GB2535446A

GB2535446A - Overhead conductor replacement

Info

Publication number: GB2535446A
Application number: GB1501091.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Harry Neve Simon
Original assignee: Trans And Distrib Innovations Ltd
Current assignee: Trans And Distrib Innovations Ltd
Priority date: 2015-01-22
Filing date: 2015-01-22
Publication date: 2016-08-24
Anticipated expiration: 2035-01-22
Also published as: GB201501091D0; GB2535446B

Abstract

An overhead conductor replacement apparatus comprises a first grip 4 configured to grip a first rope, a second grip 6 configured to grip a second rope and an aperture 8 for enabling the apparatus to be supported by an overhead conductor. The second grip holds the second rope when a force is applied in a first direction, but allows it to move when a force is applied to the second rope in a second direction, see Figs 3A, 3B. The apparatus can be pulled along a conductor using a tractor unit (48, Fig 10), and then the ropes pulled tight (Fig 11) so that the apparatus supports the conductor. A new conductor then then be pulled into place by the old one. If the conductor should break, the first rope can be used to pull the apparatus back along the second rope (38, Fig 14), the old second rope put in the aperture, and the apparatus pulled out again with a new second rope (38A, Fig 15).

Description

TITLE

Overhead Conductor Replacement

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the invention relate to overhead conductor replacement.

BACKGROUND

A power transmission system may comprise multiple transmission towers (electricity pylons) which enable overhead conductors to be routed from location to location. From time to time, it may become necessary to replace an overhead conductor because it has become damaged due to lightning, corrosion or for other reasons.

A conductor may be replaced by reducing the tension in the conductor between two towers, attaching a running out block at each tower, supporting the conductor using the running out blocks, connecting a new conductor to the old conductor and then pulling the old conductor to remove it from its position between the two towers, so that the new conductor is positioned in its place between the two towers. The new conductor can then be tensioned correctly between the two towers.

In some locations, infrastructure such as buildings, railway tracks and/or roads may be located beneath a conductor which is to be replaced. There is a risk that when the conductor is being replaced, it may sever, causing a hazard to the infrastructure and any people located beneath the conductor.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided an overhead conductor replacement apparatus, comprising: a first grip configured to grip a portion of a first rope in order to maintain the apparatus at a position on the first rope; a second grip configured to grip a portion of a second rope in order to maintain a position of the apparatus on the second rope when a force is applied to the second rope in a first direction, and configured to enable the second rope to move relative to the second grip when a force is applied to the second rope in a second direction, different from the first direction; and an aperture for enabling the apparatus to be supported by an overhead conductor.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a method, comprising: replacing an overhead conductor using the overhead conductor replacement apparatus described above.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided examples as claimed in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

For a better understanding of various examples described in the detailed description, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig 1 illustrates a rear elevation of an overhead conductor replacement apparatus; Fig 2 illustrates a side elevation of the overhead conductor replacement apparatus; Figs 3A and 3B illustrate a grip, in the form of a cam cleat, which is part of the overhead conductor replacement apparatus; Fig 4 illustrates a front elevation of the overhead conductor replacement apparatus; Fig 5 illustrates a plan view of the overhead conductor replacement apparatus; Fig 6 illustrates a perspective view of the overhead conductor replacement apparatus, when the overhead conductor replacement apparatus is in an open configuration and a portion of a rope has been positioned in the grip illustrated in Figs 3A and 3B; Fig 7 illustrates a perspective view of the overhead conductor replacement apparatus when the overhead conductor replacement apparatus is in an open configuration, and an overhead conductor has been positioned to extend through the apparatus; Fig 8 illustrates a perspective view of the overhead conductor replacement apparatus in a closed configuration, where an overhead conductor extends through an aperture in the apparatus; Fig 9 illustrates a perspective view of the overhead conductor replacement apparatus in a closed configuration, where a portion of a rope has been positioned in a further grip of the apparatus; Fig 10 illustrates a plurality of apparatuses positioned on an overhead conductor and being pulled along the overhead conductor by a tractor unit; Fig 11 illustrates a plurality of apparatuses supported by two ropes extending between two towers; Fig 12 illustrates an example of one of the overhead conductor replacement apparatuses in position between the two towers illustrated in Fig 11; Fig 13 illustrates a situation in which the overhead conductor between the two towers has failed; Fig 14 illustrates the apparatuses being removed from between the towers whilst leaving a rope in position between the towers in place of the failed conductor; Fig 15 illustrates the apparatuses being redeployed on the rope that extends between the two towers; Fig 16 illustrates the redeployed apparatuses positioned between the two towers; Fig 17 illustrates one of the apparatuses in the process of being redeployed in Fig 15; Fig 18 illustrates one of the apparatuses positioned between the towers after it has been redeployed between the towers; and Figs 19A and 19B illustrate an alternative implementation of the grip illustrated in Figs 3A and 3B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Fig 1 illustrates a rear elevation of an overhead conductor replacement apparatus 2. The apparatus 2 is shown in its closed configuration. The apparatus 2 is configured to initially be positioned on an overhead conductor and subsequently to support the overhead conductor as it is pulled through the apparatus 2 while being replaced. In use, multiple apparatuses of the type illustrated in Fig 1 may be used to replace an overhead conductor. This is described in further detail below.

The apparatus 2 comprises a first grip 4 which is configured to grip a portion of a first rope and a second grip 6 which is configured to grip a portion of a second rope.

The apparatus 2 also comprises a housing 15. The housing 15 comprises a first housing portion 14 and a second housing portion 16. The first grip 4 is positioned in the first housing portion 14. The second grip 6 is positioned in the second housing portion 16.

The apparatus 2 comprises an aperture 8 which enables the apparatus 2 to be supported by an overhead conductor and which enables the apparatus 2 to support an overhead conductor. The aperture 8 is positioned between (and mostly defined by) a first roller 10 and a second roller 12. Both the first roller 10 and the second roller 12 are positioned between the first housing portion 14 and the second housing portion 16 when the apparatus 2 is its closed configuration. The apparatus 2 comprises a shaft (not shown) which passes through the first roller 10 and connects the first housing portion 14 with the second housing portion 16.

The first grip 4 is configured to grip a portion of a first rope to maintain the apparatus 2 at a position on the first rope. The first grip 4 is illustrated in more detail in Fig 2, and, in this example, is spring-loaded. The first grip 4 comprises a leaf spring 20 for gripping a portion of the first rope.

In use, a first rope may be positioned in the first grip 4 by positioning portions of the first rope in guides 22, 24 in the first housing 14. The guides 22, 24 are formed as recesses in the first housing 14. When the first rope is positioned in the guides 22, 24, the resilient biasing of the leaf spring 20 causes it to grip the first rope, holding the apparatus 2 in position on the first rope. The leaf spring 20 can be seen in the side elevation of the apparatus 2 illustrated in Fig 2. The leaf spring 20 is resiliently biased in an upwards direction to grip a portion of the first rope.

The second grip 6 is configured to grip a portion of a second rope in order to maintain a position of the apparatus 2 on the second rope when a force is applied to the second rope in a first direction. The second grip 6 is also configured to enable the second rope to move relative to the second grip 6 when a force is applied in a second direction, different from the first direction.

In the illustrated example, the second grip 6 is a cam cleat which comprises first and second cams 34, 36. Figs 3A and 3B illustrate the second grip 6 in more detail. The first cam 34 has a curved inner surface 34a and the second cam 36 has a curved inner surface 36a.

The first cam 34 is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation 61, as illustrated by the arrows 62. The second cam 36 is configured to rotate about a different axis of rotation 63, as illustrated by the arrows 64 in Fig 3A. Each of the cams 34, 36 is spring-loaded, causing the cams 34, 36 and, in particular, their inner surfaces 34a, 36a, to be resiliently biased towards each other. If nothing is positioned between the cams (as shown in Fig 3A), the inner surfaces 34a, 36a of the cams 34, 36 may touch one another in a region denoted by the dotted line 65 in Fig 3A.

Fig 3B illustrates a portion of a second rope 38 being gripped by the second grip 6.

The inner surface 34a of the first cam 34 grips an upper surface of the second rope 38 and the inner surface 36a of the second cam 36 grips a lower surface of the second rope 38. The inner surfaces 34a, 36a of the cams 34, 36 may, for example, be textured to increase the amount of friction between the inner surfaces 34a, 36a of the cams 34, 36 and the second rope 38.

The second grip 6 is configured to grip the portion of the second rope 38 such that it maintains a position of the apparatus 2 on the second rope 38 when a force is applied to the second rope 38 in a first direction 41. That is, if a force is applied in a first direction 41 which causes the second rope 38 to move in the first direction 41, the apparatus 2 moves in the first direction 41 with the second rope 38; the second rope 38 does not move substantially relative to the apparatus 2.

Equivalently, if a force is applied to the apparatus 2 in the first direction 41, the second rope 38 moves in the first direction 41 with the apparatus 2; the apparatus 2 does not move substantially relative to the second rope 38.

The second grip 6 is also configured to enable the second rope 38 to move relative to the second grip 6/the apparatus 2 when a force is applied in a second direction 42, different from the first direction 41. If a force is applied in the second direction 42, the second rope 38 moves in a second direction 42 causing the first and second cams 34, 36 rotate outwardly such that a larger space between their inner surfaces 34a and 36a is created. In this example, the second direction 42 is substantially opposite to the first direction 41.

It can be seen from Fig 3B that the inner surfaces 34a and 36a of the first and second cams 34, 36 provide an adjustable tapered channel for the second rope 38. The adjustable tapered channel has been illustrated in Figs 3A and 3B by bold lines denoted with the reference numerals 34b and 36b. The tapered channel tapers in the second direction 42 and is arranged to maintain a position of the apparatus 2 on the second rope 38 when a force is applied to the second rope in the first direction 41 (but not the second direction 42). The tapered channel is arranged to enable the second rope 38 to move relative to the second grip 6 (and the apparatus 2 as a whole) when a force is applied in the second direction 42.

Fig 4 illustrates a front elevation of the apparatus 2. The apparatus 2 is illustrated in its closed configuration.

A guide 30, provided by the second housing portion 16, can be seen in Fig 4. The guide 30 has the form of a recess in the second housing portion 16 and is for guiding a second rope 38 within the second housing portion 16, such as the second rope 38 illustrated in Fig 3B.

The apparatus 2 further comprises a locking mechanism 18. In this example, the first housing portion 14 comprises a latch 18a and the second housing portion 16 comprises a keep 18b but, in other implementations, it could be the other way around. The locking mechanism 18 locks the apparatus 2 in its closed configuration. The locking mechanism 18 may be operated by hand, such that the apparatus 2 can be locked and unlocked without the use of a tool.

The apparatus 2 comprises a movable guard 32 for preventing or mitigating movement of the second rope 38 out of the second grip 6. The guard 32 is configured to prevent/mitigate movement of the second rope 38 in a third direction, which is different from the first and second directions 41, 42. In this example, the guard 32 is configured to prevent movement of the second rope 38 towards the rollers 10, 12. The third direction is substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions 41, 42.

Fig 5 illustrates a plan view of the apparatus 2 in which an intersection 17 between the first housing portion 14 and the second housing portion 16 is visible. The shape of the intersection 17 is such that, if the locking mechanism 18 is opened when the housing 15 is in its closed configuration, the first housing portion 14 may be rotated relative to the second housing portion 16 in one direction, but not in the opposite direction, for ease of use.

Also visible in Fig 5 is an ancillary roller 28 which assists with movement of the second rope 38 in the second direction 42 when a force is applied in the second direction 42.

Fig 6 illustrates the apparatus 2 in its open configuration. When the locking mechanism 18 is open, the apparatus 2 may be transitioned into its open configuration by rotating the first housing portion 14 relative to the second housing portion 16 about the shaft which passes through the first roller 10. The second roller 12 is separable and comprises a first separable part 12a and a second separable part 12b. When the first housing portion 14 is rotated relative to the second housing portion 16, the first and second parts 12a, 12b of the second roller 12 are separated and become displaced from one another.

A method of replacing an overhead conductor using the overhead conductor replacement apparatus 2 will now be described in relation to Figs 6 to 18.

When the apparatus 2 is to be positioned on an overhead conductor, the apparatus 2 is placed into its open configuration and a portion of the second rope 38 is positioned in the second grip 6, as illustrated in Fig 6. Fig 6 illustrates the guard 32 in its open configuration which enables a portion of the second rope 38 to be inserted into the second grip 6. Once a portion of the second rope 38 has been inserted into the second grip 61 the guard 32 may be rotated (by hand) into its closed configuration, as shown in Figs 4 and 8, for example.

Next, the apparatus 2 is positioned on the overhead conductor by positioning a portion of the overhead conductor within the aperture 8 between the first and second rollers 10, 12. The separation of the first and second parts 12a, 12b of the second roller 12 enables this to be done. Fig 7 illustrates the overhead conductor in position, where the overhead conductor is denoted with the reference numeral 44.

The apparatus 2 may now be transitioned into is closed configuration by rotating the first housing portion 14 relative to the second housing portion 16 in the opposite direction to that in which it was rotated to open the apparatus 2. Fig 8 illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus 2 after the apparatus 2 has been closed. It can be seen that a portion of the overhead conductor 44 is positioned within the aperture 8 between the first and second rollers 10, 12. The aperture 8 is shaped to enable the overhead conductor 44 to move freely within it.

Once the apparatus 2 has been transitioned into its closed configuration, the overhead conductor 44 and the second rope 38 are contained with the housing 15.

In a situation where both ends of the second rope 38 are secured in position, the apparatus 2 and the second rope 38 cannot be separated without transitioning the apparatus 2 into its open configuration. Similarly, in a situation where both ends of the overhead conductor 44 are secured in position, the apparatus 2 and the overhead conductor 44 cannot be separated without transitioning the apparatus 2 into its open configuration.

Fig 8 illustrates the guard 32 in its closed configuration, where it prevents/mitigates movement of the second rope 38 out of the second grip 6 as discussed above.

A portion of a first rope 37 may then be positioned in the first grip 4. Fig 9 illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus 2 after a portion of the first rope 37 has been inserted into the first grip 4. Unlike the second rope 38 and the conductor 44, the first rope 37 can be inserted when the apparatus 2 is in its closed configuration.

Fig 10 illustrates an example in which multiple apparatuses 2a-2h, interconnected by first and second ropes 37, 38 and of the form described above, have been inserted onto an overhead conductor 44 in the manner described above and illustrated in Fig 9. The apparatuses 2a-2h are supported by the overhead conductor 44 and pulled along the overhead conductor 44 by a tractor unit 48, via the first and second ropes 37, 38, so that they may be positioned across the whole length of the conductor 44. When the tractor unit 48 pulls the apparatuses 2a-2h, it applies a force to the first and second ropes 37, 38, in the first direction 41. The first and second grips 4, 6 of each of the apparatuses 2a-2h maintain the position of each apparatus 2a-2h on the first and second ropes 37, 38, enabling them to be pulled by the tractor unit 48.

Once the apparatuses 2a-2h are in position, the first and second ropes 37, 38, may be tensioned using twin support drums 52, causing the apparatuses 2a-2h to be supported by the first and second ropes 37, 38 rather than the conductor 44. Fig 11 illustrates apparatuses 2a-2p positioned across the whole length of the conductor 44 between two towers, 50, 54.

Advantageously, since the ends of the second rope 38 are secured at the two towers 51, 54 and the second rope 38 is contained within the housing 15 of each of the apparatuses 2a-2h positioned between the two towers 50, 54, the apparatuses 2a-2h are prevented from falling.

Fig 12 illustrates an example of an apparatus 2 positioned on the conductor 44 prior to the first and second ropes 37, 38 being tensioned. It can be seen that the conductor 44 is raised in Fig 12 (relative to Fig 9) and contacts the underside of the second roller 12, because the apparatus 2 is being supported by the conductor 44. When all of the apparatuses 2a-2p are in position and the first and second ropes 37, 38 are tensioned as mentioned above, the apparatuses 2a-2p are supported by the first and second ropes 37, 38 rather than the overhead conductor 44. The overhead conductor 44 may then be replaced by attaching a new conductor to one end of the conductor 44 and pulling the conductor 44 through the apparatuses 2a-2p until the new conductor is positioned in its place between the first and second towers 50, 54.

Fig 11 illustrates infrastructure 56 located beneath the overhead conductor 44 being replaced. As explained above, the infrastructure might, for example, include one or more buildings, railway lines or roads. In some circumstances, the conductor 44 being pulled through the apparatuses 2a-2p may sever. If this occurs, advantageously, since the conductor 44 is contained within the housing 15 of each of the apparatuses 2a-2h, the conductor 44 will continue to be held in position by the apparatuses 2a-2p, preventing disruption to the infrastructure 56 located below.

If the conductor 44 severs, each end of the conductor 44 may be pulled towards the nearest tower 50, 54. Fig 13 illustrates a situation in which the conductor 44 has severed and the ends of the conductor 44 have been pulled between the towers 50, 54. The apparatuses 2a-2p are held in position by the first and second ropes 37, 38.

After the conductor 44 has been severed, the apparatuses 2a-2p may be removed from their position, leaving the second rope 38 in place between the towers 50, 54. This is done by applying a force to each of the apparatuses 2a-2p in the second direction 42. This can be done, for example, by pulling the first rope 37. The first grip 4 of each apparatus 2 maintains the position of each apparatus 2 on the first rope 37, causing the apparatuses 2a-2p to move with the first rope 37.

When a force is applied to each apparatus 2 in the second direction 42, the apparatus 2 moves along the second rope 38 in the second direction 42.

Consequently, the second rope 38 remains in position between the two towers 50, 54.

Once the apparatuses 2a-2p have been retrieved, they may be redeployed between the two towers 50, 54. However, when the apparatuses 2a-2p are redeployed, they are positioned such that the second rope 38, which has remained in position between the two towers 50, 54, extends through the aperture 8 in the apparatuses 2a-2p. That is, the existing second rope 38 supports the apparatuses 2a-2p as they are being redeployed between the two towers 50, 54 and performs the role of an existing conductor between the two towers 50, 54 during the redeployment of the apparatus 2a-2p. Fig 15 illustrates the tractor unit 48 pulling apparatuses 2m-2p along the existing second rope 38 between the two towers 50, 54. A "new" second rope 38a is positioned in the second grip 6 of each of the apparatuses that are deployed between the two towers 50, 54. The apparatuses 2a-2p are pulled along the original second rope 38 by the tractor unit 48 using the first rope 37 and the "new" second rope 38a.

Once all of the apparatuses 2a-2p have been deployed on the original second rope 38 between the two towers 50, 54, the first rope 38 and the "new" second rope 38a are appropriately tensioned such that they support the apparatuses 2a-2p in their positions between the two towers 50, 54. It is therefore no longer necessary for the original second rope 38 to support the apparatuses 2a-2p in their positions between the two towers 50, 54. One or both ends of the severed conductor 44 may be attached to the original second rope 38. The reference numeral 58 in Fig 16 denotes a connection point between the original second rope 38 and one end of the severed conductor 44. The original second rope 38 may then be pulled through the apparatuses 2a-2p, along with part of the conductor 44, to enable a new conductor to be positioned between the two towers 50, 54. Since the new conductor is connected to one end of the old conductor 44, after the old conductor 44 has been hauled through the apparatuses 2a-2p, the new conductor is positioned in its place.

Once the new conductor is positioned between the two towers 50, 54 it is supported by the apparatuses 2a-2p. The new conductor may then be correctly tensioned using the twin support drums 52 and, once that has been done, the apparatuses 2a-2p and the first and second ropes 37, 38 may be removed from their positions between the first and second towers 50, 54. This can be done by applying a force in the first direction 42 to the apparatuses 2a-2p, for example, using the twin support drums 52 by pulling the first rope 37 and/or the "new" second rope 38a in the first direction 41. This will leave the new conductor in position between the two towers 50, 54.

Fig 17 illustrates an example of an apparatus 2 while it is being deployed on the original second rope 38 (as illustrated in Fig 15). Here, the apparatus 2 is supported by the original second rope 38.

Fig 18 illustrates an example of an apparatus 2 after the apparatuses 2a-2p have been redeployed and the first rope 37 and the "new" second rope 38a have been tensioned between the two towers 50, 54. It can be seen in Fig 18 that the apparatus 2 is being supported by the first rope 37 and the "new" second rope 38a and by not the original second rope 38.

Advantageously, embodiments of the invention enable an overhead conductor to be replaced with minimal disruption. This is because the apparatuses 2a-2p support a conductor 44 being replaced and prevent it from causing a hazard if it severs. In the event that the conductor 44 does sever, embodiments of the invention advantageously enable the conductor 44 to be replaced and the apparatuses 2a-2p to be removed.

Fig 19A illustrates an alternative implementation 6' of the second grip 6. The alternative implementation 6' of the second grip comprises a tapered channel provided by first and second curved surfaces 70, 72. Fig 19B illustrates a portion of the second rope 38 positioned in the tapered channel between the first and second curved surfaces 70, 72. The tapered channel in the alternative implementation 6' of the second grip differs from the implementation illustrated in Figs 3A and 3B in that the first and second curved surfaces 70, 72 are fixed in position and in that the tapered channel tapers in the first direction 41 rather than the second direction 42.

However, in both the implementation 6' illustrated in Figs 3A and 3B and the alternative implementation 6 illustrated in Figs 19A and 19B, the tapered channel is arranged to maintain the position of the apparatus 2 on the second rope 38 when a force is applied to the second rope 38 in the first direction 41 and is configured to enable the second rope 38 to move relative to the second grip when a force is applied in the second direction 42. In the alternative implementation 6', frictional forces applied to the second rope 38 by the first and second surfaces 70, 72 prevent/mitigate movement of the second rope 38 in the first direction 40 relative to the apparatus 2.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, the first grip 4 may have a different construction from that described above and illustrated in the figures. Also, the term "rope" has been used above, but a person skilled in the art will realize that the term is not intended to be limited to ropes of braided construction.

In some embodiments, the apparatuses 2a-2p may be used to replace a single conductor 44 with multiple conductors.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An overhead conductor replacement apparatus, comprising: a first grip configured to grip a portion of a first rope in order to maintain the apparatus at a position on the first rope; a second grip configured to grip a portion of a second rope in order to maintain a position of the apparatus on the second rope when a force is applied to the second rope in a first direction, and configured to enable the second rope to move relative to the second grip when a force is applied to the second rope in a second direction, different from the first direction; and an aperture for enabling the apparatus to be supported by an overhead conductor.
2. The overhead conductor replacement apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second direction is substantially opposite to the first direction.
3. The overhead conductor replacement apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the aperture is shaped to enable an overhead conductor to move freely within the aperture.
4. The overhead conductor replacement apparatus of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first grip is spring-loaded.
5. The overhead conductor replacement apparatus of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first grip comprises a leaf spring for gripping the portion of the first rope.
6. The overhead conductor replacement apparatus of any of the preceding claims, wherein the second grip is configured to provide a tapered channel for the second rope, the tapered channel being arranged to maintain a position of the apparatus on the second rope when a force is applied to the second rope in the first direction and being configured to enable the second rope to move relative to the second grip when a force is applied in the second direction.
7. The overhead conductor replacement apparatus of claim 6, wherein the tapered channel tapers in the second direction.
8. The overhead conductor replacement apparatus of claim 6 or 7, wherein the tapered channel is provided by first and second curved surfaces of the second grip.
9. The overhead conductor replacement apparatus of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the tapered channel is provided between a resiliently biased first surface and a resiliently biased second surface.
10. The overhead conductor replacement apparatus of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of each of the first and second surfaces which provide the tapered channel is curved.
11. The overhead conductor replacement apparatus of claim 6, wherein the tapered channel tapers in the first direction.
12. The overhead conductor replacement apparatus of claim 6 or 11, wherein the first and second surfaces are fixed in position.
13. The overhead conductor replacement apparatus of claim 6, 11 or 12, wherein the second grip is configured to maintain a position of the apparatus on the second rope when a force is applied in the first direction by frictional forces applied to the second rope by first and second surfaces of the second grip.
14. The overhead conductor replacement apparatus of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a guard for preventing or mitigating movement of the second rope out of the second grip in a third direction, different from the first and second directions.
15. The overhead conductor replacement apparatus of claim 14, wherein the third direction is perpendicular to the first and second directions.
16. The overhead conductor replacement apparatus of claim 14 or 15, wherein the guard is configured to move in order to enable the portion of the second rope to be inserted into the second grip.
17. The overhead conductor replacement apparatus of any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the movement of the guard is rotational.
18. The overhead conductor replacement apparatus of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion, wherein the first housing portion includes the first grip, the second housing portion includes the second grip, and the first housing portion is rotatable relative to the second housing portion.
19. The overhead conductor replacement apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a shaft connecting the first housing portion to the second housing portion that enables the first housing portion to rotate relative to the second housing portion.
20. The overhead conductor replacement apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a roller, rotatable about the shaft, that defines at least part of the aperture and is configured to assist with movement of an overhead conductor within the aperture.
21. The overhead conductor replacement apparatus of claim 18, 19 or 20, further comprising a separable roller, formed of at least first and second separable parts, wherein when the first housing portion is rotated relative to the second housing portion, separation of the first and second parts of the separable roller enable a portion of an overhead conductor to be located in the aperture.
22. The overhead conductor replacement apparatus of any of claims 18 to 21, further comprising a user operable locking mechanism for locking the first housing portion relative to the second housing portion.
23. A method, comprising: replacing an overhead conductor using the overhead conductor replacement apparatus of any of the preceding claims.