System and arrangement for conduit reparation

Abstract

Disclosed is a system and arrangement for conduit expansion for use in expanding a liner conduit within a host conduit. The system includes injection hardware positioned on a first end of the liner conduit and the host conduit, and distal end cap hardware positioned on a second end of the host conduit and liner conduit. Both the injection hardware and the distal end cap hardware are in communication with a control mechanism for use in monitoring and / or controlling the operating parameters of the system.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application takes priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 478,594, filed Jun. 13, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates generally to systems for repairing, lining or expanding conduit, such as expanding a liner conduit within a host conduit and, in particular, to a system and arrangement with accompanying hardware for repairing a conduit, for example expanding a liner conduit within a host conduit. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] Conduit systems are used extensively throughout the world in order to transfer or convey material, such as water and other fluids, from location to location for distribution throughout the system. For example, extensive conduit systems are used to distribute water to both residences and businesses for use and further processes. Typically, such conduit or p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a system and arrangement for conduit reparation that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art. The system includes injection hardware and distal end hardware in operative communication with the ends of the target conduit, and a control mechanism in communication with the injection and distal end hardware. The control mechanism can monitor and control the conduit reparation process, and includes measurement devices for measuring physical characteristics of the injected material, the lining process, the host conduit, and the liner conduit. The system also includes a communication device for transmitting and receiving signals, and control software for performing various functions and actions. The technical effects of the invention include improved structural integrity of the liner and host conduits, increased safety during the repair process, and efficient and effective control of the repair process."

Problems solved by technology

Typically, such conduit or piping systems are located underground, as aboveground piping would be both unsightly and intrusive.

Normally, after many years of use, or for some other reason, the present piping fails and begins to leak, thereby reducing line pressure and unnecessarily allowing water to leak into the area surrounding the piping.

Such leaks not only affect the system, but increase the processing costs of the supplier, which, in turn, increases the end user costs.

Due to the underground positioning of the conduit system, repairing a leaking pipe is particularly labor intensive and time consuming.

However, this merely replaces the problem of a cracked outer pipe with a cracked or otherwise leaking inner pipe.

Still further, using such a pipe-in-pipe system drastically reduces the flow through the conduit system and evidences unwanted and varying pressure parameters.

Merely plugging either end of the liner conduit and injecting steam to pressurize the liner conduit and force it to expand to the walls of the host conduit presents certain problems.

Such a method and system give rise to both physical and structural weaknesses at either end of the expanded liner conduit.

However, such equipment and systems have several drawbacks.

Without controlled restriction of the liner conduit within the host conduit, undesirable longitudinal or lateral expansion may occur, which may lead to the ultimate failure of the liner conduit.

Accordingly, such prior art systems are deficient in control and are thus subject to failures in installation, maintenance and lining integrity.

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