CA1176855A - Method and apparatus for relining an underground gas line or the like without excavation - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for relining an underground gas line or the like without excavationInfo
- Publication number
- CA1176855A CA1176855A CA000392423A CA392423A CA1176855A CA 1176855 A CA1176855 A CA 1176855A CA 000392423 A CA000392423 A CA 000392423A CA 392423 A CA392423 A CA 392423A CA 1176855 A CA1176855 A CA 1176855A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- pipeline
- sealing unit
- expandable sealing
- relining
- accordance
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Expired
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
- F16L55/16—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
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
- Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
- Y10T156/1052—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with cutting, punching, tearing or severing
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
- Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
- Y10T156/1052—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with cutting, punching, tearing or severing
- Y10T156/1056—Perforating lamina
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49718—Repairing
- Y10T29/49732—Repairing by attaching repair preform, e.g., remaking, restoring, or patching
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
- Y10T29/53652—Tube and coextensive core
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
- Y10T29/53657—Means to assemble or disassemble to apply or remove a resilient article [e.g., tube, sleeve, etc.]
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A method and apparatus for repairing or relining an underground pipeline without having to excavate the pipe is enabled by attaching an expandable sealing unit to the end of a predetermined length of flexible tubing and feeding it through the pipeline. The flexible tubing is fed through the existing pipeline from a point beyond where the existing pipeline exits the earth, usually within the basement of a building. Once positioned in the desired location, the expandable sealing unit is expanded to form a tight seal at the desired location within the pipe by means of heating the expandable sealing unit by a heating unit connected to the source of energy through electrical conductors which pass through the flexible tubing.
A method and apparatus for repairing or relining an underground pipeline without having to excavate the pipe is enabled by attaching an expandable sealing unit to the end of a predetermined length of flexible tubing and feeding it through the pipeline. The flexible tubing is fed through the existing pipeline from a point beyond where the existing pipeline exits the earth, usually within the basement of a building. Once positioned in the desired location, the expandable sealing unit is expanded to form a tight seal at the desired location within the pipe by means of heating the expandable sealing unit by a heating unit connected to the source of energy through electrical conductors which pass through the flexible tubing.
Description
~176~
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
,:
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for relining an underground gas line or the like without requiring excavation. More particularly, the present invention relates ~; to a method and apparatus in which a flexible tubing may be passed ~; ~ through an existing underground line with the ends thereof sealed ~ to the interior of thé pipeline at a point beyond the defect - by means of a heat responsive expandable sealing unit.
The present invention is applicable to the repair of ~ any inaccessible line. Very often, the line is inaccessible ; 10 because it is an underground line. However, the present inven-tion has been made particularly with respect to the repair of underground gas lines without the need of excavation, and more particularly, the repair of gas ser~ice lines or lines leading ~ 5 from the gas main to individual buildings, such as homes. Gas lines of this type are often installed and remain in existence for many years, very often for periods of time greatly in excess of twenty years. Very often, after a period of twenty or more years, such service lines may tend to deteriorate, especially due to the fact that they are underground and are not in an ideal environment. The repair of such service lines is normally an expensive operation. It is necessary to excavate to a gas service line, usually for the entire length of the building to the point where the gas line connects to the main. This usually requires excavation to or into the street J and usually through the sidewalk.
There is usually substantial expense in this excavation and the necessary refilling and repaving operations SUMMARY OF THE INVENTI~N
, In accordance with the present invention, a method of and an apparatus for repairing or relining an underground pipe-line is provided without the requirement of excavation. In accordance with the present method, a new flexible tubing is inserted into the pipeline and sealed to the inner surface of the pipeline at a point beyond the fault in the deteriorating existing pipeline.
In accordance with the method of the present invention, access is obtained to the pipeline at a point beyond where it exits the earth, which is usually inside of a building basement.
An expandable sealing unit is mounted to one end o a predeter-mined length of flexible tubing by a connecting means. The predetermined length of flexible tubing is seiected to be sufficient to extend through the pipeline to a point beyond all points of required pipeline repair. Once the expandable sealing unit is located at the desired location, preferably near the main, the expandable sealing unit is heated by means of a heating unit within the expandable sealing unit. The heating unit is connected to an external source of energy by means of electrical connectors which pass through the flexible tubing to the access point. Upon heating of the expandable sealing unit, the expand-able sealing unit expands to form a tight seal between the outer surface of the expandable sealing unit and the interior surface of the pipeline. The heating unit is removed from the inside of the expandable sealing unit through the connecting means and the flexible tubing. The flexible tubing, which is mounted at its far end to the inside of the pipeline by means of the expanded sealing unit, may now be connected at its other end to a con-tinuation of the gas line within the building. In this manner, a complete repair or relining of the gas line may be provided without excavation.
The expandable sealing unit comprises a tubular member of thermally stabilized cross-linked material mounted over at least one resilient sheet member. The resilient sheet member is coiled to provide a force tending to expand the diameter of the tubular member. A thermally stabilized cross-linked material 20is preshrunk after cross-linking to for~. a smaller diameter tubular plug wherein the material will expand to its cross-linked condition upon being heated within the pipe. A layer of bonding material, such as mastic, is provided over the cross-linked material, providing a bonding material between the cross-linked material and the inner surface of the pipeline.
The expandable sealing unit is connected to the end of a predetermined length of flexible tubing material by a connecting means. The connecting means is a tubular member adapted to receive the flexible tubing on one end and the expand-able sealing unit on the other, The connecting means is providedwith a ridged surface on each end for aiding in the bonding and retention of the flexible tubing and the expandable sealing unit.
A thermally activated bonding material is also provided on each end of the connecting means. A heatin~ element is inserted into one end of the connecting means in order to heat the same.
After heating, the expandable sealing unit is slipped over the one end of the connecting means and ! upon cooling~ is bound thereto.
The opposite end of the connecting means is then heated, and after removing the heating unit, the flexible tubing is then slid over and bonded to the other end of the connecting means. l'he expand-able sealing unit, the connectin~ means and the flexible tubing 0 i5 then inserted as a unit into the pipeline to be repaired.
This may be inserted into the existing pipeline with the heating unit already inserted within the expandable sealing unit. Once the expandable sealing unit is properly positioned, th heatin~
unit may be energized to cause the expandable sealing unit to expand against the inner wall of the existing pipeline.
After the expandable sealing unit is expanded to form a tight seal to the pipeline at the distal end, the heating unit may be withdrawn back through the flexible tubing. Appropriate connection may then be made to the free end of the tubing and the repair and relining procedure is complete.
In another embodiment, the expandable sealing unit may be provided with a closed end thermally stabilized cross-linked material, which upon heating and subsequent cooling~ expands and contracts to form a ball shaped element. The ball shaped element is desirable in insuring a tight seal at a junction, such as a right angle junction which is common a~ the "T" con-nection of the gas main. Once this seal is formed, a suitable drill or cutter may be inserted through the flexible tubing to drill or cut a hole through the end of the tube or ball-shaped 30 element for gas or fluid flow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings forms which are presently preferred;
it being und.erstood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
Figure 1 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a flexible relining tube mounted within an existing gas line or the like by means of an expandable sealing unit in accordance with the present inventionO
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken through the expandable sealing unit and connector means with the flexible tubing attac,hed thereto as inserted in a pipe in accordance with the present invention.
Fi,gure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an,other embodiment of the present invention with a h.eating element inserted within the expandable sealing unit in accordance with the present invention.
: ~ Figure 4 is a cross sectional view taken along line 4-4 of the expandable sealing unit of Figure 2 in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 3~
Figure 6 is an elevation view, partially broken away, showing the insertion of a heating element into one end of a connecting element with an expandable sealing unit already mounted on the other end in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken through the distal end of an expandable sealing unit of another embodiment of the present invention as unted at a junction of the pipe to be repaired in accordance with the present invention.
: -5-~ 7~
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken through the distal end of an expandable sealing unit of the emobdiment of Figure 7 of the present invention prior to expansion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PR~FE~RED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is shown in Figure 1 a ; line 10 running between a main 12 and the interior of a building wall 14. The line 10 may be any type of a line which needs to be repaired without excavation. However, for the purposes of illustration, and without intending to be limiting, the invention herein will be described with respect to the repairing and relining of a gas line running from a gas main. It is understood that other types of lines may be repaired, such as water lines, in accordance with the present invention.
` The line 10 and the main 12 are shown buried in earth 16 as is conventional. A typical sidewalk 18, curb 20 and pave-ment 22 are shown for illustration purposes.
By means of the present invention, a line 10 may be repaired or relined, extending from the interior building wall out to the main 12, without having to excavate pavement 22, curb 20 or any of the earth 16 extending between the building wall 14 and the main 12. Excavation and replacement of items such as pavement, curbs and sidewalks is extremely expensive. Even the excavation and refilling of unimproved earth is very expensive.
The present invention may be used with any type of suit-able line 10, such as conventional steel, copper or synthetic pipes. Furthermore, the pipe 10 need not be perfectly straight and may be curved.
~ 8 ~ 5 In accordance with the present invention, there is shown in E'igure l an expandable sealing unit 24, a connector unit 26 and a flexible tube or conduit 28 mounted in a line 10~ The flexible tubing 28 is shown extending out of line or pipeline 10 into the interior basement beyond the cut or disconnected end of pipeline 10 projecting from the inside face of wall 14 Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown an assembled expandable sealing unit 24, a connector 26 and a flexible tube 28 inserted into pipeline 10 prior to the expansion of expandable sealing unit 24. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, expandable sealing unit 24 includes a tubular member of thermally stabilized cross-linked material 30. The thermally stabilized cross-linked material of tubular member 30 may preferably be cross-linked polyolefin, such as thermally stabilized cross-linked preshrunk polyethylene, although it is understood that other cross-linked polymers may be used, such as cross-linked polyvinyl chlorides, ABS (Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copoly-mers), polyurethanes, most rubbers and/or polyolefins with a metal ion added such as that which is commercially available from E.I. duPont de Nemours & Co. under the trademark "SURLYN".
Although the term cross-linked polyolefin or polyethylene may be used herein as specific examples of preferred embodiments, it is understood that other cross-linked materials and polymers may be used in practicing the present invention. The cross-linking of the polyolefin may be performed by ultra-violet light, chemical means such as the use of dicumal peroxide or by radiation.
As is known in the art, cro.ss-linked polyolefin or other thermally stabilized polymers tend to return to their size or condition at which they were cross-linked. In accordance with the present ~ ~ 6 ~ ~ 5 invention, cross-linked tubing, such as cross-linked polyolefin tubing, may be heated and stretched to reduce its radial dimen-sion. The stretched cross-linked polymer may then be used to fornl tubular member 30 of expandable sealing unit 24 in accordance with the present invention. Upon reheating of expandable sealing unit 24, by means of a heater inserted therein, when the expandable sealing unit is positioned in the desired position in the line, tubular member of thermally stabilized cross-linked material 30 expands back to its normal cross-linked position, or in other words expands in diameter. This expansion causes an expansion of the expandable sealing unit in the line causing it to become firmly fixed in place.
Outside of tubular member 30 of expandable sealing unit 24, there is provided a relatively soft outer tacky surface layer 32 that will bond to the inner surface 34 of pipe 10.
Layer 32 may be comprised of a mastic which is aggressive in its ability to stick to the inner surface 34 of pipeline 10. Layer 34 need not form a chemical or molecular bond with line 10, but a strong mechanical bond with the inner surface 34 of line 10 is 20 sufficient when formed by an aggressive sticky mastic.
Mounted within tubular member 30 are one or more resilient members 36, which are preferably resilient sheet members, for aiding in expansion of tubular member 30 and for providing additional radially outward force against the inner surface of tubular member 30 to insure a tight seal by expandable sealing unit 24 to the inner surface 34 of pipeline 10. Resilient members 36 may have one or more turns or coils of resilient or spring material as shown at 40. Resilient members 36 are preferably retained in a contracted position by a meltable seal 38, such as a soldering bead, as may also be seen in Figure 4, in con-junction with the other elements.
When it is desired to expand expandable sealing unit 24, a heating unit 42 is inserted into the center of tubular member 30 and resilient members 36. A heating unit 42 is illustrated in Figures 3 and 5. However, it is noted that Figure 3 illus-trates another embodiments of the invention where only a single resilient member 36 is utilized. Upon energization of heating unit 42, the meltable seal 38, such as a solder bead, is melted allowing the radially outward expansion force of spring or resilient members 36 to be applied against the inner surface of tubular member 30, and allowed to expand as tubular member 30 10 expands due to the heat of heating element 32. In this manner, a firm bond is formed between the mastic layer 32 and inner surface 34 of pipe 10. Heating unit 42 is provided with an electrical current through electrical conductors (not shown) contained within a cable 44, which may preferably be of the armored type. The heating unit and cable are inserted through the flexible tubing 28 and connector 26 with the heating element 42 extending into tubular member 30 and resilient member (s) 36, either before insertion of the assembly and flexible tubing 28 into pipe 10 or after the assembly and flexible tubing have 20 been inserted into pipe 10. After energization of heating unit 42 and expansion of expandable sealing unit 24, cable 44 with its heating unit 42 is withdrawn into the basement area 47 of the building as shown in Figure 1. The structure of Figure 3 is further shown in cross-section in Figure 5 wherein the eentral heating element of heating unit 42 is shown.
In use~ the expandable sealing unit 24 is assembled to flexible replacement or relining tube 28 by a connector 26 before insertion into pipeline 10. Connector 26 is illustrated in Figures _ g _
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
,:
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for relining an underground gas line or the like without requiring excavation. More particularly, the present invention relates ~; to a method and apparatus in which a flexible tubing may be passed ~; ~ through an existing underground line with the ends thereof sealed ~ to the interior of thé pipeline at a point beyond the defect - by means of a heat responsive expandable sealing unit.
The present invention is applicable to the repair of ~ any inaccessible line. Very often, the line is inaccessible ; 10 because it is an underground line. However, the present inven-tion has been made particularly with respect to the repair of underground gas lines without the need of excavation, and more particularly, the repair of gas ser~ice lines or lines leading ~ 5 from the gas main to individual buildings, such as homes. Gas lines of this type are often installed and remain in existence for many years, very often for periods of time greatly in excess of twenty years. Very often, after a period of twenty or more years, such service lines may tend to deteriorate, especially due to the fact that they are underground and are not in an ideal environment. The repair of such service lines is normally an expensive operation. It is necessary to excavate to a gas service line, usually for the entire length of the building to the point where the gas line connects to the main. This usually requires excavation to or into the street J and usually through the sidewalk.
There is usually substantial expense in this excavation and the necessary refilling and repaving operations SUMMARY OF THE INVENTI~N
, In accordance with the present invention, a method of and an apparatus for repairing or relining an underground pipe-line is provided without the requirement of excavation. In accordance with the present method, a new flexible tubing is inserted into the pipeline and sealed to the inner surface of the pipeline at a point beyond the fault in the deteriorating existing pipeline.
In accordance with the method of the present invention, access is obtained to the pipeline at a point beyond where it exits the earth, which is usually inside of a building basement.
An expandable sealing unit is mounted to one end o a predeter-mined length of flexible tubing by a connecting means. The predetermined length of flexible tubing is seiected to be sufficient to extend through the pipeline to a point beyond all points of required pipeline repair. Once the expandable sealing unit is located at the desired location, preferably near the main, the expandable sealing unit is heated by means of a heating unit within the expandable sealing unit. The heating unit is connected to an external source of energy by means of electrical connectors which pass through the flexible tubing to the access point. Upon heating of the expandable sealing unit, the expand-able sealing unit expands to form a tight seal between the outer surface of the expandable sealing unit and the interior surface of the pipeline. The heating unit is removed from the inside of the expandable sealing unit through the connecting means and the flexible tubing. The flexible tubing, which is mounted at its far end to the inside of the pipeline by means of the expanded sealing unit, may now be connected at its other end to a con-tinuation of the gas line within the building. In this manner, a complete repair or relining of the gas line may be provided without excavation.
The expandable sealing unit comprises a tubular member of thermally stabilized cross-linked material mounted over at least one resilient sheet member. The resilient sheet member is coiled to provide a force tending to expand the diameter of the tubular member. A thermally stabilized cross-linked material 20is preshrunk after cross-linking to for~. a smaller diameter tubular plug wherein the material will expand to its cross-linked condition upon being heated within the pipe. A layer of bonding material, such as mastic, is provided over the cross-linked material, providing a bonding material between the cross-linked material and the inner surface of the pipeline.
The expandable sealing unit is connected to the end of a predetermined length of flexible tubing material by a connecting means. The connecting means is a tubular member adapted to receive the flexible tubing on one end and the expand-able sealing unit on the other, The connecting means is providedwith a ridged surface on each end for aiding in the bonding and retention of the flexible tubing and the expandable sealing unit.
A thermally activated bonding material is also provided on each end of the connecting means. A heatin~ element is inserted into one end of the connecting means in order to heat the same.
After heating, the expandable sealing unit is slipped over the one end of the connecting means and ! upon cooling~ is bound thereto.
The opposite end of the connecting means is then heated, and after removing the heating unit, the flexible tubing is then slid over and bonded to the other end of the connecting means. l'he expand-able sealing unit, the connectin~ means and the flexible tubing 0 i5 then inserted as a unit into the pipeline to be repaired.
This may be inserted into the existing pipeline with the heating unit already inserted within the expandable sealing unit. Once the expandable sealing unit is properly positioned, th heatin~
unit may be energized to cause the expandable sealing unit to expand against the inner wall of the existing pipeline.
After the expandable sealing unit is expanded to form a tight seal to the pipeline at the distal end, the heating unit may be withdrawn back through the flexible tubing. Appropriate connection may then be made to the free end of the tubing and the repair and relining procedure is complete.
In another embodiment, the expandable sealing unit may be provided with a closed end thermally stabilized cross-linked material, which upon heating and subsequent cooling~ expands and contracts to form a ball shaped element. The ball shaped element is desirable in insuring a tight seal at a junction, such as a right angle junction which is common a~ the "T" con-nection of the gas main. Once this seal is formed, a suitable drill or cutter may be inserted through the flexible tubing to drill or cut a hole through the end of the tube or ball-shaped 30 element for gas or fluid flow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings forms which are presently preferred;
it being und.erstood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
Figure 1 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a flexible relining tube mounted within an existing gas line or the like by means of an expandable sealing unit in accordance with the present inventionO
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken through the expandable sealing unit and connector means with the flexible tubing attac,hed thereto as inserted in a pipe in accordance with the present invention.
Fi,gure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an,other embodiment of the present invention with a h.eating element inserted within the expandable sealing unit in accordance with the present invention.
: ~ Figure 4 is a cross sectional view taken along line 4-4 of the expandable sealing unit of Figure 2 in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 3~
Figure 6 is an elevation view, partially broken away, showing the insertion of a heating element into one end of a connecting element with an expandable sealing unit already mounted on the other end in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken through the distal end of an expandable sealing unit of another embodiment of the present invention as unted at a junction of the pipe to be repaired in accordance with the present invention.
: -5-~ 7~
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken through the distal end of an expandable sealing unit of the emobdiment of Figure 7 of the present invention prior to expansion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PR~FE~RED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there is shown in Figure 1 a ; line 10 running between a main 12 and the interior of a building wall 14. The line 10 may be any type of a line which needs to be repaired without excavation. However, for the purposes of illustration, and without intending to be limiting, the invention herein will be described with respect to the repairing and relining of a gas line running from a gas main. It is understood that other types of lines may be repaired, such as water lines, in accordance with the present invention.
` The line 10 and the main 12 are shown buried in earth 16 as is conventional. A typical sidewalk 18, curb 20 and pave-ment 22 are shown for illustration purposes.
By means of the present invention, a line 10 may be repaired or relined, extending from the interior building wall out to the main 12, without having to excavate pavement 22, curb 20 or any of the earth 16 extending between the building wall 14 and the main 12. Excavation and replacement of items such as pavement, curbs and sidewalks is extremely expensive. Even the excavation and refilling of unimproved earth is very expensive.
The present invention may be used with any type of suit-able line 10, such as conventional steel, copper or synthetic pipes. Furthermore, the pipe 10 need not be perfectly straight and may be curved.
~ 8 ~ 5 In accordance with the present invention, there is shown in E'igure l an expandable sealing unit 24, a connector unit 26 and a flexible tube or conduit 28 mounted in a line 10~ The flexible tubing 28 is shown extending out of line or pipeline 10 into the interior basement beyond the cut or disconnected end of pipeline 10 projecting from the inside face of wall 14 Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown an assembled expandable sealing unit 24, a connector 26 and a flexible tube 28 inserted into pipeline 10 prior to the expansion of expandable sealing unit 24. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, expandable sealing unit 24 includes a tubular member of thermally stabilized cross-linked material 30. The thermally stabilized cross-linked material of tubular member 30 may preferably be cross-linked polyolefin, such as thermally stabilized cross-linked preshrunk polyethylene, although it is understood that other cross-linked polymers may be used, such as cross-linked polyvinyl chlorides, ABS (Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copoly-mers), polyurethanes, most rubbers and/or polyolefins with a metal ion added such as that which is commercially available from E.I. duPont de Nemours & Co. under the trademark "SURLYN".
Although the term cross-linked polyolefin or polyethylene may be used herein as specific examples of preferred embodiments, it is understood that other cross-linked materials and polymers may be used in practicing the present invention. The cross-linking of the polyolefin may be performed by ultra-violet light, chemical means such as the use of dicumal peroxide or by radiation.
As is known in the art, cro.ss-linked polyolefin or other thermally stabilized polymers tend to return to their size or condition at which they were cross-linked. In accordance with the present ~ ~ 6 ~ ~ 5 invention, cross-linked tubing, such as cross-linked polyolefin tubing, may be heated and stretched to reduce its radial dimen-sion. The stretched cross-linked polymer may then be used to fornl tubular member 30 of expandable sealing unit 24 in accordance with the present invention. Upon reheating of expandable sealing unit 24, by means of a heater inserted therein, when the expandable sealing unit is positioned in the desired position in the line, tubular member of thermally stabilized cross-linked material 30 expands back to its normal cross-linked position, or in other words expands in diameter. This expansion causes an expansion of the expandable sealing unit in the line causing it to become firmly fixed in place.
Outside of tubular member 30 of expandable sealing unit 24, there is provided a relatively soft outer tacky surface layer 32 that will bond to the inner surface 34 of pipe 10.
Layer 32 may be comprised of a mastic which is aggressive in its ability to stick to the inner surface 34 of pipeline 10. Layer 34 need not form a chemical or molecular bond with line 10, but a strong mechanical bond with the inner surface 34 of line 10 is 20 sufficient when formed by an aggressive sticky mastic.
Mounted within tubular member 30 are one or more resilient members 36, which are preferably resilient sheet members, for aiding in expansion of tubular member 30 and for providing additional radially outward force against the inner surface of tubular member 30 to insure a tight seal by expandable sealing unit 24 to the inner surface 34 of pipeline 10. Resilient members 36 may have one or more turns or coils of resilient or spring material as shown at 40. Resilient members 36 are preferably retained in a contracted position by a meltable seal 38, such as a soldering bead, as may also be seen in Figure 4, in con-junction with the other elements.
When it is desired to expand expandable sealing unit 24, a heating unit 42 is inserted into the center of tubular member 30 and resilient members 36. A heating unit 42 is illustrated in Figures 3 and 5. However, it is noted that Figure 3 illus-trates another embodiments of the invention where only a single resilient member 36 is utilized. Upon energization of heating unit 42, the meltable seal 38, such as a solder bead, is melted allowing the radially outward expansion force of spring or resilient members 36 to be applied against the inner surface of tubular member 30, and allowed to expand as tubular member 30 10 expands due to the heat of heating element 32. In this manner, a firm bond is formed between the mastic layer 32 and inner surface 34 of pipe 10. Heating unit 42 is provided with an electrical current through electrical conductors (not shown) contained within a cable 44, which may preferably be of the armored type. The heating unit and cable are inserted through the flexible tubing 28 and connector 26 with the heating element 42 extending into tubular member 30 and resilient member (s) 36, either before insertion of the assembly and flexible tubing 28 into pipe 10 or after the assembly and flexible tubing have 20 been inserted into pipe 10. After energization of heating unit 42 and expansion of expandable sealing unit 24, cable 44 with its heating unit 42 is withdrawn into the basement area 47 of the building as shown in Figure 1. The structure of Figure 3 is further shown in cross-section in Figure 5 wherein the eentral heating element of heating unit 42 is shown.
In use~ the expandable sealing unit 24 is assembled to flexible replacement or relining tube 28 by a connector 26 before insertion into pipeline 10. Connector 26 is illustrated in Figures _ g _
2 and 6. Expandable sealing unit 24 is connected to end 48 of connector 26~ Connector 26 is preferably comprised of a central metallic element having a longitudinal bore passing therethrough which includes a central portion 50, a ridged portion 52~ which receives tubular member 30 of expandable sealing unit 24~ and a ridged end 54 receiving flexible tubing 28. Ridged ends S2 and 54 are preferably covered with a heat sensitive mastic for in-suring a firm air tight seal.
In use, a heating unit 56 is inserted into the center bore of end 48~ For convenience! heating unit 56 may be a separate heating unit from tha.t of heating unit 42 which is connected to a fairly long cableA Cable 44 must be of sufficient length to transverse the pipeline 10 from within basement area 47 to the desired point of attachment of expandable sealing unit within line 10. Once the end 48 is heated, the heating element 56 is with.drawn, and the appropriate end of tubular member 30 is slid over between cylindrical member 58 and end 48 The mastic on ridges 42 forms an air-~ight seal. Cylindrical member S8 may preferably be a thin walled stainless tube which has been bonded to the central portion 50 of connector 26 by means of a hot melt adhesive 62 and roll crimping as shown by the ridged outer surface~ The outer surface of cylindrical member 58 covering end 48 is also roll crimped~
The heating element S6 is then inserted into th.e bore of end 60 as shown in Figure 6~ Once end 60 is heated, heating element 56 is withdrawn and the flexible renewal or relining tubing 28 is slid over end 60 and is firmly bonded thereto by means of th.e heat sensitive mastic and the ridges 54 which are formed on end 60.
~7 ~
Referring to Figure 7, there is shown another embodiment of the present invention which is most advantageously utilized in connection with the practice of th.e invention wherein the expandable sealing unit is positianed at a junction in the pipe such as the service "T" 64 shown in Figure 1. Figure 7 illustrates an expandable sealing unit 66 mounted with the end thereof ex-tending just beyond the junetion of the service "T" 64 and pipe 10. Figure 7 iæ a cross-sectional view taken through.the horizon-tal plane as illu~trated at 68. Expandable sealin~ unit 66 is provided with one or more resilient members 36 which aid in expansion and the retaining of the expansion as des~ribed pre-viously,::Figure 8 is a cross-section through the end of expandable sealing unit 66 prior to the application of heat and expansion, Upon the application of heat, the closed end tubular member of thermally stabilized cross-linked material 70 expands tending to form a somewhat spherical shape as shown in Figure 7, This expansion into a somewhat spherical or expanded balloon shape is advantageous as it expands into the pipe junction area 72 insuring that the soft outer tacky surface layer or mastic layer 32 forms a tight seal taking advantage of the difference in ~
diameter of the pipeline and the junction point. Once the ex-pandable sealing unit, along with the assembled connector and the flexible relining tube is positioned and sealed to the pipeline 10, a drill or cutting de~ice may be inserted through flexible tubing 28 to cut a hole 74 through the end of expandable sealing unit 66 to enable the passage of gas, water or other fluids through the pipeline 10,' In summary, the method of repairing or relining an under-ground pipeline `in accordance with the present invention is to obtain access to pipeline 10 at a point beyond where it exits the earth, such as the inside of wall 14 within a basement area of a building. The existing pipeline is opened by disconnecting a union or cutting the line within wall 14. The expandable seal-ing unit 24 is mounted by means of connector 26 to a len~th of flexible tubing 28 sufficient to extend into pipeline 10 to a point beyond all points of required pipeline repair, and preferably to the service "T" 64 of the main 12. The expandable sealing unit may be of the type 24 or of the type 66. Type 66 enhances sealing to pipeline 10 at a junction in the pipeline~ but requires the additional step of cutting through the end of the sealing unit.
Once the expandable sealing unit 24 or 66 is positioned at the desired location, the expandable sealing unit is heated by means of a heating unit 42. The heating unit 42 is connected IO an external source of electrical energy by electrical conduc-tors passing through cable 44 which passes through the flexible tubing 28 from a point beyond where the pipeline exits the earth.
Upon being heated, the expandable sealing unit expands to form a tight seal between the outer surface of the expandable sealing unit and the interior surface of the pipeline~ The expansion of the sealing unit may be enhanced by means of resilient members which provide a radially directed outward force when a meltable ; seal~ such as a solder bead, is melted by the heating unit.
Once the heating unit cools, it is removed by withdrawing it from the internal portion of the expandable sealing unit through the connecting means and the flexible tubing. The repair and the relining procedure may be completed by connecting the flexible tubing which extends out of pipeline 10 to the continuation of the gas or other fluid line within the building.
~ 5 The flexible tubing 28 may preferably be a polyethylene tubing, although any suitable type of flexible renewal tubing may be utilized~
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly~ reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification as indicatîng the scope of the invention.
In use, a heating unit 56 is inserted into the center bore of end 48~ For convenience! heating unit 56 may be a separate heating unit from tha.t of heating unit 42 which is connected to a fairly long cableA Cable 44 must be of sufficient length to transverse the pipeline 10 from within basement area 47 to the desired point of attachment of expandable sealing unit within line 10. Once the end 48 is heated, the heating element 56 is with.drawn, and the appropriate end of tubular member 30 is slid over between cylindrical member 58 and end 48 The mastic on ridges 42 forms an air-~ight seal. Cylindrical member S8 may preferably be a thin walled stainless tube which has been bonded to the central portion 50 of connector 26 by means of a hot melt adhesive 62 and roll crimping as shown by the ridged outer surface~ The outer surface of cylindrical member 58 covering end 48 is also roll crimped~
The heating element S6 is then inserted into th.e bore of end 60 as shown in Figure 6~ Once end 60 is heated, heating element 56 is withdrawn and the flexible renewal or relining tubing 28 is slid over end 60 and is firmly bonded thereto by means of th.e heat sensitive mastic and the ridges 54 which are formed on end 60.
~7 ~
Referring to Figure 7, there is shown another embodiment of the present invention which is most advantageously utilized in connection with the practice of th.e invention wherein the expandable sealing unit is positianed at a junction in the pipe such as the service "T" 64 shown in Figure 1. Figure 7 illustrates an expandable sealing unit 66 mounted with the end thereof ex-tending just beyond the junetion of the service "T" 64 and pipe 10. Figure 7 iæ a cross-sectional view taken through.the horizon-tal plane as illu~trated at 68. Expandable sealin~ unit 66 is provided with one or more resilient members 36 which aid in expansion and the retaining of the expansion as des~ribed pre-viously,::Figure 8 is a cross-section through the end of expandable sealing unit 66 prior to the application of heat and expansion, Upon the application of heat, the closed end tubular member of thermally stabilized cross-linked material 70 expands tending to form a somewhat spherical shape as shown in Figure 7, This expansion into a somewhat spherical or expanded balloon shape is advantageous as it expands into the pipe junction area 72 insuring that the soft outer tacky surface layer or mastic layer 32 forms a tight seal taking advantage of the difference in ~
diameter of the pipeline and the junction point. Once the ex-pandable sealing unit, along with the assembled connector and the flexible relining tube is positioned and sealed to the pipeline 10, a drill or cutting de~ice may be inserted through flexible tubing 28 to cut a hole 74 through the end of expandable sealing unit 66 to enable the passage of gas, water or other fluids through the pipeline 10,' In summary, the method of repairing or relining an under-ground pipeline `in accordance with the present invention is to obtain access to pipeline 10 at a point beyond where it exits the earth, such as the inside of wall 14 within a basement area of a building. The existing pipeline is opened by disconnecting a union or cutting the line within wall 14. The expandable seal-ing unit 24 is mounted by means of connector 26 to a len~th of flexible tubing 28 sufficient to extend into pipeline 10 to a point beyond all points of required pipeline repair, and preferably to the service "T" 64 of the main 12. The expandable sealing unit may be of the type 24 or of the type 66. Type 66 enhances sealing to pipeline 10 at a junction in the pipeline~ but requires the additional step of cutting through the end of the sealing unit.
Once the expandable sealing unit 24 or 66 is positioned at the desired location, the expandable sealing unit is heated by means of a heating unit 42. The heating unit 42 is connected IO an external source of electrical energy by electrical conduc-tors passing through cable 44 which passes through the flexible tubing 28 from a point beyond where the pipeline exits the earth.
Upon being heated, the expandable sealing unit expands to form a tight seal between the outer surface of the expandable sealing unit and the interior surface of the pipeline~ The expansion of the sealing unit may be enhanced by means of resilient members which provide a radially directed outward force when a meltable ; seal~ such as a solder bead, is melted by the heating unit.
Once the heating unit cools, it is removed by withdrawing it from the internal portion of the expandable sealing unit through the connecting means and the flexible tubing. The repair and the relining procedure may be completed by connecting the flexible tubing which extends out of pipeline 10 to the continuation of the gas or other fluid line within the building.
~ 5 The flexible tubing 28 may preferably be a polyethylene tubing, although any suitable type of flexible renewal tubing may be utilized~
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly~ reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification as indicatîng the scope of the invention.
Claims (44)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A method of repairing or relining a pipeline or the like, comprising the steps of:
obtaining access to an opening into the pipe-line;
mounting an expandable sealing unit by means of a connecting means to the end of a predetermined length of flexible tubing;
positioning said expandable sealing unit with said flexible tubing connected thereto at a selected position within said pipeline;
heating said expandable sealing unit by means of a heating unit positioned within said expandable sealing unit;
expanding, in response to said heating, said expandable sealing unit to expand to form a tight seal between the outer surface of said expandable sealing unit and the in-terior surface of said pipeline; and, removing said heating unit from the internal portion of said expandable sealing unit whereby said pipeline is provided with a flexible tubing mounted within the pipeline to be repaired and sealably connected to said pipeline.
obtaining access to an opening into the pipe-line;
mounting an expandable sealing unit by means of a connecting means to the end of a predetermined length of flexible tubing;
positioning said expandable sealing unit with said flexible tubing connected thereto at a selected position within said pipeline;
heating said expandable sealing unit by means of a heating unit positioned within said expandable sealing unit;
expanding, in response to said heating, said expandable sealing unit to expand to form a tight seal between the outer surface of said expandable sealing unit and the in-terior surface of said pipeline; and, removing said heating unit from the internal portion of said expandable sealing unit whereby said pipeline is provided with a flexible tubing mounted within the pipeline to be repaired and sealably connected to said pipeline.
2. A method of repairing or relining an underground pipeline in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said pipeline is heated at or around the location of subsequent mounting of said expandable sealing unit prior to the insertion of said expand-able sealing unit.
3. A method of repairing or relining a pipeline in accordance with Claim 1 including the step of selecting the predetermined length of flexible tubing to be of sufficient length to extend through said pipeline to a point beyond all points of desired pipeline repair.
4. A method of repairing or relining a pipeline in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said heating step includes the step of utilizing an electrical heating unit wherein e-lectrical conductors pass through said flexible tubing to pro-vide electrical energy to the heating unit positioned within said expandable sealing unit for heating purposes.
5. A method of repairing or relining a pipeline in accordance with Claim 1 including the step of allowing said heating unit to cool prior to removing said heating unit from said expandable sealing unit.
6. A method of repairing or relining a pipeline in accordance with Claim 1 including the step of removing said heating unit by retracting it through said flexible tubing.
7. A method of repairing or relining a pipeline in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said pipeline to be repaired is an underground pipeline which is repaired without excavation.
8. A method of repairing or relining a pipeline or the like having a "T" connection or the like without obtaining access to a predetermined length of the pipeline, comprising the steps of:
obtaining access to an opening into the pipeline;
mounting an expandable sealing unit by means of a connecting means to the end of a predetermined length of flexible tubing, said expandable sealing unit including a closed end tubular member which tends to expand in a balloon like manner upon heating;
positioning said expandable sealing unit with said flexible unit connected thereto within a "T" connection or the like within said pipeline;
heating said expandable sealing unit by means of a heating unit positioned within said expandable sealing unit;
expanding, in response to said heating, said expandable sealing unit to expand to form a tight seal between the outer surface of said expandable sealing unit and the in-terior surface of said pipeline, and said thermally expandable element ballooning within a portion of said "T" connector or the like;
removing said heating unit from said internal portion of said expandable sealing unit;
inserting a cutting device through said tubing and into said expandable sealing unit;
cutting an opening through the expanded ballooned closed end tubular member to enable passage therethrough; and removing said cutting device from the internal portion of said expandable sealing unit whereby said pipeline is provided with a flexible tubing mounted within the pipeline to be repaired and sealably connected to said pipeline,
obtaining access to an opening into the pipeline;
mounting an expandable sealing unit by means of a connecting means to the end of a predetermined length of flexible tubing, said expandable sealing unit including a closed end tubular member which tends to expand in a balloon like manner upon heating;
positioning said expandable sealing unit with said flexible unit connected thereto within a "T" connection or the like within said pipeline;
heating said expandable sealing unit by means of a heating unit positioned within said expandable sealing unit;
expanding, in response to said heating, said expandable sealing unit to expand to form a tight seal between the outer surface of said expandable sealing unit and the in-terior surface of said pipeline, and said thermally expandable element ballooning within a portion of said "T" connector or the like;
removing said heating unit from said internal portion of said expandable sealing unit;
inserting a cutting device through said tubing and into said expandable sealing unit;
cutting an opening through the expanded ballooned closed end tubular member to enable passage therethrough; and removing said cutting device from the internal portion of said expandable sealing unit whereby said pipeline is provided with a flexible tubing mounted within the pipeline to be repaired and sealably connected to said pipeline,
9. A method of repairing or relining a pipeline in accordance with Claim 8 including the step of selecting the pre-determined length of flexible tubing to be of sufficient length to extend through said pipeline to a point beyond all points of desired pipeline repair.
10. A method of repairing or relining a pipeline in accordance with Claim 8 wherein said heating step includes the step of utilizing an electrical heating unit wherein electrical conductors pass through said flexible tubing to provide elec-trical energy to the heating unit positioned within said ex-pandable sealing unit for heating purposes.
11. A method of repairing or relining a pipeline in accordance with Claim 8 including the step of allowing said heating unit to cool prior to removing said heating unit from said expandable sealing unit.
12. A method of repairing or relining a pipeline in accordance with Claim 8 including the step of removing said heating unit by retracting it through said flexible tubing.
13. A method of repairing or relining a pipeline in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said pipeline to be repaired is an underground gas pipeline which is repaired without exca-vation.
14. A method of repairing or relining an underground pipeline or the like without excavation to obtain access to the pipe, comprising the steps of:
obtaining access to the pipeline at a point be-yond where it exits the earth;
mounting an expandable sealing unit by means of a connecting means to the end of a predetermined length of flex-ible tubing, said predetermined length of flexible tubing being sufficient to extend through said pipeline to a point beyond all points of desired pipeline repair;
positioning said expandable sealing unit with said flexible tubing connected thereto at a selected position within said pipeline;
heating said expandable sealing unit by means of a heating unit positioned within said expandable sealing unit, said heating unit being connected to an external source of energy by electrical conductors passing from said heating unit through said flexible tubing and exiting said pipeline where said pipe-line exits the earth;
allowing said expandable sealing unit to expand forming a tight seal between the outer surface of said expand-able sealing unit and the interior surface of said pipeline, allowing said heating unit to cool; and removing said heating unit by withdrawing it from the internal portion of said expandable sealing unit through said connecting means and said flexible tubing whereby said pipeline is provided with a flexible tubing mounted within the pipeline to be repaired and sealably connected to said pipeline at a position beyond the portion of the pipeline needing repair.
obtaining access to the pipeline at a point be-yond where it exits the earth;
mounting an expandable sealing unit by means of a connecting means to the end of a predetermined length of flex-ible tubing, said predetermined length of flexible tubing being sufficient to extend through said pipeline to a point beyond all points of desired pipeline repair;
positioning said expandable sealing unit with said flexible tubing connected thereto at a selected position within said pipeline;
heating said expandable sealing unit by means of a heating unit positioned within said expandable sealing unit, said heating unit being connected to an external source of energy by electrical conductors passing from said heating unit through said flexible tubing and exiting said pipeline where said pipe-line exits the earth;
allowing said expandable sealing unit to expand forming a tight seal between the outer surface of said expand-able sealing unit and the interior surface of said pipeline, allowing said heating unit to cool; and removing said heating unit by withdrawing it from the internal portion of said expandable sealing unit through said connecting means and said flexible tubing whereby said pipeline is provided with a flexible tubing mounted within the pipeline to be repaired and sealably connected to said pipeline at a position beyond the portion of the pipeline needing repair.
15. A method of repairing or relining a pipeline or the like, comprising the steps of:
obtaining access to an opening into the pipeline;
mounting an expandable sealing unit by means of a connecting means to the end of a predetermined length of flex-ible tubing, said expandable sealing unit including a closed end tubular member which tends to expand upon heating;
positioning said expandable sealing unit with said flexible unit connected thereto within said pipeline;
heating said expandable sealing unit by means of a heating unit positioned within said expandable sealing unit;
expanding, in response to said heating, said expandable sealing unit to expand to form a tight seal between the outer surface of said expandable sealing unit and the in-terior surface of said pipeline;
removing said heating unit from said internal portion of said expandable sealing unit;
inserting a cutting device through said tubing and into said expandable sealing unit;
cutting an opening through the closed end tubu-lar member to enable passage therethrough; and removing said cutting device from the internal portion of said expandable sealing unit whereby said pipeline is provided with a flexible tubing mounted within the pipe-line to be repaired and sealably connected to said pipeline.
obtaining access to an opening into the pipeline;
mounting an expandable sealing unit by means of a connecting means to the end of a predetermined length of flex-ible tubing, said expandable sealing unit including a closed end tubular member which tends to expand upon heating;
positioning said expandable sealing unit with said flexible unit connected thereto within said pipeline;
heating said expandable sealing unit by means of a heating unit positioned within said expandable sealing unit;
expanding, in response to said heating, said expandable sealing unit to expand to form a tight seal between the outer surface of said expandable sealing unit and the in-terior surface of said pipeline;
removing said heating unit from said internal portion of said expandable sealing unit;
inserting a cutting device through said tubing and into said expandable sealing unit;
cutting an opening through the closed end tubu-lar member to enable passage therethrough; and removing said cutting device from the internal portion of said expandable sealing unit whereby said pipeline is provided with a flexible tubing mounted within the pipe-line to be repaired and sealably connected to said pipeline.
16. A method of repairing or relining a pipeline in accordance with Claim 14 including the step of selecting the predetermined length of flexible tubing to be of sufficient length to extend through said pipeline to a point beyond all points of desired pipeline repair.
17 A method of repairing or relining a pipeline in accordance with Claim 1 including the step of providing an ex-pandable sealing unit comprising a tubular-member of thermally stabilized cross-linked material mounted over at least one resilient member, said resilient member having a force tending to expand the diameter of said tubular member, said thermally stabilized cross-linked material having been preshrunk after cross-linking to form a smaller diameter tubular member wherein said material will expand to its cross-linked condition upon being heated, and a layer of bonding material mounted over said cross-linked material providing a bonding material between the cross-linked material and the inner surface of the pipeline into which it is to be inserted, and the step of providing a connect-ing means for connecting said expandable sealing unit to one end of the flexible tubing.
18. A method of repairing or relining an underground pipeline or the like in accordance with Claim 14 including the step of providing an expandable sealing unit comprising a tubu-lar member of thermally stabilized cross-linked material mounted over at least one resilient member, said resilient member having a force tending to expand the diameter of said tubular member, said thermally stabilized cross-linked material having been pre-shrunk after cross-linking to form a smaller diameter tubular member wherein said material will expand to its cross-linked condition upon being heated, and a layer of bonding material mounted over said cross-linked material providing a bonding material between the cross-linked material and the inner sur-face of the pipeline into which it is to be inserted, and the step of providing a connecting means for connecting said ex-pandable sealing unit to one end of the flexible tubing,
19. A method of repairing or relining a pipeline in accordance with Claim 15 including the step of selecting the predetermined length of flexible tubing to be of sufficient length to extend through said pipeline to a point beyond all points of desired pipeline repair.
20. A method of repairing or relining a pipeline in accordance with Claim 15 wherein said heating step includes the step of utilizing an electrical heating unit wherein electrical conductors pass through said flexible tubing to provide elec-trical energy to the heating unit positioned within said expand-able sealing unit for heating purposes.
21. A method of repairing or relining a pipeline in accordance with Claim 15 including the step of allowing said heating unit to cool prior to removing said heating unit from said expandable sealing unit.
22, A method of repairing or relining a pipeline in accordance with Claim 15 including the step of removing said heating unit by retracting it through said flexible tubing.
23. An apparatus for repairing or relining a pipeline without obtaining access to the point or points of desired pipeline repair, comprising:
an expandable sealing unit comprising a tubular member of a heat responsive radially expandable material;
a predetermined length of flexible tubing material; and connecting means for connecting said expan-dable sealing unit to one end of said flexible tubing whereby said expandable sealing unit, connecting means and said one end of said flexible tubing may be inserted into said pipeline from an accessible point of said pipeline to a point beyond where said pipeline needs repair, said expandable sealing unit being heatable by a heating unit insertable into said expandable sealing unit to form a bond to the inner surface of the pipeline.
an expandable sealing unit comprising a tubular member of a heat responsive radially expandable material;
a predetermined length of flexible tubing material; and connecting means for connecting said expan-dable sealing unit to one end of said flexible tubing whereby said expandable sealing unit, connecting means and said one end of said flexible tubing may be inserted into said pipeline from an accessible point of said pipeline to a point beyond where said pipeline needs repair, said expandable sealing unit being heatable by a heating unit insertable into said expandable sealing unit to form a bond to the inner surface of the pipeline.
24. An apparatus for repairing or relining a pipeline in accordance with Claim 23 wherein said expan-dable sealing unit includes a tubular member of thermally stabilized cross-linked material which has been preshrunk after cross-linking to form a smaller diameter tubular mem-ber wherein said material will expand to its cross-linked condition upon being heated.
25. An apparatus for repairing or relining a pipeline in accordance with Claim 23 including a resilient member mounted within said tubular member and having a radially directed outward force tending to expand the dis-meter of said tubular member.
26. An apparatus for repairing or relining a pipeline in accordance with Claim 23 including a layer of bonding material mounted over said tubular member providing a bonding material between the outer surface of the tubu-lar member and the inner surface of the pipeline into which it is to be inserted.
27. An apparatus for repairing or relining a pipeline in accordance with Claim 23 wherein said pipeline comprises an underground pipeline or the like which may be repaired without excavation.
28. An apparatus for repairing or relining a pipeline in accordance with Claim 23 wherein said expan-dable sealing unit is provided with a plurality of resil-ient sheet member units mounted within said tubular member for providing an outward force on the inner surface of said tubular member.
29. An apparatus for repairing or relining a pipeline in accordance with Claim 25 wherein said resilient member is provided with a heat meltable bond for maintain-ing said resilient member in a contracted condition until heated.
30. An apparatus for repairing or relining a pipeline in accordance with Claim 23 wherein said end of said tubular member opposite the end connected to said connecting means is closed, and wherein the expansion and contraction of said end form a semi-hemispherical type surface which forms a tight seal between said expandable sealing unit and the inner surface of said pipeline preferably at a joint in the pipeline, and wherein said end may be cut through for the passage of a fluid or gas to be carried by the pipeline.
31. An apparatus for repairing or relining a pipeline in accordance with Claim 23 wherein said connec-ting means is a double-ended connector which may be mounted to said expandable sealing unit and said flexible tubing by sequentially heating each side by the insertion of a heating element into the end of the connecting means.
32. An apparatus in accordance with Claim 31 wherein said connecting means is provided with an outer cylindrical connecting member covering the outer surface of the tubular member of the expandable sealing unit and the outer surface of the flexible tubing.
33. An apparatus for repairing or relining a pipeline in accordance with Claim 23 wherein said expandable sealing unit is provided with a soft outer-tacky surface layer to enhance bonding between the expandable sealing unit and the inner surface of the pipeline to be repaired.
34. An apparatus for repairing or relining a pipeline in accordance with Claim 33 wherein said soft outer-tacky surface layer is a heat sensitive mastic.
35. An apparatus for repairing or relining a pipeline in accordance with Claim 25 wherein said resil-ient member is a resilient sheet member.
36. An apparatus for repairing or relining an underground pipeline or the like without excavation to obtain access to the pipe, comprising:
an expandable sealing unit comprising a tubular member of thermally stabilized cross-linked ma-terial mounted over at least one resilient member, said resilient member having a force tending to expand the diameter of said tubular member, said thermally cross-linked material having been preshrunk after cross-linking to form a smaller diameter tubular member wherein said material will expand to its cross-linked condition upon being heated, and a layer of bonding material mounted over said cross-linked material providing a bonding ma-terial between the cross-linked material and the inner surface of the pipeline into which it is to be inserted, a predetermined length of flexible tubing material; and a connecting means for connecting said expandable sealing unit to one end of said flexible tubing whereby said expandable sealing unit, connecting means and one end of said flexible tubing may be inserted into said pipeline from a point beyond where the pipeline exits from the earth to a point beyond where said pipeline needs repair, said expandable sealing unit being heatable by a heating unit insertable into said expandable sealing unit causing said cross-linked material and said resilient member to expand forming a bond utilizing said bonding material between said expandable sealing unit and the inner surface of the pipeline.
an expandable sealing unit comprising a tubular member of thermally stabilized cross-linked ma-terial mounted over at least one resilient member, said resilient member having a force tending to expand the diameter of said tubular member, said thermally cross-linked material having been preshrunk after cross-linking to form a smaller diameter tubular member wherein said material will expand to its cross-linked condition upon being heated, and a layer of bonding material mounted over said cross-linked material providing a bonding ma-terial between the cross-linked material and the inner surface of the pipeline into which it is to be inserted, a predetermined length of flexible tubing material; and a connecting means for connecting said expandable sealing unit to one end of said flexible tubing whereby said expandable sealing unit, connecting means and one end of said flexible tubing may be inserted into said pipeline from a point beyond where the pipeline exits from the earth to a point beyond where said pipeline needs repair, said expandable sealing unit being heatable by a heating unit insertable into said expandable sealing unit causing said cross-linked material and said resilient member to expand forming a bond utilizing said bonding material between said expandable sealing unit and the inner surface of the pipeline.
37. An apparatus in accordance with Claim 36 wherein said expandable sealing unit is provided with a plurality of resilient sheet member units for providing an outward force on the inner surface of said cross-linked material.
38. An apparatus in accordance with Claim 36 wherein said resilient member is provided with a heat melt-able bond for maintaining said resilient member in a con-tracted condition until heated.
39. An apparatus in accordance with Claim 36 wherein said end of said tubular member opposite to the end connected to said connecting means is closed, and wherein the expansion and contraction of said end form a semi-hemispherical type surface which forms a tight seal between said expandable sealing unit and the inner surface of said pipe, preferably at a junction in the pipeline, and wherein said end may then be cut through for the passage of the fluid or gas to be carried by the pipeline,
40. An apparatus in accordance with Claim 36 wherein said connecting means is a double-ended connector which may be mounted to said expandable sealing unit and said flexible tubing by sequentially heating each side by the insertion of a heating element into the end of the connecting element.
41. An apparatus in accordance with Claim 40 wherein said connecting means is provided with an outer cylindrical connecting member covering the outer surface of the preshrunk material of the expandable sealing unit and the outer surface of the flexible tubing.
42. An apparatus in accordance with Claim 36 wherein said expandable sealing unit is provided with a soft outer tacky surface layer to enhance bonding between the expandable sealing unit and the inner surface of the pipeline to be repaired.
43. An apparatus in accordance with Claim 42 wherein said soft outer tacky surface layer is a heat sensitive mastic.
44. An apparatus in accordance with Claim 36 wherein said resilient member is a resilient sheet member.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US227,336 | 1981-01-22 | ||
| US06/227,336 US4394202A (en) | 1981-01-22 | 1981-01-22 | Method for relining an underground gas line or the like without excavation |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1176855A true CA1176855A (en) | 1984-10-30 |
Family
ID=22852687
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000392423A Expired CA1176855A (en) | 1981-01-22 | 1981-12-16 | Method and apparatus for relining an underground gas line or the like without excavation |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4394202A (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS6049576B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1176855A (en) |
| CH (1) | CH645707A5 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3147696A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2498291B1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2091372B (en) |
Families Citing this family (33)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2542416B1 (en) * | 1983-03-11 | 1985-06-14 | Vernhes Frederic | SELF-CONDUCTING SHEATHES FOR CONDUITS AND METHOD FOR INTRODUCING AND POSITIONING SUCH SHEATHES IN A DUCT |
| US4657287A (en) * | 1984-05-25 | 1987-04-14 | The Brooklyn Union Gas Company | Grooved connector |
| WO1986002430A1 (en) * | 1984-10-17 | 1986-04-24 | Trest "Juzhvodoprovod" | Method and device for protection of the inner surface of pipeline against corrosion |
| WO1987005984A1 (en) * | 1986-03-25 | 1987-10-08 | Danby Pty. Ltd. | Reinstatement of lateral branch connections in relined sewers or pipes |
| US4867921B1 (en) * | 1986-03-31 | 1997-07-08 | Nu Pipe Inc | Process for installing a new pipe inside an existing pipeline |
| CH672536A5 (en) * | 1987-04-28 | 1989-11-30 | Ametex Ag | |
| US4986951B1 (en) * | 1987-07-27 | 1997-10-21 | Pipe Liners Inc | Pipe liner process |
| US4985196B1 (en) * | 1987-10-30 | 1997-11-18 | Pipe Liners Inc | Pipe liner process |
| US4869281A (en) * | 1987-11-25 | 1989-09-26 | Brooklyn Union Gas Company | Service line access system |
| JPH01108572U (en) * | 1988-01-14 | 1989-07-21 | ||
| SE469573B (en) * | 1988-04-13 | 1993-07-26 | Nu Pipe Inc | REPLACEMENT BEAMS AND KITS AND EQUIPMENT MAKE MANUFACTURING AND INSTALLING PIPES WITH MEMORY BEHAVIOR FOR A REDUCED FORM |
| US4903392A (en) * | 1988-06-22 | 1990-02-27 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Method for removing a metallic plug from a tube by simultaneously heating and stretching the plug |
| GB8820608D0 (en) * | 1988-08-31 | 1988-09-28 | Shell Int Research | Method for placing body of shape memory within tubing |
| DE3943858C2 (en) * | 1988-09-26 | 2002-08-01 | Nu Pipe Inc N D Ges D Staates | Procedure for installing a new pipe in an existing underground pipe |
| GB8830111D0 (en) * | 1988-12-23 | 1989-02-22 | British Gas Plc | Method and system for enhancing service pipes |
| US4998871A (en) * | 1989-01-19 | 1991-03-12 | Pipe Liners, Inc. | Apparatus for deforming plastic tubing for lining pipe |
| US5091137A (en) * | 1989-01-19 | 1992-02-25 | Pipe Liners, Inc. | Pipe lining process |
| US5186215A (en) * | 1989-08-01 | 1993-02-16 | Cues, Inc. | Apparatus for repairing pipelines |
| GB8921448D0 (en) * | 1989-09-22 | 1989-11-08 | Hicks Michael J | Pipe relining method and apparatus therefor |
| US5451351A (en) * | 1991-09-13 | 1995-09-19 | Composite Components, Inc. | Method for rehabilitating a pipe with a liner having an electrically conductive layer |
| US5223189A (en) * | 1992-01-07 | 1993-06-29 | Gundle Lining Systems, Inc. | Method of sealing lateral connections for pipe liners |
| US5194193A (en) * | 1992-04-16 | 1993-03-16 | Humphreys Edward G | Method of repairing underground pipe |
| US5322653A (en) * | 1992-06-05 | 1994-06-21 | Mueller Hans | Method of repairing buried sewage pipes |
| DE69225969T2 (en) * | 1992-08-20 | 1999-03-11 | Ivan C Mandich | Procedure for installing a plastic liner in a pipe |
| ES2131430B1 (en) * | 1994-03-11 | 2000-02-01 | Pipelining Products Inc | METHOD FOR RE-COATING PRE-EXISTING PIPES, DEFORMING APPARATUS AND CORRESPONDING METHOD AND TUBE INSERT USED. |
| US5560883A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1996-10-01 | The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of Energy | Method for forming a layer of synthetic corrosion products on tubing surfaces |
| SE505517C2 (en) * | 1996-01-11 | 1997-09-08 | Uponor Bv | Procedure for the renovation of grounded pipes where the lining pipes were successfully fused |
| US6024515A (en) * | 1996-03-04 | 2000-02-15 | Nicor Technologies Inc. | Live service pipe insertion apparatus and method |
| GB2315838A (en) * | 1996-08-01 | 1998-02-11 | British Gas Plc | Apparatus and method for sealing a clearance between a host pipe and a liner pipe |
| GB9625365D0 (en) * | 1996-12-05 | 1997-01-22 | British Gas Plc | Stopping off device |
| US6273644B1 (en) * | 1999-05-14 | 2001-08-14 | Gregory M. Konwinski | High pressure live service pipe renewal apparatus and method |
| US7104574B2 (en) * | 2000-01-20 | 2006-09-12 | Uponor Eti Company | Corrugated pipe connection joint |
| EP3265291B1 (en) * | 2015-03-06 | 2020-09-30 | Climate Recovery Ind AB | Method and apparatus for introducing a foil into an elongated duct and apparatus and method for laminating a foil to a duct |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DD88228A (en) * | ||||
| DD87204A (en) * | ||||
| US2756779A (en) * | 1952-06-18 | 1956-07-31 | Mueller Co | By-pass assembly for service pipe and method of installation |
| US2784627A (en) * | 1952-06-18 | 1957-03-12 | Mueller Co | By-pass assembly for service pipes and wrench for installation of the same |
| US2731041A (en) * | 1952-06-18 | 1956-01-17 | Mueller Co | By-pass assembly for service pipes |
| US2829675A (en) * | 1955-01-27 | 1958-04-08 | Mueller Co | By-pass assembly for service pipe |
| US2926701A (en) * | 1956-05-18 | 1960-03-01 | Ernest G Campbell | Liner pipes |
| US3211573A (en) * | 1962-03-05 | 1965-10-12 | Bonded Products Inc | Plastic lining of pipe |
| BE635318A (en) * | 1962-07-23 | |||
| US3261374A (en) * | 1963-05-17 | 1966-07-19 | Cons Edison Co New York Inc | Method and means for sealing leaking pipes |
| US3294121A (en) * | 1963-06-07 | 1966-12-27 | Southern California Gas Co | Method and apparatus for inserting a tube into a pipe |
| US3382121A (en) * | 1965-03-12 | 1968-05-07 | Raychem Corp | Process for providing heat recoverable sleeve with fusible insert in tightly held contact |
| US3642032A (en) * | 1970-04-16 | 1972-02-15 | Fischer Cook Inc | Internal pipe clamp applying apparatus and method |
| US3710812A (en) * | 1971-08-05 | 1973-01-16 | Telafix Inc | Method of and means for repairing lateral branches of sub-surface pipe lines |
| US3700265A (en) * | 1972-02-04 | 1972-10-24 | Northern Illinois Gas Co | Internal pipe sealing device |
| US3781966A (en) * | 1972-12-04 | 1974-01-01 | Whittaker Corp | Method of explosively expanding sleeves in eroded tubes |
| GB1563424A (en) * | 1974-01-25 | 1980-03-26 | Insituform Ltd | Lining of passageways |
| DE7733865U1 (en) * | 1976-11-05 | 1978-05-11 | N.V. Raychem S.A., Kessel-Lo, Loewen (Belgien) | Sealing and insulating tube |
| US4155373A (en) * | 1976-12-06 | 1979-05-22 | Digiovanni Bernard A | Method for shutting off gas flow in plastic pipes |
| JPS5381582A (en) * | 1976-12-09 | 1978-07-19 | Mantec Ind Ltd | Method and apparatus for applying linings on pipe |
| US4166479A (en) * | 1977-05-09 | 1979-09-04 | Cleavenger Associates, Inc. | Blind liner for service pipes |
| DE2726091C2 (en) * | 1977-06-07 | 1979-04-26 | Main-Gaswerke Ag, 6000 Frankfurt | Procedure for the internal sealing of pipe socket connections '' |
| US4295494A (en) * | 1979-07-16 | 1981-10-20 | Umac, Inc. | Method and apparatus for plugging and cutting a gas line or the like without excavation |
-
1981
- 1981-01-22 US US06/227,336 patent/US4394202A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1981-11-16 GB GB8134472A patent/GB2091372B/en not_active Expired
- 1981-12-02 DE DE19813147696 patent/DE3147696A1/en active Granted
- 1981-12-16 CA CA000392423A patent/CA1176855A/en not_active Expired
- 1981-12-17 JP JP56204484A patent/JPS6049576B2/en not_active Expired
-
1982
- 1982-01-11 FR FR8200303A patent/FR2498291B1/en not_active Expired
- 1982-01-14 CH CH19382A patent/CH645707A5/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE3147696A1 (en) | 1982-08-26 |
| JPS57129983A (en) | 1982-08-12 |
| US4394202A (en) | 1983-07-19 |
| FR2498291B1 (en) | 1985-10-25 |
| DE3147696C2 (en) | 1990-05-31 |
| GB2091372B (en) | 1984-08-22 |
| FR2498291A1 (en) | 1982-07-23 |
| GB2091372A (en) | 1982-07-28 |
| JPS6049576B2 (en) | 1985-11-02 |
| CH645707A5 (en) | 1984-10-15 |
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| MKEC | Expiry (correction) | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |