WO2016001659A1 - Improvements in or in relation to pipe liners and the installation thereof - Google Patents

Improvements in or in relation to pipe liners and the installation thereof Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2016001659A1
WO2016001659A1 PCT/GB2015/051917 GB2015051917W WO2016001659A1 WO 2016001659 A1 WO2016001659 A1 WO 2016001659A1 GB 2015051917 W GB2015051917 W GB 2015051917W WO 2016001659 A1 WO2016001659 A1 WO 2016001659A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
liner
pipe
pipe liner
heating
layers
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2015/051917
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Michael John Parker
Original Assignee
Craley Group Limited
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
Application filed by Craley Group Limited filed Critical Craley Group Limited
Priority to EP15744634.5A priority Critical patent/EP3164635B8/en
Priority to NZ728620A priority patent/NZ728620A/en
Priority to BR112016031019-5A priority patent/BR112016031019B1/en
Priority to AU2015282478A priority patent/AU2015282478B2/en
Priority to JP2017520019A priority patent/JP6725500B2/en
Priority to US15/321,608 priority patent/US10359143B2/en
Publication of WO2016001659A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016001659A1/en
Priority to ZA2017/00756A priority patent/ZA201700756B/en

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
    • F16L55/18—Appliances for use in repairing pipes
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03F—SEWERS; CESSPOOLS
    • E03F3/00—Sewer pipe-line systems
    • E03F3/06—Methods of, or installations for, laying sewer pipes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C63/00—Lining or sheathing, i.e. applying preformed layers or sheathings of plastics; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C63/26—Lining or sheathing of internal surfaces
    • B29C63/34—Lining or sheathing of internal surfaces using tubular layers or sheathings
    • B29C63/341—Lining or sheathing of internal surfaces using tubular layers or sheathings pressed against the wall by mechanical means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C63/00—Lining or sheathing, i.e. applying preformed layers or sheathings of plastics; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C63/26—Lining or sheathing of internal surfaces
    • B29C63/34—Lining or sheathing of internal surfaces using tubular layers or sheathings
    • B29C63/346—Fixing the end of the lining
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B1/00—Layered products having a non-planar shape
    • B32B1/08—Tubular products
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/06—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B32B27/08—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/30—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising vinyl (co)polymers; comprising acrylic (co)polymers
    • B32B27/304—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising vinyl (co)polymers; comprising acrylic (co)polymers comprising vinyl halide (co)polymers, e.g. PVC, PVDC, PVF, PVDF
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/32—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyolefins
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/34—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyamides
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/40—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyurethanes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B32B5/02—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by structural features of a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B32B5/22—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B32B5/22—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed
    • B32B5/24—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B32B5/26—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer another layer next to it also being fibrous or filamentary
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/04—Interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/12—Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
    • F16L55/16—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders
    • F16L55/162—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from inside the pipe
    • F16L55/165—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from inside the pipe a pipe or flexible liner being inserted in the damaged section
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
    • F16L55/16—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders
    • F16L55/162—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from inside the pipe
    • F16L55/165—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from inside the pipe a pipe or flexible liner being inserted in the damaged section
    • F16L55/1652—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from inside the pipe a pipe or flexible liner being inserted in the damaged section the flexible liner being pulled into the damaged section
    • F16L55/1653—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from inside the pipe a pipe or flexible liner being inserted in the damaged section the flexible liner being pulled into the damaged section and being pressed into contact with the pipe by a tool which moves inside along the pipe
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
    • F16L55/16—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders
    • F16L55/162—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from inside the pipe
    • F16L55/165—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from inside the pipe a pipe or flexible liner being inserted in the damaged section
    • F16L55/1652—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from inside the pipe a pipe or flexible liner being inserted in the damaged section the flexible liner being pulled into the damaged section
    • F16L55/1654—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from inside the pipe a pipe or flexible liner being inserted in the damaged section the flexible liner being pulled into the damaged section and being inflated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
    • F16L55/16—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders
    • F16L55/162—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from inside the pipe
    • F16L55/165—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from inside the pipe a pipe or flexible liner being inserted in the damaged section
    • F16L55/1656—Devices for covering leaks in pipes or hoses, e.g. hose-menders from inside the pipe a pipe or flexible liner being inserted in the damaged section materials for flexible liners
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2023/00—Tubular articles
    • B29L2023/22—Tubes or pipes, i.e. rigid
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2262/00—Composition or structural features of fibres which form a fibrous or filamentary layer or are present as additives
    • B32B2262/02—Synthetic macromolecular fibres
    • B32B2262/0223—Vinyl resin fibres
    • B32B2262/0238—Vinyl halide, e.g. PVC, PVDC, PVF, PVDF
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2262/00—Composition or structural features of fibres which form a fibrous or filamentary layer or are present as additives
    • B32B2262/02—Synthetic macromolecular fibres
    • B32B2262/0253—Polyolefin fibres
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2262/00—Composition or structural features of fibres which form a fibrous or filamentary layer or are present as additives
    • B32B2262/02—Synthetic macromolecular fibres
    • B32B2262/0261—Polyamide fibres
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2262/00—Composition or structural features of fibres which form a fibrous or filamentary layer or are present as additives
    • B32B2262/02—Synthetic macromolecular fibres
    • B32B2262/0292—Polyurethane fibres
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2262/00—Composition or structural features of fibres which form a fibrous or filamentary layer or are present as additives
    • B32B2262/10—Inorganic fibres
    • B32B2262/103—Metal fibres
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2262/00—Composition or structural features of fibres which form a fibrous or filamentary layer or are present as additives
    • B32B2262/10—Inorganic fibres
    • B32B2262/106—Carbon fibres, e.g. graphite fibres
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2264/00—Composition or properties of particles which form a particulate layer or are present as additives
    • B32B2264/10—Inorganic particles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2264/00—Composition or properties of particles which form a particulate layer or are present as additives
    • B32B2264/10—Inorganic particles
    • B32B2264/105—Metal
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2264/00—Composition or properties of particles which form a particulate layer or are present as additives
    • B32B2264/10—Inorganic particles
    • B32B2264/107—Ceramic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2264/00—Composition or properties of particles which form a particulate layer or are present as additives
    • B32B2264/10—Inorganic particles
    • B32B2264/107—Ceramic
    • B32B2264/108—Carbon, e.g. graphite particles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/20—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular electrical or magnetic properties, e.g. piezoelectric
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/20—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular electrical or magnetic properties, e.g. piezoelectric
    • B32B2307/202—Conductive
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/50—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular mechanical properties
    • B32B2307/546—Flexural strength; Flexion stiffness
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2597/00—Tubular articles, e.g. hoses, pipes
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03F—SEWERS; CESSPOOLS
    • E03F3/00—Sewer pipe-line systems
    • E03F3/06—Methods of, or installations for, laying sewer pipes
    • E03F2003/065—Refurbishing of sewer pipes, e.g. by coating, lining

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to repair and/or renewal of pipes.
  • the present invention relates to a pipe liner, a method of installing said pipe liner, and an apparatus for installing said pipe liner.
  • a pipe liner typically formed from a rigid polymer material
  • the liner can provide additional structural support for the pipe and may seal cracks, holes or the likes in the existing pipe.
  • the pipe liner is preformed in a shape substantially corresponding to that of the pipe, but with a slightly narrower diameter. The liner can then be inserted into the pipe. Once in situ, heat expansion can be used to expand the liner into a close fit with the inner surface of the pipe.
  • swage lining involves reducing the diameter of a liner by pulling it through a die before inserting into a pipe. After insertion, the line will gradually expand back to its original diameter and thereby form a close fit with the inner surface of the pipe.
  • a further alternative method involves soaking an absorbent fabric pipe liner in resin, inserting said fabric pipe liner into the pipe, pressing the liner against the pipe surface and curing the resin.
  • the resin is either left to cure gradually or the curing is accelerated using heat and/or ultraviolet light. Where the process is accelerated this can require large amounts of power.
  • CIPP cured in place polymer
  • a pipe liner for use in repair and/or renewal of a pipe, the pipe liner comprising an elongate duct formed from multiple laminated layers of thermoplastic material.
  • a pipe liner of the claimed type provides excellent pipe lining performance and significantly increased flexibility. Due to the improved flexibility provided by the laminar construction, the pipe liner may be stored in a more volumetrically efficient fashion than preformed prior art pipe liners but without the complexities of handling resin required by CIPP systems. Similarly, the increased flexibility provides for simple insertion of the liner into a pipe without the complexities of handling resin required by CIPP systems.
  • the liner is adapted such that it may have a substantially flat form for storage. Most preferably, this is achieved by folding the liner. In the substantially flat form opposing faces of the liner may be pressed together or into close proximity, this being facilitated by axial folds at opposing sides of the liner profile.
  • the folds may dead folds, sharp folds or may have a curved form. Between the folds, opposing sides of the liner profile may extend substantially parallel to one another.
  • the liner may be formed in the substantially flat form or may be formed in a substantially tubular form then flattened.
  • Suitable thermoplastic materials for the laminate layers include but are not limited to: high/medium/low density polyethylene (HDPE/MDPE/LDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (PVCu), polypropylene (PP), Nylon66, thermoplastic polyurethane (TU) or the like.
  • the laminate layers may be bonded together by the provision of an adhesive there between.
  • the adhesive may be a heat melt adhesive.
  • the laminate layers may be heat bonded.
  • the laminate layer are preferably thin, say 0 . 5 to 2 mm or l to 2 mm. Typically there are at least 2, and preferably 3 or more laminate layers. In larger pipes there may be more layers. In particular, in some large diameter pipes, whilst there may be 2 to 10 layers, there are preferably 8 to 10 layers. Most preferably, the overall thickness of the liner is of the order of a small percentage of the pipe diameter. Preferably, the overall thickness of the liner is of the order of 2 to 10% or 2 to 5% of the pipe diameter.
  • the laminate layers may comprise substantially coaxial elongate ducts.
  • the laminate layers may be helically wound relative to the elongate axis.
  • successive laminate layers are helically wound in opposing directions.
  • the layers may be wound in a braided fashion. In such cases, the alternate molecular alignments may increase the strength of the laminated liner.
  • the laminate layers may be formed from dual-orientated polymer (DOP) strips.
  • the liner may be adapted to comprise a cable duct.
  • the cable duct may be formed from thermoplastic or thermosetting material. Where the cable duct is formed from a thermoplastic material, it preferably has a higher transition temperature than the thermoplastic material forming the laminate layers.
  • the cable duct is preferably provided between two laminate layers.
  • the cable duct may be extruded with an exterior profile adapted to minimise the interstitial gap between laminate layers.
  • the cable duct may have tapered side wing sections.
  • the cable duct may comprise a microduct, where appropriate.
  • the cables may be power cables or data cables.
  • the cables may comprise electrically conductive cables or optical cables.
  • Heating means may be provided within the pipe liner. Where suitable, the heating means may be provided between successive laminate layers. The heating means enable the pipe liner to be heated above the transition temperature of the laminate layers. This enables the pipe liner to be softened allowing a close fit when pressed against the inner surface of the pipe to achieve a close fit. It also helps achieve consolidation of the laminate layers during pressing.
  • the heating means may comprise one or more conductive filaments provided between the laminate layers. Preferably, the filaments extend along the length of the pipe liner. By applying an electric current along the filaments, the pipe liner may be heated by resistive heating. The magnitude of the current may be varied. Additionally or alternatively, the applied current may be a pulsed current. In such cases, the duty cycle of the pulsed current may be varied.
  • the heating of the liner may be controlled.
  • the magnitude or duty cycle of the current is varied in response to monitoring means.
  • the monitoring means may be operable to monitor the resistance of the filaments either directly or by inference from the applied current/voltage. The monitored resistance will thereby provide an indication of the temperature of the filaments and hence the temperature of the pipe liner.
  • the filaments may be helically wound. Most preferably, equal numbers of filaments are helically wound in opposing directions.
  • the filaments may be wound in the form of an inter woven braid. This can help the filament structure maintain a desired shape during manipulation of the liner prior to installation.
  • the filaments may be substantially axial or radial or a mixture of axial and radial.
  • the filaments would be formed from a suitable conductive material including, but not limited to: aluminium, copper, carbon fibre or the like.
  • the heating means may comprise electromagnetic susceptor material.
  • the susceptor material is evenly disposed along the length of the pipe liner. Most preferably, the susceptor material is disposed at the interface boundaries between laminate layers.
  • RF radio-frequency
  • MW microwave
  • the susceptor particles may be heated, thereby heating the pipe liner.
  • the level of heating may be controlled by varying the power of the emissions.
  • the emission will be in within the range of 10MHz to 2.5GHz. In preferred embodiments, the emissions may be in standard bands such as 27MHz or 2.4GHz.
  • the susceptor material may comprise a plurality of susceptor particles.
  • the susceptor particles may be provided: within the thermoplastic laminate layers; as a surface coating on the thermoplastic layers; or within an adhesive provided between the thermoplastic layers.
  • the susceptor particles may comprise: metals such as aluminium, or similar; conductive ceramics or similar; or carbon fibre.
  • the carbon fibre may be provided as chopped strands or woven braids as desired or as appropriate.
  • the heating means may comprise a plurality of magnetic particles adapted to have a curie temperature corresponding to the transition temperature of the laminate layers.
  • the heating means may comprise a plurality of magnetic particles adapted to have a curie temperature corresponding to the transition temperature of the laminate layers.
  • the magnetic particles may be formed from any suitable material.
  • the magnetic particles comprise nickel/zinc ferrite.
  • the curie temperature may be selected by selecting magnetic particles with a desired a desired Nickel: Zinc ratio.
  • the magnetic particles may be provided: within the thermoplastic laminate layers; as a surface coating on the thermoplastic layers; or within an adhesive provided between the thermoplastic layers.
  • a pipe liner for use in repair and/or renewal of a pipe, the pipe liner comprising an elongate duct formed from multiple laminated layers of thermoplastic material and heating means comprising one or more conductive filaments provided between the laminate layers.
  • the pipe liner of the second aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all aspects of the pipe liner of the first aspect of the present invention as desired or as appropriate.
  • a pipe liner for use in repair and/or renewal of a pipe, the pipe liner comprising an elongate duct formed from multiple laminated layers of thermoplastic material and heating means comprising electromagnetic susceptor material.
  • the pipe liner of the second aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all aspects of the pipe liner of the first aspect of the present invention as desired or as appropriate.
  • a pipe liner for use in repair and/or renewal of a pipe, the pipe liner comprising an elongate duct formed from multiple laminated layers of thermoplastic material and heating means comprising a plurality of magnetic particles adapted to have a curie temperature corresponding to the transition temperature of the laminate layers.
  • the pipe liner of the fourth aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all aspects of the pipe liner of the first aspect of the present invention as desired or as appropriate.
  • a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing a pipe liner according to any one of the first, second, third or fourth aspects of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: inserting the pipe liner into the pipe; heating the pipe liner; and subsequently pressing the pipe liner against the interior surface of the pipe.
  • the method of the fifth aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all features of the first four aspects of the present invention, as desired or as appropriate.
  • the heating step may be achieved using heating means and preferably by heating means as described in relation to the first four aspects of the present invention.
  • the method may include the step of inserting successive lengths of pipe liner into the pipe.
  • the method may include the additional steps of fusing together lengths of pipe liner.
  • the fusion may be achieved by use of an adhesive, or by welding techniques.
  • the pressing step may be achieved using compressed air or other suitable gas.
  • the method may include the additional step of sealing the ends of the liner.
  • the pressing step may additionally or alternatively be achieved using a suitable forming tool inserted into the liner.
  • the forming tool may comprise a suitably adapted pipeline inspection gauge (pig).
  • the forming tool may be operable to activate the heating means in the pipe liner.
  • the forming tool may comprise one or more sprung plates adapted to press outwardly. Pressing can help achieve a consolidation of the heated laminate layers as well as achieving a close fit between the liner and the pipe.
  • the method may include the additional step of monitoring the temperature of the pipe liner during the heating step.
  • the monitoring may be achieved by monitoring the electrical properties of the filaments, in particular by monitoring the electrical resistance of the filaments.
  • the heating means comprise susceptor material
  • the monitoring may be achieved by means of an infra red detector positioned so as to monitoring infra red emission from the liner.
  • the monitoring may be achieved by a dedicated monitoring device.
  • the pressing is achieved using a forming tool
  • the monitoring may be achieved using a monitoring device incorporated into the forming tool.
  • a method of installing a pipe liner comprising the steps of: inserting the pipe liner into the pipe; heating the pipe liner; and subsequently pressing the pipe liner against the interior surface of the pipe, wherein the pipe liner is heated by applying an electric current along the filaments.
  • the method of the sixth aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all features of the first, second and fifth aspects of the present invention, as desired or as appropriate.
  • a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing a pipe liner according to the third aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: inserting the pipe liner into the pipe; heating the pipe liner; and subsequently pressing the pipe liner against the interior surface of the pipe, wherein the pipe liner is heated by applying radio frequency (RF) or microwave (MW) emissions to the pipe liner.
  • RF radio frequency
  • MW microwave
  • the method of the seventh aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all features of the first, third and fifth aspects of the present invention, as desired or as appropriate.
  • a method of installing a pipe liner comprising the steps of: inserting the pipe liner into the pipe; heating the pipe liner; and subsequently pressing the pipe liner against the interior surface of the pipe, wherein the pipe liner is heated by applying a high frequency magnetic field to the pipe liner.
  • the method of the eighth aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all features of the first, fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, as desired or as appropriate.
  • a master unit for heating a pipe liner according to the second aspect of the present invention or for implementing the method of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the master unit comprising: one or more connectors for forming electrical connections with the conductive filaments of the pipe liner; power output means for applying an electrical current to the connectors; monitoring means for monitoring the characteristics of the applied electrical current and outputting a response thereto; and a control unit for varying the applied electrical current in response to the output of the monitoring means.
  • the master unit of the ninth aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all of the features of the first, second, fifth or sixth aspects of the present invention as desired or as appropriate.
  • the power output means may be operable to output a pulsed electrical current.
  • the power output means may be operable to vary the duty cycle of the pulsed current in response to the control unit.
  • the monitoring unit may be operable to monitor the electrical properties of the conductive filaments between current pulses.
  • the emitting means may comprise: an RF amplifier and frequency source; a magnetron; or an antenna.
  • the antenna may comprise a quarter wave antenna, a helical coil or a horn antenna.
  • the antenna may be aligned with the axis of the pipe.
  • the monitoring means may be operable to monitor the energy emitted by the coil.
  • the monitoring means may comprise one or more infra red detectors.
  • a forming tool for installing a pipe liner according to the fourth aspect of the present invention or for implementing the method of the eighth aspect of the present invention comprising: magnetic means operable to apply a high frequency magnetic field to the pipe liner.
  • the tool of the eleventh aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all of the features of the first, fourth, fifth or eighth aspects of the present invention as desired or as appropriate.
  • the magnetic means may comprise a conductive coil.
  • the coil may comprise a spiral or pancake coil.
  • the specific form of the coil may be adapted to achieve a desired distribution of magnetic energy.
  • the magnetic means may comprise multiple conductive coils. The multiple coils may provide a better distribution of magnetic energy or may be adapted to enable the tool to be used with different sized pipes.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a pipe liner according to the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a pipe liner of figure 1; is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pipe liner of figure 1 and 2 when flattened for storage; is a schematic perspective view of the flattened pipe liner of figure 3; is a schematic illustration of the manufacture of the pipe liner of figures 1-4; is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a pipe liner according to the present invention wherein the pipe liner incorporates a cable duct; is a schematic perspective view of a pipe liner of figure 6; is a schematic cross-sectional detail illustrating an embodiment of pipe liner according to the present invention provided with one or more conducting filaments; is a schematic perspective view of the pipe liner of figure 8; is a schematic view of the current applied to the filaments of the pipe liner of figures 8 & 9 for heating; is a schematic illustration of apparatus according to the present invention for applying the current of figure 10; is a schematic block diagram of the master current unit shown in figure
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional detail illustrating an embodiment of pipe liner according to the present invention provided with susceptor material or magnetic particles;
  • Figure 13 schematically illustrates potential antennas according to the present invention for applying RF/MW emissions to the pipe liner of figure 12;
  • Figure 14 schematically illustrates a coil arrangement according to the present invention for applying a high frequency magnetic field to the pipe liner of figure 12;
  • Figure 15 is a schematic illustration of apparatus according to the present invention for applying the RF/MW emissions of figure 13 or the a high frequency magnetic field of figure 14.
  • the pipe liner 1 comprises an elongate duct 10 formed from multiple laminated layers 11. Each layer 11 is formed of a thermoplastic material. The layers 11 may be bonded together by adhesive (not shown).
  • the layers 11 are all relatively thin (say l-2mm thick).
  • the liner 1 remains relatively flexible and may be folded to a substantially flat form 2 as shown in figures 3 & 4.
  • the opposing sides of the duct 3 are pressed into close proximity aided by folding 4 of the duct 10 at opposing edges.
  • the liner 1 can be stored in a more volumetrically efficient fashion than prior art liners.
  • the flattened liner 2 may be readily wound around a reel or spindle for transport and storage.
  • the liner 1 shown in figures 1-4 is comprised of layers 11 in the form of substantially concentric ducts, in a preferred embodiment shown in figure 5, the liner 1 may comprise a series of oppositely wound helical spirals 12, 13.
  • the winding may take the form of a woven braid.
  • the liner 1 is inserted into a pipe to be lined.
  • the liner 1 is deployed in flat form 2 from a reel or spindle and pulled/pushed to the end of the pipe or to a suitable break point in the pipe.
  • the liner 1 is subsequently heated and pressed against the inner surface of the pipe to form a close fit. Once the liner 1 cools, it sets in place providing a close fitting pipe lining.
  • the heating and pressing are discussed in greater detail below.
  • the liner 1 is provided with a cable duct 13 between two laminate layers 11.
  • the cable duct 13 allows for cables to be rapidly installed, typically by being blown along the duct 13 once the pipe liner 1 is in position.
  • the pipe liner 1 therefore both lines the pipe and provides a secure place for cables out of the flow passage of the pipe.
  • heating means 20 may be provided within the liner 1.
  • the heating means 20 may comprise a plurality of conductive filaments 21 as shown in figure 8.
  • the filaments 21 are provided between the laminate layers 11 and may be helically wrapped in opposing dimensions as shown in figure 9. In this manner, the laminate layers 11 may be heated by resistive losses when a current is applied to the filaments 21.
  • a pulsed current is applied to the filaments 21 as shown in figure 10.
  • the resistance of the filaments is monitored between current pulses 30. As the resistance varies predictably with temperature, the variations in resistance can enable the temperature of the liner 1, during heating, to be controlled by varying the duty cycle of the applied current. This is illustrated schematically in figure 10 by the varying width and separation of the pulses 30.
  • the heating is monitored and controlled by a master unit 31, as shown in figure 11 and figure 11a.
  • the master unit 31 is provided with connectors 32 for forming electrical connections with the conductive filaments 21 of the pipe liner 1.
  • the connectors 32 may further comprise drum sections 33 insertable into the respective ends of the pipe liner 1.
  • the master unit 31 further comprises a power output means 34 for applying an electrical current to the connectors 32; monitoring means 36 for monitoring the characteristics of the applied electrical current and outputting a response thereto; and a control unit 35 for varying the electrical current by the power output means 33 in response to the output of the monitoring means 36.
  • the control unit 35 can be operable to vary the duty cycle of pulsed current. Nevertheless, the control unit 35 may additionally or alternatively vary the magnitude of the current. Furthermore, if the invention is implemented with a steady applied current rather than a pulsed current, the control unit 35 may be operable to vary the magnitude of the steady current.
  • the drum sections 33 are inserted into respective ends of the pipe liner 1 to form a substantially airtight seal. Air can then be pumped into the sealed pipe liner section via an air inlet valve 37 provided in one of the drum sections 33. After sufficient heating and pressing, the liner can be allowed to cool in place. Subsequently, the air inlet valve 37 can be opened and/or the drum sections 33 removed. Successive lengths of pipe liner 1 may be installed within a long pipe in this fashion. After installation, adjacent lengths of liner 1 may be sealed together by any suitable method, in particular by plastic welding.
  • the heating means 20 may comprise electromagnetic susceptor material or a plurality of magnetic particles as illustrated schematically in figure 12.
  • the susceptor material or magnetic particles may be provided: within the thermoplastic laminate layers; as a surface coating on the thermoplastic layers; or within an adhesive provided between the thermoplastic layers.
  • heating is achieved by applying an RF (radio frequency) or MW (microwave) emission to the liner 1.
  • the RF/MW emissions are absorbed by the susceptor material. Accordingly, the susceptor material is heated and heat is transferred by conduction to the liner 1.
  • the emissions may be applied by an antenna 40 inserted into the liner 1.
  • the antenna 40 can then be passed along the liner 1, successively heating the liner 1 for/during pressing.
  • suitable antenna forms are shown in figure 13, specifically a quarter wave antenna (fig 13 a), a helical coil (fig 13 b) and a horn antenna (fig 13c).
  • heating is achieved by applying a high frequency magnetic field to the pipe liner 1.
  • the high frequency magnetic field causes heating of the magnetic particles due to hysteresis losses. Accordingly, heat is transferred by conduction to the liner 1.
  • the magnetic particles are heated above their curie temperature, they no longer exhibit magnetic properties and accordingly cease to be heated by the applied high frequency magnetic field.
  • heating of the pipe liner 1 may be controlled.
  • the high frequency magnetic field may be applied by an antenna 40 inserted into the liner 1.
  • the antenna 40 can then be passed along the liner 1, successively heating the liner 1 for/during pressing.
  • An example of a suitable antenna form is shown in figure 14, specifically a spiral coil.
  • the heating and pressing of the liner 1 in these embodiments may be carried using a similar arrangement to the electrical embodiment of figure 11 as is illustrated in figure 15.
  • a length of pipe liner is once again sealed by drum sections 33 at either end. Air can be pumped into the sealed volume using air inlet valve 37, thereby enabling the liner 1 to be pressed against the inside surface of the pipe.
  • the antenna 40 is provided within a shielded portion 42 of a pig (pipeline inspection gauge) 41.
  • the pig 4 lean be pulled from one end of the liner 1 to the other by means of a tow cable 43 which passes through gland 38 in one of the drum sections 33.
  • a power cable 44 passes through an equivalent gland 38 at the other drum section 33.
  • the liner section 1 is sealed and air is pumped inside.
  • the antenna 40 is activated and pulled along by means of tow cable 43.
  • the pipe liner 1 is thus heated by the antenna 40 in conjunction with the heating means 20, and pressed against the pipe by the pressure within the sealed liner 1.
  • the air inlet valve 37 can be opened and/or the drum sections 33 removed.
  • Successive lengths of pipe liner 1 may be installed within a long pipe in this fashion. After installation, adjacent lengths of liner 1 may be sealed together by any suitable method, in particular by plastic welding.
  • the pig 41 may additionally comprise one or more sprung plates 45 adapted to press outwardly on the liner 1. In such embodiments, it is indeed possible to omit the drums 33 and rely solely on the sprung plates 45 to press the heated liner 1.
  • the pig may also be provided with an infra red sensor (not shown).
  • the infra red sensor may be operable to determine the temperature of the pipe liner 1 and hence the power output of antenna 40 can be varied in response to temperature.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Lining Or Joining Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Pipe Accessories (AREA)
  • General Induction Heating (AREA)
  • Rigid Pipes And Flexible Pipes (AREA)

Abstract

A pipe liner (1) comprises an elongate duct (10) formed from multiple relatively thin laminated layers (11) of thermoplastic material, which may be bonded together by adhesive. In use, the liner is inserted into a pipe to be lined, typically deployed in flat form from a reel or spindle and pulled/pushed to the end of the pipe. The liner is subsequently heated and pressed against the inner surface of the pipe to form a close fit. Once the liner cools, it sets in place providing a close fitting pipe lining. In order to ensure adequate and even heating of the pipe liner during installation, heating means (20) are provided within the liner. The heating means (20) may comprise: a plurality of conductive filaments (21); electromagnetic susceptor material; or a plurality of magnetic particles.

Description

Improvements in or in Relation to Pipe Liners and the Installation Thereof
Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to repair and/or renewal of pipes. In particular, the present invention relates to a pipe liner, a method of installing said pipe liner, and an apparatus for installing said pipe liner.
Background to the Invention
It is common practice to provide utilities, such as water or gas supply or other services including waste water drainage/sewerage along underground pipes. This reduces the obstruction caused by these pipes, particularly in crowded urban areas. It can also provide the pipes with some measure of protection against environmental exposure.
Along with these advantages, there are some disadvantages, in particular, the possibility of damage to the pipes from ground movement, subsidence, increased overhead traffic, tree growth or the like. Another problem with underground pipes is the inconvenience of uncovering or accessing pipes for repair. The access and repair issue has been addressed by inserting a pipe liner, typically formed from a rigid polymer material, along a section of underground pipe. The liner can provide additional structural support for the pipe and may seal cracks, holes or the likes in the existing pipe. Typically, the pipe liner is preformed in a shape substantially corresponding to that of the pipe, but with a slightly narrower diameter. The liner can then be inserted into the pipe. Once in situ, heat expansion can be used to expand the liner into a close fit with the inner surface of the pipe. An alternative method known as swage lining involves reducing the diameter of a liner by pulling it through a die before inserting into a pipe. After insertion, the line will gradually expand back to its original diameter and thereby form a close fit with the inner surface of the pipe.
A further alternative method involves soaking an absorbent fabric pipe liner in resin, inserting said fabric pipe liner into the pipe, pressing the liner against the pipe surface and curing the resin. Typically, the resin is either left to cure gradually or the curing is accelerated using heat and/or ultraviolet light. Where the process is accelerated this can require large amounts of power. There are many variants on such cured in place polymer (CIPP) pipe lining systems, nevertheless, each suffers from the fact that the resin components are typically toxic. As such, soaking the liner material with resin may require a specialised equipment or facilities. Additionally, CIPP liners tend to be very rigid once cured and thus provide minimal flexibility to accommodate subsequent ground or pipe movements.
Whilst the above methods provide for convenient repair/renewal of a pipe, it can be complex and/or costly to apply such a method in many situations. In particular, such preformed liners have limited flexibility which can cause difficulty if the pipe includes multiple bends, variations in diameter. Additional problems may be caused where there are other irregularities in the interior surface of the pipe (from collapse or otherwise) or if there is restricted access to the pipe section to be repaired/renewed. A further significant problem with such liners is storage and convenience of transport or handling. Since the liners typically have limited flexibility, storage and deployment is possible only off a relatively large spindle. Additionally, storage of liners is volumetrically inefficient in view of the significant empty inner volume of the liner. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved pipe liner, method of installing a pipe liner and apparatus for installing a pipe liner that overcome or at least alleviate some of the above issues.
Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a pipe liner for use in repair and/or renewal of a pipe, the pipe liner comprising an elongate duct formed from multiple laminated layers of thermoplastic material.
A pipe liner of the claimed type provides excellent pipe lining performance and significantly increased flexibility. Due to the improved flexibility provided by the laminar construction, the pipe liner may be stored in a more volumetrically efficient fashion than preformed prior art pipe liners but without the complexities of handling resin required by CIPP systems. Similarly, the increased flexibility provides for simple insertion of the liner into a pipe without the complexities of handling resin required by CIPP systems. Preferably, the liner is adapted such that it may have a substantially flat form for storage. Most preferably, this is achieved by folding the liner. In the substantially flat form opposing faces of the liner may be pressed together or into close proximity, this being facilitated by axial folds at opposing sides of the liner profile. The folds may dead folds, sharp folds or may have a curved form. Between the folds, opposing sides of the liner profile may extend substantially parallel to one another. The liner may be formed in the substantially flat form or may be formed in a substantially tubular form then flattened. Suitable thermoplastic materials for the laminate layers include but are not limited to: high/medium/low density polyethylene (HDPE/MDPE/LDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (PVCu), polypropylene (PP), Nylon66, thermoplastic polyurethane (TU) or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the laminate layers may be bonded together by the provision of an adhesive there between. The adhesive may be a heat melt adhesive. In alternative embodiments, the laminate layers may be heat bonded.
The laminate layer are preferably thin, say 0 . 5 to 2 mm or l to 2 mm. Typically there are at least 2, and preferably 3 or more laminate layers. In larger pipes there may be more layers. In particular, in some large diameter pipes, whilst there may be 2 to 10 layers, there are preferably 8 to 10 layers. Most preferably, the overall thickness of the liner is of the order of a small percentage of the pipe diameter. Preferably, the overall thickness of the liner is of the order of 2 to 10% or 2 to 5% of the pipe diameter. The laminate layers may comprise substantially coaxial elongate ducts.
Preferably, the laminate layers may be helically wound relative to the elongate axis. Most preferably, successive laminate layers are helically wound in opposing directions. In particular, the layers may be wound in a braided fashion. In such cases, the alternate molecular alignments may increase the strength of the laminated liner. Most preferably, the laminate layers may be formed from dual-orientated polymer (DOP) strips.
The liner may be adapted to comprise a cable duct. The cable duct may be formed from thermoplastic or thermosetting material. Where the cable duct is formed from a thermoplastic material, it preferably has a higher transition temperature than the thermoplastic material forming the laminate layers. The cable duct is preferably provided between two laminate layers. The cable duct may be extruded with an exterior profile adapted to minimise the interstitial gap between laminate layers. In particular, the cable duct may have tapered side wing sections. The cable duct may comprise a microduct, where appropriate.
Provision of the cable duct enables cables to be laid along the duct. The cables may be power cables or data cables. The cables may comprise electrically conductive cables or optical cables.
Heating means may be provided within the pipe liner. Where suitable, the heating means may be provided between successive laminate layers. The heating means enable the pipe liner to be heated above the transition temperature of the laminate layers. This enables the pipe liner to be softened allowing a close fit when pressed against the inner surface of the pipe to achieve a close fit. It also helps achieve consolidation of the laminate layers during pressing. The heating means may comprise one or more conductive filaments provided between the laminate layers. Preferably, the filaments extend along the length of the pipe liner. By applying an electric current along the filaments, the pipe liner may be heated by resistive heating. The magnitude of the current may be varied. Additionally or alternatively, the applied current may be a pulsed current. In such cases, the duty cycle of the pulsed current may be varied. By varying the magnitude of the current or the duty cycle of the current, the heating of the liner may be controlled. Preferably, the magnitude or duty cycle of the current is varied in response to monitoring means. The monitoring means may be operable to monitor the resistance of the filaments either directly or by inference from the applied current/voltage. The monitored resistance will thereby provide an indication of the temperature of the filaments and hence the temperature of the pipe liner.
In a preferred embodiment, the filaments may be helically wound. Most preferably, equal numbers of filaments are helically wound in opposing directions. In particular, the filaments may be wound in the form of an inter woven braid. This can help the filament structure maintain a desired shape during manipulation of the liner prior to installation. In alternative embodiments, the filaments may be substantially axial or radial or a mixture of axial and radial. Typically the filaments would be formed from a suitable conductive material including, but not limited to: aluminium, copper, carbon fibre or the like.
The heating means may comprise electromagnetic susceptor material. Preferably, the susceptor material is evenly disposed along the length of the pipe liner. Most preferably, the susceptor material is disposed at the interface boundaries between laminate layers. By applying suitable radio-frequency (RF) or microwave (MW) emissions to the pipe liner, the susceptor particles may be heated, thereby heating the pipe liner. The level of heating may be controlled by varying the power of the emissions. Typically the emission will be in within the range of 10MHz to 2.5GHz. In preferred embodiments, the emissions may be in standard bands such as 27MHz or 2.4GHz.
The susceptor material may comprise a plurality of susceptor particles. The susceptor particles may be provided: within the thermoplastic laminate layers; as a surface coating on the thermoplastic layers; or within an adhesive provided between the thermoplastic layers.
The susceptor particles may comprise: metals such as aluminium, or similar; conductive ceramics or similar; or carbon fibre. The carbon fibre may be provided as chopped strands or woven braids as desired or as appropriate.
The heating means may comprise a plurality of magnetic particles adapted to have a curie temperature corresponding to the transition temperature of the laminate layers. By applying a high frequency magnetic field to the pipe liner, the magnetic particles are heated due to hysteresis losses and thereby heat the pipe liner. Once the magnetic particles are heated beyond the curie temperature, they no longer exhibit magnetic properties and accordingly cease to be heated by the applied high frequency magnetic field. In this manner by selecting the curie temperature of the particles to correspond to the transition temperature of the laminate layers, heating of the pipe liner may be controlled. The size of the magnetic particles is preferably selected so as to minimise joule heating effects caused by circulating currents within each particle.
The magnetic particles may be formed from any suitable material. In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic particles comprise nickel/zinc ferrite. In such embodiments, the curie temperature may be selected by selecting magnetic particles with a desired a desired Nickel: Zinc ratio. The magnetic particles may be provided: within the thermoplastic laminate layers; as a surface coating on the thermoplastic layers; or within an adhesive provided between the thermoplastic layers. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a pipe liner for use in repair and/or renewal of a pipe, the pipe liner comprising an elongate duct formed from multiple laminated layers of thermoplastic material and heating means comprising one or more conductive filaments provided between the laminate layers.
The pipe liner of the second aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all aspects of the pipe liner of the first aspect of the present invention as desired or as appropriate.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a pipe liner for use in repair and/or renewal of a pipe, the pipe liner comprising an elongate duct formed from multiple laminated layers of thermoplastic material and heating means comprising electromagnetic susceptor material.
The pipe liner of the second aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all aspects of the pipe liner of the first aspect of the present invention as desired or as appropriate.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a pipe liner for use in repair and/or renewal of a pipe, the pipe liner comprising an elongate duct formed from multiple laminated layers of thermoplastic material and heating means comprising a plurality of magnetic particles adapted to have a curie temperature corresponding to the transition temperature of the laminate layers.
The pipe liner of the fourth aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all aspects of the pipe liner of the first aspect of the present invention as desired or as appropriate. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing a pipe liner according to any one of the first, second, third or fourth aspects of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: inserting the pipe liner into the pipe; heating the pipe liner; and subsequently pressing the pipe liner against the interior surface of the pipe.
The method of the fifth aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all features of the first four aspects of the present invention, as desired or as appropriate.
The heating step may be achieved using heating means and preferably by heating means as described in relation to the first four aspects of the present invention.
The method may include the step of inserting successive lengths of pipe liner into the pipe. In such cases, the method may include the additional steps of fusing together lengths of pipe liner. The fusion may be achieved by use of an adhesive, or by welding techniques.
The pressing step may be achieved using compressed air or other suitable gas. In order to press using compressed air or other gas, the method may include the additional step of sealing the ends of the liner. The pressing step may additionally or alternatively be achieved using a suitable forming tool inserted into the liner. The forming tool may comprise a suitably adapted pipeline inspection gauge (pig). The forming tool may be operable to activate the heating means in the pipe liner. The forming tool may comprise one or more sprung plates adapted to press outwardly. Pressing can help achieve a consolidation of the heated laminate layers as well as achieving a close fit between the liner and the pipe.
The method may include the additional step of monitoring the temperature of the pipe liner during the heating step. Where the heating means comprise conductive filaments, the monitoring may be achieved by monitoring the electrical properties of the filaments, in particular by monitoring the electrical resistance of the filaments. Where the heating means comprise susceptor material, the monitoring may be achieved by means of an infra red detector positioned so as to monitoring infra red emission from the liner. The monitoring may be achieved by a dedicated monitoring device. Where the pressing is achieved using a forming tool, the monitoring may be achieved using a monitoring device incorporated into the forming tool.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing a pipe liner according to the second aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: inserting the pipe liner into the pipe; heating the pipe liner; and subsequently pressing the pipe liner against the interior surface of the pipe, wherein the pipe liner is heated by applying an electric current along the filaments.
The method of the sixth aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all features of the first, second and fifth aspects of the present invention, as desired or as appropriate.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing a pipe liner according to the third aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: inserting the pipe liner into the pipe; heating the pipe liner; and subsequently pressing the pipe liner against the interior surface of the pipe, wherein the pipe liner is heated by applying radio frequency (RF) or microwave (MW) emissions to the pipe liner.
The method of the seventh aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all features of the first, third and fifth aspects of the present invention, as desired or as appropriate.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing a pipe liner according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: inserting the pipe liner into the pipe; heating the pipe liner; and subsequently pressing the pipe liner against the interior surface of the pipe, wherein the pipe liner is heated by applying a high frequency magnetic field to the pipe liner.
The method of the eighth aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all features of the first, fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, as desired or as appropriate.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided a master unit for heating a pipe liner according to the second aspect of the present invention or for implementing the method of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the master unit comprising: one or more connectors for forming electrical connections with the conductive filaments of the pipe liner; power output means for applying an electrical current to the connectors; monitoring means for monitoring the characteristics of the applied electrical current and outputting a response thereto; and a control unit for varying the applied electrical current in response to the output of the monitoring means.
The master unit of the ninth aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all of the features of the first, second, fifth or sixth aspects of the present invention as desired or as appropriate.
The power output means may be operable to output a pulsed electrical current. The power output means may be operable to vary the duty cycle of the pulsed current in response to the control unit. The monitoring unit may be operable to monitor the electrical properties of the conductive filaments between current pulses. According to a tenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a forming tool for installing a pipe liner according to the third aspect of the present invention or for implementing the method of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the tool comprising: emitting means operable to apply radio frequency (RF) or microwave (MW) emissions to the pipe liner. The tool of the tenth aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all of the features of the first, third, fifth or seventh aspects of the present invention as desired or as appropriate.
The emitting means may comprise: an RF amplifier and frequency source; a magnetron; or an antenna. The antenna may comprise a quarter wave antenna, a helical coil or a horn antenna. The antenna may be aligned with the axis of the pipe.
The monitoring means may be operable to monitor the energy emitted by the coil. Alternatively, the monitoring means may comprise one or more infra red detectors. According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a forming tool for installing a pipe liner according to the fourth aspect of the present invention or for implementing the method of the eighth aspect of the present invention, the tool comprising: magnetic means operable to apply a high frequency magnetic field to the pipe liner.
The tool of the eleventh aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all of the features of the first, fourth, fifth or eighth aspects of the present invention as desired or as appropriate.
The magnetic means may comprise a conductive coil. The coil may comprise a spiral or pancake coil. The specific form of the coil may be adapted to achieve a desired distribution of magnetic energy. In some embodiments the magnetic means may comprise multiple conductive coils. The multiple coils may provide a better distribution of magnetic energy or may be adapted to enable the tool to be used with different sized pipes. Detailed Description of the Invention
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood an embodiment/embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:
Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a pipe liner according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a pipe liner of figure 1; is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pipe liner of figure 1 and 2 when flattened for storage; is a schematic perspective view of the flattened pipe liner of figure 3; is a schematic illustration of the manufacture of the pipe liner of figures 1-4; is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a pipe liner according to the present invention wherein the pipe liner incorporates a cable duct; is a schematic perspective view of a pipe liner of figure 6; is a schematic cross-sectional detail illustrating an embodiment of pipe liner according to the present invention provided with one or more conducting filaments; is a schematic perspective view of the pipe liner of figure 8; is a schematic view of the current applied to the filaments of the pipe liner of figures 8 & 9 for heating; is a schematic illustration of apparatus according to the present invention for applying the current of figure 10; is a schematic block diagram of the master current unit shown in figure
11;
is a schematic cross-sectional detail illustrating an embodiment of pipe liner according to the present invention provided with susceptor material or magnetic particles; Figure 13 schematically illustrates potential antennas according to the present invention for applying RF/MW emissions to the pipe liner of figure 12;
Figure 14 schematically illustrates a coil arrangement according to the present invention for applying a high frequency magnetic field to the pipe liner of figure 12; and
Figure 15 is a schematic illustration of apparatus according to the present invention for applying the RF/MW emissions of figure 13 or the a high frequency magnetic field of figure 14.
Turning now to figures 1 & 2, there is shown a pipe liner 1 according to the present invention. The pipe liner 1 comprises an elongate duct 10 formed from multiple laminated layers 11. Each layer 11 is formed of a thermoplastic material. The layers 11 may be bonded together by adhesive (not shown).
The layers 11 are all relatively thin (say l-2mm thick). As such, the liner 1 remains relatively flexible and may be folded to a substantially flat form 2 as shown in figures 3 & 4. In this form 2, the opposing sides of the duct 3 are pressed into close proximity aided by folding 4 of the duct 10 at opposing edges. In this manner, the liner 1 can be stored in a more volumetrically efficient fashion than prior art liners. In particular, the flattened liner 2 may be readily wound around a reel or spindle for transport and storage. Whilst the liner 1 shown in figures 1-4 is comprised of layers 11 in the form of substantially concentric ducts, in a preferred embodiment shown in figure 5, the liner 1 may comprise a series of oppositely wound helical spirals 12, 13. In particular, the winding may take the form of a woven braid. In use, the liner 1 is inserted into a pipe to be lined. Typically, the liner 1 is deployed in flat form 2 from a reel or spindle and pulled/pushed to the end of the pipe or to a suitable break point in the pipe. The liner 1 is subsequently heated and pressed against the inner surface of the pipe to form a close fit. Once the liner 1 cools, it sets in place providing a close fitting pipe lining. The heating and pressing are discussed in greater detail below.
Turning to figure 6 & 7 a further embodiment of the pipe liner 1 is shown. In this embodiment, the liner 1 is provided with a cable duct 13 between two laminate layers 11. The cable duct 13 allows for cables to be rapidly installed, typically by being blown along the duct 13 once the pipe liner 1 is in position. The pipe liner 1 therefore both lines the pipe and provides a secure place for cables out of the flow passage of the pipe.
In order to ensure adequate and even heating of the pipe liner 1 during installation, heating means 20 may be provided within the liner 1. In one embodiment, the heating means 20 may comprise a plurality of conductive filaments 21 as shown in figure 8. The filaments 21 are provided between the laminate layers 11 and may be helically wrapped in opposing dimensions as shown in figure 9. In this manner, the laminate layers 11 may be heated by resistive losses when a current is applied to the filaments 21. In a preferred embodiment, a pulsed current is applied to the filaments 21 as shown in figure 10. In order to control the heating of the liner, the resistance of the filaments is monitored between current pulses 30. As the resistance varies predictably with temperature, the variations in resistance can enable the temperature of the liner 1, during heating, to be controlled by varying the duty cycle of the applied current. This is illustrated schematically in figure 10 by the varying width and separation of the pulses 30.
The heating is monitored and controlled by a master unit 31, as shown in figure 11 and figure 11a. The master unit 31 is provided with connectors 32 for forming electrical connections with the conductive filaments 21 of the pipe liner 1. In this instance, the connectors 32 may further comprise drum sections 33 insertable into the respective ends of the pipe liner 1. The master unit 31 further comprises a power output means 34 for applying an electrical current to the connectors 32; monitoring means 36 for monitoring the characteristics of the applied electrical current and outputting a response thereto; and a control unit 35 for varying the electrical current by the power output means 33 in response to the output of the monitoring means 36. As discussed above, the control unit 35 can be operable to vary the duty cycle of pulsed current. Nevertheless, the control unit 35 may additionally or alternatively vary the magnitude of the current. Furthermore, if the invention is implemented with a steady applied current rather than a pulsed current, the control unit 35 may be operable to vary the magnitude of the steady current.
In order to ensure the pipe liner 1 is adequately pressed against the pipe wall during heating, the drum sections 33 are inserted into respective ends of the pipe liner 1 to form a substantially airtight seal. Air can then be pumped into the sealed pipe liner section via an air inlet valve 37 provided in one of the drum sections 33. After sufficient heating and pressing, the liner can be allowed to cool in place. Subsequently, the air inlet valve 37 can be opened and/or the drum sections 33 removed. Successive lengths of pipe liner 1 may be installed within a long pipe in this fashion. After installation, adjacent lengths of liner 1 may be sealed together by any suitable method, in particular by plastic welding.
As an alternative to the use of electrical filaments described in relation to figures 8-11, the heating means 20 may comprise electromagnetic susceptor material or a plurality of magnetic particles as illustrated schematically in figure 12. The susceptor material or magnetic particles may be provided: within the thermoplastic laminate layers; as a surface coating on the thermoplastic layers; or within an adhesive provided between the thermoplastic layers.
Where the heating means comprises susceptor particles, heating is achieved by applying an RF (radio frequency) or MW (microwave) emission to the liner 1. The RF/MW emissions are absorbed by the susceptor material. Accordingly, the susceptor material is heated and heat is transferred by conduction to the liner 1.
The emissions may be applied by an antenna 40 inserted into the liner 1. The antenna 40 can then be passed along the liner 1, successively heating the liner 1 for/during pressing. Some examples of suitable antenna forms are shown in figure 13, specifically a quarter wave antenna (fig 13 a), a helical coil (fig 13 b) and a horn antenna (fig 13c).
Where the heating means comprises magnetic particles, heating is achieved by applying a high frequency magnetic field to the pipe liner 1. The high frequency magnetic field causes heating of the magnetic particles due to hysteresis losses. Accordingly, heat is transferred by conduction to the liner 1. When the magnetic particles are heated above their curie temperature, they no longer exhibit magnetic properties and accordingly cease to be heated by the applied high frequency magnetic field. By selecting the curie temperature of the particles to correspond to the transition temperature of the laminate layers 11, heating of the pipe liner 1 may be controlled.
The high frequency magnetic field may be applied by an antenna 40 inserted into the liner 1. The antenna 40 can then be passed along the liner 1, successively heating the liner 1 for/during pressing. An example of a suitable antenna form is shown in figure 14, specifically a spiral coil.
The heating and pressing of the liner 1 in these embodiments may be carried using a similar arrangement to the electrical embodiment of figure 11 as is illustrated in figure 15. In this figure, a length of pipe liner is once again sealed by drum sections 33 at either end. Air can be pumped into the sealed volume using air inlet valve 37, thereby enabling the liner 1 to be pressed against the inside surface of the pipe.
The antenna 40 is provided within a shielded portion 42 of a pig (pipeline inspection gauge) 41. The pig 4 lean be pulled from one end of the liner 1 to the other by means of a tow cable 43 which passes through gland 38 in one of the drum sections 33. A power cable 44 passes through an equivalent gland 38 at the other drum section 33.
In use, the liner section 1 is sealed and air is pumped inside. The antenna 40 is activated and pulled along by means of tow cable 43. The pipe liner 1 is thus heated by the antenna 40 in conjunction with the heating means 20, and pressed against the pipe by the pressure within the sealed liner 1. After sufficient heating and pressing, the liner can be allowed to cool in place. Subsequently, the air inlet valve 37 can be opened and/or the drum sections 33 removed. Successive lengths of pipe liner 1 may be installed within a long pipe in this fashion. After installation, adjacent lengths of liner 1 may be sealed together by any suitable method, in particular by plastic welding. In some such embodiments, the pig 41 may additionally comprise one or more sprung plates 45 adapted to press outwardly on the liner 1. In such embodiments, it is indeed possible to omit the drums 33 and rely solely on the sprung plates 45 to press the heated liner 1.
In embodiments where the heating means 20 is susceptor material, the pig may also be provided with an infra red sensor (not shown). The infra red sensor may be operable to determine the temperature of the pipe liner 1 and hence the power output of antenna 40 can be varied in response to temperature.
The above embodiments are described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pipe liner for use in repair and/or renewal of a pipe, the pipe liner
comprising an elongate duct formed from multiple laminated layers of thermoplastic material wherein heating means are provided within the pipe liner.
2. A pipe liner as claimed in claim 1 wherein the laminate layers are bonded together by the provision of an adhesive there between or are heat bonded.
3. A pipe liner as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the laminate layers are helically wound relative to the elongate axis.
4. A pipe liner as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the laminate layers are formed from dual-orientated polymer (DOP) strips.
5. A pipe liner as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the liner is adapted to comprise a cable duct provided between two laminate layers.
6. A pipe liner as claimed in claim 5 wherein the cable duct is formed from a thermoplastic material having a higher transition temperature than the thermoplastic material forming the laminate layers.
7. A pipe liner as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the heating means comprise one or more conductive filaments provided between the laminate layers.
8. A pipe liner as claimed in claim 7 wherein the filaments extend along the length of the pipe liner and are helically wound.
9. A pipe liner as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the heating means comprise electromagnetic susceptor material.
10. A pipe liner as claimed in claim 9 wherein the susceptor material comprises a plurality of susceptor particles provided: within the thermoplastic laminate layers; as a surface coating on the thermoplastic layers; or within an adhesive provided between the thermoplastic layers.
11. A pipe liner as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the heating means comprises a plurality of magnetic particles adapted to have a curie temperature corresponding to the transition temperature of the laminate layers.
12. A pipe liner as claimed in claim 11 wherein the magnetic particles are provided: within the thermoplastic laminate layers; as a surface coating on the thermoplastic layers; or within an adhesive provided between the thermoplastic layers.
13. A method of installing a pipe liner of the type comprising an elongate duct formed from multiple laminated layers of thermoplastic material wherein heating means are provided within the pipe liner, the method comprising the steps of: inserting the pipe liner into the pipe; heating the pipe liner; and subsequently pressing the pipe liner against the interior surface of the pipe.
14. A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein the liner is adapted to comprise a cable duct and the method includes the step of laying a cable along the cable duct.
15. A method as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the method includes the step of inserting successive lengths of pipe liner into the pipe and fusing together lengths of pipe liner.
16. A method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein the pressing step is achieved using compressed air or other suitable gas.
17. A method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16 wherein the pressing step is achieved using a forming tool inserted into the liner and the forming tool is operable to activate the heating means in the pipe liner.
18. A method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 17 wherein the method includes the additional step of monitoring the temperature of the pipe liner during heating.
19. A method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 18 wherein the heating means comprise conductive filaments, and the heating is achieved by applying an electric current along the filaments
20. A method as claimed in claim 19 wherein the magnitude of the current is varied or, where the applied current is a pulsed current the duty cycle of the current is varied.
21. A method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 18 wherein the heating means comprise susceptor material, and the heating is achieved by applying radio- frequency (RF) or microwave (MW) emissions to the pipe liner.
22. A method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 18 wherein the heating means comprise a plurality of magnetic particles adapted to have a curie temperature corresponding to the transition temperature of the laminate layers and the heating is achieved by applying a high frequency magnetic field to the pipe liner.
23. A master unit for heating a pipe liner of the type comprising an elongate duct formed from multiple laminated layers of thermoplastic material and heating means comprising one or more conductive filaments provided between the laminate layers, the master unit comprising: one or more connectors for forming electrical connections with the conductive filaments of the pipe liner; power output means for applying an electrical current to the connectors; monitoring means for monitoring the characteristics of the applied electrical current and outputting a response thereto; and a control unit for varying the applied electrical current in response to the output of the monitoring means.
24. A master unit as claimed in claim 23 wherein the applied current is is a pulsed current and the duty cycle of the current is varied.
25. A master unit as claimed in claim 23 or claim 24 wherein the monitoring means are operable to monitor the resistance of the filaments.
26. A forming tool for installing a pipe liner of the type an elongate duct formed from multiple laminated layers of thermoplastic material and heating means comprising electromagnetic susceptor material, the tool comprising: emitting means operable to apply radio frequency (RF) or microwave (MW) emissions to the pipe liner.
27. A forming tool as claimed in claim 26 wherein the emitting means is operable to vary the power of the emissions.
28. A forming tool as claimed in claim 26 or claim 27 wherein the tool comprises an infra red detector positioned so as to monitor infra red emission from the liner.
29. A forming tool as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 28 wherein the emitting means comprise any of: an RF amplifier and frequency source; a magnetron; an antenna aligned with the axis of the pipe.
30. A forming tool for installing a pipe liner of the type comprising an elongate duct formed from multiple laminated layers of thermoplastic material and heating means comprising a plurality of magnetic particles adapted to have a curie temperature corresponding to the transition temperature of the laminate, the tool comprising: magnetic means operable to apply a high frequency magnetic field to the pipe liner.
31. A forming tool as claimed in claim 30 wherein the magnetic means comprises any of: a conductive coil; a spiral coil; a pancake coil or multiple coils.
PCT/GB2015/051917 2014-07-03 2015-06-30 Improvements in or in relation to pipe liners and the installation thereof WO2016001659A1 (en)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP15744634.5A EP3164635B8 (en) 2014-07-03 2015-06-30 Improvements in or in relation to pipe liners and the installation thereof
NZ728620A NZ728620A (en) 2014-07-03 2015-06-30 Improvements in or in relation to pipe liners and the installation thereof
BR112016031019-5A BR112016031019B1 (en) 2014-07-03 2015-06-30 PIPE COATING FOR USE IN REPAIRING AND/OR REHABILITATION OF A PIPE, METHOD FOR INSTALLING THE SAME, AND FORMING TOOL FOR INSTALLING A PIPE COATING
AU2015282478A AU2015282478B2 (en) 2014-07-03 2015-06-30 Improvements in or in relation to pipe liners and the installation thereof
JP2017520019A JP6725500B2 (en) 2014-07-03 2015-06-30 Improvement of pipe liner or improvement of pipe liner and construction of these
US15/321,608 US10359143B2 (en) 2014-07-03 2015-06-30 Pipe liners and the installation thereof
ZA2017/00756A ZA201700756B (en) 2014-07-03 2017-01-31 Improvements in or in relation to pipe liners and the installation thereof

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1411889.7A GB2527821B (en) 2014-07-03 2014-07-03 Improvements in or in relation to pipe liners and the installation thereof
GB1411889.7 2014-07-03

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WO2016001659A1 true WO2016001659A1 (en) 2016-01-07

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EP (1) EP3164635B8 (en)
JP (1) JP6725500B2 (en)
AU (1) AU2015282478B2 (en)
BR (1) BR112016031019B1 (en)
GB (1) GB2527821B (en)
NZ (1) NZ728620A (en)
WO (1) WO2016001659A1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA201700756B (en)

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DK3614032T3 (en) * 2018-08-22 2023-05-01 DCF Holding GmbH APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SANITATING A PIPE SECTION IN A PIPELINE SYSTEM
GB2582371B (en) * 2019-03-22 2023-07-26 W E Rawson Ltd Improvements relating to the sealing of pipe liners
EP3839320A1 (en) * 2019-12-18 2021-06-23 Bodus GmbH System for curing and / or testing a pipe liner and method for curing and / or inspecting a pipe liner
DE102021107399A1 (en) 2021-03-24 2022-09-29 I.S.T. Innovative Sewer Technologies Gmbh Liner tube, curing apparatus, system and method for trenchless sewer rehabilitation

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EP3164635B8 (en) 2021-01-13
JP6725500B2 (en) 2020-07-22
ZA201700756B (en) 2018-04-25
NZ728620A (en) 2022-10-28
GB2527821A (en) 2016-01-06
AU2015282478A1 (en) 2017-02-23
GB201411889D0 (en) 2014-08-20
EP3164635A1 (en) 2017-05-10
US10359143B2 (en) 2019-07-23
AU2015282478B2 (en) 2020-04-30
JP2017530039A (en) 2017-10-12
EP3164635B1 (en) 2020-12-02
BR112016031019B1 (en) 2021-11-16
US20170159869A1 (en) 2017-06-08
GB2527821B (en) 2017-05-03
BR112016031019A2 (en) 2018-12-18

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