Patent ID: 6792820
Filing Date: 2004-09-21
Classification: E03F,F16L

Abstract:
A method of replacing an existing underground pipe using a boring machine that advances a drill string of hollow rods through the pipe, comprising the steps of:(a) mounting a rotary cleaning tool on a distal end of the drill string; (b) using the boring machine to advance the drill string and cleaning tool through the underground pipe, the boring machine rotating the drill string and cleaning tool such that the cleaning tool rotates against the inside surface of the pipe in order to clean the inside of the pipe; (c) flushing debris loosened by the cleaning tool from the pipe using a pressure fluid; (d) removing the cleaning tool from the drill string and mounting a camera assembly on the distal end of the drill string; (e) moving the camera and drill string through the underground pipe with the boring machine and inspecting the inside surface of the pipe with the camera; (f) removing the camera from the drill string and replacing it with a pipe destroying apparatus; (g) moving the pipe destroying apparatus through the pipe to destroy the existing pipe; and (h) installing a replacement pipe along the same line as the destroyed existing pipe.