A trenchless pipeline renovation device and method

Abstract

This invention discloses a trenchless pipeline renewal device and method, solving the problems of high difficulty and low efficiency in the renewal of trenchless flexible pipelines in existing technologies. The trenchless pipeline renewal device of this invention includes a thermoplastic renewal device and a towing mechanism originating from a first working shaft. The thermoplastic renewal device is positioned in front of the towing mechanism along the jacking direction. Both the thermoplastic renewal device and the towing mechanism are connected to a traction device located in a second working shaft. Under the action of the traction device, the thermoplastic renewal device moves within the old pipeline to perform thermoplastic renewal, while the towing mechanism pulls the new pipeline into the renewed old pipeline. Compared with existing technologies, this trenchless pipeline renewal device uses a thermoplastic renewal device to heat, expand, and shape the flexible old pipeline, while simultaneously cooperating with the towing mechanism to promptly install the new pipeline, solving the problems of limited equipment and low work efficiency in trenchless renewal of flexible pipelines such as plastic pipes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of underground pipeline renovation technology, and in particular to a trenchless pipeline renovation device and method. Background Technology

[0002] The renovation of old underground pipelines is a phased task of social development. Currently, most pipeline renovation technologies are open-cut methods, which require large-scale enclosure during construction, seriously affecting traffic. Surrounding buildings and landscapes also affect the implementation of open-cut methods.

[0003] In recent years, numerous trenchless pipeline replacement methods have emerged. However, most of these methods are suitable for replacing rigid pipelines such as concrete and steel, while there are few devices and methods for replacing flexible materials such as plastic pipelines. Existing technologies, such as the heated trenchless partial repair method for pipelines disclosed in CN 113187983 A, use heating for partial repair of flexible pipes, rather than replacing the entire pipeline, resulting in low replacement efficiency. Therefore, it is necessary to design a trenchless replacement device and method for flexible pipelines. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings in the aforementioned background technology, this invention proposes a trenchless pipeline renewal device and method, which solves the problems of high difficulty and low efficiency in the renewal of trenchless flexible pipelines in the prior art.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention is implemented as follows: a trenchless pipeline renewal device includes a thermoplastic renewal device and a towing mechanism that originate from a first working shaft. The thermoplastic renewal device is arranged in front of the towing mechanism along the jacking direction. Both the thermoplastic renewal device and the towing mechanism are connected to a traction device arranged in a second working shaft. Under the action of the traction device, the thermoplastic renewal device moves inside the old pipeline to perform thermoplastic renewal of the old pipeline, while the towing mechanism drives the new pipeline into the renewed old pipeline.

[0006] Further preferably, the thermoplastic renewal device includes a thermoplastic cavity, which is divided into a heating section, a transition section and a shaping section from front to back. The diameter of the heating section is smaller than that of the shaping section. Heating structures are provided on the outer walls of the heating section and the transition section, and a friction-reducing mechanism is provided on the outer wall of the shaping section.

[0007] Further preferably, the heating structure includes a heating ring embedded in the heating section, an electric heating element is provided inside the heating ring, the electric heating element is connected to an external power supply system via a cable, and a heat insulation element is provided inside the thermoplastic cavity corresponding to the heating section and the transition section.

[0008] In a further preferred embodiment, the friction-reducing mechanism includes several ball bearings embedded in the outer wall of the shaping section to reduce the friction force of the thermoplastic replacement device moving inside the old pipe.

[0009] Further preferably, the friction-reducing mechanism also includes a sealing ring cavity disposed within the thermoplastic cavity and corresponding to the shaping section. The sealing ring cavity has several radial holes on its wall. A hydraulic drive component connected to the sealing ring cavity is provided on the shaping section. Under the action of the hydraulic drive component, the friction-reducing agent within the sealing ring cavity flows through the radial holes to the outer wall of the shaping section. Preferably, the thermoplastic cavity has a liquid inlet communicating with the sealing ring cavity. An axial through hole is provided within the thermoplastic cavity for a traction rope to pass through. Further preferably, the towing mechanism includes a central connector, a traction rope connected to the central connector, and a fixing connector for connecting a new pipe is provided on the central connector.

[0010] Specifically, the fixing connector is a pipe clamp that holds and secures the new pipe from the end or a telescopic fixing connector that supports and fixes the pipe from the inside. Preferably, the telescopic fixing connector is a hydraulic support shoe or a telescopic X-frame.

[0011] In a further preferred embodiment, the traction device includes a winch, and the traction rope on the winch is connected to the thermoplastic renewal device and the towing mechanism respectively.

[0012] A method for updating a trenchless pipeline renewal device includes the following steps: S1: Excavate the first working well and the second working well at both ends of the pipeline renewal area, and reinforce the openings to form reinforcement beams at the intersection of the first working well and the old pipeline. S2: A thermoplastic replacement device, a towing mechanism, and a new pipeline are arranged in the first working well. A traction device is arranged in the second working well. An external power supply system and a hydraulic system are arranged outside the working well and connected to the corresponding thermoplastic replacement device, towing mechanism, and traction device. S3: The traction device drives the thermoplastic renewal device into the old pipeline, and at the same time controls the heating structure of the thermoplastic renewal device to start working. During the jacking process of the thermoplastic renewal device, the heating section of the thermoplastic renewal device heats the old pipeline until it reaches the heat deformation temperature. Then, the transition section of the thermoplastic renewal device enlarges the diameter of the old pipeline. After the old pipeline is enlarged to the maximum range, it enters the shaping section. The shaping section of the thermoplastic renewal device will no longer heat the pipeline, allowing it to gradually cool and solidify. S4: Under the action of the traction device, the dragging mechanism follows the thermoplastic renewal device to drag the new pipe from the opening of the first working well into the old pipe that has been enlarged and shaped. S5: Follow steps S3~S4 until the new pipeline reaches the second working shaft, completing the trenchless pipeline replacement; S6: Remove the thermoplastic replacement device, towing mechanism and traction device, and seal the entrances of the first working shaft and the second working shaft.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: Compared with existing technologies, the trenchless pipeline replacement device of this invention uses a thermoplastic replacement device to heat, expand, and shape flexible old pipelines. Simultaneously, it works with a towing mechanism to promptly install new pipelines, solving the problems of limited trenchless replacement equipment and low work efficiency for flexible pipelines such as plastic pipes. This trenchless pipeline replacement method utilizes two working wells and corresponding trenchless replacement devices, solving the problems of existing open-cut techniques requiring large-area enclosures during construction, disrupting traffic, and being unable to perform open-cut work due to existing buildings and structures. It is a major innovation in the field of trenchless pipeline replacement and has high practical value. This invention can both restore partially collapsed sections of old pipelines, expand and shape the inner wall of old pipelines to achieve expansion, and perform continuous replacement of entire sections of old pipelines. It is suitable for the maintenance of various flexible pipelines such as plastic pipes and has strong promotional value. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the construction status of the trenchless pipeline renewal device of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the thermoplastic renewal device of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the thermoplastic renewal device of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of fixing the pipe end for the dragging mechanism.

[0019] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the internal fixing of the pipe for the dragging mechanism.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the first working shaft entrance.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the second working shaft entrance. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown in Embodiment 1, a trenchless pipeline renewal device includes a thermoplastic renewal device 3 and a dragging mechanism 4 originating from a first working shaft 1. The thermoplastic renewal device 3 integrates heating and shaping, and is used to heat and shape the flexible old pipeline. The dragging mechanism is used to clamp and drag the new pipeline, allowing it to smoothly enter the old pipeline. The thermoplastic renewal device 3 is positioned in front of the dragging mechanism 4 along the jacking direction, performing old pipeline renewal first and then new pipeline installation, achieving efficient trenchless renewal of flexible pipelines. In this embodiment, both the thermoplastic renewal device 3 and the dragging mechanism 4 are connected to a traction device 5 located in a second working shaft 2. The second working shaft 2 and the first working shaft 1 are respectively located at opposite ends of the pipeline renewal area, and the traction device 5 provides the power for their movement. Under the action of the traction device 5, the thermoplastic renewal device 3 moves within the old pipeline 6 to perform thermoplastic renewal of the old pipeline, while the dragging mechanism 4 pulls the new pipeline 7 into the renewed old pipeline, completing the trenchless renewal of the old pipeline.

[0024] In this embodiment, as a preferred solution, such as Figure 3 As shown, the thermoplastic replacement device 3 includes a thermoplastic cavity 31. The thermoplastic cavity 31 preferably adopts a capsule-like structure that is smaller at the front and larger at the back, so that it can smoothly enter the old pipe and heat and expand its capacity. The thermoplastic cavity 31 is divided into a heating section 3101, a transition section 3102, and a shaping section 3103 from front to back. The diameter of the heating section 3101 is smaller than the diameter of the shaping section 3103. Heating structures 32 are provided on the outer walls of both the heating section 3101 and the transition section 3102 for heating the old pipe to its heat deformation temperature. The shaping section 3103 is used to expand and shape the heated old pipe. In this embodiment, the heating section and the shaping section smoothly transition through the transition section. The outer diameter of the heating section is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the old pipe, and the outer diameter of the shaping section is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the new pipe, facilitating the smooth entry of the new pipe into the expanded and shaped old pipe for replacement. In this embodiment, a friction-reducing mechanism 33 is provided on the outer wall of the shaping section 3103 to reduce the friction force of the thermoplastic renewal device during the jacking process in the old pipeline, and to ensure the smooth jacking of the thermoplastic renewal device.

[0025] Example 2, as Figure 2As shown, a trenchless pipeline renewal device is described in this embodiment, which is further optimized from Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the heating structure 32 includes a heating ring 32-1 embedded in the heating section 3101. The outer diameter of the heating ring is the same as the outer diameter of the heating section and its surface is smooth. An electric heating element 32-2 is provided inside the heating ring 32-1. The electric heating element can be a heating wire, and it is connected to an external power supply system 14 via a cable 15. The power supply system powers the traction device, heating device, and drag reduction device. During operation, the heating wire is energized to heat the heating ring, which then heats the old pipeline to its heat deformation temperature. A heat insulation element 34 is provided inside the thermoplastic cavity 31, corresponding to the heating section 3101 and the transition section 3102. The heat insulation element can be a vacuum plate or a ceramic block to prevent heat damage to internal components inside the thermoplastic cavity 31.

[0026] In this embodiment, as a preferred solution, the friction reduction mechanism 33 includes a plurality of ball bearings 33-1 embedded in the outer wall of the shaping section 3103. The ball bearings 33-1 are evenly distributed around the circumference of the shaping section 3103, so that the movement of the thermoplastic replacement device in the old pipe changes from sliding to rolling, reducing its motion friction and ensuring the smooth movement of the thermoplastic replacement device in the old pipe.

[0027] Example 3, a trenchless pipeline replacement device, is further optimized based on Example 1 or 2 as follows: the friction reduction mechanism 33 further includes a sealing ring cavity 33-2 disposed within the thermoplastic cavity 31 and corresponding to the shaping section 3103. Specifically, the thermoplastic cavity 31 is divided into left and right cavities from the transition section and the shaping section. The thermoplastic cavity 31 is provided with an axial through hole 9 for the traction rope 8 to pass through. This through hole can be realized by using an axial tube disposed within the thermoplastic cavity 31 so that the traction rope can be connected to the dragging mechanism 4; therefore, the left cavity corresponds to the sealing ring cavity 33-2, forming a ring cavity; the right cavity corresponds to the transition section and the shaping section, forming a cavity for holding the heat insulation component. The sealing ring cavity 33-2 has several radial holes 33-3 on its cavity wall. These radial holes 33-3 are preferably evenly arranged circumferentially. The shaping section 3103 is equipped with a hydraulic drive component 33-5 connected to the sealing ring cavity 33-2. Under the action of the hydraulic drive component 33-5, the friction-reducing agent 33-4 in the sealing ring cavity 33-2 flows through the radial holes 33-3 to the outer wall of the shaping section 3103, reducing the friction between the shaping section and the old pipe. Preferably, the radial holes 33-3 are located in the area where the balls are distributed in Example 2. Then, under the combined action of the friction-reducing agent and the balls, the friction experienced by the thermoplastic renewal device during the jacking process is greatly reduced.

[0028] The hydraulic drive component 33-5 can be a hydraulic piston. Under the pushing action of the hydraulic piston, the friction-reducing agent in the sealing ring cavity is squeezed into the radial orifice, thereby achieving the discharge of the friction-reducing agent. Alternatively, the hydraulic drive component 33-5 can be a pneumatic pump. The specific implementation can refer to the working principle of a pneumatic grease gun, using the pneumatic pump to squeeze the friction-reducing agent in the sealing ring cavity into the radial orifice, thereby achieving the discharge of the friction-reducing agent. Under the control system, the discharge of the friction-reducing agent can also be timed to perform friction-reducing operations on the thermoplastic replacement device. The thermoplastic cavity 31 has a liquid inlet 33-6 communicating with the sealing ring cavity 33-2 for adding friction-reducing agent into the sealing ring cavity. A liquid level sensor can be installed in the sealing ring cavity as needed to detect the amount of friction-reducing agent.

[0029] In this embodiment, as a preferred option, such as Figure 4 , 5 As shown, the towing mechanism 4 includes a central connector 41, to which the traction rope 8 is connected to ensure stable towing of the towing mechanism by the traction device. The central connector 41 is provided with a fixing connector for connecting the new pipe 7.

[0030] Specifically, the fixing connector is either a pipe clamp 42 that clamps and secures the new pipe 7 from the end, or a telescopic fixing member 43 that supports and secures it from the inside of the pipe. When it is necessary to clamp and secure the new pipe 7 from the end, it can be clamped by a clamp or pipe clamp. When it is necessary to fix it from the inside of the new pipe 7, the telescopic fixing member 43 can be used, such as a hydraulic support shoe or a telescopic X-frame, to support it from the inside of the pipe and fix it during support, ensuring that the new pipe 7 can move with the central connector under the action of the traction device.

[0031] In this preferred embodiment, the traction device 5 includes a winch, and the traction rope 8 on the winch is connected to the thermoplastic renewal device 3 and the towing mechanism 4 respectively, providing them with the power for movement. Depending on the needs, the thermoplastic renewal device 3 and the towing mechanism 4 can move synchronously under the action of the traction device 5, or they can move independently.

[0032] Example 4: A method for updating pipelines using the trenchless updating device in Example 2 or 3, comprising the following steps: S1: Excavate a first working shaft 1 and a second working shaft 2 at both ends of the pipeline renewal area 11. Both the first working shaft 1 and the second working shaft 2 are vertical shaft structures. Reinforcement beams 10 are formed at the intersections of the first working shaft 1 and the old pipeline 6, and at the intersections of the second working shaft 2 and the old pipeline 6. Figure 6 , 7 As shown.

[0033] S2: A thermoplastic renewal device 3, a towing mechanism 4, and a new pipeline 7 are arranged in the first working well 1. A traction device 5 is arranged in the second working well 2. An external power supply system 14 and a hydraulic system are arranged outside the working wells and connected to the corresponding thermoplastic renewal device 3, towing mechanism 4, and traction device 5. Specifically: using equipment such as remote-controlled vehicles and robots, traction ropes and cables are passed through the old pipeline. The corresponding traction ropes and cables are connected to the renewal device, and the traction rope is connected to the new pipeline towing device. Both the traction device and the renewal device need to be connected to the corresponding cables.

[0034] S3: The traction device 5 drives the thermoplastic renewal device 3 into the old pipe 6, and at the same time controls the heating structure 32 of the thermoplastic renewal device 3 to start working. During the jacking process of the thermoplastic renewal device 3, the heating section of the thermoplastic renewal device 3 heats the old pipe, so that the old pipe reaches the heat deformation temperature; then the transition section of the thermoplastic renewal device 3 continues to heat the old pipe, gradually expanding the diameter of the old pipe. After the old pipe is expanded to the maximum range, it enters the shaping section. The shaping section of the thermoplastic renewal device 3 will no longer heat, allowing the pipe to gradually cool and shape.

[0035] S4: Under the action of the traction device 5, the dragging mechanism 4 follows the thermoplastic renewal device 3 to drag the new pipe 7 from the opening of the first working well 1 into the old pipe that has been enlarged and shaped. During the jacking process of the thermoplastic renewal device 3, the discharge of the friction-reducing agent in the shaping section is controlled to reduce the resistance during the jacking of the renewal device and ensure its smooth jacking.

[0036] S5: Follow steps S3~S4 until the new pipeline 7 reaches the second working well 2, completing the trenchless pipeline update of the pipeline area.

[0037] S6: Remove the thermoplastic replacement device 3, the towing mechanism 4 and the traction device 5, and seal the entrances of the first working well 1 and the second working well 2.

[0038] The aforementioned trenchless pipeline renewal device can expand the capacity of old pipelines to a certain extent; at the same time, it solves the problem of large-scale enclosure and traffic disruption caused by the existing open-cut technology, and further improves construction efficiency.

[0039] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A trenchless pipeline renewal device, characterized in that: It includes a thermoplastic renewal device (3) and a dragging mechanism (4) starting from the first working well (1). The thermoplastic renewal device (3) is set in front of the dragging mechanism (4) along the jacking direction. Both the thermoplastic renewal device (3) and the dragging mechanism (4) are connected to the traction device (5) set in the second working well (2). Under the action of the traction device (5), the thermoplastic renewal device (3) moves in the old pipeline (6) to perform thermoplastic renewal of the old pipeline, while the dragging mechanism (4) drives the new pipeline (7) into the renewed old pipeline. The thermoplastic renewal device (3) includes a thermoplastic cavity (31), which is divided into a heating section (3101), a transition section (3102) and a shaping section (3103) from front to back. The diameter of the heating section (3101) is smaller than that of the shaping section (3103). The outer walls of the heating section (3101) and the transition section (3102) are provided with heating structures (32), and the outer walls of the shaping section (3103) are provided with friction reduction mechanisms (33). The friction reduction mechanism (33) includes a sealing ring cavity (33-2) disposed in the thermoplastic cavity (31) and corresponding to the shaping section (3103). The cavity wall of the sealing ring cavity (33-2) is provided with a plurality of radial holes (33-3). The shaping section (3103) is provided with a hydraulic drive component (33-5) connected to the sealing ring cavity (33-2). Under the action of the hydraulic drive component (33-5), the friction reduction agent (33-4) in the sealing ring cavity (33-2) flows to the outer wall of the shaping section (3103) through the radial holes (33-3).

2. The trenchless pipeline renewal device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating structure (32) includes a heating ring (32-1) embedded in the heating section (3101), an electric heating element (32-2) is provided in the heating ring (32-1), and the electric heating element (32-2) is connected to an external power supply system (14) through a cable (15). The thermoplastic cavity (31) is provided with a heat insulation element (34) corresponding to the heating section (3101) and the transition section (3102).

3. The trenchless pipeline renewal device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The friction reduction mechanism (33) includes a number of ball bearings (33-1) embedded in the outer wall of the shaping section (3103).

4. The trenchless pipeline renewal device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The thermoplastic cavity (31) is provided with a liquid inlet (33-6) that communicates with the sealing ring cavity (33-2), and the thermoplastic cavity (31) is provided with an axial through hole (9) for the traction rope (8) to pass through.

5. The trenchless pipeline renewal device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The towing mechanism (4) includes a central connector (41), to which a traction rope (8) is connected. The central connector (41) is provided with a fixing connector for connecting the new pipe (7).

6. The trenchless pipeline renewal device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The fixed connector is a pipe clamp (42) that clamps and secures the new pipe (7) from the end or a telescopic fastener (43) that supports and fixes the pipe from the inside.

7. The trenchless pipeline renewal device according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that: The traction device (5) includes a winch, and the traction rope (8) on the winch is connected to the thermoplastic renewal device (3) and the towing mechanism (4) respectively.

8. A method for updating a trenchless pipeline renewal device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The steps are as follows: S1: Excavate the first working well (1) and the second working well (2) at both ends of the pipeline area, and reinforce the opening to form a reinforcement beam (10) at the intersection of the pipe hole of the first working well (1) and the old pipeline (6) and the pipe hole of the second working well (2) and the old pipeline (6). S2: A thermoplastic renewal device (3), a towing mechanism (4) and a new pipeline (7) are arranged in the first working well (1), a traction device (5) is arranged in the second working well (2), and an external power supply system (14) and a hydraulic system are arranged outside the working well and connected to the corresponding thermoplastic renewal device (3), towing mechanism (4) and traction device (5); S3: The traction device (5) drives the thermoplastic renewal device (3) into the old pipeline (6), and at the same time controls the heating structure (32) of the thermoplastic renewal device (3) to start working. During the jacking process of the thermoplastic renewal device (3), the heating section of the thermoplastic renewal device (3) heats the old pipeline so that the old pipeline reaches the heat deformation temperature. Then the transition section of the thermoplastic renewal device (3) expands the diameter of the old pipeline. After the old pipeline is expanded to the maximum range, it enters the shaping section. The shaping section of the thermoplastic renewal device (3) will no longer heat the pipeline, so that the pipeline gradually cools down and shapes. S4: Under the action of the traction device (5), the dragging mechanism (4) follows the thermoplastic renewal device (3) to drag the new pipe (7) from the opening of the first working well (1) into the old pipe that has been enlarged and shaped. S5: Follow steps S3~S4 until the new pipeline (7) reaches the second working well (2) to complete the trenchless pipeline replacement; S6: Remove the thermoplastic replacement device (3), the towing mechanism (4) and the traction device (5), and seal the entrances of the first working well (1) and the second working well (2).

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