Abstract: A mechanical plug includes first and second plug portions and an elongate member. The first plug portion includes a first endwall and a first sidewall. The first sidewall includes a female section extending in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the mechanical plug. The second plug portion is movable relative to the first plug portion. The second plug portion includes a second sidewall, a second endwall coupled to the second sidewall, and a seal. The second sidewall includes a male section extending in a direction along the longitudinal axis. The seal surrounds a portion of the male section in a region along the longitudinal axis between the second endwall and the female section. The elongate member is coupled to the first and second plug portions. Actuation of the elongate member moves the first plug portion and the second plug portion toward each other to compress the seal.

Abstract: A helical strake pole system that includes a tubular pole having a longitudinal axis and threaded attachment points. The system further includes a helical strake fin disposed circumferentially around a portion of the tubular pole along the longitudinal axis. The system further includes couplers disposed on the tubular pole. The couplers are configured such that each coupler has a first portion with a slot configured to receive an upper portion of the helical strake fin and a second portion configured to removably coupled to a threaded attachment point of the tubular pole. In addition, each coupler is configured to position a portion of the helical strake fin substantially perpendicular to a surface of the tubular pole.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing the amount of infiltrate entering a sewer system is provided. The system generally comprises a locking sleeve, hydrophilic gasket, and a locking mechanism, wherein a lateral porthole of said locking sleeve is surrounded by said hydrophilic gasket. The system is preferably installed at a lateral line connection point, wherein a hydrophilic gasket located around the lateral porthole creates the water barrier that prevents infiltrate from entering a newly refurbished host pipe through the hole cut to reestablish flow from the lateral line to the host pipe at the lateral line connection point.

Abstract: A system for the repair or reinforcement of a pipeline includes a casing having a dimension to envelope a damaged portion of the pipeline, such that a space is defined between an inner surface of the casing and an outer periphery of the pipeline. An injection port is positioned along the casing and is in selective communication with the space. A cap assembly is frictionally attached to the casing and the pipeline, after which time an injectable material is selectively injected through the injection port until filling a substantial entirety of the space.

Abstract: A fibrous material or composite including a plurality of layers joined to one another, for example, by needlepunching, is disclosed. The fibrous composite generally has an asymmetrical stretch profile, such that the fibrous composite is more extensible in the cross-machine direction than in the machine direction. The fibrous composite may find particular use in forming a cure-in-place pipe liner.

Abstract: A sealing device is provided for sealing a transition between a main line and a branch line. An insert has a main part disposed in the main line. A connector is disposed in the branch line. A first expandable inner sleeve for bracing the main part in the main fine is provided, as well as at least a second expandable inner sleeve for bracing the connector in the branch line. An inner sleeve having a locking device is also provided.

Abstract: An inspection system for an HVAC device includes an HVAC duct section, a damper positioned with the duct section, an actuator for selectively moving the damper to a closed position, and a verification camera for recording the position of the damper with a date stamp and a time stamp. The actuator is further configured to move the damper to its open position, and the verification camera is further configured to record the open position of the damper with a second date and time stamp.

Abstract: A pipe rehabilitation system and/or robot can be used inside a pipe to measure characteristics of branch conduits, install plugs into branch conduits before the pipe is lined with a liner, remove portions of plugs and liners after lining to restore fluid communication between the pipe and branch conduits, and/or install fittings into the branch conduits to connect the liner to the branch conduits. A probe can measure characteristics of a branch conduit. A tool can install plugs and/or fittings into the branch conduits. A linkage can connect a tool to a robotic tractor so that the connected elements can navigate through a main pipe. A visualization system can aid in aligning a robot with a branch conduit. Height-adjustable braces can support robotic tools in a pipe. A plug can include integrated locating features and/or movable parts that enable expanding the plug to seal with the branch conduit.

Abstract: A system for repairing an underground pipeline using a light source. A resin soaked tubular liner is inverted within an underground liner. A tubular bladder is subsequently inflated within the tubular liner. A pull line is attached to a free end of the bladder. The light source is attached to the pull line. The bladder pulls with the pull line and light source into the liner as the bladder is inverted within the liner. The light source is subsequently activated and separated from the pull line. The light source is then pulled through the bladder and liner, curing the liner as it moves.

Abstract: A leak detector includes a leak sensor. The leak sensor includes a bottom ground plane, a porous bottom dielectric substrate arranged on the bottom ground plane, a conductor arranged on the porous bottom substrate, a top dielectric substrate arranged on the conductor, and a top ground plane arranged on the top dielectric substrate. The leak detector also includes readout circuitry electrically coupled to the conductor. The readout circuitry is configured to measure a change in electrical properties in at least the porous bottom dielectric substrate.

Abstract: A sealing sleeve for inserting into a piping system in order to seal a leak, having a steel sheet, which is annularly bent together and having at least one locking device in the form of a slot which is arranged in the steel strip in the circumferential direction and which has at least one row of teeth. The locking device also having at least one detent member, which is suitable for engaging in at least one row of teeth. The detent member has at least one guide element, at least one detent element and at least one tensioning element, which is arranged between one guide element and one detent element and is designed in such a way that the tensioning force between the guide element and the detent element can be varied and thus the detent effect of the detent member can be controlled.

Abstract: A support tool for leakage repair of an inspection well includes: a curved loading plate having multiple grouting holes thereon, a telescopic adjustment device, and a base; wherein: one end of the telescopic adjustment device is connected to an inner side face of the curved loading plate, and the other end of the telescopic adjustment device is connected to the base; the telescopic adjustment device adjusts a distance between the curved loading plate and the base. The support tool is firstly hoisted at a leakage position of the inspection well; then a telescopic length of the telescopic adjustment device is adjusted, so that the curved loading plate and the base are in a close contact with opposite sides of the inspection well wall; and a grouting system is used to inject a double-slurry quick-setting repair material into a grouting pipe on the curved loading plate for plugging leakage.

Abstract: A pipe puller system and methods of pipe extraction are shown. In one example a pipe to be replaced is pulled by attaching a pulling force to multiple locations along a length of the pipe. In one example pulling forces can be varied between different attachment locations to better control or eliminate tearing of the pipe. In one example, a pipe loosening device may be used prior to pulling the pipe from the ground.

Abstract: A method for assembling two tubes (1, 2) made from thermoplastic materials, that involves welding by heating two applied rotational contact surfaces of two parts of two tubes (1, 2), respectively, arranged end to end or overlapping coaxially (XX?). The method involves induction heating of at least one conductive welding element (4), arranged at the interface (3) between the two contact surfaces, by generating a magnetic field at said conductive welding element or elements, such that the melting of the thermoplastic materials constituting said contact surfaces produces a continuous and sealed weld at said interface on at least one closed loop along the entire perimeter of said interface.

Abstract: Example aspects of a pipe repair stent, a pipe repair device, and a method for repairing a pipe are disclosed. The pipe repair stent can comprise a sealing layer comprising a flexible and compressible repair material; and a spring, wherein the sealing layer is wrapped around a circumference of the spring; wherein the stent is configurable in an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration, the spring biasing the stent to the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A sealing inner sleeve for inserting into pipes, includes two frustoconical or substantially cylindrically bent-round sleeves formed of steel sheets, wherein the free ends of the steel sheets of the sleeves overlap in their circumferential directions and an arresting device is arranged in each of these overlapping regions and wherein the two sleeves are arranged at a distance from one another in a deformable jacket tube.

Abstract: A device for renovating damaged line walls proximate the connection of an auxiliary line to a main line, includes a movable support element, wherein a cover element and an expandable element are arranged on the support element. The expandable element can be positioned in the auxiliary line in or through a first recess in the cover element, and can lie against the wall of the auxiliary line to form a shell. The cover element has a second recess for introducing a curable viscous renovation compound from a storage device into space between the shell and the main and auxiliary line walls by a transport element. A heating device can be integrated into the cover element, the storage device, and/or the transport element proximate the second recess and/or operatively connected to the cover element, the storage device, and/or the transport element in the region of the second recess.

Abstract: A in-service repair method combing externally bonded pre-stressed FRP and polymer grouting for PCCP with broken wire, includes excavating PCCP, supporting the PCCP, treating outer wall of PCCP, bonded an external of the PCCP with pre-stressed FRP for repairing, laying grouting pipe, backfilling and grouting for densing. First of all, excavating a PCCP pipeline to be repaired and supporting the PCCP pipeline with a supporting device, smoothing the outer wall of the PCCP pipeline at a broken wire position and applying primer, and winding the FRP around a damaged portion of the PCCP pipeline, pre-stressing the FRP by applying a pre-stressing device and applying dipping glue to the FRP after tension to stick the FRP on the pipe wall, then laying a grouting pipe, backfilling the pipeline repaired, and finally injecting polymer into the soil after backfilling and compacting the soil by the grouting pipe pre-buried.

Abstract: A method and system for inserting a liner and lining pipes from inside a water main or other larger pipe. The method and system generally includes inserting a string inside the first pipe between a first end and a second end, inserting the string through a liner positioning tool, attaching a first end of the string to the liner, and then pulling the liner into the first pipe with the first string such that the liner extends from the first end to the second end of the pipe. One end of the string may be attached to the liner by a pulling insert, which may be a threaded insert that screws into an end of the liner, and which may further include a fluid passage to allow hot water or other fluid to flow through the insert while the string is connected to it.

Abstract: A pipe replacement system and method are shown. Configurations are shown that include a pulley that does not damage a bursting tool, as the bursting tool is pulled into a pit. Configurations are also shown that include a boom that does not need an extraction cage for the bursting tool.

Abstract: Example aspects of a stent for repairing a pipe and a method for repairing a pipe are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making a 3D tube and the 3D tube made thereby. The method comprises: inserting a deflated pre-formed bladder into the 3D tube; and inflating the pre-formed bladder to deform the 3D tube and make the 3D tube have a substantially similar shape as that of the pre-formed bladder inflated.

Abstract: An inversion unit assembly is provided that is releasably connected to a wheelbase such that the inversion unit can be quickly removed from the wheelbase and carried separately from the inversion unit. The assembly includes a lining drum having a cylindrical body having an open end and a viewing opening. The lining drum includes two inlets for compressed air and an outlet for liner. The lining drum also includes a rotatable wheel secured to an internal shaft for which the liner can be released from the drum in a controllable fashion. The assembly also includes a wheelbase that can be separated from the inversion lining drum wherein the wheelbase includes a plurality of locking mechanisms and wheels.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) and method for introducing a foil (10) to be laminated to an inner surface (15) of an elongated duct (6), wherein the foil is providable on an axle (2), the axle being movable from a first position outside of the duct, where the foil is provided on the axle, to a second position inside the duct where the foil is in position for lamination to the inner surface of the duct.

Abstract: An artificial meniscus using a thermoplastic for the base material, which is reinforced with an inert material. In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcement is provided by Kevlar® fibers, and the matrix is made out of polycarbonate-urethane (PCU). In an alternate embodiment, the PCU can also be surrounded by a polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold that is infused with human growth proteins so that when the artificial meniscus is implanted, stem cells in the body are stimulated to ensure the meniscus is properly secured.

Abstract: Example aspects of a stent for repairing a pipe and a method for repairing a pipe are disclosed.

Abstract: An inspection system for a heat exchanger having a vision system to obtain an image of an inner surface of the at least one tube.

Abstract: Pipe splitting apparatuses and systems including a replaceable blade, and methods therefor, are provided. In various examples, a cable retention and release mechanism is configured to releasably engage a cable and includes one or more segments of a pipe splitting apparatus including a cable passage. A segmented collet includes tapered segments and is disposed within a tapered portion of a cable passage of the one or more segments. Channel surfaces of the tapered segments together form a cable channel through the segmented collet. The cable channel is configured to widen in a disengaged position of the segmented collet and narrow in an engaged position of the segmented collet. A spring is disposed within the spring pocket of the one or more segments to bias the segmented collet distally in the engaged position.

Abstract: A splitter system and methods are shown. In various examples, a splitter body has a plurality of blades attached at different angular locations around a perimeter of the splitter body, and the plurality of blades includes a primary blade having a primary cutting depth that is deeper than the rest of the plurality of blades. The plurality of blades splits pipe into multiple sections to relax shape memory of split pipe. In some examples, an expander is coupled behind the splitter body. The expander may include at least one opening to expel a fluid for lubrication when the splitter system is configured to introduce a fluid to the expander through a new pipe that is pulled behind the expander. Other configurations are further shown that provide lubrication to splitting operations in multiple locations along a splitter system, additional methods of lubrication, and electrical isolation of cutting blades.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides a device and method to detect leaks in pipelines and heal them instantly using twin ball technology. The device comprises two twin balls of novel construction inserted into the pipeline. The sensor ball receives acoustical data through internal sensors. Once the threshold of the sound level is surpassed, the smart ball will send a signal to the second flowing ball. The second ball will flow towards the leaking outlet and eject a healing fluid to close the leak and prevent further damage. The sensor ball will also alert the user to the size and location of the leak via Wi-Fi monitoring and text messaging. This twin balls technology could be used in pipelines of varying sizes and flow rates.

Abstract: A launching tube for use with a liquid filled tank can be sized to accommodate a submersible vehicle for dispensing into the liquid tank. The tank can be an electrical transformer or any other liquid containing tank such as but not limited to a chemical tank. The launching tube can include a valve for insertion into a launching chamber, and a tank side valve for launching of the submersible into the tank. In one form the launching tube includes an antenna for communication with the submersible and/or a base station. The launching tube can also include a sensor such as a camera, as well as an agitator. The agitator can be used to facilitate bubble removal from the inside of the launching tube.

Abstract: A trenchless rehabilitation device for disconnects on large-diameter concrete drainage pipe and method thereof is provided; which includes: a pipe CCTV, a water blocking device, a lining repairing permanent structure, and a grouting device. The pipe CCTV is configured to determine the location of the pipe disconnection; the water blocking device is configured to form the working space; then the rubber seal lining short tube and multiple expanded round fixed steel plates are configured to form the inner repair permanent structure, and the grouting equipment is configured to insert the expanded round fixed steel plates. The grouting holes are configured to polymer grouting on the periphery of the pipe disconnection and the soil void. The trenchless repair process provided by the present invention can form a composite pipeline disjointed repair structure of inner repair permanent structure and polymer grouting material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for sealing a leakage at a remote site in a pipe, the method including introducing a fluid carrier composition including a hardener, a resin and at least one of a multiplicity of plugging devices and a multiplicity of cut fibers into the pipe at the first site under pressure and allowing the fluid carrier to transport the at least one of the multiplicity devices and the multiplicity of fibers to the remote site, wherein the at least of the multiplicity of devices and the multiplicity of the cut fibers penetrates the leakage thereby sealing and curing the leakage.

Abstract: A method for limiting fitting distortion when welding a fitting to an in-service pipeline—where the fitting includes a thick, longitudinally extending, seam located between fitting halves—involves welding, on each side of the fitting, a middle third section of the seam in a pyramid-like fashion using an inward progression starting from an end of the middle third section along a profile of a seam bevel, and welding outer third sections of the seam using an outward progression from an end adjacent to the middle third section along a profile of the seam bevel. The welding of each of the three sections per side includes a temper bead welding technique of at least two layers to provide stress relief in lieu of traditional post weld heat treatment.

Abstract: An ultraviolet curing pipeline repair robot is provided. The ultraviolet radiation lamp comprises a lamp panel distributed at the circumference of frame body and ultraviolet LED lamps uniformly distributed on the lamp panel. Each frame body is provided with a spring sleeve circumferentially rotating around frame body. Each driving arm is formed by cross connection of two supporting arms. One end of the first supporting arm is fixedly arranged on frame body, one end of the second supporting arm is connected with a driving arm nut, and the driving arm nut is sleeved the spring sleeve and matched with the screw thread on the outer surface of the spring sleeve. The inside of a tail section of frame body is provided with a network transmission module and a first power carrier module connected with a second aviation plug. A cable is a power cable.

Abstract: Pipe splitting apparatuses and systems including a replaceable blade, and methods therefor, are provided. In various examples, a pipe splitting apparatus includes an outer surface including a recess. A blade including a portion is disposed within the recess. A hardenable material is disposed within the recess. The hardenable material is configured to flow upon application to fill empty space within the recess and at least partially around the portion of the blade disposed within the recess. The hardenable material is further configured to harden after application to secure the portion of the blade within the recess and fix the blade to the pipe splitting apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods and devices for sealing and/or curing a leakage at a remote site in a pipe, the system including a multiplicity of polymeric carrier plugs of a deformable material including pores, at least one sealant composition disposed in the pores; and a carrier liquid composition adapted to transport the multiplicity of polymeric carrier plugs to a site of the leakage, wherein at least some of the multiplicity of polymeric carrier plugs polymeric carrier plugs are adapted to transport the at least one sealant composition from a first site in the carrier liquid composition to a remote site and to seal the leakage at the remote site.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for curing a leakage in a pipeline, the system including at least one gel pig and at least one sealant composition; wherein the at least one gel pig and the at least one sealant composition form a pig train, adapted to move along the pipeline to a region of the leakage and to seal the leakage.

Abstract: A water line mapping assembly includes a remote unit that is held by a user. The remote unit has a remote transceiver that is in electrical communication with a global positioning system (gps). A capsule is provided that has an outside diameter sufficiently small to fit into a buried pipe. The capsule is comprised of a buoyant material to float in the buried pipe, and the capsule is comprised of a fluid impermeable material. A tracking unit is positioned inside the capsule and the tracking unit is in wireless electrical communication with the gps. Thus, the gps can establish a depth and a position of the tracking unit when the capsule is positioned in the buried pipe. The tracking unit is in electrical communication with the remote unit thereby facilitating the remote unit to display the depth and position of the tracking unit. In this way the remote unit can map the buried pipe.

Abstract: A pipe bursting system and method, and components thereof, are described wherein a bursting head assembly pulled by a cable employs a relatively small pneumatic impactor (hammer) and a relatively large cable tension to impose a cyclical stress on the pipe being burst to cause fatigue failure of the pipe, resulting in lower size and power requirements, and higher efficiency for a given set of job requirements.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and methods for curing a leakage in a pipeline, the method including at least one gel pig and at least one sealant composition; wherein the at least one gel pig and the at least one sealant composition form a pig train, adapted to move along the pipeline to a region of the leakage and to seal the leakage.

Abstract: A resource exploration and recovery system includes a first system, a second system including a tubular string having an inner surface, a connector system provided at the inner surface, a screen component, and a cable extending between the connector system and the control system. The connector system includes at least one connector component and at least one frangible link component. A tractor is deployable into the tubular string. The tractor includes a cable reel having an amount of cable deployable in the tubular string. The tractor is connected to a control system and is operable to configure at least one component in the tubular string including at least one of the connector component, the frangible link component and the screen component.

Abstract: A method and system to increase or maintain pressure within a flexible liner within a subterranean borehole, such as may be deployed to perform subsurface groundwater sampling. The liner is slightly larger than the borehole and pressurized with an interior fluid pressure so as to urge the liner into intimate contact with the borehole wall. The system and method utilize a weighted “sealing wellhead” assembly placed upon an inverted upper end of the liner. The action force of the sealing wellhead increases or maintains the liner's interior fluid pressure. This method and system are generally practiced with a water-filled liner and with a liner with relatively simple attachments.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a plug formulation includes a mixture of a first part of a two-part epoxy system and artificial platelets formed from a polymeric material that expands upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, moisture, or heat, wherein a portion of the first part of the two-part epoxy system is covalently bonded to a portion of the artificial platelets. In another embodiment, a plug formulation includes a mixture of a first part of a two-part epoxy system, an acrylate monomer, and artificial platelets formed from a polymeric material that expands upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, moisture, or heat, wherein a portion of the first part of the two-part epoxy system is covalently bonded to a portion of the artificial platelets.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for repairing a damaged area within a cored passage of a component. The method includes providing a repair tool that has a support portion, a leading portion extending from a first end of the support portion, and a trailing portion extending from a second end of the support portion. The leading portion of the repair tool is inserted into a first opening of the cored passage, and is threaded through the cored passage until the support portion is positioned at the damaged area within the cored passage. A restoration activity is performed on the damaged area as the support portion supports the cored passage proximate to the damaged area. Upon completion of the restoration activity, the repair tool is removed from the cored passage.

Abstract: A in-service trenchless repair method for disconnection of a drainage pipe includes steps of: detecting the disconnection by a pipe sonar, and making a traction rope; pulling a hollowed cylindrical airbag to the disconnection according to the mark on the traction rope; controlling an airbag valve by an air compressor on the ground to inflate the hollowed cylindrical airbag, so that the hollowed cylindrical airbag is in close contact with pipeline wall after inflation; drilling a grouting hole on the ground surface directly above and on both sides of the disconnection until reaching the disconnection, and inserting a grouting pipe into the grouting hole; then injecting a double-slurry quick-curing repair material into the disconnection through a grouting system on the ground and waiting for curing; deflating the hollowed cylindrical airbag and pulling out by the traction rope.

Abstract: Devices and methods for conducting pipeline inspecting operations are disclosed. Embodiments may include a robotic crawler or other devices with a plurality of arms, which carry imaging equipment, such as radiation sources and linear detectors disposed on or coupled to arms of the plurality of arms. The robotic crawler is configured to traverse a target pipeline, and the arms of the plurality of arms are configured to rotate with respect to the pipeline to move the radiation sources and/or the linear detectors in order to avoid an obstruction on the target pipeline while traversing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for use in restricting or sealing a bore. A tubular is expanded in the bore to cause the tubular to split and be extended towards a wall of the bore. A straddle is located within the tubular so as to extend across the region of the tubular which has been split, and expanded to seal the split in the tubular. Also disclosed is apparatus comprising one or more expansion tools and a straddle, for use in sealing or restricting a bore. The apparatus may be used in conjunction with a tubular as disclosed herein, having one or more weak zones adapted to preferentially split under the action of an expansion tool.

Abstract: A system for predicting and detecting of corrosion under fireproof insulation (CUF) in an infrastructure asset comprises a first detection apparatus adapted to capture thermal images of the asset, a second detection apparatus adapted to receive THz radiation from the asset, and at least one ambient condition sensor for detecting environmental conditions at a location of the asset, a communication device coupled to the first and second detection apparatus and at least one ambient condition sensor to receive data therefrom and adapted to communicate the received data, and a computing device communicatively coupled to the communication device and configured with instructions for executing a machine learning algorithm taking as inputs the thermal image, THz and ambient condition data received from the communication device, and to output a CUF prediction regarding the asset.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for at least partially repairing a defect in a tubular composite layer. The apparatus comprises a plurality of independently movable abutment elements (3820) each supported in a spaced apart relationship via a respective one of at least one support member (3810). Each abutment element is associated with a respective drive axis along which the abutment elements are movable and the drive axes of all abutment elements extend outwardly from a common centre point.