A means of verifying the weight of components

Abstract

An apparatus for the verification of the weight and ratio of components for the lining of pipes, comprising: a first weight measurement element 12 configured to measure the weight of one or more of th

Description

Technical Field The present invention is in the field of quality assurance apparatuses and systems. In particular, the disclosed system and apparatus eliminates scope for any human data manipulation in recording weight of components. The disclosed system may be particularly useful in verifying the weight and ratio of polymers that are to be mixed to form a lining for potable water pipes, amongst other types of pipes. Background Many labourers, irrespective of profession or field, are tasked to abide by numerous legal and safety requirements in their day-to-day employment. They are also often burdened with high demands for efficiency and productivity. These regulatory constraints and productivity pressures may drive operators of quality assurance apparatus and systems in some instances to circumvent their duties, especially with meeting regulatory constraints. As such, whether by intention, negligence or human error, legal and safety requirements are often not met. This has a direct impact on the technical output of many systems as standards may no longer be maintained to acceptable margins and the failure rate of said systems is increased. One particular activity where great importance is placed on compliance with approving bodies and adherence to manufacturer instructions is that of the lining of pipes. This includes pipes of many different types, such as those for carrying gas, sewage or oil (amongst other types) but may be particularly useful for potable water pipes. A pipe lining for a pipe, such as a potable water pipe, is the product of two polymers (as approved by The Drinking Water Inspectorate or DWI) that are delivered independently to a location within a pipe where they are mixed and applied. It is a legal requirement for each cycle of this mixing and application process to be preceded by three weight checks to ensure that the correct ratio of each constituent polymer is present in the mix. An appropriate ratio of the constituent polymers is pivotal in achieving a desired end lining as this ratio dictates the lining's ability to adhere to the pipe and also its safe usage alongside a human water supply. The process may also require the polymers to be mixed in a precise ratio to prevent blockages within the apparatus or incorrect viscosities resulting from the mix that may hinder its application to a pipe. UK regulation outlines very tight tolerances regarding the ratio for this dual polymer mixture. In the current practice, lining rigs are equipped with software programmed to only commence a lining procedure following three consecutive entries of weight values for the polymers that successfully yield a ratio value within a predefined tolerance. However, this set up is entirely reliant on human input into the rigs based on the measurements taken from the manual weighing of polymer samples using portable scales. Said weight inputs are prone to manipulation, with operators often knowing, as it is rather intuitive to do so, the weight values required to achieve a successful ratio (based on the weight of the first weighed sample). In a bid to reduce such data manipulation, also known are systems that include various cross checks. These cross checks include a comparison between the flowrate of each polymer delivered to the pipe and the weight value entered into the rig. Said systems are implemented to encourage operators to not manipulate the weight entry process as agreement is required between the mass calculated from flow rate sensors and the weight inputted by an operator. However, so small are the differences between fictitious weight values provided into a rig and expected weight values as determined by the flow rate cross checks, many inconsistencies go unnoticed. However, in order to achieve the tolerances required for a successful lining procedure, these small differences are of great importance. Additionally, a great deal of reliance is placed on the accuracy of the flow meters, which are prone to giving spurious readings as well as averaged readings by the very nature of their function. Systems that employ such flow rate crosschecks therefore still tend not to be accurate nor to provide a fool proof way of overcoming data manipulation problems. There is yet to be disclosed an apparatus or system that provides a complete and un-cheatable weight checking procedure as required by UK regulation. Aspects of the present invention are intended to address at least some of the above-mentioned problems. Statements of Invention Aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claims. Optional features are set out in the dependent claims. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for the verification of the weight and ratio of components for the lining of pipes, the apparatus comprising: a first weight measurement element configured to measure the weight of one or more of the components; and a camera wherein the camera is configured to capture an image or video of the weight of the one or more components when the first weight measurement element is in use. Such an arrangement both generates an accurate weight value and provides means to directly capture it prior to any opportunity for error to be introduced into the weight readings. This arrangement provides a basis for an un-cheatable verification of weight values that may be entered into ratio calculating apparatuses (or a lining rig). Advantageously, said apparatus eradicates reliance on human behaviour in verifying numerical values for highly sensitive applications and instead relies on technical, pictorial data. Furthermore, this arrangement provides a means to objectively assess a known problem associated with human behavioural shortcomings and employee trust. With such fool proof and un-cheatable verification, the scope for data manipulation is reduced. Optionally, further comprising a second weight measurement element, such that the first weight measurement element is configured to measure the weight of a first component, and the second weight measurement element is configured to measure the weight of a second component, wherein the first weight measurement element and the second weight measurement element are configured to be in use concurrently. Advantageously, concurrently conducted weight measurements and their capturing may prevent any data manipulation of the second weight measurement had they been conducted consecutively (i.e. one after the other). For applications requiring a precise ratio, this may therefore prevent a popular practice that seeks to cheat the weight values in order to achieve a predetermined ratio. Measuring each weight sample at the same time also ensures a controlled and consistent environment for both the measurements. Concurrent measurements and their captured values in the same image provides a single piece of verification that prevents any window of opportunity for error to enter the system between two captured images of each measurement. Optionally, wherein the camera is configured to capture an image or video of the weight of the first component and the weight of the second component. This provides a verification of the weight value generated directly by the weighed component without any interference to it. Optionally, wherein the camera is configured to also capture an image or video of the operator performing the weight measurement. Having the operator in the image or video may provide means to identify the operator and to analyse his / her behaviour. This behaviour analysis may include ensuring the operator acknowledges the weight values generated and that the operator is not interfering with the weight measurement process (i.e. through placing any body part on the scales). Having the operator in the frame of the camera may also allow the operator to be used as a prompt to initiate any automatic process, such as turning a camera on and beginning a time period during which to conduct the measurement process. Optionally, wherein the camera is configured to also capture an image or video of the first component, and optionally the second component. This may demonstrate that the weight values generated are of the correct components to be used in a lining process. Optionally, wherein the camera is configured to also capture an image or video of a rig serial number, wherein the rig serial number is a unique identifier of a pipe lining device. Advantageously, such is the benefit of the particular arrangement a comprehensive verification may be provided on every component used in the weight checking process. Identifying rigs may be beneficial in locating and adjudicating errors to particular instruments should a trend be seen over a large data set. Optionally, wherein the camera is configured to record a date and time stamp associated with the image. Advantageously, a record of the data and time may pinpoint exact cycles of the lining process associated with the generated weight values. This may aid in pinpointing an error that may have occurred in a particular cycle or to identify operators responsible for it. The latter increases the accountability for each operator and provides an incentive to not perform any data manipulation. Optionally, wherein a single image captured by the camera is configured to include the weight of the first component, the weight of the second component, the first component, the second component, and the operator. Optionally, wherein a video captured by the camera is configured to include the weight of the first component, the weight of the second component, the first component, the second component, and the operator. With regards to the above two statements, having the operator in the image or video may provide means to identify the operator and to analyse his / her behaviour. This behaviour analysis may include ensuring the operator acknowledges the weight values generated and that the operator is not interfering with the weight measurement process (i.e. through placing any body part on the scales). Optionally, wherein the first weight measurement element comprises a first load cell, and optionally wherein the second weight measurement element comprises a second load cell. Advantageously, said load cells may allow for an accurate digital measurement of the weighed components that may be displayed on a screen. Optionally, further comprising a display screen configured to display the weight measured by the first weight measurement element, and optionally to further display the weight measured by the second weight measurement element. Optionally, wherein the camera is configured to capture an image or video of the display screen. A display screen that is able to directly display, without interference from an operator, the weight of the weighed components may prevent any window of opportunity for error or data manipulation to enter the system. Display screens may provide instant weight values and capturing these values without an operator's interference prevents such window of error. A record can easily be taken of the weight value on the display screen and this value is independent of operator behaviour. This provides a reliable means to verify input values with an accurate set of baseline / recorded values. Optionally, further comprising a processor, wherein the processor is configured to determine from the content of the image or video the weight of the one or more components as measured by the first weight measurement element, and optionally the second weight measurement element, and to input the weight data into a verification table. Said arrangement is independent of operator behaviour and therefore of human error or manipulation of the results. It is also entirely automated and may reduce the time taken by the weight checking process as it avoids the step of manual operator weight entry. In accordance with a second aspect of invention there is disclosed a method of using an apparatus for the verification of the weight and ratio of components for the lining of pipes, the method comprising the steps of: weighing a first component on a first weight measurement element; weighing a second component on a second weight measurement element; capturing an image or video of the weights of the first component and the second component. This method may ensure that the weight values captured are the correct values as it eliminates any window for error. Optionally, wherein the captured image or video further shows the identity of the operator. Advantageously, such identify detection directly relates a operator to their recorded performance. This may minimise the risk of data manipulation by providing means to hold the operator accountable. Optionally, wherein the captured image or video further shows the first component and the second component. Advantageously, showing the presence of both components along with their respective weight values allows for further verification that generated weight values are indeed of the components and nothing else. This concurrent weighing also prevents an operator from manipulating the data of the second weighed component. Optionally, wherein the captured image or video further shows a rig serial number, wherein the rig serial number is a unique identifier of a pipe lining device. Advantageously, a comprehensive verification may be provided on every component used in the weight checking process. Identifying rigs may be beneficial in locating and adjudicating errors to particular instruments should a trend be seen over a large data set. Optionally, further comprising recording a date and time at which the image or video was captured and storing said date and time in association with the image or video. Advantageously, a record of the data and time may pinpoint exact cycles of the lining process associated with the generated weight values. This may aid in pinpointing an error that may have occurred in a particular cycle or to identify an operator responsible for it. Optionally, wherein prior to capturing the image the method comprises: displaying the weight of the first component and the second component on a display screen. Optionally wherein capturing an image or video of the weight of the first component and the second component comprises capturing an image of the display screen. A display screen that is able to directly display, without scope for interference from an operator, the weight of the weighed components may prevent any window of opportunity for error or data manipulation to enter the system. Display screens may provide instant weight values and capturing these values prevents a window for error. A record can be taken of the weight value on the display screen and this value presumed to be error free as it is independent of operator behaviour. This provides a reliable means of verifying input values with an accurate set of baseline / recorded values. Optionally, further comprising determining from the contents of the image or video numerical values for the weights of the first component and the second component. Optionally further comprising inputting the weight of the first component and the weight of the second component into a verification table. As this input is independent of operator behaviour it should be free from human error or manipulation. It is also entirely automated and may reduce the time taken by the weight checking process as it avoids the step of manual operator weight entry. Optionally, wherein the method is performed using the apparatus of the first aspect. In accordance with a third aspect of invention, there is disclosed a system for lining a pipe, the system comprising: a weight measurement and verification element for weighing a first component and a second component, and for verifying the weight of the first component and second component; first and second delivery hoses to deliver the first and second components to a location within the pipe to be lined; a mixing element for mixing the first and second components together to form a lining mixture; an application head to line the inside of the pipe with the lining mixture; wherein the weight measurement and verification element comprises a weight measurement element and a camera, wherein the weight measurement element is configured to measure the weight of the first component, and wherein the camera is configured to take an image or video of the weight of the first component. Such a system provides an efficient means of producing a lining mixture using the correct quantities of its constituent components. The system may allow for the correct quantities of two components to be weighed out before delivery to the hoses so that the correct ratio of one to the other is delivered. The independent nature of these weight checks is advantageous to the system as a whole. Additionally, the use of a camera may allow for verification between the independent weight checks and the delivery / application process to enable the system to benefit from its independent nature. Optionally, wherein weight measurement and verification element comprises the apparatus of the first aspect. Optionally, further comprising a warming tank to warm the first component, and optionally the second component, after the first component has been weighed, and before the first component is delivered via the first delivery hose. Such warming may allow for easier adjustment of the amounts of each component by making it easier to add or remove the component from a weighing vessel. It may also make the components more compliant when passing through the first and second hoses. Optionally, wherein the mixing element comprises a static mixer connected to the application head; and / or wherein the application head comprises an application cone that is configured to spin, such that the centrifugal force on the lining mixture forces the lining mixture to exit the application head and line the pipe; and / or further comprising a pulling element configured to pull the application head through the pipe during the lining process . Advantageously, this arrangement may allow for an efficient means of lining an internal pipe surface with the lining mixture. In accordance with a fourth aspect there is disclosed a method for lining a pipe, the method comprising the steps of: weighing a first component and a second component, and verifying the weight of the first component and the weight of the second component; feeding the first component and the second component to a static mixer at the location being lined; mixing the first and second components together to form a lining mixture; applying the lining mixture to an inner wall of the pipe; wherein verifying the weight of the first and second component comprises taking an image of the weight of the first component and the weight of the second component. Such a method provides an efficient means of producing a lining mixture using the correct quantities of its constituting components. The described method may allow for the exact amount of components to be weighed out before delivery to the hose such that so that the correct ratio of one to the other is delivered. As such, the independent nature of these weight checks is advantageous to the system as a whole. Additionally, taking an image may allow for verification between the independent weight checks and the delivery / application process to enable the system to benefit from its independent nature. Optionally, wherein the weighing and verification steps are the method steps of the second aspect. Brief Description of Figures Figure 1 shows a typical captured image taken of a first embodiment of an apparatus used for the verification of weight and ratio values of two components. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a mixing element and application head used to line the interior of a pipe shown. Figure 3 shows a second view of the mixing element and application head of Figure 2 in the process of lining a pipe. Figure 4 shows a flow chart outlining a portion of a method for using the apparatus of Figure 1 for the verification of the weight and ratio of two components. Figure 5 shows a flowchart outlining a method for lining a pipe following a weighing and verification procedure. Detailed Description of Figures Figure 1 shows an apparatus for the verification of the weight and ratio of components for the lining of pipes, the apparatus comprising: a first weight measurement element 12 configured to measure the weight of one or more of the components; and a camera wherein the camera is configured to capture an image 10 of the weight of the one or more components when the first weight measurement element 12 is in use. The apparatus seen in Figure 1 also shows a second weight measurement element 14 positioned alongside the first weight measurement element 12. Both the weight measurement elements 12, 14 have atop them a vessel 16, 18 respectively that each holds a component 16a, 18a respectively to be weighed. The weight of the components 16a, 18a measured by each of the weight measurement elements 12, 14 is shown on a display 20. It is noted that the apparatus described thus far is observed through the captured image 10, and this captured image 10 further shows a full and unobstructed view of each of the first and second components 16a, 18a held within the vessels 16, 18, a visual of an operator 22 conducting the weight measuring procedure and a rig serial number 24, which is unique to each rig. The weight measurement elements 12, 14 may form part of a weight check station 26 as shown or they may be separate from one another. It is to be noted that any description passage referring to the captured image 10, may also be a description of the apparatus seen within it. For the ease of reading, the captured image 10 will be mainly referred to as an image in this description, however it is understood that it may also represent a frame of a video taken of a weighing procedure of the first and second components 16a, 18a. The apparatus as described and the captured image 10 of it thereof, provides an operating framework for the operator 22 to conduct a weight measuring procedure in a manner that prevents data manipulation and verifies the generation of accurate weight values. The means in which the described apparatus does this is described herein. A first of these means is that the arrangement seen in Figure 1 captures weight values of components as they are weighed or immediately at the conclusion of the weighing procedure. Values seen on the displays 20 in the captured image 10 are therefore captured in a manner that is independent of human interference and therefore free from any human error. The captured values therefore provide an accurate, baseline data set for future reference or verification. It is to be noted that capturing the values here, refers to the capturing of the weight values shown on the displays 20 in the captured image 10. The dual weight measurement elements 12, 14 arrangement seen in Figure 1 enables the concurrent weight measurement of both of the two components 16a, 18a shown. The concurrent weighing of both components 16a, 18a may provide a particular benefit for applications requiring a specific weight ratio between two components, as it may prevent an operator 22 from manipulating the weight of the second component 18a based on the weight of the first component 16a in order to achieve said ratio. By the very requirement of needing to complete both measurements simultaneously, an operator's 22 inclination to commit such data manipulation is eliminated. This is a secondary fool proofing provision introduced into the weighing process that further limits the possibility of inaccuracies to be introduced into the weighing process. With regard to the definition of concurrent weighing, even though each component 16a, 18a may be placed on their respective weight measurement element 12, 14 one after the other, the weighing process is conducted such that both the weight values are displayed at the same time alongside one another. The capturing of both the first and second components 16a, 18a in their respective vessels 16, 18 atop the weight measuring elements 12, 14 also plays a significant role in ensuring that the recorded primary weight readings are generated in a legitimate manner and reflect the true weight of the components 16a, 18a and only these components. With this inclusion in the captured image 10, a verifier will be able to acknowledge immediately, and in an objective manner, that the weight captured in the captured image 10 is a true value of the weight of the components 16a, 18a (the error in weight values being subject only to the accuracy of the weight measurement sensors 12, 14). Sight of the first and second components 16a, 18a and the vessels 16, 18 in which they are held, which may be transparent vessels, provides evidence that the weight generated is of the components and not a foreign body in their place. Additionally, a full view of the weight measurement elements 12, 14 may provide objective proof that the weights have not been increased with ballast (not shown). The inclusion of the operator 22 in the captured image 10 provides an objective assessment of the operator's 22 conduct when generating the weight values. This may highlight any physical manipulation of the generated weight readings. This conduct may include touching the weight measurement elements 12, 14 or the vessels 16, 18 to increase weight, or alternatively, holding the vessels 16, 18 and bearing part of their weight to reduce the values shown on the displays 20. The identity of the operator 22 may also be known from the captured image 10, thereby linking each operator 22 to their performance and hence providing an incentive to properly conduct the weight checking procedure for any application. For use in pipe lining applications as will be described herein, the capture of the rig serial number 24 in the captured image 10 allows for a comprehensive collection of data to be obtained for each lining cycle. This data may be used to identify the location of particular lining cycles, allocate it to a group of operators 22 or identify faulty rigs should a trend be seen of a repeatedly offending (repeated failure) rig serial number 24 over a large data set. The captured image 10 of Figure 1 may be a photograph taken of the apparatus and operator 22 once the required weighing procedure is executed (i.e. both components 16a, 18a placed on the weight measurement sensor 12, 14 and in shot, with an operator 22 not in contact with them and a weight value displayed). To reduce the pressures of timing such photograph, the captured image 10 of Figure 1 may alternatively be a still of a video that is recorded for a set duration. Either form of capture, will have displayed a time and date stamp (not shown) outlining when the weight measurements took place. This allows every piece of capture to be linked to a weighing cycle. The camera that takes each photo or video may therefore be fixed to a rig / spatial coordinates proximal to the rig and have the desired (as explained above) field of view of the apparatus, similar to that seen in the captured image 10 of Figure 1. Alternatively, the entire video recording may be used as a more detailed verification means instead of an isolated frame from its total recorded duration. Such video when considered as a verification means in its entirety would comprise of the same captured features as that of the captured image 10 but may include further details on the conduct of an operator that may not be visible in a single frame capture. The recording (or photographing) may be preprogramed to commence at a particular time or be initiated by an operator's 22 command prior to every weighing procedure. The camera may be programmed to stop recording after a specific time after starting. The weight measurement sensors 12, 14 may also be linked to the camera and initiate its recording once a component is placed atop it. The captured images 10 may be standard in nature across numerous weighing cycles. The camera may also be web enabled and may be controlled via a third party. The particular weight measurement sensors 12, 14 implemented in Figure 1 are load cells. Load cells have a high accuracy and may be useful for applications such as the lining of rigs described previously, where tight tolerances are defined by legislation and need to be met with accurate weight readings for every component used to form a lining mixture. The load cells may be a built-in part of the weight check station 26. Not seen in Figure 1 but a means that may be implemented to further strengthen the cohesion of the disclosed apparatus with verification practices is a processor to determine from the content of the image 10 the weight of the two components. These determined weight values may then be input into a verification table. Such a processor will completely remove the dependence of the weight input, or ratio calculation, from an operator 22, fool proofing the arrangement further from numerical manipulation or error. Additionally, the load cells 12, 14 may also be linked to a verification means and directly implement the values generated. The apparatus of Figure 1 and the captured image 10 of it thereof, provides a multifaceted arrangement that, firstly, ensures the generation of primary weight data that is free from human manipulation, and secondly, enables an objective assessment that readily communicates confirmation of this accuracy. The captured image 10 produced may then also be used within a verification system to ensure these true weight values are utilised without modification. This is particularly beneficial for two-part processes wherein the first part is a weight checking process and the second part utilises the values of the weights generated. Although the apparatus of Figure 1 may be implemented in any application that requires the generation, proof and verification of usage of exact weight values, it has particular benefits in applications related to the internal lining of pipes as mentioned previously. These may be pipes of all types including those underground and above ground and pipes that are inside buildings. More specifically, the apparatus is equipped to play a key role in processes related to SIPP (Spray In Place Polymer) pipe lining and work alongside existing rigs and equipment, such as the ones used in the internal lining of potable water pipes. In applications for the lining of such water pipes, two polymers are delivered to a pipe lining apparatus in a precise ratio where they are mixed. The tolerance for this ratio is small. The apparatus of Figure 1 verifies the correct weight values are used for these polymers by providing a framework for an operator to generate accurate values and an incentive to use them. The captured image 10 provides a verification means may also act alongside time records and other identification means (between lining cycle and operator 22) that links operator 22 performance to this evidence. As such, the operator 22 is disincentivized to manipulate any values and encouraged to adhere to proper safety procedures. Figure 2 shows an application element 30 that may be used to deliver the weighed polymers to a pipe 32 for its lining. The two weighed components (polymers), in the exact ratio required (and after three successful repeats to ensure this exact ratio), are delivered to the pipe 32 where they are mixed to form a lining mixture that is then applied. The application element 30 comprises a delivery hose 34. In this embodiment, the delivery hose 34 acts both as a transport means for the polymers, and a mixing element configured to mix the two polymers prior to their application on the pipe 32. The mixing element may comprise of a static mixer connected to an application head 36. In other embodiments, the delivery hose 34 may be separate to the mixing element whereby the delivery hose will lead to the mixing element. A connection means 38 at a proximal end of the hose is also seen. This connection means 38 may connect the hose 34 to two additional hoses (not shown), wherein these two additional hoses may be used to independently deliver each polymer to the delivery hose 34. The application means further comprises an application head 36. The application head seen in Figure 2 comprises an application cone 40 such that, once the application head 36 has received the mixed lining mixture from the mixing element or hose 24, the spinning of said cone 40 and the simultaneous spraying of the lining mixture from it efficiently lines the inner wall of the pipe by virtue of a centrifugal force acting on the lining mixture. The application head 36 may further be skid mounted 42 (as shown), trolley mounted, on a robotic track or on wheeled units and be propelled by a pulling element to translate within a pipe's lengths. Whereby by such translation, or pulling through the pipe 32 during the lining process lines an increasing portion of the length of the pipe. Not shown in Figure 2 is a warming tank that may be used to warm the two polymers after they have been weighed and before their delivery to the application site. Alternatively, the weighed components may be warmed prior to their weighing so that they are more agreeable to being handled. This may enable a more efficient procedure in obtaining a specific weight. Figure 3 shows a transparent pipe 50 in the process of having its internal wall lined with a lining mixture 52 through the use of an application element 54 as shown in Figure 2. As the application element 54 is pulled along the pipe 50 (in the direction of the delivery hose) a greater length of the pipe will be lined. Figure 4 shows a flowchart outlining part of a method 60 of using an apparatus for the verification of the weight and ratio of components for the lining of pipes. Step 61 of this method involves weighing a first component on a first weight measurement element and a step 62 involves weighing a second component on a second weight measurement element. Step 63 then follows, which involves capturing an image of the weight of the first component and the second component. Capturing this image with both the weights of the first and second components on display allows for the desirable concurrent weighing as explained above. Even though each component may be placed on their respective weight measurement elements one after the other, the weighing process is conducted such that both the weight values are displayed at the same time. This presents no window for an operator to manipulate the weight of a second component based on the first weight to achieve a ratio. Although not shown, the method may further involve capturing an image that shows the identity of the operator and a visual of both the first and second components (and the load cells onto which they are positioned). The capturing of an image that also shows the rig serial number along with the date and time stamp of the instance the image was taken (or the video recorded) may comprise a further part of this step. Prior to capturing the image that shows all of the above, a preceding step may comprise the apparatus displaying the weight of the first component and the second component on a display screen. It is to be understood that reference to capturing an image of the weight of the first component and the second component comprises capturing an image of the display screen whilst it displays the values of the weights. Determining from the contents of the image a numerical value for the weights of the first component and second component may be a penultimate step and the final step may be inputting the weight of the first component and the weight of the second component into a verification table. This may be done manually. Alternative embodiments may directly input values from the load cells (or other weight measurement elements) into the verification table via a processor or equivalent means. These alternative embodiments may then obviate the penultimate and final steps outlined. Figure 5 shows a flowchart outlining a method 70 for the lining of a pipe. The method begins by weighing a first component and a second component, and verifying the weight of the first component and the weight of the second component, step 71. Feeding the first component and the second component to a static mixer at the location being lined, step 72. Step 73 is then the mixing of the first and second components together to form a lining mixture, and applying the lining mixture to an inner wall of the pipe, 74. The initial verification of the weights of the first and second components may comprise taking an image of the weight of the first component and the weight of the second component using the method shown in the flowchart of Figure 4. The first and second components described here are the two polymers to be mixed to form a lining mixture. The arrangement described above provides an efficient means of the verification of weight values, both primary and processed, that result in significant time saving in the quality assurance processes. It also introduces accountability to ensure every operator is disincentivized from modifying these weight values. Additionally, the reduced error in relation to the primary weight values and the unmodified implementation of only these values increases the accuracy of any physical operation that the apparatus of Figure 1 precedes. This reduces the rates of failure for any system the apparatus is implemented in. The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples. Further embodiments are also envisaged. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims. In some examples, one or more memory elements can store data and / or program instructions used to manufacture the apparatus described herein. This may particularly relate to a processor used to determine the weight values from the captured image and / or input it into a verification table. Embodiments of the disclosure provide tangible, non-transitory storage media comprising program instructions operable to program a processor to said method of manufacture. The processor / controller of such method of manufacture (and any of the methods, activities or instructions outlined herein) may be implemented with fixed logic such 5 as assemblies of logic gates or programmable logic such as software and / or computer program instructions executed by a processor. Other kinds of programmable logic include programmable processors, programmable digital logic (e.g. a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), an 10 application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or any other kind of digital logic, software, code, electronic instructions, flash memory, optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD ROMs, magnetic or optical cards, other types of machine-readable mediums suitable for storing electronic instructions, or any suitable combination thereof. 15

Claims

1. An apparatus for the verification of the weight and ratio of components for the lining of pipes, the apparatus comprising:a first weight measurement element configured to measure the weight of one or more of the components; anda camera wherein the camera is configured to capture an image or video of the weight of the one or more components when the first weight measurement element is in use.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second weight measurement element, such that the first weight measurement element is configured to measure the weight of a first component, and the second weight measurement element is configured to measure the weight of a second component, wherein the first weight measurement element and the second weight measurement element are configured to be in use concurrently.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the camera is configured to capture an image or video of the weight of the first component and the weight of the second component.

4. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the camera is configured to also capture an image or video of the operator performing the weight measurement.

5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the camera is configured to also capture an image or video of the first component, and optionally the second component.

6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the camera is configured to also capture an image or video of a rig serial number, wherein the rig serial number is a unique identify of a pipe lining device.

7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the camera is configured to record a date and time stamp associated with the image or video.

8. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein a single image captured by the camera is configured to include the weight of the first component, the weight of the second component, the first component, the second component, and the operator, optionally wherein a video captured by the camera is configured to include the weight of the first component, the weight of the second component, the first component, the second component, and the operator.

9. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the first weight measurement element comprises a first load cell, and optionally wherein the second weight measurement element comprises a second load cell.

10. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a display screen configured to display the weight measured by the first weight measurement element, and optionally to further display the weight measured by the second weight measurement element, optionally wherein the camera is configured to capture an image or video of the display screen.

11. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a processor, wherein the processor is configured to determine from the content of the image or video the weight of the one or more components as measured by the first weight measurement element, and optionally the second weight measurement element, and to input the weight data into a verification table.

12. A method of using an apparatus for the verification of the weight and ratio of components for the lining of pipes, the method comprising the steps of:weighing a first component on a first weight measurement element;weighing a second component on a second weight measurement element; capturing an image or video of the weight of the first component and the second component.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the captured image or video further shows the identity of the operator.

14. The method of claims 12 or 13, wherein the captured image or video further shows the first component and the second component.

15. The method of any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the captured image or video further shows a rig serial number, wherein the rig serial number is a unique identifier of a pipe lining device.

16. The method of any of claims 12 to 15, further comprising recording a date and time at which the image or video was captured and storing said date and time in association with the image or video.

17. The method of any of claims 12 to 14, wherein prior to capturing the image or video the method comprises:displaying the weight of the first component and the second component on a display screen, optionally wherein capturing an image or video of the weight of thefirst component and the second component comprises capturing an image or video of the display screen.

18. The method of any of claims 12 to 17, further comprising determining from the contents of the image or video a numerical value for the weights of the first component and second component, optionally further comprising inputting the weight of the first component and the weight of the second component into a verification table.

19. The method of any of claims 12 to 18, wherein the method is performed using the apparatus of claims 1 to 11.

20. A system for lining a pipe, the system comprising:a weight measurement and verification element for weighing a first component and a second component, and for verifying the weight of the first component and second component;first and second delivery hoses to deliver the first and second components to the a location within the pipe to be lined;a mixing element for mixing the first and second components together to form a lining mixture;an application head to line the inside of the pipe with the lining mixture;wherein the weight measurement and verification element comprises a weight measurement element and a camera, wherein the weight measurement element is configured to measure the weight of the first component the camera is configured to take an image or video of the weight of the first component.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein weight measurement and verification element comprises the apparatus of any of claims 1 to 11.

22. The system of claims 20 or 21, further comprising a warming tank to warm the first component, and optionally the second component, after the first component has been weighed, and before the first component is delivered via the delivery hose.

23. The system of any of claims 20 to 22, wherein the mixing element comprises a static mixer connected to the application head; and / orwherein the application head comprises an application cone that is configured to spin, such that the centrifugal force on the lining mixture forces the lining mixture to exit the application head and line the pipe; and / orfurther comprising a pulling element configured to pull the application head through the pipe during the lining process such that the full length of the pipe is lined.

24. A method for lining a pipe, the method comprising the steps of: weighing a first component and a second component, and verifying the weight of the first component and the weight of the second component;feeding the first component and the second component to a static mixer at 5 the location being lined;mixing the first and second components together to form a lining mixture; applying the lining mixture to an inner wall of the pipe;wherein verifying the weight of the first and second component comprises taking an image or video of the weight of the first component and the weight of the 10 second component.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the weighing and verification steps are the method steps of claims 12 to 19.

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