Apparatus for repairing pipelines
US5186215A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 7, 1991 |
| Grant date | Feb 16, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 7, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49732
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Pipeline repair and leak sealing are effected by unrolling a tube, using an inflatable mandrel disposed inside the tube, to radially expand a stretchable and circumferentially continuous gasket or sealant sleeve into flush contact with the pipeline interior. Before actuation, the tube is constrained in a rolled-up condition by a shrink-wrap sleeve of plastic film that may be sealed at its ends to an interior film sleeve in order to protect the tube against moisture. When fully expanded, the tube includes longitudinally-extending edges that overlap and are secured together by adhesive issued from a rupturable package disposed proximate one of the edges so as to be caused to burst as the edges approach overlapped positions. An outer sleeve of scrim material surrounds the tacky or gum-like gasket sleeve to facilitate handling and movement of the assembly in the pipeline. When the tube and gasket sleeve are expanded, the scrim material becomes embedded in the tacky gasket sleeve material which thereby protrudes through the scrim interstices to assure proper sealing and compression of the gasket sleeve against the pipeline interior wall.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.