The disclosed invention provides a device and method to detect leaks in pipelines and heal them instantly using twin ball technology. The device comprises two twin balls of novel construction inserted into the pipeline. The sensor ball receives acoustical data through internal sensors. Once the threshold of the sound level is surpassed, the smart ball will send a signal to the second flowing ball. The second ball will flow towards the leaking outlet and eject a healing fluid to close the leak and prevent further damage. The sensor ball will also alert the user to the size and location of the leak via Wi-Fi monitoring and text messaging. This twin balls technology could be used in pipelines of varying sizes and flow rates.

An intelligent maintenance and repair robot for small diameter and small flow oil and gas pipelines, including a frame, a speed control mechanism, a braking mechanism, an anchoring mechanism, and a sealing mechanism; the speed control mechanism is composed of a motor, rotor, etc; the braking mechanism is composed of a braking rubber cylinder and a first extrusion ring; the anchoring mechanism is composed of a rubber conical cylinder, slips, etc; and the sealing mechanism is composed of a sealing rubber cylinder and a second extrusion ring. The second extrusion ring is driven by a hydraulic rod to press the sealing rubber cylinder, causing it to expand and block the pipe wall to achieve sealing. The intelligent maintenance and repair robot inside the pipeline has the characteristics of good speed control response, wide speed range, strong ability to pass bends, stable braking process, and high sealing reliability.

A pipe repair device includes a body defining a first body end, a second body end, and a middle body section therebetween; a foldable arm pivotably attached to the body to radially reposition the foldable arm relative to the body, the foldable arm comprising a first segment and a second segment, the first segment extending between the body and the second segment, wherein the second segment is substantially parallel to the body; and a locomotion subsystem configured to drive the pipe repair device through a pipe, the locomotion subsystem mounted to the second segment of the foldable arm and configured to engage an inner surface of the pipe.

A pipe rehabilitation system and/or robot can be used inside a pipe to measure characteristics of branch conduits, install plugs into branch conduits before the pipe is lined with a liner, remove portions of plugs and liners after lining to restore fluid communication between the pipe and branch conduits, and/or install fittings into the branch conduits to connect the liner to the branch conduits. A probe can measure characteristics of a branch conduit. A tool can install plugs and/or fittings into the branch conduits. A linkage can connect a tool to a robotic tractor so that the connected elements can navigate through a main pipe. A visualization system can aid in aligning a robot with a branch conduit. Height-adjustable braces can support robotic tools in a pipe. A plug can include integrated locating features and/or movable parts that enable expanding the plug to seal with the branch conduit.

A pipe repair device includes a body defining a first body end, a second body end, and a middle body section therebetween; a pivotable arm attached to the body, wherein the pivotable arm is pivotable relative to the body to radially reposition the pivotable arm relative to the body; a locomotion subsystem configured to drive the pipe repair device through a pipe, the locomotion subsystem mounted to the pivotable arm and configured to engage an inner surface of the pipe; and a stent mounted to the body, the stent comprising a sealing layer and a spring.

A pipe repair device includes a body defining a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a stent configurable in a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration, the stent mounted to the body in the compressed configuration; and a locomotion subsystem configured to drive the pipe repair device through a pipe, the locomotion subsystem comprising a steering rod extending from the first end of the body and configured to engage an inner surface of the pipe.

The disclosure relates to a gripping apparatus, for use in connecting to a pipe wherein the pipe defines an inside radius, the apparatus having at least one discrete gripping device mounted on a body, wherein the body is a wedge cone; an outer surface on each of the at least one discrete gripping device, wherein the outer surface has a transition surface defined by a means for reducing any sharp transition point; a coating on the outer surface; a collective actuation-retraction mechanism connected to the wedge cone and to each of the at least one discrete gripping device; and a collective extension-retractable mechanism connected to each of at least one discrete gripping device. The disclosure further relates to an alternative exemplary embodiment wherein the gripping apparatus further includes a spring, wherein the spring pre-biases each of the at least one discrete gripping device beyond the inside radius of the pipe to instantly grip the inside radius.

A pipe rehabilitation system and/or robot can be used inside a pipe to measure characteristics of branch conduits, install plugs into branch conduits before the pipe is lined with a liner, remove portions of plugs and liners after lining to restore fluid communication between the pipe and branch conduits, and/or install fittings into the branch conduits to connect the liner to the branch conduits. A probe can measure characteristics of a branch conduit. A tool can install plugs and/or fittings into the branch conduits. A linkage can connect a tool to a robotic tractor so that the connected elements can navigate through a main pipe. A visualization system can aid in aligning a robot with a branch conduit. Height-adjustable braces can support robotic tools in a pipe. A plug can include integrated locating features and/or movable parts that enable expanding the plug to seal with the branch conduit.

Example aspects of a pipe repair assembly, a deployment probe for repairing a pipeline, and a method of repairing a pipeline are disclosed. The pipe repair assembly can comprise a retainer device comprising a retainer tab extending into a retainer slot, the retainer device movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position; and a pipe repair device comprising a spring and an engagement tab, the engagement tab defining a channel, wherein, in the engaged position, the engagement tab is received in the retainer slot and the retainer tab engages the channel, and in the disengaged position, the engagement tab is disposed outside of the retainer slot and the retainer tab is disengaged from the channel.

The present invention provides methods and systems for sealing at least one leak in at least one of at least one premise-side pipe and a premise-side pipe network, the method including passing at least one of a pig train and a sealant composition under pressure along at least one of said premises-side pipeline and at least part of said premises-side pipe network such that a portion of the sealant composition enters at least one leakage site to seal and cure the at least one leak on said premise-side.