GB2515838A

GB2515838A - Stopper device

Info

Publication number: GB2515838A
Application number: GB1312493.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ian Geoffrey Sutton; Alastair Nigel Thompson
Original assignee: ANT HIRE Ltd
Current assignee: ANT HIRE Ltd
Priority date: 2013-07-05
Filing date: 2013-07-12
Publication date: 2015-01-07
Also published as: GB201312145D0; WO2015001350A1; GB201312493D0

Abstract

This invention relates to a device for positioning a stopper or plug in a pipe to stop or limit the flow of material in a pipe. More particularly, the invention relates to an device for positioning a stopper or plug in a pipe wherein the pipe orifice is located at a depth underground such as down a manhole, making it particularly difficult to access the orifice of the pipe. The device includes a first portion, a second portion and a plug portion. The first portion includes a bend between a first end of the first portion and a second end of the first portion. The second end of the first portion is hingedly connected to a first end of the second portion, and the plug portion is attached to a second end of the second portion.

Description

STOPPER DEVICE

[0001] This invention relates to a device for positioning and removing a stopper or plug in a pipe to stop or limit the flow of material in a pipe. More particularly, the invention relates to a device for positioning and removing a stopper or plug in a pipe wherein a pipe orifice is located at a depth underground, such as down a manhole, making it particularly difficult to access the orifice of the pipe.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Underground pipe work is used to transport various different materials such as water or water-carried waste to treatment plants or other destinations. For certain applications, the pipe work must have a suitable gradient to ensure an adequate flow velocity of waste, often termed a self-cleansing velocity. If the gradient of the pipe is too steep, the water may run off, leaving any solids within the waste behind. If the gradient is too shallow, the waste will not have sufficient velocity in order to flow down the pipe work.

Typically, gradients from about 1 in 40 to about 1 in 110 give adequate flow velocity of waste. Since the pipe work requires such gradients, sections along the pipe work become deeper and deeper underground. Manholes are located at regular intervals along the pipe work and are necessary in order to provide access to the pipe work in case of blockages or leaks. Pipe work may be regularly inspected to ensure pipe integrity.

[0003] Water pipe systems are often located underground at a sufficient depth such that the pipe systems are not adversely affected by ground surface level fluctuations. As such, water pipes may be located up to several meters below ground level and manholes are necessary in order to provide access to the pipe work.

[0004] Typically, when testing for pipe integrity or blockages, the pipe must be plugged using a stopper. Pneumatic stoppers are sometimes used to control the flow in the pipe.

Some stoppers comprise a pneumatic doughnut having an inner surface closely fitted around a metal or plastic cylindrical tube and a variable outer surface diameter. When positioned in the pipe, the doughnut is inflated to plug the annulus between the pipe and the cylindrical tube. Within the cylindrical tube a blank pneumatic stopper is held in position and when inflated seals the hole through the cylindrical tube. When deflated the liquid passes around the stopper and flows through the cylindrical tube. Separate controls enable control of inflation and deflation of the outer portion of the doughnut within the pipe and enable control of the stopper within the cylindrical tube.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] In accordance with a first aspect, there is provided a device for positioning a stopper or plug in a pipe, the device comprising a first portion, a second portion and a plug portion, wherein the first portion comprises a bend between a first end of the first portion and a second end of the first portion, the second end of the first portion is hingedly connected to a first end of the second portion, and the plug portion is attached to a second end of the second portion.

[0006] The second portion may be provided with a caster or nub adapted to glide across a hard surface when the device is fully inserted down a manhole. The caster or nub is positioned so as to cause the second portion to pivot relative to the first portion, and to allow the plug portion to be aligned with the pipe orifice.

[0007] Such an arrangement provides means for positioning a stopper or plug in an orifice of an underground pipe such as a surface water or sewage pipe. Typically, the orifice of the pipe is found near or at the bottom of a manhole and the plug portion, or the caster or nub of the plug portion, comes to rest on the channel invert in the manhole chamber accessed via the manhole opening at the ground's surlace. Once the device is so located, pushing the first portion downwardly provides a thrusting action on the second portion and enables the second portion to move the plug portion into the orifice of the pipe.

The repetitive thrusting action enables the plug or stopper to be manoeuvred more easily into the orifice of the pipe. The device is especially useful for manoeuvring a plug or stopper to and in a pipe located down a manhole from the surface since manholes have the added complication of poor accessibility, poor visibility and would require an operator entering the manhole to have the correct safety equipment and back up.

[0008] Where a nub, rather than a wheeled caster is employed, the nub may be polished or coated with non-stick material to reduce sliding friction.

[0009] The caster or nub may be a variable height caster or nub providing means to account for the different diameters of pipes. The variable height caster or nub may comprise a spring, where the spring can support the weight of the device without unduly creating excess work for the user.

[0010] The bend between the first end of the first portion and the second end of the first portion may range from approximately 100° to approximately 170°. The bend may range from approximately 1200 to approximately 150°. The bend may be approximately 135°.

The angle of the bend is related to the thrusting distance.

[0011] The angle between the second end of the first portion and the first end of the second portion may, in some embodiments, be variable from approximately 130° and 180°.

[0012] The device may be provided with a light located on the first portion to improve visibility down the manhole.

[0013] The device may be provided with a light located on the second portion to improve visibility down the manhole.

[0014] The device may be provided with a camera on the first and/or second portion.

[0015] The first end of the first portion may comprise a telescopic handle, allowing the second portion and the plug portion to be lowered by extending a telescopic pole into the manhole.

[0016] The plug portion may be adapted to retain a solid plug or stopper, an inflatable plug or stopper, a pneumatic plug or stopper, or a hydraulic plug or stopper.

[0017] The plug portion may be adapted to accommodate a compressed air line or other means for inflating the pneumatic plug or stopper or hydraulic plug or stopper.

[0018] The plug portion may be adapted to releaseably attach to the second end of the second portion to allow different sizes of plugs or stoppers to be attached to the plug portion.

[0019] The plug portion may be shaped like a doughnut having an inner orifice for allowing variable flow of material through the inner orifice and a variable outer surface diameter for fixing the plug portion in the pipe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows the device with the pusher in a downward hanging position; Figure 2 shows the device with the pusher in a thrusting position; Figure 3 shows the device being lowered into the manhole, with the pusher in a downward hanging position; Figure 4 shows the device with the pusher in a thrusting position, the pusher having made contact with the floor of the inspection chamber; Figure 5 shows the device with the pusher in a downward hanging position and in a thrusting position; Figure 6 shows a pneumatic stopper or plug in a pipe orifice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The device provides an improved apparatus for positioning and removing a stopper or plug in a pipe such as a surface water pipe or sewage pipe. The device 1 includes a first portion 101 a second portion 20 and a plug portion 30. The device is arranged so that the first portion 10 has a first end 12 and a second end 14, and a bend 16 therebetween. The bend between a first end of the first portion and a second end of the first portion is approximately 135°, however, the device is also operable when the bend angle ranges from approximately 1000 to approximately 170°. The angle of the bend is related to the thrusting distance. For example, a bend having an angle of approximately 135° provides the maximum available thrusting distance.

[0022] The second end 14 of the first portion lOis hingedly connected to the first end of the second portion. The hinge 22 is adapted to prevent the second portion 20 from swinging entirely freely and the hinge 22 only allows rotational motion of the second portion 20 from a line formed by the second end 14 of the first portion 10 and a line formed by the first end 12 of the first portion 10. Therefore, the hinge 22 is adapted to limit rotational movement of the second portion relative to the plug portion. Figure 1 shows the device 1 with the plug portion 30 hanging downwardly, the second portion 20 in line with the second end 14 of the first portion 10. The plug portion 30 is retained by the second portion 20 via a connector 36.

[0023] The connection between the second portion and the stopper is releasable so that stoppers and plugs of different sizes may be attached. However, in use, down a manhole, the stopper or plug must be retained by the second portion 20 so that there is no risk of the stopper or plug being detached accidently.

[0024] The second portion 20 is provided with a caster or nub 24. In the figures, the device is shown with a caster; however this is only one example of the device. A caster includes a wheel but it could also be a ball in a socket, or a nub, the nub being provided with a non-stick material.

[0025] The caster or nub acts as a moveable pivot to transfer the action of pushing the first portion 10 downwardly, into a thrusting action perpendicular to the first end of the first portion of the second portion 20 and therefore, since it is attached, the plug portion 30.

Pushing the device downwardly provides perpendicular thrusting of the stopper or plug 32 relative to the first end 12 of the first portion 10.

[0026] An air line 40 such as a compressed air line is provided for use with a pneumatic plug 32. Means for inflating a hydraulic plug or stopper are provided for use with a hydraulic plug or stopper.

[0027] Figure 2 shows the device with the caster resting on the channel invert of an inspection chamber for example.

[0028] In a particular embodiment, the caster 24 is provided with a wheel 26 to ease motion of the caster 24 along the channel invert of the inspection chamber towards the orifice of the pipe to ease the plug 32 or stopper into the orifice.

[0029] Such an arrangement provides means for positioning a stopper or plug in an orifice of an underground pipe such as a surface water pipe or sewage pipe. Typically, the orifice of the pipe is found near or at the bottom of a manhole and the second portion comes to rest on the channel invert of the manhole. Once the device is so located, small motions in a direction parallel to the direction of the first end of the first portion provide a thrusting action on the plug portion and therefore push the plug in to the orifice of the pipe.

The thrusting action assists in locating the orifice and easing the plug into the orifice.

[0030] A light is located in the vicinity of the stopper or plug 32. A camera may also be provided to provide visualisation of the plugs passage down the manhole and into the orifice.

[0031] A variable height caster is provided to account for the different diameter pipes and enables the stopper or plug to be placed centrally in the pipe.

[0032] In another embodiment, the first portion is provided with an extendable first end such as a telescopic pole 18. A telescopic pole 18 enables the user to extend the plug portion 30 to be lowered by extending a telescopic pole 18 into the manhole.

[0033] Figures 3 and 4 show the device in an inspection chamber 52, in the ground 54.

Figure 3 shows the device on entering the inspection chamber 52, with the second portion in the downward position. This enables the device to fit into narrower chambers. The telescopic pole iBis extended to lower the plug portion into the chamber with the telescopic pole being provided with an optional handle or grip 19.

[0034] Figure 4 shows the device once the device has reached the channel invert surface 56 of an inspection chamber 52. Pushing down on the first portion 10 provides a perpendicular thrust toward the orifice 50 of the pipe 58 and enables the plug 32 to be eased into the orifice 50 of the pipe 58.

[0035] Figure 5 the device without the stopper or plug attached in the downward position and in a position once the caster or nub 24, 26 is resting on a surface. The stopper or plug is connected to the caster portion 24. The connector 36 is releasable to enable the user to replace the stopper or plug with a different size stopper or plug.

[0036] Figure 6 shows a pneumatic doughnut type plug or stopper suitable for use with the device, in position within the orifice 50 of the pipe 58, ready for inflation via the air line 40.41.

[0037] The plug portion is adapted to accommodate different sized stoppers and plugs.

[0038] In a particular embodiment, the connection is operable to disconnect the plug portion using a mechanical or optionally, an electrical switch.

[0039] It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that features described in relation to any of the embodiments described above can be applicable interchangeably between the different embodiments. The embodiments described above are examples to illustrate various features of the invention [0040] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0041] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments.

The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0042] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device for positioning a stopper or plug in a pipe, the device comprising: a first portion; a second portion; and a plug portion; wherein the first portion comprises a bend between a first end of the first portion and a second end of the first portion, the second end of the first portion is hingedly connected to a first end of the second portion, and the plug portion is attached to a second end of the second portion.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second portion is provided with a caster or nub adapted to glide across a ground surface when the device is fully inserted down a manhole.
3. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the caster or nub is positioned so as to cause the second portion to pivot relative to the first portion, and to allow the plug portion to be aligned with the pipe orifice.
4. A device as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the caster or nub is a variable height caster or nub comprising a spring.
5. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the bend has an angle between a first end of the first portion and a second end of the first portion ranging from approximately 100° to approximately 170°.
6. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the bend has an angle between a first end of the first portion and a second end of the first portion ranging from approximately 120° to approximately 150°.
7. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the bend has an angle between a first end of the first portion and a second end of the first portion of approximately 135°.
8. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a light is located on the first portion.
9. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a light is located on the second portion.
10. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device is provided with a camera on the first and/or second portion.
11. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first end of the first portion further comprises a telescopic handle.
12. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plug portion is shaped like a doughnut having an inner orifice for allowing variable flow of material through the inner orifice and a variable outer surface diameter for fixing the plug portion in the pipe.
13. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plug portion is adapted to releaseably attach to the second end of the second portion.
14. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plug portion is an inflatable plug or stopper.
15. A device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the inflatable plug or stopper is a pneumatic or hydraulic plug or stopper.
16. A device as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the plug portion is adapted to accommodate inflation means.
17. A device, as herein described with reference to Figures ito 5.