Systems and methods for installation inspection in pipeline rehabilitation
US7669614B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 21, 2007 |
| Grant date | Mar 2, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 17, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L2101/30
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for pipeline rehabilitation grout coverage inspection according to embodiments of the present invention includes installing a tubular liner within a pipeline by filling a space between the tubular liner and the pipeline with grout, creating a heat transfer across the tubular liner, and observing an inside of the tubular liner with an infrared camera to detect an infrared signal differential between areas of the tubular liner in contact with the grout and areas of the tubular liner not in contact with the grout. Observing and inspecting the inside of the tubular liner may be accomplished simultaneously with rounding of the liner and smoothing of the grout by harnessing an infrared camera to a swab and advancing the swab with chilled compressed air to cool the liner, according to embodiments of the present invention.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.