Patent Description:
Pipelines are typically made of robust and heavy materials such as steel, concrete, clay or very rigid plastic. Exchanging existing pipelines is usually a costly process, especially when the pipeline is located underground, such as sewage pipelines. It is therefore preferable to renovate the defective pipeline instead of replacing it. Typically, a process called relining is used to renovate a defect pipeline, such as a leaking sewage pipeline, in which process an elongated liner is inserted into the existing pipeline. The liner is made of a flexible and resin-impregnated fiber material and shaped like a tube having approximately the same diameter as the pipeline.

The liner is allowed to cure after being inserted into the pipeline. When cured, the liner will be robust, solid and fluid-tight. The inner surface of the liner will be very smooth, i.e. have a low surface roughness. Due to the decreased roughness, the flow rate with the liner installed will typically be improved compared to the flow rate without liner, even if the liner reduces the effective flow area of the pipeline.

Eversion is the most common technology used for lining and relining existing pipelines. Eversion is made by fastening one end of the liner onto a turning head and subsequently inverting the liner into the pipeline by the use of water, steam or high-pressurized gas. UV light, visual light or hot water/steam is typically used to perform the subsequent curing of the liner in order to form a rigid and fluid tight composite wall structure on the inner surface of the pipeline.

An advantageous technology for curing a liner has been described in the international patent application <CIT>, published as <CIT>. The above mentioned patent application relates to an apparatus for curing a liner. The apparatus has a mobile and flexible "light train" having a set of LEDs (light emitting diodes), which are used to cure the liner.

A pipeline system typically comprises several pipeline intersections, forming main pipelines and branch pipelines extending from the main pipelines. Branch pipelines joining the main pipeline constitute a major problem in connection with the above technology. A branch pipelines may e.g. be used to connect a building to the pipeline system. A main pipeline often has a plurality of branch pipes along its elongation. When lining the main pipeline, the liner will block access to the branch pipe. Access to the branch pipe has to be re-established after curing the liner by cutting a hole in the liner at the position of the junction between the main pipeline and the branch pipeline. Such a hole constitutes a void in the liner at the position of the branch pipe junction, and such a void in the liner may cause problems at a later time since the fluid-tight properties of the liner are compromised at the location of the hole. There is thus a significant risk of leakage at the location of the hole.

Further, the branch pipeline often requires relining as well, i.e. the full length or a part of the length between the main pipeline and the user location, e.g. a building. It would thus be an advantage to be able to both apply a seal at the junction between the relined main pipeline and the branch pipeline, and simultaneously to reline the complete branch pipeline, or a part of the branch pipeline.

Several attempts have been made to reduce the risk of leakage. One such attempt has been described in the United States patent<CIT>, which proposes a separate installation of a seal comprising a hat-shaped liner at the transition between the main pipe and the branch pipe. The seal is put in the correct place by an inflatable bladder, and a centrally located light source is used for curing.

The further mentioned documents also relate to prior art: <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

The applicant company has a granted European patent publication number <CIT>, which discloses a method and a system for applying a resin-impregnated seal onto a junction between a branch pipe and a main pipe. The method and system involves applying a resin impregnated seal having a brim portion and a tubular portion using an inflatable ring structure having an integral radiant energy source for generating and irradiating radiant energy outwardly from the ring structure towards the brim. Further, a flexible guiding tube is used for placing the tubular part which is cured by using a separate radiation source.

The applicant company has further developed the above system and method into a general junction relining concept, which may be used in conjunction with the above patented relining system and method. The concept covers a plurality of objects, advantages and aspects which will be discussed below.

The general object according to the present invention is to provide efficient technologies for the relining of junctions between a main pipeline and a branch pipeline. It has been experienced that the seal using a brim portion and a tubular portion in some cases does not attach completely at the junction between the brim portion and the tubular portion, and that there is a risk that a void could appear there. A first object thus relates to the advantage of being able to ensure a tight fit at the junction at all times.

Using UV radiation for curing the liner constitutes a safety risk and thus the radiation sources must be handled very carefully to avoid the risk of accidental exposure to UV light. A further object relates to the possibility of avoiding having to use several radiation sources and instead being able to provide technologies for using a single light curing device for the curing of the main pipeline, the branch pipeline and the junction there between.

In connection with the "light trains" used in the prior art for moving the light sources in and out of the pipelines, the drive system, cooling system and electrical system require separate cables and wires which may be difficult to install and overview. A further object according to the present invention is to provide simple but yet effective drive system for the light curing device.

When a seal installation device is positioned at the junction between a branch pipeline and a main pipeline, it may be the case that the seal installation device is not entirely in registration with the branch pipeline. In such cases the seal will be placed somewhat off center. It is thus a further object according to the present invention to provide technologies for placing the seal at the junction with higher accuracy than previously possible.

In many cases, the relining takes place using a single access point, such as a manhole, for accessing the pipeline. In other cases a second manhole, is used for relining the main pipeline between these manholes, however, there does not exist equipment dedicated for placement of a seal onto a junction by accessing from two manholes using two winching vehicle communicating with each other. It is thus an object according to the present invention to provide technologies for relining by using two communicating vehicles positioned at opposite manholes.

It has been experienced that the cables for driving and powering the seal installation device may be quickly worn out by repeatedly rubbing against the access point, such as a manhole, of the main pipeline. Thus, a further object according to the present invention is to provide technologies for reducing the wear and tear of cables within the pipeline and at the access point.

The seals are typically put in place by the use of bladders and pressurized air. In case the distance is far between the supply of pressurized air and the bladder, it may occur that the bladder is overpressurised. It is thus a further object to provide technologies for avoiding overpressurization of the bladders of a seal installation device.

Traditionally, separate cables are used for positioning the seal installation device in the main pipeline, and for powering and controlling the seal installation device. It would be an advantage to be able to use a single cable for both purposes thus reducing the number of cables in the pipeline. Thus, it is a further object according to the present invention to provide technologies for reducing the number of cables used.

The light curing device is typically cooled by the use of compressed air as it is readily available since it is used for the other above mentioned purposes. In the prior art devices, the compressed air is led through heat sinks running straight through the light curing device. A further object according to the present invention is to provide technologies which allow for an even more efficient use of the compressed air as cooling fluid.

The seal installation device is typically coupled to a protective tube for avoiding that the bladder and/or seal is damaged. The tube should preferably be coupled easily to the seal installation device by using a coupling device. Thus, it is a further object according to the present invention to provide an easy to use but still safe coupling between the protective tube and the seal installation device.

The seal installation device and the bladder preferably have a design such that when the bladder has put the seal in place in the main pipeline and in the branch pipeline, it is possible for the light curing device to enter the seal installation device and enter both the main pipeline in the vicinity of the junction and then enter the branch pipeline in order to be able to cure the complete seal while it is held in place by the bladder. It is therefore a further object according to the present invention to provide technologies for the above purposes.

The seal is typically adhered onto the main pipeline using an adhesive which for obvious reasons is applied onto the part of the seal facing the main pipeline before the seal is cured. In order for the adhesive to adhere appropriately against the seal, it is advantageous that the seal prior to the application of the adhesive has been gelled, i. e cured to a state in which the resin is not liquid anymore, but still soft and flexible. In this way the adhesive, typically epoxy, has a stable surface for support and may create a more uniform layer between seal and pipeline for an optimal adherence. A further advantage is that the brim is kept tight against the seal installation device which eliminates the need for an additional fastening of the brim to the seal installation device. It is thus a further object to provide methods and systems for performing the gelling of the relevant parts of the seal, i.e. the brim part.

The main pipeline constitutes the pipeline, such as the sewage pipeline, which normally runs below the street and on which lateral or branch pipelines are connected, which lateral and branch pipelines connect to individual users, such as houses or the like. The main pipeline typically comprises access points such as manholes which are used for accessing the main pipeline for inspection and renovation purposes. The renovation of the junction between the main pipeline and the branch pipeline involves using a curable seal covering the parts of the main pipeline and the branch pipeline which are closest to the junction. The placement of the seal is made by a seal installation device which is capable of carrying a seal and moving into the main pipeline to the exact location of the junction. At the junction, the seal installation device optionally rotating such that the seal is pointing towards the junction and then presses the seal against the junction. Subsequently, the light curing device is moved into the seal installation device and cures the seal, thereby permanently fixating the seal to the junction in a fluid tight manner. It is a further feature to be able to reline the complete branch pipeline by using an appropriate custom made seal having a length of its cylindrical part corresponding to the complete branch pipeline.

All composite materials will during curing experience a contraction which is depending on the material properties of the composite material. In case the contraction is not taken into account, it may lead to the establishment of voids or gaps between the seal and the junction. In order to ensure that the seal attached properly to the junction and that no void is established between the seal and the junction the contraction properties of the seal may be adapted for minimizing the contraction and, where applicable, allow contraction in the directions towards the junction. In this way any gaps or voids between the pipe surfaces of the junction and the corresponding parts of the seal may be avoided. Especially, in order to avoid gaps between the inner surface of the main pipeline and the brim portion of the seal, the brim portion may be made in two layers and the layer facing the surface of the junction may be adapted to contract in the circumferential direction.

In particular, the brim portion should be manufactured to correspond to the inner surface of the main pipeline and thus it will define a straight axial direction for facing the inner surface of the main pipeline in its longitudinal direction and a curved peripheral direction perpendicular to said axial direction for facing the inner surface of the main pipeline in its peripheral direction. During curing, the brim will tend to contract and as such it is more desirable that the contraction takes place non uniformly and primarily at the outer layer of the brim in the peripheral direction since it would cause the brim to extend or widen itself towards the inner surface of the main pipeline, i.e. decrease the curvature of the brim portion and thus establish a sealing force between the brim portion and the inner surface of the main pipeline. In comparison, a uniform contraction would cause the brim to establish a gap between the brim portion and the inner surface of the main pipeline.

Alternatively or in addition to the above, the tubular part may contract in the longitudinal direction of the branch pipeline during curing which would establish a stretching force between the brim part and the tubular part. Such stretching force will allow the seal to attach properly to the junction and prevent any gap at the location of the junction.

The light curing device should have an overall dimension suitable for being introduced into the main pipeline and as well into the branch pipeline. It is used in conjunction with a seal installation device and introduced into the light curing device after the bladder has pressed the seal onto the junction. When curing the seal, the housing is moved within the seal installation device and bladder to locations adjacent the seal as the seal is pressed against the junction between the main pipeline and the branch pipeline. The seal is impregnated by a light curable resin which will harden upon exposure of light having a wavelength range adapted to the type of resin used. The cylindrical outer cover should be transparent to the wavelengths used in the curing process while protecting the light sources. The end pieces should close off the circular ends of the cylindrical outer cover.

The light sources typically produce significant amounts of heat which would cause the housing to overheat within the confined space of the seal installation device and bladder. This would not only damage the light curing device but potentially also the bladder and other parts of the seal installation device. The light sources are consequently to be cooled by a cooling fluid which cools the light sources via the inner heat sink and the outer heat sink. The chilled cooling fluid first being heated by the inner heat sink which is thermally connected to the outer heat sink but fluidly separated from the outer passage. The fluid revising chamber at the opposite end of the housing relative to the inlet allows the fluid to flow outwardly and turn back towards the first end piece and released out through the fluid outlet while being heated by the outer heat sink.

The release of the cooling fluid is thus made in essentially the same direction as the incoming cooling fluid. This is very advantageous since it avoids any release of cooling fluid into the branch pipeline which would typically be closed off by the bladder of the seal installation device. The released cooling fluid will contribute to maintaining the bladder inflated and thus limit the need of any supplementary pressurization gas during the curing of the seal. The excessive cooling fluid may e.g. be released into the main pipeline via the above mentioned overpressure valve. Further, as the cooling fluid flows in both directions along the lengths of the housing, it may be ensured that the cooling is substantially uniform along the length of the housing.

According to an aspect of the invention, the above mentioned objects and more are achieved by an apparatus for curing a liner of a pipeline, the liner including a resin which is curable by exposure to electromagnetic radiation of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, the apparatus comprising:.

The apparatus according to the present invention includes basically a housing, which defines a through-going passage for allowing a stream or cooling fluid, such as pressurized air to pass through the through-going passage for cooling the LED's, which communicate thermally with the through-going passage through the heat dissipating elements.

The through-going passage may be configured for allowing the passage of pressurized air (or another fluid as explained below), which may also in certain applications of the apparatus serve to inflate the liner, however, according to alternative embodiments the through-going passage is in a closed loop connected to a cooling source, which may e.g. supply cooled air, such as low-temperature nitrogen or simply cooled atmospheric air possibly pressurized or alternatively the closed cooling circuit communicating with the through-going passage of the housing may serve to allow the flow of a cooling liquid, such as water, or any conventionally used cooling liquid used within the cooling or refrigerator industry. The flow of cooling liquid may be generated externally by e.g. a pressurizing air compressor, a water pump or the like and/or internally by e.g. a fan or pump.

As an alternative to air or nitrogen, another inert gas may be used as fluid such as argon.

It is to be understood that the electromagnetic radiation of the specific wavelength or the specific wavelength range primarily may comprise visible light such as electromagnetic radiation within the wavelength area of approx. <NUM> - approx. <NUM>, in particular, as will be describes below, blue light of a wavelength of approx. However, the electromagnetic radiation may additionally or alternatively comprise IR such as electromagnetic radiation within the wavelength area of <NUM> - <NUM>, alternatively or additionally UV, i.e. electromagnetic radiation within the wavelength area of <NUM> - <NUM>. It is particularly preferred that the electromagnetic radiation comprises the wavelength area of <NUM> - <NUM>, such as <NUM> - <NUM>, e.g. <NUM> - <NUM>, further preferred <NUM> - <NUM>, such as <NUM> - <NUM>, or alternatively <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM> and/or <NUM> - <NUM>.

The apparatus according to the present aspect of the invention constitutes a basically self-contained unit as the housing, the pair of power supply lines together with the LED's and the through-going passage of the housing allow the unit to be simply set up by connecting the power supply lines to the power supply source, such as a DC supply source or alternatively an AC or main supply source connected to the power supply liner through a rectifying circuit and in addition the through-going passage is simply connected to the cooling fluid, such as a pressurized air generator.

Provided pressurized air or cooled air is used for cooling of the heat dissipating elements and consequently cooling of the LED's, the apparatus according to a presently preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention advantageously comprises a blower supported by said housing and connected to said pair of power supply wires for receiving electrical power therefrom and serving to enhance or generate a stream of cooling air through said through-going passage.

The housing constituting the central part of the apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention may be configured in any appropriate geometrical shape, such as a cylindrical shape, e.g. a circular cylindrical shape or a polygonal cylindrical shape. Irrespective of the actual geometrical configuration, however, in particular in connection with polygonal cylindrical shapes of the housing, the outer wall of the housing is advantageously and preferably composed of a set of curved or planar surface elements, each of said curved or planar surface elements extending longitudinally between said first and said second ends of said housing, said surface elements being of identical configuration.

According to the above-described presently preferred and advantageous embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention comprising curved or planar surface elements, the LED's are preferably arranged at the curved or planar surface elements for allowing the LED's to be positioned at a preset and specific distance from the surface of the liner, which is to be irradiated by the LED's and consequently provide a specific and predetermined electromagnetic power input to the surface area in question in order to obtain a substantially even electromagnetic power impact to the entire surface of the liner covered by the apparatus.

The heat dissipating elements serving to allow heat generated by the LED's to be dissipated for cooling the LED's may be constituted by any appropriate heat transporting elements or components, such as elaborated heat pipe systems or alternatively and preferably simply be constituted by a finned heat dissipating element, which is positioned in the above described presently preferred embodiment of the apparatus including a set of curved or planar surface elements at the opposite side of the curved or planar surface element relative to the outer surface, at which the LED's are preferably arranged. The heat dissipation elements may additionally be provided at the end surfaces of the housing. The heat dissipating elements generally serve to limit the temperature of the LED's to a temperature well below the maximum permissible temperature of the chips of the LED's, which is specified to be <NUM>.

Preferably, the temperature of the LED's should be kept well below the above maximum chip temperature of <NUM>, as the flow or stream of cooling fluid in combination with the heat dissipation elements serve to keep the temperature of the individual chips of the LED's below <NUM>. Some LEDs operate only up to <NUM>, and for those LEDs the cooling should be greater than for those LEDs that operate up to <NUM>.

The flowrate of the fluid flow for cooling the LEDs with air may be in the range <NUM> - <NUM> liter/min pr. LED depending on the LEDs, i.e. how high temperature the LEDs goes to - the lower the maximum operating temperature of an LED the higher should the flow rate be. For example with <NUM> LEDs the flow may be <NUM> liter/min (or <NUM><NUM>/min). Other rates when using pressurised air is an air flow of <NUM>-<NUM><NUM>/min. such as <NUM>-<NUM><NUM>/min. or <NUM>-<NUM><NUM>/min. or <NUM>-<NUM><NUM>/min. or <NUM>-<NUM><NUM>/min. or <NUM>-<NUM><NUM>/min. In general, the higher the efficiency of the LEDs the lower may the flow rate be.

The heat dissipation elements may preferably and advantageously be combined with a thermal shut-down system constituted by a heat detecting element detecting the temperature of the LED's or the heat dissipating elements and turning off or shutting down the LED's by disconnecting the power supply to the LED's provided a maximum safe temperature has been exceeded.

In order to maintain the apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention in a specific distance from the inner surface of the liner, which is to be irradiated by the LED's of the apparatus, the apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention may preferably comprise distance elements located at said first and second ends of the housing and maintaining the outer wall of the housing at a specific and accurate distance from the inner surface of the liner. The distance elements may according to a further embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention preferably constitute end housing components provided at said first and second ends and extending or protruding beyond said outer wall of said housing in order to prevent physical contact between the outer wall of the housing and the surface of the liner.

The innermost wall is dividing the substantially unobstructed through-going passage into an inner passage centrally located within the substantially unobstructed through-going passage and an outer passage defined between the inner wall and the innermost wall. Most advantageously, both channels may be used for providing cooling for the LED's. In this way, the cooling efficiency may be increased since two separate flows of cooling fluid may be established, thereby optimizing the cooling effect. Alternatively, only one of the passages is used for cooling and the other is closed off. For example, the inner passage may be closed off and all cooling fluid may be caused to pass through the outer passage closer to the LED's, allowing more cooling fluid to pass adjacent the heat dissipating elements closer to the LED's.

Preferably, the light sources may emit light primarily within the visual spectrum, such as blue light. UV light may also be used, however, the drawbacks using UV is that it is hazardous and invisible to the human eye. Thus, blue light is overall preferred since it visible, but still contains a high amount of energy which is used for the curing.

The cooling fluid is preferably compressed air. Other fluid may be used, even water, however, compressed air is readily available at the installation site since it is used for inverting and explaining the liner. Thus, the compressed air exiting the apparatus may be used for the secondary purpose of keeping the liner expanded and pressed onto the wall of the pipeline during installation.

In the present context, the light sources are described as constituting LEDs, which in the present context is understood as also encompassing LECs, and/or OLEDs and/or any similar light sources.

Preferably, the heat dissipating elements, i.e. the heat sinks, may be made of aluminum. The metal aluminum is a thermal conductor having a very high heat conductivity while having a low price in comparison with other good thermal conductors.

According to special embodiments, the heat dissipating elements, i.e. the heat sinks, may comprise a heat pipe or a Peltier element, and/or the apparatus is provided with additional cooling via a stream of air passing over the outer wall of the housing for providing direct cooling to the LEDs on the outer wall.

In particular, the heat dissipating elements, i.e. the heat sinks, may be manufactured using metal printing technologies In this way a very complex heat sink structure may be constructed within a very short time period using very little effort, as the printing technology allows complex 3D structures to be achieved without welding etc..

Further, detectors, such as an IR detector focusing on an adjacent liner surface, may be used for detecting the temperature of the liner. The detector may be connected to a pair of measuring wires extending from the first end of the housing.

According to a further embodiment, the housing may define a centrally located inlet for receiving pressurized gas, the inlet being in fluid communication with the inner passage at the first end. The inlet is adapted for receiving the cooling fluid and leading the cooling fluid to the outer passage and/or the inner passage.

According to a further embodiment, the housing may be closed at the second end and the through-going passage defines a flow reversing chamber at the second end for establishing fluid communication between the first passage and the second passage. In a particular advantageous embodiment, the inlet may be adapted to only one of the outer passages and inner passages with cooling fluid, preferably the inner passage. The cooling fluid is then reversed at the second end and flows back in the opposite direction through the other passage, preferably the outer passage, towards the first end. In this way the stream of cooling fluid is allowed to dissipate more heat from the heat dissipating elements as the total travel distance of the cooling fluid through the heat dissipating elements, i.e. heat sinks, is longer.

According to a further embodiment, the housing defines an outlet at the first end, the outlet being in fluid communication with the outer passage and is preferably located off center or circumferentially about the housing. In this way the cooling fluid is allowed to leave the apparatus at the second end. The outlet may preferably be located off center, e.g. at the periphery, in order to not interfere with the inlet.

According to a further embodiment, the housing defines an outlet at the second end, the outlet being in fluid communication with the outer passage and the inner passage at the second end, the housing preferably defining a secondary inlet located off center or circumferentially about the housing at the first end and in fluid communication with the outer passage. In this way the outlet is at the second end thereby creating two parallel and separate passages straight through the apparatus.

According to a further embodiment, wherein the innermost wall defines a nozzle adjacent the outlet or adjacent the inlet, the nozzle defining a minimum flow area of the inner passage for establishing a jet from the inner passage towards the outlet. In another particular advantageous embodiment, the inlet is connected to the inner passage. Preferably, pressurized air is connected to the inlet and the inner passage, however, any other pressurized cooling fluid may be used. The pressure of the cooling fluid should be sufficiently high for achieving a flow jet though the nozzle at the outlet. Such flow jet will cause an entrainment of air through the outer passage according to the well known ejector effect. Thus, a flow of pressurized cooling fluid will flow through the inner passage whereas a much larger amount of cooling fluid will flow through the outer passage by the ejector effect.

According to a further embodiment, the apparatus further comprising an outer cover extending between the opposite first and second end, enclosing the outer wall and establishing an outermost passage in fluid communication with the outer passage and/or forming part of the outer passage. An outermost passage is optionally used to cool the LEDs from the outside. The outermost passage may form part of the outer passage and thus entrain air from the outside. The outermost passage may be connected in series or in parallel with the outer passage. In some embodiments, the outermost passage may entirely be constituting the outer passage.

According to a further embodiment, the cooling fluid inlet is connected to a flexible polymeric sheathing tube defining a curved outer surface and being capable of supplying cooling fluid to the cooling fluid inlet, the polymeric sheathing tube preferably having a sufficient rigidity for being capable of pushing and pulling the apparatus. In this way no separate guiding means will be required for the apparatus as the same tube may be used for compressed cooling fluid as for movement of the apparatus through the pipeline.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further includes a drive mechanism for driving the housing through a pipeline, the drive mechanism being coupled to a seal installation device or to a tubing connected to the seal installation device, the drive mechanism comprising:.

The above roller configuration using a dual pair or opposite rollers ensures that there will be no slippage in the guiding of the apparatus through the pipeline using the sheathing tube to move the apparatus forwards and backwards.

According to a further embodiment, the polymeric sheathing tube includes communication wirings for providing communication with the LED's or other devices associated with the apparatus such as a temperature sensor or a pressure sensor. In this way the wires for providing power and communication may be protected inside the sheathing tube.

According to a further embodiment, the plurality of LED's being connected in thermal conductive relationship to further heat dissipating elements freely exposed at the innermost wall of the housing in the inner passage of the housing for allowing a stream of cooling fluid to pass through the inner passage for dissipating heat from the additional heat dissipating elements and cooling the LED's. Preferably, both the inner passage and the outer passage comprise heat dissipating elements in order to achieve the best possible heat dissipation and utilizing the streams of cooling fluid as good as possible.

According to a further embodiment, the outer wall of the housing being composed of a set of curved or planar surface elements, each of the curved or planar surface elements extending longitudinally between the first and the second ends of the housing, the surface elements being of identical configuration, preferably the plurality of LED's being arranged at the curved or planar surface elements for allowing irradiation of the electromagnetic radiation radially from the curved or planar surface elements, more preferably each of the curved or planar surface elements constituting an outer surface component of a housing element, the housing element comprising a finned heat dissipation element arranged opposite to the curved or planar surface element.

According to a further embodiment, the apparatus comprising first and second end housing components protruding beyond the outer wall of the housing and serving to prevent physical contact between the outer wall of the housing and the liner. Alternatively, an outer transparent cover of the outer surface may be used.

According to a further embodiment, the apparatus comprising co-operating first and second connectors provided at the first and second ends, respectively, for allowing the apparatus to be connected to an identical apparatus for providing an assembly of apparatuses comprising a number of apparatuses such as <NUM>-<NUM>, e.g. <NUM>-<NUM>, such as <NUM>-<NUM> individual apparatuses, preferably, the first and second connectors when joint together providing a cardanic linking or a ball-and-socket joint between any two apparatuses of the assembly. In this way several apparatuses may be interconnected into a "light train".

According to an aspect, the above mentioned are achieved by a method of curing a liner of a pipeline, the liner including a resin, which is curable by exposure to electromagnetic radiation of a specific wavelength or a wavelength range, the method comprising:.

The method is preferably used together with any of the embodiments of the apparatus described above.

An assembly with a plurality of light curing devices following each other is also known as a light train.

The individual light curing device of a light train may be a core constituting a structural element supporting a number of light sources distributed on a circle where each light source distributed around the core has a plurality of LEDs.

The core may be omitted, and the individual light curing device of a light train may consist of a single light source with a plurality of LEDs.

A light train with individual light curing devices consisting of single light sources may have a distance between them up to <NUM>,<NUM> for small pipeline diameter, such as a diameter less than <NUM>. The distance may be less than <NUM>,<NUM> for average diameter pipeline, such as a diameter between <NUM> and <NUM>. The distance may be less than <NUM>,<NUM> for large diameter pipeline, such as a diameter greater than <NUM>.

A light train with individual light curing devices may consist of a core with four light sources around the core may have a distance between them up to <NUM>,<NUM> for pipeline diameters between <NUM> - <NUM>. The distance may be up to <NUM>,<NUM> for pipeline diameters between <NUM> - <NUM>. The distance may be up to <NUM>,<NUM> for pipeline diameters between <NUM> - <NUM>. The distance may be up to <NUM>,<NUM> for pipeline diameters between <NUM> - <NUM>. The distance may be up to <NUM>,<NUM> for pipeline diameters over <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view of an assembly <NUM> for relining a junction <NUM> between a main pipeline <NUM> and a branch pipeline <NUM> according to a first embodiment. The assembly <NUM> comprises a seal installation device <NUM> which is inserted into the main pipeline <NUM> and moved to a location juxtaposing the junction <NUM> between the main pipeline <NUM> and the branch pipeline <NUM>. The seal installation device <NUM> is attached at one end to a manipulator <NUM> which is used for rotating and aligning the seal installation device <NUM> relative to the junction <NUM>. On the opposite end of the seal installation device <NUM> is attached an extension tube for accommodating a light curing device <NUM> and part of the seal <NUM> to be installed at the junction <NUM>.

The light curing device <NUM> may be connected to a polymeric sheathing tube <NUM> which is used for powering, cooling and conveying the light curing device <NUM>. The end of the extension tube <NUM> facing away from the seal installation device <NUM> is fluidly connected to a pressurized gas supply <NUM> and a steel wire <NUM>. Pressurized gas is also supplied to the polymeric sheathing tube <NUM>. The pressurized gas supply <NUM>, which also includes communication cables, and the steel wire <NUM> and the polymeric sheathing tube are all led to a truck <NUM> which is located outside the main pipeline, <NUM>, in the present case above ground. A pulley <NUM> is used for directing the wire <NUM> through a manhole <NUM>. The manhole <NUM>, which runs vertically, is used for accessing the main pipeline <NUM> running horizontally below ground.

The truck <NUM> includes a compressor for supplying pressurized gas to the compressed gas supply <NUM> and a winch for pulling the wire <NUM>. Further, the truck also includes the power supply, cooling air supply and control wires for the light curing device <NUM> which are all included in the sheathing tube <NUM>. On the opposite side, a cable for powering and controlling the seal installation device <NUM> and the manipulator <NUM> is connected to the end of the manipulator <NUM> opposite the seal installation device <NUM>. The cable <NUM> is also used for pulling the seal installation device <NUM> and the manipulator <NUM>, similar to the wire <NUM> on the opposite end. The cable <NUM> is led up to a compact winching vehicle <NUM> via a pulley assembly <NUM>. The compact winching vehicle <NUM> includes a winch for pulling the cable <NUM> and a power and control unit for providing power and controlling the seal installation device <NUM> and the manipulator <NUM>. The compact winching vehicle <NUM> is preferably battery powered. The pulley assembly <NUM> is clamped in the main pipeline <NUM> and serves as a gentle way of changing the direction of the cable in order for the cable to be directed up through the opposite manhole <NUM>' to the compact winching vehicle <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view of an assembly <NUM>' for relining a junction <NUM> between a main pipeline <NUM> and a branch pipeline <NUM> according to a second embodiment. The present embodiment is an alternative to the previous embodiment with the difference that the steel wire is omitted and instead a cable <NUM>' is used similar to the opposite side. Consequently, a further pulley assembly <NUM>' is used for guiding the cable <NUM>' at the right angle bend between the manhole <NUM> and the main pipeline <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view of a seal installation device <NUM> when being introduced into the main pipeline <NUM>. Both the seal installation device <NUM> and the manipulator <NUM> are typically introduced into the main pipeline <NUM> via one of the manholes <NUM>. Thereafter, a gripping mechanism <NUM> of the manipulator <NUM> grips the seal installation device <NUM> such that both the manipulator <NUM> and the seal installation device <NUM> are fixated in relation to each other.

The manipulator <NUM> comprises expansion members <NUM> circumferentially disposed about the central axis of the manipulator <NUM>. These expansion members <NUM> are expanded in the circumferential direction and clamp the manipulator <NUM> and thereby also the seal installation device <NUM> in the rotational direction. The expansion members <NUM> have wheels and allow the manipulator <NUM> and the seal installation device <NUM> to move in the longitudinal direction. The location of the junction <NUM> is detected by the camera <NUM>' and the antenna <NUM>‴.

The seal installation device comprises the seal <NUM> as previously described. The seal <NUM>, comprising a brim portion and a tubular portion, is accommodated juxtaposed an expandable bladder <NUM> of the seal installation device. The bladder <NUM>, which in the present view is non-expanded, is typically made of a durable polymeric material and comprises a cylindrical part 50a and a tubular part 50b. The cylindrical part 50a of the bladder encloses a housing <NUM> of the seal installation device <NUM> having an open structure such as a grid structure and an opening <NUM>. The tubular part 50b of the bladder <NUM> is inverted into the opening <NUM> and extends though the housing <NUM> and optionally into the extension hose <NUM>. The seal <NUM> is placed at the opening <NUM> such that the brim portion contacts the cylindrical part 50a of the bladder and the tubular portion is inverted into the likewise inverted tubular part 50b of the bladder <NUM>. The tubular portion of the seal 26b thus extending into the opening <NUM> in the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view of a seal installation device <NUM> when rotated by the manipulator within the main pipeline <NUM>. Since there is no way of ensuring that the seal installation device <NUM> does not rotate when moved through the main pipeline <NUM>, the opening <NUM> may be misaligned with the branch pipeline <NUM>. This cannot be easily corrected using the winching units, and instead the misalignment is determined using a camera <NUM>' on the manipulator <NUM>. The manipulator <NUM> comprises a outer elongated frame <NUM> which is comprising the expansion members <NUM> and which thus is fixed in the rotational direction, and an inner elongated frame <NUM> which is comprising the gripping mechanism <NUM> and which is rotatable in relation the to the outer elongated frame <NUM> in order to be able to rotate the seal installation device <NUM> as shown by the arrows in order to align the opening <NUM> with the branch pipeline <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view of a seal installation device <NUM> when moved in the longitudinal direction within the main pipeline <NUM>. The seal installation device <NUM> is moved within the pipeline <NUM> by using the winching units in the truck and in the winching vehicle, pulling the relevant cable or wire and thereby causing the seal installation device <NUM> and the manipulator <NUM> to move in either direction as shown by the arrow. The seal installation device <NUM> and the manipulator <NUM> are held substantially centered in the main pipeline <NUM> due to the expansion members. The seal installation device <NUM> is thereby moved to the correct longitudinal position in which the opening <NUM> is longitudinally aligned with the junction <NUM> between the main pipeline <NUM> and the branch pipeline <NUM>. The distance between the seal <NUM> and antenna/camera <NUM>' has been predetermined, thereby the distance to move the installation device is known.

<FIG> is a side view of a seal installation device <NUM> when the bladder inverts the seal <NUM> into the branch pipeline <NUM> and presses it against the junction <NUM>. By applying pressurized gas from the gas supply tube <NUM> as shown by the hatched arrow, the tubular part 50b of the bladder is inverted out though the opening <NUM>, the cylindrical part 50a of the bladder is expanded towards the inner surface of the main pipeline <NUM>, and the seal <NUM> is pressed by the bladder <NUM> against the junction <NUM>, as shown by the arrows.

<FIG> is a side view of a seal installation device in a pipeline with a branch pipeline. In <FIG> the seal is a sleeve/liner <NUM> to be placed around the circumference of the main pipe, and with a branch sleeve going up in the branch so that damage to both the main pipe adjacent the pipe branch may be repaired, i.e. the sleeve/liner is T-shaped.

In order to place the T-shaped liner at the junction, the seal installation device is provided with the bladder similar to explained above, and the liner is placed on the outside of the bladder so that when the bladder is inflated the liner comes into contact with the main pipe. In <FIG> part of both the bladder and the liner are cut away so that the grid can be seen.

The liner may be of glasfiber material or felt material. Epoxy may be placed on the outside of the liner so that there is a layer of epoxy between the liner and the pipe surface.

<FIG> is a close up of the seal installation device in <FIG> in a cross section (the cross section is in a plane parallel to the center axis of the seal installation device). <FIG> shows the area around a first end edge of the T-shaped sleeve.

<FIG> is a close up of the seal installation device in <FIG> showing the area around a second end edge (opposite the first end edge). A gasket <NUM> is placed around the outer perimeter of the liner at the first end edge as well as outside the liner at the other end edge of the liner. Alternatively, the gasket may be in continuation of the end edges so that the bladder presses on the gasket directly instead of the liner being between the gasket and the bladder.

The gasket is to prevent/reduce liquid flowing into the liner between the liner and the surface of the pipe. The gasket may of rubber material or of a hydrophile material having affinity for liquid such as water. The gasket may also be an epoxy.

A gasket may also be placed at the edge of the branch sleeve (not shown in close up).

<FIG> is a side view of a seal installation device <NUM>, an associated extension <NUM> of the seal installation device <NUM> and a light curing device <NUM> located on the extension <NUM>. When not in use, the light curing device <NUM> is located in a garage <NUM> which forms a small bulge of the extension <NUM> at the top of the extension <NUM> in order not to interfere with the tubular part 50b of the bladder. The polymeric tube <NUM> for powering, cooling and controlling the light curing device <NUM> is introduced into the garage <NUM> through a pressure tight entry <NUM> which will allow the polymeric tube <NUM> to enter the extension <NUM> and push the light curing device <NUM> into the seal installation device <NUM> for curing the seal <NUM>. The polymeric tube <NUM> is driven by a drive mechanism <NUM> as well located at the top of the extension <NUM> but outside the garage <NUM>.

<FIG> is a rear view of a seal installation device <NUM>, an associated extension <NUM> of the seal installation device <NUM> and a light curing device <NUM> located on the extension <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top view of a seal installation device <NUM>, an associated extension <NUM> of the seal installation device <NUM> and a light curing device <NUM> located on the extension <NUM>. The drive mechanism <NUM> comprises a first pair of rollers <NUM> and a second pair of rollers <NUM> which provide traction for the movement of the polymeric tube <NUM>. Each roller of each pair rollers is opposing each other and defines a concave inner surface contacting the polymeric tube <NUM>. The first pair of rollers <NUM> and a second pair of rollers <NUM> are optionally interconnected by cogwheels in order to obtain a synchronized movement of the polymeric tube first pair of rollers <NUM> and a second pair of rollers <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a seal installation device <NUM> without the bladder. The housing <NUM> of the seal installation device <NUM> defines a grid structure for allowing the light of the light curing device <NUM> to illuminate the seal <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side cutout view of a seal installation device <NUM> showing the pivotable plate <NUM>. The pivotable plate <NUM> has a slightly curved shape or "spoon" shape and is at one end hingedly connected to the seal installation device <NUM> opposite the opening <NUM> via a hinge <NUM>. The opposite end of the pivotable plate <NUM> is free. The pivotable plate <NUM> is further slidably connected to a linear actuator <NUM> which allows the pivotable plate <NUM> to pivot between a substantially horizontal orientation and a substantially vertical orientation. The linear actuator <NUM> is located opposite the opening <NUM>.

<FIG> is a close-up side view of a seal installation device <NUM> in which the pivotable plate <NUM> is in the horizontal position. When the linear actuator <NUM> is pulled back, the pivotable plate <NUM> forms a substantially flat surface opposite the opening <NUM> between the hinge <NUM> and the actuator <NUM>. In this way the light curing device <NUM> may pass through the seal installation device <NUM> as shown by the arrow from the location of the hinge <NUM> to the location of the linear actuator <NUM> between the opening <NUM> and the pivotable plate <NUM> as indicated by the arrow. In this way the complete brim portion 26a of the seal <NUM> may be cured.

<FIG> is a close-up side view of a seal installation device <NUM> in which the pivotable plate <NUM> is in the vertical position. By moving the linear actuator <NUM> towards the hinge <NUM>, the pivotable plate <NUM> is pivoted such that the end opposite of the hinge <NUM> is located adjacent the opening <NUM>, thereby blocking the access straight through the seal installation device <NUM> as shown by the arrows.

<FIG> is a close-up side view of a seal installation device <NUM> in which a light curing device <NUM> is moved into the branch pipeline <NUM>. When inserted into the seal installation device <NUM>, the light curing device <NUM> will be directed by the pivotable plate <NUM> through the opening <NUM> and into the branch pipeline <NUM> as shown by the arrow.

<FIG> is a close-up side view of a seal installation device <NUM> in which a light curing device <NUM> is moved out of the branch pipeline <NUM>. In order to cure the tubular portion 26b of the seal <NUM>, the light curing device <NUM> is lit up and pulled back through the tubular portion 26b of the seal <NUM> as shown by the arrow. In this way, the seal <NUM> is firmly cured towards the junction <NUM> due to the contraction of the tubular portion 26b during curing.

<FIG> is a side view of a seal installation device with a pivotable plate.

The seal installation device shown in <FIG> may be used in a case where a liner is to be placed around the circumference of the main pipeline, and where the liner has a seal to be inserted into the branch. Such a situation is illustrated in <FIG>. In that case the seal installation device is to allow for an illumination for <NUM>°. This is achieved by providing a grid all around the cylindrical wall, i.e. as opposed to <FIG> the grid continues along the bottom of the tool. Additionally, the pivotable plate is provided with a grid. Thus, electromagnetic radiation may be emitted out through the bottom and the pivotable plate as well for curing the liner all the way around the main pipe.

<FIG> is a side view of a seal installation device for a part-liner for repairing localized damage.

The seal installation device shown in <FIG> does not have the pivotable plate, and there is no opening in the seal installation device for direction a light curing device into a branch pipe. Instead the grid extends with perforations for <NUM>°.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the manipulator <NUM> for rotating the seal installation device <NUM>. In the present view, the wheels <NUM>' of the expansion members <NUM> are shown, as well as the number of expansion members <NUM> which typically will be <NUM> or <NUM> in order to be able to center the manipulator <NUM> in the main pipeline <NUM>. The outer elongated frame <NUM> is connected to the inner elongated frame <NUM> by a set of cogwheels which is rotatable by a motor within the inner elongated frame <NUM>. The inner elongated frame comprises the camera housing <NUM> which may include an antenna 56ʺʺ, a front view camera <NUM>' and a rear view camera <NUM>". The outer and inner elongated frames <NUM>, <NUM> may be separable for easy cleaning and maintenance.

<FIG> is a close-up side view of a manipulator <NUM> moving within the main pipeline <NUM> and detecting the branch pipeline <NUM>. The antenna <NUM>‴ may be used for the purpose of accurately detecting the position of the branch pipeline <NUM>. The antenna <NUM>‴ has a length such that when the antenna <NUM>‴ is located within the main pipeline <NUM>, it is bent, indicating that the branch pipeline <NUM> is not yet reached.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a manipulator <NUM> having a camera <NUM>' for inspecting the junction <NUM> between the main pipeline and the branch pipeline. When the antenna <NUM>‴ reaches the branch pipeline <NUM> by moving the seal installation device and the manipulator if required both in rotational and longitudinal directions, the antenna <NUM>‴ swings from the bent position to the upright position. Thus it is detected that the branch pipeline <NUM> is at the location of the antenna <NUM>"'. The camera <NUM> may be swung outwards in order to visually detect the precise location of the antenna in the branch pipeline <NUM>, and place it accurate at the junction centerline against the branch pipeline wall. As the distance between the antenna/camera and the opening of the seal installation device is known, the positioning of the seal at the junction may be made very accurate by moving the setup the known distance in the longitudinal direction from the first manhole towards the second manhole.

<FIG> is a seal installation device <NUM> in which the flexible bladder is in a deflated and partially inverted position. In the present view it is clearly illustrated that the tubular part 50b of the bladder <NUM> is inverted through the opening <NUM> of the seal installation device <NUM> and extends out of one end of the seal installation device <NUM>, being the end which is connected to the extension (not shown). When the seal installation device <NUM> is pressurized during the placement of the seal, the pressure will cause the cylindrical part 50a of the bladder <NUM> to inflate and the tubular part 50b of the bladder <NUM> to invert back as shown by the arrows.

<FIG> is a seal installation device in which the flexible bladder is in an expanded position. The tubular part 50b of the bladder <NUM> has reassumed its expanded and inflated position for being able to apply a pressure on the tubular part of the seal. The bladder is made of a durable and transparent/translucent material.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a seal <NUM>' for sealing the junction between the main pipeline and the branch pipeline according to a first embodiment. The seal <NUM>' comprise a brim portion 26a' and a tubular portion 26b'. The brim portion 26a' is covered by an adhesive <NUM> such as epoxy paste in order to seal against the inner surface of the main pipeline. Suitable fibre materials include glass, polyamide, polyester, polyolefin (polypropylene PP or polyethylene PE), polyacrylonitil (PAN), polysulfon. Also polyaramin, carbon fibre and cellulose may be used. Suitable adhesives are epoxy, polyurethane, vinylester and polyester. The material may be woven, non woven, knitted or warp knitted.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing the different layers of the tubular portion 26b' of the seal <NUM>'. The layers comprise an inner coating <NUM> and an outer nonwoven felt <NUM>. The fibers, being of the types listed above, are oriented to promote during curing a longitudinal contraction whereas maintaining the outer circumference during curing of the seal <NUM>'.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing the different layers of the brim portion 26a' of the seal <NUM>'. The layers are all adhered together and are divided into two main layers, an outer and an inner, which each in turn comprises several sublayers. The main layers have perpendicular machine directions. From the outside, i.e. the surface of the brim portion 26a' which is adapted for facing the inner surface of the main pipeline, the outer layers are: one fleece layer <NUM>, one CSM layer <NUM>, one CD rowing <NUM>° layer <NUM>, one CSM layer <NUM>, one MD reinforced <NUM>° layer <NUM>, whereas the inner layers are: one MD reinforced <NUM>° layer <NUM>', one CSM layer <NUM>', one CD rowing <NUM>° layer <NUM>', one CSM layer <NUM>', one fleece layer <NUM>'.

The above layers are oriented such that the reinforcement directions of the layers are such that the main layers do not expand or contract during curing. In the present case, both the upper and lower layers comprise fiber directions extending both in the longitudinal direction as well as in the circumferential direction in order to minimize contraction during curing. In this way the stress applied to the epoxy adhesive will be minimized and the risk of voids substantially eliminated. The layers may be adhered, nailed, sewed, flame bonded or woven. The brim portion may optionally have a coating and different layers and material are feasible in order to achieve a direction dependent movement of the brim portion, such as combinations of glass and felt layers and/or other similar fibre types. The coating may be thermoplastic, polyethylene or PVC. Also polyamide and thermoplastic urethane are usable.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a seal showing the curing of the brim portion 26a' of the seal <NUM>' using a light curing device <NUM> moving as indicated by the arrow and illuminating the brim portion 26a'. It is shown how the light curing device is first curing the brim portion 26a' of the seal <NUM>'. In this way the epoxy adhesive adheres to the inner wall of the main pipeline while the brim portion 26a' retains its position without deforming or contracting, as such contraction would induce stress and possibly voids in the adhesive joint.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a seal showing the curing of the tubular portion 26b' of the seal <NUM>' using a light curing device <NUM>. The curing starts by illuminating tubular portion 26b' at its far end.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a seal <NUM>' showing the contraction of the tubular portion 26b'. By curing the tubular portion 26b' from the far end in a direction towards the brim portion 26a', the tubular portion 26b' tends to contract away from the brim portion 26a', thus pulling the brim portion 26a' towards the junction thereby obtaining a firm fixation.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a seal <NUM>" for sealing the junction between the main pipeline and the branch pipeline according to a second embodiment. The seal <NUM>" comprises similar to the previous embodiment a brim portion 26a" and a tubular portion 26b". The brim portion 26a" does not comprise any adhesive and instead a sealing ring <NUM> is used in order to seal against the inner surface of the main pipeline. The sealing ring may be made of e.g. rubber such as foamed rubber, EPDM, natural rubber, nitril rubber or silicone rubber. It may also be based on water expanding materials based on e.g. chloroprene or bentonite. The sealing ring is typically O shaped, however, other shapes are feasible e.g. D, H, U etc..

<FIG> is a perspective view showing the different layers of the tubular portion 26b" of the seal <NUM>". The layers comprise, similar to the previous embodiment an inner coating <NUM>' and an outer nonwoven felt <NUM>'. The fibers are oriented to promote during curing a longitudinal contraction whereas maintaining the outer circumference during curing of the seal <NUM>".

<FIG> is a perspective view showing the different layers of the brim portion 26a" of the seal <NUM>". The layers are all adhered together and are divided into two main layers, an outer and an inner, which each in turn comprises several sublayers. The inner layers are, similar to the previous embodiment, the outer different. From the outside, i.e. the surface of the brim portion 26a", which is adapted for facing the inner surface of the main pipeline, the outer layers are an outer coating <NUM>' and an inner nonwoven felt <NUM>' similar to the tubular portion 26b". The coating may be thermoplastic, polyethylene or PVC. Also polyamide and thermoplastic urethane are usable. The inner layers are however similar to the brim of the previous embodiment, namely: one MD reinforced <NUM>° layer <NUM>", one CSM layer <NUM>", one CD rowing <NUM>° layer <NUM>", one CSM layer <NUM>", one PV layer <NUM>".

The inner layer is oriented such that the reinforcement directions of the layers are such that the inner layer does not expand or contract during curing, whereas the outer layer will contract due to its composition. In this way a stress is applied in the brim portion 26a" as the outer layer has a tendency to contract during curing and the inner layer maintains a minimized contraction during curing.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a seal <NUM>" showing the curing of the brim portion 26a" using a light curing device <NUM>. As the outer layer contracts during curing, the brim portion 26a" will be subjected to an internal stress which as shown by the arrows causes the curvature of the brim portion 26a" to increase which in turn will cause the brim portion <NUM>" to apply a force towards the inner surface of the main pipeline. This will allow the sealing ring <NUM> to apply a permanent sealing pressure onto the inner surface of the main pipeline, thus ensuring that the seal <NUM>" remains fluid tight after curing.

<FIG> is a cutout view and an associated close-up view of a light curing device <NUM> showing the heat sinks within the light curing device <NUM>. The view is along the axis of the light curing device <NUM>. The light curing device <NUM> comprises an outer cover <NUM> being of a transparent or translucent material, typically glass, however, also feasible is a rigid polymeric material. The cover <NUM> encloses the LED light sources <NUM> which are thus protected from mechanical impacts. The LED light sources <NUM> provide the light necessary for curing, typically being a blue light.

In order to provide cooling for the LED light sources <NUM>, the interior of the light curing device <NUM> comprises an outer passage <NUM> and an inner passage <NUM> which are placed in a coaxial relationship. The passages <NUM><NUM> comprise heat sinks which are thermally connected to the LED light sources <NUM> for removing the heat generated by them. An air flow is caused to pass through the passages <NUM><NUM> in order to transport the heat from the heat sinks <NUM><NUM> in the passages to the outside. The heat sink comprises thin metal walls allowing good thermal contact with the passing cooling air, preferably using printing technologies in order to obtain very thin walls.

<FIG> is a top view of a light curing device <NUM>. The air enters the light curing device <NUM> at the centrally located air entry <NUM> and leaves the light curing device <NUM> at the same end at the exit <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top cutout view of a light curing device <NUM> showing the flow paths within the device. The air entry <NUM> is connected to the polymeric sheathing tube (not shown) which delivers cooling air to the light curing device <NUM>. The air entry is connected to the inner passage <NUM> which extends through the interior of the light curing device <NUM> to the opposite end of the light curing device <NUM> where the flow is led outwards and reversed in a reversing chamber before being led into the outer passage <NUM>. The outer passage <NUM> extends outside and separates in relation to the inner passage <NUM> from the flow reversing chamber to the air exit <NUM> at which the air is simply led to the outside. The air has thereby absorbed the excessive heat generated by the LED light sources <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a light curing device <NUM>' having two inlets <NUM>' <NUM>" and a common outlet <NUM>'. The air enters the light curing device <NUM>' at any of the two inlets <NUM>' <NUM>'', whereby the central inlet <NUM>' is connected to an air compressor or similar pressure source and the secondary inlets <NUM>" receives air from the surroundings. All air leaves the light curing device <NUM>' at the common outlet <NUM>'. All other features are similar to the previous embodiment of the light curing device described above.

<FIG> is a top cutout view of the alternative embodiment of a light curing device <NUM>'. The central inlet <NUM>' is connected to the inner passage <NUM> whereas the secondary inlets <NUM>" are connected to the outer passage <NUM>. The inner and outer passages <NUM><NUM> are preferably provided with heat sinks (not shown) similar to the previous embodiment. Near the common outlet <NUM>', the inner passage <NUM> defines a nozzle <NUM> constituting the minimum flow area of the inner passage <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top cutout view of the alternative embodiment of a light curing device <NUM>' showing the flow paths within the device. The inner passage <NUM> is as described above connected to an air pressure source (not shown) which causes a stream of air to flow through the inner passage <NUM> from the central inlet <NUM>' to the common outlet <NUM>' as shown by the filled arrow. A flow jet will thereby be established by the nozzle <NUM> towards the common outlet <NUM>'. The flow jet causes entrainment of air through the outlet passage <NUM> due to the ejector effect. Thus, air will be sucked in through the secondary inlets <NUM>" and pass thought the outer passage <NUM> and leave the light curing device <NUM>' through the common outlet <NUM>', as indicated by the non-filled arrows. The ejector effect allows much more air to pass thought the light curing device <NUM>' compared to connecting both passages to the air pressure source. As all of the air passing through the inner passage <NUM> and the outer passage <NUM> contributes to cooling the LEDs, the total cooling effect will be larger.

As an alternative/supplement to sucking air into one or more of the secondary inlets, water (or another liquid) may be supplied to the light curing device via a hose. The liquid may enter the light curing device at one or more of the secondary inlets and be atomized by an atomizer nozzle at one or more of the secondary inlets. Such a supply of liquid and subsequent atomizing by an atomizer nozzle may also be provided in any of the following examples of light curing devices with secondary inlets.

<FIG> is an alternate embodiment of the light curing device <NUM>" in which as stream of air is led above the LEDs <NUM>. The present embodiment is similar to the previous embodiment except that the secondary inlets <NUM> are located between the cover <NUM> and the LEDs <NUM> and adjacent the exit <NUM>'. Air will be sucked in through the secondary inlet <NUM>'', pass thought a primary outer passage <NUM>' above the LEDs <NUM>. Thereafter the stream will turn and pass through a secondary outer passage <NUM>" in the opposite direction below the LEDs <NUM> and finally leave the light curing device <NUM>" through the common outlet <NUM>', as indicated by the non-filled arrows. In this way, both the top and the bottom of the LEDs will be cooled. The ejector effect is used similar to the previous embodiment and illustrated by the filled arrow allowing much more air to pass thought the light curing device <NUM>" compared to connecting both passages to the air pressure source.

<FIG> is an alternate embodiment of the light curing device <NUM>‴ in which the outer passage <NUM> pass above the LEDs <NUM>. The present embodiment is similar to the previous embodiment except that the secondary inlet <NUM>" is located adjacent the central inlet <NUM>' and the outer passage <NUM> does not pass below the LEDs <NUM>. Air will be sucked in through the secondary inlets <NUM>", pass thought the outer passage <NUM> above the LEDs <NUM>. Thereafter the stream will leave the light curing device <NUM>' through the common outlet <NUM>', as indicated by the non-filled arrows. The ejector effect is used similar to the previous embodiment and illustrated by the filled arrow allowing much more air to pass thought the light curing device <NUM>" ' compared to connecting both passages to the air pressure source.

<FIG> shows an alternate embodiment of the light curing device <NUM>IV (<FIG> is a cross section which is parallel to the center axis going through the central inlet <NUM>' and the common outlet <NUM>').

In the present embodiment, the secondary passage <NUM>IV fluidly connects the central inlet with the outer passage so that during operation of the light curing device, the air flow is led from the central inlet <NUM>' to the outer passage via the secondary passage <NUM>IV.

The central inlet <NUM>' is at an inlet end of the light curing device <NUM>IV, and it is connected to an air pressure source (not shown) which causes a stream of air to flow into the central inlet <NUM>'. The common outlet <NUM>' is at an outlet end of the light curing device <NUM>IV. The secondary passage is closer to the inlet end than the outlet end.

At the other end of the outer passage (opposite the secondary passage) is a third passage, which leads the air flow from the outer passage to the common outlet.

The LEDs are in thermal contact with a thermal conductive material constituting a heat sink (the solid shown as hatched areas with a different hatching than the cover <NUM>), i.e. the LEDs may be mounted on a PCB (printed circuit board), which may have a surface abutting or in proximity to the heat sink.

The light curing device has an exit heat-transfer region at the third passage (proximate the outlet end) such that the air flow passes through the exit heat transfer region on the way from the outer passage to the common outlet.

A heat-transfer region is to be understood as a part of the light curing device where the air flow through the device comes in contact with a surface of the heat sink. For example, in <FIG>, the heat sink forms part of the wall of the third passage <NUM>IV.

The light curing device may have an entry heat-transfer region at the secondary passage (proximate the inlet end) such that the air flow passes through the entry heat-transfer region on the way from the central inlet to the outer passage.

The heat sink may comprise fins such that the air flow passes through the fins on the way from the central inlet to the outer passage. For example, the fins may be located in the exit heat-transfer region (outside the central passage).

Similarly, fins may extend from the heat sink such that the air passes through the fins on the way from the outer passage to the common outlet. The fins may extend radially or angularly.

It is contemplated that the heat transfer from the heat sink to the air flow may be greater at the exit heat transfer region than at the entry heat transfer region, i.e. such that the air flow is not heated (or heated to a less degree) at the entry heat transfer region before it flows over the LEDs in the outer passage. This can be achieved by making the surface area of the heat sink greater at the exit heat transfer region than at the entry heat transfer region. Or by having more fins in the exit heat transfer region than at the entry heat transfer region.

<FIG> is an alternate embodiment of the light curing device <NUM>IV in which the outer passage <NUM> pass above and below the LEDs <NUM>. The present embodiment is similar to the previous embodiment except that the outer passage <NUM> does pass both above and below the LEDs <NUM>. Air will be sucked in through the secondary inlets <NUM>" and <NUM>‴ and pass thought the outer passage <NUM> both above the LEDs <NUM> and below the LEDs <NUM> in a primary outer passage <NUM>' and a secondary outer passage <NUM>" constituting two parallel streams. Thereafter the parallel streams of air will leave the light curing device <NUM>' through the common outlet <NUM>', as indicated by the non-filled arrows. The ejector effect is used similar to the previous embodiment and illustrated by the filled arrow allowing much more air to pass thought the light curing device <NUM>IV compared to connecting both passages to the air pressure source.

<FIG> is an alternate embodiment of the light curing device <NUM>V in which the nozzle <NUM> is located near the central inlet <NUM>' and the secondary inlet <NUM>" is located. In the present embodiment, the outer passage and the inner passage <NUM> essentially form a common passage for a stream of air for cooling the LEDs <NUM>, whereby the central inlet <NUM>' is connected to high pressured air and the secondary inlet <NUM> entrains air from the surroundings using the ejector effect. The ejector effect is used similar to the previous embodiment and illustrated by the filled arrow allowing much more air to pass thought the light curing device <NUM>IV compared to connecting both passages to the air pressure source.

As a supplement to a nozzle in the beginning of the light curing device, an additional nozzle for entrainment may be provided at the end of the light curing device, i.e. a path may lead compressed fluid to the end where it goes into the additional nozzle such that air from outside may be entrained via secondary inlets.

<FIG> is an alternate embodiment of the light curing device <NUM>VI similar to the previous embodiment, however, there exist two secondary inlets <NUM>" <NUM>‴ located at the central inlet <NUM>' and the common outlet <NUM>', respectively. The outer passage <NUM> extending from one of the secondary inlets <NUM>‴ is passing outside the LEDs <NUM> whereas the other secondary inlet <NUM>" is passing below the LEDs <NUM> and form a common passage with the inner passage <NUM>. The secondary inlets <NUM>" <NUM>‴ entrains air from the surroundings using the ejector effect.

<FIG> is an alternate embodiment of the light curing device <NUM>VII similar to the previous embodiment, however, there is only a secondary inlet at the common outlet <NUM>' and the secondary inlet at the central inlet <NUM>' is closed.

<FIG> is a set of coupled light curing devices <NUM> in a pipeline <NUM> having a small diameter. The distance between the individual light curing devices <NUM> are set to a small distance enabling an even distribution of light inside the pipeline.

<FIG> is a set of coupled light curing devices <NUM> in a pipeline <NUM> having a medium diameter. The distance between the individual light curing devices <NUM> are set to a standard distance enabling an even distribution of light inside the pipeline.

<FIG> is a set of coupled light curing devices <NUM> in a pipeline <NUM> having a large diameter. The distance between the individual light curing devices <NUM> are set to a large distance enabling an even distribution of light inside the pipeline.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a pulley assembly including a cable. The pulley assembly is used for changing the direction of the cable without any damage to the cable, i.e. when passing the cable from the manhole to the main pipeline. The pulley assembly comprises a pulley <NUM> for accommodating a cable. The pulley <NUM> is connected to a frame <NUM> which comprises fasteners <NUM> for fastening the pulley at the junction between a main pipeline and a manhole. The pulley assembly comprises removable pins <NUM> in order to prevent the cable from slipping out of the pulley <NUM>. Further, the pulley assembly comprises a connector <NUM> for being able to connect a control wire for controlling the fasteners <NUM>. Preferably, the cable for controlling and pulling the seal installation device is guided via the pulley <NUM>. In an advantageous embodiment, the cables are mounted on the pulley <NUM> before the pulley assembly is introduced into the manhole.

<FIG> is a perspective view of plug <NUM> associated with a cable <NUM>. The cable <NUM> may be used together with the pulley assembly and seal installation device described above. The cable comprises an outer polymeric coating and beneath the coating a Kevlar sheath <NUM> with load bearing capabilities. The Kevlar sheath <NUM> allows the seal installation device to be pulled into the main pipeline using the cable <NUM>. The Kevlar sheath <NUM> also protects the underling wires <NUM>. The wires <NUM> provide power and communication between the user interface on the ground and the seal installation device/manipulator inside the main pipeline. The Kevlar sheath <NUM> is connected to the plug <NUM> by an epoxy joint <NUM> within the plug <NUM> allowing the Kevlar to cross link with the epoxy and form a very firm bond.

<FIG> is a cutout view of a cable <NUM> showing the Kevlar sheath <NUM> enclosing the wires <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cutout view of a cable in a pulley <NUM>. In order to prevent the cable <NUM> from slipping out of the pulley <NUM>, the pulley comprises the above mentioned pins <NUM> and additionally a channel <NUM> in the pulley wheel for accommodating the cable <NUM>.

<FIG> is a rear perspective view of an overpressure valve <NUM>. The overpressure valve <NUM> is typically positioned at the end of the extension of the seal installation device and is used for relieving the seal installation device from excessive pressure during the light curing as the cooling air gas used for cooling the LED light sources is released into the seal installation device, and optionally for supplying air to the seal installation device during the expansion of the bladder. The overpressure valve <NUM> is electrically controlled and comprises one or more pressure sensors which are typically located in the garage of the light curing device (not shown) buy may also be located on the side of the overpressure valve <NUM> which is connected to the extension and facing the seal installation device. However, the pressure sensor may also be located in the bladder or at the light curing device in order for the overpressure valve <NUM> to react quicker to pressure fluctuations. The reference numeral <NUM> denotes the valve cone which is motor driven and movable in an axial direction through a hole in a plate in order to adjust the aperture between the hole and the cone. The air is evacuated through the aperture between the cone and the hole.

<FIG> is a front perspective view of an overpressure valve <NUM>. The overpressure valve <NUM> is typically clamped to the extension of the seal installation device, however, other fastening means may be used. The overpressure valve <NUM> comprises a gas outlet <NUM> for releasing air from the seal installation device, a gas inlet <NUM> for receiving air from a compressor, and a control cable inlet <NUM> for controlling the overpressure valve <NUM>. The overpressure valve <NUM> is configured such that it releases air through the gas outlet <NUM> when the pressure inside the seal installation device increases beyond a set pressure. The set pressure should be sufficient for maintaining the bladder in an expanded position but considerably less than the expected rupture pressure of the bladder.

<FIG> are various views of a coupling part <NUM>. The coupling part <NUM> is used e.g. for coupling the extension of the seal installation device to the seal installation device proper. The coupling part <NUM> comprises a first part <NUM> which may form part of the seal installation device and a second part <NUM> which may form part of the extension. The first part <NUM> comprises a circumferential bulge <NUM> and a pin <NUM> whereas the second part <NUM> comprises an arc shaped slot. When connected, the second part <NUM> covers part of the first part <NUM>.

The first part <NUM> and the second part <NUM> are interconnected by causing the pin <NUM> to enter the arc shaped slot <NUM>, turning the parts <NUM><NUM> in relation to each other until the pin reaches the end of the slot. Thereafter the locking ring <NUM> is applied. The locking ring <NUM> is inserted between the bulge <NUM> of the first part and the second part in order to prevent the first and second parts from being separated by rotation without first removing the locking ring <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view of a bus system <NUM>. The bus system <NUM> is established between a master <NUM> located at one end of the main pipeline, e.g. at a first manhole, and a slave <NUM> located at the opposite end of the main pipeline, e.g. at a second manhole. Normally, the master <NUM> is located in the truck and the slave <NUM> in the separate electrical powered winching vehicle, however, various setups are feasible including the use of two electrical powered winching vehicle of which one is master and the other is slave.

Each of the master <NUM> and the slave <NUM> comprises a separate CAN bus <NUM><NUM>', separate 48V power supplies <NUM><NUM>' and separate 24V power supplies <NUM>, <NUM>'. The bus <NUM> further comprises nodes 166a-g which constitute parts of the seal installation system which are requiring power and/or control. The nodes <NUM> may be e.g. the light curing device including the drive system, the pulley assembly, the seal installation device and the manipulator. The nodes are interconnected by the cable <NUM> which also interconnects the master <NUM> and the slave <NUM> for providing redundancy and ability to control the installation from both locations.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a gelling station <NUM> and a seal installation device <NUM>. The gelling station <NUM> is used for gelling the brim portion of the seal in order for the epoxy adhesive coating to be more easily and securely applied before the seal installation device <NUM> enters the main pipeline and the seal is applied at the junction between the main pipeline and the branch pipeline. The epoxy coating adheres the brim portion to the main pipeline at the junction. The seal installation device <NUM> is fastened to a holder <NUM> of the gelling station <NUM>. The holder <NUM> of the gelling station <NUM> grips the seal installation device <NUM> at the gripping mechanism <NUM>. The gelling station <NUM> further comprises a led panel <NUM> which is rotationally mounted via a movable arm <NUM> to a motor <NUM> of the gelling station <NUM>. The motor <NUM> is located adjacent the holder <NUM> and the movable arm <NUM> has an L shape allowing the led panel <NUM> to rotate about the seal installation device <NUM> as shown by the arrow, maintaining a constant distance to the seal installation device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cut-out view of a seal installation device <NUM> including a seal <NUM>. The seal <NUM> has been placed on the bladder <NUM> of the seal installation device <NUM> and where the tubular portion 26b has been inverted into the opening <NUM> of the seal installation device <NUM>. The brim portion 26a rests on the bladder <NUM>. The seal <NUM> has been impregnated by a suitable curable resin.

<FIG> is a cut-out view of a seal installation device <NUM> including a seal <NUM> and a stopper <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> is applied on top of the opening <NUM> for covering the tubular portion 26a of the seal. In this way, no light will reach the tubular portion 26a of the seal which is thus protected from the light of the LED panel <NUM>. The tubular portion 26a should not be gelled, since it must be very flexible in order to invert properly, and gelling the tubular portion 26b would have no purpose since no epoxy coating will be applied.

<FIG> is a cut-out view of a seal installation device <NUM> and gelling station <NUM> in operation. In order to achieve a proper gelling of the brim portion 26a, it must be irradiated by a predefined amount of light sufficient for achieving a partial curing of the resin in the brim portion 26a for allowing the brim portion 26a to remain substantially flexible while establishing a semi-solid gel-like surface for applying the epoxy coating. It is evident that the amount of light irradiated is crucial since too much light will yield a full curing of the resin causing the brim portion 26a to be hardened. The LED panel <NUM> is set to a constant intensity and the motor <NUM> is adjusted to perform a rotational movement of the LED panel <NUM> over the brim part 26b of the seal for irradiating the complete brim portion 26a evenly corresponding to the predefined amount of light for yielding a proper gelling of the brim portion 26a. The LED panel <NUM> is preferably emitting a blue curing light of a known intensity. After the gelling is completed, the epoxy coating is applied and the installation is the seal may start.

The above described embodiments describe specific realizations according to the present invention showing specific features, however, it is apparent to the skillful individual that the above described embodiments may be modified, combined or aggregated to form numerous further embodiments.

It now follows a list of the reference numerals used in the figures and description:.

Claim 1:
An apparatus for curing a liner of a pipeline (<NUM>), said liner including a resin which is curable by exposure to electromagnetic radiation of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, said apparatus comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) defining opposite first and second ends, an outer wall in any appropriate geometrical shape composed of a set of curved or planar surface elements, each of said curved or planar surface elements extending longitudinally between said first and said second ends of said housing, said surface elements being of identical configuration, and an inner wall defining a substantially unobstructed through-going passage extending longitudinally through said housing (<NUM>) between said first end and said second end,
a pair of power supply wires for the supply of electrical power to said apparatus and extending from said first end of said housing,
a plurality of LED's (<NUM>) irradiating electromagnetic radiation of said specific wavelength or said specific wavelength range, said plurality of LED's (<NUM>) being positioned and arranged at said curved or planar surface elements, said plurality of LED's (<NUM>) being connected through an electronic circuit to said pair of power supply wires, and
said plurality of LED's (<NUM>) being connected in thermal conductive relationship to heat dissipating elements freely exposed at said inner wall of said housing in said through-going passage of said housing for allowing a stream of cooling fluid to pass through said passage for dissipating heat from said heat dissipating elements and cooling said LED's (<NUM>),
characterized in that
said housing (<NUM>) defines an innermost wall dividing said substantially unobstructed through-going passage into an inner passage centrally located within said substantially unobstructed through-going passage and extending between said first and second ends, and, an outer passage defined between said inner wall and said innermost wall and coaxially enclosing said inner passage.