An assembly for relining a junction between a lateral pipeline and a main pipeline
The assembly addresses the inefficiencies of existing relining methods by using a single pull-string mechanism and electromagnetic radiation to move and cure seals within long lateral pipelines, enhancing reliability and efficiency in pipeline relining.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2025/052826
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-02-05
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-04
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing pipeline relining assemblies face challenges in efficiently moving a light curing device through long lateral pipelines due to complications from electrical components and limited reach of hydraulic actuators, leading to increased risk of malfunction and downtime.
A simplified assembly using a single pull-string mechanism for a light curing device, combined with a bladder system and electromagnetic radiation, allows for easy movement and curing of curable seals within the pipeline, eliminating electrical components and extending the reach beyond hydraulic actuator limitations.
The solution provides a more reliable and efficient method for relining junctions between main and lateral pipelines, reducing the risk of breakdown and enabling longer lateral liner lengths without electrical complications.
Smart Images

Figure EP2025052826_14082025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] An assembly for relining a junction between a lateral pipeline and a main pipeline
[0002] DESCRIPTION
[0003] The present disclosure is directed to an assembly for repairing or relining a pipeline, specifically the junction between a main pipeline and a lateral pipeline (the lateral pipeline may also be termed a branch pipeline). The repair is achieved with a seal that is transported to the junction and installed in situ.
[0004] Known assemblies for such repairs comprises a so-called launcher device which includes a bladder for pressing the seal towards the sewer.
[0005] The seal comprises a curable material which may cure by means of hot water inside the bladder. Alternatively, the curable material may be cured by exposure to electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation may be UV light which is generated by a light curing device inside the bladder. The light curing device may have a housing / frame for mounting LEDs.
[0006] The light curing device has to move inside the bladder. Typically, this has been done by means of a pair of pull-strings. One pull string is used for pulling the light curing device up into the lateral pipeline and the other is used for pulling the light curing device towards the distal end of the launcher device. This may be a difficult exercise, because the lateral pipeline may be very long and the two strings may be tangled together for example. Alternatively, the light curing device has been moved by means of an electrified launcher device having an actuator for moving the light curing device (pushing the light curing device forwards or backwards by moving the cable assembly connected to the light curing device) and a ramp for moving the light curing device from the main pipeline and into the lateral pipeline. However, the electrical components of the launcher device complicates the launcher device and increases the risk of the launcher device malfunctioning due to the harsh environment.
[0007] Compared to a two pull-string solution or the electrified launcher device solution the problem is to achieve a more simple solution where it is easier to move the light curing device, and there may be a reduced risk of breakdown / downtime. A hydraulic actuator may also be used to move the light curing device into the lateral pipeline. However, this can only be used for short lateral liners, because the hydraulic actuator does not reach very far, e.g. it can only push the light curing device about a meter into the lateral pipeline.
[0008] The assembly is suitable for repairing / relining junctions where the lateral liner has to be very long, i.e. more than just one meter, for example up to 10 or 20 meters.
[0009] A first aspect of the present disclosure is:
[0010] An assembly for sealing or relining a junction between a lateral pipeline and a main pipeline, said assembly comprising:
[0011] - a installation device capable of moving within said main pipeline to said junction, said installation device including a curable seal for being placed and pressed onto said junction, a bladder including a main bladder and a lateral bladder connected to each other at a bladder junction, a light curing device for being introduced into said installation device for curing said curable seal by means of electromagnetic radiation.
[0012] A second aspect of the present disclosure is:
[0013] A method for sealing or relining a junction between a lateral pipeline and a main pipeline, said method comprising:
[0014] - providing an installation device including: a curable seal, a bladder including a main bladder and a lateral bladder connected to each other at a bladder junction, said main bladder including a proximal end and a distal end, a light curing device for curing said curable seal by means of electromagnetic radiation, a cable assembly for introducing a cooling fluid into said light curing device, a pull-string connected to said light curing device,
[0015] - moving said installation device within said main pipeline to said junction,
[0016] - inflating said bladder such that said curable seal being pressed onto said junction,
[0017] - moving said light curing device through said installation device by pulling said pullstring or said cable assembly while said light curing device emitting radiation and curing said curable seal.
[0018] In the following 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 in the drawings, 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.
[0019] Common to all solutions (except one) is that there is one pull-string for pulling the light curing device in the installation device.
[0020] The pull-string turns around inside the bladder such that when pulling the pull-string by an operator the light curing device moves forward (either in the lateral pipeline or the main pipeline depending on the solution).
[0021] Figs. 1A to 1 F illustrates a solution where there is a connection between the light curing device and the pull-string as well as a releasable connection between the light curing device and the pull-string.
[0022] Figs. 2A to 2B illustrates a solution where there is a connection between the light curing device and the pull-string, and a releasable connection between the light curing device and the lateral bladder. Figs. 3A to 3B illustrates a solution where there is a connection between the light curing device and the pull-string, and a releasable connection between the light curing device and the installation device at a distal end of the main bladder.
[0023] Fig. 1 A illustrates the assembly in its intended position at the pipeline junction between the main pipeline 10 and the lateral pipeline 12 before the curing of the seal / liner is about to begin.
[0024] The assembly has a launcher device comprising a housing / frame 14 holding a bladder.
[0025] The launcher device has an opening so that the light curing device may move out of the launcher device and into the lateral pipeline / lateral liner - the launcher device is poisoned in the main pipeline such that the opening is aligned with the opening into the lateral pipeline.
[0026] The launcher device is transparent or semi-transparent to electromagnetic radiation between the proximal end and the distal end such that the light curing device may radiate electromagnetic radiation from inside the launcher device and cure the liner / seal that is on the outside of the launcher device, e.g. the launcher device may comprise a wall with holes (such as a grid structure) or the wall may be made of a transparent or semi-transparent material.
[0027] The bladder has a main bladder part 16 and a lateral bladder part 18 connected to each other at a bladder junction.
[0028] The seal may be a so called “hat” or “full-wrap”.
[0029] In fig. 1A the full-wrap seal is illustrated.
[0030] The full-wrap seal comprises a tubular part 22 extending 360 degrees around the main pipeline and connected at the junction to a lateral liner part 24 extending in the lateral pipeline.
[0031] The “hat” seal comprises a brim part that extends around the junction and a lateral liner part extending in the lateral pipeline. The lateral bladder part may be longer than the lateral liner part.
[0032] The main bladder may be longer than the tubular part or the width of the brim.
[0033] Normally, a main liner 25 is installed in the main pipeline before repairing / renovating the junction. A hole is then cut in the main liner at the junction.
[0034] % main line shooting
[0035] During transport of the launcher device to the junction, the lateral bladder and the lateral liner are both in an inverted position inside the launcher device (and in the case of long lateral liners, inside a canon hose (not shown) extending from the back of the launcher device).
[0036] A hose 20 (termed an “air hose” in the following) is connected to the launcher device for injecting compressed air into the bladder for inflating the bladder such that the seal is pressed towards the side of the sewer. Another fluid than air may be used.
[0037] When the bladder has been inflated there is preferably a seal between the bladder and the launcher device for preventing air escaping so that the pressure inside the bladder is maintained - there may be a smaller air flow circulating in case of leaks.
[0038] At the junction, the lateral liner and lateral bladder are everted into the lateral pipeline by means of compressed air delivered by the air hose.
[0039] The launcher device comprises an opening which the lateral liner and lateral bladder are moved through when the bladder is inflated. The opening is aligned with the opening into the lateral pipeline - when the installation device is at its intended operational position. Thus, this procedure may be referred to as a main line shooting.
[0040] % light curing device
[0041] Inside the bladder just before the junction is shown a light curing device 30.
[0042] The light curing device may include light emitters such as LEDs (not shown) for emitting electromagnetic radiation. The light curing device may include a camera (not shown) at the distal end 34 of the light curing device for navigating more easily in the sewer.
[0043] The distal end of the light curing device is opposite the proximal end which is where a cable assembly may be connected to the light curing device.
[0044] A plurality of light curing devices connected to each other may be used - this solution is often called a “light train”.
[0045] % no electronics
[0046] For the present disclosure the launcher device does not include any electronics, which greatly simplifies the assembly and reduces risks of breakdown and downtime.
[0047] A line 36 inside the air hose may be used for measuring the pressure inside the bladder. The line may lead to a vehicle with an electric pressure sensor. Alternatively, the light curing device may comprise a pressure sensor. This is in order to monitor the pressure inside the bladder to ensure the pressure is maintained, i.e. if the pressure drops the flow through the air hose may be increased.
[0048] % cable assembly
[0049] A cable assembly 32 may be connected to the light curing device for transporting a cooling fluid such as a cooling liquid to the light curing device and / or for powering the light curing device, e.g. leading electricity and / or signal cables to the light curing device.
[0050] The cable assembly may extend away from the light curing device at the proximal end of the light curing device.
[0051] The cable assembly may include a cooling hose (not shown) for transporting the cooling fluid such as a cooling liquid to the light curing device.
[0052] The cable assembly may also include electric wires.
[0053] The cooling hose may be bundled together with the electric wires or they may be arranged freely next to each other. For example, the electric wires and the cooling hose may be enclosed by a sheet / cover and constitute a single cable.
[0054] The light curing device and the cable assembly may constitute a light curing assembly. For the solution in fig. 1 A the pull-string has two connections to the light curing assembly.
[0055] % pull-string
[0056] A pull-string 38 is connected to the light curing device at two positions.
[0057] For example, the first position 50 may be at the LEDs of the light curing device. This may be convenient, because the LEDs may be used as a means for releasing the pullstring from the light curing device at the first position, which will be explained below in greater detail.
[0058] The second position 52 may be at the cable assembly.
[0059] Preferably, the first position is closer to the LEDs than the second position.
[0060] At least the distance between the first position and the second position (measured along the pull-string) may be greater than the length of the housing supporting the LEDs.
[0061] The distance may be greater than 10 cm such as greater than 20 cm or 30 cm or 50 cm or 1 m.
[0062] In general, the distance has to be long enough such that the light curing device can be moved a distance inside the main pipeline that is adequate enough for the part of the seal between the lateral pipeline and the distal end of the launcher device to be cured.
[0063] Thus, the distance may be greater than 50 % of the distance between the opening in the launcher device and the distal end of the launcher device.
[0064] When the bladder is inflated the pull-string extends from the light curing device and into the lateral bladder part and to the distal end 54 of the lateral bladder part where it turns around and goes back into the main bladder and all the way to the vehicle at the ground where the seal installation process is controlled from. The pull-string may be made by Kevlar.
[0065] % lateral guide
[0066] The distal end of the lateral bladder may comprise a (lateral) guide 55 for guiding / turning the pull-string around. The guide may have an opening, which the pull-string goes through. The guide may be constituted by a hook or ring, or eye or wheel or pulley.
[0067] % releasably connected
[0068] The pull-string may be releasably connected to the light curing device at the first position.
[0069] With the term “releasably connected” is defined a releasable connection, and it means that the light curing device may be released / disconnected and no longer be connected (at least at the position where the connection was).
[0070] In general, the release mechanism for releasing the light curing device from either the pull-string or the installation device may employ an electric signal delivered to the release mechanism which converts the electric signal into mechanical or magnetic energy - for example a Piezo switch / connector or a magnet or heat.
[0071] The releasable connection has to be strong enough such that the light curing device may be pulled without being released (unless it is released on purpose when it is supposed to be released). For example, strong enough such that the releasable connection does not break when the bladder is inflated / inverted (relevant for figs. 2A to 2C).
[0072] In figs. 1A to 1 F (as well as figs. 2A to 2B and 3A to 3B) it is illustrated that a string 70 is used for the releasable connection. The string may extend across some of the LEDs of the light curing device or is in proximity to the LEDs. The LEDs causes the string to melt when the light curing device starts emitting electromagnetic radiation - at least when the string is close enough to the LEDs so the heat from the LEDs melts the string. A nylon string may be used.
[0073] The pull-string may also be releasably connected to the light curing device for example by having a loop-string 60 connected to the pull-string and extending around the light emitters of the light curing device such that when the light emitters starts emitting light at the distal end of the lateral liner, the radiation melts the loop-string - the loop-string does not necessarily need to be shaped as a loop.
[0074] The string can be connected to the light curing device for example by a screw. Or the string may be tied to the light curing device.
[0075] In general, the string may have a lower melting temperature point than the pull-string.
[0076] % pulling the pull-string
[0077] The pull-string is now to be pulled. This may be done manually by the operator of the assembly or the pull-string may be connected to a mechanical mechanism for pulling the pull-string, such as a winch. This is also the case when pulling the cable assembly, e.g. typically it will be done manually, but a mechanical mechanism may be used, such as a winch.
[0078] When pulling the pull-string the light curing device moves forward and up into the lateral pipeline.
[0079] The light curing device is to be pulled all the way up to the distal end of the lateral liner such that all of the lateral liner can be cured.
[0080] Fig. 1 B illustrates the light curing device on its way towards the distal end of the lateral liner, e.g. the light curing device has been moved from its position in fig. 1A to its position in fig. 1 B by pulling the pull-string. Since the light curing device is attached to the pull-string it will follow the path of the pull-string up in the lateral liner.
[0081] % fig. 1C
[0082] The pull-string is pulled so that the light curing device reached the distal end of the lateral liner, which is the position the light curing device has in fig. 1C.
[0083] When the light curing device is at the distal end of the lateral liner the LEDs may be turned on. When the LEDs are turned on the pull-string is released from the light curing device at the first position.
[0084] As an alternative the LEDs may also be turned on when the connection at the second position is inside the lateral liner. The light curing device may then pulled back through the lateral liner by pulling the cable assembly (not the pull-string), and as the light curing device is pulled back through the lateral bladder part, the lateral liner may be cured by the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the light curing device.
[0085] % fig. 1 D
[0086] The light curing device is pulled all the way back down into the main liner, which is the position illustrated in fig. 1 D. The camera may be used to determine when the light curing device is inside the main bladder.
[0087] From there the light curing device may be moved forwards by pulling the pull-string. It may be pulled towards the distal end 62 of the main bladder by pulling the pull-string (after the pull-string has been released from the light curing device at the first position).
[0088] Even though the pull-string extends up into the lateral pipeline the light curing device will move forwards inside the main liner, because the pull-string is now only attached to the light curing device at the second position - which is as mentioned so far from the distal end of the light curing device that the light curing device will not be pulled up into the lateral pipeline as before, but instead be “pushed” forwards in the main pipeline past the opening (into the lateral pipeline) towards the distal end of the launcher.
[0089] It is only because the light curing device has been release from the pull-string at the first position that the light curing device does not follow the path of the pull-string up in the lateral liner, but instead moves inside the launcher.
[0090] The distance between the first position and the second position corresponds (equal to + / - 25 %) to the distance between the guide mechanism 60 and to the point where the transparency of the launcher device ends at the distal end of the launcher device, e.g. where the wall of the launcher device is no longer transparent or semi-transparent to electromagnetic radiation.
[0091] When the light curing device is at the distal end 66 of the part of the seal in the main pipeline it may be pulled back by pulling the cable assembly all the way to the proximal end 68 of the seal in the main pipeline while emitting electromagnetic radiation for curing the part of the seal in the main pipeline. Fig 2A. shows the same elements as in fig 1A, the only difference is that in fig. 2A the light curing assembly is connected to the pull string and the installation device - specifically the distal end of the lateral bladder as shown, e.g. there is a releasable connection between the light curing assembly and the bladder at the distal end of the lateral bladder, and there is a connection between the light curing assembly and the pullstring at the light curing device.
[0092] In fig. 2A it is illustrated that both connections is at the light curing device of the light curing assembly.
[0093] At the distal end of the main bladder, there is a guide 55 for the pull-string. The guide may be as described for fig. 1A.
[0094] Part of the pull-string extends between the light curing device and the distal end of the main bladder where it turns around and goes to the proximal end of the main bladder and further all the way to the vehicle at the ground.
[0095] Since the light curing device is connected to the distal end of the lateral bladder it will be shot into the lateral liner when the bladder is inflated. This will be the start position of the light curing device for the solution in fig. 2A.
[0096] After the lateral bladder has been shot into the lateral pipeline the light curing device may be released from the bladder and pulled back into the main bladder by pulling the cable assembly. On its way the light curing device may emit electromagnetic radiation and cure the lateral liner part.
[0097] The specific release mechanism may be as described for fig. 1A.
[0098] % fig. B
[0099] Once the light curing device has been pulled back through the lateral bladder and is in the main pipeline it may be moved forwards in the main pipeline towards the distal end of the launcher device by pulling the pull-string. Fig. 2B illustrates this.
[0100] When the light curing device has been pulled to the distal end of the part of the seal in the main pipeline the light curing device may be pulled back to the proximal end of the part of the seal in the main pipeline by pulling the cable assembly of the light curing device (and slacking the pull-string).
[0101] Figs. 2A to 2B illustrates the use of a pull-string, however the pull-string may be omitted. This means that the light curing device cannot be pulled forwards in the main pipeline. Thus, in order to cure the part of the seal that is between the junction and the distal end of the launcher device the launcher device may comprise light emitters are arranged between the opening of the launcher device and the distal end of the launcher device. However, the launcher device then needs electric connections for powering the light emitters.
[0102] Fig 3A. shows the same elements as in fig. 1A the only difference is that in fig. 3A the light curing assembly is connected to the pull string and the installation device, e.g. there is a releasable connection between the light curing assembly and the installation device at the distal end of the launcher device, and there is a connection between the light curing assembly and the pull-string preferably at the light curing device.
[0103] The light curing assembly may either be releasably connected to the launcher device or the main bladder. This will be the start position of the light curing device for the solution in fig. 3A.
[0104] The specific release mechanism may be as described for fig. 1A.
[0105] Part of the pull-string extends between the light curing device and the distal end of the lateral bladder where it turns around and goes to the proximal end of the main bladder and further all the way to the vehicle at the ground.
[0106] At the distal end of the lateral bladder, there is a guide 55 for the pull-string. The guide may be as described for fig. 1A.
[0107] After the bladder has been inflated the light curing assembly may then be released from the connection to the installation device and pulled back in the main liner towards the junction by pulling the cable assembly.
[0108] Once the light curing device is at the junction it may be pulled up into the lateral pipeline by pulling the pull-string. Fig. 3B illustrates the light curing device on its way through the lateral pipeline.
[0109] Once the light curing device has reached the distal end of the lateral liner, the light curing device may be pulled back to the main pipeline by pulling the cable assembly.
[0110] % Two guides
[0111] As an alternative to the light curing assembly being releasably connected to the installation device, the light curing assembly may only be connected to the pull-string. In such a case there is a guide for the pull-string both at the distal end of the launcher device and at the distal end of the lateral bladder.
[0112] The second guide at the distal end of the launcher device may be releasable connected to the launcher device. The specific release mechanism may be as described for fig. 1 A. In case an electric release mechanism is used the launcher device is electric, e.g. requires an electric connection for powering the release mechanism.
[0113] The start position of the light curing device for such a solution with two guides is inside the main pipeline.
[0114] From the start position the light curing device is then pulled towards the distal end of the launcher device by pulling the pull-string. The light curing device may emit radiation for curing the seal as the light curing device moves through the main pipeline.
[0115] When the seal between the junction and the distal end of the launcher device has been cured the light curing device may be pulled back to the junction by pulling the cable assembly.
[0116] Once the light curing device is at the junction it may be pulled up into the lateral pipeline by pulling the pull-string.
[0117] Once the light curing device has reached the distal end of the lateral liner, the light curing device may be pulled back to the main pipeline by pulling the cable assembly. % launcher guide
[0118] Fig. 4 illustrates a guide mechanism 60 at the edge of the opening of the launcher device, specifically the edge that is towards the proximal end of the launcher device, e.g. where the pull-string enters the launcher device.
[0119] The guide mechanism is for avoiding tear on the pull-string.
[0120] Thus, the guide mechanism may have a curvature which the pull-string may move across when pulling the pull-string, e.g. the curvature allows for a (smooth) change in direction for the pull-string between the direction of the pull-string in the main pipeline and the direction of the pull-string in the lateral pipeline (in the main pipeline the pullstring moves substantially horizontally, the main pipeline may have a slight inclination for a flow of water, and in the lateral pipeline the pull-string moves in a direction that has an angle of more than 25 degrees to the direction of the pull-string in the main pipeline).
[0121] The curvature may have a radius in the range 1 cm to 2 m.
[0122] The pull-string turns around inside the installation device, e.g. forms a loop inside the installation device. Thus, when the light curing device is at a position in the main pipeline between the junction and the proximal end of the launcher device the pull-string contacts the guide mechanism at two positions.
[0123] The directions of the pull-string at these positions are opposite each other, because at the one position is a part of the pull-string that is before the lateral guide (before the pullstring turns around), and at the other position is a part of the pull-string that has turned around and is moved in a direction out of the installation device.
[0124] The guide mechanism may comprise a plurality of recesses. Each recess may be II- shaped and the pull-string may fit in a recess, e.g. the width of a recess is not more than 50 % wider than the width of the pull-string (for avoiding that the two parts of the pullstring that moves in opposite directions are in the same recess).
[0125] The distance between two neighboring recesses is to be smaller than the width of the pull-string. In fig. 4 is illustrated that the guide mechanism comprises a plurality of wheels, specifically pulley wheels (a pulley wheel inherently comprises a recess). Specifically, 9 wheels are shown. Another number may be contemplated in the range 2 to 20
[0126] Each wheel is free to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise.
[0127] The part of the pull-string before the lateral guide contacts a first wheel rotating counterclockwise and the part of the pull-string after the lateral guide contacts a second wheel rotating clockwise.
[0128] The wheels functions as one large roller when the lateral bladder moves across the guide mechanism and into the lateral pipeline.
[0129] Now follows a set of items which constitute aspects of the present disclosure which may be considered independently patentable and as such the following sets form basis for possible future sets of claims:
[0130] 1. An assembly for sealing or relining a junction between a lateral pipeline and a main pipeline, said assembly comprising:
[0131] - a installation device capable of moving within said main pipeline to said junction, said installation device including a curable seal for being placed and pressed onto said junction, a bladder including a main bladder and a lateral bladder connected to each other at a bladder junction, a light curing device for being introduced into said installation device for curing said curable seal by means of electromagnetic radiation.
[0132] 2. The assembly according to item 1 , said light curing device comprising a housing or frame for supporting a number of LEDs.
[0133] 3. The assembly according to any of the preceding items, comprising: a hose for injecting compressed air into said bladder for inflating said bladder.
[0134] 4. The assembly according to any of the preceding items, comprising: a cable assembly connected to said light curing device for powering and / or cooling said light curing device.
[0135] % pull-string
[0136] 5. The assembly according to any of the preceding items, comprising: a pull-string connected to said light curing device for pulling said light curing device through said bladder.
[0137] 6. The assembly according to any of the preceding items, comprising: a single pull-string.
[0138] 7. The assembly according to any of the preceding items, comprising: a guide for guiding said pull-string.
[0139] % launcher device
[0140] 8. The assembly according to any of the preceding items, said installation device including a launcher device for supporting said bladder, said launcher device having a proximal end and a distal end opposite said proximal end, said bladder preferably being connected to said launcher device.
[0141] 9. The assembly according to any of the preceding items, said launcher device comprising an opening.
[0142] 10. The assembly according to any of the preceding items, said opening being arranged between said proximal end and said distal end of said launcher device.
[0143] 11 . The assembly according to any of the preceding items, said opening constituting an opening into said lateral pipeline when said installation device is positioned at said junction.
[0144] % launcher guide
[0145] 12. The assembly according to any of the preceding items, said launcher device comprising a guide at the edge of said opening.
[0146] 13. The assembly according to any of the preceding items, said guide being arranged such that said pull-string moving across said guide when pulling said pull-string.
[0147] 14. The assembly according to any of the preceding items, said guide comprising a plurality of wheels, such as pulley wheels.
[0148] % releasably connected to pull-string
[0149] 15. The assembly according to any of the preceding items, said pull-string being releasably connected to said light curing device at a first position, and connected to said cable assembly at a second position for pulling said light curing device into said lateral bladder before releasing said pull-string from said light curing device at said first position and pulling said installation device towards the distal end of said main bladder.
[0150] 16. The assembly according to any of the preceding items, said first position and said second position having a distance between each other measured along said pull-string, said distance preferably being at least 50 % of the distance between said opening and said distal end.
[0151] 17. The assembly according to any of the preceding items, said distance being greater than the length of said housing or frame, such as greater than 5 cm.
[0152] 18. The assembly according to any of the preceding items, said first position preferably being closer to said housing or frame than said second position.
[0153] 19. The assembly according to any of the preceding items, said first position being adjacent said LEDs.
[0154] 20. The assembly according to any of the preceding items, said second position being at said cable assembly. % releasably connected to lateral bladder
[0155] 21. The assembly according to any of the preceding items, said light curing device being releasably connected to said installation device.
[0156] 22. The assembly according to any of the preceding items, said lateral bladder having a proximal end at said junction, and a distal end opposite said proximal end.
[0157] 23. The assembly according to any of the preceding items, said light curing device being releasably connected to said distal end of said lateral bladder, and said guide preferably arranged at said distal end of said main bladder or said launcher device.
[0158] 24. The assembly according to any of the preceding items, said launcher device comprising LEDs between said opening and said distal end of said launcher device for curing said curable seal.
[0159] % releasably connected to launcher or main bladder
[0160] 25. The assembly according to any of the preceding items, said light curing device being releasably connected to said installation device at said distal end of said main bladder or said launcher device, and said guide arranged at said distal end of said lateral bladder.
[0161] % releasble connection
[0162] 26. The assembly according to any of the preceding items, said releasable connection having a release mechanism comprising a string or a transducer for converting an electric signal to said release mechanism into a mechanical or magnetic energy.
[0163] 27. The assembly according to any of the preceding items, said string being arranged for melting when said light curing device emitting electromagnetic radiation.
Claims
CLAIMS1. An assembly for sealing or relining a junction between a lateral pipeline and a main pipeline, said assembly comprising:- a seal installation device capable of moving within said main pipeline to said junction, said seal installation device including a curable seal for being placed and pressed onto said junction, a bladder including a main bladder and a lateral bladder connected to each other at a bladder junction, said main bladder including a proximal end and a distal end, a light curing device for being introduced into said seal installation device for curing said curable seal by means of electromagnetic radiation, said light curing device including a cable assembly for introducing a cooling fluid into said light curing device,- a pull-string releasably connected to said light curing device at a first position, and connected to said light curing device at a second position for pulling said light curing device into said lateral bladder before releasing said pull-string from said light curing device at said first position and pulling said seal installation device towards said distal end.
2. The assembly according to claim 1, said seal installation device including a launcher device for supporting said bladder, said launcher device having a proximal end and a distal end opposite said proximal end, said main bladder preferably being connected to said launcher device.
3. The assembly according to any of the preceding claims, said cable assembly entering into said launcher device at said proximal end, and said pull-string preferably entering into said launcher device at said proximal end.
4. The assembly according to any of the preceding claims, said releasable connection having a release mechanism comprising a string or a transducer for converting an electric signal to said release mechanism into a mechanical or magnetic energy.
5. The assembly according to any of the preceding claims, said string being arranged for melting when said light curing device is emitting electromagnetic radiation.
6. The assembly according to any of the preceding claims, said bladder comprising a guide for guiding said pull-string, said guide preferably being constituted by an eye or loop or wheel.
7. The assembly according to any of the preceding claims, said guide being arranged at the distal end of said lateral bladder.
8. The assembly according to any of the preceding claims, said light curing device comprising a housing or frame for supporting a number of LEDs, said first position preferably being at said housing or frame.
9. The assembly according to any of the preceding claims, said second position being at said cable assembly.
10. The assembly according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a single pullstring.
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