Self-Propelled Internal Pipe Lining System Having Multiple Propulsion Devices

Abstract

A self-propelled pipe lining system adapted to create an internal liner member on a pipe or other tubular structure, the system being the combination of a sprayer apparatus, an umbilical member connected to the sprayer apparatus and supplying the lining material, electrical power and communication, a plurality of propulsion devices mounted onto the umbilical member, and an accumulator reel for retaining the umbilical member. The spraying apparatus and propulsion devices are independently powered and controlled such that each may be accelerated or decelerated as required to maintain the sprayer apparatus at a constant speed during the application process. The propulsion devices are detachable from the umbilical member.

Claims

1. An internal pipe lining system comprising: a sprayer apparatus adapted to apply lining material to the interior of a pipe; an umbilical member connected to said sprayer apparatus; and a plurality of propulsion devices mounted on said umbilical member at spaced intervals.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein each of said propulsion devices are removably mounted on said umbilical member.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said sprayer apparatus is self-propelled.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein said sprayer apparatus comprises one of said plurality of propulsion devices.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein each of said propulsion devices comprise one or more motorized drive units, each said motorized drive actuating a traction member.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein each of said propulsion devices further comprises an extension assembly associated with each said motorized drive unit, whereby said extension assemblies radially extend and retract said tractions members.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein each of said propulsion devices is independently controlled, such that the travel speed of each of said propulsion devices can be increased or decreased independently.

8. The system of claim 3, wherein said self-propelled sprayer apparatus and each of said propulsion devices are independently controlled, such that the travel speed of said self-propelled sprayer apparatus and each of said propulsion devices can be increased or decreased independently.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising an accumulator reel adapted to retain said umbilical member.

10. The system of claim 2, wherein said umbilical member comprises a plurality of mounting segments located at space intervals, and wherein said propulsion devices are removably mounted on said mounting segments.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein said mounting segments each comprises an electrical connector adapted to transmit electricity and communication signals to said propulsion devices.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein said umbilical member comprises a mechanism delivering lining material to said sprayer apparatus, a mechanism delivering electrical power to said sprayer apparatus and said propulsion devices, and a mechanism transmitting communication signals to said sprayer apparatus and said propulsion devices.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein each of said propulsion devices comprises a mounting assembly comprising a first jaw member and a second jaw member connected by a pivot hinge, whereby said mounting assembly clamps onto said mounting segment.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein each said mounting assembly comprises a first jaw member, a second jaw member connected by a pivot hinge, and an electrical connector, whereby said mounting assembly clamps onto said mounting segment such that said mounting segment electrical connector connects with said mounting assembly electrical connector.

15. An internal pipe lining system comprising: a self-propelled sprayer apparatus adapted to move through a pipe to apply lining material to the interior of the pipe; an umbilical member connected to said sprayer apparatus, said umbilical member comprising mounting segments at spaced intervals; and a plurality of propulsion devices adapted to move through the pipe, said propulsion devices being removably mounted on said mounting segments of said umbilical member; wherein each of said propulsion devices comprises one or more motorized drive units, each said motorized drive actuating a traction member in contact with the pipe.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein each of said propulsion devices further comprises an extension assembly associated with each said motorized drive unit, whereby said extension assemblies radially extend and retract said tractions members.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein said self-propelled sprayer apparatus and each of said propulsion devices are independently controlled, such that the travel speed of said self-propelled sprayer apparatus and each of said propulsion devices can be increased or decreased independently.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein said self-propelled sprayer apparatus and each of said propulsion devices are independently controlled, such that the travel speed of said self-propelled sprayer apparatus and each of said propulsion devices can be increased or decreased independently.

19. The system of claim 16, wherein said umbilical member comprises a mechanism delivering lining material to said sprayer apparatus, a mechanism delivering electrical power to said sprayer apparatus and said propulsion devices, and a mechanism transmitting communication signals to said sprayer apparatus and said propulsion devices.

20. An internal pipe lining system comprising: a self-propelled sprayer apparatus adapted to move through a pipe to apply lining material to the interior of the pipe; an umbilical member connected to said sprayer apparatus, said umbilical member comprising mounting segments at spaced intervals; and a plurality of propulsion devices adapted to move through the pipe, said propulsion devices being removably mounted on said mounting segments of said umbilical member; wherein each of said propulsion devices comprises one or more motorized drive units, each said motorized drive actuating a traction member in contact with the pipe, and wherein each of said propulsion devices further comprises an extension assembly associated with each said motorized drive unit, whereby said extension assemblies radially extend and retract said tractions members; wherein said self-propelled sprayer apparatus and each of said propulsion devices are independently controlled, such that the travel speed of said self-propelled sprayer apparatus and each of said propulsion devices can be increased or decreased independently; and wherein said umbilical member comprises a mechanism delivering lining material to said sprayer apparatus, a mechanism delivering electrical power to said sprayer apparatus and said propulsion devices, and a mechanism transmitting communication signals to said sprayer apparatus and said propulsion devices.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the propulsion device showing a pair of motorized drive units.

[0017] FIG. 2 is an illustration of an embodiment of a section of the umbilical member showing the mounting segment and electrical/communication connector.

[0018] FIG. 3 is an illustration of an embodiment of a self-propelled sprayer apparatus with a dedicated propulsion device having four drive units.

[0019] FIG. 4 is an end view of the propulsion device shown in FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a side view of the propulsion device of FIG. 4.

[0021] FIG. 6 is an end view of the propulsion device of FIG. 1 shown with the mounting assembly in the open configuration.

[0022] FIG. 7 is an end view of an embodiment of the propulsion device having an extension assembly, the extension assembly shown in the extended configuration.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a side view of the propulsion device of FIG. 7.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the propulsion device of FIG. 1, shown in the open configuration.

[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the propulsion device of FIG. 9, shown as partially mounted onto the umbilical member.

[0026] FIG. 11 is an exposed view of a pipe showing the accumulator reel, the umbilical member, plural propulsion devices and the self-propelled sprayer apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] 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 in various embodiments as comprising in general a self-propelled pipe lining system adapted to form an internal liner or lining member 92 member on a pipe or other tubular structure 91, the system comprising a sprayer or lining apparatus 30, an umbilical member 40 connected to the sprayer apparatus 30, a plurality of propulsion devices 10 mounted onto the umbilical member 40, and an accumulator reel 50 for retaining, deploying and retrieving the umbilical member 40. The sprayer apparatus 30 circumferentially applies liner material onto the inner wall of the pipe 91 as it passes through the pipe 91, the liner material subsequently curing to form the liner 92. The sprayer apparatus 30 is provided with a propulsion device 10, either attached or incorporated within, or otherwise structured so as to be self-propelled. The umbilical member 40 comprises one or more material delivery devices, conduits or members adapted to supply lining material to the sprayer apparatus 30, one or more electrical power transmission devices, conduits or members adapted to provide power to the sprayer apparatus 30 and propulsion devices 10, and one or more communication signal transmission devices, conduits or members adapted to enable communications to and from the sprayer apparatus 30 and propulsion devices 10. The umbilical member 40 further comprises periodically-spaced mounting segments 41 adapted to receive the propulsion devices 10. The umbilical member 40 is sufficiently strong so as to act as a tension member if needed. The propulsion devices 10 comprise powered, motorized drive units 11 to propel the propulsion devices 10 within the pipe 91. Preferably, the propulsion devices 10 further comprise extension assemblies 13 adapted to radially extend and retract the drive units 11 for optimum traction on the inner wall of the pipe 91. The propulsion devices 10 are removably mounted onto the mounting segments 41 of the umbilical member 40.

[0028] As used herein, the term sprayer 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, such as for example an uncured or partially cured polymer resin that self-cures or cures by heat, UV light or similar means, to form a tubular liner structure adhered to the interior of the pipe. The term pipe as used herein shall be taken to include any rigid tubular member composed for example of concrete, metal or a material with similar structural properties, and shall also be taken to include a previously applied and cured liner within a tubular structure onto which an additional internal liner is to be applied. 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, electrical power lines and communication transmission members, such as for example hoses, wires or fiber optics.

[0029] The sprayer apparatus 30 may be of known type, and typically comprises a rotating spinner assembly or head 31 that is adapted to circumferentially apply uncured or partially cured lining material onto the inner wall of the pipe 91, typically by radially expelling the lining material. The lining material, such as for example a polymer resin, adheres to the wall of the pipe 91 and cures to form an elastomeric or rigid liner 92, in essence creating a pipe within a pipe, the liner 92 repairing, sealing, strengthening, providing corrosion or abrasion resistance, etc., to the pipe 91 depending on the particular liner material chosen. The sprayer apparatus 30 is self-propelled, such that movement through the pipe 91 is accomplished by a dedicated propulsion device 10 or similar drive mechanism connected to or incorporated within the sprayer apparatus 20, rather than by being pulled through the pipe 91 by a powered accumulator reel 50. In this manner, the sprayer apparatus 30 is able to move through the pipe 91 at a controlled and consistent pace, continually applying the liner material to the pipe 91 so as to produce a liner 92 of consistent thickness. An embodiment of the motorized sprayer apparatus 30 is shown in FIG. 3, wherein the sprayer apparatus 30 is shown to comprise a propulsion device 10 having four drive units 11, although any number of drive units 11 may be utilized.

[0030] The umbilical member 40, an embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 2, serves multiple functions in the system. The umbilical member 40 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 40. The umbilical member 40 is connected to the sprayer apparatus 30 and extends from the sprayer apparatus 30 to the accumulator reel 50, the umbilical member 40 being flexible enough to be wound onto the accumulator reel 50. The umbilical member 40 comprises a mechanism delivering uncured lining material (from an external pumping source), a mechanism delivering electrical power (from an external power source) and a mechanism transmitting communication signals (from and to an external control device, such as a computer, sensors, etc.) to the sprayer apparatus 30 and to the propulsion devices 10, as well as a mechanism providing tensile forces and linkage between the propulsion devices 10 and the sprayer apparatus 30. For example, the umbilical member 40 may comprise a hose to deliver the lining material, electrical wires to deliver power, and wire or optical fibers to provide communication between a main or control processor and the propulsion devices 10 and spraying apparatus 30.

[0031] The umbilical member 40 further comprises a plurality of mounting segments 41, preferably spaced at regular intervals along the umbilical member 40, such as for example one mounting segment 41 being disposed every 50 feet. The mounting segments 41 are structured to receive, mate or otherwise cooperate with the propulsion devices 10, and comprise an electrical connector 42 adapted to transmit electricity and communication signals to a propulsion device 10 mounted on the mounting segment 41. A pair of alignment sockets 42 may be provided to insure proper alignment of the propulsion device 10 on the mounting segment 41. The size and configuration of the mounting segments 41 is chosen such that they do not interfere with winding the umbilical member 40 onto the accumulator reel 50 or with passage of the umbilical member 40 through the pipe 91. By providing propulsion devices 10 at spaced intervals along the umbilical member 40, the friction problems caused by contact of the umbilical member 40 with the pipe surface are eliminated or reduced.

[0032] Movement of the internal pipe lining system is accomplished through a plurality of independent propulsion devices 10, as shown in various embodiments in FIGS. 1 and 4-11. Each propulsion device 10 comprises at least one and preferably multiple powered, motorized drive units 11, each of the drive units 11 actuating a traction member 12, such as a rotating belt, roller, wheel or similar member, that is adapted to contact the surface of the inner wall of the pipe 91 so as to propel the propulsion devices 10 along the pipe 91. A motor and a microcontroller or similar mechanism is provided in each propulsion device 10, such that each propulsion device 10 is independently self-powered and controlled. Sensors are provided in each propulsion device 10 such that the rate of travel is constantly monitored, whereby any decrease in speed resulting from increased friction, pipe geometries, etc., is immediately addressed with an increase in speed of the affected drive units 11, and whereby any increase in speed resulting from reduced friction, pipe geometries, etc., is immediately addressed with a decrease in speed of the affected drive units 11, thereby maintaining a constant rate of travel for each propulsion device 10 and for the sprayer apparatus 30.

[0033] For propulsion devices 10 sized for use in relatively large diameter pipes, the weight of the propulsion device 10 may be such that locating a single drive unit 11 and traction member 12, or a pair of closely associated drive units 11 and traction members 12, on the underside of the propulsion device 10 will be sufficient to provide enough traction to move the propulsion devices 10, the umbilical member 40 and the sprayer apparatus 30 through the pipe 91. In a more preferred embodiment, the propulsion device 10 will comprise two or more drive units 11 and traction members 12, which may be spaced equidistantly about the propulsion device 10, such that two drive units 11 are separated by 180 degrees, three drive units 11 are separated by 120 degrees, and four drive units 11 are separated by 90 degrees. With this design, better contact is maintained with the inner surface of the pipe 91.

[0034] Most preferably, the drive units 11 are mounted onto extension assemblies 13, as shown best in FIGS. 7 and 8, which are utilized to extend the drive units 11 radially outward to apply force against the inner wall of the pipe 91 normal to the travel direction, thereby greatly increasing traction. In the embodiment shown, the extension assemblies 13 are scissor-type assemblies which can be moved from a retracted position to an extended position as required by the internal diameter of the pipe 91, the amount of extension controlled by sensors, mechanical mechanisms or the like. The amount of extension may be self-determined and controlled by each propulsion device 10, or may be controlled by an external control processor or the like. Alternative mechanisms and assemblies other than the scissor-type assembly illustrated in the drawings may be utilized. By providing multiple drive units 11 arranged so as to make wall contact at equidistant positions and which may be extended as needed to provide sufficient traction, the propulsion devices 10 may be kept relatively lightweight and small, such that a propulsion device 10 may be utilized in small pipes 91 and in pipes 91 of differing internal diameters. The extension assemblies 13 are most preferably designed such that retraction from the extended position is automatic in the event that power is lost, as otherwise removal of the umbilical member 40, the propulsion devices 10 and the sprayer apparatus 30 from the pipe 10 will be difficult.

[0035] While the propulsion devices 10 may be permanently attached to the umbilical member 40 it is preferred that the propulsion devices 10 comprise a mounting assembly 20 so as to be removable from the umbilical member 40, and most preferred that the propulsion devices 10 be quickly attachable and detachable. The reason for this is that retrieval and deployment of the umbilical member 40 onto the accumulator reel 50 is simplified and more efficient if the bulky propulsion devices 10 are not wound onto the accumulator reel 50 along with the umbilical member 40. It is also important that removal of each propulsion device 10 from the umbilical member 40 be rapidly accomplished as each propulsion device 10 exits the pipe 91 without requiring stoppage or intermittent slowing of the retrieval process, as retrieval occurs as the sprayer apparatus 30 is continuing to apply the liner material onto the pipe 91 and constant travel speed of the spraying apparatus 30 needs to be maintained. The removal process for the propulsion devices 10 may be accomplished manually or specialized equipment may be utilized to automate the process.

[0036] As best shown in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6, 9 and 10, each propulsion device 10 may comprise a mounting assembly 20 formed by the combination of a first jaw member 21 and a second jay member 22, the first and second jaw members 21/22 connected by a pivot hinge 23 such that they may be opened and closed in the manner of a clamshell. In the embodiment shown, a drive unit 11 is mounted to each of the L-shaped jaw members 21/22. For a propulsion device 10 having four drive units 11, the two additional drive units 11 would be mounted on the empty sides of the jaw members 21/22. The first jaw member 21 is provided with an electrical connector 28 adapted to mate with the electrical connector 42 located on the mounting segment 41 of the umbilical member 40, such that electrical power and communication signals are passed to and from the propulsion device through the umbilical member 40. A pair of alignment posts 27 are positioned so as to be received within the alignment sockets of the mounting segment 41 to assure proper alignment. The mounting assembly further comprises a locking mechanism, such as one or more locking pins 25 insertable into pin bores 26, the locking pins 25 abutting locking posts 24 located on the second jaw member 22 when inserted so as to prevent separation of the jaw members 21/22 until removed. In this manner, a propulsion device 10 may be quickly attached and detached from the umbilical member 40.

[0037] In use, the sprayer apparatus 30 is inserted into the pipe 91 and actuated so as to advance under self-power through the pipe 91 as the umbilical member 40 plays out from the accumulator reel 50. As a mounting segment 41 passes from the accumulator reel 50, a propulsion member 10 is affixed to the mounting segment 41 and actuated so as to advance under self-power through the pipe 91, thereby pulling the umbilical member 40. Actuation of the drive units 11 on the sprayer apparatus 50 and/or the propulsion devices 10 may occur automatically when each propulsion device is attached to the umbilical member 40, or may be accomplished manually, by a signal from the external control device, or by sensors mounted on the propulsion devices 10 and sprayer apparatus 30 which indicate they have been inserted into the pipe 91.

[0038] Once the sprayer apparatus 30 reaches the starting location for applying the lining material, the propulsion devices 10 reverse direction and travel at a preset speed such that the spraying apparatus 30 moves at a constant speed back through the pipe 91 toward the accumulator reel 50, which is rotated to retrieve and store the umbilical member 30. Each propulsion member 10 is independently powered, such that any individual propulsion member 10 will automatically accelerate or decelerate to account for physical conditions in the pipe 91 affecting travel of the propulsion member 10, segments of the umbilical member 40 and/or the spraying apparatus 30. As each propulsion member 10 exits the pipe 91, it is removed from the umbilical member 40 prior to the umbilical member 40 being rewound onto the accumulator reel 50.

[0039] 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.