Pipe Lining Apparatus Umbilical Supply Train

Abstract

A pipe lining apparatus umbilical supply train system having a pipe lining apparatus adapted to apply lining material to the interior of a pipe, a plurality of lining material supply tanks adapted to contain lining material; and an umbilical member connecting the lining material supply tanks to each other and to the pipe lining apparatus, whereby lining material retained within the lining material supply tanks is delivered through the umbilical member to the pipe lining apparatus.

Claims

1. A pipe lining apparatus umbilical supply train system comprising: a pipe lining apparatus adapted to apply lining material to the interior of a pipe; a plurality of lining material supply tanks adapted to contain lining material; and an umbilical member connecting said lining material supply tanks to each other and to said pipe lining apparatus, whereby lining material retained within said lining material supply tanks is delivered through said umbilical member to said pipe lining apparatus.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said pipe lining apparatus and said lining material supply tanks are self-propelled.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said pipe lining apparatus and said lining material supply tanks each comprise drive mechanisms.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising auxiliary components connected to said umbilical member.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein said auxiliary components are chosen from the group consisting of power generators, pumps, inline heaters and controllers.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the pipe lining apparatus umbilical supply train system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] With reference to the drawings, which are provided for descriptive, disclosure, enablement and illustrative purposes, it being intended that the drawings be non-limiting as to the scope and definition of the invention, the invention is shown and described as a pipe lining apparatus umbilical supply train system.

[0011] As used herein, the term pipe lining apparatus shall be taken to include a spraying or lining apparatus adapted to circumferentially apply, spray, propel or otherwise discharge a coating of a curable lining material onto the inner wall of a pipe to form a tubular liner structure adhered to the interior of the pipe. As used herein, the term umbilical member shall be taken to include and/or refer collectively to any umbilical, tether, tension member or similar tensile structure or combination of such members, which also contains or comprises lining material supply conduits or the like.

[0012] The pipe lining apparatus 20 may be of known type, and typically comprises a rotating spinner assembly or head 21 that is adapted to circumferentially apply uncured or partially cured lining material onto the inner wall of the pipe, typically by radially expelling the lining material. The lining material, such as for example a polymer resin, adheres to the wall of the pipe and cures to form an elastomeric or rigid liner, in essence creating a pipe within a pipe, the liner repairing, sealing, strengthening, providing corrosion or abrasion resistance, etc., to the pipe depending on the particular liner material chosen. The pipe liner apparatus 20 is most preferably self-propelled, such that movement through the pipe is accomplished by a dedicated propulsion device or similar drive mechanism 22 connected to or incorporated within the pipe liner apparatus 20, rather than by being pulled through the pipe by a powered accumulator reel. In this manner, the pipe liner apparatus 20 is able to move through the pipe at a controlled and consistent pace, continually applying the liner material to the pipe so as to produce a liner of consistent thickness.

[0013] The umbilical member 10 preferably serves multiple functions in the system. The umbilical member 10 is an elongated member that may comprise multiple elongated members, conduits or devices bundled together, and/or may comprise elongated members retained within an elongated sheath, and/or the sheath itself may perform a function of the umbilical member 20. The umbilical member 10 is connected to the pipe lining apparatus. The primary purpose of the umbilical member 10 in the system at hand is to be the conduit delivering lining material from the supply tanks 30 of the supply train system to the sprayer apparatus 10, the umbilical member 10 also serving to connect the supply tanks 30 to each other.

[0014] The supply tanks 30 are most preferably self-propelled by drive mechanisms 31 having wheels, rollers, belts, tracks or the like.

[0015] The system may further comprise power generators, pumps, inline heaters and/or controllers, shown generally as auxiliary components 40, to optimize delivery of the lining material to the pipe lining apparatus. The auxiliary components 40 are preferably self-propelled by drive mechanisms 41.

[0016] With the pipe lining apparatus umbilical supply train system as described, the pipe lining operation may be accomplished over great distances, as the quantity of lining material required to complete a particular job can be met by providing a sufficient number of lining material supply tanks 30, the supply tanks 30 be filled prior to entry into the pipe to be rehabilitated or repaired.

[0017] It is also possible to provide a second supply train which can travel between external supply sources and the primary supply train, automatically refilling the supply tanks 30 of the primary supply train as they are depleted.

[0018] It is contemplated that equivalents and substitutions for certain elements and structures described above may be obvious to those skilled in the art, and therefore the true scope and definition of the invention is to be as set forth in the following claims.