WO2004051210A1 - Bouchon de canalisation coulissant - Google Patents

Bouchon de canalisation coulissant Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2004051210A1
WO2004051210A1 PCT/US2003/037330 US0337330W WO2004051210A1 WO 2004051210 A1 WO2004051210 A1 WO 2004051210A1 US 0337330 W US0337330 W US 0337330W WO 2004051210 A1 WO2004051210 A1 WO 2004051210A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pipe
section
sonde
gasket
tow
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2003/037330
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Robert J. Harris
Original Assignee
Metrotech Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US10/306,403 external-priority patent/US20040130332A1/en
Priority claimed from US10/616,890 external-priority patent/US7137308B2/en
Application filed by Metrotech Corporation filed Critical Metrotech Corporation
Priority to AU2003295789A priority Critical patent/AU2003295789A1/en
Publication of WO2004051210A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004051210A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
    • G01M3/005—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures using pigs or moles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01M3/00—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures
    • G01M3/02—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum
    • G01M3/04—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point
    • G01M3/16—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using electric detection means
    • G01M3/18—Investigating fluid-tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using electric detection means for pipes, cables or tubes; for pipe joints or seals; for valves; for welds; for containers, e.g. radiators

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to testing of pipes and, in particular, to a plug system for restricting the water flow through a pipe.
  • Pipes that carry water and other liquids are prone to wear and damage. Sewer pipes, for example, may be prone to intrusion by tree roots or damage by ground movement. Testing can be routinely performed on the pipes in order to ascertain if the pipe is damaged and leaking. Additionally, testing may be performed on pipes to locate leaks in order to facilitate repairs.
  • Locater FELL
  • the FELL system locates defects by checking the electrical continuity through the walls of a pipe.
  • Most sewer pipes consist of electrically insulating materials; however, a defect in the pipe that leaks sewage or other electrically conductive liquids will also leak electrical current. For a constant applied voltage, the larger the defect in the pipe wall, the greater the electrical current that will pass through it.
  • a FELL test is carried out by pulling an electrode, called a sonde, through the pipe and measuring the variation of electric current flow through the wall of the pipe, then through the ground to an electrode on the surface.
  • the electrode on the surface can be a metal stake driven into the ground.
  • the sonde may be specially constructed such that the electric current only flows through the pipe radially from a narrow band located at the center of the sonde.
  • the sonde may also contain a microprocessor that controls the voltage applied to the sonde, measures the current flow through defects in the pipe wall, records the position of the sonde in the pipe and discloses the data to a user.
  • the resulting data may be displayed as, for example, a trace of current versus sonde position.
  • a usual requirement of FELL testing is that the pipe be full of water in the immediate vicinity of the sonde to provide electrical contact between the sonde and the pipe wall. At present, this requires that the pipe section to be tested be blocked just outside of an access port or manhole downstream from the test section. Once the section of pipe to be tested is isolated in this fashion, the isolated section is completely filled with water (surcharged), until the upstream end of the crown of the pipe section to be tested is covered with water. This may also involve blocking the upstream end of the test section just above another access port. In some cases, access ports may be separated by several tens of meters, for example 100 m.
  • FELL testing is carried out by stringing a haul line between manholes of the pipe section to be tested, pulling the FELL sonde through the pipe with the haul line from one manhole to the next, filling the test section with water, activating the sonde recording system, pulling the sonde back to the entry manhole while recording the variation of the current flow through the walls of the pipe, and emptying the sewer pipe. From 70% to 90% of the time to carry out a FELL test is occupied stringing the haul line and filling and emptying the sewer.
  • Sewer pipe water jet cleaning is carried out by inserting a hose into a sewer pipe at a manhole and pumping water through the hose at high pressure.
  • the nozzle at the end of the hose produces high pressure jets of water that clean the pipe and propel the hose end through the pipe.
  • the process is usually carried out in the upstream direction between two manholes. Once the nozzle reaches the upstream manhole the hose is retracted from the pipe.
  • a sliding pipe plug which allows operations to be performed in a pipe without inserting more time consuming plugging mechanisms.
  • the pipe may be leak checked without completely filling a blocked off section.
  • a sliding pipe plug according to the present invention allows a pipe to be filled to the level required for an operation such as FELL testing without completely plugging and filling a section of the pipe.
  • a sliding pipe plug according to the present invention can allow for operations to be performed in the pipe utilizing equipment for performing other operations. For example, FELL testing utilizing equipment normally utilized for high-pressure cleaning of the pipe can be performed with the sliding pipe plug.
  • Some embodiments of a sliding pipe plug apparatus can include a central portion; a gasket portion disposed around the central portion to substantially seal against an inside wall of a pipe as the apparatus is being pulled through the pipe in a tow direction; and a break-away section coupled to the central portion opposite the tow direction, the break-away section including a frangible connector such that the break-away section pulls the gasket portion away from the inside wall after sufficient force opposite the tow direction is applied to the break-away section.
  • Some embodiments of a sliding pipe plug apparatus can include a central portion; a gasket portion disposed around the central portion to substantially seal against an inside wall of a pipe as the apparatus is being pulled through the pipe in a tow direction; and a centralizing section attached to the central portion to essentially maintain the apparatus centered in a pipe while being towed.
  • a sliding pipe plug according to the present invention includes a central portion and a gasket portion displaced around the central portion wherein the gasket portion substantially seals against the inner wall of the pipe while the sliding pipe plug is towed along the pipe by a tow line.
  • An operation that requires blocking of the pipe can then be performed utilizing the sliding pipe plug.
  • the central portion can include equipment for performing operations on the pipe.
  • some of the electronic circuitry for performing FELL testing, including the sonde itself, may be included in the central portion of the sliding pipe plug.
  • the sliding pipe plug includes a centralizing portion and a plug portion.
  • the centralizing portion includes fins disposed radially about a central axis in order to help keep the sliding pipe plug essentially in the center of a pipe while it is being towed through the pipe.
  • the sliding pipe plug includes a break-away section.
  • the break-away section operates to pull the gasket away from the inside wall of the pipe.
  • the central portion is attached to a cable which can be attached to a measurement device, for example, a sonde of a FELL testing apparatus, by the break-away section.
  • the central portion can be attached to a high pressure water hose and the sliding pipe plug is towed through the pipe by the high pressure water hose.
  • a measuring device may then be attached to the sliding pipe plug at the break-away section and towed through the pipe along with the sliding pipe plug.
  • the sliding pipe plug When pulled through the pipe in the tow direction, the sliding pipe plug substantially seals against the inside of the pipe.
  • water pressure on the upstream side of the gasket portion helps to seal the plug.
  • a complete seal against the water flow past the plug is not formed.
  • the gasket is sufficiently flexible to allow the sliding pipe plug to slide past minor obstructions in the pipe such as root intrusions, offset pipe joints and connection misalignments while substantially sealing against the side wall of the pipe.
  • the break-away section pulls the gasket away from the inside wall of the pipe to release the water pressure.
  • a method of FELL testing a pipe utilizing a sliding pipe plug includes pulling a FELL sonde and cable through the pipe; attaching the sliding pipe plug to the cable such that the sliding pipe plug will substantially seal against the inside wall of the pipe; towing the sliding pipe plug and sonde through the pipe by the cable while measuring the electrical current as a function of sonde location; and breaking the seal between the sliding pipe plug and the inside wall of the pipe if there is need to tow the sliding pipe plug in the opposite direction.
  • the method further includes maintaining the sliding plug essentially in the center of the pipe with a centralizing section while towing the sliding plug through the pipe.
  • a pressure sensor may be incorporated with the sonde in order that an operator can ensure that the pipe is sufficiently filled with water at the location of the sonde during the time of the test.
  • data from the pressure sensor associated with the sonde can be utilized to locate and measure the size of leaks in the pipe.
  • a method of pressure cleaning and testing a pipe includes pressure cleaning a pipe with a high-pressure nozzle attached to a high- pressure hose, wherein during the process of cleaning the high pressure hose travels through the pipe; attaching a sliding pipe plug to the high-pressure hose; and towing the sliding pipe plug through the pipe by the high-pressure hose.
  • the sonde is attached to a cable which is pulled through the pipe during the test.
  • the sonde is attached to a cable which is integrally formed with the pressure hose.
  • a sonde may be incorporated into the center portion of the sliding pipe plug.
  • a winch attached to the sonde cable is equipped with a breaking mechanism to help control the velocity of the sliding pipe plug as it traverses the pipe.
  • Figures 1A, IB, and 1C illustrate FELL testing of a pipe.
  • Figure ID shows a block diagram of a FELL testing apparatus according to aspects of the present invention. 51210
  • Figures 2A and 2B illustrate FELL testing according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 shows a side view of a sliding pipe plug according to some embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 shows an end view of a sliding pipe plug according to some embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrate a FELL test according to some embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 6 shows a side view of a sliding pipe plug according to some embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 shows an end view of a sliding pipe plug according to some embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figures 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D illustrate methods of attaching a sliding pipe plug according to the present invention to a cable or pipe.
  • Figure 9 shows an embodiment of sliding pipe plug according to the present invention capable of collapsing the gasket so that water will flow past the sliding pipe plug and the sliding pipe plug can be towed through the pipe in a direction opposite the natural flow of water in the pipe.
  • Figure 10 shows another embodiment of a sliding pipe plug according to the present invention capable of collapsing the gasket so that water will flow past the sliding pipe plug and the sliding pipe plug can be towed through the pipe in a direction opposite the natural flow of water in the pipe.
  • Figure 11 shows the sliding pipe plug illustrated in Figure 10 with the gasket collapsed.
  • Figure 1A illustrates a present system 100 for FELL testing of a pipe section
  • Section 105 is obstructed with pipe block 106 adjacent to access 103.
  • the pipe block 106 is on the opposite side of joint 111 from the pipe section to be tested.
  • Another pipe block 107 outside of joint 112 to access 104 may also be blocked.
  • Haul line 102 is inserted into pipe section 105 via access 104.
  • Haul line 102 hauls sonde
  • Pipe section 105 is filled with water to a level 113 which keeps pipe section 105 flooded. Sonde 110 is pulled back through the pipe section 105 by cable
  • sonde 110 is towed through pipe section 105 at a constant rate of about 30 ft/minute (lOm/minute), which optimizes the data acquisition process.
  • Control electronics 125 controls winch 109 and voltage on sonde
  • Control electronics 125 also monitors the current between sonde 110 and ground rod 126 and displays a plot of current versus position. After sonde 110 has traversed pipe section 105, pipe blocks 106 and 107 are removed and the pipe is emptied.
  • Figure IB illustrates a representation of a pipe section 105 and FELL test output display 140.
  • Sonde 110 is pulled through pipe section 105 by cable 101.
  • Pipe section 105 is blocked off by plugs 106 and 107 as described in Figure 1A.
  • sonde 110 and cable 101 Prior to the blocking of access 103 from pipe section 105, sonde 110 and cable 101 were pulled through access 104 and pipe section 105 by a haul line 102 as illustrated in
  • FIG. 1A After the removal of haul line 102, plug 107 can be inserted and pipe section 105 is surcharged with water to cover sonde 110 as sonde 110 is towed through pipe section 105.
  • Figure IB illustrates the effects of several types of defects on the flow of electrical current through the pipe wall and the electrical current through sonde 110 as displayed by control electronics 125 (Figure 1A).
  • defect 120 is a longitudinal crack
  • defect 121 is a radial crack
  • defect 122 is a lateral connection fault
  • defect 123 is a faulty joint
  • defect 124 is a root incursion.
  • illustrated defects 120, 121, 122, 123 and 124 are some of the more common defects found in underground pipes such as sewage pipes.
  • FELL control electronics 125 registers the defects as corresponding data signals 130, 131, 132, 133, and 134, respectively.
  • FIG. 1A shows a block diagram of some embodiments of a FELL system 145.
  • FELL system 145 includes sonde 110 and control electronics 125.
  • Control electronics 125 is coupled to receive data signals from sonde 110 and from winch 109. Data signals include electrode currents (both focussed and total) from sonde 110 and positional data (e.g., the length of cable 101) from winch 109.
  • control electronics 125 further receives temperature data from sonde 110.
  • control electronics 125 may also receive pressure data from sonde 110.
  • Control electronics 125 stores the data and displays data (e.g., current versus position) on a graphics device such as a video display.
  • control electronics 125 can include a transfer module
  • Computer system 141 can be, for example, a personal computer with hard drive, removable storage, and user interfaces.
  • Computer system 141 includes display 142 that can be utilized to display data and operating information to a user.
  • Transfer module 140 receives, digitizes, processes and transmits the data signals. The digitized data signals can be transmitted to computer
  • Portions of transfer module 140 can be included in sonde 110.
  • sonde 110 includes analog drivers so that analog data is transmitted through cable 101 to transfer module 140, which digitizes and stores the data. The data can then be transferred to computer 141 at a later time.
  • An example of this arrangement is embodied in the FELL-21 system.
  • the FELL-21 system is available from Metrotech Corp., 488 Tasman Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94089.
  • part of transfer module 140 is housed in sonde 110 and data from sonde 110 is digitally transmitted through cable 101 to transfer module 140 where it is combined with the positional data from winch 109.
  • the digitized data signals can be transmitted to computer 141 through a standard RS 232 interface.
  • the FELL-41 system is also available from Metrotech Corp., 488 Tasman Drive, Sunnyvale, CA
  • both the FELL-21 and FELL-41 systems described above are examples of testing equipment only. Other testing equipment for performing other tests can also be utilized with sliding pipe plugs according to the present invention.
  • both the FELL-21 and FELL-41 system can be modified to include a pressure transducer. Data from the pressure transducer can also be monitored by control electronics 125 as further indication of leaks in pipe section 105. The rate of change of the pressure, for example, can indicate the size of a leak.
  • a suitable low-pressure pressure transducer can be ordered from Frontline Sensor & Systems, 22691 Lambert St, Suite 503, Lake Forest, CA
  • the pressure transducer can replace a temperature sensor.
  • the temperature sensor can be replaced with a pressure transducer.
  • FELL testing of sewage lines is an accurate method of locating various types of defects in the pipe.
  • the requirement of plugging the section of pipe to be tested so that the section can be filled with water is difficult and may result in the possibility of a sewage backup.
  • Figure 1C illustrates the limitations of the nature of traditional Fell testing or other operations that require surcharging pipe section 105.
  • pipe section 105 is typically sloped to define a flow direction.
  • pipe section 105 and the surface of the ground can be such that a water level 113 which completely fills access 103 does not sufficiently fill pipe section 105.
  • an access 150 to a structure 151 can be such that it falls completely below water level 113, resulting in back-flow of water into structure 151.
  • FIG. 2A illustrates a FELL test method 200 according to some embodiments of the present invention.
  • a portion of pipe section 205 to be FELL tested is shown in Figure 2 A.
  • Pipe section 205 is to be tested using sonde 203.
  • a sliding pipe plug apparatus 201 according to the present invention is attached to sonde cable 202 before sonde 203 is pulled back through pipe section 205 during the FELL test.
  • Gasket 209 of sliding pipe plug apparatus 201 substantially seals against the interior surface 207 of pipe section 205 while sliding pipe plug 201 and sonde 203 are pulled (or towed) through pipe section 205.
  • sliding pipe plug apparatus 201 substantially seals against the interior surface 207 of pipe section 205 while sliding pipe plug 201 and sonde 203 are pulled (or towed) through pipe section 205.
  • sliding pipe plug 201 and sonde 203 are pulled (or towed) through pipe section 205.
  • 201 is placed on cable 202 after the cable has been pulled through pipe section 205 with a haul line (not shown). Water 206 is then retained to a level 204 that allows for coverage of sonde 203. Cable 202 pulls through center section 208 of sliding pipe plug 201. As cable 202 pulls sliding pipe plug 201, sonde 203 is also pulled via cable section 216 which may be part of cable 202. Water level 204 of water 206 moves through pipe section 205 as apparatus 201 is pulled through pipe section 205. FELL testing of the pipe section 205 is thereby performed without the need for filling of the entire pipe section to be tested, as required in system 100 illustrated in Figure 1A.
  • sonde 203 includes a pressure transducer 215 which can be monitored to insure that sufficient water is present around sonde 203 to perform the FELL test. Further, in some embodiments a signal from pressure transducer 215 may be monitored as a function of the position of sonde
  • FIG. 2B illustrates an example of FELL testing according to the present invention.
  • the test is performed in section 205 between accesses 210 and 211.
  • a haul line 213, which in some embodiments may be attached to a winch 214, is passed from access 211 through test section 205 to access 210.
  • Apparatus 201 is then attached to cable 201 and the combination of apparatus 201 and sonde 203 is pulled back into section 205 by winch 212. Section 205 is then filled or allowed to fill with sufficient water to cover sonde 203 and the FELL test is performed.
  • haul line 213 is shown in Figure 2B, haul line 213 may, in some cases, be disconnected from sonde 203 as sonde 203 is pulled back during the
  • control electronics 125 applies voltages to sonde 203, monitors the current through section 205, and in some embodiments monitors pressure transducer 215.
  • haul line 213 remains attached to sonde 203 during the testing process.
  • Winch 214 in some embodiments, is equipped with a brake 216 in order to help control the speed of sonde 203 through section 205.
  • water pressure on sliding pipe plug 201 can cause plug 201 to traverse section 205 faster than desired. Further, under those circumstances, cable 202 may become entangled and jammed if sliding pipe plug 201 is traveling faster than cable 202 is being retrieved by winch 212.
  • Brake 216 may be mechanically, electrically or hydraulically controlled. Brake 216 may include feedback so that a pre-selected tension or a pre-selected cable velocity can be maintained. In some embodiments, brake 216 is a mechanical drum brake within winch 214. However, disk brakes, eddy current brakes, or any other braking mechanism can be utilized.
  • FIGs 3 and 4 illustrate an embodiment of a sliding pipe plug 201 according to the present invention.
  • embodiments of sliding pipe plug 201 travel through pipe section 205 when pulled along by cable 202.
  • Cable 202 may house electrical signal lines from sonde 203 ( Figure 2A), as well as provide the mechanical strength to slide apparatus 201 and sonde 203 though section 205.
  • Sliding pipe plug 201 includes a central portion 208 which is attached to cable 202.
  • Gasket 209 is attached to central portion 208 and forms a seal with the inner wall of pipe 205 as sliding pipe plug 201 is towed through pipe section 205.
  • Central portion 208 can include section 302 and end-caps 305.
  • Section 302 may be, for example, a section of pipe smaller in diameter than pipe section 205. In some embodiments, section 302 has a diameter large enough to allow sonde 203 to pass through section 302. [0051] End-caps 305 attach to section 302 and firmly hold cable 202 when apparatus
  • end-caps 305 attach around cable 202 on both ends of center 302.
  • end-cap 305 is only utilized on the end where cable 202 enters center portion 208 and the opposite end of center 302 is sealed, for example with a cap permanently attached to center 302.
  • Gasket 303 attaches to section 302 of center portion 208 at point 310.
  • Gasket 303 may be made from rubber sheet.
  • Gasket support 304 can be made of a flexible material such as closed-cell foam rubber, providing the support to substantially seal gasket 303 against the inner surface 307 of pipe 306 but also soft enough to allow for deformation of gasket 303 as necessary to bypass obstructions along the inside of pipe section 205.
  • Gasket 303 may be firmly attached to section 302 with, for example, a hose clamp 311. In some embodiments, gasket 303 may be permanently attached to section 302 by epoxy or glue.
  • End-caps 305 in central portion 302 may, for example, include closed-cell foam rubber in order to seal and attach to cable 202.
  • Central portion 302 may be formed of solid material, for example PVC pipe, steel, aluminum or any other rigid material.
  • Figures 8A and 8B show an embodiment of end-cap 305.
  • the embodiment of end-cap 305 includes two separated pieces 330 and 331.
  • a PVC end cap that fits on the PVC pipe that forms center 302 may be split in half to form pieces 330 and 331.
  • An access 334 for passage of cable 202 is formed in the center of pieces 330 and 331.
  • access 334 and the pieces 330 and 331 may be lined with a gasket material 335 and 336, respectively, so that, when assembled, a seal is made between end-cap 305 and cable 202.
  • Gasket materials 335 and 336 may, for example, be a closed-cell foam rubber.
  • Figure 8B shows the assembled end cap, which is placed around cable 202 and screwed with screws 332 and 333 into center 302. There may be any number of screws available to hold parts 330 and 331 to center 302, for example screws 332-1 through 332-N and 333-1 through 333-N are shown in Figure 8A. By tightening screws 332 and 333, sliding pipe plug 201 is firmly attached and sealed to cable 202.
  • FIG. 8C and 8D show another embodiment of end- cap 305.
  • parts 301 and 302 may be lined with gasket materials
  • pieces 301 and 302 are formed to screw into center 302.
  • engaging tapered threads 337 are utilized so that end-cap 305 clamps onto cable 202 as it is screwed into center 302.
  • end-cap 305 may be machined from a hard plastic material to fit into a PVC or metal pipe.
  • sliding pipe plug 201 In the application of FELL testing, sliding pipe plug 201 only needs to keep a sufficient level of water over sonde 203 to perform the FELL test. Leak-by of water during the process may be possible. In some embodiments of the invention, however, which may be utilized in other applications, a higher level of seal may be needed. Further, sliding pipe plug 201 can be adapted to any combination of the size of pipe section 205 and cable 202, which is insertable into pipe section 205. In some embodiments, cable 202 may be replaced by a pipe or tubing where sliding pipe plug 201 is attached to the pipe or tubing in the same fashion as it is attached to cable 202.
  • an embodiment of sliding pipe plug 201 adapted for FELL testing of a 6 inch sewage pipe is formed with 3 inch PVC pipe 11 inches long as central portion 302.
  • Gasket 303 forms a 6-inch conical gasket from sheet rubber and is attached along the 3 -inch PVC pipe with hose clamps appropriate for 3 -inch PVC pipe.
  • End-caps 305 are 3-inch PVC pipe caps split along the center, with an access appropriate to cable 202 and lined with closed-cell foam rubber. Multiple screws are utilized to attach end-caps 305 to center part 302 of center 208.
  • Figure 5A illustrates another way of utilizing an embodiment of sliding pipe plug 201 according to the present invention.
  • sliding pipe plug is attached to hose 501.
  • hose 501 may be a separate tow cable.
  • hose 501 is a high-pressure hose which has traveled through pipe section 205 during, for example, a high-pressure cleaning process.
  • Sonde 203 which is coupled to sonde cable 202, is attached to sliding pipe plug 201 such that sonde 203 and sonde cable 202 are towed through pipe section 205 by hose 501.
  • Sonde 203 can include a pressure transducer 215 to monitor water pressure at sonde 203.
  • water can be added to pipe section 205 through hose 501, which will eject water on the side of sliding pipe plug 201 that includes sonde 203, in order to maintain water level 204 relative to sonde 203.
  • Figure 5B illustrates a typical high-pressure cleaning process through pipe section 205.
  • High-pressure hose 501 is attached to a high-pressure nozzle 511.
  • High pressure nozzle 511 directs water in the flow direction of the pipe.
  • FIG. 5C shows an embodiment of a method of sonde testing according to the present invention utilizing high-pressure hose 501, sliding pipe plug 201, sonde 203, and sonde cable 202 through pipe section 205.
  • nozzle 511 is removed from high pressures hose 501 and sliding pipe plug 201 is attached to hose 501 in place of nozzle 511.
  • Sonde 203 is attached to sliding pipe plug 201 with attachment 502.
  • Attachment 502 can be a separate tow cable coupled between sliding pipe plug 201 and sonde 203.
  • the water level in pipe 205 is brought to a height that is sufficient to cover the sonde to carry out the FELL test.
  • High pressure hose 501 is then pulled back through pipe section 205 by winch 510. Sonde 203 and sonde cable 202 are towed through pipe section 205 along with sliding pipe plug 201.
  • winch 212 which is coupled to sonde cable 202, allows cable 202 to be pulled out during the FELL testing, as opposed to towing sonde 203 through pipe section 205 as was illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B.
  • a brake 517 on winch 212 can, as with brake 216 shown in Figure 2B, control the speed of sonde 203 through pipe section 205.
  • Brake 516 can, for example, be any of the mechanisms discussed with regard to brake 217 of Figure 2B.
  • Pressure sensor 215 can be monitored to indicate the need for more water and to indicate the presence of a leak.
  • pressure sensor 215 can be utilized to ensure that sliding pipe plug 201 is holding back sufficient water to perform the test, for example a sonde test. Further, pressure sensor 215 can be monitored to ensure that the sliding pipe plug does not hold back too much water, backing water into services connected to the sewer pipe section 105. Additionally, pressure sensor 215 can be monitored to indicate leaks in pipe section 105.
  • FIGS 6 and 7 illustrate an embodiment of sliding pipe plug 201 which can be utilized with hose 501 as illustrated in Figures 5 A, 5B and 5C.
  • sliding pipe plug 201 includes center portion 208 and gasket 209.
  • gasket 209 can be formed from sheet rubber and attached to center portion 208 with a hose clamp 311 or other attachment mechanism.
  • Spacers 304 insure that gasket material 303 is flush against the inside wall of pipe section 205 so that when water is introduced into the pipe, gasket 303 is in position to substantially seal pipe section
  • Center portion 208 includes center material 302, which can be a length of PVC pipe, and end-caps 305.
  • End-caps 305 as discussed with respect to Figures 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D, can be split and, when assembled, attach and seal against a pipe or cable. As shown in Figure 6, end-caps 305 attach and seal against pipe 602. Since pipe 602 is, in this embodiment, a permanent part of center section 208, end-caps 305 need not be split as shown in Figures 8A and 8C. Instead, end-caps 305 can be PVC caps appropriately sized for center material 302 which allows pipe 602 to pass. A gasket material formed around pipe 602 can be utilized to seal end-caps 305 with pipe 602.
  • end-caps 305 can be, for example, attached to center material 302 with PVC glue.
  • Connectors 601 and 603 can be attached to pipe 602 and can provide further mechanical stability and be used to provide sealing against end-caps 305.
  • pipe 602 and connectors 601 and 602 can be steel pipe appropriate for receiving high-pressure hose 501.
  • Shackle 604 is provided to attach the sliding pipe plug to sonde 203.
  • '_. inch high-pressure pipe and pipe-fittings can be utilized for pipe 602 and connectors 601 and 602, respectively.
  • Figure 7 shows a cross section down pipe section 302.
  • FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of sliding pipe plug 201 according to the present invention.
  • central portion 208 is formed from a centralizing section 930 and a plug section 940.
  • Centralizing section 930 can include centralizing fins 910. As shown in Figure 9, centralizing fins 910 can be attached to a pipe section 926. Connector 601 can be coupled with pipe section 926 in order to couple pipe section 926 with high pressure hose 501 or other haul line.
  • centralizing section 930 helps to keep sliding pipe plug 201 near the center of pipe section 205 so that the seal between gasket 209 and pipe section 205 is not broken and to keep the downstream end of sliding pipe plug 201 clear of obstructions in pipe section 205.
  • pipe section 926 can be a steel galvanized water pipe and centralizing fins 910 can be two or more steel plates welded edgewise onto pipe section 926.
  • pipe section 926 is a steel water pipe (for example a 1" steel water pipe) and centralizing fins 910 are steel plates (for example
  • pipe section 926 may be any rigid support, for example a plastic pipe, and fins 910 can be any rigid structure which extends from pipe section 926.
  • sliding pipe plug 201 is 21 inches in length and suitable for 6 inch to 12 inch ID pipe. In general, embodiments of sliding pipe plug with appropriate dimensions can be utilized in any size pipe.
  • Plug section 940 can also be formed around a pipe section 922.
  • Coupler 920 is attached to an end of pipe section 922 and centralizing section 930 can be coupled to plug section 940 by coupling pipe section 926 to pipe section 922 with coupler 920.
  • a clamping section 924 is slid over pipe section 922 and abuts coupler 920.
  • Clamping section 925, spaced from clamping section 924 with spacer 923, is then slid over pipe section 922.
  • a second coupler 921 is attached to pipe section 922 to tighten coupler 925 and spacer 923 against clamping section 924.
  • Clamping section 924 is shaped so as to receive gasket material 303 of gasket 209 and clamp gasket material 303 firmly in place when couplers 920 and 921 are tightened together.
  • gasket 209 seals against pipe 205 and the seal is held by water pressure.
  • water can be supplied through the haul line and high pressure hose 501 attached to coupler 601.
  • sliding pipe plug 201 includes a break-away section
  • break-away section shown in Figure 9 includes chains 901 coupled to shackles 604 and links 904 coupled between chains 901 and gasket 209. In general, there can be any number of shackles 604 and therefore any number of chains
  • break-away section 950 can be coupled to sonde 603 through chains 901.
  • break-away section 950 shown in Figure 9 includes links 905 and 906 coupled together with frangible link 903.
  • Link 902 also couples between links 905 and 906 and separates links 905 and 906 when frangible link 903 is broken.
  • sliding pipe plug 201 can be towed in a tow direction (i.e., in the direction of natural water flow in pipe section 205) by a tow line 501 (see Figure 5C).
  • link 904 is coupled to a link 905 in chain 901.
  • Link 905 can be coupled to link 906 by link 902. Additionally, link 905 may be coupled to link
  • frangible link 903 can be broken when a sufficient amount of tension exists in chain 901, separating links 906 and 905 by link 902.
  • link 904 operates to pull gasket 209 away from the inner wall of pipe 205 and any trapped water is able to flow past sliding pipe plug 201 and water pressure is released from gasket 209.
  • link 904 can be coupled to any link after frangible link 903.
  • Link 904 can be coupled to any link after frangible link 903.
  • link 902 can be of any length, allowing for the movement of link 904 coupled to chain
  • Frangible link 903 can be formed from any material or device that releases when sufficient tension is supplied along chain 901.
  • frangible link 903 can be a rubber link or plastic coupler, a plastic coupler with a deliberate fault, a tie wrap, a spot weld, or any other link with strength less than that of links 905, 906 and 902.
  • frangible link 903 is strong enough so that sonde 110 and sonde cable
  • FIG 10 shows another embodiment of sliding pipe plug 203 according to the present invention.
  • pipe sections 926 and 922 are formed from a single pipe.
  • Haul line 501 is attached to a plug or connector 601 in pipe section 926.
  • Centralizing fins 910 are attached to pipe section 926.
  • centralizing fins 910 can be attached to a support 1003 that is attached to pipe section 926. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, centralizing fins
  • rods, pipes or plates can be formed of plastic, non-corrosive aluminum, stainless steel, steel rod or other material.
  • any structure which can be utilized to keep sliding pipe plug 201 essentially in the center of pipe section 205 and to help clear obstructions from sliding pipe plug 201 can be utilized.
  • Clamping section 924 can be attached to support 1003, which is attached to pipe section 926.
  • clamping section 924 includes a serrated inner surface and is placed over pipe section 922 next to support 1003 for centralizing fins 910. Part of gasket 209 is fitted inside clamping section 924.
  • a jam nut 1005 can also be screwed onto threads formed on the external wall of pipe section 922, preventing clamping nut 1006 from unscrewing. Shackles 604 can be attached to jamming nut
  • standard pipe fittings and connectors can be utilized for the components of sliding pipe plug 201.
  • break-away section 950 includes chain sections 1001, chain 901, and links 904.
  • each of chain sections 1001 are joined at a link 906 on chain 901.
  • chain links 905 and 906 of chain 901 are joined by a frangible link 903.
  • Link 902 is joined between links 905 and 906.
  • Links 904 are joined between links 1002 and gasket 209. During normal operation of sliding pipe plug
  • links 904 can be slightly slack so that no force is transmitted along links 904.
  • Figurell shows the embodiment of sliding pipe plug shown and discussed with Figure 10.
  • frangible link 903 has been broken and links 906 and
  • link 905 are now separated by link 902.
  • the lengthening of chain 901 causes links 904, which are attached between link 1002 and gasket 209, to pull gasket 209 away from the inside wall of pipe section 205 as tension is applied to chain 901.
  • Links 904 which are attached between link 1002 and gasket 209, to pull gasket 209 away from the inside wall of pipe section 205 as tension is applied to chain 901.
  • Liquids upstream of sliding pipe plug 201 will then flow past gasket 209 and release water pressure. Sliding pipe plug 201, then, can be towed by chain 901 through the pipe without ruining or binding on gasket 209.
  • chain 901 and chain sections 1001 are shown as having particular numbers of links, any number of links can be included. Furthermore, any number of chain sections 1001 can be included.
  • the particular combination of links 905, 906 and 902 joined with frangible link 903 can be formed anywhere in chain 901 between where chain sections 1001 are joined and where links 904 are coupled to chain section
  • sliding pipe plug 201 when sliding pipe plug 201 is jammed in towing along tow line 510, sliding pipe plug 201 can be pulled back up pipe section 205 by chain 901. To affect this, tension can be applied to chain link 901, breaking frangible link 903. Sliding pipe plug 201 can then be towed back up the pipe without gasket 209 binding or being destroyed in the process.
  • Embodiments of a sliding pipe plug 201 can be formed from a variety of different materials, including plastics, and metals.
  • central portion 208 can include any number of materials utilized to ultimately support gasket 209 against the inner wall of pipe section 205 and facilitate the movement of sliding pipe plug 201 in a tow direction along pipe section 205.
  • a tow line 510 which can be a high pressure water hose, is utilized to tow sliding pipe plug 201 along pipe section 205.
  • a centralizing portion 930 is included to help keep sliding pipe plug 201 centered in pipe section 205.
  • Gasket 209 is rigidly held on sliding pipe plug 201 by a clamp 924. Break-away section 950 pulls gasket 209 away from the inside wall of pipe section 205 when sliding pipe plug 201 is pulled along pipe section 205 in a direction opposite the tow direction.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Examining Or Testing Airtightness (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un bouchon de canalisation coulissant utilisable sur des canalisations d'essai. Le bouchon de canalisation coulissant comprend une partie centrale et un joint statique disposé autour de la partie centrale. Lorsqu'il est tracté à l'intérieur de la canalisation, le bouchon de canalisation coulissant assure une étanchéification considérable contre l'eau qui s'écoule dans la canalisation. Dans quelques modes de réalisation, un joint statique souple peut être utilisé pour assurer une étanchéification considérable pendant que le bouchon de canalisation coulissant franchit les obstacles dans la canalisation. Le bouchon de canalisation coulissant de l'invention peut être utilisé dans des canalisations où des bouchons classiques sont difficiles à mettre en oeuvre. Par exemple, dans une méthode utilisant le système FELL pour tester une canalisation d'égout, un bouchon de canalisation coulissant peut être fixé à un câble de sonde, et le test peut s'effectuer sans boucher et surcharger toute la section de la canalisation à tester. Dans quelques modes de réalisation, le bouchon de canalisation coulissant comprend une section d'arrachement grâce à laquelle le joint d'étanchéité, qui fait barrage à l'eau s'écoulant à l'intérieur de la canalisation, peut rompre lorsque le bouchon de canalisation coulissant est tiré dans un sens opposé au sens de traction. Dans quelques modes de réalisation, le bouchon de canalisation coulissant comprend une section de centrage qui maintient le bouchon essentiellement au centre de la canalisation.
PCT/US2003/037330 2002-11-27 2003-11-25 Bouchon de canalisation coulissant WO2004051210A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003295789A AU2003295789A1 (en) 2002-11-27 2003-11-25 Sliding pipe plug

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/306,403 US20040130332A1 (en) 2002-11-27 2002-11-27 Sliding pipe plug
US10/306,403 2002-11-27
US10/616,890 2003-07-09
US10/616,890 US7137308B2 (en) 2003-07-09 2003-07-09 Sliding pipe plug

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004051210A1 true WO2004051210A1 (fr) 2004-06-17

Family

ID=32474117

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2003/037330 WO2004051210A1 (fr) 2002-11-27 2003-11-25 Bouchon de canalisation coulissant

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2003295789A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2004051210A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2975637A (en) * 1957-02-13 1961-03-21 Statewide Plumbing & Heating C Leak finder
US3768304A (en) * 1972-03-27 1973-10-30 Halliburton Co Pipeline leak locator plug
DE4219434A1 (de) * 1992-06-13 1993-12-16 Bernhard Rammner Verfahren und Vorrichtungen zur Detektierung und Interpretation von Leckagen
DE19612800A1 (de) * 1996-03-31 1997-10-02 Rammner Rudolf J Dipl Geophys Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Detektierung und Interpretation von Leckagen in leeren nichtmetallenen Rohrleitungen mithilfe elektrischer Leitfähigkeits-Messungen von mit Druckstrahlen hinter die Leckagen injizierten Flüssigkeitsmengen
US5892163A (en) * 1998-01-27 1999-04-06 Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. Sewer and pipeline inspection transporter tool

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2975637A (en) * 1957-02-13 1961-03-21 Statewide Plumbing & Heating C Leak finder
US3768304A (en) * 1972-03-27 1973-10-30 Halliburton Co Pipeline leak locator plug
DE4219434A1 (de) * 1992-06-13 1993-12-16 Bernhard Rammner Verfahren und Vorrichtungen zur Detektierung und Interpretation von Leckagen
DE19612800A1 (de) * 1996-03-31 1997-10-02 Rammner Rudolf J Dipl Geophys Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Detektierung und Interpretation von Leckagen in leeren nichtmetallenen Rohrleitungen mithilfe elektrischer Leitfähigkeits-Messungen von mit Druckstrahlen hinter die Leckagen injizierten Flüssigkeitsmengen
US5892163A (en) * 1998-01-27 1999-04-06 Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. Sewer and pipeline inspection transporter tool

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2003295789A1 (en) 2004-06-23

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7137308B2 (en) Sliding pipe plug
EP1210545B1 (fr) Deploiement de materiel a l'interieur de recipients et de conduits pour liquides
EP2669649B1 (fr) Intégration d'électro-balayage dans un véhicule d'inspection de conduite par vidéo
US4856937A (en) Pipeline systems
US7331215B2 (en) Deployment of equipment into fluid containers and conduits
EP0549680B1 (fr) Appareil de controle hydrostatique
EP0561728A1 (fr) Dispositif de captage de carburant comprenant des raccords plastiques étanches
JP2008545926A (ja) クロスラインの栓止めシステム及び係止栓
CA2628731A1 (fr) Procedes et systemes permettant d'effectuer un test hydrostatique sur une canalisation
US3400574A (en) Method and apparatus for testing pipelines
JP2002502494A (ja) 腐食監視システム
JPH0233911B2 (fr)
US20050241694A1 (en) Hot tapping method, system and apparatus
US4719687A (en) Method for sealing, pressure-testing, and transporting a multi-pipe segment
Mergelas et al. Leak locating method for precommissioned transmission pipelines: North American case studies
US20040130332A1 (en) Sliding pipe plug
GB2270963A (en) Pipe removal and replacement
WO2004051210A1 (fr) Bouchon de canalisation coulissant
US4080799A (en) Mechanical pipe end seal/alignment device
WO1993023729A1 (fr) Appareil permettant de localiser et de tester des tuyaux
EP0541623A1 (fr) Introduction de garnitures dans des tuyaux.
GB2623757A (en) Water guardian
EP1886060A2 (fr) Systeme de colmatage de ligne transversale et fiche de verrouillage
JP2002176710A (ja) 管路内ケーブルの損傷予知方法および装置、管路の破損検知方法および装置、管路内へのチューブの挿入装置。
JPS61274296A (ja) 原子炉の計装管案内装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BW BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE EG ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NI NO NZ OM PG PH PL PT RO RU SC SD SE SG SK SL SY TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VC VN YU ZA ZM ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): BW GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Country of ref document: JP