Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system and apparatus for use in remotely and internally tapping a conduit. The method is performed, at least partially, by an automatic mechanism or robot configured to effectively perform the tasks and various steps of the method. The method includes the steps of: (a) lining a conduit with a liner; and (b) inserting an automatic mechanism into an internal portion of the liner, wherein the automatic mechanism (i) locates a service tap connection point; and (ii) at least partially engages a fitting device within an internal surface of the service tap entry portion, thereby providing fluid communication between a service tap internal passageway and an internal portion of the liner. An automatic mechanism, a fitting device and an insert element are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conduit expansion method, including: inserting a liner conduit formed from a rigid, polyvinyl chloride material at least partially within a host conduit; circulating fluid within an inner area of the liner conduit; and injecting fluid into the inner area of the liner conduit; wherein the liner conduit at least partially expands within the host conduit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for conduit expansion for use in expanding a liner conduit within a host conduit. The system includes injection hardware positioned on a first end of the liner conduit and the host conduit, and distal end cap hardware positioned on a second end of the host conduit and liner conduit. Both the injection hardware and the distal end cap hardware are in communication with a control mechanism for use in monitoring and/or controlling the operating parameters of the system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system and apparatus for use in remotely and internally tapping a conduit. The method is performed, at least partially, by an automatic mechanism or robot configured to effectively perform the tasks and various steps of the method. The method includes the steps of: (a) lining a conduit with a liner; and (b) inserting an automatic mechanism into an internal portion of the liner, wherein the automatic mechanism (i) locates a service tap connection point; and (ii) at least partially engages a fitting device within an internal surface of the service tap entry portion, thereby providing fluid communication between a service tap internal passageway and an internal portion of the liner. An automatic mechanism, a fitting device and an insert element are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system and apparatus for use in remotely and internally tapping a conduit. The method is performed, at least partially, by an automatic mechanism or robot configured to effectively perform the tasks and various steps of the method. The method includes the steps of: (a) lining a conduit with a liner; and (b) inserting an automatic mechanism into an internal portion of the liner, wherein the automatic mechanism (i) locates a service tap connection point; and (ii) at least partially engages a fitting device within an internal surface of the service tap entry portion, thereby providing fluid communication between a service tap internal passageway and an internal portion of the liner. An automatic mechanism, a fitting device and an insert element are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for use in a fusion process for conduit. The method includes the steps of: removably positioning a first terminal edge of a first conduit portion with a first terminal edge of a second conduit portion; facing the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; aligning the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; melting at least a portion of the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; engaging the melted terminal edge of the first conduit portion with the melted terminal edge of the second conduit portion; maintaining pressure between the engaged terminal edges, thereby creating a fused joint area; and removing at least a portion of the resultant external bead extending around the fused joint area. A fusion apparatus for employing this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bladder system for use in conjunction with a conduit expansion process and system. In addition, the bladder system is in operative communication with an injection material handling system. The bladder system includes a bladder element with injection hardware positioned on one end and distal end hardware positioned on the other end. The injection hardware and the distal end hardware are integrally attached to the bladder element, and the bladder element is capable of expanding and contracting inside the liner conduit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for use in a fusion process for conduit. The method includes the steps of: removably positioning a first terminal edge of a first conduit portion with a first terminal edge of a second conduit portion; facing the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; aligning the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; melting at least a portion of the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; engaging the melted terminal edge of the first conduit portion with the melted terminal edge of the second conduit portion; maintaining pressure between the engaged terminal edges, thereby creating a fused joint area; and removing at least a portion of the resultant external bead extending around the fused joint area. A fusion apparatus for employing this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system and apparatus for use in remotely and internally tapping a conduit. The method is performed, at least partially, by an automatic mechanism or robot configured to effectively perform the tasks and various steps of the method. The method includes the steps of: (a) lining a conduit with a liner; and (b) inserting an automatic mechanism into an internal portion of the liner, wherein the automatic mechanism (i) locates a service tap connection point; and (ii) at least partially engages a fitting device within an internal surface of the service tap entry portion, thereby providing fluid communication between a service tap internal passageway and an internal portion of the liner. An automatic mechanism, a fitting device and an insert element are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and arrangement for conduit expansion for use in expanding a liner conduit within a host conduit. The system includes injection hardware positioned on a first end of the liner conduit and the host conduit, and distal end cap hardware positioned on a second end of the host conduit and liner conduit. Both the injection hardware and the distal end cap hardware are in communication with a control mechanism for use in monitoring and/or controlling the operating parameters of the system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid system for conduit expansion. The fluid system includes a fluid processing system and a fluid injection source for injecting fluid into a conduit expansion system. In addition, a fluid recycle return transfers spent or used fluid back from the conduit expansion system to the fluid processing system. In addition, the fluid processing system is in communication with the fluid source for supplying fluid into the fluid processing system. The fluid system may be positioned on or within a mobile unit, such that the fluid system is transportable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bladder system for use in conjunction with a conduit expansion process and system. In addition, the bladder system is in operative communication with an injection material handling system. The bladder system includes a bladder element with injection hardware positioned on one end and distal end hardware positioned on the other end. The injection hardware and the distal end hardware are integrally attached to the bladder element, and the bladder element is capable of expanding and contracting inside the liner conduit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for use in a fusion process for conduit. The method includes the steps of: removably positioning a first terminal edge of a first conduit portion with a first terminal edge of a second conduit portion; facing the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; aligning the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; melting at least a portion of the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; engaging the melted terminal edge of the first conduit portion with the melted terminal edge of the second conduit portion; maintaining pressure between the engaged terminal edges, thereby creating a fused joint area; and removing at least a portion of the resultant external bead extending around the fused joint area. A fusion apparatus for employing this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of relining sewer lines, waterlines or gas lines is disclosed which uses a segmented liner of reduced size relative to the pipe being relined, with the liner being heat/pressure molded to the shape of the pipe being relined. The liner segments are joined by conventional joining techniques, however, the preferred joint is achieved by fusion.