Leakage repair device and leakage repair method

Abstract

To provide a leak repair device and a leak repair method that can reliably repair leaks while maintaining a sealed state. [Solution] A leak repair device 1 for repairing a leak in the vicinity of a connecting pipe 3 and a connecting flange portion 3a connected to an existing fluid pipe 2, to which a repair valve 11 as a connecting member is connected, comprising: a repair body 60 having a base portion 61A that covers the outer surface of the fluid pipe 2 on the side facing the connecting pipe 3; a cylindrical portion 61B with one end connected to the base portion 61A that surrounds the connecting pipe 3; and a U-bolt 62a and nut 62b as pressing means that press the base portion 61A and the cylindrical portion 61B toward the fluid pipe 2 side along the pipe axis direction of the connecting pipe 3; and an O-ring 52 as a sealing member that allows the cylindrical portion 61B of the repair body 60 to move in a sealed state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a leakage location repair device and a leakage location repair method for repairing a leakage location in the vicinity of a connection member connected to a flange portion for connecting a communication pipe communicating with an existing fluid pipe.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a piping structure in which a connection member such as a repair valve or an air valve is connected to the other end of a communication pipe whose one end communicates with an existing fluid pipe. In such a piping structure, due to the occurrence of rust and aging deterioration over long-term use, fluid leakage may occur at the connection portion between the existing fluid pipe and the communication pipe.

[0003] Thus, as a communication pipe repair device for repairing a communication pipe in order to prevent fluid leakage at the connection portion between an existing fluid pipe and the communication pipe, for example, it includes a ceiling wall forming plate portion having a through hole facing the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion for connecting the communication pipe, and a peripheral wall forming plate portion covering the outer peripheral surface of the communication pipe. This branch sealing member is welded along the outer peripheral surface of the existing fluid pipe, and the through hole of the ceiling forming plate portion and the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion of the branch pipe are welded, and mortar is filled inside the branch sealing member for repair (see, for example, the third embodiment of Patent Document 1).

[0004] Also, there is one that includes a split joint body facing the outer peripheral surface of the existing fluid pipe and a communication cylinder portion connected to the split joint body and covering the outer peripheral surface of the communication pipe. After connecting this split joint body and the communication cylinder portion to the outer peripheral side of the existing fluid pipe and the communication pipe, mortar is filled between the outer peripheral surface of the existing fluid pipe and the split joint body and between the outer peripheral surface of the communication pipe and the communication cylinder portion for repair (see, for example, the fourth embodiment of Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] In the leak repair device described in Patent Document 1 above, the connecting pipe is repaired by filling the inside of the branch sealing member or connecting pipe with mortar. However, the repair of the connecting pipe is not completed until the mortar has completely hardened, which not only increases repair costs and repair time, but in the fourth embodiment, once the mortar has completely hardened inside the connecting pipe, the position of the connecting pipe relative to the existing fluid pipe becomes fixed, making it difficult to tighten the divided joint body and the connecting pipe with bolts and nuts, which may prevent the maintenance of a good sealing state.

[0007] This invention was made in view of these problems, and aims to provide a leak repair device and a leak repair method that can reliably repair leak locations while maintaining a sealed state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the aforementioned problems, the leak repair device of the present invention is A leak repair device for repairing a leak in the vicinity of a connecting pipe that is connected to an existing fluid pipe and has a connecting flange portion to which a connecting member is attached, A repair body having a base portion that covers the outer surface of the connecting pipe side of the existing fluid pipe, a cylindrical portion with one end connected to the base portion and surrounding the connecting pipe, and a pressing means for pressing the base portion and the cylindrical portion toward the existing fluid pipe side along the pipe axis direction of the connecting pipe, A flange portion connected to the aforementioned connecting flange portion, A sealing member is interposed between the cylindrical portion and the flange portion of the repair body, allowing the two to move relative to each other while sealed. It is characterized by having the following features. This feature allows for reliable repair of leaks while maintaining a sealed state.

[0009] The sealing member is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the flange portion. This feature ensures that the sealed state is maintained even when the cylindrical portion moves relative to the flange portion.

[0010] The flange portion is characterized by including an annular member that is positioned between the flange portion of the connecting member and the connecting flange portion and to which the sealing member is attached. This feature allows for the provision of separate flange portions corresponding to the cylindrical portion, in addition to the flange portion of the connecting member and the connecting flange portion, thereby improving the sealing performance between the cylindrical portion and the flange portion.

[0011] The cylindrical portion is characterized by having a discharge hole. This feature allows for air to be vented from the cylindrical section, and any fluid leaking into the cylindrical section can be discharged to the outside.

[0012] The pressing means is characterized by including a U-shaped bolt. This feature allows the cylindrical portion to be efficiently pressed toward the existing fluid pipe.

[0013] The device is characterized by being equipped with a means to prevent the flange portion from detaching from the cylindrical portion. This feature prevents the connecting pipe from detaching from the existing fluid pipe due to corrosion or other factors, as the fluid pressure inside the pipe can prevent it from becoming dislodged from the cylindrical section.

[0014] The present invention's method for repairing leak locations is: A method for repairing a leak in the vicinity of a connecting pipe, which is connected to an existing fluid pipe and has a connecting flange portion to which a connecting member is attached, while maintaining a continuous flow state. The process involves connecting a flange portion equipped with a sealing member to the aforementioned connecting flange portion, The process involves inserting a repair body into the flange portion and surrounding the connecting pipe with the repair body and the flange portion, A step of pressing the repair body along the axial direction of the communication pipe toward the existing fluid pipe side by a pressing means to cover the communication pipe in a sealed state with the repair body and the flange portion; It is characterized by having. According to this feature, it is possible to reliably repair the leakage point while maintaining the sealed state.

Brief Explanation of Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a side view showing a partially broken state of a state where a repair valve and an air valve are connected to a communication pipe communicating with a fluid pipe. [Figure 2] It is an enlarged view showing a partially broken state of a state where the repair valve is removed while the communication pipe is stopped by a closing member of a closing device. [Figure 3] It is an enlarged view showing a partially broken state of a state where a ball valve is installed while the communication pipe is stopped by a closing member of a closing device. [Figure 4] It is an enlarged view showing a partially broken state of a state where the closing member of the closing device is pulled up to close the ball valve. [Figure 5] (a) is an enlarged view showing a partially broken state of a state where the closing device is removed from the ball valve, (b) is a plan view showing a flange member, and (c) is a sectional view taken along the line A - A of (b). [Figure 6] (a) to (d) are views showing a covering member. [Figure 7] It is an enlarged view showing a partially broken state of a state where a leakage point repair device is attached to a fluid pipe and a communication pipe. [Figure 8] It is a side view showing a partially broken state of a state where a covering member is pressed against a fluid pipe by a pressing means. [Figure 9] It is a front view showing a partially broken state of a state where a covering member is pressed against a fluid pipe by a pressing means. [Figure 10] It is a plan view showing a partially broken state of a state where a covering member is pressed against a fluid pipe by a pressing means. [Figure 11] It is a front view showing a partially broken state of a state where the ball valve is removed while the communication pipe is stopped by a closing member of a closing device. [Figure 12] This is a partially cutaway front view showing the installation of a repair valve with the connecting pipe sealed by the sealing member of the sealing device. [Figure 13] This is a partially cutaway front view showing the state in which the closing member of the closing device has been lifted to close the repair valve. [Figure 14] This is a partially cutaway front view showing the valve with the sealing device removed. [Figure 15] This is a side view showing a partially cut section of the covering member with a reinforcing ring attached. [Figure 16] This is a plan view showing the flange member with the reinforcing ring attached, as seen from above. [Figure 17] Figures (a) through (e) show the reinforcing rings. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] The embodiments for implementing the leak repair device and leak repair method according to the present invention will be described below based on examples. [Examples]

[0017] In this embodiment, a leak repair device 1 and a leak repair method for repairing leaks occurring at the connection point between the fluid pipe 2 and the connecting pipe 3, or near the connecting pipe 3, in a continuous flow state, in a piping structure in which a connecting member is connected to the other end of a connecting pipe 3 that is connected at one end to an existing fluid pipe 2, will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 17. In the following description, the pipe axis direction of the fluid pipe 2 in Figure 1 is the left-right direction, and the pipe axis direction of the connecting pipe 3 is the up-down direction, with the right side of Figure 1 being the front and the left side being the back.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, a small air valve 10, which serves as a connecting member according to the present invention, is provided at a predetermined location in the fluid pipe 2, which constitutes an existing flow path as a water transport pipe, in order to discharge air inside the pipe to the outside of the pipe or to prevent negative pressure from forming inside the pipe.

[0019] In this embodiment, the fluid in the fluid tube is tap water, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may be industrial water, agricultural water, sewage, gas, or a gas-liquid mixture of gas and liquid. The fluid tube 2 according to the present invention is made of steel and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape in cross-section. The fluid tube according to the present invention may be made of ductile cast iron and its inner surface may be coated with an epoxy resin layer. It may also be made of other metals such as cast iron or stainless steel, or concrete, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, or polyolefin. Furthermore, the inner surface of the fluid tube is not limited to an epoxy resin layer. For example, it may be coated with mortar, plating, or an appropriate material may be applied to the inner surface of the fluid tube by powder coating.

[0020] More specifically, the lower end of the connecting pipe 3, which extends vertically, is connected to a predetermined location on the fluid pipe 2, and the connection is sealed and fixed by welding.

[0021] Furthermore, a flange portion 3a is formed to protrude outward from the upper end of the connecting pipe 3. A repair valve 11 is fixed above the connecting pipe 3 by flange connection, and an air valve 10 is fixed above the repair valve 11 by flange connection. In this way, the repair valve 11 and the air valve 10, which are connected and fixed to the connecting pipe 3, constitute the connecting member of the present invention that is connected to the connecting pipe 3.

[0022] Furthermore, although these connecting pipes 3, repair valves 11 and air valves 10 are made of metal materials such as cast iron and steel, they may also be made of metal such as stainless steel, or concrete, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, or polyolefin. In addition, the inner circumferential surfaces of each component may be covered with an epoxy resin layer, mortar, plating, or an appropriate material may be applied to the inner circumferential surfaces of each component by powder coating.

[0023] Flange portions 11a and 11b protrude outward from the upper and lower parts of the repair valve 11. A flange portion 10a protrudes outward from the lower part of the air valve 10. A gasket 13 is interposed between the flange portion 3a of the connecting pipe 3 and the flange portion 11a of the repair valve 11. By fastening these flange portions 3a and 11a with bolts and nuts 5, the connecting pipe 3 and the repair valve 11 are connected in a sealed state. Furthermore, a gasket 14 is interposed between the flange portion 11b of the repair valve 11 and the flange portion 10a of the air valve 10. By fastening these flange portions 11b and 10a with bolts and nuts 6, the repair valve 11 and the air valve 10 are connected in a sealed state. Thus, the air valve 10 is connected to the connecting pipe 3 via the repair valve 11, which is connected to the upper part of the connecting pipe 3, and communicates with the connecting pipe 3 through the inside of the repair valve 11.

[0024] Next, we will describe a repair device and repair method for repairing leaks that mainly occur at the welded joint D between the fluid pipe 2 and the base end of the connecting pipe 3 (see enlarged view in Figure 1) and on the circumferential surface of the connecting pipe 3.

[0025] (Replacement process for repair valves) First, the existing repair valve 11 in this embodiment has a relatively large outer diameter, making it impossible to insert the cylindrical portion 61B (see Figure 6) described below. Therefore, the repair valve 11 is replaced with a smaller diameter work ball valve 41. Although not specifically shown, the process of replacing the repair valve 11 with a ball valve 41 is also performed if the repair valve 11 is not connected, or if something other than the repair valve 11 is connected.

[0026] To replace the ball valve 41, the air valve 10 is removed first. To remove it, the operating lever 11c of the repair valve 11 is operated to close the repair valve 11, and then the air valve 10 is removed.

[0027] Furthermore, if the repair valve 11 cannot be operated from the open state to the closed state due to rust, deterioration over time, or any other reason, for example, a valve device (not shown) having a valve body that can move forward and backward between the opposing surfaces of a pair of flange portions 3a and 11a can be installed to close the connecting pipe 3, the air valve 10 and the repair valve 11 can be removed, and the ball valve 41 can be installed in place of the repair valve 11.

[0028] Next, as shown in Figure 2, a base member 20 is positioned below the flange portion 3a of the connecting pipe 3. The base member 20 is divided into two parts, although not shown in detail, and is formed in a roughly rectangular frame shape in plan view, surrounding the connecting pipe 3, by connecting the front and rear base plates 20a and 20b, which are roughly L-shaped in plan view, with bolts and nuts 20c. Multiple locking pieces 20d, fixed by welding to the front and rear edges of the opening formed in the center, are locked to the lower surface of the flange portion 3a of the connecting pipe 3, and the left and right sides of the lower surfaces of the base plates 20a and 20b are supported by jacks 21, 21 (one of the jacks 21 is not shown) positioned on the upper surface of the fluid pipe 2, sandwiching the left and right sides of the connecting pipe 3, thus positioning them roughly horizontally. Long bolts 24, 24 are erected on the front and rear sides of the upper surfaces of the base plates 20a and 20b.

[0029] Next, the sealing device 25 is connected to the upper end of the repair valve 11 in a sealed state. The sealing device 25 mainly consists of a housing case 26 that is watertightly attached to the repair valve 11, a sealing member 27 housed inside the housing case 26 and capable of sealing the inside of the communication pipe 3, and an insertion member 28 that is integrally connected to the upper end of the sealing member 27, protrudes from the upper surface of the housing case 26, and is provided to be watertightly movable up and down relative to the housing case 26.

[0030] The housing case 26 has a flange portion 26a that protrudes outward in the radiiary direction at its lower end, and the flange portion 26a and the flange portion 11b of the repair valve 11 are connected and fixed in a sealed state via a gasket (not shown) by being tightened with a plurality of bolts and nuts 30. In addition, a closing member 27 is housed inside the housing case 26, and an insertion hole 26b is formed on the upper surface of the housing case 26 for inserting the insertion member 28 in a watertight manner.

[0031] Furthermore, drain valves 26d and 26e are provided at the top of the housing case 26, which communicate with the inside of the housing case 26 in an openable and closable manner. Of these, drain valve 26d is located above drain valve 26e. Drain valve 26e is formed to have a larger diameter than drain valve 26d, and allows for confirmation of the water-stopped state by filling the inside of the housing case 26 with water when inserting the sealing member 27 (described later), or by opening it after inserting the sealing member 27. Note that confirmation of the water-stopped state may also be performed using drain valve 26d.

[0032] The insertion member 28 is mainly composed of an outer cylindrical portion 28a formed in an internal cylindrical shape and an inner rod portion 28b that is rotatably inserted within the outer cylindrical portion 28a. The outer circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical portion 28a is slidably inserted vertically into the insertion hole 26b of the housing case 26 via a packing 26c. A closing member 27 is integrally connected to the lower end of the inner rod portion 28b, and a feed screw 28c is provided at the upper end of the inner rod portion 28b to allow the water-sealing rubber 27a, which will be described later, to expand and contract radially.

[0033] Furthermore, a movable arm 31 facing in the front-rear direction is attached to the upper end of the outer cylinder portion 28a. At both ends of this movable arm 31 in the horizontal direction, grooves 31a, 31a capable of accommodating long bolts 24, 24 are formed, one on the left side and the other on the right side.

[0034] After connecting the occlusion device 25 configured in this way to the upper end of the repair valve 11, in order to occlude the inside of the communication pipe 3, first, the drain valve 26d is opened, then the operating lever 11c is operated to open the repair valve 11 and fill the housing case 26 with fluid. After confirming that the fluid has been discharged from the drain valve 26d, the drain valve 26d is closed. Next, the long bolts 24, 24 are inserted into the grooves 31a, 31a of the movable arm 31, and the movable arm 31 is lowered with the long bolts 24, 24 housed in these grooves 31a, 31a, causing the insertion member 28 to descend along the long bolts 24, 24 toward the communication pipe 3, and the occlusion member 27 passes through the internal passage of the repair valve 11 and enters the internal passage of the communication pipe 3 (see Figure 2).

[0035] Furthermore, as a method for filling the containment case 26 with fluid, the drain valves 26d and 26e may be opened, water may be pumped in from the drain valve 26e using a manual pump or the like, air may be bled from the drain valve 26d, and after the air bleed is complete, the drain valves 26d and 26e may be closed before opening the repair valve 11. In addition, the process of attaching the movable arm 31 and the long bolt 24 may be performed before the containment case 26 is filled with fluid.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, the insertion member 28 is pushed in a predetermined distance toward the connecting pipe 3 along the long bolts 24, 24, and after the closing member 27 is positioned at the top of the internal passage of the connecting pipe 3, the position of the insertion member 28 positioned in the internal passage of the connecting pipe 3 is fixed by clamping both horizontal ends of the movable arm 31 from above and below with nuts 32, 32 screwed onto the long bolts 24, 24.

[0037] Next, the lead screw 28c is rotated using a ratchet or the like (not shown), stretching the water-stopping rubber 27a of the sealing member 27 connected to the lower end of the inner rod portion 28b in the radial direction, causing it to tightly adhere to the inner surface of the connecting pipe 3 in the circumferential direction, thereby sealing the inside of the connecting pipe 3. This sealing of the inside of the connecting pipe 3 by the sealing member 27 can be confirmed by the cessation of fluid discharge from the drain valve 26e. Alternatively, confirmation of the cessation of fluid discharge may be made from the drain valve 26d.

[0038] Next, the bolts and nuts 5 are removed, and the flange portion 11a of the repair valve 11 is detached from the flange portion 3a of the connecting pipe 3, thereby slightly lifting the repair valve 11 and housing case 26 upwards. The two-part retaining bracket 35 (see Figure 3) is then attached by clamping it from above and below with the bolts 36, 36 screwed into the long bolts 24, 24, so that it is sandwiched between the closing member 27 and the outer cylinder portion 28a. The inner diameter portion of this retaining bracket 35 engages with the upper end of the closing member 27 in the vertical direction, preventing the closing member 27 from coming out upwards from the internal passage of the connecting pipe 3 due to the fluid pressure in the fluid pipe 2. With the retaining bracket 35 preventing the closing member 27 from detaching from the connecting pipe 3, the nuts 32, 32 are rotated apart to remove the movable arm 31, and the repair valve 11 and housing case 26 are lifted up and removed.

[0039] Next, the repair valve 11 is removed from the lower end of the removed housing case 26, and in place of the repair valve 11, a work ball valve 41 is installed as shown in Figure 3, and a flange member 50 is attached below the ball valve 41.

[0040] More specifically, a tubular nipple fitting 42a is screwed into the lower end of the ball valve 41, and a flange portion 43a is screwed into the lower end of the nipple fitting 42a. Furthermore, a tubular nipple fitting 42b is screwed into the upper end of the ball valve 41, and a flange portion 43b is screwed into the upper end of the nipple fitting 42b. In this embodiment, the flange portions 43a and 43b are attached to the upper and lower parts of the ball valve 41 via the nipple fittings 42a and 42b, but the flange portions may also be integrally formed on the upper and lower parts of the ball valve 41.

[0041] Then, by tightening the lower flange portion 26a of the housing case 26 and the upper flange portion 43b of the ball valve 41 with bolts and nuts 44, the housing case 26 and the ball valve 41 are connected and fixed in a sealed state via an O-ring 45 which acts as a gasket and is attached to the lower surface of the flange portion 26a. Furthermore, by tightening the lower flange portion 43a of the ball valve 41 and the flange member 50, which will be described later, with bolts 51a and nuts 51b, the ball valve 41 and the flange member 50 are connected and fixed in a sealed state via an O-ring 46 which is attached to the lower surface of the flange portion 43a.

[0042] As shown in Figures 5(b) and (c), the flange member 50 is an annular member having a predetermined plate thickness and a communication hole 50a formed in the center, and is formed in advance with an outer diameter corresponding to the cylindrical portion 61B of the covering member 61, which will be described later. An O-ring 52 is fitted as a packing in a groove 50b formed on the outer circumferential surface of the flange member 50, and an O-ring 47 is fitted as a gasket in a groove 50c formed on the lower surface. In addition, mounting holes 53 for bolts 51a are formed around the communication hole 50a, and an enlarged diameter portion 53a is formed below the mounting holes 53.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5(c), the bolt 51a is longer than the thickness dimension of the flange member 50, and male threaded portions 51d, 51d are formed on the upper and lower parts of its outer circumference. In addition, an annular projection 51e is provided above the lower male threaded portion 51d, projecting outward in the radial direction. The bolt 51a configured in this way is inserted from below into the mounting hole 53 of the flange member 50, and upward movement is restricted when the projection 51e inserted into the enlarged diameter portion 53a engages with a stepped portion formed on the upper part of the enlarged diameter portion 53a. With upward movement restricted, the male threaded portions 51d, 51d are positioned above and below the flange member 50.

[0044] Returning to Figure 3, the work ball valve 41, which has a smaller outer diameter than the repair valve 11, and the housing case 26 connected to this ball valve 41 are inserted through the outer cylindrical portion 28a of the insertion member 28 and suspended. The movable arms 31 are attached to the long bolts 24, 24, and with the closing member 27 supported by the movable arms 31 to prevent it from coming out, the retaining clip 35 is removed.

[0045] (Flange connection process) Next, the process of connecting the flange member 50 to the flange portion 3a of the connecting pipe 3 will be explained based on Figure 4.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, after removing the retaining clip 35, the ball valve 41 and housing case 26 are lowered until the flange member 50 contacts the upper surface of the flange portion 3a of the connecting pipe 3. Then, a nut 51c is attached to the lower part of the bolt 51a extending from the lower end of the flange portion 3a and tightened, thereby sealing and fixing (connecting) the flange member 50 and the flange portion 3a of the connecting pipe 3 via the O-ring 47 attached to the lower surface of the flange member 50.

[0047] In this manner, with the flange member 50 positioned between the flange portion 43a of the upper ball valve 41 and the flange portion 3a of the lower connecting pipe 3, the flange portion 43a, the flange member 50, and the flange portion 3a are tightened together with a single bolt 51a and nuts 51b, 51c, thereby creating a sealed, integrated structure that connects the ball valve 41 and the connecting pipe 3. Then, with the housing case 26 and the ball valve 41 filled with fluid, the feed screw 28c is operated to contract the water-stopping rubber 27a, and the closing member 27 is pulled up into the housing case 26, thereby closing the ball valve 41 (see Figure 4).

[0048] Next, as shown in Figure 5, the occlusion device 25 is removed from the ball valve 41. Then, the long bolts 24, 24 are removed from the base member 20, and the jack 21 is lowered to remove the base member 20 from the connecting pipe 3.

[0049] Here, the outer diameter L1 of the flange member 50 positioned between the flange portion 43a of the ball valve 41 and the flange portion 3a of the connecting pipe 3 is slightly larger than the outer diameter L2 of the flange portion 3a of the connecting pipe 3 (L1>L2), larger than the outer diameter L3a of the flange portion 43a of the ball valve 41 (L1>L3a), and larger than the outer diameter L3b of the flange portion 43b of the ball valve 41 (L1>L3b). In addition, although the valve stem 41d of the ball valve body 41c of the ball valve 41 protrudes laterally, the tip of the valve stem 41d is located on the inner diameter side of the periphery of the flange member 50.

[0050] In other words, as shown in Figure 1, in the existing configuration where the repair valve 11 was fixed above the connecting pipe 3, the operating lever 11c of the repair valve 11 was located on the outer diameter side of the flange portion 3a of the connecting pipe 3. However, as shown in Figure 5, when the repair valve 11 is replaced with a ball valve 41, there is no part located on the outer diameter side of the flange member 50, resulting in a shorter outer diameter and a more compact design.

[0051] (Enclosure process for connecting pipes) Next, the process of surrounding the connecting pipe 3 with the flange member 50 and the repair body 60 will be explained with reference to Figures 6 to 10.

[0052] As shown in Figure 7, the repair body 60 used in the above-mentioned surrounding process mainly consists of a steel covering member 61 that is attached to cover the upper surface of the fluid pipe 2 and the connecting pipe 3, and stainless steel U-bolts 62a and nuts 62b that serve as pressing means for pressing the covering member 61 toward the fluid pipe 2 side along the pipe axis direction of the connecting pipe 3.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 6(a) to 6(d), the covering member 61 mainly includes a base portion 61A that covers the outer surface on the communicating pipe 3 side of the fluid pipe 2, that is, a part of the upper surface, and a cylindrical tubular portion 61B whose lower end is connected to the base portion 61A by welding and surrounds the circumferential surface of the communicating pipe 3. The base portion 61A includes a curved plate 63 on which a lower surface formed along the upper surface of the fluid pipe 2 is disposed, support plates 64, 64 that extend in the front-rear direction from the connection portion with the communicating pipe 3 on the upper surface of the curved plate 63, and a plurality of ribs 65 that are disposed above and below the support plates 64, 64 and connect the support plates 64, 64 to the fluid pipe 2 and the communicating pipe 3. A plurality (for example, three) of insertion holes 66 through which the U-shaped bolts 62a can be inserted are formed at predetermined intervals in the axial direction (left-right direction) of the fluid pipe 2 in the support plates 64, 64.

[0054] The lower end of the tubular portion 61B is inserted into a through hole 63a formed in the upper portion of the curved plate 63 and fixed by welding. Also, an O-ring 70 as a sealing member for sealing between the outer surface of the fluid pipe 2 is annularly disposed around the through hole 63a on the lower surface of the curved plate 63. The O-ring 70 is attached along the inner side of a mounting piece 71 that is annularly fixed to the outside of the O-ring 70.

[0055] The tubular portion 61B is formed of a cylindrical member, and the inner diameter dimension L10 is made larger than the outer diameter dimension L1 of the flange member 50 (L10 > L1). Also, a reduced diameter portion 75 having an inner diameter dimension L10a shorter than the inner diameter dimension L10 is formed in the upper portion of the tubular portion 61B (L10a < L10), and the inner diameter dimension L10a of this reduced diameter portion 75 is also made larger than the outer diameter dimension L1 of the flange member 50 (L10a > L1).

[0056] A drain valve 76d and a drain plug 76e that communicate with the inside of the tubular portion 61B in an openable and closable manner are provided in the vicinity of the lower side of the reduced diameter portion 75 of the tubular portion 61B in the front-rear direction. Also, arc-shaped flanges 77, 77 are protruding in the outer diameter direction in the vicinity of the lower side of the drain valve 76d and the drain plug 76e on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 61B.

[0057] As shown in Figure 7, the covering member 61 configured in this way is positioned above the ball valve 41 connected to the upper end of the communication pipe 3, with its base 61A facing downwards, and is lowered so that the ball valve 41 and the upper and lower flange portions 43a and 43b are inserted into the cylindrical portion 61B. Since the inner diameters L10 and L10a of the cylindrical portion 61B are larger than the outer diameter L1 of the flange member 50, the cylindrical portion 61B lowers its outer diameter side without coming into contact with the ball valve 41 or its upper and lower flange portions 43a and 43b.

[0058] Furthermore, since the flange member 50 is concentrically connected to the upper surface of the connecting pipe 3, the cylindrical portion 61B can be easily positioned concentrically with the connecting pipe 3 simply by inserting the cylindrical portion 61B through the flange member 50.

[0059] Then, when the lower end of the cylindrical portion 61B passes the flange portion 43a below the ball valve 41 and approaches the flange member 50, the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 61B slides against the O-ring 52 of the flange member 50. Also, since the inner diameter dimensions L10, L10a of the cylindrical portion 61B are larger than the outer diameter dimension L2 of the flange portion 3a of the connecting pipe 3, the cylindrical portion 61B descends on its outer diameter side without coming into contact with the connecting pipe 3 or the flange portion 3a.

[0060] Subsequently, when the O-ring 70 positioned on the lower surface of the curved plate 63 in the base portion 61A comes into contact with the outer surface of the fluid tube 2, the flange member 50 is positioned in the reduced diameter portion 75, and the O-ring 52 is pressed more strongly by the inner surface of the reduced diameter portion 75, sealing the space between the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 61B and the outer surface of the flange member 50 (see Figure 8). Next, both ends of the U-bolt 62a are positioned in front of and behind the fluid tube 2, and the U-bolt 62a is raised from below to above the fluid tube 2, with both ends inserted into the insertion holes 66, 66 of the front and rear support plates 64, 64, respectively.

[0061] Then, as shown in Figures 8 to 10, nuts 62b, 62b are screwed into the male threaded portions 62c, 62c protruding above the insertion holes 66, 66, and the covering member 61 is attached to the fluid pipe 2 with the U-bolt 62a and nuts 62b, 62b. In this way, a leak repair device 1 is constructed for repairing leaks near the ball valve 41 connected to the flange portion 3a of the connecting pipe 3 that communicates with the fluid pipe 2, comprising a repair body 60 having the covering member 61 and U-bolt 62a and nuts 62b, a flange member 50 connected to the flange portion 3a of the connecting pipe 3, and an O-ring 52 interposed between the cylindrical portion 61B of the repair body 60 and the flange member 50 as a sealing member that allows the two to move relative to each other in a sealed state.

[0062] With the covering member 61 attached to the fluid pipe 2, the curved plate 63 of the base portion 61A covers the area around the connecting pipe 3 on the outer circumferential surface of the fluid pipe 2. Furthermore, the circumferential surface of the connecting pipe 3 is surrounded by the cylindrical portion 61B, and the upper opening of the cylindrical portion 61B is closed by the flange member 50, so that a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the connecting pipe 3 and the fluid pipe 2, including the welded portion D, is surrounded by the cylindrical portion 61B and the flange member 50.

[0063] Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 61B is positioned to surround the outer circumferential surface of the flange member 50, which is connected above the flange portion 3a of the connecting pipe 3, thereby enabling relative movement in the vertical direction relative to the flange member 50, which is the pipe axis direction of the connecting pipe 3. In other words, the flange member 50 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 61B so as to be able to move relative to it in the vertical direction. An O-ring 52 is interposed between the outer circumferential surface of the flange member 50 and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 61B, thereby enabling relative movement in the vertical direction while maintaining a sealed state between the outer circumferential surface of the flange member 50 and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 61B. More specifically, the reduced diameter portion 75 of the cylindrical portion 61B has a constant inner diameter dimension L10a along its axial length, so that a stable sealed state can be maintained when the cylindrical portion 61B is moved vertically relative to the flange member 50.

[0064] (Pressing process of the covering member onto the fluid pipe) Next, the process of pressing the covering member 61 toward the fluid pipe 2 will be explained with reference to Figures 8 to 10.

[0065] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, when the nuts 62b, 62b screwed into the male threaded portions 62c, 62c at the front and rear of each U-bolt 62a are tightened, the entire covering member 61 is pressed towards the fluid pipe 2, and the O-ring 70 on the lower surface of the curved plate 63 is pressed against the outer surface of the fluid pipe 2, thereby improving the sealing performance.

[0066] In more detail, relative vertical movement of the entire covering member 61, including the cylindrical portion 61B, is permitted with respect to the flange member 50 connected and fixed to the connecting pipe 3. This allows the covering member 61 to be firmly attached to the fluid pipe 2 by tightening the U-bolts 62a and nuts 62b, 62b while maintaining the sealed state provided by the O-ring 52 interposed between the outer circumferential surface of the flange member 50 and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 61B. Furthermore, the tightening compresses the O-ring 70 interposed between the outer circumferential surface of the fluid pipe 2 and the lower surface of the curved plate 63, thereby improving the sealing performance.

[0067] In this manner, when the leak repair device 1 is attached to the fluid pipe 2 and the connecting pipe 3, a space S is formed around the connecting pipe 3, which is sealed and covered by the covering member 61, the flange member 50, and a part of the outer surface of the fluid pipe 2, allowing the fluid leaked from the welded joint D into the space S.

[0068] (Replacement process for work ball valves) Next, the process of removing the work ball valve 41 and replacing it with the newly installed repair valve 110 will be explained with reference to Figures 11 to 17.

[0069] First, as shown in Figure 11, a base member 120 is placed on the upper outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 61B of the covering member 61. The base member 120, although not shown in detail, consists of two divided members extending in the left-right direction, and is fixed to the upper outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 61B by connecting these divided members so as to sandwich the cylindrical portion 61B from the front and back. In addition, the lower left and right sides of the base member 120 are supported by jacks 121, 121 placed on the upper surface of the fluid pipe 2 on the left and right sides of the connecting pipe 3, and are positioned approximately horizontally. Long bolts 24, 24 are also erected on the upper left and right sides of the base member 120.

[0070] Next, the aforementioned occlusion device 25 is connected to the upper end of the ball valve 41 in a sealed state. Then, in order to close the inside of the communication pipe 3, the drain valve 26d is opened, and the ball valve 41 is opened by operating the operating lever (not shown) to fill the housing case 26 with fluid. After confirming that the fluid has been discharged from the drain valve 26d, the drain valve 26d is closed. Next, the long bolts 24, 24 are inserted into the grooves 31a, 31a of the movable arm 31. With the long bolts 24, 24 housed in these grooves 31a, 31a, the movable arm 31 is lowered, causing the insertion member 28 to descend along the long bolts 24, 24 towards the communication pipe 3, and the occlusion member 27 passes through the internal passage of the ball valve 41 and enters the communication hole 50a of the flange member 50 and the upper part of the internal passage of the communication pipe 3.

[0071] Furthermore, as a method for filling the containment case 26 with fluid, the drain valves 26d and 26e may be opened, water may be pumped in from the drain valve 26e using a manual pump or the like, air may be bled from the drain valve 26d, and after the air bleed is complete, the drain valves 26d and 26e may be closed before opening the ball valve 41. In addition, the process of attaching the movable arm 31 and the long bolt 24 may be performed before the containment case 26 is filled with fluid.

[0072] Next, the insertion member 28 is pushed in a predetermined distance toward the connecting pipe 3 along the long bolts 24, 24, and after the closing member 27 is positioned in the connecting hole 50a of the flange member 50 and the upper part of the internal passage of the connecting pipe 3, the horizontal ends of the movable arm 31 are clamped from above and below by nuts 32, 32 screwed onto the long bolts 24, 24, thereby fixing the position of the insertion member 28 positioned in the connecting hole 50a of the flange member 50 and the internal passage of the connecting pipe 3.

[0073] Next, the lead screw 28c is rotated using a ratchet or the like (not shown), stretching the water-stopping rubber 27a of the closing member 27 connected to the lower end of the inner rod 28b radially, causing it to tightly adhere to the communication hole 50a of the flange member 50 and the inner circumferential surface of the communication pipe 3 in the circumferential direction, thereby closing the communication hole 50a of the flange member 50 and the inside of the communication pipe 3. The closing of the communication hole 50a of the flange member 50 and the inside of the communication pipe 3 by this closing member 27 can be confirmed by the cessation of fluid discharge from the drain valve 26e. Note that confirmation of the cessation of fluid discharge may also be made from the drain valve 26d.

[0074] Next, the nut 51b is removed from the upper end of the bolt 51a, and the flange portion 43a of the ball valve 41 is removed from the flange member 50, thereby slightly lifting the ball valve 41 and housing case 26 upwards. The two-part retaining clip 35 is then attached by clamping it from above and below with the bolts 36, 36 screwed into the long bolts 24, 24, so that it is sandwiched between the closing member 27 and the outer cylinder portion 28a. The inner diameter portion of this retaining clip 35 engages with the upper end of the closing member 27 in the vertical direction, preventing the closing member 27 from coming out upwards from the internal passage of the communication pipe 3 due to the fluid pressure in the fluid pipe 2. With the retaining clip 35 preventing the closing member 27 from disengaging from the communication hole 50a of the flange member 50 and the communication pipe 3, the nuts 32, 32 are separated by rotation to remove the movable arm 31, and the ball valve 41 and housing case 26 are lifted up and removed.

[0075] Then, the ball valve 41 is removed from the lower end of the removed housing case 26, and the newly installed repair valve 110 is installed as shown in Figure 12. The housing case 26 and the repair valve 110 are inserted into the insertion member 28 and suspended, and the movable arms 31 are attached to the long bolts 24, 24. With the closing member 27 supported by the movable arms 31 to prevent it from coming out, the retaining clip 35 is removed.

[0076] As shown in Figure 13, the repair valve 110 and the housing case 26 are lowered until the lower flange portion 110a of the repair valve 110 contacts the upper surface of the flange member 50. Then, a nut 51b is attached to the upper part of the bolt 51a protruding above the flange member 50 and tightened, thereby sealing and fixing the lower flange portion 110a of the repair valve 110 and the flange member 50 via a gasket (not shown), and the repair valve 110 and the connecting pipe 3 are connected. With the housing case 26 and the repair valve 110 filled with fluid, the feed screw 28c is operated to contract the water-stopping rubber 27a, and the closing member 27 is pulled up into the housing case 26, thereby closing the repair valve 110.

[0077] Next, as shown in Figure 14, the blocking device 25 is removed from the repair valve 110. Then, the long bolts 24, 24 are removed from the base member 120, and the jack 121 is lowered to remove the base member 120 from the repair body 60. Finally, the reinforcing ring 90, which serves as a means to prevent the flange member 50 from straying from the cylindrical portion 61B, is attached to the cylindrical portion 61B.

[0078] As shown in Figures 15 to 17, the reinforcing ring 90 consists of divided members 90a and 90b, which are divided into front and rear sections. Since the divided members 90a and 90b are similarly constructed, the divided member 90a will be described below, and the description of the divided member 90b will be omitted.

[0079] As shown in Figure 17, the divided member 90a is mainly composed of a semi-circular outer circumference portion 91 arranged along the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 61B of the covering member 61, connecting portions 92, 92 protruding outward from both ends of the outer circumference portion 91, an upper locking portion 93 extending inward from the upper edge of the outer circumference portion 91, and a lower locking portion 94 extending inward from the lower edge of the outer circumference portion 91, and is formed in a roughly U-shape in vertical cross-section. Mounting holes 92a are formed in the connecting portions 92, 92, into which connecting bolts and nuts 95 are attached. In addition, a notch 96 is formed at approximately the center position in the left-right direction of the outer circumference portion 91 and the lower locking portion 94, and the lower locking portion 94 is divided into left and right halves. Furthermore, multiple screw holes 97 are formed in the lower locking portion 94 along the outer circumference portion 91 into which adjustment bolts 98 are screwed.

[0080] The reinforcing ring 90, configured in this way, is positioned with each divided member 90a, 90b located in front of and behind the cylindrical portion 61B, as shown in Figures 14 to 16. The upper locking portion 93 is positioned above the cylindrical portion 61B and the flange member 50, and the lower locking portion 94 is positioned below the flange portion 77 of the cylindrical portion 61B, as it is moved in the inward diameter direction. The connecting portions 92, 92 are then brought together and tightened with bolts and nuts 95 attached to the mounting holes 92a, 92a, thereby attaching it to the upper outer surface of the cylindrical portion 61B.

[0081] When the divided members 90a and 90b are installed in this integrated state, the upper locking portion 93 is restricted by the cylindrical portion 61B and the flange member 50, preventing the reinforcing ring 90 from falling, and the lower locking portion 94 is locked to the flange portion 77 of the cylindrical portion 61B, restricting the upward movement of the reinforcing ring 90.

[0082] Furthermore, by screwing adjustment bolts 98 into each screw hole 97 of the lower locking portion 94 from below and tightening them with their upper ends in contact with the lower surface of the flange portion 77, the upward movement of each divided member 90a, 90b is restricted, thereby preventing the reinforcing ring 90 from falling off.

[0083] Here, for example, if, after the leak repair device 1 has completed the repair of the leak as described above, and a new air valve has been connected and fixed above the newly installed repair valve 110, corrosion of the welded joint D, which is the connection point between the fluid pipe 2 and the connecting pipe 3, progresses, and the connecting pipe 3 detaches from the fluid pipe 2, there is a risk that the detached connecting pipe 3 and flange member 50 may be ejected from the opening of the cylindrical part 61B due to the internal pressure of the fluid pipe 2, which is dangerous.

[0084] Therefore, as in this embodiment, the reinforcing ring 90 is secured across the flange portion 77 of the cylindrical portion 61B and the flange member 50 which is slidably provided in the cylindrical portion 61B in the vertical direction, thereby preventing the flange member 50 from disengaging from the cylindrical portion 61B.

[0085] Furthermore, in the aforementioned process of surrounding the connecting pipe, after surrounding the connecting pipe 3 with the flange member 50 and the repair body 60, at least one of the drain valve 76d and the drain plug 76e is opened to vent the air, so that the fluid leaking from the leak point in the welded joint D is stored in the space S. Then, once the space S is filled with fluid and the fluid is discharged from at least one of the drain valve 76d and the drain plug 76e, the drain valve 76d and the drain plug 76e can be closed.

[0086] As described above, the leak repair device as an embodiment of the present invention is a leak repair device 1 for repairing a leak location (for example, a welded part D, etc.) in the vicinity of a connecting pipe 3 that communicates with an existing fluid pipe 2 and has a connecting flange portion 3a to which a repair valve 11 as a connecting member is connected, and the device comprises a repair body 60 having a base portion 61A that covers the outer surface of the fluid pipe 2 on the side of the connecting pipe 3, a cylindrical portion 61B with one end connected to the base portion 61A that surrounds the connecting pipe 3, and a U-bolt 62a and nut 62b as pressing means that press the base portion 61A and the cylindrical portion 61B toward the fluid pipe 2 side along the pipe axis direction of the connecting pipe 3, a flange member 50 connected to the flange portion 3a, and an O-ring 52 interposed between the cylindrical portion 61B of the repair body 60 and the flange member 50 as a sealing member that allows the two to move relative to each other in a sealed state.

[0087] This method ensures that leaks can be reliably repaired while maintaining a sealed state.

[0088] Furthermore, because the O-ring 52 is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the flange member 50, the sealed state is maintained even when the cylindrical portion 61B moves relative to the flange member 50.

[0089] More specifically, a cylindrical portion 61B is provided on the outer diameter side of the flange member 50, which is connected and fixed to the flange portion 3a of the connecting pipe 3 by bolts 51a and nuts 51c, so as to be movable in the vertical direction relative to the flange member 50. This allows the covering member 61 to be suitably pressed against the fluid pipe 2 side by U-bolts 62a and nuts 62b while maintaining a sealed state via the O-ring 52, thereby ensuring reliable repair of the welded portion D, which is the point of leakage. Furthermore, without sealing the space between the flange member 50 and the cylindrical portion 61B, or between the outer surface of the fluid pipe 2 and the base portion 61A by welding or the like, the space between the fluid pipe 2 and the connecting pipe 3 and the covering member 61 can be easily sealed by the O-rings 52 and 70 acting as sealing members.

[0090] Furthermore, the flange member 50 is an annular member that is positioned between the flange portion 11a of the existing repair valve 11 or the flange portion 110a of the newly installed repair valve 110, or the flange portion 43a and flange portion 3a of the ball valve 41, and has an O-ring 52 attached. This allows for the provision of a flange portion corresponding to the cylindrical portion 61B separately from the flange portions 11a, 110a, 43a and flange portion 3a of the connecting member, thereby improving the sealing performance between the cylindrical portion 61B and the flange member 50.

[0091] In detail, it is also possible to create a sealed state by providing a sealing member between the outer surface of the flange portion 3a of the connecting pipe 3 and the cylindrical portion 61B without using the flange member 50. However, the outer surface of the existing flange portion 3a is often difficult to seal due to dirt accumulation or corrosion caused by rust. Furthermore, the outer diameter L2 of the flange portion 3a of the existing connecting pipe 3 and the vertical length from the fluid pipe 2 vary depending on the location. Manufacturing a covering member 61 corresponding to each connecting pipe 3 would not only prolong the construction period but also increase manufacturing costs. Therefore, by using a flange member 50 manufactured separately to correspond to the cylindrical portion 61B without using the existing flange portion 3a, the area around the connecting pipe 3 can be easily and appropriately sealed to repair the leak.

[0092] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, a flange member 50 is provided between the connecting pipe 3 and the repair valve 110, and the connecting pipe 3 and the repair valve 110 are connected by a connecting hole 50a in the flange member 50. Since the inside of the connecting pipe 3 and the space S are not in contact except at the leakage point, the air inside the fluid pipe 2 can be guided from the connecting pipe 3 to the new air valve (see Figure 1) via the flange member 50 and the repair valve 110 without leaking into the cylindrical part 61B.

[0093] Furthermore, since the cylindrical portion 61B and connecting members such as the repair valve 110 and the air valve are connected via a flange member 50 connected to the flange portion 3a of the communication pipe 3, rather than directly connecting connecting members such as the repair valve 110 and the new air valve to the upper end of the cylindrical portion 61B, the communication state between the communication pipe 3 and the connecting members such as the repair valve 110 and the air valve can be maintained.

[0094] Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 61B is provided with a drain valve 76d and a drain plug 76e as discharge holes, which allows air to be vented from inside the cylindrical portion 61B and allows fluid leaking into the cylindrical portion 61B to be discharged to the outside.

[0095] Furthermore, by including a U-shaped bolt 62a in the pressing means, the cylindrical portion 61B can be efficiently pressed toward the fluid pipe 2. In this embodiment, a configuration using a U-shaped bolt 62a and a nut 62b has been illustrated as an example of a pressing means, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The pressing means can be anything that can press the cylindrical portion 61B toward the fluid pipe 2, for example, a band or the like can be used instead of the U-shaped bolt 62a, or it may consist of a U-shaped housing arranged along the lower part of the outer circumferential surface of the fluid pipe 2 and a bolt and nut that connects and tightens this housing and the covering member 61, and can be modified in various ways.

[0096] By providing a reinforcing ring 90 as a means to prevent the flange member 50 from detaching from the cylindrical portion 61B, it is possible to prevent the connecting pipe 3 from detaching from the fluid pipe 2 due to corrosion or other factors, and to prevent it from detaching from the cylindrical portion due to the fluid pressure inside the pipe. In this embodiment, a form in which a reinforcing ring 90 is applied as an example of a means to prevent detachment has been illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, detachment may be restricted by a plurality of bolts that are inserted from the outside of the cylindrical portion 61B toward the inner diameter direction and whose tips are locked to the upper surface of the flange member 50, and various modifications are possible.

[0097] The present invention provides a method for repairing a leak location in an uninterrupted flow state, comprising: connecting a connecting pipe 3, which is connected to an existing fluid pipe 2 and has a connecting flange portion 3a to which a repair valve 11 as a connecting member is connected, and a leak location (for example, a welded joint D) in its vicinity, the method comprising: connecting a flange member 50 equipped with an O-ring 52 as a sealing member to the flange portion 3a (flange portion connection step; see Figure 4); inserting a repair body 60 into the flange member 50 and surrounding the connecting pipe 3 with the repair body 60 and the flange member 50 (connecting pipe surrounding step; see Figures 6 to 10); and pressing the repair body 60 toward the fluid pipe 2 side along the pipe axis direction of the connecting pipe 3 using a U-bolt 62a and a nut 62b as a pressing means, thereby covering the connecting pipe 3 in a sealed state with the repair body 60 and the flange member 50 (pressing the covering member onto the fluid pipe step; see Figures 8 to 10). This method ensures that leaks can be reliably repaired while maintaining a sealed state.

[0098] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and any changes or additions that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention are also included.

[0099] For example, in the above embodiment, an apparatus and method for repairing a leak at a welded joint D between a fluid pipe 2 and a connecting pipe 3 (see Figure 1) was described. However, the leak is not limited to the predetermined location of the welded joint D described above. For example, even if a leak occurs at a predetermined location in the connecting pipe 3 or the fluid pipe 2 in its vicinity due to rust or corrosion, the leak repair apparatus and leak repair method of the present invention can be applied.

[0100] Furthermore, although the above embodiment illustrates a configuration in which the repair valve 11 and the air valve 10 are applied as existing connecting members, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, multiple flange members, short pipes, etc., may be connected as connecting members upstream of the repair valve 11 and the air valve 10. In other words, the connecting member may be any member that is connected to the communication pipe 3, such as a flange member, a tubular member such as a short pipe, a valve member such as a repair valve, a gate valve device, or an air valve, or any other member.

[0101] Furthermore, although the above embodiment illustrates a form in which a cylindrical portion 61B is applied as an example of a cylindrical portion, the present invention is not limited thereto. It is not limited to the cylindrical pipe described above, but a square pipe, housing, etc., can be applied as long as it can surround the existing connecting pipe 3. In addition, the overall shape of the covering member 61 can be changed in various ways and is not limited to the shape described in the above embodiment.

[0102] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when repairing a leak, the existing repair valve 11 is replaced with a ball valve 41, and after the repair is completed, it is replaced with a newly installed repair valve 110. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the removed existing repair valve 11 may be reinstalled, or a repair valve may be installed as a separate opening and closing means from the repair valves 11 and 110. Also, as an example of an opening and closing means, an embodiment using repair valves 11 and 110 and a ball valve 41 has been illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various opening and closing valves such as butterfly valves, gate valves, and ball valves can be applied.

[0103] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, since the cylindrical portion 61B could not be inserted into the existing repair valve 11, the process was described as replacing the repair valve 11 with a ball valve 41 before installing the leak repair device 1. However, if the outer diameter of the existing repair valve 11 is relatively small, or if it is large enough to insert the cylindrical portion 61B, the above repair valve replacement process may be omitted, and the repair valve 11 may not be removed. Instead, the flange connection process and the connecting pipe surrounding process shown in Figure 4 and later may be performed, and the leak repair device 1 may be installed. In other words, the repair valve replacement process described above does not necessarily have to be performed.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the connecting members connected to the existing fluid pipe 2 and connecting pipe 3 were shown as being extended in an exposed state above ground, such as in plant piping. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the connecting members connected to the fluid pipe 2 and connecting pipe 3 may be buried underground. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0105] 1. Leakage repair device 2 Fluid tube 3 Communication pipe 3a Flange section (connecting flange section) 10. Air valve (connecting component) 11. Repair valve (connecting component) 20 Base members 21 Jack 24 Long bolts 25 Occlusion device 26 storage cases 27 Closure member 35 Retaining clip 41 Ball Valve 43a Flange section 43b Flange section 45-47 O-rings 50 Flange member (flange section) 51a Bolt 51b, 51c nuts 52 O-ring (sealing component) 60 Repair body 61 Covering member 61A base 61B Cylindrical part 62a U-bolt (pressing means) 62b Nut (pressing means) 63 Curved plate 64 Support plate 70 O-rings (sealing components) 75 Reduced diameter part 76d Drain valve (discharge port) 76e Drain plug (discharge hole) 77 Flange section 90 Reinforcement ring (means to prevent deviation) 90a, 90b Divided members 91 Outer periphery 92 Connecting part 93 Upper locking part 94 Lower locking part 95 Bolts and Nuts 98 Adjustment bolts 110 Repair valve 120 Base member

Claims

1. A leak repair device for repairing a leak in the vicinity of a connecting pipe that is connected to an existing fluid pipe and has a connecting flange portion to which a connecting member is attached, A repair body having a base portion that covers the outer surface of the connecting pipe side of the existing fluid pipe, a cylindrical portion with one end connected to the base portion and surrounding the connecting pipe, and a pressing means for pressing the base portion and the cylindrical portion toward the existing fluid pipe side along the pipe axis direction of the connecting pipe, A sealing member that allows the cylindrical portion of the repair body to move while sealed, A leak repair device characterized by comprising the following:

2. The leak repair device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cylindrical portion is provided with a discharge hole.

3. The leak repair device according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressing means includes a U-shaped bolt.

4. A leak repair device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is provided with a means for preventing the member connected to the cylindrical portion from detaching from the cylindrical portion.

5. A method for repairing a leak in the vicinity of a connecting pipe, which is connected to an existing fluid pipe and has a connecting flange portion to which a connecting member is attached, while maintaining a continuous flow state. The process involves inserting a repair body into the connecting flange portion and surrounding the connecting pipe with the repair body, The process involves pressing the repair body with a pressing means along the axial direction of the connecting pipe toward the existing fluid pipe, thereby covering the connecting pipe in a sealed state with the repair body, A method for repairing leak locations, characterized by having [a certain feature].

Images