Abstract: A method for providing access to a buried pipe includes excavating the ground to expose the pipe. An access assembly comprising a curved plate and an upstanding access pipe is pressed onto the buried pipe with the curved plate embracing the buried pipe and the access pipe extending upwardly.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for remotely installing vortex-induced vibration (VIV) reduction and drag reduction devices on elongated structures in flowing fluid environments. The apparatus is a tool for transporting and installing the devices. The devices installed can include clamshell-shaped strakes, shrouds, fairings, sleeves and flotation modules.

Abstract: A distance retainer for media pipes to be guided through protective pipes is provided with a ring body consisting of several ring segments which are in turn provided with radially projecting, axially oriented sliding runners and which are manufactured from plastic. Connecting elements which engage with each other are provided on the ends of the ring segments that face towards each other. The axial recesses of these connecting elements that lie axially adjacent to each other are penetrated by an axial connecting mechanism. The invention provides that in order to be able to adapt the diameter to the particular media pipes within greater diameter ranges and therefore more simply, the connecting elements that engage with each other lie on top of each other in a radial direction and one connecting element is provided with two or more recesses which lie behind each other, a distance apart, in the peripheral direction.

Abstract: A method to set a hollow device into an undersea flow pipe uses a flexible pig 5 driven by a flow flowing into the flow pipe to displace a hollow device to a point where a stop halts a displacement of hollow device, thereby setting hollow device into position. A method to retrieve a hollow device from an undersea flow pipe uses a flexible pig driven by a flow flowing into flow pipe to retrieve hollow device from a location where hollow device operates.

Abstract: The method and two devices provide for the underground connection of pipe with minimal disruption of the surrounding landscape. A main pipe is cleaned by a surface preparation tool designed to access the main pipe through a small hole. An adaptor is attached to a second pipe, and then placed in a clamping device designed to access the main pipe and clamp the adaptor thereto through the small hole. Electricity is passed through the adaptor, thereby softening the plastic so that this softening and the pressure of the clamp secures the adaptor to the main pipe. The main pipe is then pierced by the adaptor's tapping tee.

Abstract: The invention is a tool for replacing underground pipe. The tool has a nose coupler for coupling a pulling chain for pulling said tool through the underground pipe, a rear portion with a rear coupler for coupling a retaining chain, a plurality of breaking elements extending along the central longitudinal axis from said nose to said rear portion, and a plurality of nozzles on said rearward facing edges of said breaking elements, said nozzles operative to emit jets of high-pressure water against surrounding soil and fragments of the underground pipe.

Abstract: A method of slitting a flexible conduit in an underground bore, the conduit having entry and exit ends thereof exposed for access, includes: (1) fitting a retainer to flexible underground conduit adjacent to the entry end thereof, the retainer securing the flexible conduit to limit longitudinal movement thereof relative to the bore, (2) passing pulling means through the flexible conduit; (3) connecting the pulling means to a pipe slitter, and (4) pulling the pipe slitter through the retainer and flexible conduit to slit the conduit, the retainer holding the flexible conduit taut as the slitter passes through the conduit. In one embodiment, the retainer is a shoring clamp assembly including a pair of ring clamps that are secured onto a split end of the flexible conduit and transfer the longitudinal forces applied to the conduit during the slitting operation to an adjacent structure such as a pit wall, thereby holding the conduit taut during the slitting operation.

Abstract: A sewer lining system comprising several components in combination. First provided is a plurality of longitudinal liner supports. Next provided is a plurality of arcuate inner supports with each having a plurality of threaded bolt holes running there through. Next provided is a plurality of arcuate support locks, with each arcuate support lock having a plurality of smooth bolt holes there through. Next provided is a plurality of bolts sized to be threadedly received into the threaded bolt holes of the arcuate inner supports with the bolts coupling the arcuate inner supports to the arcuate support locks. There is next provided a plurality of spacer pin subassemblies each having a spacer pin and a pin locking collar and a plurality of locking bolts. Next provided is a plurality of pipe spacers with each pipe spacer having a flange end and a pipe end. Lastly provided is a sewer liner fabricated of a flexible degradation resistant material being formed into a tube configuration from a sheet of said material.

Abstract: An assembly for introducing a pipe liner into a sewer pipe includes a launcher defining a passageway through which a resin impregnated pipe liner and bladder tube assembly passes. An inflatable member mounted to the launcher assembly is actuatable between an inflatable condition and a deflated condition. The pipe liner and bladder tube are secured in place by expanding the inflatable member outward against the inner surface of the sewer pipe. Air pressure drives the bladder tube and pipe liner into the sewer pipe and the bladder tube remains in place until the pipe liner hardens.

Abstract: Device for use in rehabilitation of water supply pipes includes a tubular liner (10) which is deployed through a pipe (11) for example by a line attached to a messenger pig which is propelled through the pipe. The liner (10) has a multi-lobed pleated cross-section, and is of a polyolefin elastomer material, e,g, a substantially linear ethylene inter-polymer. The liner is extruded and die drawn during extrusion to produce a reduced diameter highly oriented structure.

Abstract: Method for installing a duct (2) in the ground, whereby a longitudinal element (1) is already present in the ground near the route along which the duct (2) is to be installed, whereby the existing longitudinal element (1) is used as a guide for the duct (2) to be installed and the duct (2) is pushed into the ground with the aid of a fluid under pressure fed through the duct (2), whereby the duct (2) to be installed is coupled to the existing longitudinal element (1) by at least one divisible coupling piece (3) and whereby the coupling element is advanced along the existing longitudinal element (1) The invention also provides a coupling piece (3) for guiding the duct (2) along the longitudinal element (1).

Abstract: A method of selectively repairing the lining of a lined pipeline utilising a conveyance adapted to be receivable within and to travel through the pipeline. The conveyance consists of a plurality of vehicles comprising an inspection means, an excising means, a debris removal means and an application means. The method comprises: an identification step whereby the conveyance travels along the pipeline inspecting and locating damaged portions of the lining; an excising step whereby damaged portions of the lining identified from the inspection step are removed by the conveyance; a debris removal step whereby the conveyance travels along the pipeline to remove debris and/or water left in the pipeline by the excising step; and an application step whereby the conveyance travels along the pipeline and applies a fresh lining composition to replace the excised portions of lining removed by the excising step.

Abstract: A method of installing a formed-in-situ repair in a pipe 40 comprising locating a sleeve of reinforcement material impregnated with a settable resin within a tube 36 of soft, impervious sheet material; everting the tube into said pipe such that the sleeve is carried into a desired zone and brought into intimate contact with its inner surface; guiding the point of eversion 43 of said tube through directional changes in the pipe with guiding means 21; maintaining the inflation of the everted tube while passing a heated fluid medium through its interior to accelerate curing of the settable resin; and, when the settable resin is cured, de-everting the tube with withdrawal means 19 and withdrawing it from the pipe, leaving the sleeve of reinforcement material in place within it.

Abstract: Fusion of facing portions of the turnback portion of an installed everted resin impregnated cured in place liner installed in an existing conduit is avoided by adhering a high temperature turnback release film to a portion of the trailing end of the everting liner. After cure and removal of the downstream end of the liner, the high temperature release film is peeled away from the cured liner. This avoids the need to remove the fused portion of the turnback by cutting or excavation of a section of the liner. Fusion generally occurs due to the exotherm from the crosslinking of the thermosetting resin impregnated into the flexible lining.

Abstract: A utility conveyance (10), such as a pipe, cable or duct, designed for burial in surrounding earth (12) carries a passive warning mechanism (16), preferably a water-soluble dye embedded in the conveyance. The dye, when exposed to moisture (e.g., rainwater in the surround earth) will bleed from the conveyance and discolor the surrounding soil, thus alerting any contractor attempting to excavate in the surrounding area.

Abstract: The basic features of the invention include a pipe parting mole, a length of cable that is engagable to the mole, a cable pulling device and a cable pulling device engagement means that provides a mounting structure for the cable pulling device. The cable pulling device engagement means generally includes a reaction plate and a structure for removably engaging the cable pulling device therewithin. A cable pulling frame may be advantageously used to facilitate the removal of the cable from a relatively small hole that is created at the pulling end of the pipe.

Abstract: A surface of a canal, ditch or pipe is lined with a polyurethane/geofabric composite. A non-sagging polyurethane composition is applied to the canal, ditch or pipe surface, a geofabric is contacted with that surface in a manner such that the geofabric becomes impregnated with the non-sagging polyurethane composition which cures to form a polyurethane/geofabric composite. The non-sagging polyurethane is a reaction product of a polyisocyanate, a high molecular weight polyhydroxyl compound and a compound having at least 2 amino groups. A low molecular weight diol or triol, filler and catalyst are optional components. These composites are particularly useful in lining cracked or broken concave or angled surfaces.

Abstract: A tubular liner and a method for the rehabilitation of damaged conduits, in which the tubular liner has unbound concentric outer and inner tubular jackets made of a flexible material capable of being impregnated with a curable adhesive resin. The tubular liner also has an impermeable film made of a material impermeable to liquid, bonded to an inner surface of the inner jacket.

Abstract: By a method for the assembly of two carcass ends (1, 3), each of which consists of common, wound profiles, the end areas of the carcass pipes' common profiles are fixed. The fixing is carried out by a punctiform deformation process, which can expediently be effected by a punching process, riveting process or screw process. After the fixing, the two carcass ends are screwed into each other. In this way a fixing and a screw connection can be effected, where there is no risk of changes in the material of which the carcass pipe consists, such as can arise e.g. if a welding process is used. Especially with the punching process, it is further achieved that there is no risk that galvanic corrosion can arise. The method is especially applicable for the assembly of e.g. end lengths of new carcass pipes, and for the repair of a carcass pipe where a piece of the carcass pipe must be removed.

Abstract: The apparatus and technique of the invention constitutes a hydraulic jack system for pushing sections of new pipe which, in turn, pushes a sleeve-cone expander arrangement to break up the old pipe and define a straight path for the new pipe. Apparatus is employed to determine the skin friction and the penetration friction, and to dispense a lubricant to reduce such frictional forces.

Abstract: In a method of laying a cable, or a pipe for the subsequent introduction of a cable, in a fresh-water conduit, the surface of the cable or pipe is cleaned during the laying process immediately before entering the fresh-water conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus for replacing underground pipe. The apparatus has a fracturing or cutting element to fracture or cut underground pipe as it is drawn through the underground pipe. The apparatus additionally has an expanding element to expand the cavity of the underground pipe and a pipe guide to guide replacement pipe into the cavity of the underground pipe. The apparatus incorporates a longitudinal bore running the length thereof. A pulling line is passed through the longitudinal bore and connected to a block. The pulling line and block are operative to draw the apparatus through the underground pipe. A retaining line is connected to the block and trails the apparatus through the underground pipe. The retaining line permits retrieval of the apparatus in the event of an obstruction of the underground pipe. In addition, a plate connected to the retaining line is used to push replacement pipe into the cavity of the underground pipe behind the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of determining optimal repair options for cast iron and ductile iron water or wastewater pipe sections having a number of pipe-lengths is provided. The method includes the computer-implemented steps of inputting measured pipe-length wall dimensional data, determining pipe failure rates for current and future times based on the input data, defining one or more repair scenarios for the pipe, and determining the pipe failure rates for the defined repair scenarios. The pipe failure rate determinations are provided to the user as an output. The calculation of failure rates includes determining probability of pipe-length failure due to corrosion and determining probability of pipe-length failure due to transverse bending.

Abstract: A tool for replacing pipe, in which the existing underground pipe is fractured or cut into fragments, which are forced inward so that they pass through the tool. The tool has breaking members that extend radially outwards and backwards from a nose such that, when the tool is pulled through an existing underground pipe, the breaking members are forced against the inside of the existing underground pipe, thereby breaking it. The fragments are forced inwards by the leading edge of the cylindrical base of the tool and pass through a bore in the cylindrical base. In this way the replacement of existing underground pipe is made possible without expanding the cavity of the existing underground pipe. The tool may additionally include a pipe guide for guiding replacement pipe into place behind the tool as the tool is pulled through the existing underground pipe. The fragments pass through the pipe guide and into the replacement pipe.

Abstract: A vertical pull apparatus for converting a vertical pulling motion to a horizontal pulling motion, which vertical pull apparatus typically includes a support for positioning in a generally vertical position. A cable-engaging mechanism is provided on the support, which cable-engaging mechanism engages a cable and defines a generally vertical cable segment and a generally horizontal cable segment in the cable. A first cable-gripping element and a second cable-gripping element on the support alternately and repeatedly grip and release the vertical cable segment of the cable. At least one of the cable-gripping elements is adapted for gripping and pulling the vertical cable segment of the cable along a vertical axis, such that the horizontal cable segment is pulled along a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A method of replacing damaged parts of wastewater channels with inserted parts, e.g. optical cables, includes removing a section of the channel, positioning a lower half-shell (1) below the inserted part (2) at the removed section of the channel, passing an attachment element (3) having two ends (3a, 3b) around the inserted part (2), feeding the attachment element (3) through at least one opening (4, 6) of an upper half shell (5), placing the upper half shell (5) on the lower half shell (1), attaching the upper half shell (5) to the lower half shell (1), attaching the upper and lower half shells (5, 1) to neighboring channel sections, pulling the ends of the attachment element (3) tight to press the inserted part (2) against the inner surface of the channel, and filling the opening (4, 6) with a sealing compound (7).

Abstract: The trenchless water pipe replacement device includes a cable pulling device, a pipe splitter, a length of cable and a cable end piece. The cable is fished through a pipe that is to be replaced, and a length of replacement pipe is attached to the end piece. The pipe splitter is disposed at the front end of the pipe and the cable pulling device is disposed behind the pipe splitter. When the cable pulling device is activated, the end piece makes contact with the rear end of the pipe and sufficient pulling force is applied to the cable to dislodge the pipe and pull it onto the pipe splitter, which splits the pipe as it is pulled from the ground. The replacement pipe is pulled behind the end piece, such that when the end piece is entirely pulled through the ground, the replacement pipe is disposed in its place.

Abstract: A device for repairing underground sewers, pipes or similar provides a cylindrical hollow body (1; 21), which has an elastically expandable casing (2; 22) acting as an outer wall.

Abstract: A pig launching system and a pig receiving system for use in cleaning a subsea flowline. This invention further relates to a method of propelling a pig through a flowline using a pressurized accumulator, a method of assembling a subsea pig receiver in a flowline using a remotely operated vehicle, and a method of collecting a sample from a subsea flowline, using an accumulator connected to a pig launcher.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for trenchless placement of pipe or conduit that allows termination at a vault or manhole structure without destruction of the vault or manhole. The specific improvement is the means of making the bursting ram and all components used in the procedure (but for the replacement pipe) disassemblable in a small space, such as a vault or manhole. The disclosed improvement is a means to keep the bursting ram together during use but then to allow the bursting ram after it enters into the manhole or vault, to be disassembled with hand tools and removed in parts without destruction or damage to the vault structure. This makes the trenchless placement of conduit or piping non-destructive over the distance of the route as well as at the termination at a manhole.

Abstract: A subsea pig launcher, that can launch either 1 or more pipeline pigs simultaneously. The pig launcher can be assembled on a subseas production pipeline with the aid of an ROV. In the preferred embodiment, the pigs are connected to each other and spaced apart by a spine. The pig launcher is configured to capture the next pig to be launched in such a manner that the spine behind it is in alignment with a shearing valve; for example, coiled tubing or wireline. Sequential valve operation shears the spine and applies pressure behind the pig to launch it from the launcher past the pig detector and onto a platform for recapture.

Abstract: A robotic apparatus and method for treatment of system of conduits and lateral sub-conduits comprising a remotely controlled robotic vehicle which navigates main conduits which delivers a series of tools to locations within the conduit. The mule's tools comprise a variety of devices including a tape head and a transport housing for a second remotely controlled robotic vehicle, or mouse which can be deployed for traversing and treating sub-conduits. Further, a method to install one or more small diameter flexible elongate members, such as conductors or sheathes to the inside of the system of conduits comprises advancing an elongate member through the conduit system with the mule or mouse, anchoring the elongate member and then taping the elongate member with the taping head while retreating out of the conduit. Preferably the tape is pre-shaped to minimize wrinkling upon application and more preferably, greater security and tape bonding strength is achieved by spraying over the tape and elongate member.

Abstract: A tool for replacing existing plastic water service pipes that are buried underground. The proposed tool is pulled through an existing pipe by means of a stranded steel cable. The internal wall of the pipe is scored by a single cutting blade incorporated into the tool. The pipe is split open along the scoring as a result of the outward pressure created by a rearward portion of the conically shaped tool which is larger in diameter than the inside of the existing pipe. A replacement pipe is attached to the end of the tool and simultaneously pulled into place. The short tapered shape of the tool allows it to be pulled through bends encountered in the existing plastic pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus which guides a cable through a conduit. The apparatus includes a guide device for receiving the cable. Passage of the cable through the guide device is permitted. Further, the guide device is automatically moved from a first position to a second position during passage of the cable into the conduit to assist in the movement of the cable along the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved cutting device and method for cutting openings in rehabilitative sewer pipe liners and other surfaces in confined spaces. The present invention utilizes a stream of ultra-high pressured fluid as a cutting medium to reduce mechanical vibration, reduce the need for the withdrawal of equipment from a confined space for repair or bit replacement, and provide a cleaning medium that allows the cleaning of remote sensing equipment at the remote location without the need for withdrawal of the equipment. The device of the present invention is a generally cylindrical or oblong body and sled having a cutting head extendible therefrom for positioning and aiming a cutting stream of ultra-high pressured fluid towards a surface to be cut.

Abstract: A method of repairing or reinforcing worn-out underground buried drainpipes by a resin transfer molding process using both flexible tubes and bagging films is disclosed. In the method of this invention, a reinforcement is primarily inserted into a desired position within a target worn-out drainpipe buried underground. The reinforcement consists of a fiber preform internally having a flexible tube, such as a silicon tube, axially extending along the central axis of the preform and wrapped with an adhesive-coated flexible film as a bagging film to provide protection from sewage or underground water. The flexible tube is, thereafter, expanded to bring the fiber preform into close contact with the interior surface of the target drainpipe. The opposite ends of the reinforcement are sealed with two lids. Thereafter, thermosetting resin is transferred into the fiber preform, thus allowing the fiber preform to be impregnated with the thermosetting resin.

Abstract: An apparatus for bursting and replacing gas, water, sewer or other underground utility pipes. In a preferred embodiment the apparatus is characterized by a specially-designed rod-pulling device which is situated typically in a manhole or excavation, at one end of the pipe to be replaced. A rod is extended from the rod-pulling device through the pipe and is attached to a stored energy head disposed in a tapered bursting head which initially engages the opposite end of the pipe. A pneumatic hammer is typically seated in the stored energy head and a replacement pipe is removably attached to the bursting head. In typical operation, the rod-pulling device pus the stored energy head against the bursting head and thus, the bursting head against the pipe as the pneumatic hammer repeatedly strikes the stored energy head against the bursting head.

Abstract: A method of repairing or reinforcing worn-out underground buried drainpipes by a resin transfer molding process using both flexible tubes and bagging films is disclosed. In the method of this invention, a reinforcement is primarily inserted into a desired position within a target worn-out drainpipe buried underground. The reinforcement consists of a fiber preform internally having a flexible tube, such as a silicon tube, axially extending along the central axis of the preform and wrapped with an adhesive-coated flexible film as a bagging film to provide protection from sewage or underground water. The flexible tube is, thereafter, expanded to bring the fiber preform into close contact with the interior surface of the target drainpipe. The opposite ends of the reinforcement are sealed with two lids. Thereafter, thermosetting resin is transferred into the fiber preform, thus allowing the fiber preform to be impregnated with the thermosetting resin.

Abstract: A new method and apparatus have been developed which inserts and withdraws tubing from pipes without bending or kinking the tubing. Beneficially, the new method and apparatus may be employed to insert and withdraw tubing to depths greater than ever possible before. The method involves using skate apparatuses to reduce coiling and friction of the tube. Advantageously, the apparatus is portable, easily handled, and adaptable to handle tubing of differing diameters.

Abstract: A method of replacing damaged parts of wastewater channels with inserted parts, e.g. optical cables, includes removing a section of the channel, positioning a lower half-shell (1) below the inserted part (2) at the removed section of the channel, passing an attachment element (3) having two ends (3a, 3b) around the inserted part (2), feeding the attachment element (3) through at least one opening (4, 6) of an upper half shell (5), placing the upper half shell (5) on the lower half shell (1), attaching the upper half shell (5) to the lower half shell (1), attaching the upper and lower half shells (5, 1) to neighboring channel sections, pulling the ends of the attachment element (3) tight to press the inserted part (2) against the inner surface of the channel, and filling the opening (4, 6) with a sealing compound (7).