Sensor system built-in liner hose

Abstract

The present invention relates to a liner hose comprising an inner film, a resin-impregnated curable layer, and an outer film, wherein a measuring device is incorporated between the inner film and the curable layer and between the curable layer and the outer film, the measuring device comprising at least one of fibers and threads incorporated into the liner hose in at least one of the horizontal and vertical directions by at least one of sewing, weaving, bonding, and insertion in an uncured state, the at least one of fibers and threads being at least one of photoconductive fibers, photoconductive threads, electrically conductive threads, and electrically conductive fibers, and the measuring device is configured and positioned to measure the conductivity of the material located at least one of the spaces between fibers and between threads.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liner hose incorporating sensor technology for detecting damage.

Background Art

[0002] For example, methods for rehabilitating pipeline systems through which a liquid medium or a gaseous medium is transported are well known in the prior art and have been described many times.

[0003] For example, a method of replacing a section of a pipeline system with defects or damage with a new section is well known. However, this is time-consuming and not always possible.

[0004] Furthermore, a method of introducing a curable layer (also referred to as a liner), which is flexible and impregnated with a curable resin and functions as a liner hose, into a pipeline system for the repair of pipeline systems, such as sewer and similar pipeline systems, is well known in the prior art. After introduction, the liner hose is expanded to adhere to the inner wall of the pipeline system. Then, the resin is cured.

[0005] The production of such a liner hose is described, for example, in Patent Document 1. Such a liner hose usually has an outer protective film that does not transmit light, an inner film that transmits electromagnetic waves in at least a specific wavelength range, and a curable layer impregnated with resin disposed between the inner film and the outer film.

[0006] The outer film hose is for preventing the resin used for impregnation from leaking from the curable layer into the environment. For this purpose, good airtightness and adhesiveness between the outer film hose and the resin-impregnated curable layer are required.

[0007] Patent Document 2 describes a liner hose that consists of an inner film hose, a fiber tape impregnated with resin as a curable layer, and an outer hose laminated with fiber fleece on the inside.

[0008] Patent Document 2 describes a liner hose that consists of an inner film hose, a fiber tape impregnated with resin as a curable layer, and an outer hose laminated with fiber fleece on the inside.

[0009] These unsaturated polyesters or vinyl esters can be cured thermally (usually using a peroxide catalyst) or by radiation, such as ultraviolet light with a photoinitiator, as described in Patent Document 3, for example. So-called combined curing, using both a peroxide initiator and a photoinitiator used for thermal curing, is also possible and has proven particularly advantageous when the liner hose has a large wall thickness. Such so-called combined curing methods are described in Patent Document 4, for example. Unsaturated polyester resins and vinyl ester resins shrink during curing, which can impair the stability of the pipeline system after it has been restored during subsequent operation. On the other hand, epoxy ester resins exhibit excellent dimensional stability during curing after insertion.

[0010] The inner hose itself is wound onto a winding mandrel, simplifying the manufacturing process. Alternatively, Patent Document 1 discloses that, for example, a pre-fabricated inner film hose can be inflated and function as a winding mandrel itself. Such a pre-fabricated inner film hose is manufactured from a film strip, and the film edges of the film strip are joined to each other by welding or bonding to form the inner film hose.

[0011] Before curing, the liner hose is inserted into the pipeline system to be repaired and inflated with a fluid, generally compressed air. According to prior art, to inflate the liner hose, compressed air is applied to one open end of the liner hose, and the other open end of the liner hose is closed with a sealing device, a so-called packer. This sealing device consists of a hollow cylinder and a cover element that can close the hollow cylinder.

[0012] A hardening device with a radiation source is introduced into the liner hose to harden it and is guided through the liner hose to activate or harden the hardenable layer of the liner hose with radiation energy.

[0013] In this sense, it is crucial to completely harden the liner hose, and a specific amount of radiation energy must be introduced to all parts of the liner hose. The amount of radiation energy depends on the output of the radiation source and the speed at which the radiation source is guided through the liner hose.

[0014] Patent Document 5 discloses a method for controlling the curing speed of a liner hose. In this method, one or more ultraviolet light sources are guided through the pipe by a centrally guided pull-in cable, thereby curing the resin of the curable layer of the liner hose. The speed at which the light sources are guided is controlled as a function of the temperature generated on the inner surface of the hose by the exothermic curing reaction.

[0015] Within the light source area, multiple infrared sensors are transported along the inner surface of a hose, aligned at the same angle toward an imaginary line running parallel to the cable. Specific measurement points are defined along this line, and the temperature at each measurement point is measured by the sensors as they pass through it.

[0016] Therefore, it is generally known from the prior art that, in order to control the forward speed of the curing device, sensor values ​​on the inner surface of the liner hose are determined based on discontinuous measurement points.

[0017] A method of measuring the internal temperature of the liner hose itself by introducing sensor tape is also well known from the prior art. Patent document 6 describes a method for monitoring the temperature of a liner hose in a pipe or sewer system, and this method can be carried out over a long period of time, and the measurement can be performed only once in time or repeatedly at any desired time interval.

[0018] As explained, temperature and its measurement are crucial for proper curing and for recording curing, and methods for doing so are described in the prior art.

[0019] However, it is desirable to further measure the condition of the liner hose over a longer period of time.

[0020] In this regard, it is particularly desirable to be able to record damage, deformation, and other issues related to the liner hose. This is especially advantageous when the liner hose is used in large-scale industrial equipment where a high level of process reliability is required. By specifically detecting the value of the condition, it is possible to extend maintenance cycles, for example, and meet documentation and safety requirements. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0021] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 95 / 04646 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2000 / 73692 [Patent Document 3] European Patent Application Publication No. 23623 [Patent Document 4] European Patent Application Publication No. 1262708 [Patent Document 5] German Patent Application Publication No. 19817413 [Patent Document 6] European Patent Application Publication No. 2037246 [Overview of the project]

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0022] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a liner hose that can supply measurement values regarding its state by means of an integrated sensor technology.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0023] This problem is achieved by a liner hose comprising an inner film, a resin-impregnated curable layer, and an outer film, wherein a measuring device is incorporated in at least one of the spaces between the inner film and the curable layer and between the curable layer and the outer film. The measuring device is configured and arranged to measure the conductivity of a material located between at least some of the fibers and yarns incorporated in the liner hose in at least one of the horizontal and vertical directions by at least one of sewing, weaving, adhesion, and insertion in the uncured state. At least one of the fibers and yarns is at least one of a photoconductive fiber, a photoconductive yarn, an electrically conductive yarn, and an electrically conductive fiber.

[0024] A surprising discovery of the present invention lies in the fact that by incorporating at least one of the fibers and yarns into the liner hose, a plurality of related measurement values can be obtained.

[0025] For example, when at least one of the conductive fibers and yarns is incorporated into the liner hose, their changing conductivity can be directly measured, and the resistance from at least one of a single fiber and a single yarn to at least one of another fiber and another yarn can be measured. Conclusions regarding the desired characteristics of the measured liner hose can be derived from the changes in conductivity or resistance values.

[0026] For example, by placing a thread on the side of the inner film of a liner hose that faces the curable layer, if the inner film is damaged over time, the moisture that normally penetrates, at least temporarily, will affect the measurement, allowing for the detection of the damage.

[0027] When at least one of multiple fibers and threads is arranged at different radial distances within the liner hose, it is also possible to measure, for example, the depth of water penetration.

[0028] A further example is the initial curing process. When at least one of the fibers and yarns is initially placed in or on a curable layer that is not yet cured and therefore wet, they will exhibit different resistance or conductivity than when the curable layer has cured and therefore dried.

[0029] A further example is the expansion and deformation of sections of a liner hose. As a result of deformation, at least one of the fibers and threads may be compressed or stretched, and / or their distance from each other may change. All of these can be detected by measurement.

[0030] It is clear that the above embodiments of at least one of fibers and threads involving the measurement of resistance or conductivity should be understood to be purely illustrative, and other measurements may also be available. In particular, in the case of optical fibers, changes in wavelength within the fiber when transmitting and receiving light and pulses between fibers may also depend, for example, on the moisture content of the measurement area.

[0031] It may be effective to include a fleece layer, with the fleece layer positioned between the inner film and the curing layer, and to position the measuring device at least between the inner film and the fleece layer, and between the fleece layer and the curing layer.

[0032] In this case, the present invention claims a liner hose. Each individual layer is understood, in principle, to cover at least a circular portion of the cross-section of the liner hose, but in principle, it itself forms a complete hose layer.

[0033] As described above, in this case, it may be effective to have a fleece layer and to have the measuring device according to the present invention operatively connected to this fleece layer. In this regard, according to one embodiment, the measuring device can be directly woven into the fleece or sewn onto the fleece.

[0034] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, a styrene-based barrier can be provided between the curable layer and the outer film, and the measuring device is positioned at least one of the following: between the inner film and the styrene-based barrier, between the fleece and the styrene-based barrier, and between the curable layer and the styrene-based barrier.

[0035] Finally, the measuring device may be placed within the curable layer.

[0036] According to the present invention, there are different planes that are radially spaced apart from each other and on which the measuring device according to the present invention can be placed. In particular, the measuring device may be placed on different planes simultaneously to perform both horizontal measurements, i.e., measurements at the same radial distance around the liner hose with respect to the imaginary center of the liner hose, and vertical measurements, i.e., measurements in the direction from the inside to the outside.

[0037] Such measurements can be performed either by incorporating at least one of the fibers and yarns according to the present invention itself into at least one of the horizontal and vertical directions, or by performing measurements between at least one of different fibers and between yarns.

[0038] In particular, at least one of the fibers and threads of the measuring device may be formed in the form of at least one of fleece, mesh, woven fabric, and laid scrim.

[0039] At least one of the fibers and yarns can be used individually in each case as at least one of the single fibers and yarns according to the present invention. However, they may be formed in the form of at least one of fleece, mesh, fabric, and laid scrim, in which case not only at least one of the individual fibers and individual yarns, but the entire group of at least one of the fibers and yarns can be incorporated.

[0040] In particular, at least one of the fibers and yarns may be incorporated in-situ during at least one of the processes for manufacturing the curable layer and the process for manufacturing the fleece.

[0041] According to the present invention, when manufacturing a liner hose, at least one of the fibers and threads may be sewn, bonded, laminated, or otherwise incorporated. In one embodiment, it is particularly effective if they are processed in-situ into at least one of the curable layer and fleece during the manufacturing process. In this case, at least one of the fibers and threads is already securely in the correct position and does not need to be fixed afterward.

[0042] The measuring device may measure at least one of the resistance, conductivity (capacitive, resistive, inductive), and phase shift of at least one of at least one of individual fibers and threads, at least one group of fibers and threads, between at least one of the fibers and threads, and between at least one group of fibers and threads, either over the length of the liner hose or in part thereto.

[0043] As already described, the present invention provides both volumetric measurement and optical measurement to obtain a measurement value using at least one of fibers and yarns.

[0044] It is particularly effective if the measuring device is designed and configured to determine, from the measured data, at least one of the following: the surface quality of individual layers of the liner hose, their thickness, and their shape.

[0045] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, it is preferable that the measuring device includes a measuring sensor that can be brought into contact with at least one of individual fibers and yarns, at least one of a plurality of fibers and yarns, and at least one of a group of fibers and yarns in order to measure the measured value.

[0046] The measuring sensors introduce electrical or optical pulses with one or more input measuring sensors and receive electrical or optical pulses with one or more output measuring sensors, and the input and output measuring sensors are located at the beginning and end of the liner hose, and are preferably arranged cross-sectionally along the length of the liner hose.

[0047] According to the present invention, different measurement methods can be used. In one embodiment, measuring sensors are placed at each end of the liner hose, and measurements are taken along the entire length of the liner hose.

[0048] However, the liner hose may be divided into sections by a measuring sensor, and measurements may be taken from section to section in each case.

[0049] Furthermore, measurements may be performed between individual fibers and between threads, or at least one of the two, to enable evaluation of complex shapes in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0050] The present invention also provides a system comprising a liner hose and a data processing device according to the present invention, wherein the measured values ​​of a measuring device are stored in the data processing device.

[0051] The data processing device may either store the data on the location of the liner hose or store it on a server.

[0052] The present invention also provides a method for detecting measurements of a liner hose according to the present invention, wherein the measuring device transmits a measurement signal to at least one of the fibers and threads contained by the measuring device, receives a response, and calculates from the received response at least one of the surface quality, deformation, cracks, and further material parameters of individual layers of the liner hose.

[0053] In particular, the measurement signal may be at least one of an electrical pulse and an optical pulse, especially at least one of a modulated pulse, a continuous voltage application, and a continuous optical signal.

[0054] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated by schematic drawings, but the invention will not be limited thereto. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0055] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a liner hose according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0056] Figure 1 shows a liner hose 1 having an inner film 3, a curable layer 5, and an outer film 7. A fleece 9 is placed inside the inner film 3 facing the curable layer 5, and a styrene-based barrier 11 is placed on the side of the curable layer 5 facing the outer film 7.

[0057] Furthermore, the exemplary liner hose 1 consists of an internal tensioning tape 13, a longitudinal tape 15, and a measuring tape 17.

[0058] According to the present invention, at least one of the fibers and tapes of the measuring device can be placed between each of the described layers or incorporated in situ into the curable layer 5 or fleece 9. A measuring sensor (not shown) receives and inputs a measurement signal.

[0059] The elements of the present invention disclosed in the above description and claims may be essential to the realization of the invention, both individually and in any combination, in various embodiments thereof.

Claims

1. A liner hose comprising an inner film, a resin-impregnated curable layer, and an outer film, wherein a measuring device is incorporated between the inner film and the curable layer and between the curable layer and the outer film, the measuring device comprising, in an uncured state, at least one of fibers and threads incorporated into the liner hose in at least one of the horizontal and vertical directions by at least one of sewing, weaving, bonding, and insertion, the at least one of the fibers and threads being at least one of photoconductive fibers, photoconductive threads, electrically conductive threads, and electrically conductive fibers, and the measuring device being configured and positioned to measure the conductivity of materials located between at least one of the fibers and between the threads.

2. The liner hose according to claim 1, further comprising a fleece, wherein the fleece is disposed between the inner film and the curable layer, and the measuring device is disposed between the inner film and the fleece, and between the fleece and the curable layer, at least one of these.

3. The liner hose according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a styrene-based barrier disposed between the curable layer and the outer film, wherein the measuring device is disposed between the inner film and the styrene-based barrier, between the fleece and the styrene-based barrier, and between the curable layer and the styrene-based barrier.

4. The liner hose according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the measuring device is disposed within the curable layer.

5. The liner hose according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the fibers and threads of the measuring device is formed in the form of at least one of fleece, mesh, fabric, and laid scrim.

6. The liner hose according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the fibers and yarns is incorporated in-situ during at least one of the manufacturing process of the curable layer and the manufacturing process of the fleece.

7. The liner hose according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the measuring device measures at least one of the resistance, conductivity (capacitive, resistive, inductive), and phase shift of at least one of individual fibers and threads, at least one group of the fibers and threads, between at least one of the fibers and threads, and between at least one group of the fibers and threads, over the length of the liner hose or in part thereto.

8. The liner hose according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the measuring device is designed and configured to determine from the measured data at least one of the surface quality, thickness, and shape of individual layers of the liner hose.

9. The liner hose according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the measuring device comprises a measuring sensor that can be brought into contact with at least one of individual fibers and yarns, at least one of a plurality of fibers and yarns, and at least one of a group of fibers and yarns, in order to measure a measurement value.

10. The liner hose according to claim 9, wherein the measuring sensors introduce an electrical or optical pulse with one or more input measuring sensors and receive the electrical or optical pulse with one or more output measuring sensors, and the input measuring sensors and the output measuring sensors are located at the beginning and end of the liner hose, and in particular are located segmentally along the length of the liner hose.

11. A system comprising a liner hose according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a data processing device, wherein the measured value of the measuring device is stored in the data processing device.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the data processing device either stores data on the position of the liner hose or stores the data on a server.

13. A method for detecting a measurement value of a liner hose according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the measuring device transmits a measurement signal to at least one of the fibers and yarns contained by the measuring device, receives a response, and calculates from the received response at least one of the surface quality, deformation, cracks and further material parameters of individual layers of the liner hose.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the measurement signal is at least one of an electrical pulse and an optical pulse, particularly at least one of a modulated pulse, a continuous voltage application, and a continuous optical signal.

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