Patent ID: 6102624
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
A method of installing a replacement pipe within an existing pipe, the method comprising the steps of advancing a sealing means along said existing pipe from one end thereof and then deploying said sealing means, once said sealing means has been advanced to a desired position, to seal against the interior surface of the existing pipe, subsequently advancing said replacement pipe along said existing pipe from one end of said existing pipe, introducing sealant material into the space between said replacement pipe and said existing pipe, and opening said sealing means, an elongate flexible guide element being used to advance said sealing means to said desired position of said sealing means, and said step of opening said sealing means comprising withdrawing said guide element, and breaking a frangible seal between said sealing means and said guide element upon withdrawal of said guide element to open said sealing means, in which said sealing means is deployed by feeding sealant into an annular space between a seal body of said sealing means and the interior surface of said existing pipe.