reversing device and method for renovating a fluid distribution infrastructure

Abstract

Fluid reversing device and method for renovating a fluid distribution infrastructure, the reversing device comprising a body (10), having an internal chamber (11), a first inlet pipe (31) opening into the chamber (11) at a first level (I), a second inlet pipe (32) opening into the chamber (11) at a second level (II), an outlet pipe (33) opening into the chamber (11) at a third level (II), and a piston (20) engaged in the chamber (11) and movable between an upper position, located at a higher level (Sup), and a lower position, located at a lower level (Inf), in which the upper level (Sup) is located above the first, second, and third levels (I, II), and in which the lower level (Inf) is located below the first level (I) and above the second and third levels (II). Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: reversal device and method for renovating a fluid distribution infrastructure Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fluid reversal device and a method for renovating a fluid distribution infrastructure. This renovation method, which can take advantage of this reversal device, makes it possible to lay a new distribution pipeline and connect the latter while reducing the nuisances generated by this renovation work. Such a method is particularly suitable for renovating a drinking water distribution infrastructure, including buried pipelines. However, such a method can more broadly concern any type of distribution infrastructure, for liquid or gaseous fluids, buried or not, for civil or industrial use. Prior art

[0002] Distribution networks, particularly water distribution networks, are designed to operate for several decades. However, the passage of time necessarily leads to aging of the infrastructure, which weakens it and gradually reduces its efficiency. In particular, corrosion, erosion, but also possible operating incidents or even ground movements are all factors that wear down the pipes and cause numerous leaks, more or less significant. These leaks are responsible for significant losses, which can exceed more than 20% in certain situations. The presence of defects in the pipe can also lead to a risk of contamination of the distributed water and therefore a potential health risk.

[0003] For all these reasons, it is generally desirable to renovate the water distribution network when it reaches a certain age or when too many faults are identified.

[0004] In a conventional renovation process, a trench is dug along the length of an old pipe to lay a new pipe, parallel to the old one, then the trench is closed. The new pipe is then tested and disinfected. Finally, new excavations are reopened vertically above the connections of the old pipe and the new pipe in order to transfer the existing connections to the new pipe.

[0005] This traditional renovation process is not very economical and causes a lot of inconvenience. In particular, closing the first trench before reopening the excavations to carry out the connection transfer results in a loss of time, and therefore efficiency, while increasing the duration of road immobilisation during which the movement of vehicles and / or pedestrians is prevented or at least hindered.

[0006] Thus, for an urban street of approximately 200m, including approximately 20 connections, the duration of the renovation is generally around 30 working days, half of which is devoted to carrying out the connection reports. In addition, the carbon footprint of such a conventional process amounts to around 200 kg CO2 equivalent / meter all inclusive, which is quite high.

[0007] There is therefore a real need for a fluid reversal device and a method for renovating a fluid distribution infrastructure, which are free, at least in part, from the drawbacks inherent in the aforementioned known method. Statement of the invention

[0008] The present disclosure relates to a fluid reversing device, comprising a body, extending along a main direction, having an internal chamber, a first inlet path, opening into the chamber at a first level, a second inlet path, opening into the chamber at a second level, an outlet path, opening into the chamber at a third level, and a piston, engaged in the chamber and movable between an upper position, in which the end surface of the piston is at a higher level, and a lower position, in which the end surface of the piston is at a lower level, in which the upper level is above the first, second and third levels, and in which the lower level is below the first level and above the second and third levels.

[0009] Thanks to such a reversing device, it is possible to very easily and very quickly switch between an old power source and a new power source, by simply maneuvering the piston from its upper position to its lower position. It is thus possible in a single movement to lock the old power source, without causing an interruption of the power supply at the time of the switch.

[0010] In particular, such a reversing device is much more practical and much simpler to use than a conventional three-way tap. Such a reversing device is also simpler to produce and therefore less expensive.

[0011] Such a device is particularly useful when the power sources are buried because it is then possible to carry out the switchover from the surface, without generating additional roadworks. Thus, such a device is particularly useful for reducing the duration, cost, carbon footprint and nuisance of roadworks. innovation of a fluid distribution infrastructure.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first inlet path, the second inlet path, and / or the outlet path extend perpendicular to the main direction of the body.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second input path extends in a direction orthogonal to the first input path.

[0014] In some embodiments, the output path extends in the same plane as the second input path, preferably in the extension of the second input path.

[0015] In some embodiments, the end surface of the piston is flush with the top of the first inlet port when the piston is in its upper position.

[0016] In some embodiments, the end surface of the piston is flush with the top of the second inlet port when the piston is in its lower position.

[0017] In some embodiments, the body chamber comprises a shoulder defining an upper section with a larger diameter and a lower section with a smaller diameter. This shoulder makes it possible in particular to form a stop for the piston, thus precisely defining the lower position of the piston.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first inlet path opens into the upper section of the chamber. The first inlet path is therefore blocked when the piston occupies the upper section of the chamber.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second inlet path opens into the lower section of the chamber. Thus, the piston does not impede the flow of the second inlet path.

[0020] In some embodiments, the outlet path opens into the lower section of the chamber. Thus, the piston does not impede the flow rate out of the outlet path.

[0021] In some embodiments, the piston includes a shoulder defining an upper portion with a larger diameter and a lower portion with a smaller diameter. In this way, the lower portion of the piston partially penetrates the lower section of the chamber, which improves the sealing of the piston.

[0022] In some embodiments, the piston comprises at least one seal. A first piston may in particular be provided near the lower end of the piston, preferably in the lower portion of the piston, in order to ensure sealing at the head of the piston. A second seal may also be provided near the upper end of the piston, in order to reduce the risk of leakage of the upper section of the chamber with the outside.

[0023] In some embodiments, the body comprises at least one seal. In par In particular, a seal may be provided just above the shoulder. Such a seal contributes to the sealing of the piston head when the latter is in its lower position.

[0024] In some embodiments, the reversing device comprises an operating rod connected to the upper end of the piston, preferably removably. Such an operating rod makes it possible to operate the reversing device remotely, for example from the surface when the reversing device is buried, without having to carry out an excavation to expose the reversing device. For this, the operating rod may have a length greater than 30 cm, preferably greater than 50 cm, more preferably greater than 100 cm.

[0025] In some embodiments, the piston is locked in the lower position once this lower position is reached. In this way the second inlet port is irreversibly blocked. This is particularly useful in the context of a connection transfer from an old pipeline to a new pipeline.

[0026] In some embodiments, the gap between the first level and the second level is between 50 and 100 mm.

[0027] In some embodiments, the maximum diameter of the chamber is between 25 and 45 mm.

[0028] In some embodiments, the minimum diameter of the chamber is between 15 and 25 mm.

[0029] In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the body is between 55 and 75 mm.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first inlet port, the second inlet port, and / or the outlet port have the same nominal diameter.

[0031] In some embodiments, the nominal diameter of the first inlet port, the second inlet port and / or the outlet port is between 20 and 50 mm.

[0032] The present disclosure also relates to a method for renovating a fluid distribution infrastructure comprising an old distribution pipeline and at least one branch pipe connected to said old pipeline via an old intake device equipped with a tap, the method comprising the following steps: installation of a new distribution pipeline; installation of a new intake device on the new distribution pipeline, the new intake device being equipped with an initially closed tap; providing a three-way reversing device, a first input port being connected to the old intake device, the second input port being connected to the new intake device and the output port being connected to the branch pipe; supplying fluid to the new distribution pipeline; and opening the tap of the new intake device and operating the reversing device.

[0033] By means of such a method, using such a three-way reversing device installed at the same time as the new pipeline and the new intake devices, it is possible to continue to supply the consumer with the liquid coming from the old pipeline while the installation, testing, disinfection, water samples for health analyses and their results are completed on the new pipeline, and then to switch the supply from the new pipeline, without having to intervene on either the old pipeline or the new pipeline. In particular, once the new pipeline is ready and supplied with fluid, the switch can be carried out quickly, without undertaking additional heavy work, and without interrupting the fluid supply.

[0034] In some embodiments, the reversing device is a reversing device according to any of the preceding embodiments. However, if a reversing device according to such configurations offers particular advantages, other types of devices may be used, for example a three-way valve.

[0035] In some embodiments, the fluid distribution infrastructure comprises several branch pipes connected to the old pipeline, and a new tapping device and a reversing device is provided for each of said several branch pipes. Thus, when the new pipeline is ready and supplied with fluid, it is possible to carry out the switchover for all the branches very quickly.

[0036] In certain embodiments, the steps of installing the new gripping devices and installing the reversing devices are carried out as the step of laying the new pipeline is carried out. In other words, the installation of the new gripping devices and the reversing devices of a pipeline section can be carried out as soon as said pipeline section has been laid; in particular, this operation can be simultaneous with the laying of a subsequent section of the new distribution pipeline. Thus, one team can equip a pipeline section already laid while another team proceeds to lay another pipeline section.

[0037] In some embodiments, the old distribution pipeline is initially buried, and the new distribution pipeline is laid so as to be ultimately buried. In particular, the pipelines may be buried under a roadway, under a pavement and / or under a sidewalk.

[0038] In certain embodiments, the renovation method comprises a step of opening a trench allowing the laying of the new distribution pipeline.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the renovation method comprises a step of opening excavations allowing the uncovering of old intake devices. This step is preferably simultaneous with the step of opening the trench. It is preferably carried out as the trench is opened.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the renovation method comprises a step of closing the trench and / or the excavations.

[0041] In certain embodiments, the closing step is carried out as the steps of installing the new gripping devices and installing the reversing devices are carried out. In other words, the trench and the excavations are closed as new sections of pipeline are laid and equipped. Thus, it is possible, simultaneously, to open a section of trench, lay a first section of pipeline, equip a second section of pipeline and close the trench above a third section of pipeline for which the installation of the equipment is complete. In this way, the footprint of the road works is limited in time and space, which reduces the associated nuisances.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the step of installing the inversion device comprises placing the inversion device on a concrete base. This concrete base ensures the stability and maintenance of the verticality of the inversion device, in particular when compacting the ground after backfilling.

[0043] In some embodiments, the step of installing the inversion device further comprises installing an extension tube. Such an extension tube makes it possible to backfill the excavation surrounding the inversion device while maintaining access from the surface in order to allow its operation. This extension tube can be temporarily closed by a plug or a keyhole.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the closing step is completely completed before the step of operating the reversing device. In particular, no new opening is required afterwards to carry out the transfer of the connections between the old pipeline and the new pipeline.

[0045] In certain embodiments, the renovation method comprises a step of removing the extension tube and filling the volume left by the latter, for example with sand.

[0046] In some embodiments, the renovation method comprises a step of removing and replacing the service pipe. This is particularly useful when the service pipes are made of lead.

[0047] In some embodiments, the fluid is water, preferably potable water.

[0048] In some embodiments, the old pipeline is made of cast iron or polyethylene.

[0049] The above-mentioned features and advantages, as well as others, will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the proposed reversal device and renovation method. This detailed description refers to the attached drawings. Brief description of the drawings

[0050] The attached drawings are schematic and are intended primarily to illustrate the principles of the disclosure.

[0051] In these drawings, from one figure to another, identical elements (or parts of elements) are identified by the same reference signs. In addition, elements (or parts of elements) belonging to different embodiments but having a similar function are identified in the figures by numerical references incremented by 100, 200, etc.

[0052] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a side view of an exemplary reversing device.

[0053] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a front view of the reversing device of [Fig.l].

[0054] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a sectional view of the reversing device of [Fig.l], in a first state.

[0055] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a sectional view of the reversing device of [Fig.l], in a second state.

[0056] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] illustrates the initial state of a section of road before renovation.

[0057] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] illustrates a first step of a first example of a re-processing method novation.

[0058] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] illustrates a second step of the first example of the renovation process.

[0059] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a top view of a connection during the first example of the renovation process.

[0060] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a sectional view of the connection of [Fig.8].

[0061] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] illustrates a third step of the first example of the renovation process.

[0062] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] illustrates a second example of a renovation process. Description of the embodiments

[0063] In order to make the disclosure more concrete, an example of an inversion device as well as examples of a renovation method are described in detail below, with reference to the appended drawings. It is recalled that the invention is not limited to these examples.

[0064] [Fig.l] to 4 illustrate an example of an insertion device 1. This inversion device 1 comprises a body 10, of generally cylindrical shape, extending in a main direction A. The body 10 comprises an internal chamber 11, extending along the main direction A and symmetrical in revolution around this main direction A. The chamber 11 opens at the upper end of the body 10; however, a cover 12 is attached to the upper end of the body 10 in order to close the chamber 11.

[0065] The chamber 11 comprises an internal shoulder 13 making it possible to define in the chamber 11 a lower section 11a, of reduced diameter, and an upper section 11b, of larger diameter.

[0066] The body 10 comprises a first orifice 14, forming a first inlet path 31, putting the upper section 11b of the chamber 11 in communication with the outside; a second orifice 15, forming a second inlet path 32, putting the lower section 11a of the chamber 11 in communication with the outside; and a third orifice 16, forming an outlet path 33, also putting the lower section 11a of the chamber 11 in communication with the outside. In the present example, the nominal diameter of each of the orifices is equal to 25 mm.

[0067] The first orifice 14 opens orthogonally to the main direction A at a first level I along the main direction A. The second orifice 15 opens orthogonally to the main direction A at a second level II along the main direction A; it extends in a direction orthogonal to that of the first orifice 14. The third orifice 16 opens orthogonally to the main direction I, at the same level and diametrically opposite to the second orifice 15. In the present example, 25 mm separate the first level I from the second level II.

[0068] The reversing device 10 also comprises a piston 20 engaged in the chamber 11 of the body 10. The piston 20 comprises a shoulder 21 making it possible to define in the piston 20 a portion 20a, of reduced diameter adjusted to the diameter of the lower section 11a of the chamber 11, and an upper portion 20b, of larger diameter adjusted to the diameter of the upper section 11b of the chamber 11.

[0069] The piston 20 is movable in the chamber 11 between an upper position, shown in [Fig. 3], in which the end surface 22 of the piston 20 is located at an upper level Sup along the main direction A, and a lower position, shown in [Fig. 4], in which the shoulder 21 of the piston 20 is in abutment against the shoulder 13 of the chamber 11, the end surface 22 of the piston 20 then being located at a lower level Inf along the main direction A. The first level I is located between the upper level Sup and the lower level Inf while the second level II is located above the first level I.

[0070] The piston 20 can be equipped with a removable control rod 23, making it possible to control the position of the piston 20 from outside the body 10, possibly remotely. This control rod 23 can thus be fixed to the upper end 24 of the piston 20: it then passes through an opening 17 made in the cover 12 of the body 10.

[0071] The reversing device 1 also comprises several O-rings 18, 25 and 26 making it possible, depending on the position of the piston 20, to ensure sealing between the piston 20 and the walls of the chamber 11. In this example, a first O-ring 18 is provided in a notch of the chamber 11, near the lower end of its upper section 11b: it is more precisely provided between the first orifice 14 and the shoulder 13 of the chamber 11. The second O-ring 25 is provided in a notch made in the lower portion 20a of the piston 20. The third O-ring 26 is provided in a practical notch in the piston 20, near its upper end 24: more precisely, the third O-ring 26 is positioned so as to always be located above the first orifice 14, whatever the position of the piston 20.

[0072] The lower surface 19 of the body 10 is flat and perpendicular to the main direction A in order to be able to place the inversion device 1 vertically, preferably on a concrete base 34.

[0073] A method for renovating a drinking water distribution network will now be described with reference to Figures 5 to 10.

[0074] [Fig.5] thus represents a section of road 40, comprising a carriageway 41 framed by two sidewalks 42a, 42b, in its initial state. An old pipe 43 is buried under the roadway 41 along the right-hand sidewalk 42b. The old pipe 43 is fitted with intake collars 44, each equipped with an intake tap 44a, making it possible to supply consumers located on each side of the roadway 40 via connection pipes 45.

[0075] In a first stage of the renovation, visible in [Fig.6], clearing work is undertaken to open a first section 50a of a trench 50 as well as excavations 51 located at the level of the intake collars 44 of the old pipeline 43 and extending from the trench 50 over a certain length along the corresponding branch pipe 45. A section 53a of a new pipeline 53 can then be laid in the section of trench 50a thus opened.

[0076] In a second step, visible in [Fig.7], new intake collars 54, each equipped with an intake tap 54a, are put in place on the new pipeline 53, substantially at the same level as the intake collars 44 of the old pipeline 43, that is to say in the excavations 51 opened previously.

[0077] In addition, reversing devices 55 are installed in the excavations 51, one reversing device 55 being provided for each of the branch pipes 45. In the present example, the reversing devices used correspond to the reversing device 1 described previously. However, it is recalled that other types of reversing devices, implementing for example one or more taps, could also be used.

[0078] The configuration thus set up is better visible in [Fig.8] in top view and in [Fig.9] in sectional view. When setting up the reversing device 55, a concrete base 34 is first placed at the bottom of the excavation 51. Then, the reversing device 55 is placed vertically on the base 34 and its different ports 31, 32 and 33 are then connected: the first inlet port 31 is connected to the intake valve 44a of the intake collar 44 of the old pipe 43; the second inlet port 21 is connected to the intake valve 54a of the intake collar 54 of the new pipe 53; and the outlet port 33 is connected to the pre-existing branch pipe 45, or possibly replaced when such a replacement was desired. Initially, the tap 54a of the new pipeline 53 is closed and the reversing device 55 is in its state allowing the passage of a flow coming from the first inlet channel 33.In other words, in the present case, the piston 20 of the reversing device 55 is in its upper position. In addition, the tap 44a of the old pipe 43 is temporarily closed while the reversing device 55 is being installed and connected: it can be reopened immediately afterwards.

[0079] Returning to [Fig.7], it can be noted that it is possible in parallel with these operations to begin to open a second section 50b of trench 50 as well as new excavations 51 in order to lay a second section 53b of the new pipeline 53.

[0080] In a third step, visible in [Fig. 10], the first section 50a of the trench 50, as well as the corresponding excavations, can be closed with backfill. However, before proceeding with the backfilling, extension tubes 56a, 56b, 56c are arranged vertically above the old intake valves 44a, the new intake valves 54a and the reversing devices 55, respectively (visible in [Fig. 9]). Each of these extension tubes 56a, 56b, 56c is equipped on the surface with a temporary plug 57a, 57b, 57c or a keyhole.

[0081] In parallel, the second section 53b of the new pipeline 53 can be equipped using the grip collars 54 and the reversing devices 55. Similarly, it is also possible to start opening in parallel a third section 50c of trench 50 and to lay a third section 53c of the new pipeline 53.

[0082] Once the new pipe 53 has been completely laid and the trench 50 and the excavations 51 have been completely closed, with the exception of the footprints of the extension tubes 56a, 56b, 56c, the new pipe 53 is rinsed and then disinfected. The test of the new pipe 53 is then carried out in order to check, in particular, that it does not have any leaks or contamination.

[0083] Once the test of the new pipeline 53 is completed, the latter is supplied with water. From this moment, it is possible to carry out the transfer of each connections, directly from the surface, without opening new excavations. Thus, for each of the connections, the intake valve 54a is opened by operating it using a tool through the extension tube 56b, then the reversing device 55 is operated through the extension tube 56c to block its first inlet port 31. In practice, in the present example, the piston 20 of the reversing device 55 is pushed downwards to its lower position using the operating rod 23. This operation does not cause any interruption in the supply of the consumer connected to the connection pipe 45 in question. Once the connection has been carried out, the operating rod 23 can be withdrawn; the extension tube 56c can also be withdrawn and the remaining volume filled.

[0084] [Fig. 11] shows a second example of a renovation process. In this second example, it is not desired, or not possible, to lay the new pipeline along the old pipeline. For example, the old pipeline 143 is here buried under the left sidewalk 142a while the new pipeline 153 is laid under the roadway 141 along the right sidewalk 142b.

[0085] The renovation method is then completely similar to that of the first example, except that it is necessary to open certain excavations 151a at a distance from the trench 150 in which the new pipeline 153 is laid. Thus, in this second example, when a connection pipe 145 supplies a consumer located on the side of the roadway 141 opposite the old pipeline 143, it is possible to open an excavation 151b contiguous to the trench 150 as is the case in the present example; on the other hand, when a connection pipe 145 supplies a consumer located on the same side of the roadway 141 as the old pipeline 143, a separate excavation 151a is opened locally vertically above the old intake collar 144. In addition, in this second case, a passage 159 is dug under the roadway in order to allow the new intake collar 154 to be connected to the reversing device 155 located on the other side of the roadway 141.Such a passage 159 can, for example, be dug using a rocket, under roadway 141, without necessarily having to cut off traffic. All other stages of the renovation process are similar.

[0086] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it is obvious that modifications and changes may be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In particular, individual features of the various illustrated / mentioned embodiments may be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

[0087] It is also obvious that all the characteristics described with reference to a method are transposable, alone or in combination, to a device, and vice versa, all the characteristics described with reference to a device are transposable, alone or in combination, to a process.

Claims

Claims

1. A fluid reversing device, comprising a body (10), extending along a main direction (A), having an internal chamber (11), a first inlet path (31), opening into the chamber (11) at a first level (I), a second inlet path (32), opening into the chamber (11) at a second level (II), an outlet path (33), opening into the chamber (11) at a third level (II), and a piston (20), engaged in the chamber (11) and movable between an upper position, in which the end surface (22) of the piston (20) is located at an upper level (Sup), and a lower position, in which the end surface (22) of the piston (20) is located at a lower level (Inf), in which the upper level (Sup) is located above the first, second and third levels (I, II), and in which the lower level (Inf) is located below the first level (I) and above the second and third levels (II).

2. An inversion device according to claim 1, wherein the second input path (32) extends in a direction orthogonal to the first input path (31), and wherein the output path (33) extends in the same plane as the second input path (32), preferably in the extension of the second input path (32).

3. Inversion device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the chamber (11) of the body (10) comprises a shoulder (13) delimiting an upper section (11b) with a larger diameter and a lower section (11a) with a smaller diameter, wherein the first inlet path (31) opens into the upper section (11b) of the chamber (11), wherein the second inlet path (32) opens into the lower section (11a) of the chamber (11), and wherein the outlet path (33) opens into the lower section (11a) of the chamber (11).

4. Inversion device according to claim 3, in which the piston (20) comprises a shoulder (21) delimiting an upper portion (20b) with a larger diameter and a lower portion (20a) with a smaller diameter.

5. A reversing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising an operating rod (23) connected to the upper end (24) of the piston (20), preferably removably.

6. A reversing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the piston (20) is locked in the lower position once this lower position is reached.

7. A method for renovating a fluid distribution infrastructure comprising an old distribution pipeline (43) and at least one branch pipe (45) connected to said old pipeline (43) via an old tapping device (44) equipped with a tap (44a), the method comprising the following steps: laying a new distribution pipeline (53); installing a new tapping device (54) on the new distribution pipeline (53), the new tapping device (54) being equipped with a tap (54a) initially closed; installing a three-way reversing device (55), a first inlet port (31) being connected to the old tapping device (44), the second inlet port (32) being connected to the new tapping device (54) and the outlet port (33) being connected to the branch pipe (45); supplying fluid to the new distribution pipeline (53);and opening the tap of the new intake device (54) and operating the reversing device (55).;

8. A renovation method according to claim 7, wherein the inversion device (55) is an inversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. A renovation method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the fluid distribution infrastructure comprises a plurality of branch pipes (45) connected to the old pipeline (43), wherein a new tapping device (54) and a reversing device (55) are installed for each of said plurality of branch pipes (45), and wherein the steps of installing the new tapping devices (54) and installing the reversing devices (55) are carried out as the step of laying the new pipeline is carried out. lization (53).

10. A renovation method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the old distribution pipe (43) is initially buried, and wherein the new distribution pipe (53) is laid so as to be finally buried.

11. Renovation method according to claim 10, comprising the following steps: opening a trench (50) allowing the laying of the new distribution pipeline (53), opening excavations (51) allowing the uncovering of the old intake devices (44), and closing the trench (50) and / or the excavations (51), in which the closing step is carried out as the steps of installing the new intake devices (54) and installing the reversing devices (55) are carried out.

12. A renovation method according to claim 11, wherein the closing step is completely completed before the step of operating the reversing device (55).

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