GB2538957A

GB2538957A - Apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: GB2538957A
Application number: GB1509349.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Langdale Simon; James Little Wesley
Original assignee: NAT GRID GAS PLC; National Grid Gas PLC
Current assignee: National Grid Gas PLC
Priority date: 2015-05-29
Filing date: 2015-05-29
Publication date: 2016-12-07
Also published as: GB201721071D0; GB2555342B; WO2016192817A1; GB2555342A; GB201509349D0

Abstract

To insert a side connection conduit or liner 300 into a side connection pipeline C in the making of a service connection between the side connection pipeline C and a main pipeline 101, apparatus 140, which is a robot or pig, is used. The robot 140 comprises propulsion means and traction means 168, the latter for engaging the side connection conduit/liner 300 directly or indirectly via an elongate spring-based puller member 220, from within the main pipeline 101. The robot 140 inserts, by drawing/pulling or pushing, the side connection conduit/liner 300 through the side connection pipeline C by traction. The tractional force is provided via e.g. rollers 170, 172. A system which comprises the robot 140 further comprises control means to control the operation of the robot 140. The robot 140 can further comprise a welding device to effect a sealing operation in making the service connection. The welding device can form a primary and secondary weld joint between: a primary connection portion of a connection fitting and the wall of the main pipeline, and a secondary connection portion of a connection fitting and the side connection conduit/liner 300 respectively.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GII1509349.5 RTM Date December 2015 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Serviflex (page 2, 21) Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk /ipo

APPARATUS AND METHOD

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to pipelines, especially but not exclusively to apparatus for use in the maintenance or installation of pipelines. More particularly, though not exclusively, the invention relates to apparatus for use in installing a service connection conduit as part of making a service connection to a pipeline.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Maintenance, upgrading and replacement of ageing utilities pipeline infrastructures are major issues facing utilities companies such as water and gas utilities companies. Pipeline networks typically include main supply pipelines (also referred to as the "mains" supply) and consumer service connection pipelines. (A "pipeline" or "pipe" may alternatively be termed simply a "conduit", and as used herein such terms may be used interchangeably.) The consumer service connection pipelines are connected to the main supply pipelines typically by means of a T-connection, to deliver a supply of fluid such as water or gas to a consumer's premises from the main supply pipeline via the consumer service connection pipeline.

Utilities supply pipelines and the connections between main and consumer service connection pipelines are typically located underground, presenting substantial access problems and cost implications when maintenance, upgrading or replacement is required.

Ageing pipelines, of both main and consumer connection types, are also vulnerable to failure and leakage of fluid from pipelines is a known hazard, which can be particularly serious in the case of gas leakage.

One solution to reducing the cost of replacement of pipelines, both of mains and consumer service connection kinds, is to install replacement pipeline within pre-existing pipeline, leaving the pre-existing main and/or pre-existing consumer service connection pipeline in place. The replacement main pipeline has an external diameter that is smaller than the internal diameter of the pre-existing main pipeline, allowing it to fit within the pre-existing main pipeline infrastructure. Similarly, the replacement consumer service connection pipeline has a diameter that is smaller than the pre-existing consumer service connection pipeline. The replacement main pipeline may be referred to as a "main pipeline liner" or "mains liner" because it effectively lines the pre-existing main pipeline. Similarly, the replacement consumer service connection pipeline may be referred to as a "service connection liner" since it effectively lines the pre-existing consumer service connection pipeline. The consumer service connection pipeline may for example be of the Serviflex (RTM) type, this being a twin-walled corrugated flexible polyethylene liner pipe supplied by Radius Systems Ltd, of South Normanton, Alfreton, Derbyshire, UK.

In known methods of replacement main pipeline installation, the replacement pipeline is installed within the pre-existing pipeline by pulling the replacement pipeline through the preexisting pipeline. Connection of the consumer service connection pipeline (or even a replacement liner inserted therein to repair same) into the replacement main pipeline is made by excavating ground above the location at which the pre-existing service connection pipeline connects to the pre-existing main pipeline. Installation personnel then remove a portion of the pre-existing main pipeline and pre-existing service connection pipeline in order to expose the replacement pipelines that have been installed therein. A T-connector is then installed on the replacement main pipeline and the replacement service connection pipeline coupled to the replacement main pipeline via the T-connector. The T-connector is typically attached to the main pipeline by forming an electrofusion bond between the T-connector and the main pipeline in a known manner.

Connections into the new main pipeline of existing or replacement side (or branch) connection pipelines of other types, apart from those to consumers' properties, may be made in the same manner.

In methods of installing a replacement pipeline within a pre-existing pipeline, especially a main pipeline, it is frequently necessary to utilise an apparatus, often a remote-controlled apparatus such as a "pig" or "robot", that is insertable into and propellable along the main pipeline in order to carry out one or more operations on an inner wall thereof. Such operations may include for instance a cutting operation, e.g. a drilling operation for the purpose of forming a hole or aperture through the main pipeline wall in order to make a necessary consumer service connection thereto, or an insertion operation, e.g. for inserting a connector device (such as the above-mentioned T-connector) into the aperture thus formed, or a welding operation, e.g. to form a fluid-tight bond and seal between such newly installed components for completing the overall new consumer service connection to the replacement main pipeline.

Such "pigs" or "robots" are often designed to be as small and lightweight as possible, and to that end it is common practice to provide such apparatuses with a multi-strand or multi-tube tether or umbilical cable via which it is linked to an above-ground control station and sources of electrical power, operational control signals, supplies of pressurised fluid to onboard pneumatic and/or hydraulic systems, and suchlike and provided. Such pigs or robots may also comprise several different sections or modules, e.g. each being constructed, designed and controlled to perform a given unique operation in the overall pipeline replacement procedure.

One aspect of the task of replacing or repairing consumer service (or other side or branch) connection pipelines which hitherto has received no or little attention is the manner in which a replacement consumer service (or other side or branch) connection pipeline, or conduit or liner, is actually inserted into an existing consumer service (or other side or branch) connection pipeline and its new terminal end brought into position for making the necessary connection to an already installed replacement main pipeline. Often such side connection pipelines are of a smaller diameter than main pipelines, and they may have a non-straight configuration or even follow a convoluted, often non-horizontal, path, all of which make the use of pigs or robots impossible or difficult to use to install replacement side connection pipelines or conduits/liners within existing side connection pipelines in the same manner as for installing replacement main pipelines. Conventionally therefore the answer has been for personnel to simply push or force the necessary replacement side connection pipeline or conduit/liner through the existing side connection pipeline until its terminal end reaches the desired site, and then proceed to make the necessary connection to the replaced main pipeline as described above.

However, the above known procedure comes with its own drawbacks. For example, it makes it difficult to efficiently make the required secure and fluid-tight connection to the replaced main pipeline itself, even with the use of the known T-piece or other connector, since the terminal end of the replacement side connection pipeline or conduit/liner is difficult to access from within the replaced main pipeline once the T-piece or other connector has itself been inserted into position in the hole or aperture formed in the replacement main pipeline. It is also difficult to accurately site the terminal end of the replacement side connection pipeline or conduit/liner itself exactly where it is needed for making the connection, as no means of manipulating it is available other than from above ground at the consumer site where its length is manually inserted into the existing side connection pipeline being repaired. Furthermore, configurations and pathways followed by many existing consumer service and other side or branch connection pipelines are far from easy to navigate, and may even contain restrictions or hindrances which make the manual insertion of the replacement side connection pipeline or conduit/liner from ground level difficult and may even lead to damage of the replacement conduit/liner's terminal end which is being relied upon for forming the required secure and fluid-tight joint connection.

It is an aim of the present invention to address disadvantages associated with the prior art such as those discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention may be understood with reference to the appended claims.

Aspects of the present invention provide an apparatus or robot, a module for an apparatus or robot, a system and a method.

In one aspect of the invention for which protection is sought there is provided apparatus for inserting a side connection conduit into a side connection pipeline in the making of a service connection between the side connection pipeline and a main pipeline, wherein the apparatus comprises: propulsion means for propelling the apparatus along the main pipeline to a site at which the service connection is to be made; and traction means for engaging the side connection conduit from within the main pipeline and inserting the side connection conduit through the side connection pipeline by traction.

In embodiments, and in the disclosure which follows, the above apparatus may alternatively be termed a "robot".

In embodiments, and in the disclosure which follows, the above side connection conduit which is inserted in the side connection pipeline, i.e. the existing side connection pipeline, may alternatively be termed a side connection liner.

In another aspect of the invention for which protection is sought there is provided an insertion module for an apparatus for making a service connection between a side connection pipeline and a main pipeline, the apparatus being propellable along the main pipeline to a site at which the service connection is to be made, and the insertion module being constructed and arranged for inserting a side connection conduit into the side connection pipeline, wherein the insertion module comprises: traction means for engaging the side connection conduit from within the main pipeline and inserting the side connection conduit through the side connection pipeline by traction.

In another aspect of the invention for which protection is sought there is provided a system for inserting a side connection conduit into a side connection pipeline in the making a service connection between the side connection pipeline and a main pipeline, wherein the system comprises: a robot which is propellable along and within the main pipeline to a site at which the service connection is to be made, the robot comprising: traction means for engaging the side connection conduit from within the main pipeline and inserting the side connection conduit through the side connection pipeline by traction; and wherein the system further comprises control means for controlling actuation and operation of the robot.

In another aspect of the invention for which protection is sought there is provided a method of inserting a side connection conduit into a side connection pipeline in the making a service connection between the side connection pipeline and a main pipeline, the method comprising: providing an apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention or any embodiment thereof; inserting the apparatus into the main pipeline and propelling it therealong to a site at which the service connection is to be made; operating the traction means to engage the side connection conduit from within the main pipeline and insert the side connection conduit through the side connection pipeline by traction.

Embodiments of the invention in its various aspects may be applied to the making of a wide variety of service connections between a main pipeline and various types of side connection pipelines. Such side connection pipelines may be any of various branch connections which lead into the main pipeline, such as one or more lateral or take-off connection pipelines, or (especially) one or more consumer service connection pipelines which are used to deliver a utility conveyed by the main pipeline to a consumer's property. Moreover, as used herein, although the term "main pipeline" is used herein to refer to the pipeline in which the apparatus or robot is deployed, it is to be understood that this "main pipeline" may not necessarily be a "mains" pipeline as such, but may be any pipeline designated as a "main" pipeline by virtue of the fact that it is that pipeline, e.g. any pipeline of a pipe network or system, into which the apparatus or robot is inserted and deployed for the performance therein of its various intended operations and tasks from therewithin.

In embodiments of the invention the traction means may be constructed and arranged for inserting the side connection conduit through the side connection pipeline by tractional drawing (i.e. pulling) or pushing of the engaged side connection conduit from within the main pipeline. Thus, it may be designed to insert the side connection conduit by either a "pulling" or a "pushing" action. In many embodiments a "pulling" or "drawing" action may be particularly convenient and useful.

In many practical embodiments of the invention the engagement of the side connection conduit or liner from within the main pipeline and its drawing/pulling or pushing through the side connection pipeline may be facilitated, or even achieved, by virtue of the main pipeline already having been provided with an aperture or hole in a wall thereof at the site at which the relevant service connection is to be made, especially at a location facing or adjacent a mouth or exit of the relevant side connection pipeline to which the service connection is to be made. Such an aperture or hole may for example be pre-formed by an earlier stage in the overall process of making the service connection and/or by operation of another module of the overall apparatus which is designed and dedicated for that purpose.

In some embodiments of the invention the apparatus may further comprise positioning or locator means for positioning or locating or orienting the apparatus or module at a required or desired location or position in the main pipeline at which access is possible or provided for engagement of the side connection conduit or liner from therewithin, especially via the above-mentioned pre-formed aperture or hole in the main pipeline wall. Such positioning or locator means may comprise for example one or more cameras, e.g. optical or even IR cameras, for observing the pipeline interior and/or the apparatus's environment.

In embodiments of the invention the traction means may be constructed and arranged to directly or indirectly engage the side connection conduit from within the main pipeline and insert it, such as by drawing (i.e. pulling) or pushing it, through the side connection pipeline by traction, especially from within the main pipeline.

For example, in some embodiments the traction means may engage and apply traction to the side connection conduit, especially a terminal end or end portion thereof, directly, whereas in other embodiments the traction means may engage and apply traction to the side connection conduit, indirectly, e.g. via a puller member.

Thus, in certain embodiments the traction means may be constructed and arranged to directly engage a terminal end or end portion of the side connection conduit and to insert it, such as by drawing (i.e. pulling) or pushing it, through the side connection pipeline by traction applied directly to that terminal end or end portion, especially from within the main pipeline.

However, in other embodiments the traction means may comprise, in addition to means for applying traction, a puller member which is attached to or engages with the side connection conduit or liner, and to which puller member the traction is applied to insert, such as by drawing (i.e. pulling) or pushing, the side connection conduit or liner through the side connection pipeline. In one embodiment form the puller member may be elongate, with at least a portion thereof being contained internally within the side connection conduit or liner.

Accordingly, although the term "puller member" is used herein as applying to all embodiments including such a feature, in the case of a "pushing" insertion action it is to be understood that the term "puller member" also encompasses a "pusher member" as would be used in that context, although the same nomenclature is used in all cases for simplicity.

In some embodiments the puller member may be flexible, for example such as to be resiliently deformable, in order to assist its passage along and through the side connection pipeline as it draws/pulls or pushes the side connection conduit or liner therethrough behind or ahead of it.

In some embodiment forms the puller member may comprise a traction portion, e.g. a forward traction portion. The traction portion may comprise a spring, e.g. a coil spring, especially an elongate coil spring. The spring may constitute at least a major portion of the total longitudinal length of the traction portion of the puller member.

In some embodiment forms the puller member may further comprise an engagement portion, e.g. a rearward engagement portion, i.e. a portion distal or remote from that portion thereof which is directly engaged by the traction means, via which it is attachable to or engageable with the side connection conduit/liner, so that as the puller member has traction applied to it, that traction is transmitted to the side connection conduit/liner itself. In one such embodiment form the engagement portion may comprise an enlarged head portion or protrusion which engages the side connection conduit/liner, e.g. an inner wall thereof, so as to anchor the puller member and the side connection conduit/liner with respect to one another in a longitudinal sense. In this manner, as traction is applied to the puller member in a longitudinal direction relative thereto, so that tractional force is transmitted to the side connection conduit/liner also in a longitudinal direction relative thereto.

In some embodiments of the invention the traction means may comprise, or may further comprise in addition to the above-mentioned puller member (in such embodiments where the latter is provided), one or more traction devices which apply traction, or a tractional force, to the side connection conduit/liner -or the puller member attached thereto, in embodiments where such is provided -to effect such drawing/pulling or pushing of the side connection conduit/liner through the side connection pipeline.

In embodiments the one or more traction devices may take various mechanical forms. For example, the or each traction device may comprise at least one traction member, such as a rotatable or rotatably mounted traction member, e.g. a roller or wheel, which engages the side connection conduit/liner -or the puller member attached thereto, in embodiments where such is provided -by friction. Alternatively such engagement may be by virtue of the or one or more of the respective traction members -or additionally the puller member attached thereto, in embodiments where such is provided -being provided with suitably configured teeth or other mechanical interengagement elements or portions which apply mechanical traction to the exterior of the side connection conduit/liner -or the puller member attached thereto, in embodiments where such is provided.

In some embodiments the one or more traction members may be driven by a motor, e.g. an electric motor, or other drive means. Such a motor or other drive means may be incorporated into the apparatus or module itself, and may be powered and controlled by the overall power supply and control systems which operate the other features of the apparatus or other modules thereof. Any suitable form of gearing arrangement may be provided between the motor or other drive means and the one or more traction members, such as to provide any necessary direction, speed and/or magnitude of tractional force necessary to draw/pull or push the side connection conduit/liner through the side connection pipeline. Such speed and/or magnitude of tractional force may for instance depend on the length and/or weight of the side connection conduit/liner and/or of the puller member (in embodiments where such is provided) to be drawn/pulled or pushed therethrough, and/or the shape or configuration of the side connection pipeline through which it is/they are to be drawn/pulled or pushed.

In some embodiments the traction means may comprise a series or arrangement of a plurality of discrete traction members, e.g. rollers or wheels, which may for example be longitudinally distributed or spaced along the direction of travel of the side connection conduit/liner (or the puller member attached thereto, in embodiments where such is provided) as tractional force is applied to it. Any one or more such rollers or wheels may be driven to apply the required tractional force onto the side connection conduit/liner (or the puller member attached thereto, in embodiments where such is provided). If desired or necessary, one or more idler rollers, wheels or other gripping members may be provided, e.g. on a side of the side connection conduit/liner (or the puller member attached thereto, in embodiments where such is provided) opposite the driven one or more traction members, to increase the tractional force applied thereby. If desired or necessary any one or more of such idler rollers, wheels or other gripping members may be moveable relative to, e.g. relatively towards or away from, the driven one or more traction members, such as under action of pneumatic or hydraulic actuator means.

In some embodiments the arrangement of the plurality of traction members may be such as to draw/pull or push the side connection conduit/liner (or the puller member attached thereto, in embodiments where such is provided) through a body of the apparatus or module from an input side to an output side thereof. In the case of a drawing/pulling insertion action, the input side may be adjacent or facing a mouth or exit of the side connection pipeline conduit/liner, especially adjacent or facing the above-mentioned pre-formed aperture or hole in the wall of the main pipeline which may be formed by an earlier stage in the overall process of making the service connection and/or by operation of another module of the overall apparatus which is designed and dedicated for that purpose. The output side may be a longitudinal end of the apparatus or module. That is to say, in such embodiments the traction arrangement may be such as to draw or pull the side connection conduit/liner (or the puller member attached thereto, in embodiments where such is provided) through the body of the apparatus or module from an input side adjacent or facing a mouth or exit of the side connection pipeline conduit/liner towards, and out of, an output longitudinal end of the apparatus or module, whereby as the side connection pipeline conduit/liner (or the puller member attached thereto, in embodiments where such is provided) is drawn through the body of the apparatus or module to emerge from that output longitudinal end thereof and extend longitudinally into and along the longitudinal direction of the main pipeline in which the apparatus or module is located. In the case of a pushing insertion action, the above designation of an input and an output side of the apparatus or module may be inversely or oppositely applied to the same respective features thereof, given that the mechanism operates simply in a reverse general direction or sense.

Thus, In the case of a drawing/pulling insertion action, the initial drawing/pulling direction in which the side connection conduit/liner (or the puller member attached thereto, in embodiments where such is provided) is drawn/pulled into the body of the apparatus or module may be a generally substantially transverse direction (relative to the axis of the main pipeline), and the subsequent drawing/pulling direction in which the side connection conduit/liner (or the puller member attached thereto, in embodiments where such is provided) is ejected out of the body of the apparatus or module may be a generally substantially longitudinal direction (relative to the axis of the main pipeline). Of course, however, in the case of a pushing insertion action, the respective transverse and longitudinal directions designated as above for the direction of input and ejection into or from the body of the apparatus or module may be reversed.

In practical embodiments of the method of the invention, in particular in the case of a drawing/pulling insert action, there may be included a preliminary step, anywhere prior to the step of operating the traction means, of partially inserting into the side connection pipeline from its end opposite from that at which the service connection to the main pipeline is to be made, either: (i) a portion, especially an end portion, in particular a terminal end portion, of the side connection conduit or liner itself, in embodiments where the traction means directly engages the side connection conduit or liner from within the main pipeline, or (ii) a portion, especially an end portion, in particular a free end portion, of the puller member which is attached to the side connection conduit or liner, in embodiments where the traction means indirectly engages the side connection conduit/liner from within the main pipeline via the said puller member, and wherein in either case (i) or (ii) the distance of insertion of the side connection conduit/liner or puller member, as the case may be, is sufficient to bring the portion, especially end portion, of the side connection conduit/liner or puller member, as the case may be, into initial engagement with the traction means.

The above preliminary insertion step may be accomplished e.g. simply by pushing the free end of the side connection conduit/liner or the puller member, as the case may be, through the side connection pipeline from e.g. the above-ground consumer's property end thereof (or some other location, e.g. in the case of other side or branch side connection pipelines), until the forward end of the side connection conduit/liner or puller member, as the case may be, meets and engages in the mouth of the traction device of the insertion module.

Accordingly upon such initial engagement of the portion, especially the end portion, of the side connection conduit/liner or puller member, as the case may be, with the traction means, operation of the traction means may then act to further engage the main body of the side connection conduit/liner or puller member, as the case may be, to draw or pull the side connection conduit/liner further through the consumer service connection pipeline.

In the case of a pushing insertion action, a corresponding or analogous preliminary insertion step may be carried out in an analogous manner, but in this case from within, and via, the main pipeline itself, rather than from the distal or remote end of the side connection pipeline. 5 In some embodiments of the invention there may optionally be provided in the apparatus or module, as the case may be, at least one welding and/or heating device for effecting one or more welding and/or heating and/or sealing operations in the making of the service connection between the side connection pipeline and the main pipeline after the insertion into the former of the side connection conduit/liner.

In some embodiments the welding and/or heating device may be constructed and configured for forming a secondary weld joint, and optionally also a secondary seal, between a terminal end or end portion of the side connection conduit/liner and a secondary connector portion of a fitting located in an aperture or hole in a wall of the main pipeline at the site at which the service connection between the main pipeline and the side connection conduit/liner is to be made. Such a fitting may additionally comprise a primary connector portion by which it is anchored in the aperture or hole in a wall of the main pipeline at the intended service connection site location. In some embodiments the welding and/or heating device may be constructed and configured for forming, either simultaneously with or optionally before or after the forming of the secondary weld joint (and optionally also the secondary seal), a primary weld joint, and optionally also a primary seal, between the primary connector portion of the fitting and the wall of the main pipeline surrounding the aperture or hole.

In some embodiments the locating of the fitting in the aperture or hole in the wall of the main pipeline at the intended service connection site may be effected in a preliminary or previous step of the overall process of forming the service connection. Such a locating of the fitting may be effected by an earlier stage in the overall process of making the service connection, such as by operation of another module of the overall apparatus which is designed and dedicated for that purpose.

Any suitable type of welding and/or heating device may be used in the above embodiments. One especially useful such welding and/or heating device may be an electrofusing apparatus, comprising an electrofusing conductor embedded in the material, especially a plastics material, of the fitting, and an electrical connector arranged to selectively supply electric current to the conductor from the apparatus or module to melt the fitting material at the appropriate location(s) to form the required weld and/or seal between the respective parts once they have been brought into contact or abutment by the insertion apparatus.

Optionally, in other embodiments, other alternative welding and/or heating devices may be used instead. For example, a heating device external to the connection fitting itself may be provided for heating and at least partially melting or fusing the material of the connection fitting and/or a portion of the other component (e.g. main pipeline wall or side connection pipeline or end portion of a conduit/liner inserted therein) to which it is to be weldingly attached or secured and/or sealed. Such alternative heating devices may include for example a means for heating the fitting by irradiation with electromagnetic radiation, such as infra-red radiation, or means for blowing heated air over the fitting, or means for forming a frictional weld (e.g. by rotation of the fitting in frictional contact with the surface to which it is to be welded).

In the practising of embodiments where a puller member is attached to the side connection conduit/liner for drawing/pulling (or pushing, in alternative embodiments) it through the side connection pipeline, a stop or limiting means may be provided, e.g. on or in the puller member, for placing a limit on the distance of possible or available travel of the puller member into and through the body of the apparatus or module, so as to result in the end or end portion of the side connection conduit/liner assuming an optimum position or location, relative to the main pipeline or the fitting pre-located in the aperture or hole in the wall thereof, for forming the said secondary and/or primary weld(s) and/or seal(s).

In the practising of embodiments where a puller member is attached to the side connection conduit/liner for drawing/pulling (or pushing, in alternative embodiments) it through the side connection pipeline, in an optional additional step of such embodiments of the method aspect of the invention, once the service connection between the side connection conduit/liner and the main pipeline has been made, e.g. including once the above-mentioned secondary and/or primary weld(s) and/or seal(s) have been for the purpose of completing the making of the service connection, the traction means may be further operated, especially in reverse, in order to remove the puller member from the side connection conduit/liner and/or the side connection pipeline, especially in the opposite direction from that in which it was inserted therein. Such removal of the puller member from the side connection conduit/liner and/or pipeline may be facilitated for example by manual pulling of the puller member from its remote end opposite that which was engaged by the traction means.

In general, embodiments of the invention may be practised in the making of service connections between consumer service, or other side or branch, connection pipelines and main pipelines of a wide variety of respective diameters, e.g. particularly in the context of main pipelines having a diameter of lm or less, optionally in the range from about 10mm to about 1 m. Some embodiments may be configured for operation in main pipelines having a diameter in the range from about 50mm to about 200mm, optionally from about 50mm to about 100mm, optionally in the range from about 75mm to about 90 mm.

In many practical embodiments of the invention the overall apparatus, of which the insertion apparatus or insertion module may form just one component or module, may comprise a plurality of operational modules, e.g. arranged longitudinally or sequentially in the overall apparatus, each module comprising an operational device for performing a given respective task or operation on or in the pipeline, with one of the said modules being an insertion module comprising the traction means, as defined above.

By way of example, such operational modules may be constructed, arranged and/or configured for carrying out any of the following operations (which list is to be considered as non-exhaustive): - a moving or drive operation, e.g. for moving the apparatus with respect to one or more walls of the pipeline, e.g. for propelling the apparatus along the pipeline or manoeuvring or aligning it (e.g. rotating it about the longitudinal axis of the pipeline and/or moving it longitudinally) therewithin into a desired positon for performing one or more other operations; - a surveying operation, e.g. for observing or detecting a particular condition of or location in the pipeline in order to diagnose or prepare for one or more other operations; - a drilling operation, e.g. for drilling a hole or aperture (of any shape) in a wall of the pipeline for the purpose of forming a service connection, such as a consumer utility service, or other side or branch, connection, thereto, or for part drilling-or cutting-through the pipeline wall or for bevelling, chamfering, de-burring or other shaping or finishing of one or more edges of a hole or aperture formed in the pipeline wall; - a connection fitting installation operation, e.g. for physically inserting and installing one or more connection fittings or other connector components, e.g. a T-connector, into an aperture formed by a drilling operation; - a side connection conduit or liner insertion operation, in particular that according to embodiments of the present invention, for engaging a consumer service, or other side or branch, connection conduit/liner from within the main pipeline and inserting it, such as by drawing/pulling or pushing it, through the side connection pipeline by traction, in particular from within the main pipeline, and into position for completing a service connection to the main pipeline, e.g. by welding; - a welding and/or sealing operation, e.g. for completing a connection fitting installation operation and/or a side connection conduit/liner insertion operation, or effecting a repair or service connection operation; - a repair operation, e.g. for repairing a wall of the pipeline or a side connection thereto; -a testing operation, e.g. for pressure-testing a pipeline subsequent to an insertion, installation, welding or repair operation; - a cleaning operation, e.g. for cleaning an internal wall or surface of the pipeline or clearing debris or waste material from within the pipeline, including swarf from a drilling or other cutting operation.

Actuation of the one or more operational devices in any such apparatuses or modules, including the traction means of the insertion apparatus or module according to embodiments of the present invention, may be effected by any suitable actuation means, preferably under control of control means, for example part of an overall control system of the apparatus or system. Such control means may be located at least partly on or in the apparatus itself, or it may be located at least partly at ground level and connected to the apparatus via a tether or umbilical cable.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives, and in particular the individual features thereof, set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, may be taken independently or in any combination. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless expressly stated otherwise or such features are incompatible.

For the avoidance of doubt, it is to be understood that features described with respect to one aspect or embodiment of the invention may be included within any other aspect or embodiment of the invention, either alone or in appropriate combination with one or more other features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention in its various aspects will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a plan view schematic illustration of a pipeline robot according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view of a typical operating environment of a pipeline robot according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIGURE 3 is a detailed partially cut-away cross-sectional view of an insertion module, forming part of the pipeline robot of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the invention, shown in position in a pipeline and ready to perform its consumer service connection conduit/liner insertion operation; FIGURE 4 is an exploded side view of a terminal end portion of a consumer service connection conduit/liner and associated puller member for attachment thereto for facilitating the insertion operation of the consumer service connection conduit/liner into the consumer service connection pipeline; FIGURE 5 is a partially cut-away cross-sectional view of the insertion module shown in FIG. 3, showing the consumer service connection conduit/liner insertion operation in progress; FIGURES 6(a), (b) and (c) are sequential partially cut-away cross-sectional views of the insertion module of FIG. 5 in position in the pipeline, showing the apparatus in various stages of the consumer service connection conduit/liner insertion operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a plan view schematic illustration of a pipeline robot 100 located within a newly installed utilities main pipeline 101. An enlarged scale view of a typical operational environment of the robot 100 is shown in FIG. 2. It can be seen from FIG. 2 that, in the scenario illustrated, the robot 100 has been introduced into a newly installed main pipeline 101 via an underground inspection well 101A. The newly installed utilities main pipeline 101 is itself located within a pre-existing main pipeline 101E of larger diameter. It is to be understood that the free end 101 F of the main pipeline 101 that is exposed to the well 101A may be coupled to the free end 101F2 of a second length of newly installed main pipeline 101 that also terminates in the well 101A once consumer service connection (or other types of side or branch connection) pipelines have been connected to the main pipeline 101.

At some point along the main pipeline 101 there is located a junction between the main pipeline 101 and one of any number of discrete consumer service (or other side or branch) connection pipelines C, via which junction fluid connection between the two pipelines is made to allow the consumer to enjoy the utility, e.g. water or gas etc, that is conveyed by the main pipeline 101. As can be seen from the scenario depicted in FIG. 2, having inserted a replacement main pipe or liner into the main pipeline, it is necessary to establish a service connection again between the interior of the new main pipeline 101 and the consumer service (or other side or branch) connection pipeline C. It is to this task that embodiments of the present invention are particularly directed.

By way of one working example, the robot 100 is constructed and configured for forming a consumer service (or other side or branch) connection into the newly installed main pipeline 101, in particular by incorporation into the robot 100 of the requisite number and identity of individual modules each of which is constructed and configured for performing a dedicated task within the overall procedure. The robot 100 achieves this, in broadly defined terms, by the discrete steps of bringing itself into the required position within and with respect to the main pipeline at which the service connection is to be made, drilling an aperture in a sidewall of the main pipeline at the required location, inserting a pipeline fitting or connector into the aperture thus formed, inserting a new or replacement consumer service (or other side or branch) connection pipe or liner into the existing consumer service (or other side or branch) connection pipeline, welding and/or sealing the new fitting or connector both to the newly installed replacement consumer service (or other side or branch) connection pipe or liner and to the inner wall of the main pipeline adjacent or surrounding the aperture, testing the integrity of the newly made joints and/or seals in the newly made service connection, and finally cleaning up the site of the work by collecting debris and suchlike to leave the newly formed service connection junction and surrounding area clean and free for subsequent fluid passage of the relevant utility therethrough.

The robot 100 has six modules coupled to one another in series. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the modules are a drive module 110, a drill module 120, a connector insertion module 130, a consumer service (or other side or branch) connection liner insertion module 140, a leak test module 150 and a trailer module 160. One or other of, or even both of, the connector insertion module 130 and consumer service (or other side or branch) connection liner insertion module 140 may incorporate a weld device for effecting the required weld(s) and/or seal(s) during the insertion and connecting up of the respective connector and consumer service connection liner. Alternatively an extra dedicated weld module may be provided in the overall robot 100 dedicated to this particular task.

In some embodiments one or more additional modules may be included in the robot 100 to fulfil or carry out one or more specific functions or tasks, for example a discrete pneumatic supply module which provides an onboard supply of pressurised pneumatic fluid for operating the various pneumatic devices in the robot 100.

Moreover the various modules within the robot 100 may be connected up in any desired or appropriate order, in particular so that adjacent modules are more efficiently connected or linked together, if that should be desirable.

Each module 110 -160 has at least three support arms 110R, 120R, 130R, 140R, 150R, 160R that are configured to project outwardly therefrom at an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of each module. The support arms 110R -160R pivot about an axis at a proximal end within a body portion 1108 -160B of each module 110 -160. Each arm 11OR - 160R is spring-loaded and carries a roller in the form of a wheel at its free end. The arms 11OR -160R are configured to urge the respective rollers away from the body portion 1108 - 160B and against an inner wall of the pipeline 101 in order to support the modules 110 - 160 substantially coaxially of the pipeline 101. The spring loading of the arms 11OR -160R assists the robot 100 to maintain a coaxial location whilst accommodating variations in diameter or cross-sectional shape of the pipeline 101, for example in regions that are not circular such as elliptical or other non-circular cross-sectional shape, and to negotiate bends in the pipeline 101. It is to be understood that maintaining a coaxial location is not necessarily critical in all applications.

In the embodiment as illustrated by way of example, the drive, drill and trailer modules 110, 120, 160 are shown each as having four support arms 110R, 120R, 160R arranged in quadrature about the longitudinal axis of the respective module. In the orientation shown in FIG. 1 one arm projects substantially vertically upwardly, one arm projects substantially vertically downwardly and two arms project substantially laterally in opposite directions. On the other hand, in the embodiment as illustrated by way of example, the connector insertion, consumer service (or other side or branch) connection liner insertion, and leak test modules 130, 140, 150 are shown each as having three support arms 130R, 140R, 150R, one arm projecting substantially vertically downwardly and two arms projecting substantially laterally in opposite directions in the orientation depicted in FIG. 1. Of course, any of the modules may have a different number and arrangement of support arms from that illustrated here, as may be desirable or more suitably appropriate for any given practical embodiment.

For example, in some alternative embodiments, one or more of the modules may have rollers that are attached to a body of the module rather than to spring-loaded arms. The rollers may be non-spring-loaded in some embodiments, being configured to rotate about an axis at a substantially fixed distance from a longitudinal axis of the respective module of which they form part. For example, one or more rollers may be provided such as wheels, caterpillar tracks or other suitable roller arrangements. The rollers may be arranged such that the robot 100 may crawl along the pipeline 101 with the rollers contacting only a lower internal surface area of the pipeline 101.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1 the rollers of the drive module 110 are configured to be driven by electric motors that are powered by means of an electrical powerline carried by an umbilical cable 100C. The umbilical cable 100C runs along the length of the robot 100 along a conduit provided through each module.

The drive module 110 also carries an onboard robot control portion 115. The onboard control portion 115 includes a computing device that is in data communication via a data line carried by the umbilical cable 100C with a main or primary interface module 110PM external to the pipeline 101 as shown schematically in FIG. 2. The primary interface module 110PM is connected to a secondary interface module 110SM which in the present embodiment is provided by a portable computing device having a keyboard and display screen. The secondary interface module 110SM allows a user to control the primary interface module 110PM to send electrical control and power signals, and supply compressed air or other pneumatic liquid at a required pressure, to the robot control portion 115. By means of the secondary interface module 110SM an operator may control the drive module 110 to cause the robot 100 to move in a forward and/or reverse direction within the pipeline 101 and to operate each of the drill module 120, connection fitting insertion module 130, consumer service (or other side or branch) connection liner insertion module 140, leak test module 150 and trailer module 160 to carry out their dedicated individual tasks in the overall procedure for forming the consumer service connection into the newly installed main pipeline.

It is to be understood that, in the event the robot 100 becomes immobilised for any reason within the pipeline 101, the robot 100 may typically be retrieved by pulling on the umbilical cable 100C.

For brevity, the drill module 120, the connection fitting insertion module 130, the leak test module 150 and the trailer module 160 will not, and need not, be described in further detail here, but it is to be understood that they may each have any appropriate or desired construction, configuration and operation as required of the apparatus or its intended use, either in terms of known or novel principles and/or features.

However, for the purpose of the present invention reference is now made to FIGS. 3 to 6, which illustrate the construction and operation of an embodiment of the consumer service (or other side or branch) connection liner insertion module 140 which may form this particular module of this, or indeed other, embodiments of robot within the scope of this invention.

In the description of the embodiment which follows with reference to the drawings, the embodiment is described and illustrated as employing traction means which are constructed and arranged and operated to insert the side connection conduit through the side connection pipeline by tractional drawing (i.e. pulling) of the engaged side connection conduit from within the main pipeline. However, it is to be understood that in other, alternative, embodiments still within the scope of this invention it may be possible for the primary direction of operation and application of the traction force by the traction device may be reversed, so that instead the side connection conduit is inserted into the side connection pipeline by a "pushing" action. In this case the side connection conduit/liner, with the optional puller member inserted therein, may be supplied via the main pipeline itself. Furthermore, although in the description of the embodiment which follows, with reference to the drawings, the embodiment is described and illustrated as being applied to a consumer service connection pipeline and conduit/liner therefor, it is to be understood that in other, alternative, embodiments still within the scope of this invention it may be possible for the same principles and arrangements to be applied to other types of side or branch connections into a main pipeline.

The insertion module indicated generally as 140 comprises a main chassis or body 150, which may be generally cylindrical in shape with spaces within the structure thereof for accommodating the various operational components of the module. Such operational components may include one or more pneumatic or electrical components for actuating, operating or controlling any pneumatic or electric components carried onboard the module 140. Also, the module 140 itself may be connected, e.g. via connection device 146, to a neighbouring module of the robot, which connection device 146 also makes any necessary connections between those modules for the supply of power or operational signals to components onboard the insertion module 140 from elsewhere in the robot, or via the main umbilical cable 100C (FIG. 2).

A central portion of the module 140 comprises a traction device 168 which is constructed and arranged to engage (directly or, more preferably, indirectly via a puller member 220) and draw a consumer service connection conduit or liner 300 into and through the consumer service connection pipeline C from within the main pipeline 101.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the traction device 168 comprises a central elongate passageway or channel 180 comprising an inlet portion 1801N and an outlet portion 180OUT, through which a puller member 220 attached to the consumer service connection conduit or liner 300 passes during the insertion operation. A tractional force is applied to the puller member 220 by a series of frictional (or optionally toothed, serrated or splined) wheels or rollers 170, 172 disposed to either side of the passageway or channel 180, with at least some of the wheels or rollers 170, 172 protruding into the passageway or channel 180 so as to engage the exterior of the puller member 220 passing therethrough. In the example arrangement illustrated, the set of four wheels or rollers 170 disposed at the base of the passageway or channel 180 are driven by an electric motor 164, via a drive train 166 and gear box arrangement (not shown), e.g. by means of a series of spur gears driven by a worm gear, so as to translate an axial rotational motion of the motor through 90° into a transverse rotational motion of each driven wheel or roller 170. In contrast, the set of three wheels or rollers 172 disposed at the top of the passageway or channel 180 are idler or passive wheels/rollers, which may if desired be moveable, such as by virtue of being mounted on translationally slidable mountings, under operation of pneumatic actuators, in order to increase a tractional force applied to the puller member 220 as its passes by and is engaged by those passive wheels/rollers 172. In this manner a desired magnitude of tractional force may be applied to the puller member 220, which may be selectively controlled or adjusted for example in dependence on the length or weight of the puller member 220 and/or the consumer service connection conduit or liner 300 to be pulled through the consumer service connection pipeline C, and possibly also in dependence on the route followed by the latter, since a particularly convoluted route may require the application of a greater tractional force to enable the puller member 220 and consumer service connection conduit or liner 300 being pulled along behind it to navigate and traverse such a consumer service connection pipeline C. In the scenario depicted in FIG. 3, the insertion module 140 has already been driven along the main pipeline 101 by the drive module 110 of the robot 100, as described above by way of example, so as to bring the traction device 168 of the insertion module 140 into the correct longitudinal, and optionally also the correct rotational, location and orientation at the site at which the proposed consumer service connection is to be made. That position is generally such that an entrance 180IN to the passageway or channel 180 is adjacent and facing an exit or mouth of the consumer service connection pipeline C. This positioning may be assisted by use of one or more onboard cameras, e.g. optical or even IR cameras, for observing the pipeline interior and/or the module's environment.

Also in the scenario depicted in FIG. 3, there have previously already been carried out (at least) two earlier steps in the overall procedure for making the new consumer service connection, which are: (i) forming, by drilling by the drill module 120 of the robot 100, an aperture or hole in the wall of the main pipeline 101 at the desired location opposite the mouth or exit of the consumer service connection pipeline C, via which the consumer service connection is to be made; and (ii) inserting, by operation of the connector insertion module 130 of the robot 100, a T-connector fitting 200 into the thus formed aperture in the pipeline wall, which is to serve as a means for forming respective primary and secondary secure and fluid-tight weld joints and seals between, firstly, a primary connector portion 200A of the T-connector and the surrounding wall of the main pipeline 101, and, secondly, a secondary connector portion 200B of the T-connector and a terminal end of the newly inserted consumer service connection conduit or liner 300.

As shown by way of example in FIG. 4, the consumer service connection conduit/liner 300 may suitably be of the material known as Serviflex (RTM), this being a twin-walled corrugated flexible polyethylene liner pipe supplied by Radius Systems Ltd, of South Normanton, Alfreton, Derbyshire, UK. Of course, other conduit or liner materials and products may be commercially available and also suitable for use in embodiments of the invention.

The purpose of the puller member 220 is to serve as a simple-to-use tool to navigate through the consumer service connection pipeline C to the site of the module 104 for the making of the consumer service connection to the main pipeline 101. The puller member 220 is attached to the consumer service connection conduit/liner 300 via a tail portion 220T thereof (FIG. 6(a)) and used to guide the forward end of the latter through the consumer service connection pipeline C, whilst optionally the opposite, above-ground end may be pushed in from the consumer's property.

The puller member 220 comprises an elongate, resiliently deformable coil spring, optionally sealed within a jacket of flexible plastics material. By way of example, for many typical installations a 22m length of the puller coil member 220 may be suitable. As shown in FIG. 6(a), the desired length of puller coil member 220 is attached or anchored, via its tail end 220T, to or in the open forward end of the consumer service connection conduit/liner 300 by means of an enlarged or protruding head 220H attached to its rear end. Thus, once the desired 22m length of the puller coil member has been passed longitudinally through and inside the consumer service connection conduit/liner 300 in a preliminary preparation step, the engagement of the head 220H with the conduit/liner 300 prevents further travel of the puller coil member 220 relative to the conduit/liner 300 after his point, so that when the head 2202H of the puller member 220 is pulled, the conduit/liner 300 follows behind it.

The purpose of the consumer service connection conduit/liner insertion module 140 is to aid the insertion of the conduit/liner 300 into the consumer service connection pipeline C by drawing the puller coil spring member 220 through the body of the module 140 under tractional force applied by the traction device 160, thus guiding the conduit/liner 300 attached to it through the consumer service connection pipeline C, optionally whilst at the same time being guided or pushed therein from the property. This process is completed when the open forward end of the conduit/liner 300 finally abuts or engages with the T-connector fitting 200 in the main pipeline 101, where it is subsequently electro-fused into place. At this point, the forward portion of the puller coil spring member 220E (FIG. 6(a)) trails longitudinally out of the rear of the module 140 and lies longitudinally along the floor of the main pipeline 101.

Having now been already well-defined and well-described, the sequential stages of the procedure for the insertion of the consumer service connection conduit/liner 300 may be further understood by the following further description of the key steps in the procedure (it being understood that as a prelude to these steps there have already been performed the steps -as described above -of (i) drilling an aperture or hole in the wall of the main pipeline 101 at the desired location opposite the mouth or exit of the consumer service connection pipeline C, via which the consumer service connection is to be made; and (ii) inserting, by operation of the connector insertion module 130 of the robot 100, a T-connector fitting 200 into the thus formed aperture in the pipeline wall): 1. Insert coil spring puller member 220 into consumer service connection conduit/liner These two components are designed in such a way that a predetermined length of the coil spring puller member 220 will protrude from the free open forward end of the consumer service connection conduit/liner 300. This means that the coil spring puller member 220 can be negotiated through the length of the consumer service connection pipeline C to the robot and the site of the insertion module 140 without the conduit/liner 300 impeding its passage therethrough.

2. Negotiation of coil spring puller member 220 through the consumer service connection pipeline C The coil spring puller member 220 is pushed through the consumer service connection pipeline C from the consumer's property end thereof until the forward end of the coil spring puller member 220 meets and engages in the mouth of the traction device 160.

3. Insert consumer service connection conduit/liner 300 and draw same through the consumer service connection pipeline C -as depicted in FIG. 6(a) The traction device 160 of the insertion module 140 is then operated, which then draws the coil spring puller member 220 through the body of the traction device 160 by tractional force applied thereby, and once it has exited the body of the module 140 via a lower rear exit port thereof it may simply lie longitudinally on the floor within the main pipeline 101. If desired or necessary this insertion procedure may be assisted by manual pushing or guiding of the consumer service connection conduit/liner 300 into the consumer service connection pipeline C from the above-ground consumer's property end thereof.

4. Form weld and seal connections of T-connector 200 to (i) conduit/liner 300, and (ii) main pipeline wall -as depicted in FIG. 6(b) The T-connector 200 is a useful means for forming the final respective primary and secondary secure and fluid-tight weld joints and seals between, firstly, a primary connector portion 200A of the T-connector 200 and the surrounding wall of the main pipeline 101, and, secondly, a secondary connector portion 200B of the T-connector 200 and the terminal end of the newly inserted consumer service connection conduit or liner 300. The T-connector 200 has an electro-fusing conductor embedded in the material thereof, and the module 140 additionally comprises an electrical connector device 320 arranged to selectively supply electric current to the conductor from the module to melt the fitting material at the appropriate location(s) to form the required weld and/or seal between the respective parts once they have been brought into contact or abutment by the apparatus.

5. Withdraw coil spring puller member 220 -as depicted in FIG. 6(c) The traction device 160 of the module 140 can now be operated in reverse in order to push the coil spring puller member 220 in the reverse direction along and ultimately out of the consumer service connection conduit or liner 300, optionally by pulling on the rearward end thereof as it emerges from the above-ground consumer property end thereof. In this final arrangement therefore the forward terminal end of the consumer service connection conduit or liner 300 now remains securely and sealingly welded in situ to the T-connector 200 at weld site 200W (FIG. 6(c)) and the T-connector 200 to the inner wall of the main pipeline 101, thereby completing the making of the consumer service connection between the consumer service connection pipeline C and the main pipeline 101.

Subsequently or finally, any further or additional steps of the overall procedure may be carried out at the site of the thus-made consumer service connection by one or more other respective modules of the robot, e.g. one or more leak test procedures and/or one or more cleaning-up operations.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", means "including but not limited to", and is not intended to (and does 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.

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.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Apparatus for inserting a side connection conduit into a side connection pipeline in the making of a service connection between the side connection pipeline and a main pipeline, wherein the apparatus comprises: propulsion means for propelling the apparatus along the main pipeline to a site at which the service connection is to be made; and traction means for engaging the side connection conduit from within the main pipeline and inserting the side connection conduit through the side connection pipeline by traction.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the traction means is constructed and arranged for inserting the side connection conduit through the side connection pipeline by tractional drawing or pushing of the engaged side connection conduit from within the main pipeline.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the engagement of the side connection conduit from within the main pipeline and its insertion through the side connection pipeline is facilitated or achieved by virtue of the main pipeline being provided with an aperture or hole in a wall thereof at the site at which the service connection is to be made.
4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the apparatus further comprises positioning or locator means for positioning or locating or orienting the apparatus at a required or desired location or position in the main pipeline at which access is possible or provided for engagement of the side connection conduit from therewithin.
5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the traction means is constructed and arranged to directly engage the side connection conduit from within the main pipeline and insert it through the side connection pipeline by traction from within the main pipeline.
6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the traction means is constructed and arranged to indirectly engage the side connection conduit from within the main pipeline and insert it through the side connection pipeline by traction from within the main pipeline.

20 25 30 35
7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the traction means comprises, in addition to means for applying traction, a puller member which is attached to or engages with the side connection conduit, and to which puller member the traction is applied to insert the side connection conduit through the side connection pipeline.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the puller member is elongate, with at least a portion thereof being contained internally within the side connection conduit.
9. Apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the puller member is flexible, whereby its passage through the side connection pipeline as assisted as it inserts, optionally draws or pushes, the consumer service connection conduit therethrough, optionally behind or ahead of it.
10. Apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the puller member comprises a traction portion comprising an elongate spring.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the spring constitutes at least a major portion of the total longitudinal length of the traction portion of the puller member.
12. Apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the puller member comprises an engagement portion via which it is attachable to or engageable with the side connection conduit, so that as the puller member has traction applied to it, that traction is transmitted to the side connection conduit itself.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the engagement portion comprises an enlarged head portion or protrusion which engages the side connection conduit so as to anchor the puller member and the side connection conduit with respect to one another in a longitudinal sense.
14. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the traction means comprises one or more traction devices which apply traction or a tractional force directly or indirectly to the side connection conduit to effect the insertion thereof through the side connection pipeline.
15. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein a direction and/or speed and/or magnitude of tractional force applied by the traction means to insert the side connection conduit through the side connection pipeline is selected in dependence on one or more of: -a length and/or weight of the side connection conduit, -where such is provided, a length and/or weight of a puller member attached to or engaged with the side connection conduit, -a shape or configuration of the side connection pipeline.
16. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the or each traction device comprises at least one rotatable or rotatably mounted traction member which applies traction or a tractional force directly or indirectly to the side connection conduit by friction or mechanical engagement.
17. Apparatus according to claim 16, as dependent through any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the or at least one or more of the traction members and/or the puller member is/are provided with interengaging elements or portions which apply traction to the exterior of the puller member by mechanical engagement.
18. Apparatus according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein at least one or more of the traction members is/are driven by drive means, optionally in combination with a gearing arrangement.
19. Apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the traction means further comprises one or more idler rollers, wheels or other gripping members opposite the one or more traction members to increase the tractional force applied thereby.
20. Apparatus according to claim 19, wherein any one or more of the idler rollers, wheels or other gripping members is/are moveable relatively towards or away from the one or more traction members.
21. Apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the arrangement of the one or more traction devices is such as to insert the side connection conduit, or the puller member where such is provided, through a body of the apparatus or module from an input side to an output side thereof.
22. Apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the input side is a side adjacent or facing a mouth or exit of the side connection conduit, and the output side is a longitudinal end of the apparatus or module, or optionally vice versa.
23. Apparatus according to claim 22, wherein an initial drawing direction in which the side connection conduit (or the puller member, where such is provided) is drawn into the body of the apparatus or module is a generally substantially transverse direction (relative to the axis of the main pipeline), and the subsequent drawing direction in which the side connection conduit (or the puller member, where such is provided) is ejected out of the body of the apparatus or module is a generally substantially longitudinal direction (relative to the axis of the main pipeline), or optionally vice versa.
24. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one welding and/or heating device for effecting one or more welding and/or heating and/or sealing operations in the making of the service connection between the side connection pipeline and the main pipeline after the insertion into the former of the side connection conduit.
25. Apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the welding and/or heating device is constructed and configured for forming a secondary weld joint between a terminal end or end portion of the side connection conduit and a secondary connector portion of a fitting located in an aperture or hole in a wall of the main pipeline at the site at which the service connection between the main pipeline and the side connection conduit is to be made.
26. Apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the fitting additionally comprises a primary connector portion by which it is anchored in the aperture or hole in a wall of the main pipeline at the intended service connection site location.
27. Apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the welding and/or heating device is constructed and configured for forming, either simultaneously with or before or after the forming of the secondary weld joint, a primary weld joint between the primary connector portion of the fitting and the wall of the main pipeline surrounding the aperture or hole.
28. Apparatus according to any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the welding and/or heating device is an electrofusing apparatus.
29. Apparatus according to any one of claims 25 to 28, as dependent through any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein a stop or limiting means is provided for placing a limit on the distance of possible or available travel of the puller member into and through the body of the apparatus or module, so as to result in the end or end portion of the side connection conduit assuming an optimum position or location, relative to the main pipeline or the fitting pre-located in the aperture or hole in the wall thereof, for forming the said secondary and/or primary weld(s).
30. An insertion module for an apparatus for making a service connection between a side connection pipeline and a main pipeline, the apparatus being propellable along the main pipeline to a site at which the service connection is to be made, and the insertion module being constructed and arranged for inserting a side connection conduit into the side connection pipeline, wherein the insertion module comprises: traction means for engaging the side connection conduit from within the main pipeline and inserting the side connection conduit through the side connection pipeline by traction.
31. A system for inserting a side connection conduit into a side connection pipeline in the making a service connection between the side connection pipeline and a main pipeline, wherein the system comprises: a robot which is propellable along and within the main pipeline to a site at which the service connection is to be made, the robot comprising: traction means for engaging the side connection conduit from within the main pipeline and inserting the side connection conduit through the side connection pipeline by traction; and wherein the system further comprises control means for controlling actuation and operation of the robot.
32. A method of inserting a side connection conduit into a side connection pipeline in the making a service connection between the side connection pipeline and a main pipeline, the method comprising: providing an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 29; inserting the apparatus into the main pipeline and propelling it therealong to a site at which the service connection is to be made; operating the traction means to engage the side connection conduit from within the main pipeline and insert the side connection conduit through the side connection pipeline by traction.
33. A method according to claim 32, including a preliminary step, anywhere prior to the step of operating the traction means, of: partially inserting into the side connection pipeline from its end opposite from that at which the service connection to the main pipeline is to be made, either: (i) a portion of the side connection conduit itself, where the traction means directly engages the side connection conduit from within the main pipeline, or (ii) a portion of a puller member which is attached to the side connection conduit, where such is provided and the traction means indirectly engages the side connection conduit from within the main pipeline via the said puller member, and wherein in either case (i) or (ii) the distance of insertion of the side connection conduit or puller member, as the case may be, is sufficient to bring the portion of the side connection conduit or puller member, as the case may be, into initial engagement with the traction means.
34. A method according to claim 33, wherein upon said initial engagement of the portion of the side connection conduit or puller member, as the case may be, with the traction means, the traction means is operated to further engage a main body of the side connection conduit or puller member, as the case may be, to insert the side connection conduit further through the side connection pipeline.
35. A method according to any one of claims 32 to claim 34, wherein a puller member is preliminarily attached to the side connection conduit for inserting it through the side connection pipeline, and wherein the method comprises an additional step, once the service connection between the side connection conduit and the main pipeline has been made, of: operating the traction means in reverse, in order to remove the puller member from the side connection conduit and/or the side connection pipeline in the opposite direction from that in which it was inserted therein.
36. An apparatus, or a module, or a system, or a method, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.