Patent ID: 9175798
Filing Date: 2015-11-03
Classification: E03F,F16L

Abstract:
1. A method for refurbishing an existing pipe, the method comprising the steps of, in sequence: (a) providing an existing host pipe, the host pipe having a length, the host pipe further having an interior wall with a known unobstructed internal diameter; (b) making a longitudinal cut through the interior wall along the length of the host pipe; (c) providing an expansion tool having expansion and retraction modes, the expansion tool adapted to generate isolated outward radial force when in expansion mode; (d) moving the expansion tool along a path inside the host pipe, the path having stations at which the expansion tool stops; (e) expanding the host pipe during step (d), step (e) further including, at each station: (f) withdrawing the expansion tool from the host pipe; (g) inserting a rigid liner pipe inside the host pipe, the liner pipe having a rigid tubular profile prior to insertion and deployed to operationally replace the host pipe, an annular space created between the liner pipe and host pipe when the liner pipe is inserted inside the host pipe; and (h) at least partially filling the annular space with grout.