Pipe lining preparation assembly

An example sewer preparation from the main (PFM) device provides for the inspection and preparation of the sewer pipe from the main sewer pipe. The PFM device provides for the insertion of one or more individual and separately controllable tools into the sewer pipe. The tools include a clean out tool and a camera.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure generally relates to a device for preparing and measuring a sewer pipe prior to installation of a cured in place pipe lining.

A cured in place pipe lining method utilizes a resin soaked liner that is installed within a sewer. The resin soaked liner is forced against the inner walls of a sewer with fluid or mechanical pressure until cured. Once cured the liner becomes a new pipe within the original pipe. The resin soaked liner is custom tailored to the particular sewer pipe to match diameter and length requirements. Accordingly, prior to installation, the old sewer pipe is cleaned and measured. Cleaning can require cutting away debris such as roots and other accumulations that impede desired fluid flow. Measurements such as the pipe diameter are required for the entire desired length of lining. Further, in many instances a video inspection of the sewer is required to contrast the original and repaired state of the sewer pipe.

Cleaning, measuring and videoing the interior of a sewer pipe are complicated due to the confined environment and limited accessibility. In many instances a service lateral pipe leading from a building or home into a larger main sewer pipe is the pipe in most need of repair. However, such sewer pipe connections can be the most difficult to access. Access is typically available from the main sewer pipe, and from the home or building. It is undesirable to access through the home, and difficult to gain access through the main. In some instances, a secondary pipe referred to as a clean out is installed to provide access to the lateral sewer pipe. This is also undesirable as installation of a clean out often requires digging in a home owner's front yard at additional cost and time.

SUMMARY

A disclosed sewer preparation from the main (PFM) device provides for the inspection and preparation of the sewer pipe from the main sewer pipe. The PFM device provides for the insertion of one or more individual and separately controllable tools into the sewer pipe. The tools include a clean out tool and a camera. Each of the tools is controlled separately such that each tool can be inserted and retracted from the lateral as desired.

The PFM device is controlled through support lines that originate from a support vehicle. The PFM device is moved into place by a tow machine that includes camera that is controlled from the support vehicle. The support vehicle includes equipment to control movement of the tools and for viewing images provided by the camera. The control conduits and support lines include hydraulic conduits, water hoses, electrical communication conduits along with any other required control, or supply lines that are required to operate the tools.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIG. 1, an example sewer system is schematically shown and includes several service lateral sewer pipes14that lead into one common main sewer pipe10. Access to the main pipe10is provided through a manhole12. Each of the laterals14lead to a residence or building. One method of repairing aged sewer lines requires digging and replacement. A less intrusive method referred to as a cured in place pipe (CIPP) method that utilizes a resin impregnated liner that is inserted and held in place until cured to form a new pipe within the old pipe. The use of the CIPP method does not require excavation and is therefore preferred for many repairs. However, the sewer pipes must be clear of debris and other intrusions such as plant roots that clog and constrict fluid flow.

A disclosed example preparation from the main (PFM) device16provides for the inspection and preparation of the lateral sewer pipe14from the main sewer pipe10. The example PFM device16provides for the insertion of one or more individual and separately controllable tools18into the lateral sewer pipe14. The example tools18include a clean out tool20and a camera22. Each of the tools20,22are controlled separately such that each tool can be inserted into the lateral14as desired.

The PFM device16is controlled through support lines generally indicated at24that originate from a support vehicle26. Further, the PFM device16is moved into place by a tow machine25that includes camera15. The example to machine25can be controlled from within the support vehicle26, or by another remotely located control device. The support vehicle26includes equipment to control movement of the tools and for viewing images provided by the camera22. The support lines24include hydraulic conduits, water hoses, electrical communication conduits along with any other required control, or supply lines that are required to operate the tools18.

As appreciated, although the disclosed example PFM device16relies on a tow machine25, it is within the contemplation of this disclosure to include a drive system as part of the PFM device16such that is self-propelled. In such an example device, the PFM device16would include a drive system for moving through the main pipe10. The drive system (not shown) would be controlled by an operating within the support vehicle26. Moreover, the PFM device16could also be dragged into place by a winch system that pulls the PFM through the main10to a desired position. In both the self-powered and the winch positioned systems, the positioning camera15would be supported on the PFM device16to provide images utilized to indicate a position and align the PFM device16with a lateral14.

Referring toFIG. 2, the example PFM device16includes multiple driver modules28for moving each of the tools18within the sewer pipe14. Each of the driver modules28drive one of the tools18that is stored in a launch head35. In this example, four driver modules28are shown and four separate tools18are operable from the PFM10.

In this description, when referring to all of the driver modules the reference numeral28will be utilized and when referring to specific one of the driver modules28, the appropriate reference numeral28A,28B,28C, and28D will be utilized. Moreover, corresponding features in each of the driver modules28will also be referred to generally by the reference number without a letter, and to a specific feature corresponding with the letter corresponding to that driver module28.

The launch head35is coupled to the front of the driver modules28and includes a snout30. The snout30is mounted to a rotatable collar32. A hydraulic motor34drives rotation of the collar32to position an opening36in the snout30with the opening of the lateral sewer pipe14.

The launch head35includes an interior space36where the tools18are stored when not in use. The snout30defines a passage through which the tools18exit the launcher head35and move through the lateral14.

The launch head35and each of the modules28are linked together by couplings38. The couplings38provide a flexible connection between each of the driver modules28and the launcher head35. The flexible connection provided by the couplings38provides articulating relative movement between each of the driver modules28and the launcher head35. The resulting articulating movement aids in moving the PFM device16through the manhole12and into position within the main sewer pipe10.

Referring toFIG. 3with continued reference toFIG. 2, the tools18are attached to an end of a corresponding cable or hose that runs through each of the proceeding driver modules28and back to the support vehicle26. In this example, the tools18include a first water powered tool20, a first camera22, a second water powered tool40and a second camera42. Each of the water powered tools20and40are attached to the end of a corresponding water hose56. Each of the cameras22,42are attached to the end of a cable58including the required electrical connections to illuminate the interior of the sewer pipe14and to transmit images back to a display within the support vehicle26. The specific configuration of the water tools20,40is determined by the application specific requirements.

A drive assembly44is mounted within each of the driver modules28for driving each of the hoses56and cables58thereby driving the tools18out through the snout30and into the sewer pipe14. The drive assembly44includes drive wheels46that are driven by a motor48. The example motor48is hydraulically driven. Accordingly, the control cables24leading into the support vehicle26include hydraulic lines that supply a pressurized flow of hydraulic fluid to each of the motors48. Each of the hoses56and cables58are threaded through a corresponding set of the drive wheels46within one of the driver modules28. In other words, each of the water hoses26runs through one set of drive wheels46. For example, one water hose56runs through the driver wheels in the first module28A and a second water hose run through the driver wheels46in the second driver module28B. The first cable58runs through driver wheels in the third driver module28C and the second cable58runs through driver wheels in the fourth driver module28D.

Referring toFIG. 4with continued reference toFIG. 3, the hoses56and cables58are routed through a guide bracket60mounted adjacent each drive assembly44. The guide bracket60routes each of the houses56and cables58through each of the driver modules28such that each one is routed through a set of driver wheels46. The hose56or cable58that is not being driven by that specific driver module28move beside the driver wheels46through corresponding openings in the guide bracket60.

FIG. 4shows the third driver module28C that drives the cable58′. The remaining hoses56,56′ and cable58are guided through the guide bracket60C next to the driver wheels44through the third driver module28C toward the launcher head35. Once through the third driver module28C, the cable58′ driven in the third driver module28C is routed such that it extends through an opening in the guide bracket60of the next driver module such that it is not routed through the next drive assembly. Another of the hoses56or cables58is then routed through the drive assembly of the next driver module that in this example is the driver module28B. Accordingly, each of the hoses56and cables58are subsequently guided through drive wheels46of one of the driver modules28.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, each of the driver modules28includes a cylindrical housing having an upper case54and a lower case52. The upper case54is removable to provide access to the drive assembly44mounted within the driver module28. Skids50extend from the upper and lower cases52,54and provide for supporting of each of the drive modules28within the main sewer10. The length that the skids50extend form the driver module28is adapted to the inner diameter of the main sewer10.

Referring toFIGS. 5 and 6, each of the drive assemblies44include an upper and lower housing74,76that each support shafts68that support drive wheels64. The drive wheels64include a concave shape such that two drive wheels64placed adjacent each other form an opening66for a cable58or hose56. The opening66is sized to provide a frictional fit with the corresponding hose56and cable58. In other words, the drive wheels66include a shape that forms the opening66of a size that corresponds with the outer diameter of the hose56or cable58that that specific drive assembly44is intended to drive.

The drive wheels66include a corresponding gear60that is driven by a worm shaft62. The worm shaft62is in turn driven by the motor48. The example motor48is hydraulically driven and therefore receives an input of pressurized hydraulic fluid from a source supported in the support vehicle26. Adjusting the direction and magnitude of fluid flow to the motor48changes the speed and direction in which the drive wheels rotate64. This in turn drives the hose56or cable58and thereby the tool18that corresponds to that hose56or cable58out of through the snout30.

The upper drive wheels64are supported in an upper housing74and a lower housing72. The drive wheels64within the upper housing are locked in place by a cam lock70. The cam lock70provides for lifting of the drive wheels64in the upper housing74away from the drive wheels64in the lower housing76to provide for installation and routing of the desired hose or cable through the drive assembly44. Once locked on place the cam lock70provides a positive lock to maintain the desired frictional interface with the corresponding cable or hose. Each of the drive assemblies44are similarly constructed, but for the shape of the drive wheels64. The shape of the drive wheels64is tailored to the outer diameter and shape of the specific driven hose or cable.

Each set of drive wheels64are disposed in a common housing72. Each common housing72includes a corresponding one of the upper and lower housings74and76. Each housing72is separate and removable from the other common housings72. In this example, there are three housings72provided that are each driven by the same worm shaft62. However, the modular construction of the common housings72provide adaptability such as using two or four or any number of common housings72as may be desired. The number of housings72could be adjusted to provide additional friction on the hose or cable as may be required for driving each of the tools through the sewer14.

Rotation of the driven wheels64moves the hose or cable that is fit therebetween. Accordingly, each of the tools18is driven out of the snout30by a corresponding one of the drive assemblies44. Rotation of the drive wheels64causes a corresponding linear movement of the hose or cable from the snout30and into the lateral sewer pipe14. The extent that the specific tool18can be driven into the lateral sewer pipe14is limited only by the length of the hose or cable.

The disclosed example tools18include the water devices20,40for clearing and/or cutting debris within the sewer14and cameras22,42for viewing the interior surface and condition of the sewer pipe14. The specific water tools22,24can include any known type or configuration that is utilized for cleaning and clearing debris from within a sewer pipe. The cameras22,42include a light to illuminate the interior of the sewer pipe and the camera itself to transmit images to a display within the support vehicle.

Operation of the PFM device10can be in any desired sequence as each of the tools18are individually controllable by actuating the corresponding drive assembly44. For example, the water tool22can be sent into the lateral along with the first camera22. The length or extend that each is sent into the lateral14can be different and controlled from within the support vehicle26by controlling the corresponding hydraulic motor48.

The water tool20can then be withdrawn, leaving the camera22within the lateral14. The second water tool40can then be extended into the sewer14past the camera22to further clear debris. As appreciated, the individual control of each of the drive assemblies44in each of the different drive modules28provides control over the order of operation and the extent that each tool is sent into the lateral. Moreover, although water tools and cameras are shown by way of example, other tools such as measuring tools could also be utilized and operated with the example PFM device10.

Once a lateral sewer14is cleaned as desired, a measurement is required to provide dimensions such as inner diameter and length for fabrication of an appropriate liner. The measurement of the inner diameter is required because in some instances diameters change and vary over the length of the lateral sewer pipe14. A measuring tool could be included in the PFM device16or a separate measurement device could be utilized. If a measurement tool is provided in the PFM device16, measurements of the pipe diameter and length can be determined without removing the PFM device16, thereby saving time and man hours.

Referring toFIG. 7, a measure from the main (MFM) device78that includes a launch head35′ coupled to a driver module28. An inspection tool80is stored within the launch head35′ and includes a camera and light82at a forward most end and a measurement head90spaced apart and connected to the camera and light82by a resilient member84. The example resilient member84is a spring that provides for flexibility that allows guiding through bends in the sewer pipe, while biasing the camera and light82into alignment with the measurement head90. The measurement head90includes fingers86that expand outward radially into contact with the inner walls of the sewer pipe14. The distance that the fingers86expand radially outward corresponds to the inner diameter of the measured sewer pipe14.

The MFM device78includes only a single drive module28because only the measurement tool80is present. However, if additional measurement tools or other tools are desired, additional driver modules28could be added. The driver module28drives the cable88that includes the required electrical connections to the camera and light82and the measurement head90such that images and data are communicated to the support vehicle26.

In operation, once the PFM device16has completed the preparation work in the lateral sewer pipe14and is subsequently removed or moved clear of the lateral, the MFM device78is inserted and pulled into alignment with the opening of the lateral pipe to be measured. The snout30is rotated into alignment and the drive assembly44of the driver module28drives the cable88, and thereby the measurement tool80into the lateral sewer pipe14.

The fingers86extend into contact with an interior portion of the lateral sewer pipe14and transmit data indicative of an inner diameter of the sewer pipe14. The position of the measurement head90is also noted to correspond to the measurement of the inner diameter of the lateral sewer pipe14. The resulting data provides a layout of the diameters along the entire lateral sewer pipe14. Once the desired measurements have been obtained, the measurement tool80is retracted into the launch head35, and the MFM device78is retrieved from the main sewer pipe10.

Referring toFIGS. 8-11, the support vehicle26includes all the support equipment required to control both the PFM device16and the MFM device78. The example support vehicle26includes a PFM side92, a MFM side94and a control console104. A generator/pump102is mounted to the support vehicle26to power the electrical devices and to provide the required hydraulic pressure desired to operate the drive assemblies44. Moreover, the support vehicle26includes tanks1-5for storing water, and the necessary hydraulic fluid. Water may also be routed through the support vehicle from an external source.

Hydraulic hose reels96are provided that hold the hoses that supply hydraulic fluid to the motors48of the driver modules. Each of the example hose reels96hold a banded5conduit hose. Accordingly, the PFM device16receives two of the banded5conduit hoses from two corresponding reels96to provide 10 overall hydraulic conduits to supply controllable hydraulic fluid flow to each of the four drive assemblies44and the motor34driving rotation of the snout32. The MFM device78requires only one banded5conduit hose to drive the one drive assembly44and the motor34for rotating the snout30.

Mounted over the hose reels96are water hose reels100and camera cable hose reels98. The example PFM side92includes two water hose reels100for each of the water tools20and40, and two cable reels98that include cable to communicate with the cameras22and42. The MFM side94includes only a cable reel98that provides communication with the measurement tool80.

Each of the reels96,98, and100can be driven by a motor to both feed out cable and hose and retrieve cable and hose as required during operation. Each of the reels96,98, and100may also freely rotate to allow the corresponding drive assembly44to move the corresponding tool within the sewer pipe14. Further, each reel96,98and100can be driven in a synchronized manner with the motor48. Each of the reels96,98, and100also include a sensor106that provides data indicative of the amount of cable or hose that has been played out from the reel. The data from the sensor106provides information on the distance within the sewer pipe14that a corresponding one of the tools18has been extended. Accordingly, using the extended distance from a known location, the distance of a tool from the snout30, or any location within the sewer pipe14can be determined.

The control console104includes a display108and control devices for controlling hydraulic pressure, water pressure, and operation of the lights and cameras for each of the tools18. The control console104also includes controls that coordinate operation of the reels96,98and100. Moreover, the display108is utilized to provide a visual representation of the controls for both the PFM device16and the MFM device78, and to project images obtained from the various cameras. Therefore, support vehicle26includes the controls required to operate and receive data from the PFM device16and the MFM device78.

The disclosed example PFM device16and MFM device78provide separately controllable equipment for preparing the lateral sewer pipe for lining entirely from the main sewer pipe.