Abstract: An example sewer preparation from the main (PFM) device provides for the inspection and preparation of the sewer pipe from the main sewer pipe. The PFM device provides for the insertion of one or more individual and separately controllable tools into the sewer pipe. The tools include a clean out tool and a camera.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser head (T) including a spray wall (26) that is perforated with a network of holes (O) through which the fluid under pressure passes so as to be sprayed in small droplets; the dispenser head being characterized in that the network of holes (O) comprises at least two series of holes (O), with the holes (O) of a given series presenting holes that are substantially identical in size, and with the holes (O) of different series presenting holes that are different in size, such that one series of holes (O) generates a spray of small droplets with droplet sizes that define a first Gaussian distribution, while another series of holes (O) generates a spray of small droplets with droplet sizes that define a second Gaussian distribution that is offset relative to the first Gaussian distribution, thus producing a complex spray having at least two distinct Gaussian distributions.

Abstract: Provided are cement plugging apparatuses and methods of use. An example cement plugging apparatus comprises a detachable plug fundament assembly comprising: a throughbore, a first plurality of wiper elements, and a second plurality of wiper elements. The examples cement plugging apparatus further comprises a cement diverting assembly coupled to the plug fundament assembly, wherein the cement diverting assembly comprises: a plurality of hoses, a body, a throughbore in the body, and a plurality of flow paths extending through the body and having openings for each individual flow path in the throughbore; wherein each individual hose in the plurality is coupled to an individual flow path in the plurality; and wherein each individual hose in the plurality extends away from the body of the cement diverting assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tool for holding a spray painting instrument, such as a painting gun for painting an internal surface of a pipe. In particular, the inventive tool is ideal for painting the interior of curves and angles in a pipe and is capable of moving through and uniformly painting up to 90 degree angles of pipes or hollow tubes. The tool has a hollow central tube for carrying a spray-painting gun and at least two projections extending outwardly from an outer surface of the hollow tube. A retracting arm assembly is provided on each projection. Each retracting arm assembly includes first and second retracting arms and a corresponding force exertion mechanism. In operation, when the tool is inserted inside the pipe, each retracting arm touches the internal surface of the pipe due to an outward force exerted thereon. The tool is movable inside the pipe and adjusts automatically to different pipe diameters.

Abstract: A material delivery assembly includes a delivery fitting attached to a drive shaft and including an outer wall that extends perpendicularly from a receiving surface. Apportioning slots are defined within the outer wall. A dispersion chamber is defined within the outer wall and the receiving surface. A material delivery conduit extends to a delivery port located within the dispersion chamber and is proximate the receiving surface of the delivery fitting. The material delivery port selectively delivers a viscous material to the receiving surface. The drive shaft and the delivery fitting are rotationally operated to define an apportioning state of the delivery fitting that is configured to manipulate the viscous material toward an inner surface of the outer wall. The apportioning slots in the apportioning state are configured to regulate passage of the viscous material from the dispersion chamber, through the outer wall and into a disk-shaped spread pattern.

Abstract: A coating apparatus is disclosed for applying an activated coating onto an internal surface of a conduit, the coating being activated by mixing at least a first and a second component. The apparatus includes a high-pressure mix gun for mixing the at least first and second components such that the activated coating is generated. A rotary atomizer is operatively connected to and cooperates with the high pressure mix gun for receiving the activated coating from the high pressure mix gun. The rotary atomizer cooperates with the activated coating such that the activated coating is atomized so that application of the atomized activated coating onto the internal surface of the conduit is permitted.

Abstract: A pipe lining apparatus transport assembly having one or more positioning mechanisms for maintaining the orbiting operational components of the pipe lining apparatus in a concentric relationship with the pipe, the positioning mechanisms including alone or in combination extension/retraction mechanisms, track set rotational mechanisms, articulating joint mechanisms and/or linear translation mechanisms.

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: An inductor for an induction hardening system includes a heating element for heating a heating zone of a workpiece, and the heating element includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil and a gas escape device disposed between the first induction coil and the second induction coil. The gas escape device is configured to substantially prevent a liquid from a quenching device from reaching the heating zone while the heating zone is being heated by the first and second inductors.

Abstract: Methods and systems comprising a first and a second powder coating apparatus, with each apparatus comprising a tubular barrel having an axial bore extending longitudinally therethrough, are usable for coating an interior surface of a tubular member. Each coating apparatus comprises a conical member connected with the tubular barrel and at least one gas conduit connected to the tubular barrel for communicating gas into the tubular barrel. The at least one gas conduit contains a gas flow control valve connected thereto for controlling the volumetric flow rate of gas through the at least one gas conduit. Each coating apparatus further comprises at least one container for holding a coating material, an inlet conduit for communicating the coating material into the axial bore of the tubular barrel, and a plurality of gas nozzles connected to the tubular barrel for inducing spiraling gas flow through the axial bore of the tubular barrel.

Abstract: A method for creating a coating onto an inner diameter of conduit, whereby an injection nozzle is moved in a forward direction until its tip is aligned with the end of the conduit. Slurry is pumped from a reservoir into the injection nozzle and then is discharged through the tip of the injection nozzle. The slurry flows, distributes and spreads onto the surface of the conduit. The conduit is rotated and the nozzle is retracted as slurry continues to discharge from the nozzle to coat the remainder of the conduit.

Abstract: A vent hole cleaning system is disclosed. The cleaning system is comprised of a housing containing a work table and a support column. The system further comprises a robotic arm mounted on the support column. Further, a subsystem is mounted at an end, opposite to the support column, of the robotic arm. The subsystem may comprise a scanner configured to generate a contour profile of a mold. Further, a vision system may be mounted on the subsystem. The vision system may be communicably connected to the scanner. Further, the system may comprise a cleaning head communicably connected to the vision system and the scanner to enable precision positioning on the mold.

Abstract: A girth weld coating machine has an application head rotatable about a pipeline. A reservoir of coating material is carried on the application head and progressively dispenses coating material on to the girth weld. The coating material is applied to the pipe surface by a roller to spread and distribute the coating over the surface.

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 coating apparatus includes: a supply frame for supplying slurry into channels from one end of a honeycomb substrate; and a blower for evacuating a wind box. An annular resistive member is attached to the circumference of the opening of the wind box, and the honeycomb substrate is arranged, with a spacer placed on the resistive member. When the blower is operated and the slurry is supplied, the coat width of the slurry coated on the inner surfaces of the channels in an outer circumferential area is less than the coat width of the slurry coated on the inner surfaces of the channels in a center area.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus, including a pigging tool, that comprises a spraying mechanism configured to move along an inner surface of a pipeline, including a slurry transport pipeline in a minable oilsands facility or plant, and to spray a coating on the inner surface of the pipeline; and a curing source, including an ultraviolet (UV) light source, a microwave source or an RF source, configured to cure the coating sprayed on the inner surface of the pipeline in situ as the spray mechanism moves along the inner surface of the pipeline.

Abstract: A modular robotic assembly including a first and second pod assembly. The first pod assembly including a first frame assembly extending a first length along a first longitudinal axis, a displacement assembly housed at least partially within the first frame assembly, and a shaft rotatably supported by the displacement assembly at a first end region of the shaft. The shaft extending out of the first frame assembly and coupled with a tooling attachment at a second end region of the shaft. The second pod assembly operably coupled with the first pod assembly such that the first and second pod assemblies operate as a functional unit to perform a task within a conduit. The second pod assembly including a second frame assembly extending a second length along a second longitudinal axis, and a drive mechanism configured to provide movement for the functional unit.

Abstract: A data acquisition system for determining the state of a tubular while the tubular rotates about its cylindrical axis. The tubular remains otherwise substantially stationary. Sensors travel up and down the length of the rotating tubular, interrogating the inside and outside of the tubular for data regarding the tubular's state. Sensors may take samples which may be associated with rotational reference information tying the sample to its absolute position on the internal or external surface of the tubular. A data processor processes the samples and other sensor data to produce a wide array of output, including data signatures of the tubular, maps of contour data regarding the internal or external surface of the tubular, and dimensional data regarding the tubular. Data acquisition is advantageously done in real time, and may further be done concurrently with internal or external cleaning operations.

Abstract: A method of lining an interior wall of a pipe is provided. Casting equipment such as a spin caster is used to centrifugally cast material onto the interior wall while the pipe is partially filled with liquid so as to form a coating on the wall above the liquid. In some embodiments the method further comprises diverting liquid from the pipe after the casting step, and then lining the wall of the pipe below the coating with material to form a continuous lining on the wall.

Abstract: Pipe inspection and pressurized fluid cleaning methods and apparatus are disclosed. A method of fluid output from a jetter push-cable device may include providing high pressure fluid from a push-cable apparatus via one or more jetter outputs. A camera assembly, which may include lighting elements, may be further included in the push-cable device for imaging during inspection or jetter cleaning of an obstruction in a pipe or other cavity.

Abstract: The telescopic paint pole system is an extensible spray painting system that is adapted for use in painting raised surfaces without the use of a supporting structure such as a ladder. The telescopic paint pole system comprises a telescopic shaft, a paint pump system, and a spray head. The paint pump system is integrated into the telescopic shaft. The spray head is attached to the paint pump system. The spray head is detachable and replaceable. The length of the telescopic shaft is adjustable which allows for adjustment of the height the telescopic paint pole system can reach.

Abstract: A fire sprinkler system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a pipe having a first pipe portion and a second pipe portion. The first pipe portion includes a wall having a first wall thickness, and the second pipe portion includes a wall having a second wall thickness that is greater than the first wall thickness. The fire sprinkler system further includes structure coupled to the pipe and defining a sealed chamber between the structure and at least the first pipe portion, and a sensor for sensing a pressure in the sealed chamber. Example corrosion monitoring devices and methods for monitoring corrosion in pipe systems, including fire sprinkler systems, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a thermoplastic powder to internal threads of a fastener includes a vacuum nozzle having an end adapted to engage a first surface of the fastener. A spray tube is sized to be inserted within the bore of the fastener and communicates with a source or sources of thermoplastic powder and pressurized air. A bushing is mounted on the spray tube so that the spray tube is able to slide with respect to the bushing. The bushing is adapted to engage a second surface of the fastener. The spray tube and bushing are movable between clamping positions, where the vacuum nozzle and the bushing engage the first and second surfaces of the fastener, and release positions where the vacuum nozzle and the bushing do not engage the first and second surfaces of the fastener.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for additive manufacturing and three-dimensional printing, and specifically for extruding tubular objects. A print head extrudes a curable material into a tubular object, while simultaneously curing the tubular object and utilizing the interior of the cured portion of the tubular object for stabilizing and propelling the print head.

Abstract: A device (1) for applying a coating of hardenable plastic to an inner side of a wall of a tubular construction, for example a sewage pipe, includes a supply chamber (3) for containing a hardenable plastic, a delivery head (2) including an outlet (5) for letting out the hardenable plastic from the delivery head (2), and a pump (11) for transporting the hardenable plastic from the supply chamber (3) to the outlet (5). During use, the outlet (5) is positioned at various angular positions with respect to a rotation axis (40), so that the entire circumference of the inner side of the wall of the tubular construction can be provided with the hardenable plastics coating. The supply chamber (3) includes a flexible wall for optimal maneuverability of the device (1), whereby broad application of the device (1) is possible.

Abstract: An apparatus for servicing pipes includes a pipe holder having a frame configured to support the pipe and a movement assembly coupled to the frame and configured to rotate the pipe about a longitudinal axis of the pipe, and a first pipe servicing tool disposed proximate to an end of the pipe holder, where the first pipe servicing tool is configured to operably engage an end of the pipe when the pipe is rotated by the movement assembly.

Abstract: In the coating method, a pipe for transporting oil and/or gas mined from underground is provided. An acid curable resin is passed through the pipe to adhere the acid curable resin to at least a part of an inner wall of the pipe. Then, an acid curing agent is passed through the pipe to allow the acid curing agent to make contact with the acid curable resin such that the acid curable resin is cured.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pipe-shape structure coating device. A pipe-shape structure coating device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a rack unit on which a pipe-shape structure is placed, and a work vehicle which carries out a coating process on an inner surface of the pipe-shape structure by driving inside the pipe-shape structure placed on the rack unit along a longitudinal direction of the pipe-shape structure.

Abstract: A system and process for cleaning a vessel is described. In embodiments, the system has one or more manway adapters configured to fit one or more manways of the vessel and deliver a cleaning solution through them. Further, in embodiments the system includes one or more actuators which are configured to position the one or more manway adapters horizontally or vertically to allow for optimal alignment and positioning of the manway adapters within the manways. Movement of the manway adapters may be facilitated by way of a frame assembly mounted on one or more horizontal rails. The system may be used to clean tanks and other vessels such as those that are on tanker trucks, tanker cars, or frac tanks.

Abstract: A nozzle is configured to discharge a fluid containing a raw material of a catalytic layer to a substrate having first and second end faces and provided with holes each extending from the first end face to the second end face. The nozzle is provided with discharge ports each discharging the fluid toward the first end face of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for regeneration of internal conduit surfaces by thermal projection of metals, includes inserting a device including a vehicle having a rolling assembly to permit rolling of the vehicle and carrying a thermal projection system, through a manhole in a conduit installation, including the steps of inserting the device in a conduit with the rolling assembly in a retracted position, and expanding the rolling assembly inside the conduit until the device is centered in the conduit; inserting electrical, pneumatic and/or hydraulic conduits and conduits for supplying metal to be thermally projected, through the manhole, such that the conduits are connected with the vehicle; positioning a regeneration device including the thermal projection system connected with the vehicle by a remote-control pulling system in a particular position to be regenerated; thermally projecting metal from the regeneration device; advancing the vehicle and connected regeneration device to a new regeneration position.

Abstract: An apparatus for masking an article with masking material is disclosed. The apparatus generally includes a spray head connected to a primary channel which forms a passage for the masking material. This channel has two sections, the first of which terminates in a junction with the spray head and is angled from the second section. In addition, the apparatus has at least one secondary channel which forms an air passage and is attached to the primary angled channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion in an enclosed space, including: a tube with: first and second substantially straight portions including first and second ends of the tube, respectively; and a curved portion connecting the first and second portions. The apparatus includes: a plurality of nested segments at least partially disposed within the first substantially straight portion of the tube and connected to the first substantially straight portion; and a first actuator engageable with the tube to displace the first and second substantially straight portions of the tube into and out of the enclosed space through an opening into the enclosed space. The tube is arranged to accept a hose passing through the tube, and a distal segment from the plurality of nested segments is connectable to the hose.

Abstract: A pipe outer surface inspection apparatus. The apparatus may include a carriage adapted for turning on a pipe to be inspected and includes a pipe inspection head. The apparatus may include at least one of a surface profile gauge, coating thickness gauge, and coating holiday detector. The apparatus may include a pendulum encoder, a cable guard, and/or a magnetic fastener. Associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Spray assemblies for use in coating a regular or irregular internal surface of a cylinder, and methods for coating the inside of a cylinder are disclosed. The spray assemblies may include: a spray head comprising a nozzle for spraying a coating material on an internal surface of a cylinder; a support wand coupled to the spray head; and a roller sleeve rotatably connected to the support wand and configured to contact the internal surface of the cylinder and to rotate radially as the cylinder is rotated. The spray assemblies may be used to provide a consistent and repeatable coating thickness, regardless of cylinder internal diameter. In some embodiments, the spray assemblies may be used to coat the internal surface of a stator tube.

Abstract: This is a photoconductor and dispenser assembly and system. The photoconductor is in a tubular form so as to accept a tubular formed dispenser within its hollow portion. The dispenser will coat within this hollow portion a uniform coating of an acoustical dampening material. This material will dull any sound produced by the photoconductive marking system. The assembly is the tube having in its hollow portion this dispenser. The dispenser fits tightly but movably within the hollow portion.

Abstract: A method for regeneration of internal conduit surfaces by thermal projection of metals, includes inserting a device including a vehicle having a rolling assembly to permit rolling of the vehicle and carrying a thermal projection system, through a manhole in a conduit installation, including the steps of inserting the device in a conduit with the rolling assembly in a retracted position, and expanding the rolling assembly inside the conduit until the device is centered in the conduit; inserting electrical, pneumatic and/or hydraulic conduits and conduits for supplying metal to be thermally projected, through the manhole, such that the conduits are connected with the vehicle; positioning a regeneration device including the thermal projection system connected with the vehicle by a remote-control pulling system in a particular position to be regenerated; thermally projecting metal from the regeneration device; advancing the vehicle and connected regeneration device to a new regeneration position.

Abstract: An apparatus for cladding the interior surfaces of a curved pipe section includes a flexible track that is positioned longitudinally within the curved pipe and supported at opposite ends to corresponding opposite ends of the curved pipe. The flexible track is caused to bend and conform to the radius of curvature of an interior surface of the curved pipe. A robotic crawler is supported on the track section and carries a material applicator head. The robotic crawler is driven back-and-forth across the track section while the material applicator head applies an overlay material to the interior surface of the curved pipe. In a method, the position of the curved pipe in space, the travel direction and speed of the crawler and the position of the application head are all coordinated to maintain the application of the overlay material in the “flat plane” position.

Abstract: Provided is a coating apparatus in which a liquid substance is less likely to splash around and a chemical solution can be coated on a specific region of the inside surface of a tubular container. The coating apparatus 10 includes a spraying direction changing member 12, fixed to a tip portion of a spray nozzle 4 with an inner tube 6 and an outer tube 7, for changing the direction of spray of a sol oriented outward to a direction intersecting a direction of discharge of the liquid substance from the inner tube 6.

Abstract: A planetary gear retrieval system for pulling a sled at a constant velocity along an interior of a pipe. The system includes a network of gears, one of the gears powered by a gear motor, which is in operable communication with a variable speed microcontroller. A chain is threaded through the network of gears and an end of the chain is connected to the sled.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pipe-shape structure coating device. A pipe-shape structure coating device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a rack unit on which a pipe-shape structure is placed, and a work vehicle which carries out a coating process on an inner surface of the pipe-shape structure by driving inside the pipe-shape structure placed on the rack unit along a longitudinal direction of the pipe-shape structure.

Abstract: An in situ apparatus, system, and method for cladding or repairing cladding in installed pipelines are presented. The apparatus can include a coating collar, a material reservoir, a cladding head, an adjustable cladding chamber, and a chamber controller. The coating collar can include an external surface, a first circumferential wall, and a second circumferential wall and forms the adjustable cladding chamber along with interior wall of the pipe. The coating collar can have an aperture to include and allow deployment of the cladding head through it. The cladding head can be operatively coupled with the cladding material reservoir to allow efficient deployment of the cladding material on the pipe surface. The chamber controller can be coupled with the adjustable cladding chamber to control dimensions of the chamber thus restricting and controlling the environment and enabling efficient functioning of the cladding head and limiting grain growth in applied nanoclad materials.

Abstract: The interior of a straight pipe is clad using a plurality of welding heads. The pipe is carried on support rollers including drive components for rotating the pipe about its axis while holding it fixed against axial movement. There are four welding heads with two carried on a cantilevered support arm of a respective one of a first and a second carriage mounted outside the pipe at opposite ends of the pipe and each movable in a direction longitudinally of the axis of the pipe. The heads are located on the arm at a common angular position at bottom dead center to weld vertically downwardly. The pipe support includes a pair of drive rollers arranged with their axes parallel to the axis of the pipe and adjustable in spacing to change the height of the pipe on the rollers relative to the welding heads.

Abstract: A spray assembly includes a power source, a motion control mechanism such as a cam box, and at least one spray head structured to apply a coating to a plurality of can ends. Each spray head includes a mounting member, a pivot member, a gun assembly including a plurality of spray guns, and a transfer mechanism for transferring a predetermined motion induced by the cam box from the cam box to the pivot member. Each of the spray guns applies the coating to the can ends in accordance with the predetermined motion. Preferably the predetermined motion as an oscillating motion transferred to the pivot member by belts, thereby oscillating the spray guns. The spray assembly may include a plurality of spray heads, wherein can ends of the same or different sizes are transferred in lanes to a corresponding one of the spray heads.

Abstract: A planetary gear retrieval system for pulling a sled at a constant velocity along an interior of a pipe, and a sled for applying a coating material to the interior of the large-diameter pipe. The planetary gear retrieval system is connected to the sled via a chain, and has a network of gears controlled by a first variable speed microcontroller. A spinner on a linear oscillating plate provided on the sled is controlled by a second variable speed microcontroller. The first and second microcontrollers are programmable to be synchronized with one another so as to pull the sled at a desired constant rate and achieve a desired number of passes of the spinner along a given length of pipe while the sled is pulled at the desired rate.

Abstract: A honeycomb filter production apparatus used for producing a honeycomb filter, the apparatus includes: a workpiece securing section for securing a base (workpiece) of a honeycomb filter; a powder transfer section for transferring a powder together with an air current by utilizing pressurized gas; an introduction section that is provided between the powder transfer section and the workpiece securing section, the powder transferred from the powder transfer section together with the air current being mixed with another gas in the introduction section, and introduced into the base (workpiece) secured by the workpiece securing section; and a suction section for sucking the gas that has passed through the base (workpiece) secured by the workpiece securing section by reducing pressure on the other side of the workpiece securing section as compared with the one side of the workpiece securing section using suction means.

Abstract: A honeycomb filter production apparatus includes: a workpiece securing section for securing a base of a honeycomb filter; a powder transfer section for transferring a powder together with an air current by utilizing pressurized gas; an introduction section for introducing the powder that has transferred from the powder transfer section into the base secured by the workpiece securing section when the apparatus is used; a suction section for sucking the gas that has passed through the base secured by the workpiece securing section using suction means; a cleaning section for removing a surplus powder adhering to an end face of the base after the introduction of the powder; a judgment section for judging an amount of the powder adhering to the base; and a workpiece transfer section for transferring the base among the workpiece securing section, the cleaning section, and the judgment section.

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 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.