Patent · US Expired

Method and system for installing cable in pressurized pipelines

US6736156B2 · kind B2 · utility

7Cited by
43References
28Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 7, 2001
Grant dateMay 18, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 1, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T137/8158
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method of introducing a fiber optic conduit into a pressurized gas pipeline includes the step of introducing a translating member into the pressurized gas pipeline via an entry port in a first drilling nipple attached to the pressurized gas pipeline. Tools are deployed within a first pressure lock housing attached to the first drilling nipple by using a first manipulator located in the first air lock housing. The duct rod is advanced within pressurized gas pipeline by a driving mechanism, until a second drilling nipple is reached. The translating member is attached to a fiber optic conduit. The duct rod and fiber optic conduit are then pulled back or pulled forward through the pressurized gas pipeline by the driving mechanism. A conduit is installed in a gas service line, to line the cable or conduit in a natural gas main pipeline to a telecommunications panel in a building.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.