Method of enhancing pipes

Abstract: A method for replacing an existing service pipe carrying fluid to an outlet within a property with a replacement service pipe, the method comprising disconnecting within the property the outlet from the existing service pipe in such a way that both during and after disconnection fluid is prevented from escaping into the property, feeding into the existing service pipe a desired length of a replacement pipe 18 in such a way that during and after the feeding step fluid is prevented from escaping into the property, connecting the outlet to the outlet end of the replacement pipe in such a way that during the connection fluid is prevented from escaping into the property, after connection allowing fluid to pass to the outlet solely by way of the replacement pipe and after the replacement pipe has been fed into the existing pipe, injecting a sealant e.g. through nozzle (78) between the replacement and existing pipes up to a point adjacent to the leading end of the replacement pipe.

Description: The invention relates to a method for enhancing pipes, particularly service pipes for example by restoring to non-leak capability an existing service pipe without removing same. Service pipes are often used to connect a main supply of say a fluid such as gas to a property for example a domestic dwelling. Sometimes these existing service pipes begin to leak or otherwise become in need of repair. Since these existing service pipes are often underground, it can be a costly, time-consuming and environmentally objectional operation to locate the pipe, excavate round it and effect necessary repairs. Moreover as the work is carried out externally of the pipe it is generally necessary to cut off supply at the main, which can mean that a series of dwellings can be inconvenienced as one main may supply existing service pipes leading to several dwellings. Moreover excavation can inconvenience the general public as excavation might well have to take place outside the boundary of the property affected by the need to repair/renovate the particular existing service pipe. Moreover, the occupier of the affected dwelling can be doubly inconvenienced in that apart from external disturbance, he or she has to suffer additional disturbance inside the dwelling when any replacement service pipe is connected to any meter in the dwelling. US 4377945 discloses a system whereby a replacement line for an underground gas service line is installed from a building basement without need for excavation and has a tightenable adapter attached on each end of the replacement line to connect and seal the replacement line to the interior of the service line. Each adapter provides a pair of spaced-apart sealing gaskets between the replacement and service lines and a gas-leakage passageway extending from the interior of the replacement line adapter tot he exterior spacing between the gasket pair. The gaskets are expended when the service line is in position to seal the replacement line to the interior of the service line. US 3294121 discloses a method for lining a leaky pipe in which a piece of copper tubing is inserted into a piece of plastic tubing adapted to form a liner for the pipe, fastening an expander tool to the leading end of the copper tubing and an expansible sleeve to the leading end of the plastic tubing, inserting the expander tool into the sleeve, inserting the leading end of the plastic tubing into the pipe a desired distance, supplying fluid under pressure through the copper tubing to the tool to cause the sleeve to expand and engage the inner wall of the pipe, removing the pressure on the fluid in the copper tubing, forming a seal between the other end of the plastic tubing and the inner wall of the pipe and withdrawing the copper tubing from the plastic tubing. According to the present invention there is provided a method for replacing an existing service pipe carrying fluid to an outlet within a property with a replacement service pipe, the method comprising disconnecting within the property the outlet from the existing service pipe in such a way that both during and after disconnection fluid is prevented from escaping into the property, feeding into the existing service pipe a desired length of a replacement pipe in such a way that during and after the feeding step fluid is prevented from escaping into the property, connecting the outlet to the outlet end of the replacement pipe in such a way that during the connection fluid is prevented from escaping into the property, after connection allowing fluid to pass to the outlet solely by way of the replacement pipe, the fluid being prevented from entering the property by way of the existing pipe during and after the feeding step by providing a seal between the replacement pipe and the existing pipe which seal moves with the replacement pipe during the feeding step. Embodiments of the invention are hereinafter described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic view of a property to be fitted with a replacement service pipe usign the method according to the invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of an obturating device for use in the method according to the invention, one operating mode being shown in full lines and a second in dashed lines; Figure 3 is an enlarged side elevational view of a pipe/metre system used in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a side elevational view of a first step in the method of replacing an existing service pipe in the system of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a schematic view, partly in section of a second step in the method; Figure 6 is a schematic view, partly in section of a third step in the method; Figure 7 is a side view of one form of a seal to be used with a replacement service pipe in the method of the present invention; Figure 8 is a front view of the seal shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 is a sectional view along lines X-IX of Figure 8 taken from above and to one side of the seal; Figure 10 shows the seal after attachment to the leading end of a replacement gas service pipe and about to be inserted into one end of the existing gas service pipe; Figure 11 shows a side view in section of a seal with the membrane at the rear end of the seal; Figure 12 shows a side view of another form of the seal, and Figures 13 to 22 show sequentially the steps in another version of the method, some Figures being partially in cross-section. Referring to the Figures, there is shown a method for replacing an existing service pipe inlet 1 carrying fluid such as gas to an outlet within a property such as a domestic dwelling "A", Fig. 1, with a replacement service pipe for the fluid. The existing service pipe 1 has an inlet 2 connected with a main supply which supplies a service such as, in the embodiment, gas, into the dwelling "A". The existing service pipe inlet 2 is connected via an elbow 3, riser 4, meter valve 5, gas meter 6 to an outlet pipe 7 in the dwelling, the meter 6 in the embodiment being positioned internally of the dwelling "A", usually adjacent a boundary wall where the riser 4 enters the dwelling. The pipe 7 is connected with the meter outlet by a further elbow 8. In order to replace the existing service pipe 2 carrying gas to the outlet pipe 6 within the property with a replacement gas service pipe, the gas meter 6 is closed to the flow of gas by turning the meter valve 5 from the "on or open" to the "off or closed" positions (respectively shown in Figures 3 and 4). The meter 6 is then disconnected from the meter valve 5 by unscrewing the meter inlet from the valve outlet pipe 9. A known type gland 10, which has one or more internal annular seals 11, is then connected to the valve outlet 9, the gland 10 being mounted on an internal obturating or bore blocking device 12 (Figure 2) which is inserted into the gland 10 (Figure 5). One particular form of device will now be described but it will be appreciated that other conventional types of obturating devices can be used with the method. The internal obturating device 12 comprises a flexible tube 13 made from a suitable material such as pvc lined with a resilient lining such as an elongate steel coil spring 14 whereby the device 12 may be drawn round bends without collapsing or kinking of the tube 13. Adjacent the in use leading end of the device 12 there is an inflatable part in the form of an inflatable rubber bag 15 which is inflated on passage of fluid such as air passed down the tube 13 through a non-return valve from a source (not shown) of air under pressure to which the device is connected by a connector 16. There is internally of the tube 13 and extending from the upstream to the downstream side of the bag 15 an elongate flexible element which in use prevents the bag 15 from folding over when deflated. The device 12 also has a rotatable member such as a nylon ball 16 mounted on a pivot and positioned adjacent, or in the embodiment illustrated, at the leading or downstream end of the device 12, as considered in use. The ball 16 guides the device 12 as the tube 13 is pushed into the existing service pipe inlet 2 through the valve 5 after the valve 5 has been opened, as shown in Figure 5. There is a further member 17 in the form of a nylon ball upstream of bag 15, which further ball 17 serves to prevent snagging of the device 12 on internal obstructions such as corners in the pipe 2. In use, the device 12 is fed through the valve 5 when the valve is open with the ball 16a leading until it reaches a desired position in the existing service pipe 2 as shown by the length of tube 13 fed in and the bag 15 is inflated so that it temporarily but completely blocks the interior cross-section of the existing service pipe 2 by impinging for 360° on the internal surface thereof. The annular seal of the gland 10 which may be of rubber or similar flexible material is defined by a wall 11 surrounding an aperture which wall engages with the outer surface of the flexible tube 13 of the obturating device 12 in use so as to obstruct gas flow along the annulus formed between the inner wall of the existing service pipe 2 and the outer wall of the flexible tube 13. The gland seal 11 in use seals against the outer wall of a replacement or auxiliary service pipe 18 (Figure 9) to obstruct gas flow along the annulus formed between the inner wall of the existing service pipe 2 and the outer wall of the auxiliary service pipe 18. The gland 10 is also of the type which prevents the escape of gas when there is nothing inserted into the gland i.e. the gland seal or seals are arranged so as at rest to seal off the end of the existing service pipe. Reverting now to the sequence of operations of the method, the obturating device 12 having been inserted and its bag 15 inflated as shown in Figure 6, the gland 10, gas meter valve 5, elbow 3 and riser 4 are removed from the existing service pipe 2. Thus it is not necessary to effect the removal of these items by turning off the gas supply at the main. Referring to Figures 7 to 9 the seal 50 for use in the method, may be a moulding of a synthetic resin material such as polyethylene, and comprises a tubular body 51 having a rear portion 52 for insertion into the leading end of the replacement gas service pipe 18 and a front portion 54. The rear portion 52 is provided with several circumferentially arranged tooth-like elements 55 serving to engage and grip the internal wall of the replacement pipe 18 when the portion 52 is push-fitted into the leading end of that pipe. The external diameter of the portion 52 is so selected that, in use, the portion 52 forms a gas--tight fit with the internal wall of the replacement pipe 22 as shown in Figure 22. In use, however the outer surface of the rear portion 52 may be coated with a suitable settable adhesive so that the portion 52 adheres firmly to the internal wall of the replacement pipe 18 upon insertion thereinto. The replacement pipe 18 itself is also made of a synthetic resin material preferably polyethylene, so allowing the seal to be heat fused onto the replacement pipe 18 as an alternative to adhesive. The front portion 54 comprises several spaced annular vanes 56 to 60 which are generally radially directed and disposed at a spacing from each other along the outer wall of the seal. As shown the diameter of the vanes increases in the direction from the front end of the seal to the point at which the rear portion 52 of the seal begins. The rearmost vane 60 forms an abuttment for the circumferential front edge of the replacement pipe 18 as shown in Figure 22. In use, one or more and preferably all the vanes are so dimensioned as to provide a barrier to the flow of gas along any annular gap which would, in use, upon insertion of the seal be formed between the body 52 of the seal and the internal wall of the existing gas service pipe. The seal is also provided at its front end with a membrane 62 closing off the bore of the seal body 52, wherein in use to prevent the flow of gas into and through the body 52 of the seal until the membrane is punctured, detached or broken in some way. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11 the membrane 62 is located at the rear end of the seal otherwise the seal is similar in form to that previously described. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the front portion 54 of the seal has a thicker wall 63 than that shown in Figures 7 to 11 so that there is formed between the front and rear portions an annular shoulder 64 rearwardly of the last of the vanes 60. Because of this the radial extent of the vanes 56 to 60 in the seal in Figure 12 is foreshortened in comparison to the radial extent of the vanes in the seal in Figures 7 to 11 so that the overall radial dimension of area bounded by each vane remains unchanged. In addition extending radially through the wall of the front portion 54 of the seal at a point disposed between the last vane 60 and the shoulder 64 is an aperture 65 for purposes to be described subsequently. In use, as shown the front end of the replacement service pipe 18 is caused to abut against the shoulder 64. After the rear portion 52 of the seal has been push fitted onto the end of the service pipe 18, the seal is heat fused thereto or is affixed thereto by adhesive. Referring now to Figures 13 to 22 following the steps of Figures 1 to 6, the gland 10 is passed back over the tube 13 of the obturating device 12 and is connected to the threaded end of the existing service pipe 2 as shown in Figure 13. The bag 15 of the obturating device 12 is now deflated and the tube 13 of the device 12 is pulled into and out of the gland 10 (Figure 14). The gland seal 11 is now closed to shut the aperture and prevent the escape of gas from the existing service pipe 2. In the next step of the method one of the types of seal 50 shown in Figures 7 to 12 is fitted to the leading end of the replacement pipe 18 as shown in Figure 15. In this Figure the seal is similar to that shown in Figure 7 but it is preferred to use one similar to that shown in Figure 12. The seal 50 is preferably heat fused to the leading end of the replacement pipe 18 but it could be affixed thereto by an adhesive if preferred. The replacement pipe 18 with the seal 50 at its leading end is then inserted into the gland 10 and is pushed through the existing service pipe 2 as far as required (Figure 16). One or more of the vanes of the seal 50 engage with the inner wall of the existing surface pipe 2 so as to provide a barrier to the flow of gas in the direction of the gland 10 along any annular gap which is, in use, upon insertion of the replacement pipe 18 formed between the external wall of the replacement pipe 18 and the internal wall of the existing service pipe 2. In addition the seal membrane prevents the flow of gas into and through the body 52 of the seal 50 and thence into the replacement pipe 18. The replacement pipe can be pushed in until it contacts a service tee, elbow or bend at the main (not shown). Alternatively the replacement pipe can be pushed until it contacts a fitting such as a polyethylene to steel transition fitting if present in the existing service pipe. In the next stage of the method, the gland 10 is disconnected from the end of existing service pipe 10 and the gland 10 is removed from the replacement pipe 18 by passing the gland 10 over it so that position shown in Figure 17 is reached. In this position the vanes on the seal and its membrane respectively prevent gas from passing into the space 70 between the existing and replacement service pipes and into and along the bore of the replacement service pipe 18. The replacement service pipe 18 is then cut to length in such a way that a portion 71 of it (Figure 17) is left protruding from the end of the existing service pipe 2. In the next stage, both the existing service pipe 2 and the replacement service pipe 18 are connected to a component known as a service head adaptor, one version 72 of which is shown in half-section in Figure 18. The service head adaptor is a two part component having a first or in Figure 18 lowermost bell shaped body 73 for connection to the threaded end of the existing service pipe 2 and a second or in Figure 18 uppermost cylindrical head 74 for connection at a lower end 75 to the adaptor body 73 and at an upper end 76 to the elbow 3 is a subsequent stage of the method. The body 73 terminates in a flared lowermost end the outer surface of which has flats 77 in an hexagonal formation for engagement with a spanner to screw the body 73 on to the existing service pipe 2. As will be seen the inner surface of the lowermost end is threaded for engagement with the threads on the outermost surface of the existing service pipe 2. Extending upwardly and at an angle from the wall of the adaptor body 73 is an injection nipple 78 for injecting a sealant into the body 73 and thence into the annular space 70 between the replacement and existing service pipes. Located above the nipple 78 and extending radially outwardly from the adaptor body 73 is a pressure vent stub pipe 79 which is externally threaded to receive a cap 80 which normally closes off the vent 79. The body 73 terminates in an uppermost portion 81 of reduced diameter compared to the lower portion 82 of the body 73, the uppermost portion 81 having an internally threaded surface for engaging with the externally threaded surface of the lower end 75 of the adaptor head 74. As will be seen the upper end 76 of adaptor head 74 is also externally threaded for engaging with the elbow 3, as will be described subsequently. In addition the ends 75,76 of adaptor head 74 are separated by a hexagonal shoulder 83 for engagement by a spanner to enable the head to be screwed into the body 73. The head 74 is provided internally with a radially inwardly projecting annular rib 84 at a position opposite to the shoulder 83, which rub 84, in use, the uppermost end of the replacement pipe 18 abuts via the flanged end 85 of a tubular copper insert 86. The tubular portion 87 of the insert is dimensioned to be a push fit within the bore of the replacement pipe 18 whereby the flanged end 85 of the insert is seated over the uppermost end face of the replacement pipe 18. When engaged with the adaptor body 73 in the manner shown in Figure 8, the head 74 forms internally therewith an annular recess serving to receive an annular sealing olive 88 of a suitable flexible material such as rubber. With the olive 88 in place screwing the head 74 into the body 73 causes the olive 88 to be compressed against the outer wall of the replacement pipe 18. This is prevented from flexing inwards by the tubular wall 87 of the insert 86. Thus there is formed between the adaptor 72 and the replacement pipe 18 a gas-tight seal. In use of the adaptor 72, first of all the body 73 is lowered over the portion 71 of the replacement pipe 18 and is then screwed onto the end of existing service pipe 2. It will be noted from Figure 30 that the adaptor body 73 is shaped to form with the replacement pipe 18 an annular chamber 89 acting as a reservoir to receive grout or sealing compound injected through the nipple 78 as will be subsequently described. Next, the sealing olive 88 is positioned within the part of the recess formed by the adaptor body 73. Then the tubular copper insert 86 is push-fitted into the end of the replacement pipe 18 until the flanged end 85 engages with the end face of the replacement pipe. Finally, the lower end 75 of the adaptor head 74 is located over the projecting end of the replacement pipe 18, there being a close fit between the internal wall of the end 74 and the external wall of the replacement pipe 18, as shown in Figure 30, and the head 74 is screwed into the adaptor body 73 until the rib 84 engages tightly with the flanged end 85 of the insert 86. At the same time the sealing olive 88 will be compressed against the wall of the replacement pipe 18 thereby providing a gas-tight seal between the adaptor and the replacement pipe. A liquid and settable sealant, such as a cement grout, foam or anaerobic sealant is injected through the nipple 78 into the chamber 89 and thence into the annular space 70 between the replacement and existing service pipes until the space is completely fitted. Sufficient sealant is injected so as completely to fill the space 70 from the seal 50 at the leading end of the replacement service pipe 18 to the chamber 89. The vanes on the seal 50 form a barrier preventing the settable sealant passing into the main to which the existing service pipe is connected. The liquid settable sealant is now allowed to set. Preferably a seal 50 similar to that shown in Figure 24 is used so that any gas or air trapped in the space 70 is expelled by the moving front of sealant through the aperture 65 and then along and out of the free end of the replacement pipe 18. After the sealant has been allowed to set, the nipple aperture is plugged, the elbow 3 is screw connected to the upper end 76 of the adaptor head, the riser 4 is reconnected to the elbow 3 and the gas meter valve 5 is reconnected to the riser 4. Preferably, an unused new gland 10 is then connected to the meter valve outlet 9. Then a membrane puncturing rod or tool 90 in inserted into the gland 10. The rod 90 (see Figure 19) is flexible and may comprise a length of steel wire sleeved in a suitable plastic such as polyethylene or pvc. The rod 90 terminates in its leading end in a point 91 which is adapted to pierce or puncture the seal membrane to permit gas to enter the replacement service pipe 18 from the existing service pipe 2. The gland 10 forms with the surface of the rod 90 a seal preventing escape of gas from the gland to atmosphere when the seal membrane is punctured. The meter valve 5 is opened and the rod 90 is pushed through the replacement pipe 18 as shown in Figure 19 until the point 91 encounters the seal membrane. Continued pushing causes the point 91 to pierce or puncture the membrane and allows gas to enter the replacement pipe 18. After the puncturing step, the rod 90 is withdrawn from the replacement pipe 18, through the elbow 3, riser 4 and meter valve 5 until its point 91 is located in the meter valve outlet 9 as shown in Figure 32. The meter valve 5 is then closed, the rod 91 is withdrawn from the gland 10 which is then disconnected from the meter valve outlet 9 so that the position shown in Figure 33 is reached. Finally, the gas meter inlet is reconnected to the meter valve outlet 9 and the meter control valve opened to supply gas to the premises (Figure 22). Both versions of the methods described provide for mounting a replacement service pipe in position in an existing service pipe, installation being permitted to take place within the dwelling but without having to turn the gas supply off at the mains. It will be understood that the method, obturator and seal described herein with reference to the drawings may be used to install a replacement service pipe in an existing service pipe carrying fluids other than domestic gas.

Claims: A method for replacing an existing service pipe (2) carrying fluid to an outlet (7) within a property with a replacement service pipe (18), the method comprising disconnecting within the property the outlet (7) from the existing service pipe (2) in such a way that both during and after disconnection fluid is prevented from escaping into the property, feeding into the existing service pipe (2) a desired length of a replacement pipe (18) in such a way that during and after the feeding step fluid is prevented from escaping into the property, connecting the outlet (7) to the outlet end of the replacement pipe (18) in such a way that during the connection fluid is prevented from escaping into the property, after connection allowing fluid to pass to the outlet (7) solely by way of the replacement pipe (18), characterised in that the fluid is prevented from entering the property by way of the existing pipe (2) during and after the feeding step by providing a seal (50) between the replacement pipe (18) and the existing pipe (2) at the leading end of the replacement pipe (18), which seal (50) moves with the replacement pipe (18) during the feeding step. A method as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that a sealant is injected between the replacement and existing pipes (2, 18) after the replacement pipe (18) has been fed into the existing pipe (2) to form a further seal independently of the other seal. A method as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the sealant is injected up to a point adjacent to the leading end of the replacement pipe (18). A method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that during and after the feeding step fluid is prevented from entering the property by way of the replacement pipe (18) by providing a temporary seal of the bore of the replacement pipe (18). A method as claimed in claim 4, characterised in that before the outlet (7) is connected to the outlet end of the replacement pipe (18), the temporary seal (50) is broken or removed without permitting fluid to enter the property. A method as claimed in any of claims 2 to 5, characterised in that the sealant is of a flowable, settable kind. A method as claimed in any of claims 2 to 6, characterised in that the sealant is injected before the outlet (7) is connected to the outlet end of the replacement pipe (18).

Inventors: ASHCROFT IAN, BENNETT ROBERT NEAL, HICKS MICHAEL, LAMB RICHARD, NIXON KEITH, PARKES ADIAN SYDNEY, SMITH JOHN PHILIP, TAYLOR JOHN, ASHCROFT, IAN, BENNETT, ROBERT NEAL, HICKS, MICHAEL, LAMB, RICHARD, NIXON, KEITH, PARKES, ADIAN SYDNEY, SMITH, JOHN PHILIP, TAYLOR, JOHN
Applicants: BRITISH GAS PLC, BG PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
Application year: 1993
Main classification: F16L55
IPC codes: F16L55, F16L7