressure vessel past the nozzles.

Any circumferential gaps/spaces formed between the seals will also have a through wall injection nozzle which will facilitate the pumping/injection of a suitable grout/resin to form a watertight annulus seal.

Two or more seals may be provided and may, thus, define one or more circumferential gaps/spaces therebetween.

A drainage tap is provided, in an embodiment, through a wall of the vessel between a pair of adjacent seals. In an embodiment, a plurality of drainage taps are provided which are, for example, each between a respective pair of adjacent seals. The or each drainage tap is configured to allow, on actuation, the drainage of a fluid (such as water) from the space between the pair seals between which the tap is located. Thus, after the or each pair of adjacent seals has been inflated, any fluid therebetween can be drained. In an embodiment, a plurality of drainage taps are provided between a pair of adjacent seals -each tap being radially spaced apart from the or each other tap. It will be appreciated that a single seal may form one of a first pair of seals and one of a second pair of seals (such that, for example, three seals could comprise two pairs of seals with the central seal being part of both pairs of seals).

One end of the first pressure vessel is connected to the pipe, chamber or structure through which the pipe liner, pipe or apparatus is being pulled through by whatever means is appropriate to the structure and the working pressure The opposite end of the first pressure vessel is connected to one end of the second pressure vessel, which in turn has a blank flange attached to its opposite end. Attached to the blank flange is a cable gland device which enables a towing line or cable to pass through the end plate with no loss of pressure/fluid and a pressure/fluid release tap for subsequent draining.

In operation of an embodiment, the pipe lining material, pipe or apparatus would be winched through the water filled pressurised chamber, through the first pressure vessel past the plurality of seals and in to the second pressure vessel.

The plurality of seals would be pumped full of resin, concrete or any fluid deemed suitable for the specific application; when the materials have hardened or set or cured to a working condition, in an embodiment, fluid between the seals is then drained using the drainage tap or taps mentioned above and the circumferential gaps formed between the plurality of seals would be filled with a resin, concrete or fluid deemed suitable for the specific application. In an embodiment, drainage may occur before the material in the seals has hardened or set or cured to a working condition.

This would provide a substantially permanent water/pressure barrier between the newly laid pipe and the existing pipe or structure.

When this has hardened or set, the pressure relief tap or valve mounted in the end plate of the second pressure vessel would be opened, drained/de-pressurised and removed leaving an exposed section of the new pipe lining material, pipe or apparatus to which a valve or other equipment could be attached.

The first pressure vessel remains permanently in place as part of the structure to which other apparatus can be attached.

The winched pipe liner may be filled with water if advantageous and would be sealed at the far end by a blank flange with a tap fitted to facilitate emptying or filling of the pipe as required when the pipe is in position. The leading end of the pipe (towed end) would be sealed by the towing head or similar.

Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to figures 4 and 5.

An embodiment relates to a launch-pod' device for entering or inserting equipment, apparatus etc. into pressurised and/or fluid filled pipes, tanks, vessels and pressure doors etc. without the need to empty or de-pressurise the system and subsequently to retrieve the inserted equipment or apparatus from the pressurised/fluid filled object. Furthermore the device allows for a control cable or tether used to control or operate the equipment or apparatus to enter the pressurised/fluid filled object via a cable gland device with no-loss of fluid or pressure.

The device comprises: a cylindrical pressure vessel (but is not restricted to being cylindrical), which may or may not be transparent, of a size to suit the specific application and of a wall thickness/design capable of dealing with the pressure within the item to which it is to be attached.

The pressure vessel terminates in a flanged open end at one end and a blank sealed pressure plate fitted on to a flange at the other end with a cable gland, pressure release/drain tap, two or more additional pressure glands to take either hand operated, hydraulic or pneumatic control rods or similar devices to deploy and recover the equipment or apparatus to be entered into the pipe, tank, vessel or pressure door etc. The device may also house a retractable cable roller guide to take cables, hoses and ropes etc past the corner formed between the device and the wall of the pipe to eliminate abrasion and damage occurring to the cable or hose etc. The device may also incorporate a remotely controlled manipulator arm of a design to suit the specific application, for temporary and remote attachment to the item to be recovered into the device. The manipulator arm could be used to both launch the equipment/apparatus and to recover it.

The device may also incorporate an internal pressure reading gauge, a CCTV camera and lights for viewing the operation and guide rails of a design and material suited to the specific application for ensuring the accurate positioning of the equipment or apparatus to be launched from and recovered to the device.

In an embodiment, the device is attached to a gate-valve or similar which is mounted to the pressurised/fluid filled object and when the equipment or apparatus is housed within the device, the gate valve is slowly and fully opened, the equipment/apparatus is then launched into the fluid filled/pressurised pipe or tank etc. Upon completion of the works the equipment/apparatus is recovered into the device, the gate valve closed, the drain/pressure release tap opened and the equipment/apparatus recovered and the device removed from the object to which it is attached.

Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to figure 6.

An embodiment relates to a device which enable cables, ropes and rods etc to pass continuously and unhindered from atmospheric pressure into a pressurised or fluid filled pressurised chamber, pipe, vessel etc with no-loss of fluid or pressure with no-restriction to speed or length of cable, rope etc which can be passed through the gland.

It is designed to enable cables, ropes etc to pass continually in or out of the pressuring water filled pipe vessel etc. unhindered.

It is designed to enable plugs, connectors and fitting etc of a larger diameter than the cable or rope etc. to pass through the gland during installation and enable a watertight seal against the cable, rope etc. during operation.

In an embodiment, the device comprises a circular body with a reduced diameter step at approximately half way down the body which is continued to the bottom of the body; on the underside of the step is a machined o' ring groove and rubber (or similar) o' ring and on the outer face of the reduced diameter section is a thread. The external thread screws in to the internal thread of the item to which the gland is to be attached. This might be, but not exclusively to a launch-pod device, valve assembly or a de-pressurised chamber or vessel etc. The full size diameter top half of the device has an internal thread; at the bottom of the internal thread is an internal step on top of which sits a washer made up from 4 x segments; the bore of the washer is 1mm larger than the cable or rope etc that is to pass through it. On top of the washer are a number of neoprene (or similar material) circular gaskets' that have a bore of 1mm smaller than the diameter of the cable, rope etc. (that is to pass through it) and have a thin cut running from the edge to the centre hole to enable them to be fed over the cable etc. On top of the neoprene gaskets' is another washer to the same specification as the bottom washer. A nut-head with a vertical slot cut in it for cable access and an external thread which corresponds with the internal thread of the circular body is then screwed down into the body on top of the segmented washer and compresses the neoprene gaskets' to the pressure required to stop water egress through the gland. The pressure can be infinitely adjusted to suit pressure variations and wear on the neoprene.

In an embodiment a valve for a cable comprises a cable gland device.

A valve for a cable may be used in relation to other embodiments disclosed herein or for other applications. In an embodiment, the valve is integrally formed or permanently attached to a vessel or other object.

It will be appreciated that the above described valve and cable gland need not be used in relation to ca cable but could be used in relation to other objects -such as an elongate member like a rod.

A vessel may be an open ended vessel of pipe-like construction.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may be used in relation to fluids of various different types including liquids (such as water) and gases.

It will be understood that embodiments may or may not include all or some of the above described features. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention may comprise a combination of the features disclosed herein, that combination not having been explicitly described.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

When the grout/resin facing the two X expanding "0" rings has hardened and the pumped concrete sealing the annulus has hardened in the first pressure vessel. Then the 2nd pressure vessel is removed from the 1 St pressure vessel by draining off the material/pressure via the drain tap.

With the 2nd pressure vessel removed a pre-determined length of the pipe lining material/pipe or apparatus is exposed.

A valve or other required apparatus can be attached to the enclosed pipe lining material/pipe or apparatus or can be attached to the exposed flange on the end of the 1 St pressure vessel.

The 1 St pressure vessel is left in-place as a permanent fitting/integral part of original structure.

The 15t pressure vessel may be attached to the existing pipe/structure by any means suited to this specific application. Co

Figure 1: L() (1): THESE E\PAN 1PE1LL ON PhU('I S 3 UJN P E\ED TC GA TEE THEM LS LLL' bh1*H JflNd cCRE 1L T1E ANN IL1JS Figure 5:

NUT HEAD WITH INTERNAL THREAD AND CUT SLOT TO PASS CABLE THROUGH

O 4 PART SEGMENTED WASHER WITH 1mm OVERSIZE BORE FOR CLEAR CABLE.

2 ROPE PASSAGE TO COMPRESS NEOPRENE.

NEOPRENE (OR SIMILAR) WASHER WITH 1mm UNDERSIZE BORE TO GRIP CABLE ETC. WITH CUT SLOT TO PASS OVER CABLE

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. An apparatus for substantially sealing a member to a first vessel, the apparatus comprising: a first vessel configured to be attached to a pipe, the first vessel defining a chamber adapted to receive at least part of a member; a first and a second inflatable seal connected to the first vessel and configured for inflation and abutment against at least part of a conduit received by the chamber of the first vessel to define at least partially a sealant volume within the chamber, such that a sealant injected into the sealant volume will substantially seal the member to the first vessel.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one or more sealant delivery arrangements are provided through a wall of the first vessel to allow the delivery of sealant into the sealant volume.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising one or more further inflatable seals.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of sealant volumes are defined at least partially by the inflatable seals, each sealant volume being configured to receive a sealant.
5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein one or more sealant delivery arrangements are provided through a wall of the first vessel to allow the delivery of sealant into each sealant volume.
6. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a second vessel attached to the first vessel, the second vessel defining a chamber in fluid communication with the chamber of the first vessel and comprising a valve configured to allow fluid within the chamber of the second vessel to be drained from the second vessel.
7. An apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a further valve configured to allow a line to be passed therethrough into the chamber of the second vessel whilst substantially preventing the escape of fluid from the chamber of the second vessel.
8. An apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first and second vessels are pressure vessels adapted to contain fluid at a pressure greater than 1 Atmosphere.
9. An apparatus according to claim 6, 7, or 8, wherein the first and second vessels include mutually configured attachment arrangements to allow attachment of the first vessel to the second vessel.
10. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a member at least partially received by the chamber of the first vessel.
11. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the member is a pipe-liner.
12. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the member is a water supply fitting.
13. An apparatus according to claim 10 or 12, wherein the member includes a valve.
14. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein each inflatable seal is provided with an inflation arrangement comprising a conduit for inflation fluid.
15. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the conduit for inflation fluid comprises a conduit through at least part of a wall of the chamber.
16. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the inflatable seals are located within the chamber of the first vessel.
17. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a source of sealant wherein the sealant is grout, concrete or resin.
18. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a source of inflation fluid connected to the inflatable seals wherein the inflation fluid is concrete, resin, or another fluid.
19. A pipeline comprising a pipe and an apparatus according to any preceding claim.
20. A pipeline according to claim 19, wherein the inflatable seals have each been inflated and a sealant has been injected into the or each sealant volume.
21. A water storage plant including a pipeline according to claim 19 or 20.
22. A method of manufacturing an apparatus for substantially sealing a member to a first vessel, the method comprising: providing a first vessel configured to be attached to a pipe, the first vessel defining a chamber adapted to receive at least part of a member; providing a first and a second inflatable seal connected to the first vessel and configured for inflation and abutment against at least part of a member received by the chamber of the first vessel to at least partially define a sealant volume within the chamber, such that a sealant injected into the sealant volume will substantially seal the member to the first vessel
23. A method of substantially sealing a member to a first vessel, the method comprising: receiving at least part of a member in a chamber of a first vessel configured to be attached to a pipe; inflating a first and a second inflatable seal connected to the first vessel such that the first and second inflatable seals abut against at least part of the member and a sealant volume within the chamber is at least partially defined by the first and second inflatable seals; injecting a sealant into the sealant volume to substantially seal the member to the first vessel.
24. A kit for an apparatus for substantially sealing a member to a first vessel, the kit comprising: a first vessel configured to be attached to a pipe, the first vessel defining a chamber adapted to receive at least part of a member; a first and a second inflatable seal connectable to the first vessel and configured for inflation and abutment against at least part of a member received by the chamber of the first vessel to at least partially define a sealant volume within the chamber, such that a sealant injected into the sealant volume will substantially seal the member to the first vessel.
25. An apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures.
26. A method of manufacturing substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures.
27. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures.
28. A kit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures.
29. A delivery arrangement for delivering an apparatus through an access aperture of a fluid transportation or storage system, the arrangement comprising: a vessel defining a chamber adapted to house an apparatus for delivery, the vessel having an attachment arrangement configured for attachment to the access aperture such that the chamber is in fluid communication with the access aperture; and a launch mechanism configured to move an apparatus for delivery from the chamber of the vessel through the access aperture, wherein the launch mechanism is actuatable from outside of the chamber of the vessel.
30. An arrangement according to claim 29, further comprising a valve for a cable in a wall of the vessel and configured to receive a cable for attachment to an apparatus delivery such that after the apparatus has been delivered by the launch mechanism at least part of the apparatus can be retrieved by retraction of the tether through the valve.
31. An arrangement according to claim 30, further comprising a guard arrangement configured to protect substantially the tether from abutment against a wall or edge of the vessel or system.
32. An arrangement according to claim 31, wherein the guard arrangement comprises an extendable arm, the extension of which is actuatable from outside of the chamber of the vessel.
33. An arrangement according to claim 32, wherein the guard arrangement comprises a roller at a distal end of the arm.
34. An arrangement according to any of claims 31 to 33, further comprising a guard arrangement valve through a wall of the vessel, the guard arrangement valve being configured to receive a guard arrangement thereth rough.
35. An arrangement according to any of claims 29 to 34, further comprising a tether for attachment to an apparatus for delivery.
36. An arrangement according to any of claims 29 to 35, wherein the launch mechanism comprises a rod which is configured to be driven such that it pushes against an apparatus to be delivered.
37. An arrangement according to claim 36, wherein the launch mechanism is actuatable from outside of the chamber of the vessel.
38. An arrangement according to claim 37, further comprising a launch mechanism valve through a wall of the vessel and configured to receive at least part of the launch mechanism therethrough.
39. An arrangement according to any of claims 29 or 38, wherein the launch mechanism further comprises a tool adapted to perform a task.
40. An arrangement according to claim 39, wherein the tool is a gripping tool configured to grip an object.
41. An arrangement according to claim 40, further comprising a camera configured to receive an image of at least part of the chamber of the vessel and to transmit the image to a location outside of the chamber of the vessel.
42. An arrangement according to claim 41, wherein the camera is located inside the chamber of the vessel.
43. An arrangement according to any of claims 19 to 42, wherein the vessel is a pressure vessel configured to contain a fluid at a pressure greater than 1 Atmosphere.
44. A method of manufacturing a delivery arrangement for delivering an apparatus through an access aperture of a fluid transportation or storage system, the method comprising: providing a vessel defining a chamber adapted to house an apparatus for delivery, the vessel having an attachment arrangement configured for attachment to the access aperture such that the chamber is in fluid communication with the access aperture; and providing a launch mechanism configured to move an apparatus for delivery from the chamber of the vessel through the access aperture, wherein the launch mechanism is actuatable from outside of the chamber of the vessel.
45. A method of delivering an apparatus through an access aperture of a system, the method comprising comprising: attaching a vessel defining a chamber, and housing an apparatus for delivery, using an attachment arrangement to the access aperture such that the chamber is in fluid communication with the access aperture; and actuating, from outside the chamber of the vessel, a launch mechanism to move the apparatus for delivery from the chamber of the vessel through the access aperture.
46. A kit for a delivery arrangement for delivering an apparatus through an access aperture of a fluid transportation or storage system, the kit comprising: a vessel defining a chamber adapted to house an apparatus for delivery, the vessel having an attachment arrangement configured for attachment to the access aperture such that the chamber is in fluid communication with the access aperture; and a launch mechanism configured to move an apparatus for delivery from the chamber of the vessel through the access aperture, wherein, when in use, the launch mechanism is actuatable from outside of the chamber of the vessel.
47. An arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures.
48. A method of manufacturing substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures.
49. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures.
50. A kit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures.
51. A valve for allowing an elongate member to pass into a vessel, the valve comprising: one or more gaskets defining a bore for receiving an elongate member; and an adjustable compression mechanism adapted to compress the or each gasket such that, in use, when an elongate member passes through the bore defined by the or each gasket into the vessel, a seal between the or each gasket and the elongate member is controllable by adjustment of the compression mechanism.
52. A valve according to claim 51, wherein the compression mechanism comprises a threaded nut adapted to compress the of each gasket against at least part of a housing of the valve.
53. A valve according to claim 51 or 52, wherein the or each gasket is sandwiched between a pair of washers.
54. A valve according to claim 53, wherein one or both of the pair of washers comprises a washer formed of two or more separate segments.
55. A valve according to claim 54, wherein one or both of the pair of washers comprises a washer formed of four separate segments.
56. A valve according to any of claims 51 to 55, wherein the valve is for a rod.
57. A valve according to any of claims 51 to 56, wherein there are a plurality of gaskets.
58. A valve according to any of claims 51 to 57, wherein the or each gasket is formed from neoprene.
59. A valve according to any of claims 51 to 58, further comprises an attachment arrangement configured to secure the valve to the vessel.
60. A valve according to claim 59, wherein the attachment arrangement comprises a weld.
61. A valve according to claim 59, wherein the attachment arrangement comprises a threaded portion of the valve.
62. A method of manufacturing a valve for allowing an elongate member to pass into a vessel, the method comprising: providing one or more gaskets associated with the housing and defining a bore for receiving an elongate member; and providing an adjustable compression mechanism adapted to compress the or each gasket such that, in use, when an elongate member passes through the bore defined by the or each gasket into the vessel, a seal between the or each gasket and the elongate member is controllable by adjustment of the compression mechanism.
63. A method for passing an elongate member into a vessel, the method comprising: inserting the elongate member through a bore defined by one or more gaskets at least partially into the vessel; and using an adjustable compression mechanism to compress the or each gasket to control a seal between the or each gasket and the elongate member.
64. A kit for a valve for allowing an elongate member to pass into a vessel, the kit comprising: one or more gaskets defining a bore for receiving an elongate member; and an adjustable compression mechanism adapted to compress the or each gasket such that, in use, when an elongate member passes through the bore defined by the or each gasket into the vessel, a seal between the or each gasket and the elongate member is controllable by adjustment of the compression mechanism.
65. A valve substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures.
66. A method of manufacturing substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures.
67. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures.
68. A kit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying figures.
69. Any novel feature of combination thereof disclosed herein.