Continuous flow method

Abstract

To provide a non-interrupted flow method that is easy to implement.SOLUTION: A non-interrupted flow method comprises: a lower housing arrangement step of constituting a housing 310 that can be separated into upper and lower parts for a fluid pipe 2 constituting a flow path, and arranging a lower housing 330 to which a branch pipe 3 branching off from the fluid pipe 2 can be connected using jacks 304, 404 having a height adjustment function and a load support function; a connection step of installing an upper housing 320 constituting the housing 310 on the lower housing 330 and connecting them; a position adjustment step of aligning the mutually connected lower housing 330 and upper housing 320 with respect to the fluid pipe, using position adjustment means; and a sealing step of sealing a gap between the housing 310 and the fluid pipe 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a flow stoppage-free construction method involving cutting of fluid pipes.

Background Art

[0002] For existing flow paths through which water, gas, etc. flow, when a part of the existing fluid pipe is replaced with a new fluid pipe or connected to another flow path to cope with aging degradation or form a new branch path, a flow stoppage-free construction method is known which is performed by cutting at least a part of the fluid pipe.

[0003] For example, the flow stoppage-free construction method disclosed in Patent Document 1 is performed when installing a gate valve in the middle of a fluid pipe in an existing flow path, in which a casing composed of an upper casing and a lower casing is fitted onto the fluid pipe in a sealed state, a part of the fluid pipe is cut through the opening of the casing while maintaining the sealed state, the gate valve is inserted and installed between one end and the other end of the fluid pipe cut inside the casing while maintaining the sealed state, and the opening of the casing is sealed with the lid of the gate valve. Thereby, since the casing can be utilized as a flow path constituting member that functions as a part of the flow path, the gate valve can be installed simply.

[0004] Further, as the above-described flow stoppage-free construction method, there is also known a flow stoppage-free construction method in which, for example, a T-shaped casing is adopted, the casing composed of an upper casing and a lower casing is fitted onto the fluid pipe constituting the existing flow path in a sealed state, a branch pipe is connected to the same casing, and the fluid pipe is cut and the opening of the casing is sealed as described above, thereby connecting the branch pipe to the existing flow path. As described above, the configuration of the casing utilized as the flow path constituting member is appropriately changed according to the flow stoppage-free construction method to be carried out.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

[0006] In the continuous flow method described in Patent Document 1, the fluid pipe and the housing are aligned, and a sealing member is pressed between them, thereby enabling stable sealing in the circumferential direction.

[0007] Regarding the alignment of the fluid pipes and the housing, the lower housing is placed on top of the H-beam, and the alignment with respect to the fluid pipes is performed together with the upper housing, which is temporarily fixed to the lower housing. For example, if the height of the H-beam is lower than the ideal position, the position of the lower housing is raised by driving a wedge-shaped member or the like between the H-beam and the lower housing, or by placing a square timber or plate under the H-beam. However, if the height of the H-beam is higher than the ideal position, it is necessary to replace the H-beam with a shorter one, which requires temporarily releasing the upper and lower housings and removing them, thus increasing the amount of work involved.

[0008] This invention was made in response to these problems, and aims to provide a simple and easy-to-implement continuous flow construction method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the aforementioned problems, the continuous flow method of the present invention is: A lower housing placement step involves positioning a lower housing, which is a housing that can be divided vertically, relative to the fluid pipes that constitute the flow path, using jacks that have height adjustment and load support functions. A connecting step of placing the upper housing that constitutes the housing on the lower housing and connecting them, A position adjustment step in which the lower housing and the upper housing, which are connected to each other, are aligned with respect to the fluid pipe using position adjustment means, The invention is characterized by including a sealing step of sealing the space between the housing and the fluid tube. This feature allows the connected lower and upper housings to be positioned with sufficient clearance for movement relative to the fluid pipe. This ensures accurate alignment of the housings with respect to the fluid pipe, thus simplifying construction.

[0010] The lower housing placement step is characterized by supporting the lower housing, which is in contact with the fluid pipe, with the jack. This feature allows for secure retention of the lower casing.

[0011] The position adjustment process is characterized by suspending the upper and lower housings, which are connected by a crane, and then separating the jack from the lower housing. This feature makes it possible to secure travel expenses safely and easily.

[0012] The position adjustment process is characterized by performing the position adjustment using adjustment bolts and a crane provided on the housing, which are the position adjustment means. This feature allows for easy and precise alignment of the upper and lower housings connected to the fluid pipes by supporting the housing with a crane.

[0013] The upper housing and the lower housing are characterized by being provided with the adjustment bolts. This feature allows for the installation of adjustment bolts with a simple configuration.

[0014] The jacks are characterized by being arranged in multiples at intervals in the axial direction of the fluid pipe. This feature allows for positioning even when the fluid pipe is inclined, as it can adjust to the incline.

[0015] At least one of the jacks is characterized by being positioned at a distance from the axis of the fluid pipe. According to this feature, it is possible to prevent the housing from rotating around the pipe axis direction of the fluid pipe. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a partially cutaway front view showing a state where the lower housing is arranged in the flow stopping construction method in Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] (a) is a bottom view for explaining the arrangement of the jack, and (b) is a front view for explaining the jack. [Figure 3] It is a front view showing a state where the upper housing is temporarily fixed to the lower housing. [Figure 4] It is a diagram for explaining the alignment of the lower housing and the upper housing with respect to the fluid pipe by the jack. [Figure 5] It is a diagram for explaining the alignment of the lower housing and the upper housing with respect to the fluid pipe by the adjustment bolt of the upper housing. [Figure 6] It is a diagram for explaining the alignment of the lower housing and the upper housing with respect to the fluid pipe by the adjustment bolt of the lower housing. [Figure 7] It is a partially cutaway front view showing a state where the housing is fitted externally to the fluid pipe in a sealed manner. [Figure 8] It is a front view showing a state where a part of the housing is embedded in concrete. [Figure 9] It is a partially cutaway front view showing a state where a working valve is attached to the housing. [Figure 10] It is a partially cutaway front view showing a state where a part of the fluid pipe is cut off using a cutting device. [Figure 11] It is a partially cutaway front view showing a state at the start of inserting a butterfly valve using an insertion device. [Figure 12] It is a partially cutaway front view showing the state after the butterfly valve is installed. [Figure 13] It is a front view for explaining the flow stopping construction method in Embodiment 2. [Figure 14]This is a bottom view illustrating the arrangement of the jacks in Example 2. [Figure 15] This is a partially broken front view shown to illustrate the continuous flow method in Example 3. [Figure 16] (a) is a side view illustrating the jacks and their arrangement in Example 3, and (b) is a bottom view illustrating the jack arrangement in Example 3. [Figure 17] This is a front view illustrating the continuous flow method in Example 4. [Figure 18] This is a cross-sectional view AA in Figure 17. [Figure 19] This is a front view illustrating the jack in Example 4. [Figure 20] This is a front view illustrating another embodiment of the continuous flow method in Example 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] The embodiments for implementing the continuous flow method according to the present invention will be described below based on examples. [Examples]

[0018] As an example of the continuous flow method according to Example 1, a continuous flow method for installing a butterfly valve 14 in a fluid pipe 2 that constitutes an existing flow path will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 12.

[0019] This embodiment describes the continuous flow method, specifically the process from cutting a predetermined section of the fluid pipe 2, which constitutes an existing flow path buried underground, within the housing 10, to installing a butterfly valve 14 as a fluid control valve at the cut section. In this embodiment, the fluid in the fluid pipe 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.

[0020] Furthermore, the fluid pipe according to the present invention is a ductile cast iron pipe, formed in a substantially cylindrical shape in cross-section. The fluid pipe according to the present invention may also be made of other metals such as cast iron or steel, or concrete, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, or polyolefin. Moreover, the inner circumferential surface of the fluid pipe may be coated with an epoxy resin layer, mortar, plating, or an appropriate material may be applied to the inner circumferential surface of the fluid pipe by powder coating.

[0021] First, a preparation process is carried out to prepare the work site. Referring to Figure 1, in the preparation process, the area around the fluid pipe 2 buried in the ground is excavated, and concrete is poured into the bottom of the hole to form a foundation F. The upper surface of the foundation F is spaced vertically apart from the bottom of the exposed fluid pipe 2. The foundation may be made of steel plates or the like, as long as it can support the lower housing 30 of the housing 10.

[0022] Next, the lower housing placement process is carried out to position the lower housing 30. In the lower housing placement process, the lower housing 30, which is suspended by a lifting device H equipped with a hook and wire W suspended from a crane (not shown), is first fitted onto the lower part of the fluid pipe 2, and two jacks 4,4 (see Figure 2(b)) having load support and height adjustment functions are placed between the lower housing 30 and the foundation F. The lower housing placement process will be described in detail below.

[0023] The lower housing 30 is formed in a T-shape when viewed from the front, comprising a body portion 31 that extends downward and is formed in the shape of a bottomed cylindrical shape, and curved plate-shaped half-split arm portions 32 and 33 that extend laterally substantially perpendicular to the body portion 31 and are curved in a semi-circular arc shape when viewed from the axial direction of the fluid pipe 2.

[0024] As shown in the opening in Figure 1, an adjustment bolt 10C is screwed into a female thread formed radially through the split arm portion 33 of the lower housing 30, and the operating part at the rear end of this adjustment bolt 10C is exposed on the outside of the split arm portion 33. This makes it possible to move the adjustment bolt 10C radially by rotating the operating part with a jig or the like. When the adjustment bolt 10C is not in use, the operating part is protected by a removable cap 10p or the like. In addition, multiple adjustment bolts 10C are equally spaced in the circumferential direction on the split arm portion 33 (two equally spaced in this embodiment). The same applies to the split arm portion 32 side. Note that outside of the opening in Figure 1, the adjustment bolt 10C is simply indicated with an "x" mark.

[0025] In this way, by arranging the adjustment bolts 10C, 10C, ... in the split arm portions 32, 33 so as to be able to move forward and backward, the adjustment bolts 10C, 10C, ... can be provided in a simpler configuration compared to a configuration in which a separate member for holding the adjustment bolts 10C is provided.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2(a), the structural strength of the bottom wall 31a of the body 31 is enhanced by an X-shaped rib 31b that protrudes downward from its lower end. The outer bottom surface of the bottom wall 31a is divided into four flat surfaces 31c, 31c, ... by the rib 31b, and each flat surface 31c is roughly fan-shaped.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2(b), the jack 4 is a so-called mechanical jack in which a bolt 4b is screwed into a female thread formed on a bottomed cylindrical base 4a having a pedestal. A flat, disc-shaped plate 4c is placed on the upper end 4d of the bolt 4b.

[0028] The upper end 4d of the bolt 4b is formed in a conical shape. A recess 4e is formed at the radial center of the lower surface of the countersunk 4c, which is conically recessed in cross-section and penetrates the countersunk 4c in the thickness direction, i.e., in the vertical direction. The upper end 4d of the bolt 4b and the recess 4e of the countersunk 4c are formed to fit together. This allows the countersunk 4c to be attached to and detached from the bolt 4b, and prevents it from rotating together with the rotation of the bolt 4b. Furthermore, positioning the countersunk 4c when placing it on the bolt 4b is easy. It is preferable that the conical angle of the recess 4e of the countersunk 4c be gentler than the conical angle of the upper end 4d of the bolt 4b, thereby allowing the countersunk 4c to be slightly inclined relative to the bolt 4b.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2(a), when placing the jacks 4,4 on the foundation F, they are positioned at a distance from the center of the body 31 toward the outer diameter and at a distance perpendicular to the fluid pipe 2 in a view from below (see the plates 4c,4c of the jacks 4,4 shown by the dashed lines).

[0030] The flat surfaces 31c, 31c of the lower housing 30 are placed on these plates 4c, 4c. At this time, by making the upper end surface of the plate 4c of the jack 4 contact the flat surface 31c of the lower housing 30, the load of the lower housing 30 can be distributed and supported.

[0031] In detail, when fitting the lower housing 30 onto the fluid pipe 2, the lower housing 30, which is suspended by a crane, is fitted onto the lower part of the fluid pipe 2, and is lifted so that the inner surface of the lower housing 30 contacts the outer surface 2a of the fluid pipe 2, as shown inside the outlet in Figure 1. At this time, a rubber sheet or the like may be inserted between the contact point between the inner surface of the lower housing 30 and the outer surface 2a of the fluid pipe 2 to prevent damage. Then, the length of the jacks 4, 4 is adjusted according to the distance between the flat surface 31c of the lower housing 30 and the foundation F, and the jacks 4, 4 are positioned between the flat surface 31c and the foundation F.

[0032] As a result, the inner surface of the lower housing 30 remains in contact with the outer surface 2a of the fluid pipe 2. In other words, the lower housing 30 is held in a stable position by being sandwiched vertically by the fluid pipe 2 and the jacks 4, 4, so that the lifting device H and wire W can be removed from the lower housing 30.

[0033] Next, a connection process is performed in which the upper housing 20 of the housing 10 is sealed and connected to the lower housing 30. As shown in Figure 3, in the connection process, the upper housing 20 is first lowered by a crane via the lifting device H and wire W, and while fitting the upper housing 20 onto the fluid pipe 2, the cut surface 20a of the upper housing 20 is brought into contact with the cut surface 30a of the lower housing 30 and placed on top.

[0034] The upper housing 20 is formed in an inverted T-shape when viewed from the front, comprising a neck portion 21 that extends upward and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and split arm portions 22 and 23 that extend laterally substantially perpendicular to the neck portion 21 and are formed in a semi-circular curved plate shape when viewed from the axial direction of the fluid pipe 2.

[0035] The adjustment bolts 10C are provided on the split arm portions 22 and 23 of the upper housing 20, similar to the lower housing 30, and are equally spaced in the circumferential direction. The adjustment bolts 10C provided on the split arm portion 22 of the upper housing 20 and the split arm portion 32 of the lower housing 30 are positioned at approximately the same location in the pipe axis direction and are located at the 2 o'clock, 4 o'clock, 8 o'clock, and 10 o'clock positions in the circumferential direction. The same applies to the adjustment bolts 10C provided on the split arm portion 23 of the upper housing 20 and the split arm portion 33 of the lower housing 30.

[0036] Furthermore, the split arm portions 22 and 23 of the upper housing 20 and the split arm portions 32 and 33 of the lower housing 30 have rectangular plate-shaped flanges 24 and 34 formed on them, which are substantially parallel to the respective split surfaces 20a and 30a and protrude outward. The upper housing 20 and the lower housing 30 can be temporarily fixed by fastening these flanges 24 and 34 with bolts B1 and nuts N1.

[0037] Then, the housing 10 is constructed by sealing the split surfaces 20a, 30a of the upper housing 20 and the lower housing 30 together by welding. Accordingly, the split arms 22, 32 form the cylindrical arm portion 10A (see Figure 7) of the housing 10, and the split arms 23, 33 form the cylindrical arm portion 10B (see Figure 7) of the housing 10.

[0038] Next, a position adjustment process is performed to align the housing 10 with respect to the fluid pipe 2 using adjustment bolts 10C, 10C, ... Note that Figures 4 to 6, which are referenced in the explanation of this process, are exaggerated in order to clearly show the change in the position of the housing 10 with respect to the fluid pipe 2.

[0039] In the position adjustment process, the amount of movement M of the housing 10 relative to the fluid pipe 2 is secured in advance by the jacks 4, 4. More specifically, as shown in Figure 4(a), from the position of the plate 4c of the jack 4 at the time when the inner surface of the lower housing 30 is in contact with the outer surface 2a of the fluid pipe 2, the plate 4c can be moved back by the amount of movement M in the direction away from the fluid pipe 2, as shown in Figure 4(b).

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, in the positioning process, the housing 10 is first slightly lifted with a crane, the jacks 4, 4 are temporarily removed and slightly retracted, and then repositioned. At this time, the jacks 4, 4 may simply be retracted while remaining in place. Next, the crane is operated to roughly align the axes of the arms 10A and 10B on the housing 10 with respect to the axis of the fluid pipe 2.

[0041] Then, while the housing 10 is suspended by the crane, which is both a position adjustment and holding means, fine position adjustments are made using the adjustment bolts 10C, 10C, ... In more detail, when moving the housing 10 downward relative to the fluid pipe 2, the adjustment bolts 10C, 10C of the upper housing 20 are moved backward toward the outer diameter, as shown in Figure 5(b) to Figure 5(a), and the adjustment bolts 10C, 10C of the lower housing 30 are moved forward toward the inner diameter, as shown in Figure 6(a) to Figure 6(b).

[0042] Conversely, when moving the housing 10 upward relative to the fluid pipe 2, the adjustment bolts 10C, 10C of the upper housing 20 are advanced toward the inner diameter, as shown in Figure 5(a) to Figure 5(b), and the adjustment bolts 10C, 10C of the lower housing 30 are retracted toward the outer diameter, as shown in Figure 6(b) to Figure 6(a).

[0043] Although not shown in the diagram, when viewing the arm portion 10B in the direction of the fluid pipe 2's axial direction, and moving the housing 10 in the 3 o'clock direction relative to the fluid pipe 2, the adjustment bolts 10C, 10C located on the 3 o'clock side (2 o'clock and 4 o'clock) are advanced toward the inner diameter, and the adjustment bolts 10C, 10C located on the 9 o'clock side (8 o'clock and 10 o'clock) are retracted toward the outer diameter.

[0044] Similarly, when moving the housing 10 in the 9 o'clock direction relative to the fluid pipe 2, the adjustment bolts 10C, 10C located on the 9 o'clock side (8 o'clock and 10 o'clock) are advanced toward the inner diameter, and the adjustment bolts 10C, 10C located on the 3 o'clock side (2 o'clock and 4 o'clock) are retracted toward the outer diameter.

[0045] At this time, when aligning the housing 10 with respect to the fluid pipe 2, the housing 10 is suspended by a crane, which prevents the majority of the weight of the housing 10 from directly acting on the fluid pipe 2.

[0046] Furthermore, the weight of the housing 10 presses each adjustment bolt 10C, 10C, ... on the upper housing 20 side against the outer surface 2a of the fluid pipe 2, preventing excessive load from being placed on the outer surface 2a. This makes it easier to rotate each adjustment bolt 10C, 10C, ..., allowing for fine adjustments to be made easily.

[0047] Furthermore, since the housing 10 is suspended by a crane, fine adjustments are easier compared to, for example, when the position adjustment described above is performed while the housing is resting on the plate 4c of the jack 4, because less friction and other resistance are generated.

[0048] Once the centers of the arms 10A and 10B are approximately aligned with the pipe axis of the fluid pipe 2, this position is maintained by the crane, and each adjustment bolt 10C, 10C, ... is advanced inward and bitten into the fluid pipe 2. This allows the centers of the arms 10A and 10B to be maintained aligned with the pipe axis of the fluid pipe 2.

[0049] Furthermore, the lengths of the jacks 4, 4 are adjusted according to the distance between the flat surface 31c of the lower housing 30 and the foundation F, and the jacks 4, 4 are positioned between the flat surface 31c and the foundation F. As a result, the load of the housing 10 is supported by the jacks 4, 4, and the lifting device H and wire W can be removed from the housing 10.

[0050] Next, a sealing process is performed to seal the space between the housing 10 and the fluid pipe 2. As shown in Figure 7, in the sealing process, a seal ring 12 is first placed circumferentially on the outer surface 2a of the fluid pipe 2, and the split-shaped thrust rings 13 are fitted onto the fluid pipe 2 to connect them, and the flange of the arm portion 10B and the thrust rings 13 are fastened to the T-head bolt B2 with nuts N2.

[0051] At this time, since the center of the arm portion 10B is aligned with the pipe axis of the fluid pipe 2, an annular gap of approximately constant width is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the arm portion 10B and the outer circumferential surface 2a of the fluid pipe 2, extending circumferentially. This not only makes it easy to press-fit the seal ring 12 axially between the arm portion 10B and the fluid pipe 2, but also allows the pressed-fit seal ring 12 to be pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the arm portion 10B and the outer circumferential surface 2a of the fluid pipe 2 with uniform force extending circumferentially, thereby creating a seal.

[0052] Furthermore, bolts 13A, 13A, ... which are equally spaced in the circumferential direction, are used to press the claw members 13B, which are located on the inner diameter side of the thrust ring 13, against the outer circumferential surface 2a of the fluid pipe 2. Note that the description for the arm portion 10A side is the same as that for the arm portion 10B side, so that description is omitted.

[0053] As described above, when fitting the housing 10 onto the fluid pipe 2, the housing 10 can be positioned while ensuring a movement allowance M (see Figure 4) relative to the fluid pipe 2. This ensures that the housing 10 is properly aligned with the fluid pipe 2, thus simplifying the installation process.

[0054] Furthermore, in the lower housing installation process, the lower housing 30 can be held in place by the fluid pipe 2 and jacks 4, 4, so the same crane can be used to transport the upper housing 20 and lift the housing 10.

[0055] Next, although not shown directly in the diagram, a flange cover for hydrostatic testing is attached to the flange 21a of the housing 10, and a hydrostatic pressure approximately equal to that inside the fluid pipe 2 is applied to the sealed gap between the inner surface of the housing 10 and the outer surface 2a of the fluid pipe 2 to perform the test. At this time, although the housing 10 is filled with tap water and its total weight increases, the housing 10 is supported by jacks 4, 4, so it is possible to prevent the majority of the total weight of the housing 10 from directly acting on the fluid pipe 2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fluid pipe 2 from bending before it is cut.

[0056] Furthermore, although the fluid pipe 2 is axially passed through the housing 10, the jacks 4, 4 are positioned opposite each other in a top view, spaced outward from the axis of the fluid pipe 2 and aligned perpendicular to the coaxial center. This prevents the housing 10 from rotating around the fluid pipe 2 as its axis.

[0057] After the hydrostatic pressure test is completed, the flange cover is removed, and a concrete pouring process is carried out in which concrete C1 is poured between the fluid pipe 2 and the housing 10 and the foundation F. As shown in Figure 8, in the pouring process, concrete C1, indicated by the dot pattern, is poured so as to integrate the arm 10A, the exposed portion of the fluid pipe 2 on the arm 10A side, and the foundation F. The same applies to the arm 10B and the exposed portion of the fluid pipe 2 on the arm 10B side. In this pouring process, the jacks 4, 4 mentioned above support the load of the housing 10 etc. from below, so they can maintain the position of the housing 10 until the concrete C1 hardens.

[0058] Next, a cutting process is performed to cut off the fluid pipe 2. As shown in Figure 9, in the cutting process, the flange 21a of the neck portion 21 and the valve body 5a of the work valve 5 are first fastened together with bolts and nuts (not shown). Needless to say, a gasket is interposed between the flange 21a of the neck portion 21 and the valve body 5a to ensure a seal.

[0059] Next, as shown in Figure 10, the flange of the valve body 5a (see Figure 9) and the lower flange of the mounting flange cylinder 6 are connected with bolts and nuts (not shown), and the upper flange of the mounting flange cylinder 6 and the cutting device 7 are connected with bolts and nuts (not shown). Needless to say, gaskets are interposed to seal the gap between the flange of the valve body 5a and the lower flange of the mounting flange cylinder 6, and between the upper flange of the mounting flange cylinder 6 and the cutting device 7.

[0060] Thus, even if the total weight of the housing 10 increases due to the addition of the weight of the work valve 5, the mounting flange cylinder 6, and the cutting device 7, the housing 10 is supported by the jacks 4, 4 and concrete C1, C1, preventing the majority of the housing 10's total weight from directly acting on the fluid pipe 2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fluid pipe 2 from bending before it is cut.

[0061] Furthermore, the housing 10 is prevented from rotating around the pipe axis of the fluid pipe 2 by the jacks 4, 4 and concrete C1, C1, so there is no risk of the work valve 5, mounting flange cylinder 6, and cutting device 7, which are integrally erected above the housing 10 and have a high center of gravity, tipping over.

[0062] Furthermore, the exposed portion of arm 10A on the arm 10A side of fluid pipe 2 is integrated with and supported by concrete C1, and the exposed portion of arm 10B on the arm 10B side of fluid pipe 2 is integrated with and supported by concrete C1, thus preventing the majority of the total weight of the housing 10 from acting on the fluid pipe 2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fluid pipe 2 from bending before it is cut.

[0063] Then, the valve body (not shown) of the work valve 5 is retracted from inside the valve casing 5a to open it, and a portion of the fluid pipe 2 is cut by the cutter 8 of the cutting device 7 in a continuous flow state. As a result, the fluid from inside the pipe flows into the inside of the housing 10.

[0064] At this time, the housing 10 is connected to the fluid pipe 2 by adjustment bolts 10C, 10C, ... and the thrust rings 13, 13 are connected to the ends 2H, 2T of the fluid pipe 2 by bolts 13A, 13A, ... Therefore, even if a sudden change in flow occurs when the fluid pipe 2 is cut, causing the fluid pipe 2 to bounce up, it is possible to prevent the fluid pipe 2 from coming out of the housing 10 and the thrust rings 13, 13.

[0065] Furthermore, even if the housing 10 is filled with tap water and its total weight increases further, the housing 10 is supported by jacks 4,4 and concrete C1,C1, thus preventing the majority of the housing 10's total weight from directly acting on the severed ends 2H,2T of the fluid pipe 2.

[0066] This prevents the end portion 2H from tilting, thus preventing unintended loads from being placed on the flow path connected to the end portion 2H, and also ensures the necessary opening area for withdrawing the cutter 8 after cutting the fluid pipe 2. Therefore, the cutter 8 can be easily withdrawn.

[0067] Furthermore, the housing 10 is prevented from rotating around the pipe axis of the fluid pipe 2 by the jacks 4,4 and concrete C1,C1, so it remains stably supported even if the total weight of the housing 10 increases further.

[0068] Furthermore, since the arm portion 10A and the end portion 2H of the fluid pipe 2, including the exposed portion on the arm portion 10A side, are integrated with the foundation F and supported by concrete C1, the alignment with the arm portion 10A is maintained. The same applies to the arm portion 10B and the end portion 2T, including the exposed portion on the arm portion 10B side.

[0069] Furthermore, since the bottom wall 31a of the housing 10 is located at a position sufficiently far from the fluid pipe 2, the cylindrical member 8a and the center drill 8b of the cutter 8 are less likely to come into contact with the fluid pipe 2 when cutting it.

[0070] Furthermore, when connecting the fluid pipe 2, by connecting the drain pipe D to the flange cylinder provided below the bottom wall 31a, the chips generated when the fluid pipe 2 is cut by the cutter 8 can be discharged to the outside along with the fluid.

[0071] Subsequently, although not shown directly in the diagram, the cutter 8 is lifted up together with the section of the fluid pipe 2, and the valve body of the work valve 5 is advanced into the valve casing 5a, creating a closed state. This prevents leakage of tap water and allows the cutting device 7 and mounting flange cylinder 6 to be removed from the work valve 5 while maintaining a continuous flow state.

[0072] Next, a fluid control installation process is performed in which the butterfly valve 14 is installed as a fluid control within the housing 10. As shown in Figure 11, in the fluid control installation process, first the flange of the valve body 5a and the housing 9a of the insertion device 9 are connected. Subsequently, the work valve 5 is opened, and the drive mechanism 9b of the insertion device 9 is operated to position the open butterfly valve 14 inside the housing 10. Needless to say, a gasket is interposed between the flange of the valve body 5a and the housing 9a to ensure a seal.

[0073] Thus, even if the total weight of the housing 10 increases due to the added weight of the work valve 5, insertion device 9, and butterfly valve 14, the housing 10 is supported by the jacks 4, 4 and concrete C1, C1, preventing the majority of the housing 10's total weight from directly acting on the ends 2H, 2T of the fluid pipe 2. This prevents the ends 2H, 2T of the fluid pipe 2 from tilting, allowing the butterfly valve 14 to be inserted stably.

[0074] In particular, when installing the butterfly valve 14, the insertion device 9 temporarily presses the butterfly valve 14 downward toward the inner bottom surface of the housing 10 to apply a load, but the jacks 4, 4 and concrete C1, C1 can support the weight of the work valve 5, the insertion device 9, etc., and the downward load.

[0075] Furthermore, since the arm portion 10A and the end portion 2H of the fluid pipe 2 are integrated with the foundation F by concrete C1 and supported together with the arm portion 10A, the alignment with the arm portion 10A is maintained even if the weight of the housing 10 changes. The same applies to the arm portion 10B and the end portion 2T.

[0076] The butterfly valve 14 is then inserted into the housing 10, and the packings 40 and 41 are pressed against the seating surface formed inside the housing 10. Here, the packing 40 is fixed together with the valve body 42 to both sides and the bottom surface of the partition wall 43 that separates the ends 2H and 2T of the fluid pipe 2. The packing 41 is fixed to the outer circumference of the disc-shaped cover portion 44 that closes the neck portion 21 of the housing 10. These packings 40 and 41 are connected in a continuous manner.

[0077] Furthermore, referring to Figure 12, a plurality of retaining bolts 25 arranged circumferentially around the neck portion 21 are extended toward the inner diameter side of the neck portion 21. More specifically, the retaining bolts 25 penetrate the circumferential wall of the neck portion 21 and are screwed into the female threads of the through-holes formed in the circumferential wall. By rotating the retaining bolts 25 in a predetermined direction, they extend toward the inner diameter side of the neck portion 21, and by contacting the cover portion 44 of the butterfly valve 14, the cover portion 44 can be prevented from coming off. Note that retaining means such as retaining bolts 25 may consist of an extension member screwed into the female threads of the through-holes and a contact member that moves in conjunction with the extension member and contacts the control fluid, and their number and arrangement may be changed as appropriate. Alternatively, a recess may be provided on the inner surface of the circumferential wall, and a plate or the like may be fitted and fixed in place.

[0078] Subsequently, the insertion device 9 and the work valve 5 are removed from the housing 10, a packing 46 is placed between the inner circumferential surface of the neck portion 21 and the ring 45 fitted onto the lid portion 44, and then the flange 21a of the neck portion 21 and the lid 11 are fastened together with bolts and nuts (not shown). This seals the space between the inner circumferential surface of the neck portion 21 and the lid portion 44. It goes without saying that a gasket is interposed between the flange 21a of the neck portion 21 and the lid 11 to ensure a proper seal.

[0079] As described above, the continuous flow method of this embodiment can be used to install the butterfly valve 14 at a predetermined location in the fluid pipe 2 while maintaining a continuous flow state.

[0080] As mentioned above, after attaching the lid 11 to the housing 10, the jacks 4, 4 may be removed and recovered, allowing them to be reused in other construction projects.

[0081] Furthermore, although a crane was used as an example of a means of holding the housing 10, the method is not limited to this, and jacks 4, 4 may also be used as a means of holding. That is, while the housing 10 is placed on the jacks 4, 4, the approximate positioning can be achieved by extending or retracting the jacks 4, 4.

[0082] Furthermore, although the control fluid was described as a butterfly valve 14, it is not limited to this, and other types of valves such as gate valves and ball valves may also be used, or even partition plates and plugs, and may be changed as appropriate. [Examples]

[0083] Next, the continuous flow method according to Example 2 will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. Note that components identical to those shown in Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0084] As shown in Figure 13, the continuous flow method in this embodiment involves installing a housing 110 capable of branching the flow path and a switching valve 114 for switching the flow path in the fluid pipe 2 that constitutes the existing flow path.

[0085] The housing 110 is formed in a T-shape when viewed from above and has a connection portion 10D (see Figure 14) that extends perpendicularly to the fluid pipe 2. The housing 110 is composed of a pair of upper and lower housings 120 and 130. As shown in Figure 13, the connection portion 10D is closed by a flange cover 15 (see Figure 13), so that the fluid inside the pipe does not leak out.

[0086] The switching valve 114 is installed inside the housing 110 and is used to branch the tap water that flows into the housing 110 from the end 2H of the fluid pipe 2 to the end 2T of the fluid pipe 2 and the connection part 10D, respectively, and to adjust the flow rate of each. For this reason, it is possible to close off the end 2T side of the fluid pipe 2 or the connection part 10D side.

[0087] In this embodiment, the continuous flow method is carried out in the same way as in Embodiment 1, with the following steps: maintenance, lower housing placement, connection, position adjustment, sealing, casting, cutting, and fluid control installation. In this embodiment, the lower housing placement and casting steps, which differ from those in Embodiment 1, will be described in detail, while the other steps are substantially the same as in Embodiment 1 and will therefore be omitted from description.

[0088] As shown in Figure 14, in the lower housing arrangement step of this embodiment, one jack 4 is positioned along the axis of the fluid pipe 2 with respect to the center of the body 131, and the other jack 4 is positioned on the opposite side from the connection part 10D. This is the same in subsequent steps.

[0089] This allows the flat surfaces 31c, 31c to be placed on the plate 4c of the jack 4, while avoiding the square-shaped rib 131b that protrudes downward from the lower end of the body 131 and the drain pipe D connected to the lower part of the body 131.

[0090] Furthermore, the jack 4, positioned on the opposite side of the connection part 10D, prevents the housing 110 from rotating around the pipe axis of the fluid pipe 2.

[0091] As shown in Figure 13, in the concrete pouring process of this embodiment, concrete C2, indicated by the dot pattern, is poured to a position that completely covers the boundary between the upper housing 120 and the lower housing 130, more specifically, until the weld bead is completely hidden. Since the jacks 4, 4 are embedded in the concrete C2, they can maintain the position of the housing 110 until the concrete C2 hardens.

[0092] Regarding the connection of the branch pipe, the connection on the 10D side can be closed using the switching valve 114, and after removing the flange cover 15, the branch pipe can be connected while maintaining a continuous flow state. Alternatively, instead of the flange cover 15, the branch pipe may be directly connected to the connection 10D and the cutting process performed. In such a configuration, it is preferable to place a valve in the middle of the branch pipe or between it and the connection 10D to prevent the fluid inside the pipe that flows into the housing 110 from flowing out due to the cutting of the fluid pipe 2.

[0093] As described above, this embodiment of the continuous flow method can be implemented by installing a housing 110 and a switching valve 114 at a predetermined location in the fluid pipe 2 that can branch the flow path while maintaining a continuous flow state. [Examples]

[0094] Next, the continuous flow method according to Example 3 will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. Note that components identical to those shown in Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0095] As shown in Figure 15, the continuous flow method in this embodiment involves installing a soft seal valve 214 as a fluid control valve in the fluid pipe 2 that constitutes the existing flow path.

[0096] The housing 210 for installing the soft seal valve 214 has sealing members 212 fitted into the inner circumferential surfaces of each of the arm portions 210A and 210B. The housing 210 is composed of a pair of upper and lower housings 220 and 230. Accordingly, the sealing members 212 are also split in half, similar to the housing 210, and the split sealing members are fitted into the upper housing 220 and lower housing 230, respectively.

[0097] In this embodiment, the continuous flow method is carried out in the same way as in Embodiment 1, with a maintenance process, lower housing placement process, connection process, position adjustment process, sealing process, cutting process, and control fluid installation process. In this embodiment, the maintenance process, lower housing placement process, connection process, position adjustment process, and sealing process, which differ from those in Embodiment 1, will be mainly described, and the other processes are substantially the same as in Embodiment 1, so their description will be omitted.

[0098] As shown in Figure 15, in the maintenance process of this embodiment, a steel plate P is placed at the bottom of the excavated hole.

[0099] In the lower housing placement step of this embodiment, when placing the jacks 204, 204 on the steel plate P, they are positioned at a location separated on the outer diameter side with respect to the center of the body portion 231 (see Figure 16), which is formed to bulge downward from the arm portions 210A, 210B, and at a location separated from the fluid pipe 2 in a direction perpendicular to the top view.

[0100] As shown in Figure 16(a), the body portion 231 has mounting portions 231c, 231c formed thereon for being placed on the heads 204c, 204 of the jacks 204, 204. The mounting portion 231c has a flat surface formed thereon that is substantially parallel to the pipe axis direction of the fluid pipe 2.

[0101] Jack 204 is a so-called mechanical jack in which a hexagonal bolt 204b is screwed into a female thread formed in the base 204a. The mounting portion 231c of the lower housing 230 is placed on the head 204c of the hexagonal bolt 204b. Thus, jack 204 has a simpler configuration compared to jack 4, which has a separate plate 4c.

[0102] As shown in Figure 16(a), in the coupling process of this embodiment, the upper housing 220 is placed on the lower housing 230 with the sealing member interposed, and temporarily fixed using bolts B3 and nuts N3.

[0103] In the position adjustment process of this embodiment, the jacks 204, 204 are extended while tightening the upper housing 220 and lower housing 230 using bolts B3 and nuts N3. Specifically, by tightening the upper housing 220 and lower housing 230 using bolts B3 and nuts N3, the sealing member 212 is compressed, and the inner diameter of the upper housing 220 and lower housing 230 is reduced. In other words, the amount of movement in this embodiment is the elastic deformation amount of the sealing member 212.

[0104] Accordingly, by rotating the heads 204c, 204c of the jacks 204, 204 with a hex wrench or the like, and extending the hex bolts 204b, 204b toward the fluid pipe 2, the axis of the fluid pipe 2 can be aligned with the axis of the upper housing 220 and the lower housing 230 while the upper housing 220 and the lower housing 230 are held by the jacks 204, 204. In other words, the jack 204 is the holding means in this embodiment. Therefore, fine alignment of the upper housing 220 and the lower housing 230 connected to the fluid pipe 2 can be performed.

[0105] In the sealing process of this embodiment, the sealing member 212 interposed between the upper housing 220 and the lower housing 230 is pressed against the upper housing 220 and sealed while performing the alignment described above.

[0106] Subsequently, the anti-movement fittings 213, 213 are attached to the housing 210. The anti-movement fitting 213 is constructed by combining a halved housing section, and a claw member 213B is provided on its inner diameter side. By fastening the housing sections of these anti-movement fittings 213 with bolts B4 and nuts N4, the inner diameter is reduced, thereby pressing the claw member 213B against the fluid pipe 2. This prevents the fluid pipe 2 from coming out of the arm section 210B even if the fluid pipe 2 is cut. The same applies to the arm section 210A side.

[0107] As described above, this embodiment allows for the installation of a soft seal valve 214 at a predetermined location in the fluid pipe 2 while maintaining an uninterrupted flow state. [Examples]

[0108] Next, the continuous flow method according to Example 4 will be described with reference to Figures 17 to 20. Note that components identical to those shown in Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0109] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the continuous flow method in this embodiment involves connecting a branch pipe 3, which is laid vertically below the fluid pipe 2, to the fluid pipe 2 that constitutes the existing flow path, using a housing 310.

[0110] A connecting pipe 310D, which is a curved tubular flow path component formed in an L-shape when viewed from the side, is connected to the body portion 331 of the housing 310, and a branch pipe 3 (see Figure 18) is connected to the connecting pipe 310D.

[0111] In this embodiment of the continuous flow method, the process is carried out in the same manner as in Embodiment 1, including the preparation process, lower housing placement process, connection process, position adjustment process, sealing process, casting process, cutting process, and closure process. In this embodiment, the lower housing placement process, casting process, and closure process, which differ from those in Embodiment 1, will be mainly described, and the other processes will be omitted as they are substantially the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0112] Referring to Figures 17 and 18, in the lower housing arrangement process of this embodiment, jacks 304, 304, 404, and 404 are positioned at locations spaced apart on the outer diameter side with respect to the center of the body portion 131 and along the axis of the fluid pipe 2. More specifically, jacks 304 and 304 are positioned below the split arm portions 32 and 33, and jacks 404 and 404 are positioned below the body portion 331.

[0113] As shown in Figure 19, the jack 304 is a so-called mechanical jack in which a bolt 304b is screwed into a female thread formed in the base 304a. A curved plate-shaped disc 304c, which is bent to follow the outer circumferential surface of the split arm portions 32 and 33, is placed on the upper end 304d of the bolt 304b.

[0114] The lower surface of the plate 304c has a recess 304e into which the upper end 304d of the bolt 304b is inserted, and ribs 304f, 304f extending from the recess 304e along the longitudinal direction of the plate 304c. As a result, the structural strength of the plate 304c is increased, so that the jack 304 can stably support the split arm portions 32, 33.

[0115] Furthermore, the jack 404 has a plate that can tilt relative to the bolt (see Figure 20). The jack 304 may also have a plate 304c that can tilt relative to the bolt 304b. Alternatively, the jack 404 may simply be mounted in a non-tiltable position with the plate tilted at a predetermined angle relative to the bolt. For example, a recess may extend vertically from the plate, which is tilted to match the tilt angle of the fluid pipe 402. Furthermore, jack 4 may be used in place of jacks 304 and 404.

[0116] As a result, even when the fluid pipe 402 extends along a slope, as shown in Figure 20, that is, when it is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, the load on each of the jacks 304, 304, 404, 404, which are spaced apart in the direction of extension of the fluid pipe 402, can be individually adjusted to evenly distribute the load on each of these jacks, thereby stably holding the housing 310.

[0117] Furthermore, as described above, even if, as in Embodiment 2, one jack 4 is positioned at a distance from the axis of the fluid pipe 402 toward the outer diameter, and another jack 4 is positioned at a distance in the direction of the pipe axis, the axes of the arms 310A and 310B of the housing 310 can be aligned with the axis of the fluid pipe 402 by adjusting the length of each jack 4.

[0118] Returning to Figures 17 and 18, in the concrete pouring process of this embodiment, concrete C3, indicated by the dot pattern, is poured until the weld bead is completely hidden. The connection portion between the connecting pipe 310D and the branch pipe 3 is also filled with concrete. Since the jacks 304, 304, 404, and 404 are embedded in concrete C3, they can maintain the position of the housing 310 until the concrete C3 hardens.

[0119] In the sealing process, an inner cover (not shown) is inserted into the neck portion 21 using an insertion device 9 and a work valve 5 (see Figure 11) to seal the neck portion 21. The inner cover is then secured in place by retaining bolts 25 (see Figure 12). The flange 21a of the neck portion 21 and the disc-shaped flange cover 311 are then fastened together with bolts and nuts (not shown). It goes without saying that a gasket is interposed between the flange 21a of the neck portion 21 and the flange cover 311 to ensure a proper seal.

[0120] As described above, this embodiment of continuous flow construction can be performed to connect a branch pipe 3, which is laid vertically below the fluid pipe 2, to a predetermined location in the fluid pipe 2 while maintaining a continuous flow state.

[0121] 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.

[0122] For example, in the above embodiment, the fluid tube and the housing were described as being sealed by a sealing member, but the invention is not limited to this, and the seal may be made by welding, or so-called side rings may be welded to the fluid tube and the housing respectively to seal the seal, and the configuration may be changed as appropriate.

[0123] Furthermore, although the cutting device in the above embodiment was described as a hole saw with a cutter, it is not limited to this and may be a drilling machine, an end mill, or any other device as appropriate. In other words, the fluid pipe constituting the flow path is not limited to being cut, but it is sufficient that fluid can flow through at least the portion that has been cut off. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0124] 2 Fluid tube 2a Outer surface 4 Jacks 10 cabinets 10C Adjustment bolt (position adjustment means) 11 Lid 12 sealing rings 13 Pressing ring 14. Butterfly valve (fluid control) 20 Upper chassis 30 Lower enclosure 110 cabinets 114 Switching valve 120 Upper enclosure 130 Lower enclosure 204 Jack (position adjustment means, holding means) 210 cabinets 212 Sealing member (position adjustment means) 213 Anti-movement hardware 214 Soft seal valve (fluid control valve) 220 Upper enclosure 230 Lower enclosure 3 branch pipes 304 Jack 310 cabinets 310D Connecting pipe (flow channel component) 311 Flange cover 402 Fluid pipe 404 Jack C1-C3 Concrete F Foundation H-type hanging device M Moving fee P Steel plate W wire

Claims

1. A lower housing arrangement step involves arranging a housing that can be divided vertically with respect to the fluid pipes constituting the flow path, and positioning the lower housing, to which branch pipes branching from the fluid pipes can be connected, using jacks that have height adjustment and load support functions. A connecting step of placing the upper housing that constitutes the housing on the lower housing and connecting them, A position adjustment step in which the lower housing and the upper housing, which are connected to each other, are aligned with respect to the fluid pipe using position adjustment means, A sealing step to seal the space between the housing and the fluid tube, A concrete pouring process in which concrete is poured into the aforementioned enclosure, Includes, The continuous flow method is characterized in that, in the concrete placement step, the jack is embedded in the concrete, and the concrete is placed up to a height where the weld bead of welding the lower housing and the upper housing is completely hidden, and a part of the upper part of the fluid pipe is exposed.

2. The continuous flow construction method according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the lower housing placement step, the lower housing, which is in contact with the fluid pipe, is supported by the jack.

3. The continuous flow construction method according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower housing arrangement step is supported by a plurality of jacks arranged at positions spaced apart from each other on the outer diameter side with respect to the diameter center of the cylindrical body of the lower housing.

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