Pipe Liner Re-flaring Compression Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a non-invasive, cost-effective method to repair damaged lined pipes, particularly those with Neofit®+ Plus Liner, that allows for seamless fluid-tight connections without exposing fluids to toxic pipe materials, and can be applied to various pipe diameters and materials like lead, steel, and copper, while minimizing flow rate disruption.
Innovation Solution
A pipe liner re-flaring system and method using a compression coupling with a pipe liner expansion tool and flaring tool to radially expand and flare the pipe liner, ensuring fluid-tight contact and preventing leakage, which involves cutting open a section of the pipe, expanding the liner within a compression coupling, and flaring the liner to accommodate a second pipe for secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a damaged section of lined pipe is cut out and replaced with a new pipe section, then the damaged pipe is repaired and fluid leakage is stopped, but the pipe liner must be removed and reinstalled which is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the damaged section of the pipe while preserving the existing pipe liner at the connection ends. By removing merely the compromised portion and not the entire lined assembly, the repair process becomes simpler and faster while maintaining the integrity of the pipe liner for fluid-tight connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe liner is pre-installed on the pipe sections before the actual connection is made. This preliminary action allows the liner to be in place and ready to provide fluid-tight sealing when the pipes are joined, eliminating the need to install the liner after the complex connection process.
2Ease of repair
If the pipe liner is removed and reinstalled during repair, then the replacement pipe can be connected, but the risk of fluid contamination increases during the reinstallation process
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the damaged pipe section while leaving the pipe liner intact at the connection ends. This approach eliminates the need to remove and reinstall the liner, thereby maintaining fluid-tight barriers and preventing contamination throughout the repair process.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing pipe liner serves as a pre-established protective barrier that cushions against potential fluid contamination during the repair process. By preserving the liner at the connection ends, the system maintains its protective function throughout the replacement pipe installation.
3Reliability
If traditional pipe replacement methods are used, then damaged sections can be repaired, but excavation and demolition of property are required which is invasive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the repair process to affect only the damaged portion of the pipe while leaving the surrounding infrastructure intact. This localized approach allows repair without excavation or demolition, making the process non-invasive and cost-effective while maintaining repair effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The repair method applies local quality changes by modifying only the damaged section of the pipe. The pipe liner is preserved at the connection ends while the damaged portion is replaced, creating a localized repair that avoids the need for extensive excavation and property demolition.
4Ease of manufacture
If the pipe liner is not expanded into contact with the compression coupling interior, then installation is simpler, but fluid leakage occurs between the liner and coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe liner is designed to be dynamically expandable from a smaller initial diameter to a larger final diameter that contacts the compression coupling interior. This dynamic expansion ensures a fluid-tight seal is achieved during installation while maintaining relative simplicity in the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of the pipe liner diameter during installation. The liner is expanded from its original diameter to a larger diameter that creates contact with the compression coupling interior, establishing a fluid-tight seal without complicating the installation process.
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
The system enables efficient, non-invasive repair of lined pipes by ensuring fluid-tight connections and preventing contamination, maintaining minimal disruption to fluid flow rates, and being applicable to a range of pipe diameters and materials.
Implementation Method 1
a pipe liner expansion tool adapted to radially expand the first portion of the pipe liner into contact with the inner surface of the compression coupling to prevent leakage
Implementation Method 2
a pipe liner flaring tool adapted to radially flare the open end of the pipe liner to facilitate direct contact between the second open end of the second pipe and the first open end of the pipe liner
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe liner re-flaring system and method for use with a water pipe containing a pipe liner. The pipe liner re-flaring system and method generally include a compression coupling comprising a pair of female compression fittings and a dual ended male compression fitting connected between the female compression fittings. The female compression fittings are adapted to fit over and secure the lined water pipe and a second pipe to be joined with open ends of the pipe liner and the pipe to be joined in direct contact within the male compression fitting. A pipe liner expansion tool and a pipe liner flaring tool are used to expand and re-flare the open end of the pipe liner so that the pipe liner is in contact with an inner wall of the compression coupling to prevent leakage and contact between fluids flowing in the pipes and the material of the pipes and compression coupling.