Parallel Water Main Replacement With Minimal Service Shutoff

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for replacing underground water mains, such as pipe bursting and horizontal directional drilling, often require shutting off water services, causing inconvenience and can damage surrounding utilities, and struggle with accuracy and surface deformation.

Innovation Solution

A method involving drilling vertical boreholes and a pilot hole adjacent to the old pipe, followed by back reaming to accommodate a new pipe that remains functional until installation, allowing for parallel placement without disrupting service.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If pipe bursting or relining is used to replace the water main, then the pipe replacement can be accomplished, but water service must be shut off causing inconvenience to customers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipe replacement efficiencyVSAvoidcustomer convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The method performs preliminary actions by installing the new pipe adjacent to and parallel with the old pipe before shutting off water service. The new pipe is positioned and prepared in advance, allowing for a smooth transition with minimal service interruption. The old pipe remains in place and functional until the new pipe is fully installed and ready to take over.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The old water main serves as an intermediary element that remains in place during the installation of the new pipe. It continues to provide water service while the new pipe is being installed adjacent to it, and then the service is transferred from the old pipe to the new pipe with minimal shutdown time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If pipe bursting is used to replace the water main, then the pipe can be replaced, but pressure in the soil causes surface deformation and damage to nearby utilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipe replacement capabilityVSAvoidsurface deformation and utility damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The method extracts the harmful effect of soil pressure by eliminating the pipe bursting process entirely. Instead of forcing the new pipe through the old pipe path using bursting pressure, the new pipe is installed adjacent to the old pipe through separately drilled holes, completely avoiding the generation of damaging soil pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The method changes the installation dimension by drilling vertical holes from the surface and installing the new pipe in a parallel adjacent position rather than through the same path. This dimensional change allows the new pipe to be installed without interfering with or damaging existing utilities and without causing surface deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If horizontal directional drilling is used to replace the water main, then the pipe can be installed at a distance, but accuracy and proper grade are difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipe installation capabilityVSAvoiddrilling accuracy and grade control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The method uses preliminary vertical drilling to create accurately positioned holes at the exact location where the new pipe needs to be installed. The vertical holes are drilled to precise depths and positions adjacent to the old pipe, establishing accurate reference points before the new pipe is installed, thereby ensuring proper alignment and grade.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If horizontal directional drilling is used to replace the water main, then the pipe can be installed, but additional surface area is required and underground fluid pressure causes road damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipe installation capabilityVSAvoidsurface area required

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The method changes from horizontal directional drilling to vertical drilling, installing the new pipe in a parallel adjacent position to the old pipe. This vertical approach eliminates the need for additional lateral surface area and avoids creating underground fluid pressure that could damage roadways, as the new pipe is installed through separate vertical holes rather than by pushing through the ground.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20240418295A1Non-disruptive underground pipe replacement process

Publication Date: 2024.12.19 DIMITROFF TED R

AI summary

A method of installing a new underground pipe adjacent an existing underground pipe begins with drilling a series of substantially vertical boreholes downwardly from the ground surface so as to expose a portion of the existing pipe. Then, a pilot stem is directionally bored in a first direction adjacent the existing pipe and intersecting the bottoms of the vertical boreholes. Next, a reamer head is pulled in an opposite direction to enlarge the pilot hole, while pulling the new pipe through the enlarged hole behind the reamer head. The new pipe extends substantially parallel and adjacent the existing pipe. When the existing pipe is a water main, water service through the existing pipe is maintained during these drilling steps, until the new pipe is installed and connected for water service. The existing pipe is retained and can be repurposed for other uses.