Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for the monitoring of the condition of a pipeline (8) which is provided to carry a liquid therealong and/or a component (4) fitted to and operable in communication with the pipeline. The apparatus including at least one detecting device fitted on, or adjacent to, the component (4) to detect a change in condition of the component (4) and/or pipeline (8).

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for assessing the condition of at least a portion of a pipeline to predict the possibility of occurrence of leakage from the pipeline. The method includes the steps of identifying at least one portion of the pipeline to be assessed, undertaking an assessment of the wall of the portion to identify defects located thereon and the assessment includes identifying the depth, width and length of identified defects and including reference to a value for the pressure of the fluid passing through the pipeline portion. This allows the condition of the pipeline at the portions of the same which are most critical to be identified and this is used to provide an indication of the pipeline as a whole without the need to investigate the entire pipeline.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for assessing the condition of at least a portion of a pipeline to predict the possibility of occurrence of leakage from the pipeline. The method includes the steps of identifying at least one portion of the pipeline to be assessed, undertaking an assessment of the wall of the portion to identify defects located thereon and the assessment includes identifying the depth, width and length of identified defects and including reference to a value for the pressure of the fluid passing through the pipeline portion. This allows the condition of the pipeline at the portions of the same which are most critical to be identified and this is used to provide an indication of the pipeline as a whole without the need to investigate the entire pipeline.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for detecting the condition of a pipeline wall and analysis and estimate of the life of the pipeline by using an apparatus mounted externally of the pipeline and provided to be moved about and/or along at least a portion of the same. The apparatus includes at least one sensor array which includes a plurality of sensors axially offset to provide data for analysis and identification of pipeline defects.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for the monitoring of the condition of a pipeline (8) which is provided to carry a liquid therealong and/or a component (4) fitted to and operable in communication with the pipeline. The apparatus including at least one detecting device fitted on, or adjacent to, the component (4) to detect a change in condition of the component (4) and/or pipeline (8).

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for detecting the condition of a pipeline wall and analysis and estimate of the life of the pipeline by using an apparatus mounted externally of the pipeline and provided to be moved about and/or along at least a portion of the same. The apparatus includes at least one sensor array which includes a plurality of sensors axially offset to provide data for analysis and identification of pipeline defects.

Abstract: The current invention relates to an apparatus for detecting at least one characteristic of a pipeline. The apparatus includes means for generating a magnetic flux along a portion of a pipeline wall, means for detecting the magnetic field, and at least one proximity sensor. The apparatus further includes means for generating an indication of whether defects are located in the internal or external wall of the pipeline.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a method and apparatus for assessing the condition of a pipeline and also predicting the future rate of deterioration and/or possible failure of the pipeline. The method includes the steps of selecting at least one portion of the pipeline for which the prediction is to be made and, for that portion, monitoring or inspecting and assessing the condition of the pipeline wall, and typically also assessing the condition of any coating of the pipeline at said portion as well as the condition of the soil adjacent the pipeline. The measurement is performed along the length of the portion and preferably around the circumference of the pipeline at said portion. Data is collected for each cell of a grid which represents the said portion and on the basis of the measured data and, selectively, previous data and or reference data, an accurate prediction can be made as to the future condition of the pipeline and also identify potential future problems or required remedial works.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a method and apparatus for assessing the condition of a pipeline and also predicting the future rate of deterioration and/or possible failure of the pipeline. The method includes the steps of selecting at least one portion of the pipeline for which the prediction is to be made and, for that portion, monitoring or inspecting and assessing the condition of the pipeline wall, and typically also assessing the condition of any coating of the pipeline at said portion as well as the condition of the soil adjacent the pipeline. The measurement is performed along the length of the portion and preferably around the circumference of the pipeline at said portion. Data is collected for each cell of a grid which represents the said portion and on the basis of the measured data and, selectively, previous data and or reference data, an accurate prediction can be made as to the future condition of the pipeline and also identify potential future problems or required remedial works.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and a method for detecting the condition of the material of a pipeline wall. The apparatus includes means for inducing and detecting magnetic flux at a location on the pipeline and, at said location, sensing means detect whether any change in material condition is on or near the external wall of the pipeline. By analysing the two sets of monitored values a change in condition, such as corrosion, can be detected, located and determined to be at or near the external or internal surfaces of the pipeline wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and a method for detecting the condition of the material of a pipeline wall. The apparatus includes means for inducing and detecting magnetic flux at a location on the pipeline and, at said location, sensing means detect whether any change in material condition is on or near the external wall of the pipeline. By analysing the two sets of monitored values a change in condition, such as corrosion, can be detected, located and determined to be at or near the external or internal surfaces of the pipeline wall.

Abstract: A tool has a hollow elongated body 10 made up of a leading section 12 attachable to a tow-cable by a clevis 28, an intermediate section 14 and a trailing section 20 housing a hydraulic cylinder 24 and attachable to a main liner 30. The intermediate section includes a frusto-conical wall in two parts 16 and 18, each of 180.degree. angular extent. The ram 24 operates a wedge 22 longitudinally to move the first part 16 outwardly or inwardly transversely of the body. The parts 16, 18 are slidably trapped to the wedge by slide components projecting into grooves. The tool is pulled by the two cable into the main with the part 16 retracted. Then the part 16 is moved outwardly to burst and enlarge the main, allowing the tool to advance further after retraction of the part 16. The parts 16, 18 each have an external longitudinal rib 68, 70. The part 16 has longitudinal marginal extensions overlapping the longitudinal margins of the part 18.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled apparatus 1 for replacing main such as a gas main 2, comprising a single double acting hydraulic piston and cylinder combination 3 connected with slidable devices 4, 6 operable by the device for step-by-step movement of the apparatus through the main on alternate strokes of the combination, the devices 4 and 6 being operative in only a forward direction to slide to grip the main, the apparatus drawing a vibratable breaker device 20 (FIG. 2) or 30 (FIG. 3) through the main, the device being vibratable to precess about an axis and the device 30 being vibratable by percussive means longitudinally of the main.