Abstract: Methods and tools for automatically performing work within a pipe or pipe network based on sensed impedance information. A robot, which may be tethered or un-tethered, includes a computer controller and a work tool for performing work within the pipe. With or without impedance-based calibration, the robot senses environmental and tool-based impedance characteristics and determines, using said software, ways in which the current work performance can be altered or improved based on the impedance information. The operation of the work tool is then altered in line with the control software. Many different types of work related to the inspection, cleaning and rehabilitation of pipes can be accomplished with the present robots including reinstating laterals after lining, cutting or clearing debris, sealing pipe joints and/or other heretofore manual pipe-based processes.

Abstract: Replacement drainage structures and methods for replacing drainage structures are disclosed. An example method includes driving a plurality of sections of a replacement drainage structure around a buried drainage structure to be replaced. At least a portion of the drainage structure to be replaced is positioned within the interior of a section of the replacement drainage structure. Portions of the drainage structure to be replaced are removed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, devices and systems to maintain the accessibility and integrity of equipment contained in underground housings. The methods, devices and systems and methods of the present invention maintain the accessibility and integrity of equipment contained in underground housings by providing at least one barrier that prevents burrowing animals from off-loading displaced ground dirt or other debris into the space created by the underground housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a total environmentally-friendly trenchless repairing method including the steps of: checking leakage on the upper and lower portions of the sewage pipeline, a manhole and a household branch pipe within a repairing section; performing partial trenchless repairing for the damaged portion of the pipeline; filling a primary repairing liquid into the pipeline at high pressure; sucking the primary repairing liquid remaining in the pipeline; injecting a secondary repairing liquid into the interior of the pipeline; sucking the secondary repairing liquid remaining in the pipeline; performing intermediate cleaning; and removing the repairing liquids accumulated on the bottom portion of the pipeline.

Abstract: A method for in-situ repair of old underground pipes is disclosed. A breaking tool with a drive or a pipe section is pulled from a typical inspection shaft to the next inspection shaft (machine shaft) by a hydraulic piston-cylinder unit which has a housing that is at least partially located inside the old pipe. The extremely limited interior space of the machine shaft is thereby kept essentially free from machine parts.

Abstract: A tool, system and methods for plugging broken fluid delivery pipe are disclosed. A plugging tool can be used to plug a fluid leak in a broken pipe. A relief pipe and associated relief valve assembly can be installed on the sides of the broken pipe. Before plugging, the relief valves can be opened to relieve back pressure created during plugging operation. The relief piping can be installed on the side of a broken pipe using a diamond blade edging technique followed by threading. The tapered portion of the tool facilitates the plugging process and snuggly fit the tool into the broken pipe. A fluid storage mechanism can be provided for storing fluid obtained from the plugged pipe via relief pipes under the control of associated relief valves.

Abstract: A method for sealing a conduit in a spoolable wellbore intervention rod includes exposing an interior of the conduit at a location proximate the earth's surface while the spoolable rod is deployed in a wellbore. A curable sealing compound is introduced into the exposed interior of the conduit and the compound is allowed to cure.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for the remote control of a robot which incorporates interchangeable tool heads. Although applicable to many different industries, the core structure of the system includes a robot with a tool head interface for mechanically, electrically and operatively interconnecting a plurality of interchangeable tool heads to perform various work functions. The robot and tool head may include several levels of digital feedback (local, remote and wide area) depending on the application. The systems include a single umbilical cord to send power, air, and communications signals between the robot and a remote computer. Additionally, all communication (including video) is preferably sent in a digital format. Finally, a GUI running on the remote computer automatically queries and identifies all of the various devices on the network and automatically configures its user options to parallel the installed devices.

Abstract: A method for patching or sealing leaks in fluid systems and, in an exemplary application, to a method of patching or sealing leaks in sub-sea hydraulic control lines, leaks in sub-surface or sub-sea safety valves, O-ring leaks of any type, leaks in hydraulic line fittings, tubing thread connection leaks, casing thread connection leaks, glycol hydraulic system leaks, well-head and sub-sea well-head leaks, hanger leaks, and leaks in other types of related down-hole equipment. A pressure- or shear-fibrillatable substance, such as an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion, a fluoropolymer fine powder, or any other fluoropolymer which is derived from a dispersion polymerization process, is added to a fluid system such as a hydraulic control line, and pressure is then applied to the system. In one embodiment, an aqueous dispersion of polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”) particles having a particle size between 0.01 and 10 microns is used.

Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus (1) for establishing a subsea environment to enable an intervention operation to be carried out on a pipe, the apparatus comprising a frame (2) adapted to abut an outer surface of the pipe, sealing means (7) to enable the frame to be sealed against the surface of a pipe, and means for monitoring the condition of the seal, wherein the environment is established between the frame and the surface of the pipe and further describes a method of establishing a subsea environment to enable an intervention operation to be carried out on a pipe, the method comprising the steps of deploying a frame (2) subsea, locating the frame against the side of a pipe to establish the environment between the frame and the pipe, sealing the frame against the side of the pipe, and monitoring the condition of the seal.

Abstract: A method of installing an underground pipe includes a step of placing a leading end of a pipe section at an entry point for the underground pipe. An arcuate soil shoe is attached to an inside surface of the pipe section at or near the leading end of the pipe section, which soil shoe has a passageway therein with one or more outlets. A conduit is positioned to feed a lubricating liquid into the passageway, which liquid passes through the outlets to enter the inside of the pipe section. A driver such as a pneumatic impact tool is placed at a trailing end of the pipe section and used to drive the pipe section into the earth. A lubricating liquid is supplied through the conduit, which liquid passes into the passageway and through the outlets into the inside of the pipe section.

Abstract: A sub-ducting apparatus comprising a sub-duct, and a remotely operable path-finding head for facilitation of the subduct into a duct. The head is detachable at the end of the subduct and includes an expandable portion or a cutter, as a result of which, twisted or jammed cables may be removed from the duct.

Abstract: An apparatus for overdrilling a buried line includes a rotatably driven thrust linkage and/or traction linkage, and has a forward end which is connected to a ring-shaped to hollow cylindrical overdrilling head which embraces the line. The overdrilling head is provided interiorly with a centering protrusion for spontaneous centering of the overdrilling head in concert with the line.

Abstract: A puller is provided with a number of advantages. Pullers are described that have a high power to weight ratio, and a high power to volume ratio. Examples of pullers and pulling systems include harmonic drive gear reduction elements and configurations that provide high cable friction in a small device volume. Examples of pullers and pulling systems also include constant force pulling which is desirable in particular for small diameter pipe replacement. Using pullers and pulling systems as described, minimally invasive pipe replacement operations are possible. Reversible pullers are also provided that decrease the amount of time needed to burst or split multiple segments of pipe.

Abstract: An installation for and a method for driving a submarine pipeline scraper, wherein one of the ends of the pipeline has a launch device and the other end has a receiving device. The scraper defines an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber. It can be launched inside the pipeline from the launch device in the direction of the receiving device, allowing water to enter through the launch device in order to subject the upstream chamber to hydrostatic pressure. The receiving device is identical to the launch device, such that water can enter through the receiving device in order to balance the pressure of the two chambers, and also enables a fluid to be injected into the downstream chamber to drive the scraper toward the launch device.

Abstract: To line an inner circumferential surface of side walls of a manhole, a rehabilitating sheet made of a sheet material resistant to water and corrosion is provided in the form of a bag having a shape corresponding to the inner circumferential surface to be lined. The rehabilitating sheet is inserted into the manhole to be lined. Block and plate frames are coupled inside the bag of the rehabilitating sheet to support it so as to have the shape corresponding to the inner circumferential surface to be lined. A gap between the rehabilitating sheet and the inner circumferential surface of the side walls of the manhole is filled with a filler, which is then hardened to line the side walls of the manhole. Pairs of plate frames having different diameters are coupled to each other to provide ring plates having different diameters.

Abstract: A device for preparing an underwater pipe includes a platform having moveable jaws for transporting the platform along a length of pipe. Mounted on the platform is a rotatable frame with a plurality of machines thereon, each of which can perform at least one function towards the preparation of the pipe.

Abstract: The pipe access device is comprised of a curved plate adapted to engage an underground pipe along an arc of the outer surface of the pipe, and a boss extending upwardly from the curved plate about an aperture in the curved plate. The curved plate extends along an arc of the outer surface of the curved plate that corresponds to a central angle of the pipe less than or equal to 180°. The curved plate includes a concave surface with a radius of curvature less than a radius of curvature of the outer surface of the pipe so as to bias the curved plate against the outer surface of the pipe when the curved plate is flexed to engage the pipe. The pipe access device is for use in providing access to the buried pipe that requires minimal excavation and disruption of the soil.

Abstract: A system for reuse of water stored in a reservoir by transfer of initially filtered water from the reservoir to a vertically stacked filtration system located onshore. A flexible filter screened, porous feeder line housed within a perforated carrier pipe extends into the reservoir and is supported above the bottom of the reservoir for transfer of filtered water to the vertically stacked filtration system. The flexible filter screened, porous feeder line includes a conveyance system for retraction and extension of the porous feeder line by two cables. The feeder line is movable from the perforated carrier pipe for cleaning or replacement of the porous feeder line.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for joining a pipe conduit to a drilling device, expanding device or pull-in device, in which a pulling-force generator arranged in the drilling device, expanding device or pull-in device exerts a compressive force on a pipe conduit, to be pulled in, via a pulling means and an adapter and thereby holds the individual short pipes of the pipe conduit together and reduces the mechanical stress to which the short pipes are subjected.

Abstract: A pipe pulling device and related methods for removal of an existing old length of pipe and replacement of the old pipe with a length of new, replacement pipe. The pipe pulling device includes a housing, a drive assembly mounted to the housing, and a spool assembly mounted to the housing and operably coupled to the drive assembly. The pipe pulling device can also include a cable attachment mechanism that secures a cable that extends through the old pipe to the spool assembly. The drive assembly operates to rotate a portion of the spool assembly thereby wrapping the old pipe and cable about the spool assembly. An end of the new, replacement pipe can be secured to an opposite end of the cable, wherein the new, replacement pipe is drawn into a cavity vacated by the old pipe as the old pipe is being withdrawn and wrapped about the spool assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for repairing and fitting heat insulation capabilities of the external cladding of clad members such as tubular lines, connection members and other clad members, positioned on the seabed, said device consisting of a casing comprising attachment and/or tightening means, suitable for being mounted on said clad members, characterised in that the device comprises, inside the casing thereof, a gel type elastomer heat insulation compound, in the form of a solid or perforated lining/mat, rigidly connected to said casing and compressed by tightening on the clad member during the fitting thereof.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for the remote control of a robot which incorporates interchangeable tool heads. Although applicable to many different industries, the core structure of the system includes a robot with a tool head interface for mechanically, electrically and operatively interconnecting a plurality of interchangeable tool heads to perform various work functions. The robot and tool head may include several levels of digital feedback (local, remote and wide area) depending on the application. The systems include a single umbilical cord to send power, air, and communications signals between the robot and a remote computer. Additionally, all communication (including video) is preferably sent in a digital format. Finally, a GUI running on the remote computer automatically queries and identifies all of the various devices on the network and automatically configures its user options to parallel the installed devices.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting an existing natural gas line drainage point with a moisture detection capability includes inserting a conducting rod in a previously installed drainage pipe in the drainage point, where a lower extremity of the rod may be covered with an insulating material, exposing a section of the rod above the insulating material, where a lowest point of the section indicates a minimum level of moisture in the drainage point for which status reporting is required, attaching a diagnostic unit to both the drainage pipe and the conducting rod via electric leads, the unit including means to provide electric current and diagnose at least one of an electric short and an abrupt change in conductivity, and attaching means for transmitting an indication regarding a status for the drainage point.

Abstract: A flexible tubular lining material impregnated with a thermosetting resin is folded and bound with binding members to provide a reduced width. Two elastic and rigid strip members are inserted into loop members attached to the lining material and are removably attached so as to sandwich the lining material. During pipeline lining work, the lining material to which the strip members have been attached is first inserted into a lateral pipe from a main pipe. The strip members are then removed from the lining material so that the lining material may remain inside the pipeline. The strip members are extracted from the pipeline, and the lining material is then made to expand via application of pressure from the inside. While kept in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the pipeline, the lining material is heated in order to cure the thermosetting resin thereof.

Abstract: A method of attaching a branch outlet fitting to a metal pipe buried beneath the earth's surface while causing reduced disturbance to the earth above the pipe, comprising digging a vertical excavation from the earth's surface to expose a short length of the pipe; positioning a first fitting portion on a lower surface of the pipe; positioning a second fitting portion on an upper surface of the pipe in alignment with the first fitting portion, the first and second fitting portions having welding material thereon adjacent the pipe surfaces and each other; and from the earth's surface, activating the welding material to physically and sealably secure the fitting portions to the pipe and to each other.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for subsea pipeline servicing, including line-pack testing, physical integrity testing, recovery of damaged sections of pipelines, and product removal from subsea structures. In one embodiment of the invention, a subsea pipeline service skid is provided including at least one sample collection bladder affixed to the skid and in fluid communication with a skid mounted pump dimensioned to pull a sample from the subsea pipeline. In another embodiment, a product removal bladder is provided for removal of the hydrocarbons from a subsea structure.

Abstract: The method of prevention of hydrate formation inside a subsea pipe of a first temperature during an increase in flow within the pipe comprising containing a volume of water outside the pipe, heating the volume of water to a second temperature higher than the first temperature such that the pipe is heated to a temperature high enough to stop the formation of the hydrates, and increasing the flow in the pipe.

Abstract: A method of repairing and renewing a manhole chimney utilizes a circumferentially stretchable liner sleeve which is inserted into the manhole and pressed by an inflatable bladder into engagement with the walls of the manhole chimney. The sleeve is coated with an uncured resin, which is allowed to cure as the sleeve is pressed against the chimney walls, thereby attaching the sleeve to the walls of the manhole chimney. The stretchable sleeve eliminates air spaces between the sleeve and the chimney walls, and precludes formation of undesirable folds in the sleeve. The sleeve stretches circumferentially up to 150% of its unstretched diameter, while having a substantially unstretchable length.

Abstract: A technique enables removal of a hydrate plug or other similar plug from a deep water flow line. When the existence of a plug in the deep water flow line is determined, a temporary flow line loop is created to enable remedial procedures. The temporary loop can be created by deploying a spoolable compliant guide and connecting the spoolable compliant guide to the deep water flow line. The connection is made in a manner that enables access to both sides of the unwanted plug.

Abstract: A pipeline repair connector (40), for a sub sea pipeline repair system, arranged for connecting and disconnecting pipelines on the ocean floor. The invention also related to a system including a connector (40), and to a method for replacement of broken pipelines on the ocean floor.

Abstract: A puller is provided with a number of advantages. Pullers are described that have a high power to weight ratio, and a high power to volume ratio. Examples of pullers and pulling systems include harmonic drive gear reduction elements and configurations that provide high cable friction in a small device volume. Examples of pullers and pulling systems also include constant force pulling which is desirable in particular for small diameter pipe replacement. Using pullers and pulling systems as described, minimally invasive pipe replacement operations are possible. Reversible pullers are also provided that decrease the amount of time needed to burst or split multiple segments of pipe.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method and apparatus for intervening in an offshore pipeline while diverting fluid flow to a storage site is provided, so that production through the offshore pipeline may continue while conducting a pipeline intervention operation. An offshore vessel may be used to divert and store fluid flow while intervening in the pipeline. In another aspect, a method and apparatus for drilling a subsea wellbore with an offshore vessel is provided. The method and apparatus involve drilling the wellbore and casing the wellbore with continuous casing lowered from the offshore vessel.

Abstract: A rehabilitating pipe segment of the invention is comprised of first and second segment halves that are linked together to provide a variable-width segment. The first segment half has an internal surface plate, a convex plate extending parallel to the internal surface plate, and a side plate extending perpendicular to the internal surface plate. The second segment half has an internal surface plate, an internal plate extending parallel to the internal surface plate and forming a concavity, and a side plate extending perpendicular to the internal surface plate. The convex plate and a braking rubber are fitted into the concavity so as to link the first and second segment halves together to provide the variable-width segment. When tension of a specified amount or greater acts on the variable-width segment, the first and second segment halves move relative to each other in the pipe length direction against the braking force of the braking rubber.

Abstract: A method for lining a pipe conduit with a coated textile tubing that adheres to the inner walls of the pipe conduit by means of an adhesive. The coated textile tubing can be filled with a long pot life adhesive and the textile tubing turned inside out (inverted) while being introduced into the pipe conduit. A fast curing adhesive is substantially simultaneously applied to the inner wall of the pipe conduit in as short a distance as possible to the moving tubing inversion point. The introduced tubing is then subjected to an inner pressure to force the tubing into contact with the pipe inner wall until the fast curing adhesive has cured. Alternatively, an impregnated textile tubing can be substituted for the tubing filled with the long pot life adhesive. As a further alternative, conditions are controlled to cause curing of the adhesive only in the inverted portion of the tubing.

Abstract: In a method for sealing and/or reconditioning of pipes through spraying a fluid coating material towards the inner wall of the pipe at least one material piece divided in the longitudinal direction thereof held together under pretension to a pipe piece with an outer diameter being less than the inner diameter of the pipe is before the spraying introduced into the pipe to a location for a substantial hole in the pipe wall for covering the hole. The mechanisms for holding it together is then broken so that the pipe piece will bear under pretension against the inner wall of the pipe and form an auxiliary wall over the hole retaining the material sprayed inside the pipe.

Abstract: A method for in-situ repair of old underground Pipes is disclosed. A breaking tool with a drive or a pipe section is pulled from a typical inspection shaft to the next inspection shaft (machine shaft) by a hydraulic piston-cylinder unit which has a housing that is at least partially located inside the old pipe. The extremely limited interior space of the machine shaft is thereby kept essentially free from machine parts.

Abstract: A segment is coupled to another segment in circumferential and longitudinal directions thereof to assemble a rehabilitating pipe for rehabilitating the existing pipe. Each of the coupled segments has at least one coupling surface provided with a recessed part that confronts the recessed part at the coupling surface of the segment to which it is coupled to form therebetween a gap that is configured to receive and hold waste material existing at a bottom surface of the existing pipe when the rehabilitating pipe is assembled inside of the existing pipe.

Abstract: A gelled composition for pipeline, flowline, pipeline jumper or flowline jumper dewatering or preventing ingress of seawater into open pipeline systems or components during tie-in operations of jumpers or additional pipe, valving, manifolds, subsea pipeline architecture or flow conduits operations is disclosed, where the composition includes a concentrated metal formate solution and a hydratable polymer. The gelled formate compositions have improved dewatering properties with 100% or 360 pipe coverage. The gelled formate compositions have can also be reused by breaking and reformulation.

Abstract: A communications ducting system, and method of laying a communications duct assembly below a surface, usually in a carriageway or footpath, using an open slot which is subsequently backfilled. The width of the slot is preferably not substantially greater than the narrowest outer cross sectional width of the duct assembly. In at least one direction, the duct assembly has a dimension of less than 20 mm and thus the slot need be no more than 20 mm wide. The duct assembly can be laid along the bottom of the slot, preferably on a layer of sand or other bedding material. Access chambers may provide fibre blowing points along the slot for installing optical fibre in the duct assembly after the assembly is in place, either for the original installation of the fibres or for repair purposes. The access chambers can also be used to accommodate changes in direction of the slot and for repairs in the duct assembly.

Abstract: A pipeline tool for use within a pipeline comprises a tool body with an internal flow bore, a swellable component disposed about the tool body, and a temporary seal disposed internally of the flow bore. The pipeline tool may further comprise a tracking device attached to the tool body, wherein the tracking device comprises a mechanical fixture, or an emitter that emits a signal that can be tracked.

Abstract: Apparatus for permitting access to the interior of a fluid-carrying pipe, the apparatus comprising a valve assembly adapted to permit a hole to be drilled in the wall of the pipe or an item to be introduced into or removed from the pipe by way of a pre-existing hole in the wall of the pipe without fluid escaping from the assembly and a member which has a first end connected to the valve assembly and a second end for engaging that part of the wall of the pipe lying opposite the valve assembly, the member being adapted to be lowered into the excavation and then engaged with the wall of the pipe in such a manner that the valve assembly can be clamped to the wall of the pipe.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that comprises the steps of preassembling the connector pipe in a support; coupling a frame to the pipeline at or towards an end thereof such that the location of at least one part of the frame is known with reference to the throughbore and the end of the pipeline; engaging the support with a portion of the frame; substantially aligning the connector pipe with the end of the pipeline; and connecting the connector pipe to the end of the pipeline. A cutting tool is also disclosed that can be coupled to a portion of a guide means and used to cut the pipeline at a predetermined distance from the guide means such that the end of the pipeline is created. A remotely operable vehicle can be used to remotely actuate and control the connection of the pipe and the pipeline.

Abstract: Trenchless pipe replacement apparatus equipped with articulated lead sections that flex and accommodate an irregular path of an old pipe line. The articulated lead sections are coupled together by a flexible joint that allows the lead section assembly to flex and follow the path of the old pipe line that may be irregular due to misaligned pipe sections, dropped joints and other irregularities.

Abstract: An inspection chamber has a plastic sleeve as well as a plastic base attached to the sleeve and provided with at least two openings to which a pipe can in each case be attached, which plastic base has a flow profile which extends between the openings, and is made up of at least two separate base parts which, at the edges thereof facing towards each other, are fixedly attached to one another by means of a joining technique, such as gluing, welding and/or pop rivets. The flow profile has a rotational symmetry about a central axis which is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve.

Abstract: A housing has a central recessed area with a first end and a second end. Each end has an inside rim with at least one aperture there through. The housing has an outside end with an outside end rim with at least one aperture there through. The housing has a central portion with a full circumference. At least one elastomeric pad has an upper face and a lower face. The upper face is coupled to the housing. A compound lifting assembly coupling the pad to the housing.

Abstract: A process for lining an existing pipeline or conduit with a flexible resin impregnated cured in place liner by pulling in the liner and inflating an eversion bladder with air and curing the liner with flow-through steam without loss of pressure is provided. The bladder is stored in a pressure bladder canister coupled to a pressurized downtube and eversion elbow. The bladder is everted by introducing pressurized air into the canister As the bladder reaches the distal manhole, it enters a receiving canister where it is punctured while maintaining air pressure within the bladder a pinch valve between the downtube and elbow isolates the inverted bladder so that steam can be introduced into the bladder to cure the resin and exhaust through the receiving canister. The bladder is then removed and lateral service reinstated.

Abstract: An apparatus for defining a passageway through a composition between first and second locations. The apparatus has a cable pulling assembly and a support for the cable pulling assembly. The cable pulling assembly has a capstan assembly, with a part of the capstan assembly guided in movement around a first axis and engageable with a cable connected to a mole so as to cause a cable engaged by the part of the capstan assembly to be pulled as the part of the capstan assembly is driven around the first axis. The part of the capstan assembly has a circumferential groove, bounded by a surface and extending around the first axis, for reception of a cable to be pulled. The groove is configured so that a circumferentially localized force is applied by the groove surface to a cable operatively positioned in the groove tending to avoid circumferential slippage between the part of the capstan assembly and the cable operatively positioned in the groove.

Abstract: Method in which the following operations are carried out: a) digging an exploration hole (8) in order to open up a main pipeline (2) which has an upper edge (10) which extends at an upper level (12) which is substantially constant relative to the ground (6), b) using a branch connection (14) which has a support surface (16) and a shaft (18) to which the branch pipe is connected, c) positioning the support surface (16) of the branch connection (14) against the main pipeline (2) so that the shaft (18) is below the upper level (12) of the main pipeline (2), d) fixing the branch connection (14) to the main pipeline (2), e) placing the branch pipe and the main pipeline (2) in communication, f) refilling the exploration hole (8), whilst keeping the branch pipe below the upper level (12) of the main pipeline (2).

Abstract: A pipeline tool for use within a pipeline comprises a tool body with an internal flow bore, a swellable component disposed about the tool body, and a temporary seal disposed internally of the flow bore. The pipeline tool may further comprise a tracking device attached to the tool body, wherein the tracking device comprises a mechanical fixture, or an emitter that emits a signal that can be tracked.