Flexible Conduit Pipe Lining Apparatus for Uninterrupted Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe lining technologies face challenges with accessing and sampling lining materials in narrow, hard-to-reach pipes like gas riser pipes, where interrupting airflow can be detrimental due to the brief gel time of lining materials, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with an elongate flexible conduit and rotatable members allows for simultaneous airflow and material delivery to the pipe, enabling convenient access to the nozzle for sampling without interrupting airflow, using a housing with an access aperture and flexible conduits to divert fluid flow independently of the pipe system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the instrument retention portion is accessed for sampling operations, then convenient access to the nozzle is achieved, but the airflow must be interrupted which is detrimental to the lining process
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into separate functional sections: a first section with the inlet and instrument retention portion, and a second section with the outlet. The flexible conduit connects these sections independently, allowing the instrument retention portion to be accessed or removed without interrupting the airflow path from inlet to outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible conduit acts as an intermediary element that provides alternative flow paths. When the instrument retention portion needs access, the flexible conduit allows airflow to bypass this section, maintaining continuous flow to the outlet while enabling sampling operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus is sealably engaged within a break in a buried domestic water pipe, then access for lining operations is achieved, but it is not practical for use with gas riser pipes located within building walls
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus incorporates flexible conduits that can adapt to different installation configurations. The flexible nature of the conduit allows the apparatus to be used in various pipe locations including gas riser pipes within building walls, where rigid connections would be impractical, while maintaining sealable engagement for lining operations.
3Ease of operation
If the nozzle is fully disconnected from the air supply pipe for sampling, then complete access to the spray head is achieved, but time is lost and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument retention portion is segmented as a separate, independently accessible component. This allows the nozzle to remain connected to the air supply through the flexible conduit while the instrument retention portion can be accessed for sampling without full disconnection, significantly reducing the time loss associated with complete disassembly.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for efficient and uninterrupted delivery of lining materials to pipes, including those with small diameters, while enabling convenient sampling operations without disrupting the airflow, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an elongate flexible conduit configured to provide a fluid flow independently of a part of the pipe system that is to be processed
Implementation Method 2
the access arrangement comprising a rotatable member in the form of a hand wheel rotatable between a first position in which the member actuates a valve and provides flow communication
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
Figure 4
AI summary
Apparatus (100) for the delivery of material to a pipe is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an inlet (104) configured, in use, to receive a fluid flow, an outlet (112) configured, in use, to deliver the fluid flow to a pipe and an instrument receiving location (124) for, in use, receiving at least part of an instrument (128). The apparatus further comprises an access arrangement (110, 122, 133) for, in use, selectively providing or preventing access to the instrument receiving location (124), wherein the inlet and/or the instrument receiving location is configured, in use, to be connected to at least one elongate flexible conduit.