NL2024683B1 - Controlled flow stopper for sealing a water pipe - Google Patents

Abstract

A controlled flow stopper for temporarily completely or partly sealing a flow through a water pipe, the controlled flow stopper comprising: an at least partially deformable circumferential wall, with a circumference in transverse direction, at least one actuator, wherein the actuator is substantially situated inside the circumferential wall of the controlled flow stopper, wherein the actuator is movable between at least a first and a second position; wherein in the first position the maximal circumference in the transverse direction is smaller than the maximum circumference in the second position, and wherein the actuator at least in the second position is in contact with, preferably connected to, at least part of the inside of the circumferential wall of the controlled flow stopper.

Description

Controlled flow stopper for sealing a water pipe The present invention relates to a controlled flow stopper for sealing a water pipe. For water pipe systems and conduits it is crucial that the system is reliable, and downtime as a consequence of planned or unplanned maintenance should be as short as possible. Preventive maintenance is one of the measures that can be taken to prevent long downtimes in the system. In order to perform maintenance on water pipe systems, a large section of pipe is typically sealed between two fixed sealing positions, which can be used to seal off a particular section of pipe. This is rather inflexible and downtimes are quite long. Moreover present sealing solutions are very complicated. It is therefore a goal of the invention to provide a solution or at least to provide an alternative to the state of the art to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages.

The present invention provides thereto a controlled flow stopper for temporarily completely or partly sealing a flow through a water pipe, wherein the controlled flow stopper has a length direction, for example in the direction of the flow of the water pipe, and wherein the bellows has a transverse direction, for example perpendicular to the current through the water pipe or transverse to the flow, the controlled flow stopper comprising: an at least partially deformable circumferential wall, with a circumference in transverse direction, at least one actuator, wherein the actuator is substantially situated inside the circumferential wall of the controlled flow stopper, wherein the actuator is movable between at least a first and a second position; wherein in the first position the maximal circumference in the transverse direction is smaller than the maximum circumference in the second position, wherein in the first position the maximal circumference is preferably smaller than an inside of the water pipe and the controlled flow stopper is movable through the water pipe and in the second position the controlled flow stopper partially or fully seals the flow through the water pipe wherein for instance the maximum circumference in transverse direction in the second position substantially matches the circumference of the inside of the water pipe and wherein the actuator at least in the second position is in contact with, preferably connected to, at least part of the inside of the circumferential wall of the controlled flow stopper. The controlled flow stopper for instance is a sealing bellows. The term controlled flow stopper is used since the device is a stopper, which upon activation or control is configured to selectively stop a flow of medium through a pipe.

In most embodiments the controlled flow stopper according to the present invention has an elongated shape, wherein the length direction coincides with the longitudinal direction of the bellows. However, in a particular embodiment it is possible that the length direction and the transverse direction are of equal length.

In the first position of the actuator the controlled flow stopper may be movable through the water pipe, for instance by the flow or current in the waterpipe which provides a huge flexibility in its use. It is possible to move to a position and seal the pipe at any desired location. The flow of water may thus act as a thrusting power, to move the controlled flow stopper through the pipe to a desired location or position.

By changing from a first to a second position, the advantageous effect is that the circumferential wall deforms in such a way that the circumference changes, especially the circumference enlarges. Locally the circumference of the circumferential wall may change such that at a point the maximum circumference is equal to the circumference of the inside of the water pipe that needs to be sealed.

Thus, even when a water pipe has different inside circumferences the controlled flow stopper according to the present invention will match the inside circumference at the point where a seal is needed.

The location for the sealing of the pipe is where the circumference of the circumferential wall is at its maximum circumference and matches the inside circumference of the water pipe. Preferably the controlled flow stopper actively exerts a sealing force, outwardly, to seal the water pipe at the site of the bellows, in particular at the widest portion of the bellows.

The controlled flow stopper according to the present invention may be actuated remotely, such that in a preferred embodiment, the controlled flow stopper is provided with at least one receiver for receiving a signal and for transfer of the received signal to the actuator, wherein the actuator on the basis of the received signal is controllable. It is conceivable that the receiver is adapted to receive a radiographic and/or electrical signal. It is advantageous to control the actuator remotely because the actuation can be done at any point in the pipe, since no other means are necessary like a rod, stick, rope, pole or the like for actuating the controlled flow stopper. This may result in a more precise location for the controlled flow stopper to seal a pipe.

The at least one actuator may be extendable in length direction, wherein in the first position the actuator is in an extended position, for allowing the controlled flow stopper to move within the pipe, and wherein in the second position the actuator is in a retracted position, whereby at least locally the circumference of the circumferential wall is enlarged, such that the controlled flow stopper is in a sealing position. In other words, in the first position the actuator may enable the controlled flow stopper to move through a pipe and in the second position the actuator may deform the controlled flow stopper in such a way that by at least locally enlarging the circumference the controlled flow stopper is in a sealing position. This embodiment is a simple implementation and thus very advantageous since itis a robust solution to the problem, due to small chances of errors in production, less parts that may break down and easy to operate. In an embodiment of the controlled flow stopper according to the present invention, the at least one actuator comprises a cylinder with an inside diameter and a rod with a diameter, wherein the diameter of the rod is at least equal or smaller than the inside diameter of the cylinder. Said actuator is in the second position connected to, at least part of the inside of the circumferential wall of the controlled flow stopper, preferably the front side and head end of the circumferential wall. So that when the rod is pulled into the cylinder, the length of the controlled flow stopper is shortened, such that the circumferential wall needs to deform. The circumferential wall will deform such that the maximum circumference in transverse direction enlarges and thus will substantially match the circumference of the inside of the water pipe to seal the water pipe.

It is conceivable that the circumferential wall is closed, and preferably medium- and watertight, wherein preferably the present medium in the controlled flow stopper is compressed by the movement from the first to the second position. The inside of the circumferential wall may be pressurized by compression, for example at 2 bar.

The circumferential wall does not specifically consist of one element, but may also comprise multiple elements that together form a closed circumferential wall, more specifically the circumferential wall may also comprise mount plates for the actuator. The structure that thus forms the circumferential wall should be closed, preferably medium and watertight.

In an embodiment of the controlled flow stopper, the at least one actuator is provided with a ring, comprising a plurality of segments, wherein the segments are movable in transverse direction, for instance by a second actuator or a conically drivable body, for pushing the circumferential wall towards the outside and/or against the inner wall of the water pipe. These ring segments may also be combined with the actuator as described before. The more segments are used, the better the sealing and flexibility, since this enhances the distribution of force over the circumferential wall. Preferably the ring comprises a plurality of segments in the range of 3-32, more preferably 4-12 segments and even more preferably 5 segments. These segments of the ring of the at least one actuator in the first position may have a minimum circumference, and in the second position the segments of the ring have a maximum circumference, matching the inner diameter of the water pipe such that the controlled flow stopper is in the sealing position. It may be obvious that it is not required that the circumference is not a closed circumference, when the ring segment move in a transverse direction it is the imaginary circumference formed partly by the outside surfaces of the ring segments that is meant. The location of the sealing of the waterpipe is defined by the location of the ring segments, more in particular the location of the ring segments in their outmost position, having a maximum circumference, or in a circumference in between the minimum and maximum circumference, when the circumferential wall is placed in a sealing position with its wall against the inside of the water pipe.

In an embodiment of the controlled flow stopper the at least one actuator may comprise a conical body, wherein the conical body is movable in the length direction between at least a first and a second position. The conical body is arranged centrally in the ring, and in at least one of the positions the circumference of the conical body is configured to push the ring segments outwardly or in transverse direction. In the other position the conical body and the ring segments are separated in transverse direction. The conical body typically has a wider end and an opposite smaller end. In the first position the smaller end of the conical body is close to the ring, not exerting a force on the ring segments, thus the segments 5 and the conical body are separated. With the movement to the second position, the conical body moves with its wider end closer to the segments, and since the circumference of the conical body at the location of the ring increases, the ring segments will move in transverse direction. In the second position, the widest end of the conical body is centrally positioned in the ring and so the segments will be pushed outwards in their maximum position and at least in this position exerting a force on the circumferential wall towards the inner wall of a water pipe. The conical body provides the possibility for the actuator to step-free enlarge the circumference of the segments and thus of the force exerting on the circumferential wall, and on the deformation of the circumferential wall which leads to sealing of a water pipe.

This is beneficial because with this feature the same controlled flow stopper may be applied in pipes with different diameters along their length or in various pipes having various diameters. In an embodiment, the conical body is movable in length direction and simultaneously rotatable around its axis, wherein the conical body is preferably arranged on a rotational shaft, which is for instance driven by a motor. This enhances the movement of the ring segments in transverse direction to push the circumferential wall to the inside of the water pipe to seal the water pipe. The rotation of the conical body smoothens the movement of the ring segments, which is beneficial for the ease of use, wear and thus maintenance of the controlled flow stopper itself. Typically the drive of the motor and the shaft are provided with threads. Driving the shaft with the motor thus moves or rotates the shaft, and thus the conical body attached to the shaft. The direction of movement can be controlled by controlling the rotational direction of the motor.

To optimize the use of the controlled flow stopper it may be functional to provide information on the location of the controlled flow stopper to determine its location compared to the location of maintenance work and/or the location of a sealing. Therefor it is beneficial if the controlled flow stopper according to the present invention is provided with location tracking, for the purpose of determining the location of the controlled flow stopper in the water pipe, like a GPS or RFID system. For this location tracking a power source close to the controlled flow stopper itself may be necessary, in an embodiment the controlled flow stopper is provided with a power source, for supplying power to the location tracking, which power source is situated preferably in or outside of the controlled flow stopper. Furthermore, the location determining system may be programmed with locations to find a predetermined or pre-programmed location itself and start there a sealing operation.

For an easy to use, reliable controlled flow stopper it is beneficial that the outside material has favourable characteristics, in particular the resistance coefficient may have an effect on the ease of use of the controlled flow stopper. Therefore, it is preferred that at least the outside of the circumferential wall comprises a material with a high resistance coefficient, in particular leather, rubber or synthetic material.

During maintenance work it may occur that an amount of liquid, for example water, needs to pass the location of the sealing of the waterpipe. This may be done by temporarily releasing the sealing condition of the controlled flow stopper or by using a further embodiment of the controlled flow stopper according to the present invention, which in length direction is provided with a liquid passage, adapted to selectively allow liquid passage through the liquid passage in the length direction. With this liquid passage it is conceivable that the controlled flow stopper will be used for temporarily sealing a leakage in a water pipe, the sealing can last as long as is needed before repair can be made. In an embodiment this can be done with a channel that extends in length direction through the controlled flow stopper. This possibility is very cost effective since it brings more flexibility in the maintenance works and planning and also provides a temporary solution to avoid long downtimes and makes it unnecessary to accept small leakages which could be harmful for the environment.

To enhance flexibility of the device according to the present invention, it may be beneficial that inside the liquid passage a remotely controllable valve is positioned, for controlling flow of liquid through the passage. So that when desired the liquid passage can be used quickly and without endangering a system or worker to manually operate the liquid passage.

Although in the above the invention has been discussed with regards to water pipes, it is envisionable that the controlled flow stopper can be applied to seal other pipes or conduits as well. The reference to water pipes is used for illustrative purposes only. The invention will be elucidated in more detail in the following figures: - Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the controlled flow stopper according to the invention; - Figure 2 shows a schematic side and cross sectional view of an embodiment of the controlled flow stopper according to the invention; - Figure 3a shows a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a controlled flow stopper according to the invention - Figure 3b shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an actuator in the first position according to the invention; and - Figure 3c shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an actuator in the second position according to the invention; Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the controlled flow stopper 1, in the first position with the circumferential wall 2, comprising a bellows 2a and mounting plates 2b for connection with the actuator. The outside surface of bellows 2a has a relatively high friction coefficient, which serves to reduce the requirement of clamping force on the inside of a pipe to seal the pipe. The outside surface may be provided with ridges or grooves or the like to accomplish this and/or the material of at least the outside surface is chosen such that the friction coefficient is relatively high.

Figure 2 shows a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a controlled flow stopper 1, provided with an actuator 3 which is extendable in length direction L, between at least two positions. In the first position the actuator 3 is in an extended position, for allowing the controlled flow stopper 1 to move within the pipe (not shown), which position is schematically shown in figure 2. In the second position (not shown) the actuator 3 is in a retracted position, whereby at least locally the circumference 7 of the circumferential wall 2a is enlarged, such that the controlled flow stopper 1 is in a sealing position. The shown actuator 3 comprises a cylinder 4 with an inside diameter and a rod 5 with a diameter, wherein the diameter of the rod is at least equal or smaller than the inside diameter of the cylinder. The rod will be pulled into the cylinder. Because the actuator 3 is connected to the wall 2a by means of mounting plates 2b, the movement of the actuator causes the circumferential wall 2a to deform locally, which enlarges the circumference 7 to seal a water pipe. The shown circumferential wall is closed, and preferably medium- and watertight, wherein preferably the medium 6, such as air, present in the controlled flow stopper 1 is compressed by the movement from the first to the second position.

Figure 3a shows a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the controlled flow stopper 1 provided with an actuator 3 in the first position. The actuator 3 is shown in more detail in Figures 3b and 3c. In this embodiment, the actuator 3 is operated by an electric motor 19. The electric motor 19 is for instance connected or attached to one side of the stopper 1, in figure 3a this is the left side, although this is not essential. The motor 19 is for instance coupled to a connecting plate 2b. The electric motor 19 drives a rotatable shaft 20, wherein for instance the motor 19 and the shaft 20 are both provided with threading. Upon rotation of the shaft 20, the shaft will move in longitudinal direction L. One end of the shaft 20 is connected to the wall 2a, in this case by means of a mounting plate 2b, on the right side of figure 3a, for instance with a swivel. When the shaft 20 moves towards the left, the mounting plate 2b and thus the wall 2a will also move towards the left. Simultaneously, the conical body 17 of the actuator 3 moves towards the left as well, since the body 17 is connected to the shaft 20. The actuator 3 is also provided with a ring 11, which can be pushed outwardly (to the top and bottom in the shown figure). The thinner portion of the conical body 17 first within the middle portion of the ring 11. The thicker portion of the conical body 17 has a larger circumference, such that when the conical body is moved towards the left, the body 17 will at some point encounter the ring 11. Moving the conical body 17 further forces the ring 11 outwards, thereby locally enlarging the circumference of the stopper 1. Rotating the shaft 20 to cause it to move in the other direction thus straightens the stopper 1 again by moving the conical body to the right in figure 3a. lt is also possible that the conical body 17 is provided with threading, as would be the shaft 20. The shaft may for instance extend between two side walls, or two mounting plates 2b of the stopper 1. By rotating the shaft 20, this would cause the conical body 17 to move (as the threads interlock). Similarly to the situation as explained above, this movement causes the stopper 1 to change circumference at least locally, for sealing of conduits and pipes.

The actuator 3 may for instance be provided with a limiter, to limit the mutual movement between the ring 11 and the conical body 17 to a predetermined maximum and or minimum distance.

This limited could for instance be used to make sure the conical body 17 and the ring 11 are always in some form of contact, preventing the conical body 17 from rotating freely in the stopper 1. Potentially only a certain section of the shaft 20 is provided with threads, wherein the size of the section limits the movement of the conical body 17 due to rotation of the shaft 20. Figure 3b shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an actuator in the first position, wherein the actuator 10 is provided with a ring 11, comprising a plurality of segments 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. The ring 11 comprises five segments 12-16 in this exemplary embodiment which are movable in transverse direction, for instance by a conical body 17, for pushing the circumferential wall (not shown) towards the outside and/or against the inner wall of the water pipe (not shown). The conical body 17 is movable between at least a first position (shown in this figure) and a second position {shown in Figure 3c) wherein the conical body 17 is positioned in the center of the ring 11. In the position of figure 3b, the conical body 17 and the segments 12-16 are separated from each other, since they do not touch each other and thus the ring 11 has a minimum circumference.

The segments 12-16 of the ring 11 of the actuator 10 in the first position have a minimum circumference, such that the effect of the ring on the circumferential wall is that the controlled flow stopper is movable through a water pipe.

The conical body 17 shown in this figure is movable in length direction L and simultaneously rotatable around its axis 18. Figure 3c shows a perspective view of the same embodiment of an actuator 10 as Figure 3b, but in the second position, wherein the ring segments 12,13,14,15,16 are pushed outwardly or the transverse direction because the conical body 17 translates and due to its increasing width enlarges the diameter of the ring 11. The segments 12,13,14,15,16 as shown in this figure show a maximum circumference, matching the inner diameter of the water pipe such that the controlled flow stopper isin the sealing position.

it will be clear that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments which are illustrated and described here, but that countless variants are possible within the scope of the attached claims which will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

Claims (15)

Conclusions 1. Controlled flow seal, for temporarily completely or partially sealing a flow through a water pipe, wherein the controlled flow seal has a longitudinal direction, e.g. in the flow direction of the water pipe, and wherein the bellows have a transverse direction, e.g. perpendicular to the flow through the water pipe or transverse to the flow, wherein the controlled flow seal comprises: - an at least partially deformable circumferential wall, with a circumference in the transverse direction; - at least one actuator, the actuator being substantially located within the circumferential wall of the controlled flow seal; - wherein the actuator is movable between at least a first and second position; - wherein in the first position the maximum circumference in the transverse direction is smaller than the maximum circumference in the second position, wherein in the first position the maximum circumference is preferably smaller than an inner side of the water pipe and the controlled flow seal is movable through the water pipe and in the second position the controlled flow seal completely or partially seals the flow through the water pipe, for example the maximum transverse circumference in the second position substantially corresponding to the circumference of the inside of the water pipe; and - wherein at least in the second position the actuator is in contact with, preferably connected to, at least a part of the inner side of the circumferential wall of the controlled flow seal. A controlled flow seal according to claim 1, including at least one receiver for receiving a signal and for transmitting the received signal to the actuator, the actuator being controllable based on the received signal. The controlled flow seal of claim 2, wherein the receiver is adapted to receive a radiographic and/or electrical signal. A controlled flow seal according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one actuator is longitudinally extendable, wherein in the first position the actuator is in an extended position to allow movement of the controlled flow seal within the conduit, and wherein in the second position the actuator is in a retracted position, at least locally the circumference of the circumferential wall is increased, so that the controlled flow seal is in a sealing position. A controlled flow seal according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one actuator comprises a cylinder having an inner diameter and a rod having a diameter, the diameter of the rod being at least equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the cylinder. A controlled flow seal according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the peripheral wall is closed, and preferably sealing to a medium and water, preferably the medium contained in the controlled flow seal is compressed by the movement from the first to the second position. A controlled flow seal according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one actuator comprises a ring comprising a plurality of segments, the segments being movable in transverse direction, e.g. by a second actuator, for pushing the circumferential wall towards the outside and/or against the inside wall of the water pipe. The controlled flow seal of claim 7, wherein the segments of the ring of the at least one actuator in the first position have a minimum circumference, and in the second position the segments of the ring have a maximum circumference corresponding to the inner diameter of the water line so that the controlled flow seal is in the sealing position. A controlled flow seal according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the at least one actuator comprises a conical body, wherein: - the conical body is movable in the longitudinal direction between at least a first and a second position; - the conical body is centrally arranged in the ring; - in at least one of the positions the periphery of the conical body is adapted to push the ring segments outwardly or in transverse direction; and in the other position the conical body and the ring segments are separated from each other in the transverse direction. A controlled flow seal according to claim 9, wherein the conical body is movable in the longitudinal direction and at the same time rotatable about its axis, the conical body preferably being arranged on a rotation shaft, which is e.g. driven by a motor. A controlled flow seal according to any one of the preceding claims, including location tracking means to determine the location of the controlled flow seal in the water line, such as a GPS or RFID system. A controlled flow seal according to claim 11, wherein the controlled flow seal includes a power source for supplying power to the location tracking means, which power source is preferably located within or outside the controlled flow seal. A controlled flow seal according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the outside of the circumferential wall is a material! includes with a high coefficient of resistance, in particular, leather, rubber or synthetic material. A controlled flow seal according to any one of the preceding claims, including longitudinally with a fluid passage adapted to selectively allow fluid to pass through the fluid passage in the longitudinal direction. The controlled flow seal of claim 14, wherein a remote control valve is disposed within the fluid passageway for controlling the flow of fluid through the passageway.