Method for curing a liner in a pipeline

Abstract

The assembly comprises a seal installation device including an inflatable bladder. A compressor hose is connected to the seal installation device for inflating the inflatable bladder. A light curing device is to be introduced into the seal installation device for curing the liner. An inlet hose is connected to an inlet of the light curing device for transporting a cooling liquid into the light curing device.

Description

[0001] METHOD FOR CURING A LINER IN A PIPELINE

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an assembly for curing a liner or seal in a pipeline and a method for curing a liner or seal in a pipeline.

[0004] When renovating pipelines, such as a sewer pipeline, a liner or seal constituting a repair assembly is introduced into the pipeline. The repair assembly comprises a curable ma- terial / substance such as a synthetic resin suitable for being curable by exposure to electromagnetic radiation irradiated by a light curing device.

[0005] The light curing device may comprise light emitters such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) for generating the electromagnetic radiation. The generation of the electromagnetic radiation may heat up the LEDs making them less effective or even breaking them. Thus, in the prior art the light emitters are cooled in order to maintain their efficiency.

[0006] An example of a prior art is US 11 , 131 ,418, which is incorporated in the present disclosure by reference.

[0007] Since the time of the solution in US 11 ,131 ,418 heat waves has become more common as well as emission regulations. For example, only electric vehicles may enter into Stockholm from 2025. US 11 , 131 ,418 discloses to use air or water to cool the light emitters. However, it does not consider the problem with the new emission regulations or heat waves. On the contrary US 11 ,131 ,418 uses either a large flow of air to cool the light emitters thereby requiring a lot of energy or uses a finite amount of water that is recycled / in a closed loop with the light curing device. However, recycling the water will cause the water to be heated thereby reducing the effect of the cooling. So even if the installation starts by having a water flow at a temperature that is well below the operating temperature of the light emitters the water will be heated. And at present time the difference between the ambient temperature and the operating temperature of the light emitters may in some cases particularly during the summer months be so small that cooling the light emitters by using water that flows in closed loop will not adequately cool the light emitters. It has been found that it will not help to increase the flow rate which also goes against the goal of reducing energy consumption. The present disclosure discloses a solution for reducing the energy consumption and still be able to adequately cool the light emitters, specifically that the flow rate for cooling the light emitters has to be below a threshold. In summary three solutions are contemplated. Common to all of them is that once the liner has been inflated liquid is used to cool the light emitters and the air flow is reduced (but not so much that the liner no longer is pressed against the pipeline). In general, it has been found that air cannot be used (at least in the worst case scenarios with high ambient temperatures and emission regulations) for cooling the light emitters. The three solutions in summary is to either use a reservoir of a certain size (so that the water is not heated too fast - even in a closed loop use case), or use waterthat has been cooled (below ambient temperature), or dump the liquid after it has passed the light curing device, e.g. dumping it in the pipeline.

[0008] The ambient temperature is the air temperature of the surrounding environment, specifically above ground where the service vehicle and / or installation van is located.

[0009] A first aspect of the present disclosure is:

[0010] A method for curing a liner or seal extending in a pipeline, said liner or seal including a substance suitable for being curable by exposure to electromagnetic radiation, said method comprising:

[0011] - providing said liner or seal,

[0012] - providing a first compressor and inflating said liner or seal such that said liner or seal comes into contact with said pipeline by means of compressed fluid at a first flow rate in a first time window,

[0013] - in a second time window subsequent to said first time window introducing compressed air at a second flow rate greater than zero by means of said first compressor into said liner or seal for pressing said liner or seal towards said pipeline,

[0014] - providing a light curing device and introducing said light curing device into said liner and curing said liner or seal by means of said light curing device during said second time window.

[0015] A second aspect of the present disclosure is: An assembly for curing a liner or seal extending in a pipeline, said liner or seal including a substance such as a synthetic resin suitable for being curable by exposure to electromagnetic radiation, said assembly comprising: said liner or seal, a first compressor for inflating said liner or seal at a first flow rate in a first time window, and pressing said liner or seal towards said pipeline by means of a second flow rate in a second time window subsequent to said first time window, a light curing device for curing said liner or seal during said second time window.

[0016] The flow of compressed air through both through the liner and the light curing device is reduced while the light curing device is still cured.

[0017] A smaller compressor can be used, e.g. it only has to shoot the liner into the sewer / pipeline.

[0018] Power to the compressor may be provided by a battery instead of a generator, therefore allowing the service vehicle to enter into non-emission zones.

[0019] The assembly may therefore also be smaller, and instead of transporting it on a lorry it may be transported in a van or as a stand alone service vehicle that may be moved from the van / lorry.

[0020] A disadvantage of the lower flow rate is that the light curing device cannot be cooled in order for it to be operated efficiently (depending on the temperature of the environment). However, by using a liquid that is also cooled to at least 5 degrees below ambient temperature adequate cooling may be achieved (despite the flow rate not being greater than 39 liter per minute). Or at least when the ambient temperature is more than 25 degrees. When the ambient temperature is more than 30 degrees it is preferred to cool the liquid to at least 10 degrees below the ambient temperature - or increasing the flow rate of the liquid. In the following the present disclosure discloses the connection between the reduced flow rate of the compressed air, and the ambient temperature, the cooling of the liquid, and the flow rate of the liquid.

[0021] The following table illustrates the connection between reservoir size and the water temperature (the water temperature reflecting how much the water has to be cooled depending on the ambient temperature, e.g. if the ambient temperature is 30 degrees and the table says 10 degrees the water has to be cooled 20 degrees.

[0022] The table shows the operating time as an index as a function of the two variables, e.g. index 100 is the highest operating time (for example). All cases resulting in an index below 60 may cause the light emitters to loose their efficiency or breaking and is shown in red color.

[0023] Operating time index reservoir size (L) water temp (Cel.) 0,5 0,75 1 1,25 1,5 1,75 2

[0024] 10 80 83 86 89 92 95 98

[0025] 20 69 73 77 81 85 89 93

[0026] 30

[0027] 40

[0028] 50

[0029] Assuming that the ambient temperature is 30 degrees then having a water temperature of also 30 degrees means that the reservoir should not be as small as 0.5 L, because this may result in an operating time that is not long enough for the installation to take place, e.g. for the light emitters to run for enough time to cure the whole liner.

[0030] An inflatable bladder may be arranged inside the liner or seal. When using a bladder the compressed air is inside the bladder, and the light curing device is also inside the bladder.

[0031] The liner may be pulled into the pipeline, and inflated. Alternatively, it may be inverted (be inside out), and then everted. Eversion refers to the process of using compressed air to move / shoot the liner into the pipeline while everting the liner at the same time (eversion is the opposite of inversion), and inflating the liner at the same time.

[0032] In the following specific examples according to aspects of the present disclosure will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in different forms than depicted below, and should not be construed as limited to any examples set forth herein. Rather, any examples are provided so that the disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Like elements will, thus, not be described in detail with respect to the description of each figure.

[0033] Figure 1a shows a cross section of a light curing device.

[0034] The light curing device has a proximal end 12 and a distal end 14.

[0035] A cable assembly 16 is connected to the light curing device at the proximal end.

[0036] The cable assembly includes an inlet hose 18, an outlet hose 20 and an electric cable (not shown).

[0037] The purpose of the inlet hose is to transport a cooling liquid from a service vehicle located above ground to the light curing device for cooling the light curing device.

[0038] The cooling liquid may come from a reservoir, such as a container or tank or a faucet, which may be arranged in the service vehicle. The reservoir may be 0.5 L or greater, such as 0.75 L or greater, or 1 L or greater.

[0039] The inlet hose and the outlet hose may be connected to each other or arranged in a conduit. The conduit may enclose both hoses so that the light curing device may be moved easier. However, this may cause heat to transfer from the outlet hose to the inlet hose and thereby heat the incoming cooling liquid before it reaches the light compartment. Alternatively, the two hoses may be connected / arrested / fixed to each other for example by welding seems or using strips. The two hoses may also be separate from each other, i.e. not connected to each other, but extend in parallel, e.g. extend side by side (in the same direction), but not necessarily equidistant at all points.

[0040] There may be an insulating material between the inlet hose and the outlet hose for reducing heat transfer from the outlet hose to the inlet hose. The insulating material may be air, i.e. the two hoses may be free to move with respect to each other such that there may be a distance between them - When there is a distance between the two cables, the degree of heat transfer between the cables is reduced. The material may also be another thermal insulator than air (for example when they are both arranged in a conduit, this material may be put inside the conduit such that it is between the two hoses).

[0041] The service vehicle may comprise a pump for pumping the cooling liquid from the reservoir through the inlet hose, and through the light curing device and back through the outlet hose.

[0042] The pump may be an ejector pump or any other pump for displacing the liquid.

[0043] The cooling liquid may be distilled water for example including antifreeze additive for preventing the water from freezing. Other substances / chemicals may also be added to the colling liquid.

[0044] The purpose of the outlet hose is to transport the cooling liquid from the light curing device and back to the service vehicle (to the reservoir for example, so that the cooling liquid circulates from the reservoir to the light curing device and back again).

[0045] The purpose of the electric cable is to provide power to the light curing device (for powering electric components of the light curing device such as light emitters and a camera).

[0046] The cable assembly may be fixed to the light curing device such that each part of the cable assembly must be connected to the light curing device for example by clamps that have to be screwed for holding the parts fixed to the light curing device.

[0047] The cable assembly is at the center of the light curing device, but it may also be connected to the light curing device at the edge of the light curing device or somewhere inbetween.

[0048] The distal end may comprise a camera.

[0049] % plug and socket

[0050] The proximal end of the light curing device may comprise a socket, and the cable assembly has an end comprising a plug for plugging into the socket for connecting the cable assembly to the light curing device. An example of the plug and socket part is shown in fig. 1 b where the two parts are at a distance to each other.

[0051] In this way a defect light curing device may easily be replaced with a new light curing device simply by plugging the cable assembly out from the defect light curing device and into a new light curing device without having to use tools for example.

[0052] % light emitters

[0053] Between the distal end and the proximal end are mounted light emitters (including a first light emitter 22) at the periphery of the light curing device.

[0054] The light emitters may be light emitting diodes.

[0055] The light emitters may be mounted on circuit boards (including a first circuit board 24) with a number of rows / lines of light emitters on each board.

[0056] In the figures it is illustrated that each board may have three rows of light emitters. It is also illustrated that each row may have 10 light emitters, but any number of rows and light emitters in a row is contemplated such as between 2 and 20 light emitters, depending on the size and efficiency of each light emitter.

[0057] The light emitters are protected by a window 26 transparent to the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the light emitters, e.g. the electromagnetic radiation radiated by the light emitters can be transmitted through the window. The window could for example be made of see-through / transparent plastic.

[0058] The light emitters overlap the cable assembly in the axial direction of the light curing device, e.g. the light emitters are positioned such that they surround the cable assembly and define a space / cavity of the light curing device where the plug of the cable assembly may be inserted, e.g. a socket cavity.

[0059] On the other side (of the plane comprising the inlet junction - indicated with A, A’ in the figure) is a second cavity for housing electric components such as a camera, e.g. the light emitters are positioned such that they define a second space / cavity of the light curing device where electric components may be arranged inside (component cavity). % fluid circuit

[0060] The light curing device has a fluid circuit for circulating the cooling liquid inside the light curing device.

[0061] The fluid circuit may have an inlet hose junction 31a, which is where the end of the inlet hose meets the fluid circuit, e.g. where the cooling liquid transfers from the inlet hose to the light curing device.

[0062] Similarly, the fluid circuit may have an outlet hose junction 31 b, which is where the end of the outlet hose meets the fluid circuit, e.g. where the cooling liquid transfers from the light curing device to the outlet hose.

[0063] From the inlet hose junction the cooling liquid is distributed (preferably radially) to a compartment 30.

[0064] The compartment may be an annular compartment and it may extend 360 degrees. It depends on the configuration / geometry of the light curing device.

[0065] In the example shown in figure 1 , the light curing device has a cylindrical geometry, i.e. a base that is projected along an axis.

[0066] The base may be round, circular, triangular, square or a polygon. In the present case the perimeter of the light curing device is circular while the print boards define a polygon shape and the compartment is an annular compartment. However, the light curing device may be triangular and have several compartments each connected to the inlet hose such that cooling liquid can enter each compartment.

[0067] Figure 1c shows another cross section of the light curing device, e.g. the plane designated with A, A’ in figure 1a.

[0068] The plane comprises the inlet hose junction as well as the outlet hose junction.

[0069] Figure 1d only shows the flow of the cooling liquid, e.g. the light curing device has been removed from that figure. In the example three inlet passages / channels extend from the inlet hose junction to the compartment. At the end of each passage is an opening into the compartment, e.g. an inlet junction (junction between inlet and compartment, specifically a junction between inlet passage and compartment). This is where the cooling liquid transfers from a passage to the compartment. Thus, a passage comprises a path from the inlet hose junction to the inlet (compartment) junction. The passages may have a step or bend such that it begins in one plane (with a normal vector orthogonal to the axis of the light curing device) and ends in another plane (with a normal vector orthogonal to the axis of the light curing device). Alternatively, the path may stray out of the plane in which it begins, but end in that same plane.

[0070] The passages may be radially extending, e.g. end at a radius larger than where they begin.

[0071] The inlet junction 33 for the passage in the middle (passage with reference number 32) has an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the inlet junctions for the passages on either side, e.g. the two outer passages. And the angle between the inlet junctions of the two outer passages is 180 degrees, e.g. there is an angular separation between a first passage and a second passage of at least 45 degrees such as 60 or 70 or 80 or 90 degrees.

[0072] The (cold) cooling liquid is illustrated with dots in the figures while there are no dots in the parts of the fluid circuit where heat has been transferred from the light curing device to the cooling liquid, e.g. the compartment for example.

[0073] The circuit board may be mounted with heat transferring glue / paste on the wall 34 of the compartment, e.g. the department is defined by a wall which has an outer surface for mounting light emitters / circuit boards. The opposite side (of the outer surface) is the inner surface which the cooling liquid contacts as it flows through the fluid circuit. There are no heat sinks in the shape of fins present - the wall is per definition a heat sink, because heat transfers from the light emitters to the wall and from the wall to the cooling liquid.

[0074] The light emitters are arranged between the window and the wall.

[0075] The compartment is the part of the fluid circuit where there are light emitters on the opposite side of where the cooling liquid flows, e.g. the radial passages / distribution channels are not part of the compartment, because they do not have a wall where there are light emitters on the opposite side than where the cooling liquid flows.

[0076] The complete fluid circuit comprises the path between the inlet hose junction and the outlet hose junction including the compartment and an inlet and an outlet - the inlet passage is part of the inlet and the outlet passage is part of the outlet. The inlet is responsible for distributing cooling liquid to the compartment and could be said to constitute a (inlet) manifold.

[0077] The outlet is responsible for collecting cooling liquid from the compartment and leading it to the outlet hose junction and could be said to constitute a (outlet) manifold.

[0078] Three (inlet) passages are illustrated, but there may be more or less, for example only one or two or four or even more.

[0079] There are also shown three outlet passages. Each outlet passage begins at an outlet (compartment) junction (junction between compartment and outlet, specifically a junction between compartment and outlet passage) and ends at the outlet hose junction. These may also be radially extending.

[0080] The exit from the compartment and into an outlet passage is where the cooling liquid transfers from the compartment to an outlet passage. An outlet passage comprises a path from the outlet (compartment) junction to the outlet hose junction.

[0081] The outlet junction 35 for the passage in the middle 36 has an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the outlet junctions for the passages on either side, e.g. the two outer passages. And the angle between the outlet junctions of the two outer passages is 180 degrees, e.g. there is an angular separation between a first passage and a second passage of at least 45 degrees, such as 90 degrees.

[0082] It may vary how the cooling liquid flows inside the compartment. However, the path from the junction between the middle inlet passage and the compartment to the junction between the middle outlet passage and the compartment is 180 degrees - meaning that cooling liquid that has entered into the compartment at that inlet junction and exited at that outlet junction has flowed across half of the compartment - but with three inlet junctions and three outlet junctions, the distance travelled may be shorter or longer than this example just mentioned.

[0083] Three (outlet) passages are illustrated, but there may be more or less, for example only one or two or four or even more.

[0084] The compartment could also be configured with partitions, for example a wall preventing flow of cooling liquid. In this case, an inlet junction could be next to an outlet junction but with a partition between them so that the cooling liquid cannot travel the shortest distance between them. For example, there may be an angle of 5 degrees between the two, but the cooling liquid must travel over a path of 355 degrees. Thus, the term “angular separation” is used to refer to the angle between an inlet junction and an outlet junction as seen from the cooling liquid, e.g. over how large an angle does the cooling liquid needs to flow.

[0085] Figure 2a illustrates that the inlet hose junction and the outlet hose junction are in different planes (planes having the axis of the light curing device as normal vector) - the two planes designated A, A’ and B,B’ in the figure.

[0086] The reason for that is to have inlet passages and outlet passages that “cross” each other for optimizing the flow of cooling liquid inside the compartment.

[0087] Figure 2b shows another cross section of the light curing device, e.g. the plane designated with B,B’ in figure 2a - the plane comprising the inlet hose junction (“inlet plane”).

[0088] Figure 2c shows another cross section of the light curing device, e.g. the plane designated with A, A’ in figure 2a - the plane comprising the outlet hose junction (“outlet plane”).

[0089] Figure 2d only shows the flow of the cooling liquid, e.g. the light curing device has been removed from that figure.

[0090] The example illustrates two inlet passages and two outlet passages. This number could vary such that there are more than two of each passage - Figure 3 illustrates an example with three of each type of passage. It could also be that one plane has an inlet passage and an outlet passage and another plane also has an inlet passage and an outlet passage.

[0091] With crossing is meant that the path of an inlet passages crosses the path of an outlet passage, e.g. if the path of the outlet passage is projected onto the plane of the inlet passage, there will be an intersection between the two paths where they meet and cross each other.

[0092] In this way the inlet junctions and outlet junctions may alternate around the compartment, e.g. first there will be an inlet junction, then there will be an outlet junction, then there will be an inlet junction, e.g. the sequence of junctions around the compartment alternates between outlet junctions and inlet junctions.

[0093] It may be that only two of the passages cross each other - This is illustrated in the figure.

[0094] Figure 3a illustrates another example of the inlet hose junction and the outlet hose junction being in different planes.

[0095] Figure 3b shows another cross section of the light curing device, e.g. the plane designated with A, A’ in figure 3a, the plane comprising the outlet hose junction.

[0096] Figure 3c shows another cross section of the light curing device, e.g. the plane designated with B,B’ in figure 3a, the plane comprising the inlet hose junction.

[0097] Figure 3d only shows the flow of the cooling liquid, e.g. the light curing device has been removed from that figure.

[0098] % axial separation

[0099] As an alternative to radially extending passages for distributing the cooling liquid to and from the compartment there may be a passage extending axially (along the length of the light curing device) such that cooling liquid enters the compartment at the distal end of the light curing device and exits the compartment at the proximal end (or vice versa).

[0100] The passage may be surrounded by the compartment, i.e. it may extend in the center of the light curing device (or between the center and the compartment, seen radially). This is similar to fig. 2 in that there is an axial separation between the inlet junction and the outlet junction. T - he passage 50 constitutes a (central) passage for transporting cooling liquid in an axial direction, The passage may be inclined instead of having a step / bend of 90 degrees. In fig. 2 the passage is part of the outlet for transferring cooling liquid form the compartment to the outlet hose junction. It could also be that the passage was part of the inlet, e.g. part of the inlet (path) leading cooling liquid from the inlet hose junction to the inlet junction had a component in the axial direction.

[0101] The axial separation between the inlet junction and the outlet junction may be at least 25 % such as 50 % or 75 % of the axial length of the compartment / light curing device.

[0102] In another alternative it is contemplated that for example the inlet hose is connected directly to the compartment, e.g. the compartment and inlet hose define a junction where cooling liquid is transferred from the inlet hose to the compartment.

[0103] The outlet hose may also be connected directly to the compartment - for example at the opposite end (radially or axially) than where the inlet hose is connected to the compartment. Thus, the compartment and outlet hose define a junction where cooling liquid is transferred from the compartment to the outlet hose.

[0104] Figure 4 shows an overview of an installation.

[0105] The installation in the example is typically called a “main line shooter” installation, because a lateral liner is “shot” into a lateral pipeline 39 from a main pipeline, e.g. in these installations the liner / seal for repairing a sewer junction (and the lateral pipeline) includes a liner / seal part for the main sewer pipeline and a liner / seal part for the lateral pipeline.

[0106] However, another example of an installation is a pipeline without a junction. In such a case a seal installation device may not necessarily comprise a launcher for supporting the bladder - The bladder is straight and does not have a junction.

[0107] The term “lateral” (as in lateral pipeline or lateral liner / seal) may also be referred to as “branch” (as in branch pipeline or branch liner / seal). A seal installation device is located in the main pipeline. The seal installation device comprises a launcher 40, and the (inflatable) bladder is attached to the launcher, e.g. the launcher supports the bladder.

[0108] The bladder comprises a main bladder 41 and a lateral bladder 42 connected to each other at a bladder junction.

[0109] The main bladder is attached to the liner at each end of the launcher for example by tape and / or clamps.

[0110] In fig. 4 it is illustrated that part of a lateral liner extends into the lateral pipeline - to illustrate that the lateral liner is in the process of being shot / everted into the lateral pipeline). The tip / distal end of the lateral bladder can just be seen extending a bit further into the lateral pipeline than the lateral liner.

[0111] An extension tube 44 extends away from the launcher.

[0112] Before the installation the seal installation device is packed such that part of the lateral bladder and part of the lateral liner are in an inverted state inside the extension tube (because the lateral liner is often so long that not all of it can fit inside the launcher).

[0113] In fig.4 the assembly of the lateral bladder and lateral liner is shown with a dotted line inside the extension tube.

[0114] The lateral bladder may initially be shot into the lateral liner, and this assembly of lateral bladder and lateral liner is then inverted so that it is inside out, e.g. in the inverted state the lateral bladder is on the outside of the lateral liner.

[0115] The launcher is illustrated as having a wall with a cylindrical geometry made of for example aluminum or another metal - the wall having a grid structure such that electromagnetic radiation can be transmitted out to the liner. The launcher could also be made in a material such as a plastic which is transparent for the radiation.

[0116] A pressure line (not shown) may be connected to the launcher. The pressure line may be inside the compressor hose. Above ground is located a van / lorry 50 at a proximal manhole and a winch 52 at a distal manhole.

[0117] In this example the van constitutes the service vehicle, e.g. the service vehicle is integral with the van. However, the service vehicle may be a stand alone vehicle having a weight and size such that it can be maneuvered by an operator, e.g. moved out of the van. The service vehicle may be from where the liner may be shot / everted into the sewer. The service vehicle may comprise the reservoir with the cooled liquid. It may also comprise a tank with compressed air. Alternative, the tank with compressed air may be arranged in the van, and a compressor hose supplies compressed air from the van to the service vehicle.

[0118] With cooled liquid is meant that the liquid for cooling the light curing device is cooled to a temperature below the ambient temperature, e.g. the liquid is actively or passively cooled. The liquid may be cooled to a temperature that is at least 5 degrees cooler than the ambient temperature, such as at least 10, or 15, or 20 degrees cooler.

[0119] With passive cooling is meant storing the liquid at a location where the ambient temperature is lower than the ambient temperature at the installation site.

[0120] The van is used to transport the assembly to the site, and the service vehicle is used to control the installation process.

[0121] The winch is used to pull the launcher to the sewer junction.

[0122] The pressure line leads to the service vehicle where a pressure sensor (not shown) may be located at the end of the pressure line. In this way the pressure inside the launcher may be measured without having an electric pressure sensor inside the launcher.

[0123] A pull-string 54 may be connected to the light curing device for pulling the light curing device out to the end of the lateral bladder - for example a pulley or eye (not shown) may be located at the end of the lateral bladder and the pull string may be led through the pulley / eye.

[0124] In this way the seal installation device does not need any electric components such as pressure sensors (located inside the launcher for measuring the pressure inside the launcher) or actuator for moving the light curing device, because the pressure in the launcher is measured with a pressure sensor located in the service vehicle, and the light curing device is moved by means of a pull-string.

[0125] The compressor hose and cable assembly (with inlet hose, outlet hose and electric cable) may be separate from each other, e.g. extend side by side (in the same direction), but not necessarily equidistant at all points.

[0126] Alternatively, the inlet hose, outlet hose, compressor hose and electric cable may be arranged collectively in a conduit 56. The conduit extends between the service vehicle and the seal installation device. In fig. 4 it is illustrated that the conduit is connected to the extension tube.

[0127] Also illustrated in fig. 4 is that the pull-string is also separate from the conduit, e.g. not inside the conduit.

[0128] In front of the launcher is a manipulator 60 for positioning and rotating the launcher such that it has the correct position for shooting the lateral liner into the lateral pipeline, i.e. the launcher has an opening, and as the bladder is inflated, it starts to evert and with it the lateral bladder everts and shoots out through the opening and into the lateral pipeline. The opening of the launcher must be aligned with the sewer junction (with the opening into the lateral pipeline).

[0129] Inside the service vehicle may be an (air) compressor (not shown) for compressing air and transporting compressed air to the seal installation device by means of the compressor hose.

[0130] The service vehicle may also comprise a reservoir for the liquid to be transported through the light curing device and a pump for achieving the transportation.

[0131] % radiator or compressor

[0132] The service vehicle may also comprise a radiator or second compressor for cooling the liquid - preferably before it is transported to the light curing device. The liquid may flow through the radiator and a fan could for example be used to blow air past the radiator. Increasing the flow rate of the fan may increase the cooling of the liquid and thereby the cooling of the light curing device, but it is contemplated that this only achieves a cooling up to a certain temperature difference between the temperature of the light curing device and the temperature of the environment, e.g. when it becomes too warm increasing a flow rate may no longer result in a cooling of the light curing device.

[0133] % flow rates

[0134] When the bladder is everted / shot in the eversion process into the lateral pipeline the compressed air has a first flow rate / pressure of the fluid (in a first time window). This constitutes a transient pressure which can fall to a constant / static pressure after eversion, e.g. the constant pressure may compensate for any leaks in the bladder or seal installation device. However, a valve in the bladder or seal installation device may not be necessary, because there is no need for maintaining the high pressure for cooling (the light curing device).

[0135] The first / transient flow rate could for example be more than 250 liter per minute, such as more than 500 or 750 or 1000 or 1500 liter per minute (1.5 m3 per minute), for providing a pressure in the range 0.2 to 2 bar.

[0136] Once / after the bladder has been everted the bladder needs to be pressurized in order to press the liner against the side of the sewer, e.g. during the curing process. A second flow rate for the compressed air may be used for this and this could be close to zero. For example, less than 500 liter per minute, such as less than 250 or 100 or 50 or 10 or 1 liter per minute (but in any case greater than zero) for providing a pressure in the range 0.4 - 0.8 bar.

[0137] Thus, the second flow rate is less than the first flow rate such as more than 25 % smaller or 50 or 80 or 90 % smaller. This will reduce the amount of pollution reaching the surface (above ground), compared to prior art where a high flow is necessary in order to cool the light curing device. This is also why the pressure sensor (such as an electric pressure sensor) can be placed in the service vehicle, because there is no need for as much control of the pressure as in the prior art examples. There is also no need for an outlet valve to regulate the pressure (a valve for letting air out of the launcher / bladder), e.g. the seal installation device or launcher may be non-regulated with respect to the pressure inside - No feedback between the state of an outlet valve and the pressure inside the launcher. A third flow rate may be used for the cooling liquid circulating through the light curing device. The third flow rate may be smaller than the first flow rate (such as more than 25 % or 50 % or 75 % smaller). It may also be smaller than the second flow rate (such as more than 25 % or 50 % or 75 % smaller) or be between the first flow rate and the second flow rate. For example, the third flow rate may be less than 39 liter per minute or less than 24 or 9 or 4 liter per minute or less than 1 .9 or 0.9 dl per minute.

[0138] Per light emitting diode at a temperature difference of 30 degrees Celsius between the surrounding environment and the light emitting diode, the flow rate should be between 1.9 - 3.9 mL per minute.

[0139] % dumping

[0140] The cooling liquid may be dumped inside the launcher or outside the launcher (inside the sewer), e.g. the light curing device may have an exit for letting the cooling liquid out into the surroundings - In this case inside the launcher.

[0141] Fig. 4 illustrates an installation at a junction. However, it could also be an installation between two manholes (in which case an inflatable bladder is as such not necessary, because the end of the liner opposite the compressor can be closed for example by clamping that end of the liner together) or it could be a socalled “open ended” shot / in- stallation, e.g. a case where there is only access to the pipeline through one manhole (in which case a bladder is necessary).

[0142] Now follows a set of items, which constitute aspects of the present disclosure which may be considered independently patentable, and as such the following items form basis for possible future sets of claims:

[0143] 1 . A method for curing a liner or seal extending in a pipeline, said liner or seal including a substance suitable for being curable by exposure to electromagnetic radiation, said method comprising:

[0144] - providing said liner or seal,

[0145] - providing a first compressor and inflating said liner or seal such that said liner or seal comes into contact with said pipeline by means of compressed fluid at a first flow rate in a first time window,

[0146] - in a second time window subsequent to said first time window introducing compressed air at a second flow rate greater than zero by means of said first compressor into said liner or seal for pressing said liner or seal towards said pipeline,

[0147] - providing a light curing device and introducing said light curing device into said liner and curing said liner or seal by means of said light curing device during said second time window.

[0148] 2. An assembly for curing a liner or seal extending in a pipeline, said liner or seal including a substance such as a synthetic resin suitable for being curable by exposure to electromagnetic radiation, said assembly comprising: said liner or seal, a first compressor for inflating said liner or seal at a first flow rate in a first time window, and pressing said liner or seal towards said pipeline by means of a second flow rate in a second time window subsequent to said first time window, a light curing device for curing said liner or seal during said second time window.

[0149] 3. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, comprising: providing a pump and during said second time window pumping a liquid cooled to a temperature at least 5 degrees less than the ambient temperature through said light curing device by means of said pump at a third flow rate.

[0150] 4. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said third flow rate being less than 39 liter per minute.

[0151] 5. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, comprising: providing an inflatable bladder for pressing said liner or seal towards said pipeline.

[0152] 6. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said pipeline comprising a pipeline junction between a main pipeline and a lateral or branch pipeline.

[0153] 7. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, comprising: providing a reservoir comprising said liquid.

[0154] 8. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, comprising: providing a radiator or a second compressor, and cooling said liquid by means of said radiator or said second compressor.

[0155] 9. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, comprising: a pump for introducing said liquid into said light curing device at a third flow rate.

[0156] 10. The method according to any of the preceding items, comprising: providing a pump and introducing said liquid into said light curing device at a third flow rate by means of said pump.

[0157] 11. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, comprising: a compressor hose in fluid communication with the inside of said liner or seal for inflating and / or pressing said liner or seal.

[0158] 12. An assembly for curing a liner extending in a pipeline, said liner including a substance such as a synthetic resin suitable for being curable by exposure to electromagnetic radiation, said assembly comprising: - a light curing device including a housing defining a compartment having an inside surface and an outside surface, an inlet for letting a cooling liquid into said light curing device and said compartment, an outlet for letting out said cooling liquid from said compartment and said light curing device, a plurality of light emitting diodes for emitting electromagnetic radiation for curing said substance, said plurality of light emitting diodes being arranged on said outside surface, said assembly comprising:

[0159] - an inlet hose connected to said housing and in fluid communication with said inlet for transporting said cooling liquid to said light curing device and into said compartment through said inlet such that heat generated by said plurality of light emitting diodes is transferred to said cooling liquid.

[0160] 13. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, comprising a seal installation device supporting said inflatable bladder.

[0161] 14. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, comprising an outlet hose connected to an outlet of said light curing device for transporting said liquid away from said light curing device.

[0162] 15. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said light curing device comprising a housing defining a compartment having an inside surface and an outside surface, a plurality of light emitters at said outside surface for emitting electromagnetic radiation for curing said substance, an inlet junction between said inlet and said compartment at which said cooling liquid enters said compartment, an outlet junction between said outlet and said compartment at which said cooling liquid exits said compartment.

[0163] 16. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said inlet junction defining a start point of a flow path through said compartment and said outlet junction defining an end point of said flow path such that said start point and said end point have an angular separation of at least 45 degrees such that cooling liquid must flow across a distance corresponding to an angle of at least 45 degrees for circulating said cooling liquid through said compartment before said cooling liquid flows out of said compartment.

[0164] 17. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said inlet junction defining a start point of a flow path through said compartment and said outlet junction defining an end point of said flow path such that said start point and said end point being an axial separation greater than 50 % of the length of said compartment in the axial direction of said light curing device.

[0165] 18. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said inlet junction being closer to said distal end of said light curing device than said outlet junction or said inlet junction being closer to said proximal end of said light curing device than said outlet junction such that cooling liquid enters the compartment at one end of the light curing device and exits the compartment at an opposite end.

[0166] % flow rates

[0167] 19. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said first flow rate being more than 251 liter per minute such as more than 500 or 750 or 1000 or 1500 liter per minute.

[0168] 20. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said second flow rate being less than said first flow rate such as 26 % smaller or 50 or 80 or 90 % smaller.

[0169] 21. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said third flow rate being smaller than said first flow rate and / or said second flow rate such as in the range 0.6 to 19 milliliter or 0.6 to 9 or 0.6 to 4.9 or 1.1 to 19 or 1.1 to 9 or 1 .1 to 4.5 such as 3,20 mL per light emitter. 22. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said light curing device comprising a plurality of light emitters such as in the range 1 to 300 light emitters or 10 to 300 or 10 to 200 or 10 to 100 or 20 to 200 or 50 to 200.

[0170] 23. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said inlet hose transporting said cooling liquid from said reservoir to said light curing device.

[0171] 24. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said reservoir preferably being a container, a tank or a faucet.

[0172] % distribution of liquid

[0173] 25. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said light curing device including a passage between either said inlet or said outlet and said compartment for distribution said cooling liquid into said compartment or collecting said cooling liquid from said compartment.

[0174] 26. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, one of said inlet or outlet hose being connected directly to said compartment such that said cooling liquid flows directly between said compartment and the respective hose.

[0175] 27. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said light curing device including a first inlet passage between said inlet and said compartment for distribution said cooling liquid from said inlet to said compartment.

[0176] 28. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said light curing device including a second inlet passage between said inlet and said compartment.

[0177] 29. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said light curing device including a first outlet passage between said outlet and said compartment for collecting cooling liquid from said compartment to said outlet.

[0178] 30. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said light curing device including a second outlet passage between said outlet and said compartment. 31. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, the joint between said compartment and said first inlet passage and the joint between said compartment and said first outlet passage having an angular separation of at least 45 degrees or being separated by a distance of 50 % of the axial length of said compartment.

[0179] 32. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said inlet and said outlet being separated radially by a distance of at least 25 % of the outer diameter of said compartment or by a distance of 50 % of the axial length of said compartment.

[0180] % crossing channels

[0181] 33. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, the joint between said compartment and said second inlet passage being closer to the joint between said compartment and said first outlet passage than the joint between said compartment and said first inlet passage.

[0182] 34. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, the joint between said compartment and said first inlet passage being closer to the joint between said compartment and said second outlet passage than the joint between said compartment and said second inlet passage.

[0183] % mi sc

[0184] 35. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said plurality of light emitting diodes extending 360 degrees around said light curing device for irradiating 360 degrees of said pipeline.

[0185] 36. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, comprising a camera for recording the pipeline in front of said light curing device, said camera preferably being arranged at the distal end of said light curing device.

[0186] 37. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said compartment extending circumferentially at least 45 degrees such as 90 degrees or 180 degrees around said light curing device.

[0187] 38. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said inlet being adjacent said outlet. 39. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said housing having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end facing the direction of travel of the light curing device as it moves through the pipeline.

[0188] 40. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said inlet hose and said outlet hose extending away from said housing at said proximal end.

[0189] 41. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said inlet being arranged on the opposite side of said compartment than said plurality of light emitting diodes.

[0190] % plug and socket

[0191] 42. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, comprising an electric cable for powering said light curing device.

[0192] 43. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said inlet hose, said outlet hose and said electric cable constituting a cable assembly.

[0193] 44. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said housing and said cable assembly defining a plug and socket for connecting and disconnecting said cable assembly to and from said housing for replacement of said housing with a second housing.

[0194] % well to well

[0195] 45. A method for curing a liner extending in a pipeline between a first manhole and a second manhole, said liner including a substance such as a synthetic resin suitable for being curable by exposure to electromagnetic radiation, said assembly comprising:

[0196] - providing said liner and introducing said liner into said pipeline, said liner having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end being closer to said second manhole than said proximal end, closing said liner at said distal end for reducing compressed air escaping out through said distal end, introducing compressed air into said liner and pressing said liner towards said pipeline by means of said compressed air, - providing a light curing device for curing said liner by means of electromagnetic radiation,

[0197] - providing an inlet hose and transporting a cooling liquid to said light curing device by means of said inlet hose,

[0198] - providing an outlet hose and transporting said cooling liquid away from said light curing device by means of said outlet hose,

[0199] - transporting said light curing device through said pipeline while irradiating said liner by means of said light curing device, and opening said liner at said distal end.

[0200] % mi sc

[0201] 46. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said inlet hose being connected to said light curing device.

[0202] 47. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said outlet hose being connected to said light curing device.

[0203] 48. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding items, said compressor hose being connected to said seal installation device such as to a launcher or extension tube of said seal installation device.

Claims

Claims1 . A method for curing a liner or seal extending in a pipeline, said liner or seal including a substance suitable for being curable by exposure to electromagnetic radiation, said method comprising:- providing said liner or seal,- providing a first compressor and inflating said liner or seal such that said liner or seal comes into contact with said pipeline by means of compressed fluid at a first flow rate in a first time window,- in a second time window subsequent to said first time window introducing compressed air at a second flow rate by means of said first compressor into said liner or seal for pressing said liner or seal towards said pipeline, said second flow rate being greater than zero and at least 26 % smaller than said first flow rate,- providing a light curing device and introducing said light curing device into said liner and curing said liner or seal by means of said light curing device during said second time window,- providing a reservoir with a liquid for cooling said light curing device, said reservoir arranged in fluid communication with said light curing device in a closed loop such that said liquid flowing back to said reservoir after having passed through said light curing device, said reservoir having a volume of 0.5 L or more,- providing a pump and during said second time window pumping said liquid through said light curing device by means of said pump at a third flow rate, said third flow rate being less than 39 liter per minute.

2. The method according to claim 1 , comprising: cooling said liquid to a temperature at least 5 degrees less than the ambient temperature when the ambient temperature is more than 25 degrees Celsius.

3. The method according to any of the preceding claims,said light curing device comprising a housing defining a compartment having an inside surface and an outside surface, a plurality of light emitters at said outside surface for emitting electromagnetic radiation for curing said substance, an inlet junction between said inlet and said compartment at which said cooling liquid entering said compartment, an outlet junction between said outlet and said compartment at which said cooling liquid exiting said compartment.

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, said inlet junction defining a start point of a flow path through said compartment and said outlet junction defining an end point of said flow path such that said start point and said end point having an angular separation of at least 45 degrees such that cooling liquid having to flow across a distance corresponding to an angle of at least 45 degrees for circulating said cooling liquid through said compartment before said cooling liquid flowing out of said compartment.

5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, said inlet junction defining a start point of a flow path through said compartment and said outlet junction defining an end point of said flow path such that said start point and said end point having an axial separation greater than 50 % of the length of said compartment in the axial direction of said light curing device.

6. The method or according to any of the preceding claims, said inlet junction being closer to said distal end of said light curing device than said outlet junction or said inlet junction being closer to said proximal end of said light curing device than said outlet junction such that cooling liquid enters the compartment at one end of the light curing device and exits the compartment at an opposite end.

7. The method or assembly according to any of the preceding claims, said first flow rate being more than 500, such as more than 750 or 1000 or 1500 liter per minute.

8. The method according to any of the preceding claims, said second flow rate being less than said first flow rate, such as 50 or 80 or 90 % smaller.

9. The method according to any of the preceding claims, said third flow rate being smaller than said first flow rate and / or said second flow rate such as in the range 0.5 to 20 milliliter or 0.5 to 10 or 0.5 to 5 or 1 to 20 or 1 to 10 or 1 to 5, such as 3,21 mL per light emitter.

10. The method according to any of the preceding claims, said light curing device comprising a plurality of light emitters such as in the range 1 to300 light emitters or 10 to 300 or 10 to 200 or 10 to 100 or 20 to 200 or 50 to 200.

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