Abstract: A material casting assembly for a pipe lining apparatus, the assembly having a housing mounted onto an extension/retraction arm and containing an impingement block controlled by an impingement valve, and a static auger bounded by a rotating cylinder which defines a mixing path to an extrusion chamber. The rotating cylinder has exit ports through which lining material is expelled from the extrusion chamber onto a pipe wall.

Abstract: Self-propelled, self-powered, propulsion devices as part of pipe lining system adapted to create an internal liner member on a pipe or other tubular structure, the system being the combination of a sprayer apparatus, an umbilical member connected to the sprayer apparatus, wherein the umbilical member supplies no power or communications to the propulsion devices, and a plurality of propulsion devices mounted externally onto the umbilical member in a removable manner. The spraying apparatus and propulsion devices are independently powered and controlled such that each may be accelerated or decelerated as required to maintain the sprayer apparatus at a constant speed during the application process.

Abstract: A spinner apparatus for applying lining material to the interior of a pipe, the spinner apparatus having a cylindrical material accelerator coaxially positioned about a distribution manifold, the distribution manifold having a plurality of equally spaced, radially oriented slots extending from an axial chamber that receives lining material, wherein lining material is extruded through the slots onto the interior of the material accelerator and slung onto the pipe interior in an annular pattern. Movement of the spinner apparatus along the pipe produces a tubular lining member.

Abstract: A self-propelled pipe lining system adapted to create an internal liner member on a pipe or other tubular structure, the system being the combination of a sprayer apparatus, an umbilical member connected to the sprayer apparatus and supplying the lining material, electrical power and communication, a plurality of propulsion devices mounted onto the umbilical member, and an accumulator reel for retaining the umbilical member. The spraying apparatus and propulsion devices are independently powered and controlled such that each may be accelerated or decelerated as required to maintain the sprayer apparatus at a constant speed during the application process. The propulsion devices are detachable from the umbilical member.

Abstract: A SIPP spraying apparatus for applying a liner material to the inner wall of a pipe, the apparatus having a transport unit, an articulating neck, a spinner assembly, proximity sensors and a plurality of positioning assemblies, wherein the positioning assemblies adjust the position of the spinner assembly as the apparatus moves through the pipe so as to maintain the spinner assembly centered within the pipe.

Abstract: A spinner apparatus for applying lining material to the interior of a pipe, the spinner apparatus having a cylindrical material accelerator coaxially positioned about a distribution manifold, the distribution manifold having a plurality of equally spaced, radially oriented slots extending from an axial chamber that receives lining material, wherein lining material is extruded through the slots onto the interior of the material accelerator and slung onto the pipe interior in an annular pattern. Movement of the spinner apparatus along the pipe produces a tubular lining member.

Abstract: A pipe lining apparatus having a resin-impregnated reinforcement filament that is helically wound onto the inner surface of a tubular first lining layer disposed within a pipe by an inverted filament winding apparatus, the apparatus having a spring-loaded, articulated frame which maintains an orbiting applicator assembly.

Abstract: A pipe lining apparatus having a UV-curable, resin-impregnated reinforcement filament that is helically wound onto the inner surface of a tubular first lining layer disposed within a pipe by an inverted filament winding apparatus, the apparatus having a UV light to initiate curing of the filament as it is applied to the lining layer so as to bond the filament to the lining layer and rigidify the filament.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring the thickness of a liner applied onto the inner wall of a pipe, the device comprising a sprayer assembly adapted to deposit a polymer resin onto the inner wall of a pipe to create a liner upon curing, the sprayer assembly being moved through the pipe. The sprayer assembly has a leading sensor assembly that measures the inner diameter of the pipe and trailing sensor assembly that measures the inner diameter of the liner. The trailing sensor assembly has a housing with windows through which sensor devices take readings, and a transparent film is disposed across the windows to protect the sensors from occluding contamination. The transparent film is advanced as the exposed portion of the film becomes excessively contaminated.

Abstract: A plugging apparatus adapted to plug service lateral openings in the interior of a pipe and a method of plugging service lateral openings, the plugging apparatus having a housing, transport mechanisms mounted to said housing, the transport mechanisms adapted to move the housing through a pipe having service lateral openings, a rotatable manipulator compartment mounted to the housing, the manipulator compartment containing a robotic arm assembly having a plug gripping assembly and an extension assembly; the housing retaining plugs and one or more plug loading actuators adapted to individually advance each of the plugs into the manipulator compartment and the plug gripping assembly, the extension assembly being adapted to extend a plug positioned in the plug gripping assembly radially from the manipulator compartment and into one of the service lateral openings in the pipe.

Abstract: A taping apparatus adapted to apply tape over voids on an interior pipe wall, the taping apparatus having a transport assembly adapted to move the apparatus through a pipe; and a rotatable taping assembly adapted to retain a roll of tape and apply said tape over a void on the interior wall of the pipe, said taping assembly comprising an extendable and tractable arm assembly and a tape applicator assembly.

Abstract: A pipe lining apparatus and methodology having a UV-curable, resin-impregnated reinforcement filament that is helically wound onto the inner surface of a tubular first lining layer disposed within a pipe by an inverted filament winding apparatus, the apparatus having a UV light to initiate curing of the filament as it is applied to the lining layer so as to bond the filament to the lining layer and rigidify the filament. A rigid second layer is then applied onto the filament winding layer and the first lining layer.

Abstract: A self-propelled pipe lining system adapted to create an internal liner member on a pipe or other tubular structure, the system being the combination of a sprayer apparatus, an umbilical member connected to the sprayer apparatus and supplying the lining material, electrical power and communication, a plurality of propulsion devices mounted onto the umbilical member, and an accumulator reel for retaining the umbilical member. The spraying apparatus and propulsion devices are independently powered and controlled such that each may be accelerated or decelerated as required to maintain the sprayer apparatus at a constant speed during the application process. The propulsion devices are detachable from the umbilical member.

Abstract: A pipe lining apparatus having a settable, resin-impregnated reinforcement filament that is helically wound onto the inner surface of a pipe or pipe lining by an inverted filament winding apparatus, the apparatus having multiple spools and applicator arms to retain and apply the filament. The applicator arms may be aligned circumferentially or axially.

Abstract: A method of producing a combination structural member and surface coating or covering, and the product so produced. The surface covering is composed of at least two layers—an outer layer of vibration oriented polymer granules adhesively bonded together at a density that allows the layer to be highly porous to liquid and such that it presents a non-planar upper surface for enhanced traction, and a bonding/sealing inner layer formed of an aliphatic urethane bonding agent—the bonding/sealing agent producing a liquid impermeable barrier on the structural member. The bonding/sealing layer is applied as an uncured inner layer on the structural member and the polymer granules are then applied onto the bonding/sealing layer.

Abstract: A pipe lining having at least two material layers, a first elastomeric layer spray applied directly to the inside of a pipe which acts as a hydrophobic, ductile membrane, and a second rigid layer is spray applied to the first layer prior to complete curing of the first layer. One or more additional layers may be applied to the second layer to provide additional abrasion, erosion or chemical resistance to the second layer. An intermediate reinforcing layer may be disposed between the first and second layers. The first layer cures into a closed cell elastomeric foam, such that stress and other forces are not passed from the pipe to the rigid second layer.

Abstract: A composite laminate surface covering member in the form of a sheet, panel or mat having an upper layer of bonded, vibration oriented, polymer granules, the upper layer being water permeable and possessing an extensive irregular channeling system formed by the voids between the granules, and a sub-layer of a closed cell polymer that is water impermeable. Additional layers for reinforcing purposes may also be present.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method and robotic apparatus for applying a structural membrane lining in conduits. The remotely controlled robot comprises a series of segment blocks maintained in alignment by flexible linear rods supported in spherical swivel bushings. The rods allow for articulation as the robot negotiates bends. Segment blocks include radial guide finger pinions and guide fingers for concentric positioning. Fingers are of engineered plastics and brass to provide ballast weight for perpendicular alignment and contain high frequency air turbine vibrators. Steering vertebrae are included to maintain concentricity of the lining dissipation cup through bends. Also included are electric servo motors controlling cables and take up wheels controlling the angle of the segment blocks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for remotely installing in a conduit a monolithic liner comprised of an amine terminated resin and a hydroxyl resin combined with isocyanate. The hydroxyl resin may include caster oil or soy based oil. The liner mixture may include anti-static agents such as quaternary ammonium ethosulfates, ethoxylated amines or glycerol esters. The apparatus includes a main component body including an umbilical comprising hoses for lining and air components and electrical power and signals, an impingement block for mixing the liner and remotely controlled by a termination rod. The device may reciprocate forward and reverse in the pipe and the laterally. The method and apparatus can structurally reinforce the pipe to allow operation at the pipe's original maximum allowable operating pressure.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method and robotic apparatus for preparing and applying a structural member while significantly mitigating hazardous emissions. The remotely controlled robot comprised a series of expandable and interchangeable chambers that allow of site-specific customization. The chambers are linked together by means of flexible interface that allow for the apparatus to conform to the tank radius. A set of synchronized steerable tractor drives are at each end of the apparatus and provide motion across the surface. The chambers have a flexible vacuum seal for the mitigation of harmful emissions. A detachable umbilical with product delivery lines, pneumatic lines, electrical power and signal and video lines contained within remains attached to the robot during the lining operation. The system is suspended from the surface by means of a support structure and center trunnion.