A system, apparatus, and method for replacing conductors

Abstract

A conductor replacement system 10 (Figure 9) comprising at least one conductor retention assembly 11, the conductor retention assembly comprising a conductor retention space 16; at least first and second conductor retention members 17, 18, 19 to retain at least first and second conductors within the conductor retention space; at least one support cable engagement arrangement 21 to engage with and retain at least one support cable, the at least one support cable being anchorable to support towers from which the conductor is suspended, or to the ground, such that the conductor retention assembly may be suspended by the at least one support cable; wherein, one or more conductor retention assembly is deployable along a plurality of existing conductors such that the tension in the existing conductors may be reduced and said existing conductors replaced with new conductors. The conductor retention assembly may comprise a frame with members 12-15. The upper and lower frame forming members 12, 13 may be rollers. The existing conductors are used to draw through replacement conductors.

Description

This invention relates to a system, apparatus, and method for replacing conductors, and in particular to an apparatus and method suitable for replacing a plurality of conductors without the requirement for support scaffold or the like. Background of the invention Conductor systems typically comprise sections of conductors suspended between towers which act to support and / or tension the conductor sections. When a conductor section becomes degraded, damaged, or otherwise reduced in capacity to carry-out its function, it is required that said conductor section is replaced. Replacement may be achieved by reducing the tension in the conductor, attaching a block at each tower to support the conductor, connecting a new conductor to the old conductor, and pulling the old conductor such that it draws the new conductor in along the length of the section to be replaced. The new conductor is then suitably supported and tensioned at the towers. Complications occur where the above replacement process is required to take place across conductor sections which span infrastructure such as buildings, roads, railways etc. In such cases additional safety precautions are required in the form of scaffolding or the like which is erected across the affected sections to eliminate any risk of conductors coming into contact with the infrastructure below. Such scaffolding is both time consuming to erect, major disruption to landownersand expensive. Solutions such as catenary support systems exist which aim to at least partially address the above issue, however these systems are often heavy, difficult to deploy at height, and / or can only deal with replacement of single conductors. Resultantly, for systems comprising twin, and in particular triple or quad bundled conductors, these existing systems are not suitable. It is desirable to provide an apparatus and method for replacing conductors which eliminates the need for scaffolding or the like, is easy to deploy at height, and can facilitate replacement of a plurality of conductors. Summary of the Invention According to the invention there is provided a conductor replacement system comprising at least one conductor retention assembly, the conductor retention assembly comprising: a conductor retention space defined within a main body of the conductor retention assembly; at least first and second conductor retention members configured to selectably retain at least first and second conductors within the conductor retention space; at least one support cable engagement arrangement configured to engage with and retain at least one support cable, the at least one support cable being anchorable to support towers from which the conductor is suspended, or to the ground, such that the conductor retention assembly may be suspended by the at least one support cable; wherein, one or more conductor retention assembly is deployable along a plurality of existing conductors such that the tension in the existing conductors may be reduced and said existing conductors replaced with new conductors. Advantageously, the conductor replacement system may be deployed to replace a plurality of conductors simultaneously without the requirement for scaffolding or the like to protect infrastructure beneath the span of the conductors for replacement. Preferably, the existing conductors are replaced with new conductors using tension stringing methods. Ideally, the conductor retention assembly comprises a frame having frame forming members defining the conductor retention space therebetween. Preferably, the frame is a generally quadrangular frame comprising opposing upper and lower frame forming members and opposing first and second side opposing frame forming members. Advantageously, where the frame is a quadrangular frame, a plurality of conductors may be selectably retained within the conductor retention space thereof. Most preferably, 3 or 4 conductors may be retained within said conductor retention space. Ideally, the frame forming members define a generally quadrangular conductor retention space therebetween. Alternatively, the frame is a generally triangular frame. Ideally, the lower frame forming member forms the first conductor retention member. Preferably, the lower frame forming member is moubtable between the first and second side opposing frame forming members. Ideally, the lower frame forming member is movable or removable relative to the first and / or second side opposing frame forming members such that the lower end of the frame may selectably be provided with an opening through which conductors may travel to enter the conductor retention space. Preferably, the lower frame forming member is rotatably / hingedly mountable to one of the first or second side opposing frame forming members. Ideally, the lower frame forming member is rotatably / hingedly mountable to one of the first or second side opposing frame forming members and is selectably securable to the other side opposing frame forming member to form an openable hinged barrier. Preferably, the openable hinged barrier may be opened to permit conductors to travel into the conductor retention space, and closed / secured to prevent conductors located within the conductor retention space from leaving said space Ideally, the lower frame forming member is closed / secured by a clevis type arrangement. Preferably, the clevis type arrangement comprises a pin / bolt and complimentary pin / bolt receiving features disposed between the lower frame forming member and one of the first or second side opposing frame forming members such that insertion of said pin / bolt in the pin / bolt receiving features secures the lower frame forming member to said side frame forming member. Ideally, the lower frame forming member comprises a lower roller. Preferably, as the frame travels along the one or more conductor with the lower roller in contact with the one or more conductor, or a conductor is pulled through the frame, the lower roller rotates so as to reduce friction, permit ease of travel, and limit risk of conductor damage. Ideally, the lower roller comprises a rubber or rubberized coating. Preferably, the lower roller has a diameter of approximately 50mm. Preferably, the conductor retention assembly comprises at least three conduction retention members. Ideally, the conductor retention assembly comprises a first conductor retention member which acts to selectably permit access for conductors to the conductor retention space and prevent travel of conductors locatable in said conductor retention space from leaving said space. Ideally, the conductor retention assembly comprises second and third conductor retention members which each act to selectably retain separate conductors in predefined second and third retention areas of the conductor retention space respectively. Preferably, the second and third retention areas are locatable at each side of the upper end of the conductor retention assembly. Most preferably, where the frame is a quadrangular frame, the second and third retention areas are locatable at each upper corner of said quadrangular frame. Ideally, the second and third conductor retention members form retention struts. Preferably, a first retention strut spans between the first side frame forming member of the frame and the upper frame forming member such that a top corner of the frame bounded by the first retention strut forms the second retention area. Ideally, a second retention strut spans between the second side frame forming member of the frame and the upper frame forming member such that a top corner of the frame bounded by the second retention strut forms the third retention area. Preferably, the first and second retention struts are selectably movable and / or removable such that conductors may be permitted into the second and third retention areas from the remainder of the conductor retention area and retained therein. Ideally, the first and second retention struts are rotatably or hingedly connected to their respective side frame forming members. Preferably, the first and second retention struts may be rotated to an open configuration, wherein the retention struts are rotated away from the upper frame forming member so as to form an opening into the second and third retention areas through which conductors may pass. Ideally, the retention struts may be rotated to a retaining configuration, wherein the retaining struts are rotated towards and into contact with the upper frame forming member to retain conductors in said second and third retention areas. Preferably, a spring is operably engaged between the first and second retention struts and their respective side frame forming members. Ideally, the spring biases the first and second retention struts towards the upper frame forming member Ideally, the spring biases the first and second retention struts about their hinged connections towards the upper frame forming member, and such that force is required to rotate the first and second retention struts in a direction away from the upper frame forming member. Advantageously, the retention struts are as a default in a closed position and must be forcibly moved to an open position. Optionally, the retaining struts are fixable in the open and / or the retaining position by a fixing mechanism in operable engagement between the side frame forming members and their respective retaining struts. Preferably, one conductor is retained in the second retention area, one conductor is retained in the third retention area, and one or more conductor is retained in the remainder of the conductor retention area. Advantageously, where the frame is a quadrangular frame, as the second and third retention areas are at the opposing upper corners of frame and a conductor is retained at or about said upper corners, the frame when suspended from conductors in the second and third retention areas is generally stable. Preferably, the upper frame forming member comprises an upper roller. Ideally, as the frame travels along the one or more conductor with the upper roller in contact with the one or more conductor, or a conductor is pulled through the frame, the upper roller rotates so as to reduce friction, permit ease of travel, and limit risk of conductor damage. Preferably, the upper roller comprises a rubber or rubberized coating. Preferably, the upper roller has a diameter of approximately 50mm. Preferably, the at least one support cable engagement arrangement comprises a plurality of cable engagement members, at least one cable engagement member being located on either lateral side of a cable such that a cable may be retained between the two cable engagement members. Ideally, at least one of the cable engagement members is a movable cable engagement member such that it is selectably movable towards at least one fixed cable engagement member located on an opposing lateral side of a cable to retain said cable between the movable and fixed cable engagement members. Preferably, the movable cable engagement member is selectably movable away from the at least one fixed cable engagement member located on an opposing lateral side of a cable to release a retained cable or to create an opening between the movable and fixed cable engagement members such that a cable may be received therebetween. Preferably, the at least one support cable engagement arrangement comprises first and second upper cable engagement members which are configured to engage the upper surface of a support cable. Ideally, the at least one support cable engagement arrangement comprises a lower cable engagement member configured to engage the lower surface of the support cable. Preferably, the upper and lower cable engagement members comprise side engagement means which extend so as to engage with the side surfaces of the support cable. Ideally, the lower cable engagement member is disposed between the upper cable engagement members in the longitudinal direction of a cable such that a cable may pass through the first upper cable engagement member, through the lower cable engagement member, and through the second upper cable engagement member. Preferably, the lower cable engagement member is a movable engagement member. Ideally, the lower cable engagement member may be moved away from the upper cable engagement members to permit easier insertion of the support cable between the upper and lower cable engagement members. Preferably, the lower cable engagement member may be moved towards the upper cable engagement members to secure the support cable between the upper and lower cable engagement members. Ideally, the cable engagement members comprise ends configured to prevent damage to the cable engaged therewith. Preferably, the ends of the cable engagement members are rounded ends such that damage to cables engaged with the cable engagement members is prevented. Ideally, the cable engagement members comprise a cable engagement and release mechanism configured to selectably engage or release a cable. Ideally, the cable engagement and release mechanism comprises two upper cable engagement members and one lower cable engagement member. Preferably, the upper cable engagement members are fixed and the lower cable engagement member is movable. Preferably, the cable engagement members comprise channels formed for receiving a cable. Ideally, the channels of the cable engagement members are opposing channels such that where cable engagement members are located on opposing lateral sides of a cable, their channels oppose each other. Preferably, the movable cable engagement member is in operable engagement with a threaded movement mechanism such that threading of the threaded movement mechanism effects movement of the movable cable engagement member. Ideally, the threaded movement mechanism comprises a threaded rod fixedly attached to the movable cable engagement member and a plate fixable to the cable engagement arrangement, the plate comprising a threaded bore sized and dimensioned to receive the threaded rod such that the threaded rod may be threaded therein in both directions. Preferably, the channels of the cable engagement members are of rounded cross-section such that damage to cables engaged with the cable engagement members is prevented. Preferably, wherein the channels of the cable engagement members are generally u-shaped channel sections. Preferably, the conductor replacement system comprises two cable engagement arrangements. Ideally, one cable engagement arrangement is disposed on each side of the conductor retention assembly. Preferably, one cable engagement arrangement is disposed on each side of the conductor retention assembly and on the upper half of said sides, and preferably proximal the upper end of said sides. Advantageously, the two cable engagement members engage with support cables on each side of the conductor retention assembly in order that they may suspend the conductor retention assembly in a balanced manner. Ideally, where “upper” and “side” is referred to this relates to the conductor replacement system and conductor retention assembly when in use. Preferably, the frame forming members are formed from aluminium. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of replacing a conductor comprising the steps of: deploying one or more conductor retention assembly onto one or more existing conductor, the one or more conductor retention assembly comprising a conductor retention space defined within a main body of the conductor retention assembly; at least first and second conductor retention members configured to selectably retain at least first and second conductors within the conductor retention space; at least one support cable and at least one support cable 8 engagement arrangement configured to engage with and retain the at least one support cable, the at least one support cable being anchorable to support towers from which the conductor is suspended, or to the ground, such that the conductor retention assembly may be suspended by the at least one support cable; anchoring the at least one support cable to support towers from which the conductor is suspended, or to the ground; releasing tension from the existing conductors; utilising the existing conductors to draw through replacement conductors; tensioning the replacement conductors; and removing the one or more conductor retention assembly. Ideally, the method comprising deploying the one or more conductor retention assembly by powered trolley suspended from the conductors, or alternatively by a radio controlled trolley. According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a conductor retention assembly for use in a conductor replacement system, the conductor retention assembly comprising: a conductor retention space defined within a main body of the conductor retention assembly; at least first and second conductor retention members configured to selectably retain at least first and second conductors within the conductor retention space; at least one support cable engagement arrangement configured to engage with and retain at least one support cable, the at least one support cable being anchorable to support towers from which the conductor is suspended, or to the ground, such that the conductor retention assembly may be suspended by the at least one support cable; wherein, one or more conductor retention assembly is deployable along a plurality of existing conductors such that the tension in the existing conductors may be reduced and said existing conductors replaced with new conductors using tension stringing methods. Brief description of the drawings An embodiment of the invention is now described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a front isometric view of a conductor retention assembly of a conductor replacement system showing conductor retention members thereof in a closed configuration; Figure 2 is a rear isometric view of the conductor retention assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front isometric view of the conductor retention assembly of Figure 1 showing conductor retention members thereof in an open configuration; Figure 4 is a front view of the conductor retention assembly of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a front view of the conductor retention assembly of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a side end view of the conductor retention assembly of Figure 1; Figure 7 is atop / plan view of the conductor retention assembly of Figure 1; Figure 8 is a further isometric view of the conductor retention assembly of Figure 1; Figure 9 is a depiction of how a plurality of conductor retention assemblies may be deployed along a section of conductor to be replaced; and Figure 10 is a report illustrating the test procedure carried out on a conductor retention assembly. Detailed Description of the drawings The present teaching will now be described with reference to an exemplary conductor replacement system. It will be understood that the exemplary conductor replacement system is provided to assist in an understanding of the present teaching and are not to be construed as limiting in any fashion. Furthermore, elements or components that are described with reference to any one Figure may be interchanged with those of other Figures or other equivalent elements without departing from the spirit of the present teaching. Referring now to the Figures there is illustrated a conductor replacement system 10 comprising at least one conductor retention assembly 11. In the embodiment of the drawings the conductor retention assembly takes the form of a generally quadrangular frame 11 comprising opposing upper 12 and lower 13 frame forming members and opposing first 14 and second 15 side opposing frame forming members. The frame forming members 12, 13, 14, 15 may be formed from aluminium. However it is important to note that the conductor retention assembly 11 may take any reasonable form and shape. For example, whilst a quadrangular shaped frame is particularly advantageous when attempting to retain triple and quad conductor type systems, the conductor retention assembly 11 could also take a triangular form or an inverted triangular form, the inverted triangle frame being configured to retain one conductor towards each upper interior corner and a third conductor towards the lower interior corner. Moreover, the conductor retention assembly 11 need not be a frame but could take any reasonable form suitable for retaining a plurality of cables. The skilled person would be well aware that the shape of the conductor retention assembly 11 could be readily adapted to suit a particular use case / number of conductors. It is also noted that the terms “upper”, “lower”, and “side” refer to the in use orientation of the frame 11, the orientation shown in Figures 1 to 5. The frame 11 defines conductor retention space 16 within the opposing upper 12 and lower 13 frame forming members and opposing first 14 and second 15 side opposing frame forming members. In use, the conductors travel through the frame 11 and are retained within the conductor retention space 16, as can be seen in Figure 9. In the embodiment of the drawings, the frame comprises three conductor retention members 17, 18, 19 which are configured to selectably retain first, second third and optionally fourth conductors within the conductor retention space 16, or within a particular 10 area within the conductor retention space 16. However, it should be noted that the skilled person would appreciate that, as the intended functioning of the conductor retention members 17, 18, 19 is to retain different conductors at potentially different areas within the conductor retention space 16, that the number and nature of conduction retention members may be adapted as required to accommodate further conductors if needed, such adaptation being well within the scope of knowledge of the skilled person. Two support cable engagement arrangements 20, 21 are provided and configured to engage with and retain two corresponding support cables. The support cables are anchorable to support towers from which the conductor is suspended, or to the ground such that the frame 11 may be suspended by the support cables. The system 10 comprises deployment of a plurality of frames 11 along a plurality of existing conductors such that existing tensioned conductors may have their tension released or reduced and be replaced with replacement conductors. Advantageously, the conductor replacement system 10 may be deployed to replace a plurality of conductors simultaneously without the requirement for scaffolding or the like to protect infrastructure beneath the span of the conductors for replacement. The frame forming members 12, 13, 14, 15, define a generally quadrangular conductor retention space 16 therebetween. As noted above, where the framel 1 is a quadrangular frame 11, a plurality of conductors may be selectably retained within the conductor retention space 16 thereof. Most preferably, 3 or 4 conductors may be retained within said conductor retention space 16. In one preferred embodiment, the quadrangular conductor retention space 16 extends approximately 600mm-850mm between the upper and lower frame forming members 12, 13, and approximately 600-850mm between the two side frame forming members 14, 15. However, dimensions provided herein are given for example purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. The lower frame forming member 13 forms the first conductor retention member 17. The lower frame forming member 13 is mountable between the first and second side opposing frame forming members 14, 15 and is movable or removable relative to the first and / or second side opposing frame forming members 14, 15 such that the lower end of the frame 11 may selectably be provided with an opening 22 through which conductors may travel to enter the conductor retention space 16. In the embodiment is the drawings, the lower frame forming member 13 is rotatably / hingedly mountable to one of the first or second side opposing frame forming members. The lower frame forming member 13 is rotatably / hingedly mountable to the second side 15 opposing frame forming member and is selectably securable to the first side opposing frame forming member 14 to form an openable hinged barrier 17 which essentially forms the first conductor retention member 17. However, it should be noted that the skilled person could devise many ways in which the lower frame forming member 13 could be moved or temporarily removed to provide the required opening 22 and as such all such methods are within the scope of the claimed invention. The openable hinged barrier 17 may be opened to permit conductors to travel into the conductor retention space 16, and closed / secured to prevent conductors located within the conductor retention space 16 from leaving said space. In this manner the frame 11 is easily installed onto a plurality of conductors, even when carried out at a height as an installer must simply open the hinged barrier 17, place the frame over the conductors to be retained, and close the hinged barrier 17 retaining said conductors. It should be further noted that, alternatively, the upper frame forming member 12 or one of the side frame forming members 14,15 could be hinged to provide an opening. In the embodiment of the drawings, the lower frame forming member 13 / hinged barrier 17 is closed / secured by a clevis type arrangement 23, 24, 25. The clevis type arrangement 23, 24, 25 comprises a pin / bolt 25 and complimentary pin / bolt receiving features 24, 25 disposed on lower frame forming member 13 and the first side opposing frame forming member 14 such that insertion of said pin / bolt 25 in the pin / bolt receiving features 24, 25, when said features are aligned, secures the lower frame forming member 13 to said first side frame forming member 14. It should be noted that, as an alternative, the lower frame forming member could be in hinged connection with the first side frame forming member 14 and securably attached to the second side frame forming member 15 by the clevis arrangement 23, 24, 25. Moreover, whilst a clevis type securing arrangement is shown in the drawings, this is simply one example provided for illustration purposes should not be considered limiting. The skilled person would be well aware of various securing arrangements which could be utilised and which would be well within their general knowledge. Moreover, where hinged connection is referred to herein, this should not be considered limiting, such connections should be considered to cover any suitable mechanical connection that permits rotational movement of the referenced components relative to each other, all which would sit within the knowledge of the skilled person. The lower frame forming member 13 comprises a lower roller 24. As the frame 11 travels along the one or more conductor with the lower roller 24 in contact with the one or more conductor, or a conductor is pulled through the frame 11, the lower roller 24 rotates so as to reduce friction, permit ease of travel, and limit risk of conductor damage. In a preferred embodiment the lower roller 24 comprises a rubber or rubberized coating. The skilled person would be well aware of various specific arrangements that could be employed to form a roller, for example disposing a rubber sheathed outer cylinder on the lower frame forming member 13 such that said sheath may freely rotate. However, any suitable roller arrangement may be utilised and as such, for brevity, it will not be laboured upon herein. In a preferred embodiment the lower roller 24 has a diameter of approximately 50mm and has a longitudinal length of approximately 600mm, but as would be appreciated by the skilled person the lower roller 24 may take any reasonable size which may be dependent on the loading and number of conductors involved. As noted, the embodiment of the drawings comprises three conduction retention members 17, 18, 19. The first conductor retention member 17 is provided by the lower frame forming member 13 which acts to selectably permit access for conductors to the conductor retention space 16 and prevent travel of conductors locatable in said conductor retention space from leaving said space via its hinged or otherwise movable nature as noted above. The frame 11 further comprises second and third conductor retention members 18, 19 which each act to selectably retain separate conductors in predefined second and third retention areas 26, 27 of the conductor retention space 16 respectively. The second and third retention areas 26, 27 are locatable at each side of the upper end of the frame 11. Where the frame is a quadrangular frame such as the embodiment of the drawings, the second and third retention areas 26, 27 are locatable at each upper corner of said quadrangular frame 11. The second and third conductor retention members 18, 19 form retention struts 18, 19. A first retention strut 18 spans between the first side frame forming member 14 of the frame and the upper frame forming member 12 such that a top corner of the frame 11 bounded by the first retention strut 18 forms the second retention area 26. A second retention strut 19 spans between the second side frame forming member 15 of the frame and the upper frame forming member 13 such that a top corner of the frame 11 bounded by the second retention strut 19 forms the third retention area 27. The first and second retention struts 18, 19 extend at generally 45 degrees from the side frame forming members 14, 15 respectively. The first and second retention struts 18, 19 are selectably movable and / or removable such that conductors may be permitted into the second and third retention areas 26, 27 from the remainder of the conductor retention area 16 and retained therein. Ideally, the first and second retention struts are rotatably or hingedly connected to their respective side frame forming members. However, it should be noted that the skilled person could devise many ways in which the first and second struts 18, 19 could be moved or temporarily removed to provide the required division of the conductor retention space 16, and as such all such methods are within the scope of the claimed invention. The first and second retention struts 18, 19 may be rotated to an open configuration (as can be best seen in Figures 3 and 4), wherein the retention struts 18,19 are rotated away from the upper frame forming member 12 so as to form an openings into the second and third retention areas 26, 27 from the remainder of the conductor retention area 16 through which conductors may pass. The retention struts 18, 19 may also be rotated to a retaining configuration (as is best seen in Figures 1 and 2), wherein the retaining struts 18, 19 are rotated towards and into contact with the upper frame forming member 12 to retain conductors in said second and third retention areas 26, 27. In a preferred embodiment, a spring (not shown) is operably engaged between the first and second retention struts 18, 19 and their respective side frame forming members 14, 15 which acts to bias the first and second retention struts 18, 19 towards the upper frame forming member 12. The spring biases the first and second retention struts 18, 19 about their hinged connections towards the upper frame forming member 12, and such that force is required to rotate the first and second retention struts 18 in a direction away from the upper frame forming member 12. Advantageously, the retention struts 18, 19 are as a default in the retaining / closed configuration and must be forcibly moved to the open position. In some embodiments, the retaining struts 18, 19 are fixable in the open and / or the retaining position by a fixing mechanism in operable engagement between the side frame forming members 14, 15 and their respective retaining struts 18, 19 to provide greater security. The skilled person would be able to devise many arrangements for fixing / securing the struts 18, 19 in position. As can be best viewed in Figures 1 and 2, the side frame forming members 14, 15 may be box sections or the like and the retention struts 18, 19 may be hinged to the side frame forming members 14, 15, internally of said box sections and extend through interior facing openings 28 in said box section. The distance the retention struts 18, 19 may rotate upwards towards the upper frame forming member 12 may be limited. This could be accomplished in 13 various ways, for example the struts 18, 19 themselves may contact the upper edge of the interior facing openings 28 which prevents further upwards rotations. Alternatively, a limiting mechanism could be employed in the hinged connection between the struts 18, 19 and the side frame forming members 14, 15. As will be described below, the upper frame forming member may comprise an upper roller 30. As it is advantageous for the upper roller to rotate freely, the limited movement of the retention struts 18, 19 means that the struts can be prevented from contacting and interfering with the upper roller even when in the retaining configuration. The retaining struts may also be provided with cradles 31 on their ends distal the ends in hinged connection with the side frame forming members 14, 15. The cradles 31 form upper roller receiving areas which act to receive, but not contact, the upper roller as the retention struts 18, 19 are rotated upwards towards the upper roller 30. In this manner the retaining struts 18, 19 may form a complete barrier to any conductors located within the second and third retention areas 26, 27 leaving said areas, trapping said conductors at the upper corners of the frame 11, but said barrier may be formed without direct contact between the upper roller and retention struts 18, 19 which may impact the ability of the upper roller 30 to roll as intended. In the embodiment of the drawings, one conductor is retained in the second retention area 26, one conductor is retained in the third retention area 27, and one or two conductors are retained in the remainder of the conductor retention area 16, making the embodiment of the drawings particularly useful for triple or quad conductor systems. Advantageously, where the frame 11 is a quadrangular frame 11, as the second and third retention areas 26, 27 are at the opposing upper corners of frame 11 and a conductor is retained at or about said upper corners, the frame 11 when suspended from conductors in these second and third retention areas 26, 27 is generally stable and prevented from tipping. As noted, the upper frame forming member 13 comprises an upper roller 30. The upper roller may be constructed in a similar manner to the lower roller 24. As the frame 11 travels along the one or more conductor with the upper roller 30 in contact with the one or more conductor, or a conductor is pulled through the frame 11, the upper roller 30 rotates so as to reduce friction, permit ease of travel, and limit risk of conductor damage. The upper roller ideally comprises a rubber or rubberized coating. The upper roller has a diameter of approximately 50mm and a longitudinal length of approximately 600mm, but as would be appreciated by the skilled person the lower roller 24 may take any reasonable size which may be dependent on the loading and number of conductors involved. The cable engagement arrangement 21 comprises first and second upper cable engagement members 32, 33 which are configured to engage the upper surface of a support cable, and a lower cable engagement member 34 configured to engage the lower surface of the support cable. The upper and lower cable engagement members 32, 33, 34 also comprise generally u-shaped channel sections into which a cable may be received, the lower cable engagement member 34 being inverted relative to the upper cable engagement members 32, 33. The lower cable engagement member 34 is disposed between the upper cable engagement members 32, 33 such that a cable may pass through the channels of the first upper cable engagement member 32, the lower cable engagement member 34, and the second upper cable engagement member 33. By between in this context it is meant that the lower cable engagement member 34 is disposed between the upper cable engagement members 32, 33 when the device is in use and relative to the longitudinal direction of a cable retained therebetween. The lower cable engagement member 34 may be a movable engagement member which may be moved away from the upper cable engagement members 32, 33 to permit easier insertion of the support cable between the upper and lower cable engagement members. Put differently, the lower cable engagement member 34 may be moved to align the channel of its u-shaped channel with the channels of the upper cable engagement members 32, 33, or moved to misalign said channels. When misaligned it is easier to engage a cable for retention, aligning said channels traps and retains said cable between the upper and lower cable engagement members 32, 33, 34. The cable engagement members 32, 33, 34 comprise rounded ends to prevent damage to the cable engaged therewith. One cable engagement arrangement 21 is attached to the exterior facing surface of each side frame forming member 14, 15, and proximal the top thereof, or at least above the center thereof. In this manner, when the frame 11 is suspended from cables retained in the cable retention arrangements 21, the frame is in a balance state. It should be noted that the invention should not be limited to comprising two cable engagement arrangements 21, embodiments could be envisaged by the skilled person that employ a single or three or more cable engagement arrangements 21. The lower movable cable engagement member 34 is in operable engagement with a threaded movement mechanism 35 such that threading of the threaded movement mechanism 35 effects movement of the lower movable cable engagement member 34. The threaded movement mechanism 35 comprises a threaded rod 36 fixedly attached to the lower movable cable engagement member 34 and a plate 37 fixable to the body of the cable engagement arrangement 21. The plate comprises a threaded bore sized and dimensioned to receive the threaded rod 36 such that the threaded rod 36 may be threaded therein in both directions, thus selectably moving the lower cable engagement member 34 towards or away from the upper cable engagement members 32, 33. It should be understood that the cable engagement arrangement as described herein is only one example implementation of such an arrangement, the skilled person could implement an arrangement for selectably retaining a cable relative to the frame 11 in many ways and as such this specifically described implementation should not be construed as limiting. Moreover, the cable retaining members 32, 33, 34 could be arranged around the cable in a manner where they may not be described as “upper” and “lower” retaining members, the clamping / retaining therebetween being from any reasonable direction around the cable. In addition, any or all of the opposing cable retaining members may be movable as long as they may selectably retain and release the cable, therefore description of a movable lower cable retaining member 34 and fixed upper cable retaining members 32, 33, should not be construed as limiting. Load testing has been carried out to confirm the strength and rigidity of the frame 11. In this testing, the frame 11 was set up on a vertical hydraulic test frame replicating the loadings it is likely to see in use. The cable retaining arrangements 21 were rigged to the upper movable part of the test rig using a spreader beam. The lower part of the frame 11 was anchored to a static part of the test rig. The 15 frame was loaded in increments and results recorded. The frame was loaded to a maximal load of 1000kg. It was found that the frame 11 was capable of successfully managing in service loads without failure. In use, the cable replacement system 10 may be employed in a method of replacing a conductor. The method will be described below in reference to a quad conductor system and using the frame 11 as shown in the drawings, however this is for example purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. The method comprises anchoring two support cables to adjacent towers from which the conductors to be replaced are suspended, or to the ground, and tensioning said support cables to a pre-defined tension. The method further comprises deploying one or more frame 11 onto one or more existing conductor by powered trolley suspended from the conductors, or alternatively by a radio controlled tug. The trolley travels along the existing cables and additional frames 11 are added at predefined spacing, with lower conductors requiring reduced spacing to ensure the adequate safety and support. To feed the frames 11 onto the conductors, the first conductor retention member 17 may be opened as described herein to provide an opening for all targeted conductors to enter the conductor receiving space 16. The retention struts 18, 19 may also be rotated downwards to permit two upper conductors to enter the second and third conductor retention areas 26, 27 and release such that they rotate upwards again and retain these upper to conductors in these areas 26, 27 respectively. The first conductor retention member 17 may then be closed, retaining any remaining conductors in the remainder of the conductor retention area. The frames 11 are attached to the anchored support cables via the support cable retention arrangements as described herein 21. The tension may be released from the existing conductors which are prevented from falling due to the frames in which they are retained. The existing conductors may then be utilised to draw through replacement conductors which can then be tensioned. The frames and support cables are then removed. The invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention. 16 CLAIMS 1. A conductor replacement system comprising at least one conductor retention assembly, the conductor retention assembly comprising: a conductor retention space defined within a main body of the conductor retention assembly; at least first and second conductor retention members configured to selectably retain at least first and second conductors within the conductor retention space; at least one support cable engagement arrangement configured to engage with and retain at least one support cable, the at least one support cable being anchorable to support towers from which the conductor is suspended, or to the ground, such that the conductor retention assembly may be suspended by the at least one support cable; wherein, one or more conductor retention assembly is deployable along a plurality of existing conductors such that the tension in the existing conductors may be reduced and said existing conductors replaced with new conductors. 2. The conductor replacement system of claim 1, wherein the conductor retention assembly comprises a frame having frame forming members defining the conductor retention space therebetween. 3. The conductor replacement system of claim 2, wherein the frame is a generally quadrangular frame comprising opposing upper and lower frame forming members and opposing first and second side opposing frame forming members, said frame forming members defining a generally quadrangular conductor retention space therebetween. 4. The conductor replacement system of claim 3, wherein the lower frame forming member forms the first conductor retention member. 5. The conductor replacement system of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the lower frame forming member is moubtable between the first and second side opposing frame forming members and is movable or removable relative thereto such that the lower end of the frame may selectably be provided with an opening through which conductors may travel to enter the conductor retention space. 6. The conductor replacement system of claim 5, wherein the lower frame forming member is rotatably / hingedly mountable to one of the first or second side opposing frame forming 17 members and is selectably securable to the other side opposing frame forming member to form an openable hinged barrier which may be opened to permit conductors to travel into the conductor retention space, and closed / secured to prevent conductors located within the conductor retention space from leaving said space, preferably, the lower frame forming member being closed / secured by a clevis type arrangement. 7. The conductor replacement system of any of claims 3 to 6, wherein the lower frame forming member comprises a lower roller such as the frame travels along the one or more conductor with the lower roller in contact with the one or more conductor, or a conductor is pulled through the frame, the lower roller rotates so as to reduce friction, permit ease of travel, and limit risk of conductor damage optionally, the lower roller comprising a rubber or rubberized coating. 8. The conductor replacement system of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the conductor retention assembly comprises at least three conduction retention members including a first conductor retention member which acts to selectably permit access for conductors to the conductor retention space and prevent travel of conductors locatable in said conductor retention space from leaving said space, and second and third conductor retention members which each act to selectably retain separate conductors in predefined second and third retention areas of the conductor retention space respectively. 9. The conductor replacement system of claim 8, wherein the second and third retention areas are locatable at each side of the upper end of the conductor retention assembly. 10. The conductor replacement system of any of claims 8 or 9 when dependent of claims 3 to 6, wherein the second and third conductor retention members form retention struts, a first retention strut spans between the first side frame forming member of the frame and the upper frame forming member such that a top corner of the frame bounded by the first retention strut forms the second retention area, a second retention strut spans between the second side frame forming member of the frame and the upper frame forming member such that a top corner of the frame bounded by the second retention strut forms the third retention area. 11. The conductor replacement system of claim 10, wherein the first and second retention struts are selectably movable and / or removable such that conductors may be permitted into the second and third retention areas from the remainder of the conductor retention area and retained therein. 12. The conductor replacement system of claim 11, wherein the first and second retention struts are hingedly connected to their respective side frame forming members such that they may be rotated to an open configuration, wherein the retention struts are rotated away from the 18 upper frame forming member so as to form an opening into the second and third retention areas through which conductors may pass, and rotated to a retaining configuration, wherein the retaining struts are rotated towards and into contact with the upper frame forming member to retain conductors in said second and third retention areas. 13. The conductor replacement system of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein a spring is operably engaged between the first and second retention struts and their respective side frame forming members such that the first and second retention struts are biased about their hinged connections towards the upper frame forming member, and such that force is required to rotate the first and second retention struts in a direction away from the upper frame forming member. 14. The conductor replacement system of claim 12, wherein the retaining struts are fixable in the open and / or the retaining position by a fixing mechanism in operable engagement between the side frame forming members and their respective retaining struts. 15. The conductor replacement system of any of claims 8 to 14, wherein one conductor is retained in the second retention area, one conductor is retained in the third retention area, and one or more conductor is retained in the remainder of the conductor retention area. 16. The conductor replacement system of any of claims 3 to 15, wherein the upper frame forming member comprises an upper roller such as the frame travels along the one or more conductor with the upper roller in contact with the one or more conductor, or a conductor is pulled through the frame, the upper roller rotates so as to reduce friction, permit ease of travel, and limit risk of conductor damage, optionally, the upper roller comprising a rubber or rubberized coating. 17. The conductor replacement system of any of claims 1 to 16, wherein the at least one support cable engagement arrangement comprises first and second upper cable engagement members which are configured to engage the upper surface of a support cable and a lower cable engagement member configured to engage the lower surface of the support cable. 18. The conductor replacement system of claim 17, wherein the upper and lower cable engagement members comprise side engagement means which extend so as to engage with the side surface of the support cable, and preferably, wherein the upper and lower cable engagement members comprise generally u-shaped channel sections. 19. The conductor replacement system of claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the lower cable engagement member is a movable engagement member such that it may be moved away from the upper cable engagement members to permit easier insertion of the support cable between the upper and lower cable engagement members, and towards the upper cable 19 engagement members to secure the support cable between the upper and lower cable engagement members. 20. The conductor replacement system of any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the cable engagement members comprise swaged ends to prevent damage to the cable engaged therewith. 21. The conductor replacement system of any of claims 1 to 20, comprising two cable engagement arrangements, one cable engagement arrangement being disposed on each side of the conductor retention assembly, and preferably disposed proximal the upper ends of said sides. 22. The conductor replacement system of any of claims 3 to 21, wherein the frame forming members are formed from aluminium. 23. A method of replacing a conductor comprising the steps of: deploying one or more conductor retention assembly onto one or more existing conductor, the one or more conductor retention assembly comprising a conductor retention space defined within a main body of the conductor retention assembly; at least first and second conductor retention members configured to selectably retain at least first and second conductors within the conductor retention space; at least one support cable and at least one support cable engagement arrangement configured to engage with and retain the at least one support cable, the at least one support cable being anchorable to support towers from which the conductor is suspended, or to the ground, such that the conductor retention assembly may be suspended by the at least one support cable; anchoring the at least one support cable to support towers from which the conductor is suspended, or to the ground; releasing tension from the existing conductors; utilising the existing conductors to draw through replacement conductors; tensioning the replacement conductors; and removing the one or more conductor retention assembly. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the one or more conductor retention assembly is deployed by powered trolley suspended from the conductors, or alternatively by a radio controlled trolley. 25. A conductor retention assembly for use in a conductor replacement system, the conductor retention assembly comprising: a conductor retention space defined within a main body of the conductor retention assembly; at least first and second conductor retention members configured to selectably retain at least first and second conductors within the conductor retention space; at least one support cable engagement arrangement configured to engage with and retain at least one support cable, the at least one support cable being anchorable to support towers from which the conductor is suspended, or to the ground, such that the conductor retention assembly may be suspended by the at least one support cable; wherein, one or more conductor retention assembly is deployable along a plurality of existing conductors such that existing conductors may be untensioned and replaced with replacement conductors. AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS: 18 1224

Claims

1. A conductor replacement system comprising at least one conductor retention assembly, the conductor retention assembly comprising:a conductor retention space defined within a main body of the conductor retention assembly;at least one support cable engagement arrangement configured to engage with and retain at least one support cable, the at least one support cable being anchorable to support towers from which the conductor is suspended, or to the ground, such that the conductor retention assembly may be suspended by the at least one support cable;wherein, one or more conductor retention assembly is deployable along a plurality of existing conductors such that the tension in the existing conductors may be reduced and said existing conductors replaced with new conductors; andwherein the conductor retention assembly comprises at least three conductor retention members including a first conductor retention member which acts to selectably permit access for conductors to the conductor retention space and prevent travel of conductors locatable in said conductor retention space from leaving said space, the conductor retention assembly further comprising second and third conductor retention members which each act to retain separate conductors in predefined second and third retention areas of the conductor retention space respectively, andwherein the second and third conductor retention members comprise retention struts, a first retention strut spans between the first side frame forming member of the frame and the upper frame forming member such that a top corner of the frame bounded by the first retention strut forms the second retention area, a second retention strut spans between the second side frame forming member of the frame and the upper frame forming member such that a top corner of the frame bounded by the second retention strut forms the third retention area, wherein the first and second retention struts are movable and / or removable such that conductors may be permitted into the second and third retention areas from the remainder of the conductor retention area and retained therein.

2. The conductor replacement system of claim 1, wherein the conductor retention assembly comprises a frame having frame forming members defining the conductor retention space therebetween.

3. The conductor replacement system of claim 2, wherein the frame is a generally quadrangular frame comprising opposing upper and lower frame forming members and the opposing first and second side frame forming members, said frame forming members5 defining a generally quadrangular conductor retention space therebetween.

4. The conductor replacement system of claim 3, wherein the lower frame forming member forms the first conductor retention member.101520305. The conductor replacement system of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the lower frame forming member is mountable between the first and second side opposing frame forming members and is movable or removable relative thereto such that the lower end of the frame may be provided with an opening through which conductors may travel to enter the conductor retention space.

6. The conductor replacement system of claim 5, wherein the lower frame forming member is rotatably / hingedly mountable to one of the first or second side opposing frame forming members and is securable to the other side opposing frame forming member to form an openable hinged barrier which may be opened to permit conductors to travel into the conductor retention space, and closed / secured to prevent conductors located within the conductor retention space from leaving said space, preferably, the lower frame forming member being closed / secured by a clevis type arrangement.

7. The conductor replacement system of any of claims 3 to 6, wherein the lower frame forming member comprises a lower roller such as the frame travels along the one or more conductor with the lower roller in contact with the one or more conductor, or a conductor is pulled through the frame, the lower roller rotates so as to reduce friction, permit ease of travel, and limit risk of conductor damage optionally, the lower roller comprising a rubber or rubberized coating.

8. The conductor replacement system of claim 1, wherein the first and second retention struts are hingedly connected to their respective side frame forming members such that they may be rotated to an open configuration, wherein the retention struts are rotated away from the upper frame forming member so as to form an opening into the second and third retention areas through which conductors may pass, and rotated to a retaining configuration, wherein the retaining struts are rotated towards and into contact with the upper frame forming member to retain conductors in said second and third retention areas.

9. The conductor replacement system of claim 1, wherein a spring is operably engaged40 between the first and second retention struts and their respective side frame formingmembers such that the first and second retention struts are biased about their hingedconnections towards the upper frame forming member, and such that force is required to rotate the first and second retention struts in a direction away from the upper frame forming member.5 10. The conductor replacement system of claim 8, wherein the retaining struts are fixable in theopen and / or the retaining position by a fixing mechanism in operable engagement between the side frame forming members and their respective retaining struts.

11. The conductor replacement system of any of claim 1, wherein the conduction retention areas 10 are configured to retain one conductor in the second retention area, one conductor isretained in the third retention area, and one or more conductor in the remainder of the conductor retention area.

12. The conductor replacement system of any of claims 3 to 11, wherein the upper frame15 forming member comprises an upper roller such as the frame travels along the one or moreconductor with the upper roller in contact with the one or more conductor, or a conductor is pulled through the frame, the upper roller rotates so as to reduce friction, permit ease of travel, and limit risk of conductor damage, optionally, the upper roller comprising a rubber or rubberized coating.2013. The conductor replacement system of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least one support cable engagement arrangement comprises first and second upper cable engagement members which are configured to engage the upper surface of a support cable and a lower cable engagement member configured to engage the lower surface of the support cable.2514. The conductor replacement system of claim 13, wherein the upper and lower cable engagement members comprise side engagement means which extend so as to engage with the side surface of the support cable, and preferably, wherein the upper and lower cable engagement members comprise generally u-shaped channel sections.3015. The conductor replacement system of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the lower cable engagement member is a movable engagement member such that it may be moved away from the upper cable engagement members to permit easier insertion of the support cable between the upper and lower cable engagement members, and towards the upper cable35 engagement members to secure the support cable between the upper and lower cableengagement members.

16. The conductor replacement system of any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the cable engagement members comprise swaged ends to prevent damage to the cable engaged therewith.4017. The conductor replacement system of any of claims 1 to 16, comprising two cable engagement arrangements, one cable engagement arrangement being disposed on each side of the conductor retention assembly, and preferably disposed proximal the upper ends of said sides.

18. The conductor replacement system of any of claims 3 to 17, wherein the frame forming members are formed from aluminium.

19. A method of replacing a conductor comprising the steps of:10deploying one or more conductor retention assembly onto one or more existing conductor, the one or more conductor retention assembly comprising a conductor retention space defined within a main body of the conductor retention assembly; at least one support cable and at least one support cable engagement arrangement15 configured to engage with and retain the at least one support cable, the at least onesupport cable being anchorable to support towers from which the conductor is suspended, or to the ground, such that the conductor retention assembly may be suspended by the at least one support cable, wherein the conductor retention assembly comprises at least three conductor retention members including a first20 conductor retention member which acts to selectably permit access for conductorsto the conductor retention space and prevent travel of conductors locatable in said conductor retention space from leaving said space, the conductor retention assembly further comprising second and third conductor retention members which each act to retain separate conductors in predefined second and third retention25 areas of the conductor retention space respectively, and wherein the second andthird conductor retention members comprise retention struts, a first retention strut spans between the first side frame forming member of the frame and the upper frame forming member such that a top corner of the frame bounded by the first retention strut forms the second retention area, a second retention strut spans30 between the second side frame forming member of the frame and the upper frameforming member such that a top corner of the frame bounded by the second retention strut forms the third retention area, wherein the first and second retention struts are movable and / or removable such that conductors may be permitted into the second and third retention areas from the remainder of the conductor retention area35 and retained therein;anchoring the at least one support cable to support towers from which the conductor is suspended, or to the ground;40 releasing tension from the existing conductors;xt CMCM i— coutilising the existing conductors to draw through replacement conductors;tensioning the replacement conductors; and5 removing the one or more conductor retention assembly.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the one or more conductor retention assembly is deployed by powered trolley suspended from the conductors, or alternatively by a radio controlled trolley.

021. A conductor retention assembly for use in the conductor replacement system of any of claims 1 to 18.

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