US20070061984A1 - Method and device for repairing or reinforcing an underground pipe - Google Patents
Method and device for repairing or reinforcing an underground pipe Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070061984A1 US20070061984A1 US11/454,179 US45417906A US2007061984A1 US 20070061984 A1 US20070061984 A1 US 20070061984A1 US 45417906 A US45417906 A US 45417906A US 2007061984 A1 US2007061984 A1 US 2007061984A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- pipe
- brush
- assembly
- liner
- radius
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
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
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B3/00—Brushes characterised by the way in which the bristles are fixed or joined in or on the brush body or carrier
- A46B3/18—Brushes characterised by the way in which the bristles are fixed or joined in or on the brush body or carrier the bristles being fixed on or between belts or wires
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
- B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
- B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
- B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
- B08B9/043—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved by externally powered mechanical linkage, e.g. pushed or drawn through the pipes
- B08B9/0436—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved by externally powered mechanical linkage, e.g. pushed or drawn through the pipes provided with mechanical cleaning tools, e.g. scrapers, with or without additional fluid jets
-
- 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
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
- A46B2200/30—Brushes for cleaning or polishing
- A46B2200/3006—Brushes for cleaning bottles or hollow containers
Definitions
- This invention relates to a method and device for repairing or reinforcing an underground pipe, and more particularly, to a method and device for repairing or reinforcing an underground pipe with minimal, or no excavation.
- the supply pipes are underground pipes. Due to age, the intrusion of roots, placement of heavy loads and shifting of the earth above and around existing piping or a variety of other reasons, underground piping can become damaged, requiring this repair for the resulting leaks. This makes repair thereof difficult. While repair may be accomplished by excavating, removing and replacing the total existing pipe or only damaged sections of the pipe; such procedures are either very time consuming, expensive or even impossible to perform.
- underground polyvinyl chloride piping or plastic specifically used for the circulation of pool water chiefly the underground main piping system 116 located at the bottom, a deep end of the pool 110 , has a tendency to leak during years of operation.
- These pipes range in sizes with inside diameters of usually 1.5 inches, 2 inches, 3 inches and 4 inches and are imbedded from under the pool bottom, or its adjacent sides (skimmers) to the pump and filter units.
- Conditioned pool water returns to the pool 110 through the underground main piping system 116 and exits through water jet outlets 120 built below the water line located in the poolside walls.
- These units are usually housed within a building structure fitted with or without a foundation and with or without concrete flooring 118 . Another obstacle is the location of the pool 110 itself. Pools on top or within buildings are unable to be excavated or to use excavating equipment to get to and replace the existing piping 124 , which leaks.
- a main drain water inlet 122 was built into the deepest section of the pool 110 .
- the main drain water inlet 122 connects one of the underground main piping system 116 needed to transport pool water for proper circulation of chemically treated, heated (if the pool 110 is equipped with a pool heater), and filtration for pool water clarity.
- Skimmers are located in the pool walls partially submerged at the water line to skim any debris from the pool water surface and to transport the debris and water it ingests to the pump house 118 through underground return lines. These lines are also susceptible to leakage.
- the pump house 118 heats, filters, and chlorinates the water and returns the conditioned water back to the pool 110 through other underground piping (not shown). This return piping is also susceptible to leakage while exiting through wall mounted outlet jets 120 located in the sides of pool 110 below the water line.
- Hot tubs and Jacuzzis also have potential pipe leakage problems that take extensive time, labor and materials to repair such leaks including the renovation of the surrounding area to its original state. It thus becomes critical to simplify this repair process.
- Natural gas pipes made of galvanized, metal pipe are also a major problem.
- the interior of the galvanized pipe corrodes relatively quickly upon contact with the gas being transited.
- a large build-up of corrosion restricting gas flow is not uncommon.
- This restricted gas flow elicits a safety hazard.
- the initial demand for gas from a restricted gas line has the tendency to starve off and snuff out gas pilot lights located in appliances such as ovens, stoves and gas water heaters without the knowledge by the user of the pilot being extinguished.
- the present process to repair this quandary is to insert a straight rigid plastic sleeve into the existing pipe. The difficulty exists if there is the slightest turn or bend in the pipe being repaired. At that locality, the existing pipe has to be excavated in order to be repaired.
- Previous repair mechanisms mainly repair only straight piping with minimal if any curves. Previous devices, especially to solve this curve problem are too elaborate and mostly consist of expensive machinery, such as abrasive blasting machines, to prepare the existing pipe for liner adhesion. Adhesive, epoxy or resin tanks for mixing and distribution to line the damaged pipe after the sand blasting are mandatory and complicated.
- Compressed air along with steam or heat producing machines are also implemented to clean the damaged line or to adhere the resin impregnated liner to the inside diameter of the damaged line after it had been set into place. Curing also has to take place after the impregnation process is complete. This leads to excessive down time and man-hours playing a major role to install resin impregnated liners and other similar systems.
- a further objective of this invention is the provision of a flexible repair liner for an underground pipe.
- Yet a further objective of this invention is the provision of a substantially non-collapsible repair liner for an underground pipe.
- a still further objective of this invention is the provision of a brush head assembly for clearing an underground pipe.
- Another objective of this invention is the provision of a wadding mechanism to clean underground pipe.
- Yet another objective of this invention is the provision of a method to repair an underground pipe in-place.
- Another objective of this invention is the provision of a connector for the repair pipe.
- an objective of this invention is the provision of a repair system, which greatly reduces the time required to repair an underground pipe.
- a further objective of this invention is the provision of a method to reinforce an underground pipe in-place.
- Yet a further objective of this invention is the provision of a substantially non-collapsible reinforcing liner for an underground pipe to reinforce the same.
- a still further objective of this invention is the provision of a method to provide preventive maintenance for an underground pipe in-place.
- Another objective of this invention is the provision of a substantially non-collapsible reinforcing liner for an underground pipe to provide preventive maintenance for the same.
- FIG. 9 depicts a sectional view of a pipe cleaning brush 114 with cloth swabs 140 and brush head assembly 202 .
- FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of a nylon pulling cord 142 .
- FIG. 11 depicts a side view of a highly flexible smooth bored plastic (polyvinyl chloride) liner assembly 148 .
- FIG. 12 depicts an end plan view of a highly flexible smooth bored plastic (polyvinyl chloride) liner assembly 148 .
- FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of a highly flexible smooth bored plastic (polyvinyl chloride) liner assembly 148 .
- FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of the liner head assembly 240 .
- FIG. 15 depicts anchoring consisting of three metal staples 152 .
- FIG. 16 depicts a side view of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) retainer sleeve 158 .
- PVC polyvinyl chloride
- FIG. 17 depicts an end plan view of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) retainer sleeve 158 .
- PVC polyvinyl chloride
- FIG. 18 depicts a perspective view of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) retainer sleeve 158 .
- PVC polyvinyl chloride
- FIG. 19 depicts a perspective view of a retainer sleeve 158 inserted into the pipe liner assembly 148 and joined as one unit.
- FIG. 20 depicts a perspective view of a retainer sleeve 158 being inserted into the pipe liner assembly 148 .
- FIG. 21 depicts a side, partially cross-sectioned plan view of a united pipe liner assembly 148 and retainer sleeve 158 anchored with adhesive sealant 160 inside an existing pipe 124 .
- FIG. 22 depicts a perspective view of a conventional pool main drain 122 along with an exposed view of an inserted and anchored pipe liner assembly 148 with a repaired pool pipe in the underground main piping system 116 .
- FIG. 23 depicts a block diagram of the cleaning method 100 for an underground pipe of this invention.
- FIG. 24 depicts a block diagram of the cleaning device 200 for an underground pipe of this invention.
- FIG. 25 depicts a block diagram of the brush system 210 used with the cleaning device 200 for an underground pipe of this invention.
- This device and method relate to an improvement in the existing pipe repair and methods currently used today in the plumbing and electrical industry for repairing both lateral and angled (elbow) piping. This is accomplished by the insertion of a flexible liner assembly inside the damaged pipe.
- the liner assembly can be inserted into an existing undamaged pipe line that will be housing highly sensitive wiring such as computer or communication usage.
- the liner assembly can also house hazardous gases or fluids such as radioactive or hazardous materials that are extremely detrimental to humans or the environment.
- a detector between the existing pipe line and the previously inserted pipe liner assembly will warn of the breach giving the personnel time to protect the data, or divert to another system or to repair the damaged outer pipe line without disruption of service or loss of gases or fluids whatever the case may be.
- This redundancy can be used in but not limited to government installations such as military or Federal Aviation Administration facilities such as air traffic control, nuclear power plants or in major industries.
- FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 a side view and an end view of cross sectional view of a pipe cleaning brush 114 is shown.
- This brush 114 which has a steel mandrel 128 with a 0.125 inch aperture 130 drilled through each end of the mandrel. These drill apertures are used to connect a brush 114 in a head assembly 202 ( FIG. 5 ) by way of a connector ring 220 ( FIG. 8 ).
- the bristles 126 are made either of nylon or of metal that varies in stiffness, material, and radius length depending upon the material, and inside diameter of the damaged line.
- the brush radius is at least 0.125 inch oversized for proper cleaning.
- the brush radius is up to 115 percent of the radius of the pipe sought to be cleaned. More preferably, the brush radius is up to 110 percent of the radius of the pipe sought to be cleaned. Most preferably, the brush radius is up to 109 percent of the radius of the pipe sought to be cleaned.
- This method has the steps of pulling a flexible smooth bore liner 144 ( FIG. 11 ) with a semi-rigid helix 146 wrapped therearound, in order to form liner assembly 148 , that gives non-collapsible characteristics within the damaged pipe 124 for both linear pipe sections and curved pipe sections up to and including ninety-degree elbows.
- the existing pipe is first cleaned with a specially designed nylon brush 114 ( FIG. 2 ) consisting of a sphere 132 ( FIG. 5 ) at each end of the brush 114 ( FIG. 9 ) to prevent snagging or jamming during brush operations.
- Sphere 132 may be made of any suitable material, such wood, metal or plastic. Wood is preferred.
- Cloth swabs 140 ( FIG. 4 ) are subsequently installed at both ends of the brush 114 in order to give the existing pipe 124 a final cleaning.
- This cleaning of the existing pipe 124 is to remove debris in order for the new liner assembly 148 to move freely within the existing pipe to its full length.
- FIG. 4 has pipe cleaning brush 114 except oversized circular cloth cleaning swabs 140 are slipped over the brush mandrel 128 and fitted against the brush bristles 126 after disconnecting the head assemblies 202 ( FIG. 5 ) from brush 114 through the connector rings 220 of FIG. 6 , FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 .
- These swabs 140 are oversized beyond the cleaning brush bristle radius by a minimum length of 0.125 inch in order to remove any remaining debris that exists after the initial cleaning of the pipe brush.
- the cloth cleaning swab radius is up to 115 percent of the inside radius of the pipe to be cleaned. More preferably, the cloth cleaning swab radius is up to 110 percent of the of the radius of the pipe. Most preferably, the cloth cleaning swab radius is up to 109 percent of the radius of the of the radius of the pipe.
- brush head assembly 202 has a sphere 132 attached thereto.
- Material for sphere 132 is made of either wood, plastic, metal, nylon, or hard rubber.
- a pilot aperture 164 is drilled through the center axis of the sphere to accommodate a 0.125 inch diameter nylon cord 142 ( FIG. 10 ).
- This cord section accommodates a ready-made loop 136 on opposite ends of the sphere.
- These loops are made with copper crimps 166 to retain its strength and size.
- connector ring 220 is used to connect necessary devices for cleaning, repairing or reinforcing. These connector rings 220 are used to: (a) Connect a brush head assembly 202 to a pipe cleaning brush 114 FIG. 2 , FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 ; and (b) Connect a nylon pulling cord 142 of FIG. 10 to a brush head assembly 202 of FIG. 5 or a liner head assembly 240 of FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 9 adds pipe cleaning brush 114 with cloth swabs 140 , and two brush head assemblies 202 are connected on opposite ends by using two connector rings 220 attaching a nylon cord loop 136 to a mandrel aperture 130 to form a brush system 210 .
- FIG. 10 shows 0.125 inch diameter nylon pulling cord 142 used in both cleaning, repairing or reinforcing steps. This diameter varies pertaining to the size of the pipe being repaired. For examples a 0.250 inch diameter used for repairing 4.0 inches inside diameter pipe.
- the end loop or ready made loop 136 is made the same as the loop end used for the brush head assembly 202 and the liner head assembly 240 .
- FIG. 11 , FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 show the repair device using a highly flexible, smooth bored, plastic liner assembly 148 .
- This liner assembly 148 has spherical semi-rigid helix 146 wrapped around a flexible liner 144 , that combine to provide a low coefficient of resistance to prevent snags or jamming when the liner assembly 148 is pulled through the pipe 124 being repaired.
- the liner assembly 148 is pulled through the total length of the pipe 124 and anchored at both ends with specially designed retaining sleeves 158 shown in FIG. 21 , which are sandwiched and glued Within the liner assembly 148 and the inside diameter of the existing pipe 124 . This process completely seals the inner surface 162 of the existing pipe 124 with the exterior surface of the pipe liner assembly 148 with minimal loss to the inside diameter of the existing pipe 124 .
- FIG. 14 shows view of the liner head assembly 240 . Similar to the make up of the brush head assembly 202 , a 0.125 inch diameter nylon cord 142 is passed through the formerly drilled axes of two spheres of different diameters juxtaposed. A knot is formed ending the nylon cord 142 at the larger diameter sphere 132 . A loop 136 is formed with the nylon cord 142 at the front of the smaller diameter sphere 134 . Larger diameter sphere 132 is inserted and anchored into the inside diameter of the liner assembly 148 .
- FIG. 15 shows anchoring consists of three metal staples 152 pneumatically stapled approximately 120 degrees from each other through the exterior of the liner 144 while encompassing the helix 146 conclusively driven into the inserted larger diameter sphere 132 .
- the liner head assembly 240 of FIG. 14 is inserted and anchored by galvanized staples 152 into a flexible liner 144 .
- FIG. 15 illustrates the liner assembly 148 inserted and pulled through an existing pipe 124 with a nylon pulling cord 142 .
- FIG. 16 , FIG. 17 , and FIG. 18 shows a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) retainer sleeve 158 .
- This sleeve 158 is specially designed to connect an inserted liner assembly 148 to the inlet and outlet ends of the pipe 124 being repaired.
- the smaller outside diameter 154 of the retainer sleeve 158 is inserted and adhered into the inside diameter of the liner assembly 148 .
- the large outside diameter 156 of the retainer sleeve 158 is inserted and adhered into the inside diameter of the damaged pipe 124 .
- FIG. 19 , FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 combine to show both pipe liner 144 of liner assembly 148 and retainer sleeve 158 joined as one unit.
- retainer sleeve 158 As retainer sleeve 158 being inserted into the pipe liner 144 , it is inserted, anchored, and adhered with adhesive sealant 160 inside an existing pipe 124 .
- FIG. 22 shows the results of the above figures anchored within conventional pool main drain 122 along with an exposed view of an inserted and anchored pipe liner assembly 148 with a repaired pool pipe 124 in the underground main piping system 116 .
- effect of the repair to underground main piping system 116 becomes clear as to its efficiency.
- FIG. 23 a block diagram of the cleaning method 100 for an underground pipe 124 cleaning and finishing.
- This method has brush 114 , which may or may not have cloth 140 attached thereto.
- a head assembly 202 is attached to each end of brush 114 with a nylon pulling cord 142 attached to the opposite end of said head assembly. Moving of pulling cord 142 in a back and forth application results in the cleaning of pipe 124 .
- the cleaning device 210 operates in underground pipe 124 of this invention.
- Cleaning device 210 contains bristle 126 with cloth 140 possibly attached to both ends.
- Aperture 130 is used to connect bristle 126 to head assembly 132 using connector ring 220 .
- End of head assembly 132 oppositely disposed from bristle 126 is then connected to pulling cord 142 such that brush system 210 can be pulled through pipe 124 and used to clean the pipe.
- brush system 210 used with the cleaning device 200 has a brush mandrel 128 .
- Mounted on the brush mandrel 128 are bristles 126 .
- Within the brush mandrel 128 are mandrel apertures 130 in order to facilitate movement of brush system 210 through pipe 124 , in order to prepare pipe 124 to receive the repair mechanism.
- cloth 140 may be added to the brush system 210 , in order to provide a final cleaning of the pipe 124 prior to repair thereof.
- the method of this invention includes clearing the existing leaking pipe 124 of any debris with a pipe cleaning brush 114 and brush head assembly 202 ( FIG. 9 ), and then pulling a highly flexible smooth bore liner 144 with a semi-rigid helix 146 that gives non-collapsible characteristics within the damaged pipe 124 for both linear pipe sections and curved pipe sections up to and including ninety-degree elbows.
- An existing plastic pipe 124 is usually first cleaned with a specially designed nylon brush 114 and head assembly 202 ( FIG. 9 ).
- An existing metal pipe 124 is usually first cleaned with a specially designed metal brush 114 and head assembly 202 . Under the right circumstances, the brushes of this invention may be used interchangeably.
- the pipe cleaning brush 114 has a special steel mandrel 128 , with nylon or a metal brush structure.
- the pipe cleaning brush 114 has a specifically desired length and outside diameter related to the inside diameter of the pipe 124 being cleaned. Typically, these pipes have an inside diameter of 1.5 inches, 2 inches, 3 inches, and 4 inches, whether plastic or metal piping.
- On the mandrel 128 are two brush head assemblies 202 ( FIG. 9 ) on either side of the brush mandrel 128 . This structure permits the brush system 210 to navigate through pipe elbows of up to 90-degree angles, while preventing snagging or jamming.
- the brush system 210 is subsequently fitted with circular cloth swabs 140 , or an equivalent, which are slightly larger in diameter of the brush's bristles.
- the brush system 210 is again pulled through the existing pipe 124 to clean out all debris.
- the brush system 210 is pulled through the existing pipe with nylon pulling cords 142 ( FIG. 10 ) connected by stainless steel connector rings 220 ( FIG. 9 ).
- the brush system 210 ( FIG. 9 ) is used to sweep any debris out of the pipe 124 to be repaired. Any small debris has the potential of wedging the pipe liner assembly 148 in the existing pipe 124 before the liner assembly 148 can be set into proper position. This is due to the close tolerances between the outside diameter of the pipe liner assembly 148 and the inside diameter of the pipe 124 to be repaired.
- the brush or fiber part of the brush system 210 has coarse nylon or metal bristles 126 oversized by approximately 0.125 inch for the inside diameter of the existing pipe to be repaired. For example, 1.625 inches diameter bristles 126 permit a 1.5 inches inside diameter pipe 124 to be repaired.
- the bristles 126 are wrapped around a steel mandrel 128 with an aperture 130 drilled at each end of the brush mandrel 128 to connect a brush head assembly 202 ( FIG. 5 ) at each end with a connector ring 220 ( FIG. 8 ).
- a worker at one end of the pipe 124 cooperates with a worker at the opposing end of the pipe 124 in order to brush the interior of the pipe, usually with a back and forth or a seesaw action.
- Each nylon pulling cord 142 ( FIG. 10 ) is at least the length plus two feet of the existing pipe 124 in order to clean the total length of the pipe 124 completely.
- a highly flexible pipe liner assembly 148 for repairing or fixing a pipe 124 has an internal smooth bore 144 with an external, semi-rigid external spherical helix 146 with low coefficient of friction properties. This structure is very effective for underground pipe repair.
- This helix 146 along with the design of the liner head assembly 240 ( FIG. 14 ) enables the liner 144 not to snag or jam during transit through all straight and curved sections of the damaged pipe 124 .
- the helix 146 also offers non-collapsible characteristics within the existing pipe 124 at linear pipe sections and curved pipe sections up to and including 90 degree elbows.
- a designed liner head assembly 240 ( FIG. 14 ) is part of the complete liner head assembly 240 that consists of connector rings 220 and nylon pulling cords 142 ( FIG. 10 ) and similar to that of the brush head assembly 210 ( FIG. 9 ).
- the liner head assembly 240 is inserted and anchored into the pipe liner assembly 148 opening with three staples 152 , preferably metal, each positioned approximately 120 degrees from the other or radially spaced apart.
- the liner-head assembly 240 ( FIG. 14 ) is connected to the nylon pulling cord 142 ( FIG. 10 ) with a stainless steel connector ring 220 ( FIG.
- the pipe liner assembly 148 in itself is at least the total length of the pipe 124 that is being repaired.
- a pipe liner assembly 148 there is a smooth bore 144 polyvinyl chloride pipe liner with an external polyvinylchloride helix 146 .
- the spherical helix 146 is made of a material that gives a low coefficient of resistance or friction. This characteristic is of optimum use to prevent snags and jams while transiting the pipe liner 144 into position.
- This liner assembly 148 is made in different sizes to repair 1.5 inches, 2 inches, 3 inches, and 4 inches inside diameter pipes.
- Some helixes 146 are made of stainless steel imbedded in an EPDM (rubber) liner depending upon the size of pipe 124 to be repaired.
- a total of two nylon pulling cords 142 ( FIG. 10 ) are used during the repair operation as noted above. They are used in unison and are connected at both ends of the brush head assembly 210 ( FIG. 9 ) to pull the brush 114 to and fro, in order to clear away any existing debris in the pipe 124 to be repaired.
- This nylon cord 142 ( FIG. 10 ) is a minimum of 0.125 inch in diameter. The length varies. Each cord 142 ( FIG. 10 ) will have a minimum length of the total length plus two feet of the cord 142 based on the pipe 124 to be repaired.
- One of the pulling cords 142 has a loop 136 at each end finished by a copper crimp 166 .
- the other cord 142 has only one loop 136 .
- the two-looped cord 142 is used in order to connect to a fish tape that was initially fished through the existing pipe from the opposite end.
- the connected cord 142 is then pulled back through the pipe 124 with the fish tape to be in position to pull the cleaning brush 114 ( FIG. 2 ), when the opposite ended loop 136 is connected with a stainless steel connector ring 220 to the brush head assembly 210 ( FIG. 9 ).
- the single looped cord 142 is connected to the other end of the brush head assembly 210 ( FIG. 9 ) with another connector ring 220 .
- One nylon cord 142 is used to pull the pipe liner assembly 148 into place within the damaged pipe 124 by disconnecting the nylon cord 142 ( FIG. 10 ) along with the connector ring 220 from the brush head assembly 210 ( FIG. 9 ) and reattaching it to the liner head assembly 240 ( FIG. 14 ).
- the stainless steel spiral connector ring 220 is used to connect brush head assembly 210 ( FIG. 9 ) to both ends of the pipe cleaning brush 114 ( FIG. 2 ) along with the two nylon pulling cords 142 ( FIG. 10 ).
- the connector ring 220 is also used to connect the liner head assembly 240 ( FIG. 14 ) to a nylon pulling cord 142 ( FIG. 10 ) in order to pull and set the liner assembly 148 into place of the damaged pipe 124 .
- the final procedure is to anchor the newly inserted liner assembly 148 in the existing leaky pipe 124 .
- the exposed liner head assembly 240 ( FIG. 14 ) pulled through the existing pipe 124 end is severed off by a razor blade at right angles to the length of the pipe liner 144 .
- Two retainer sleeves 158 ( FIG. 18 ), designed to connect and seal the inserted pipe liner 144 to the inlet and outlet ends of the pipe 124 being repaired are implemented.
- a retainer sleeve 158 ( FIG. 18 ) is designed to connect an inserted pipe liner assembly 148 to the inlet and outlet ends of the pipe 124 being repaired.
- This sleeve 158 can vary in size depending upon the size inside diameter of the pipe 124 being repaired and the size of the fittings that connect the existing pipe of the underground main piping system 116 to the main pool drain 122 or other connector.
- the retainer sleeve 158 may vary in size but are constant in design.
- a retainer sleeve 158 ( FIG. 18 ) is cylindrical in nature. The end thereof that fits into pipe liner 144 usually has a smaller diameter 154 and is then the end that attaches with the liner 144 to the desired base, as discussed above.
- Polyvinyl chloride preferably rigid, is the preferred material. However, sleeve 158 material may change depending upon the pipe 124 to be repaired such as galvanized coated piping, stainless steel, aluminum, nylon, or other plastic type piping.
- Polyvinyl chloride cement is applied to the smaller of the two exterior diameter ends 154 of the retainer sleeve 158 ( FIG. 18 ).
- the sleeve 158 is then inserted into the open end of the liner assembly 148 ( FIG. 20 ) connecting and sealing the interior of the liner assembly 148 to the retainer sleeve 158 ( FIG. 18 )
- a special adhesive sealant depending upon the substrates involved is applied to the larger exterior diameter of the retainer sleeve 156 and inserted along with the pipe liner assembly 148 into the existing pipe sealing the liner assembly 148 to the existing pipe 124 .
- the sleeves 158 may vary in size but are constant in design. Material for sleeves may change depending upon future pipes to be repaired such as stainless steel, galvanized coated metals, aluminum, nylon, or other plastics.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Pipe Accessories (AREA)
Abstract
A method for reinforcing or repairing a pipe pulls a liner assembly with a flexible smooth bore liner and a semi-rigid helix that gives non-collapsible characteristics within the damaged pipe for both linear pipe sections and curved pipe sections. The existing pipe is first cleaned with a specially designed brush with two wooden spheres at each end of the brush to prevent snagging or jamming during brush operations. The liner assembly is then pulled through the total length of the pipe and anchored at each end with retaining sleeves, which are sandwiched and glued within the liner assembly and the inside diameter of the existing pipe.
Description
- This invention relates to a method and device for repairing or reinforcing an underground pipe, and more particularly, to a method and device for repairing or reinforcing an underground pipe with minimal, or no excavation.
- After years of use, many devices which require water can suffer leaks in the supply pipes, which bring water supply to the area. Typically, the supply pipes are underground pipes. Due to age, the intrusion of roots, placement of heavy loads and shifting of the earth above and around existing piping or a variety of other reasons, underground piping can become damaged, requiring this repair for the resulting leaks. This makes repair thereof difficult. While repair may be accomplished by excavating, removing and replacing the total existing pipe or only damaged sections of the pipe; such procedures are either very time consuming, expensive or even impossible to perform.
- As can be seen from
FIG. 1 , underground polyvinyl chloride piping or plastic specifically used for the circulation of pool water, chiefly the undergroundmain piping system 116 located at the bottom, a deep end of thepool 110, has a tendency to leak during years of operation. These pipes range in sizes with inside diameters of usually 1.5 inches, 2 inches, 3 inches and 4 inches and are imbedded from under the pool bottom, or its adjacent sides (skimmers) to the pump and filter units. Conditioned pool water returns to thepool 110 through the undergroundmain piping system 116 and exits throughwater jet outlets 120 built below the water line located in the poolside walls. These units are usually housed within a building structure fitted with or without a foundation and with or withoutconcrete flooring 118. Another obstacle is the location of thepool 110 itself. Pools on top or within buildings are unable to be excavated or to use excavating equipment to get to and replace the existingpiping 124, which leaks. - During initial construction, a main
drain water inlet 122 was built into the deepest section of thepool 110. The maindrain water inlet 122 connects one of the undergroundmain piping system 116 needed to transport pool water for proper circulation of chemically treated, heated (if thepool 110 is equipped with a pool heater), and filtration for pool water clarity. Skimmers (not shown) are located in the pool walls partially submerged at the water line to skim any debris from the pool water surface and to transport the debris and water it ingests to thepump house 118 through underground return lines. These lines are also susceptible to leakage. The pump house 118 heats, filters, and chlorinates the water and returns the conditioned water back to thepool 110 through other underground piping (not shown). This return piping is also susceptible to leakage while exiting through wall mountedoutlet jets 120 located in the sides ofpool 110 below the water line. - Hot tubs and Jacuzzis also have potential pipe leakage problems that take extensive time, labor and materials to repair such leaks including the renovation of the surrounding area to its original state. It thus becomes critical to simplify this repair process.
- Natural gas pipes made of galvanized, metal pipe are also a major problem. The interior of the galvanized pipe corrodes relatively quickly upon contact with the gas being transited. A large build-up of corrosion restricting gas flow is not uncommon. This restricted gas flow elicits a safety hazard. The initial demand for gas from a restricted gas line has the tendency to starve off and snuff out gas pilot lights located in appliances such as ovens, stoves and gas water heaters without the knowledge by the user of the pilot being extinguished. The present process to repair this quandary is to insert a straight rigid plastic sleeve into the existing pipe. The difficulty exists if there is the slightest turn or bend in the pipe being repaired. At that locality, the existing pipe has to be excavated in order to be repaired.
- It is not uncommon for electricians to bury plastic (Polyvinyl chloride) pipe ranging from 1.5 inches to four inches in inside diameter to house exposed individual or bundled electrical wiring. At times, high water tables along with damaged pipe containing above-mentioned wiring become submersed or saturated with ground or influent water. This problem can be difficult to solve, even with excavation to access these pipes. Many solutions of the above-mentioned problems have been sought, but no previous solution has been regarded as fully viable.
- Previous repair mechanisms mainly repair only straight piping with minimal if any curves. Previous devices, especially to solve this curve problem are too elaborate and mostly consist of expensive machinery, such as abrasive blasting machines, to prepare the existing pipe for liner adhesion. Adhesive, epoxy or resin tanks for mixing and distribution to line the damaged pipe after the sand blasting are mandatory and complicated.
- Compressed air along with steam or heat producing machines are also implemented to clean the damaged line or to adhere the resin impregnated liner to the inside diameter of the damaged line after it had been set into place. Curing also has to take place after the impregnation process is complete. This leads to excessive down time and man-hours playing a major role to install resin impregnated liners and other similar systems.
- Another usual method of repair is therefore still to excavate the damaged area or the total length of the damaged pipe if able, or to tear down and restore existing structures such as bathrooms or indoor pools and Jacuzzis. This results in great expense and trouble along with down time of the existing unit as the damaged pipe is supporting the day-to-day operations of the existing unit. Thus, any method or device, which minimizes the down time and speeds up the repair offers great advantages.
- Among the many objectives of this invention is the provision of a cleaning device for an underground pipe.
- A further objective of this invention is the provision of a flexible repair liner for an underground pipe.
- Yet a further objective of this invention is the provision of a substantially non-collapsible repair liner for an underground pipe.
- A still further objective of this invention is the provision of a brush head assembly for clearing an underground pipe.
- Another objective of this invention is the provision of a wadding mechanism to clean underground pipe.
- Yet another objective of this invention is the provision of a method to repair an underground pipe in-place.
- Still, another objective of this invention is the provision of a connector for the repair pipe.
- Also, an objective of this invention is the provision of a repair system, which greatly reduces the time required to repair an underground pipe.
- A further objective of this invention is the provision of a method to reinforce an underground pipe in-place.
- Yet a further objective of this invention is the provision of a substantially non-collapsible reinforcing liner for an underground pipe to reinforce the same.
- A still further objective of this invention is the provision of a method to provide preventive maintenance for an underground pipe in-place.
- Another objective of this invention is the provision of a substantially non-collapsible reinforcing liner for an underground pipe to provide preventive maintenance for the same.
- These and other objectives of the invention (which other objectives become clear by consideration of the specification, claims and drawings as a whole) are met by providing a method for reinforcing or repairing a pipe having the steps of pulling a liner assembly with a flexible smooth bore liner and a semi-rigid helix that gives non-collapsible characteristics within the damaged pipe for both linear pipe sections and curved pipe sections. The existing pipe is first cleaned with a specially designed nylon brush with two wooden spheres at 220 used to connect necessary devices for cleaning, repairing or reinforcing an underground pipe.
-
FIG. 9 depicts a sectional view of apipe cleaning brush 114 withcloth swabs 140 andbrush head assembly 202. -
FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of anylon pulling cord 142. -
FIG. 11 depicts a side view of a highly flexible smooth bored plastic (polyvinyl chloride)liner assembly 148. -
FIG. 12 depicts an end plan view of a highly flexible smooth bored plastic (polyvinyl chloride)liner assembly 148. -
FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of a highly flexible smooth bored plastic (polyvinyl chloride)liner assembly 148. -
FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of theliner head assembly 240. -
FIG. 15 depicts anchoring consisting of threemetal staples 152. -
FIG. 16 depicts a side view of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC)retainer sleeve 158. -
FIG. 17 depicts an end plan view of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC)retainer sleeve 158. -
FIG. 18 depicts a perspective view of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC)retainer sleeve 158. -
FIG. 19 depicts a perspective view of aretainer sleeve 158 inserted into thepipe liner assembly 148 and joined as one unit. -
FIG. 20 depicts a perspective view of aretainer sleeve 158 being inserted into thepipe liner assembly 148. -
FIG. 21 depicts a side, partially cross-sectioned plan view of a unitedpipe liner assembly 148 andretainer sleeve 158 anchored withadhesive sealant 160 inside an existingpipe 124. -
FIG. 22 depicts a perspective view of a conventional poolmain drain 122 along with an exposed view of an inserted and anchoredpipe liner assembly 148 with a repaired pool pipe in the undergroundmain piping system 116. -
FIG. 23 depicts a block diagram of the cleaning method 100 for an underground pipe of this invention. -
FIG. 24 depicts a block diagram of the cleaning device 200 for an underground pipe of this invention. -
FIG. 25 depicts a block diagram of thebrush system 210 used with the cleaning device 200 for an underground pipe of this invention. - Throughout the figures of the drawings, where the same part appears in more than one figure of the drawings, the same number is applied thereto.
- This device and method relate to an improvement in the existing pipe repair and methods currently used today in the plumbing and electrical industry for repairing both lateral and angled (elbow) piping. This is accomplished by the insertion of a flexible liner assembly inside the damaged pipe.
- A very important use for this method and device can be for preventive maintenance measures or reinforcing purposes. The liner assembly can be inserted into an existing undamaged pipe line that will be housing highly sensitive wiring such as computer or communication usage. The liner assembly can also house hazardous gases or fluids such as radioactive or hazardous materials that are extremely detrimental to humans or the environment.
- If there is a breach in the existing pipe line, a detector between the existing pipe line and the previously inserted pipe liner assembly will warn of the breach giving the personnel time to protect the data, or divert to another system or to repair the damaged outer pipe line without disruption of service or loss of gases or fluids whatever the case may be. This redundancy can be used in but not limited to government installations such as military or Federal Aviation Administration facilities such as air traffic control, nuclear power plants or in major industries.
- Referring now to
FIG. 2 andFIG. 3 , a side view and an end view of cross sectional view of apipe cleaning brush 114 is shown. Thisbrush 114 which has asteel mandrel 128 with a 0.125inch aperture 130 drilled through each end of the mandrel. These drill apertures are used to connect abrush 114 in a head assembly 202 (FIG. 5 ) by way of a connector ring 220 (FIG. 8 ). - The
bristles 126 are made either of nylon or of metal that varies in stiffness, material, and radius length depending upon the material, and inside diameter of the damaged line. The brush radius is at least 0.125 inch oversized for proper cleaning. - More particularly, the brush radius is up to 115 percent of the radius of the pipe sought to be cleaned. More preferably, the brush radius is up to 110 percent of the radius of the pipe sought to be cleaned. Most preferably, the brush radius is up to 109 percent of the radius of the pipe sought to be cleaned.
- This method has the steps of pulling a flexible smooth bore liner 144 (
FIG. 11 ) with asemi-rigid helix 146 wrapped therearound, in order to formliner assembly 148, that gives non-collapsible characteristics within the damagedpipe 124 for both linear pipe sections and curved pipe sections up to and including ninety-degree elbows. The existing pipe is first cleaned with a specially designed nylon brush 114 (FIG. 2 ) consisting of a sphere 132 (FIG. 5 ) at each end of the brush 114 (FIG. 9 ) to prevent snagging or jamming during brush operations.Sphere 132 may be made of any suitable material, such wood, metal or plastic. Wood is preferred. - Cloth swabs 140 (
FIG. 4 ) are subsequently installed at both ends of thebrush 114 in order to give the existing pipe 124 a final cleaning. This cleaning of the existingpipe 124 is to remove debris in order for thenew liner assembly 148 to move freely within the existing pipe to its full length. -
FIG. 4 haspipe cleaning brush 114 except oversized circularcloth cleaning swabs 140 are slipped over thebrush mandrel 128 and fitted against the brush bristles 126 after disconnecting the head assemblies 202 (FIG. 5 ) frombrush 114 through the connector rings 220 ofFIG. 6 ,FIG. 7 andFIG. 8 . Theseswabs 140 are oversized beyond the cleaning brush bristle radius by a minimum length of 0.125 inch in order to remove any remaining debris that exists after the initial cleaning of the pipe brush. - More particularly, the cloth cleaning swab radius is up to 115 percent of the inside radius of the pipe to be cleaned. More preferably, the cloth cleaning swab radius is up to 110 percent of the of the radius of the pipe. Most preferably, the cloth cleaning swab radius is up to 109 percent of the radius of the of the radius of the pipe.
- Considering now
FIG. 5 ,brush head assembly 202 has asphere 132 attached thereto. Material forsphere 132 is made of either wood, plastic, metal, nylon, or hard rubber. Apilot aperture 164 is drilled through the center axis of the sphere to accommodate a 0.125 inch diameter nylon cord 142 (FIG. 10 ). This cord section accommodates a ready-madeloop 136 on opposite ends of the sphere. These loops are made with copper crimps 166 to retain its strength and size. - With
FIG. 6 ,FIG. 7 andFIG. 8 ,connector ring 220 is used to connect necessary devices for cleaning, repairing or reinforcing. These connector rings 220 are used to: (a) Connect abrush head assembly 202 to apipe cleaning brush 114FIG. 2 ,FIG. 3 andFIG. 4 ; and (b) Connect anylon pulling cord 142 ofFIG. 10 to abrush head assembly 202 ofFIG. 5 or aliner head assembly 240 ofFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 9 addspipe cleaning brush 114 withcloth swabs 140, and twobrush head assemblies 202 are connected on opposite ends by using two connector rings 220 attaching anylon cord loop 136 to amandrel aperture 130 to form abrush system 210. -
FIG. 10 shows 0.125 inch diameternylon pulling cord 142 used in both cleaning, repairing or reinforcing steps. This diameter varies pertaining to the size of the pipe being repaired. For examples a 0.250 inch diameter used for repairing 4.0 inches inside diameter pipe. The end loop or ready madeloop 136 is made the same as the loop end used for thebrush head assembly 202 and theliner head assembly 240. - For pipe repair
FIG. 11 ,FIG. 12 andFIG. 13 show the repair device using a highly flexible, smooth bored,plastic liner assembly 148. Thisliner assembly 148 has sphericalsemi-rigid helix 146 wrapped around aflexible liner 144, that combine to provide a low coefficient of resistance to prevent snags or jamming when theliner assembly 148 is pulled through thepipe 124 being repaired. - The
liner assembly 148 is pulled through the total length of thepipe 124 and anchored at both ends with specially designed retainingsleeves 158 shown inFIG. 21 , which are sandwiched and glued Within theliner assembly 148 and the inside diameter of the existingpipe 124. This process completely seals theinner surface 162 of the existingpipe 124 with the exterior surface of thepipe liner assembly 148 with minimal loss to the inside diameter of the existingpipe 124. -
FIG. 14 shows view of theliner head assembly 240. Similar to the make up of thebrush head assembly 202, a 0.125 inchdiameter nylon cord 142 is passed through the formerly drilled axes of two spheres of different diameters juxtaposed. A knot is formed ending thenylon cord 142 at thelarger diameter sphere 132. Aloop 136 is formed with thenylon cord 142 at the front of thesmaller diameter sphere 134.Larger diameter sphere 132 is inserted and anchored into the inside diameter of theliner assembly 148. -
FIG. 15 shows anchoring consists of threemetal staples 152 pneumatically stapled approximately 120 degrees from each other through the exterior of theliner 144 while encompassing thehelix 146 conclusively driven into the insertedlarger diameter sphere 132. Theliner head assembly 240 ofFIG. 14 is inserted and anchored bygalvanized staples 152 into aflexible liner 144. In addition,FIG. 15 illustrates theliner assembly 148 inserted and pulled through an existingpipe 124 with anylon pulling cord 142. -
FIG. 16 ,FIG. 17 , andFIG. 18 shows a polyvinyl chloride (PVC)retainer sleeve 158. Thissleeve 158 is specially designed to connect an insertedliner assembly 148 to the inlet and outlet ends of thepipe 124 being repaired. The smaller outsidediameter 154 of theretainer sleeve 158 is inserted and adhered into the inside diameter of theliner assembly 148. The largeoutside diameter 156 of theretainer sleeve 158 is inserted and adhered into the inside diameter of the damagedpipe 124. -
FIG. 19 ,FIG. 20 andFIG. 21 combine to show bothpipe liner 144 ofliner assembly 148 andretainer sleeve 158 joined as one unit. Asretainer sleeve 158 being inserted into thepipe liner 144, it is inserted, anchored, and adhered withadhesive sealant 160 inside an existingpipe 124. -
FIG. 22 shows the results of the above figures anchored within conventional poolmain drain 122 along with an exposed view of an inserted and anchoredpipe liner assembly 148 with a repairedpool pipe 124 in the undergroundmain piping system 116. Thus, effect of the repair to undergroundmain piping system 116 becomes clear as to its efficiency. - Turning now to
FIG. 23 , a block diagram of the cleaning method 100 for anunderground pipe 124 cleaning and finishing. This method hasbrush 114, which may or may not havecloth 140 attached thereto. Ahead assembly 202 is attached to each end ofbrush 114 with anylon pulling cord 142 attached to the opposite end of said head assembly. Moving of pullingcord 142 in a back and forth application results in the cleaning ofpipe 124.Cloth 140 finishes what thebrush 114 started - Turning now to
FIG. 24 , thecleaning device 210 operates inunderground pipe 124 of this invention.Cleaning device 210 contains bristle 126 withcloth 140 possibly attached to both ends.Aperture 130 is used to connect bristle 126 to head assembly 132 usingconnector ring 220. End ofhead assembly 132 oppositely disposed frombristle 126 is then connected to pullingcord 142 such thatbrush system 210 can be pulled throughpipe 124 and used to clean the pipe. - For
FIG. 25 ,brush system 210 used with the cleaning device 200 has abrush mandrel 128. Mounted on thebrush mandrel 128 are bristles 126. Within thebrush mandrel 128, are mandrelapertures 130 in order to facilitate movement ofbrush system 210 throughpipe 124, in order to preparepipe 124 to receive the repair mechanism. Optionally,cloth 140 may be added to thebrush system 210, in order to provide a final cleaning of thepipe 124 prior to repair thereof. - The method of this invention includes clearing the existing
leaking pipe 124 of any debris with apipe cleaning brush 114 and brush head assembly 202 (FIG. 9 ), and then pulling a highly flexiblesmooth bore liner 144 with asemi-rigid helix 146 that gives non-collapsible characteristics within the damagedpipe 124 for both linear pipe sections and curved pipe sections up to and including ninety-degree elbows. An existingplastic pipe 124 is usually first cleaned with a specially designednylon brush 114 and head assembly 202 (FIG. 9 ). An existingmetal pipe 124 is usually first cleaned with a specially designedmetal brush 114 andhead assembly 202. Under the right circumstances, the brushes of this invention may be used interchangeably. - The
pipe cleaning brush 114 has aspecial steel mandrel 128, with nylon or a metal brush structure. Thepipe cleaning brush 114 has a specifically desired length and outside diameter related to the inside diameter of thepipe 124 being cleaned. Typically, these pipes have an inside diameter of 1.5 inches, 2 inches, 3 inches, and 4 inches, whether plastic or metal piping. On themandrel 128, are two brush head assemblies 202 (FIG. 9 ) on either side of thebrush mandrel 128. This structure permits thebrush system 210 to navigate through pipe elbows of up to 90-degree angles, while preventing snagging or jamming. - Then the
brush system 210 is subsequently fitted withcircular cloth swabs 140, or an equivalent, which are slightly larger in diameter of the brush's bristles. Thebrush system 210 is again pulled through the existingpipe 124 to clean out all debris. Thebrush system 210 is pulled through the existing pipe with nylon pulling cords 142 (FIG. 10 ) connected by stainless steel connector rings 220 (FIG. 9 ). - The brush system 210 (
FIG. 9 ) is used to sweep any debris out of thepipe 124 to be repaired. Any small debris has the potential of wedging thepipe liner assembly 148 in the existingpipe 124 before theliner assembly 148 can be set into proper position. This is due to the close tolerances between the outside diameter of thepipe liner assembly 148 and the inside diameter of thepipe 124 to be repaired. The brush or fiber part of thebrush system 210 has coarse nylon or metal bristles 126 oversized by approximately 0.125 inch for the inside diameter of the existing pipe to be repaired. For example, 1.625 inches diameter bristles 126 permit a 1.5 inches insidediameter pipe 124 to be repaired. Thebristles 126 are wrapped around asteel mandrel 128 with anaperture 130 drilled at each end of thebrush mandrel 128 to connect a brush head assembly 202 (FIG. 5 ) at each end with a connector ring 220 (FIG. 8 ). - A worker at one end of the
pipe 124 cooperates with a worker at the opposing end of thepipe 124 in order to brush the interior of the pipe, usually with a back and forth or a seesaw action. Each nylon pulling cord 142 (FIG. 10 ) is at least the length plus two feet of the existingpipe 124 in order to clean the total length of thepipe 124 completely. - After cleaning, a highly flexible
pipe liner assembly 148 for repairing or fixing apipe 124 has an internalsmooth bore 144 with an external, semi-rigid externalspherical helix 146 with low coefficient of friction properties. This structure is very effective for underground pipe repair. - While it is not desired to be bound by any particular theory, the following postulate is offered. This
helix 146 along with the design of the liner head assembly 240 (FIG. 14 ) enables theliner 144 not to snag or jam during transit through all straight and curved sections of the damagedpipe 124. Thehelix 146 also offers non-collapsible characteristics within the existingpipe 124 at linear pipe sections and curved pipe sections up to and including 90 degree elbows. - A designed liner head assembly 240 (
FIG. 14 ) is part of the completeliner head assembly 240 that consists of connector rings 220 and nylon pulling cords 142 (FIG. 10 ) and similar to that of the brush head assembly 210 (FIG. 9 ). Theliner head assembly 240 is inserted and anchored into thepipe liner assembly 148 opening with threestaples 152, preferably metal, each positioned approximately 120 degrees from the other or radially spaced apart. The liner-head assembly 240 (FIG. 14 ) is connected to the nylon pulling cord 142 (FIG. 10 ) with a stainless steel connector ring 220 (FIG. 8 ) that pulls thepipe liner assembly 148 through the existingpipe 124 up to and including right-angled (90 degrees) elbows preventing theliner 144 from snagging or jamming in the existingpipe 124. Thepipe liner assembly 148 in itself is at least the total length of thepipe 124 that is being repaired. - In a preferred
pipe liner assembly 148 there is asmooth bore 144 polyvinyl chloride pipe liner with anexternal polyvinylchloride helix 146. Thespherical helix 146 is made of a material that gives a low coefficient of resistance or friction. This characteristic is of optimum use to prevent snags and jams while transiting thepipe liner 144 into position. Thisliner assembly 148 is made in different sizes to repair 1.5 inches, 2 inches, 3 inches, and 4 inches inside diameter pipes. Somehelixes 146 are made of stainless steel imbedded in an EPDM (rubber) liner depending upon the size ofpipe 124 to be repaired. - A total of two nylon pulling cords 142 (
FIG. 10 ) are used during the repair operation as noted above. They are used in unison and are connected at both ends of the brush head assembly 210 (FIG. 9 ) to pull thebrush 114 to and fro, in order to clear away any existing debris in thepipe 124 to be repaired. This nylon cord 142 (FIG. 10 ) is a minimum of 0.125 inch in diameter. The length varies. Each cord 142 (FIG. 10 ) will have a minimum length of the total length plus two feet of thecord 142 based on thepipe 124 to be repaired. One of the pullingcords 142 has aloop 136 at each end finished by acopper crimp 166. Theother cord 142 has only oneloop 136. - The two-looped
cord 142 is used in order to connect to a fish tape that was initially fished through the existing pipe from the opposite end. Theconnected cord 142 is then pulled back through thepipe 124 with the fish tape to be in position to pull the cleaning brush 114 (FIG. 2 ), when the opposite endedloop 136 is connected with a stainlesssteel connector ring 220 to the brush head assembly 210 (FIG. 9 ). The single loopedcord 142 is connected to the other end of the brush head assembly 210 (FIG. 9 ) with anotherconnector ring 220. Onenylon cord 142 is used to pull thepipe liner assembly 148 into place within the damagedpipe 124 by disconnecting the nylon cord 142 (FIG. 10 ) along with theconnector ring 220 from the brush head assembly 210 (FIG. 9 ) and reattaching it to the liner head assembly 240 (FIG. 14 ). - The stainless steel
spiral connector ring 220 is used to connect brush head assembly 210 (FIG. 9 ) to both ends of the pipe cleaning brush 114 (FIG. 2 ) along with the two nylon pulling cords 142 (FIG. 10 ). Theconnector ring 220 is also used to connect the liner head assembly 240 (FIG. 14 ) to a nylon pulling cord 142 (FIG. 10 ) in order to pull and set theliner assembly 148 into place of the damagedpipe 124. - The final procedure is to anchor the newly inserted
liner assembly 148 in the existingleaky pipe 124. The exposed liner head assembly 240 (FIG. 14 ) pulled through the existingpipe 124 end is severed off by a razor blade at right angles to the length of thepipe liner 144. Two retainer sleeves 158 (FIG. 18 ), designed to connect and seal the insertedpipe liner 144 to the inlet and outlet ends of thepipe 124 being repaired are implemented. - A retainer sleeve 158 (
FIG. 18 ) is designed to connect an insertedpipe liner assembly 148 to the inlet and outlet ends of thepipe 124 being repaired. Thissleeve 158 can vary in size depending upon the size inside diameter of thepipe 124 being repaired and the size of the fittings that connect the existing pipe of the undergroundmain piping system 116 to themain pool drain 122 or other connector. - The retainer sleeve 158 (
FIG. 18 ) may vary in size but are constant in design. A retainer sleeve 158 (FIG. 18 ) is cylindrical in nature. The end thereof that fits intopipe liner 144 usually has asmaller diameter 154 and is then the end that attaches with theliner 144 to the desired base, as discussed above. Polyvinyl chloride, preferably rigid, is the preferred material. However,sleeve 158 material may change depending upon thepipe 124 to be repaired such as galvanized coated piping, stainless steel, aluminum, nylon, or other plastic type piping. - Polyvinyl chloride cement is applied to the smaller of the two exterior diameter ends 154 of the retainer sleeve 158 (
FIG. 18 ). Thesleeve 158 is then inserted into the open end of the liner assembly 148 (FIG. 20 ) connecting and sealing the interior of theliner assembly 148 to the retainer sleeve 158 (FIG. 18 ) A special adhesive sealant depending upon the substrates involved is applied to the larger exterior diameter of theretainer sleeve 156 and inserted along with thepipe liner assembly 148 into the existing pipe sealing theliner assembly 148 to the existingpipe 124. This procedure is repeated on the opposite end of thepipe liner 144 to either a straightnominal pipe 124 or an existingpipe 124 connected to amain pool drain 122 or other connector. These polyvinyl chloride sleeves can vary in size depending upon the inside diameter of the pipe being repaired and the size of the fittings that connect the existingpipe 124 to the main pool drain or other type connector. - The sleeves 158 (
FIG. 18 ) may vary in size but are constant in design. Material for sleeves may change depending upon future pipes to be repaired such as stainless steel, galvanized coated metals, aluminum, nylon, or other plastics. - This application—taken as a whole with the abstract, specification, claims, and drawings being combined—provides sufficient information for a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention as disclosed and claimed herein. Any measures necessary to practice this invention are well within the skill of a person having ordinary skill in this art after that person has made a careful study of this disclosure.
- Because of this disclosure and solely because of this disclosure, modification of this method and device can become clear to a person having ordinary skill in this particular art. Such modifications are clearly covered by this disclosure.
Claims (6)
1-4. (canceled)
5. A brush assembly for cleaning a pipe comprising:
(a) a mandrel having a first mandrel end and a second mandrel end supporting the brush assembly;
(b) a first head assembly being secured to the first mandrel end;
(c) a second head assembly being secured to the second mandrel end;
(d) bristles for the brush assembly being secured to the mandrel; and
(e) the bristles for the brush assembly having a bristle radius up to 115 percent of a radius of the pipe sought to be cleaned.
6. The brush assembly of claim 5 further comprising:
(a) a first cloth swab being added to the first mandrel end;
(b) a second cloth swab being added to the second mandrel end;
(c) the first cloth swab and the second cloth swab providing a second cleaning for the pipe in order to remove debris for a new liner assembly to be inserted into the existing pipe; and
(d) the first cloth swab and the second cloth swab having a radius of up to 115 percent of the inside radius of the pipe to be cleaned.
7. The brush assembly of claim 6 further comprising:
(a) the bristles for the brush assembly being metal or nylon;
(b) the brush radius being up to 109 percent of the radius of the radius of the pipe being cleaned;
(c) the cloth swab radius being up to 109 percent of the radius of the pipe being cleaned; and
(d) a brush head assembly for the brush assembly in order to facilitate movement of the brush assembly through the pipe.
8. The brush assembly of claim 7 further comprising:
(a) the brush head assembly including a connector ring, and a pulling cord;
(b) the connector ring releasably joining the brush assembly to the brush head assembly;
(c) a pulling cord being connected to the brush head assembly and oppositely disposed from the brush assembly; and
(d) the pulling cord serving to move the brush assembly through the pipe to be cleaned.
9-20. (canceled)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/454,179 US20070061984A1 (en) | 2005-05-05 | 2006-06-16 | Method and device for repairing or reinforcing an underground pipe |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/122,814 US7137757B1 (en) | 2005-05-05 | 2005-05-05 | Method and device for repairing or reinforcing an underground pipe |
US11/454,179 US20070061984A1 (en) | 2005-05-05 | 2006-06-16 | Method and device for repairing or reinforcing an underground pipe |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/122,814 Division US7137757B1 (en) | 2005-05-05 | 2005-05-05 | Method and device for repairing or reinforcing an underground pipe |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070061984A1 true US20070061984A1 (en) | 2007-03-22 |
Family
ID=37397037
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/122,814 Active US7137757B1 (en) | 2005-05-05 | 2005-05-05 | Method and device for repairing or reinforcing an underground pipe |
US11/452,530 Expired - Fee Related US7241076B1 (en) | 2005-05-05 | 2006-06-14 | Method and device for repairing or reinforcing an underground pipe |
US11/454,179 Abandoned US20070061984A1 (en) | 2005-05-05 | 2006-06-16 | Method and device for repairing or reinforcing an underground pipe |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/122,814 Active US7137757B1 (en) | 2005-05-05 | 2005-05-05 | Method and device for repairing or reinforcing an underground pipe |
US11/452,530 Expired - Fee Related US7241076B1 (en) | 2005-05-05 | 2006-06-14 | Method and device for repairing or reinforcing an underground pipe |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US7137757B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1877692B1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2594236C (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006121543A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN112191628A (en) * | 2020-09-17 | 2021-01-08 | 上海宝冶集团有限公司 | Application of pipeline dredging tool in buried U-PVC cable conduit installation |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7137757B1 (en) * | 2005-05-05 | 2006-11-21 | Cosban William C | Method and device for repairing or reinforcing an underground pipe |
US20110236138A1 (en) * | 2010-03-24 | 2011-09-29 | Cosban William C | Method for repairing and reinforcing underground pipes |
SE535050C2 (en) * | 2010-06-03 | 2012-03-27 | Tigran Technologies Ab Publ | cleaning device |
US10400936B2 (en) | 2017-03-31 | 2019-09-03 | Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company | Conduit system and method of use thereof |
US10969053B2 (en) * | 2017-09-08 | 2021-04-06 | The Charles Machine Works, Inc. | Lead pipe spudding prior to extraction or remediation |
US11173634B2 (en) | 2018-02-01 | 2021-11-16 | Ina Acquisition Corp | Electromagnetic radiation curable pipe liner and method of making and installing the same |
US10704728B2 (en) | 2018-03-20 | 2020-07-07 | Ina Acquisition Corp. | Pipe liner and method of making same |
US10927995B2 (en) | 2018-11-06 | 2021-02-23 | Honeywell International Inc. | Methods for repairing component cored passages |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1165455A (en) * | 1914-04-09 | 1915-12-28 | George Schlemmer | Hose or like conduit cleaning device. |
US1218005A (en) * | 1915-06-19 | 1917-03-06 | George Schlemmer | Conduit-cleaning device. |
US2495793A (en) * | 1945-03-30 | 1950-01-31 | Frank S Webb | Multisector scraper for gun bores |
US4907314A (en) * | 1987-06-04 | 1990-03-13 | British Pipeline Agency Ltd., Et Al. | Pipeline pig |
US6145150A (en) * | 1999-01-05 | 2000-11-14 | Knapp; Kenneth M. | Multi-dimensional pig including wiper disk permitting passage through |
Family Cites Families (37)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2575624A (en) * | 1947-01-10 | 1951-11-20 | Nevada Leasehold Corp | Pipe-line swab with expansible element |
DE1170973C2 (en) * | 1961-06-02 | 1964-12-17 | Maschf Augsburg Nuernberg Ag | Cleaning body for surface heat exchangers consisting of cooling pipes |
US3895652A (en) | 1974-01-11 | 1975-07-22 | Roger G Zach | Diametrically expansible coil spring conduit plug |
GB1498804A (en) | 1974-04-10 | 1978-01-25 | British Petroleum Co | Pipeline tool |
US4440194A (en) | 1980-02-29 | 1984-04-03 | Osaka Gas Company, Limited | Moving body and method of performing work within pipes with use of same |
GB2088516B (en) * | 1980-12-03 | 1984-04-11 | Redland Pipes Ltd | Renovation of tunnels |
US4429720A (en) | 1982-09-23 | 1984-02-07 | Beck Richard D | Apparatus for seeking out and repairing leaks in pipes |
US4589447A (en) | 1983-08-03 | 1986-05-20 | Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation | Method of depositing a membrane within a conduit |
EP0159300A1 (en) | 1984-03-30 | 1985-10-23 | Stig Westman | Repair sleeve for piping |
US4678370A (en) * | 1984-12-04 | 1987-07-07 | Danby Pty. Ltd. | Sewer renovation system |
US4867203A (en) * | 1985-08-23 | 1989-09-19 | Wavin Bv | A method of relining or preparing sewage pipe using a plastic pipe comprising an outer corrugated pipe and a smooth inner wall |
US5403120A (en) | 1986-03-31 | 1995-04-04 | Nupipe, Inc. | Method of installing a substantially rigid thermoplastic pipe in existing main and lateral conduits |
FR2600749B1 (en) * | 1986-06-27 | 1988-12-09 | Hurner Sarl | METHOD FOR INTERNALLY SHEATHING A PIPE, SHEATHING TUBE FOR IMPLEMENTING SAME, AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SAME |
GB2237353B (en) | 1987-07-23 | 1992-01-22 | British Gas Plc | Temporary or permanent blocking of the bore of a pipe |
GB2213230B (en) * | 1987-12-28 | 1992-05-06 | Osaka Bosui Kensetsusha Kk | Method of lining branch pipe portion of underground main pipe with rigid plastics tube |
JPH0688256B2 (en) | 1988-05-02 | 1994-11-09 | 積水化学工業株式会社 | Existing pipe lining method |
DE3927961A1 (en) * | 1988-08-26 | 1990-03-01 | Bayer Ag | Elastomer tube to clean out sewage pipes - consists of inner plastic tube surrounded by outer corrugated covering which contains spiral wire embedded in cushioning material |
US5241993A (en) * | 1989-12-06 | 1993-09-07 | Stephens Patrick J | Method for grouting cavities using a pumpable cement grout |
DE59003967D1 (en) * | 1990-01-05 | 1994-02-03 | Miljoevern Umwelt Technik Gmbh | Process for lining cavities, in particular for the renovation of damaged sewers and pipes. |
DE4039085A1 (en) | 1990-03-01 | 1991-09-05 | Teves Gmbh Alfred | Sealing device for hydraulic fluid channel - has at least two spheres, preventing abrasive particles from interference fit of first sphere reaching hydraulic fluid |
DE4031949C2 (en) * | 1990-10-09 | 1994-12-01 | Bauunternehmung Bergfort Gmbh | Method and device for the rehabilitation of sewers |
NL9100403A (en) * | 1991-03-06 | 1992-10-01 | Wavin Bv | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INSTALLING AN INNER TUBE IN AN EXISTING PIPE WITH THE USE OF VENTILATORS AND WITH AN INNER TUBE CONTAINING THERMOPLASTIC ARTICLES INCLUDED HEREIN. |
US5224516A (en) | 1992-07-23 | 1993-07-06 | Mcgovern Victor J | Pipe repair tool |
ATE167559T1 (en) * | 1992-08-20 | 1998-07-15 | Ivan C Mandich | METHOD FOR INSTALLING A PLASTIC LINER IN A PIPE |
US5560395A (en) | 1994-09-28 | 1996-10-01 | Bissonnette; Roger A. | Apparatus and method for repairing underground conduits in situ |
GB2299645B (en) * | 1995-04-04 | 1999-04-07 | British Gas Plc | Installing pipes |
JP2667796B2 (en) * | 1995-07-07 | 1997-10-27 | 株式会社湘南合成樹脂製作所 | Pipe lining method |
EP0871830A1 (en) | 1996-01-03 | 1998-10-21 | Flexfab Horizons International, Inc. | Lightweight hose with a helically-wound reinforcing member and method for making the same |
US5816293A (en) | 1996-03-27 | 1998-10-06 | Kiest, Jr.; Larry W. | Apparatus for installation of a liner within a pipeline |
US6240965B1 (en) * | 1998-04-24 | 2001-06-05 | Link-Pipe (H.K.), Ltd. | Apparatus for repair of high temperature and pressure conduits, method for repairing high temperature and pressure conduits, and a sealing device for repairing high temperature and pressure conduits |
US6935376B1 (en) * | 1998-07-28 | 2005-08-30 | Safetyliner Systems, Llc | Enhancement of profiled tubular lining systems by channel augmentation |
TW490386B (en) | 2000-05-01 | 2002-06-11 | Ashimori Ind Co Ltd | Duct repairing material, repairing structure, and repairing method |
FI20011333A (en) * | 2001-06-21 | 2002-12-22 | Uponor Innovation Ab | Multilayer tubular product and method for heating such |
KR100445451B1 (en) | 2001-08-08 | 2004-08-21 | 한국과학기술원 | Reinforcing element of retired underground pipes and trenchless repairing method of them |
US6827109B2 (en) | 2002-03-25 | 2004-12-07 | Salem-Republic Rubber Company | Flexible hose and method of manufacture |
US6701966B1 (en) | 2003-04-22 | 2004-03-09 | Infrastructure Repair Systems, Inc. | Apparatus for lateral line repair |
US7137757B1 (en) * | 2005-05-05 | 2006-11-21 | Cosban William C | Method and device for repairing or reinforcing an underground pipe |
-
2005
- 2005-05-05 US US11/122,814 patent/US7137757B1/en active Active
-
2006
- 2006-04-05 WO PCT/US2006/013025 patent/WO2006121543A2/en active Application Filing
- 2006-04-05 EP EP06740710.6A patent/EP1877692B1/en active Active
- 2006-04-05 CA CA2594236A patent/CA2594236C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2006-06-14 US US11/452,530 patent/US7241076B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2006-06-16 US US11/454,179 patent/US20070061984A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1165455A (en) * | 1914-04-09 | 1915-12-28 | George Schlemmer | Hose or like conduit cleaning device. |
US1218005A (en) * | 1915-06-19 | 1917-03-06 | George Schlemmer | Conduit-cleaning device. |
US2495793A (en) * | 1945-03-30 | 1950-01-31 | Frank S Webb | Multisector scraper for gun bores |
US4907314A (en) * | 1987-06-04 | 1990-03-13 | British Pipeline Agency Ltd., Et Al. | Pipeline pig |
US6145150A (en) * | 1999-01-05 | 2000-11-14 | Knapp; Kenneth M. | Multi-dimensional pig including wiper disk permitting passage through |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN112191628A (en) * | 2020-09-17 | 2021-01-08 | 上海宝冶集团有限公司 | Application of pipeline dredging tool in buried U-PVC cable conduit installation |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2006121543A2 (en) | 2006-11-16 |
EP1877692A2 (en) | 2008-01-16 |
WO2006121543A8 (en) | 2010-07-01 |
EP1877692A4 (en) | 2010-03-31 |
CA2594236C (en) | 2013-11-12 |
US7137757B1 (en) | 2006-11-21 |
EP1877692B1 (en) | 2013-06-05 |
CA2594236A1 (en) | 2006-11-16 |
US7241076B1 (en) | 2007-07-10 |
WO2006121543A3 (en) | 2009-06-11 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7241076B1 (en) | Method and device for repairing or reinforcing an underground pipe | |
US11221099B2 (en) | Stents and methods for repairing pipes | |
US20230408018A1 (en) | Stent springs for repairing pipes | |
AU596892B2 (en) | Pipe renovation system | |
Wu et al. | Current water main rehabilitation practice using trenchless technology | |
US20130156506A1 (en) | Method for Renewal or Rehabilitation of Water Supply Pipelines and Plug Arrangement for use in Said Method | |
Matthews et al. | Current and emerging water main renewal technologies | |
US20180363833A1 (en) | Irrigation pipe liner | |
JP6097094B2 (en) | Corrosion-proof structure of water pipe connection | |
NL2009895C2 (en) | FLEXIBLE COATING COMPOSITION FOR REPAIRING OR STRENGTHING A PIPE. | |
American Water Works Association | Rehabilitation of water mains | |
JP3691880B2 (en) | Cover for pipe repair | |
Kirmeyer | Lead pipe rehabilitation and replacement techniques | |
AT514177B1 (en) | Flexible liner construction for repairing or stiffening a pipe | |
SE1350356A1 (en) | Flexible liner construction for repair or reinforcement of a pipe | |
JP2001262984A (en) | Conduit repairing block and conduit repairing method | |
JPH0232396Y2 (en) | ||
AWWA C904 Subcommittee of the Standards Committee on Polyolefin Pressure Pipe and Fittings | committee report: design and installation of cross-linked polyethylene (peX) pipe in accordance with awwa c904 | |
Piratla et al. | Analysis of Factors Influencing the Selection of Water Main Rehabilitation Methods | |
Lund | Pipeline seismic mitigation using trenchless technology | |
JP2534477B2 (en) | How to repair an existing buried pipe | |
Heijin et al. | Water Main Rehabilitation Alternatives | |
KR20190134019A (en) | Structure for prohibiting water leakage of manhole and Method for assemblying the same | |
Zhang | Rehabilitation of Large Diameter Steel Pipe: A Case Study | |
Costa et al. | Rehabilitation of an 8-in. AC Water Supply Line of a Fish Hatchery at Lake Whatcom, Washington |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |