Abstract: Equipment, process and techniques are shown for rehabilitating old underground pipelines, particularly asbestos pipelines, in which an old underground pipeline is replaced, as by drawing a bursting head through the old pipe to burst it and simultaneously pulling a new pipe through behind the bursting head. The invention has particular applicability to the rehabilitation of old asbestos pipelines in which the burst up debris must be contained or encapsulated in some manner. The macro-encapsulation materials shown form an in-situ layer of a temporarily fluid macro-encapsulating material which absorbs and immobilizes asbestos fibers and pipe fragments, the macro-encapsulating material being applied simultaneously as the pipe bursting operation proceeds.

Abstract: Pipe replacement devices, and systems are shown. Devices and systems may include jointed cutters and floating cutters to navigate difficult pipe replacement conditions. Devices and systems may also include replacement pipe with pre-installed supply hoses, such as lubricant supply and/or pneumatic supply hoses. Methods of pipe replacement are also described, including splitting old pipe and pulling in new pipe behind the equipment as splitting progresses.

Abstract: In an example, a method of repairing a pipeline includes isolating a section of a pipeline that includes a leak site. The method includes flooding the section of the pipeline with a plug formulation that includes artificial platelets and an ultraviolet (UV) photoinitiator. The section may be pressurized to induce migration of the artificial platelets to the leak site. The method also includes draining excess plug formulation from the section of the pipeline. The method further includes exposing the UV photoinitiator to UV light to form a gas impermeable seal at the leak site.

Abstract: A method and means for repairing the junction of a main and lateral pipe are provided. A repair assembly includes a launcher device, a bladder assembly surrounding the launcher device, and a liner assembly surrounding the bladder assembly. The bladder assembly is frangibly connected to the launcher device to maintain the position of the bladder assembly relative to the launcher device during transport and positioning of the assembly. Likewise, the liner assembly, which includes main and lateral liner members, is frangibly connected to the bladder assembly. The frangible connections allow the position of the repair assembly to be maintained. The frangible connections can be broken, such as by inflation and/or tearing or pulling apart of the components of the repair assembly. Thus, the invention provides a way to mitigate the movement of components of the repair assembly during transport and positioning of the repair assembly.

Abstract: Packer for use when repairing underground pipe systems, where said packer comprises a flexible and/or expandable main body portion surrounding a hollow interior, said body portion having an elongated shape defining first and second ends in either end of the main body portion, and where heating means are arranged in the packer for heating the packer or at least the surface of the packer, and means are provided for pressurizing the interior of the packer thereby expanding the packer.

Abstract: A concrete slab system includes a bed of a first concrete having a top surface and edge surfaces. The bed's top surface has shrinkage cracks and induced cracks. The widths of the induced cracks are greater than widths of the shrinkage cracks. Non-concrete material is disposed on the bed's top surface and on each of the bed's edge surfaces. A second concrete covers the non-concrete material and the bed. The second concrete has stretchable fibers mixed therein.

Abstract: Equipment, process and techniques are shown for rehabilitating old underground pipelines, particularly asbestos pipelines, in which an old underground pipeline is replaced, as by drawing a bursting head through the old pipe to burst it and simultaneously pulling a new pipe through behind the bursting head. The invention has particular applicability to the rehabilitation of old asbestos pipelines in which the burst up debris must be contained or encapsulated in some manner. The macro-encapsulation materials shown form an in-situ layer of a temporarily fluid macro-encapsulating material which absorbs and immobilizes asbestos fibers and pipe fragments, the macro-encapsulating material being applied simultaneously as the pipe bursting operation proceeds.

Abstract: A system and method of sealing leaks in process piping and equipment without process shutdown by providing a clamp having a cavity surrounding a leaking structure, sealant equipment comprising an injection gun to inject a sealant into the clamp cavity, means for pressuring moldable sealant from the gun into the clamp cavity in a staged manner beginning at a point away from the leak site. The preferred sealant comprises a moldable nitrile rubber delayed curing (vulcanizing) formulation or composition molded into shapes for insertion into an injection gun.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for joining at least two metal workpiece parts (2, 8) of a differing metal composition to each other by means of explosion welding, comprising the steps of: •—enclosing an inner workpiece part (2) at least partially with an outer workpiece part (89; •—arranging a mantle of explosive material (14) round the outer workpiece part; and •—detonating the explosive material in order to bring about a metallurgical connection between the two workpiece parts; •—wherein during the detonation of the explosive material the inner workpiece part is substantially wholly filled with and/or is at least partially enclosed by a dilatant non-Newtonian mixture (20). The invention further relates to a workpiece manufactured via this method.

Abstract: A lining element for the rehabilitation of a pipeline, the lining element having a substrate layer including a resin-absorbing material and a coating system, the coating system including a fluid-tight barrier layer system formed from several layers.

Abstract: A reinforcement strip (20) suitable for repairing a fluid transport pipe (10) during which the strip is wound, under traction, around the portion of the pipe where the repair needs to be made at the same time that a crosslinking resin is applied to the strip in such a way as to form a sleeve around the portion to be repaired. The reinforcement strip includes at least one integrated metal wire, the electrical properties of the wire being used for operations including crosslinking the resin, detecting the portion of the pipe that includes the sleeve or detecting repaired portions of the pipe that have increased in diameter due to a thinning of the wall of the pipe.

Abstract: A polymer composite grouting method for blocking leaking and sand inrush of underground pipeline includes steps of: (1) determining a leaking and sand inrush position of an underground pipeline; (2) drilling a plurality of grouting holes in a ground surface; (3) placing two grouting pipes into each of the grouting holes, binding a film bag at a bottom of one of the grouting pipes; (4) injecting a polymer grouting material via one of the grouting pipes to form a polymer sand stabilizing body; (5) extruding water to accumulated in the pipeline; (6) installing a plurality of geotextile bags at the pipeline section displacement; (7) injecting the polymer material into the geotextile bags for blocking the leakage; and (8) filling the pumping area out of the pipeline. The present invention provides a practical technical measure to treat the leaking and sand inrush of the underground pipeline under complicated geological condition.

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: A method of repairing a manhole is provided. A mastic material capable of curing and hardening as applied to a lower portion of the manhole, including the barrel, bench, and into at least one pipe line extending from the manhole. A resin saturated liner may also be included into a portion of the pipe extending from the manhole. A manhole liner saturated with a resinous material is then positioned in the manhole, and the manhole liner, pipe liner, and mastic material are configured to cure at approximately the same time to form a homogenous, repaired interior of the manhole, including a portion extending into the pipe. The pipe or pipes can then be repaired in a manner such as inverting a liner or bladder into the pipe. In the addition of an end seal at the juncture between the pipe and manhole is also contemplated for further sealing the juncture.

Abstract: Provided are articulating, rotating pipe bursting head devices for bursting a buried pipe and simultaneously pulling a replacement pipe through the same location. The bursting heads can comprise an integrated, substantially hollow cone body having one or more cutting knives arranged radially about its outer surface, and an end cap at its posterior end. Protruding from the posterior end of the end cap is a swiveling quick release coupling means for linking the bursting head to a replacement pipe carrier such as a universal duct puller. The swiveling quick release coupling means allows for rotation and articulation of the replacement pipe relative to the bursting head during operation, enhancing entry of the replacement pipe into an existing pipe underground. The bursting head body further can comprise an axial opening at its anterior end for receiving a cable, an internal magnetized cable gripping mechanism and a quick-release tool.

Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods for repairing and/or improving the performance of concrete structures. In preferred embodiments, the methods comprise attaching a thin shell of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) over the area of interest, the shape of the shell substantially conforming to that of the area itself, and subsequently filling a cavity defined by the shell with UHPC.

Abstract: A device for installing a compact pipe (CP) within a pipeline includes an adapter (4) comprising means for releasably connecting a connecting piece to the adapter (4), and means for fixing the adapter (4) to a first end of the compact pipe (CP).

Abstract: The invention relates to a lining element for repairing a connection area between a main pipe and a branch pipe, the lining element including a layer of resin-absorbing material, wherein at least six flexible, expandable lining parts are connected to each other by at least six connections to form the lining element. To manufacture such a lining element the at least six flexible, expandable lining parts are provided and connected to each other by at least six connections to form the lining element.

Abstract: A helical pile coupler, assembly, and method of assembly. The assembly comprises a first pile segment having first end with a coupler attached thereto. The coupler has two or more coupler aperture pairs and the alignment of at least one of the coupler aperture pairs is radially offset from the alignment of at least one other coupler aperture pair. A second pile segment is receivable in the coupler and the second pile segment has two or more pile aperture pairs that can be aligned with at least two of the two or more coupler aperture pairs, including the at least one radially offset coupler aperture pair. Fasteners are extended through the aligned aperture pairs to secure the second pile segment to the coupler. The fasteners are configured to protrude minimally from the outer surface of the coupler.

Abstract: An air duct for transferring air or the like includes a tubular body, an internal cuff that is secured to and extends axially from the tubular body, and an external cuff that is secured to and extends radially from at least the internal cuff. A method for manufacturing an air duct includes providing a tubular body having at least one open end which is inserted into an internal cuff mold to form an internal cuff that is secured to and axially extends from the tubular body. The tubular body and the internal cuff are removed from the internal cuff mold and then inserted into an external cuff mold to form an external cuff that is secured to and radially extends from at least the internal cuff. The tubular body with the internal cuff and the external cuff is then removed from the external cuff mold.

Abstract: A device for repairing drainage pipes includes a flexible tube with a first open end, a second open end, and a hollow interior extending between the first and second ends. A cover member is attached to the first end of the tube and a ball is releasably attached to the second end. The cover member has a central opening that is aligned with the hollow interior. The cover member can be disposed on the pipe rim, outside of the pipe, and the ball can be inserted into the pipe opening. As the ball travels through the pipe, the tube unfolds to cover the peripheral wall of the pipe. Thus, the tube of the device can cover an interior surface of the pipe.

Abstract: A means for the rehabilitation of a connecting portion between a main pipeline and a branch pipeline with a main pipe section and a branch pipe section, wherein the main pipe section has a connecting region, wherein the branch pipe section is connected at its first end portion to the connecting region of the main pipe section, wherein the branch pipe section is closed at its second end portion and wherein at least one contactless sensor is disposed within the means.

Abstract: The invention is an inner seal collar for inserting into pipes in order to seal leakage points in the pipes, comprising an expandable strip which is bent into the shape of a ring and which is preferably made of steel sheet, parts of the strip at least partly overlapping in the circumferential direction, and comprising a locking device which has at least two parallel rows of teeth, wherein a separate clamping pinion engages into at least two of the rows of teeth. The invention comprises a separate blocking pinion paired with each of the at least two clamping pinions, the blocking pinion pushing against the corresponding clamping pinion via a respective spring element and being engaged with the clamping pinion, and each of the blocking pinions is also engaged with the corresponding row of teeth.

Abstract: A pipe expander assembly for replacing an existing pipe with a new pipe. The expander assembly has a slitter disposed about a wire rope and abutting an expander at a spherical joint. The expander comprises a cone to expand a slit pipe and is internally connected to the wire rope by jaws that expand and contract about the wire rope due to threading of a jam nut into the cone. A pipe puller is connected to the back of the expander at a clevis and is adapted for connection to a new pipe, either through a jaw system, an adaptor, or fusion to the pipe.

Abstract: A method of providing a seal between pipe liners in a pipe, or at the juncture between a main and lateral pipe is provided. A first liner, which has been impregnated or otherwise coated with a resinous material capable of curing and hardening, is positioned in a pipe about an area in need of repair. A second liner, also including the resinous material, is place in the same pipe, with a portion of the second liner overlapping a portion of the first liner. A sealing member, such as a hydrophilic or hydrophobic band or material, is placed between the two liners at the overlap to seal the connection of the two liners.

Abstract: A pipe coupling capsulation assembly includes a band having an inner annular seal element wrappable around a pipe, opposing clamp members that extend from the band, and one or more tightening elements for clamping together the clamp members. Retaining elements are assembled to the annular seal element.

Abstract: Pusher apparatus and a method of using the apparatus inserts a flexible liner into an in-situ pipe. At least a pair of contra-rotating resilient drive assemblies, having a nip therebetween, drive the liner into the pipe. A guide tube can extend between the drive assemblies and the pipe. A pull head can be affixed to a leading end of the liner and adapted for sealing within a bore of the pipe and pressured fluid can be applied to pull a leading end of the liner into the pipe while the pusher pushes. The contra-rotating resilient drive assemblies can be one or more pair of opposing wheels or opposing tracks. Track assemblies can be mounted to a frame which is movable on rails and restrained with a load cell for measuring reactive forces while pushing. The rails can be angled for aligning the nip with the pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for replacing an existing pipe. The apparatus comprises a slitter and expander which surround a wire rope. The wire rope is attached to the expander, and the expander abuts either the slitter or a separation tube disposed between the expander and slitter, such that the slitter and expander are pivotable relative to each other. The apparatus is placed in a pipe to be replaced and pulled. While being pulled, blades on the slitter slit the pipe, while a sloped surface of the expander moves the slit sections apart into surrounding soil. A replacement pipe may be pulled by a pipe putter attached to the expander. A beacon may also be disposed within the apparatus to emit a signal for locating the apparatus white underground.

Abstract: Conveying element for conveying bulk goods includes a disk element including an upper side, a lower side and a side surface along a circumference of the disk element. A shank includes an upper end and a lower end. A shank head is located at the upper end. The lower end is connected to the upper side of the disk element and extends through the disk element up to the lower side. A shank head receiving element is arranged on one of the lower side of the disk element or the lower end. The side surface of the disk element is inclined at least in sections relative to a longitudinal axis of the shank.

Abstract: A system (2) for relining an undersea pipeline (5), said pipeline (5) having and inlet (13) and outlet (11) beneath sea level (8), comprising a coiling drum (3) positioned above sea level and having a length of liner (1) reeled thereon; said coiling drum (3) arranged to deliver said liner (1) to the inlet (13); an actuator engaged with a leading end of said liner and arranged to apply a tensile force (6) to said liner (1) so as to draw said liner through the pipeline; wherein the liner is of a composite construction having a fiber core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of assessing the condition of a duct along which a gas is flowing. The method comprises producing one or more sensor carrying elements, wherein the elements are formed to have selected parameters; introducing the sensor carrying elements into the flowing gas; and selecting the parameters of the sensor carrying elements such that the elements are transported along the duct by saltation. The present invention also relates to a method of reducing leakage through a leak in the duct.

Abstract: The invention relates towards a bladder tube having an open and a closed end. The closed end of the bladder tube is formed by folding a surplus portion of the bladder tube, inserting a grommet through the folded portion of the bladder tube, banding at least a portion of the surplus portion of the bladder tube, and passing at least a portion of the banding through the grommet. The banding may comprise a rope or other material that can be tied. An exhaust port may also be punched through the layers of the folded portion of the bladder tube to exhaust steam or other fluids.

Abstract: Methods for assembling a stent delivery system are provided, as well as the stent delivery assemblies and devices formed by such methods. Also provided is a method for loading a stent into a delivery system.

Abstract: A polymer bag grouting method for repairing a settlement of an underground pipeline includes steps of: (1) detecting a settled pipeline section and determining a grouting plan; (2) drilling holes for containing bags; (3) placing the bags into the holes; (4) injecting a polymer material into the bags; (5) uplifting the settled pipeline section; and, (6) filling a cavity and reinforcing a soft soil layer. The polymer material is a non-water reacted two-component polymer material. The method provided by the present invention has advantages of rapidness, small cut, light mass, high tenacity, economy and durability. The method is advanced, highly-efficient, economical and practical and able to rapidly repair the settlement of the pipeline section through uplifting. The method of the present invention is successfully applied to multiple projects of uplifting the underground pipelines, showing great economic and social benefits and a wide development and application prospect.

Abstract: Methods and systems for cleaning, coating and sealing leaks in existing pipes, in a single operation. A piping system can be cleaned in one pass by dry particulates forced and pulled by air throughout the piping system by a generator and a vacuum. Pipes can be protected from water corrosion, erosion and electrolysis, extending the life of pipes such as copper, steel, lead, brass, cast iron piping and composite materials. Coatings can be applied to pipes having diameters up to approximately 6?. Leak sealants of at least approximately 4 mils thick can cover insides of pipes, and can include novel mixtures of fillers and epoxy materials, and viscosity levels. A positive pressure can be maintained within the pipes during applications. Piping systems can be returned to service within approximately 96 hours.

Abstract: A means for the rehabilitation of a connecting portion between a main pipe-line and a branch pipeline with a main pipe section and a branch pipe section, wherein the main pipe section has a connecting region, wherein the branch pipe section is connected at its first end portion to the connecting region of the main pipe section, wherein the branch pipe section is closed at its second end portion and wherein at least one contactless sensor is disposed within the means.

Abstract: A method for sealing a leak in a pipeline used to transport fluid includes positioning a sealing device within the pipeline, moving the sealing device through the pipeline to a leak location, and internally generating an inflation pressure to inflate the sealing device to substantially cover a leak opening and limit release of the fluid from the pipeline.

Abstract: A method for modifying a rate of temperature change of an epoxy resin composition in a resin container during a resin casting process is proposed. The resin composition has at least one epoxy monomer component and a curing agent. A passivation agent for the curing agent is added to the epoxy resin composition. A resin container arrangement for use in such a resin transfer moulding process, a composite product having an epoxy resin composition, and a use of an organic acid in an epoxy resin casting process as a passivation agent for modifying the rate of temperature change in a resin container containing an epoxy resin composition are proposed.

Abstract: A tracking system for use with a pipeline includes a scraper having signal generation capability for generating acoustic signals, a plurality of acoustic pressure sensors positioned at intervals along the path traveled by the scraper, and a plurality of local processors positioned at intervals along the path traveled by the scraper. Each of the local processors is in communication with a respective acoustic pressure sensor. A central processor is in communication with the local processors and determines the location of the scraper using time-stamped acoustic signals received by the pressure sensors and a speed of sound, in a fluid within the pipeline.

Abstract: The method for rehabilitating a damaged section of a pipe without a need for a resin absorbent liner is provided. The method includes pumping a low viscosity material towards a damaged section of pipe and changing the viscosity prior to dispensing of the material. For example, the material may be partially cured prior to dispensing. The partially cured or higher viscosity material is compressed between an inflating bladder and interior wall of the pipe, and the material that is allowed to fully cure. The bladder either can then be removed from the pipe or could be allowed to maintain in the pipe providing a new interior surface for the repaired pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sealing means made of a plastically deformable material for mechanical sealing of hollow hoses (2) of elastic material by means of an appliance having at least two jaws, at least one of which is movable towards and away from the other and which, when moving towards each other, crimp the sealing means against the hose (2) for contamination-tight sealing of the same, the sealing means (20) comprises at least one sealing member (4, 4?; 44, 44?; 64, 64?; 74, 74?; 84), which has two opposite ends and an opening (40, 40?) that extends between said ends to allow the at least one sealing member to be slipped onto the hose (2) to be sealed. The present invention also relates to a kit comprising a sealing means and an appliance for sealing of hollow hoses and to a method for mechanical sealing of hollow hoses.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and premade and/or prepositioned kits for bypassing damaged or blocked standpipes during fire or other emergencies to quickly restore water supply near the location of the fire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for renovating a pipe, the latter being provided with at least one opening arranged in the wall of the pipe, said device (1) having a base unit (2) that can be introduced into the pipe, a clearing unit (3) that is movable relative to the base unit (2), and an electronic sensor arrangement for detecting the instantaneous position of the clearing unit (3) relative to the base unit (2). To make available a novel device (1) for renovating a pipe provided with at least one opening arranged in the wall of the pipe, which device permits reliable and inexpensive repair of the pipe, the invention proposes that at least one electronic inclination sensor is arranged on the base unit (2).

Abstract: A pipeline regeneration pipe, with which necessary strength can be ensured by way of the inserted regeneration pipe itself without the necessity of grouting, includes an inner wound flexible resin layer 5d which constitutes the inner layer of a straight pipe part 5b, an outer wound flexible resin layer 5e laminated on the outer surface of the inner wound flexible resin layer and constitutes the outer layer of the straight pipe part, and a protruded rim part 5c helically formed on the outer surface of the outer wound flexible resin layer, the protruded rim part 5c being configured by a rigid-resin core 5g helically wound, and a core-covering part 5f integrated with the outer wound flexible resin layer so as to surround the rigid-resin core.

Abstract: A liner assembly for a pipeline section having at least one junction with a lateral pipe, the liner assembly comprises an outer tubular liner having an opening therein generally coinciding in position with each junction when the liner assembly is positioned with the pipeline section and an inner malleable inflatable bladder assembly positioned longitudinally within the tubular liner, said bladder assembly being inhibited from over-expanding during positioning and inflation of the liner assembly within the pipeline section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing defects in composite materials using a tapered disk sized to fit the part being repaired. Also included is a bolt sized to fit through a central hole in the disk. A spring is positioned on the bolt with a washer. A nut is attached to the end of the bolt and tightened to place pressure on the washer to compress the biasing device. An adhesive is applied to the tapered disk prior to engaging the composite material. A threaded bushing is used to fixedly attach a second bolt completely in the hole.

Abstract: Provided is a restoration pipe pulling-in method which can easily determine whether pilling-in of a restoration pipe is possible wherein the restoration pipe has a diameter as much as large relative to a deteriorated drainage channel, and which can pulling a restoration pipe into a sewer pipe wherein the gap between the restoration pipe and the sewer pipe is shorter.

Abstract: A tubular liner for rehabilitating sewers has a reinforcing layer being expandable in the circumferential direction and formed of fiber rovings and impregnated with a curable reactive resin. The tubular liner has an outer tubular film which encloses the reinforcing layer and is formed of a material that can be expanded radially. A longitudinal pull strap is provided and absorbs the tensile forces acting on the tubular liner when the tubular liner is inserted into the sewer. The tubular film has a laminated nonwoven layer on the side facing the reinforcing layer. The longitudinal pull strap is located between the nonwoven layer and the reinforcing layer and is in immediate contact with the outer side of the reinforcing layer and the nonwoven layer. The longitudinal pull strap has a width of less than 50% of a length of the outer circumference of the reinforcing layer.

Abstract: A device for sealing a leak in a pipe (10) having at least one hole or crack (12), including an elastomer plate (14) applied to the leak site by a force distributor (16), and a tightening strap (20, 22) arranged around the pipe in order to apply a force onto the force distributor. The force distributor includes a support grid and separate force modules, each of the modules being placed so as to be slidable in one of the units of the grid and arranged perpendicular to the pipe so as to apply shear forces to the elastomer plate at the leak site, forcing the elastomer to deform so as to closely match the concave or convex shape of the pipe at the leak site and thus to seal the hole or crack.

Abstract: A pipe testing fixture including a housing with a chamber, an aperture centrally disposed on the housing. A groove centrally disposed within the lower chamber. A pipe fluidly engages the chamber through the housing. A pipe closure body with a handle slidingly engages the aperture and chamber with a plate disposed on the handle. The plate slidingly engages the chamber, the lower end sealingly engaging the groove, configured to seal the lower chamber of the pipe. A plate face gasket continuously disposed on the front and rear sides of the plate. A locking pin is engagable through a pin hole upon positioning the pin hole outside the upper chamber. The engagement and alternate disengagement of the locking pin through the pin hole places the plate in an open locked position and an alternate closed position within the chamber. A separate carrier pipe segment engages the pipe portions.