CA2087269A1 - Apparatus and method for cleaning pipe - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for cleaning pipeInfo
- Publication number
- CA2087269A1 CA2087269A1 CA002087269A CA2087269A CA2087269A1 CA 2087269 A1 CA2087269 A1 CA 2087269A1 CA 002087269 A CA002087269 A CA 002087269A CA 2087269 A CA2087269 A CA 2087269A CA 2087269 A1 CA2087269 A1 CA 2087269A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- pipe
- motor
- outer body
- stem
- fluid
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03F—SEWERS; CESSPOOLS
- E03F9/00—Arrangements or fixed installations methods or devices for cleaning or clearing sewer pipes, e.g. by flushing
- E03F9/002—Cleaning sewer pipes by mechanical means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
- B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
- B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
- B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
- B08B9/043—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved by externally powered mechanical linkage, e.g. pushed or drawn through the pipes
- B08B9/047—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved by externally powered mechanical linkage, e.g. pushed or drawn through the pipes the cleaning devices having internal motors, e.g. turbines for powering cleaning tools
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
- B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
- B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
- B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
- B08B9/049—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes having self-contained propelling means for moving the cleaning devices along the pipes, i.e. self-propelled
- B08B9/051—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes having self-contained propelling means for moving the cleaning devices along the pipes, i.e. self-propelled the cleaning devices having internal motors, e.g. turbines for powering cleaning tools
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T409/00—Gear cutting, milling, or planing
- Y10T409/30—Milling
- Y10T409/304424—Means for internal milling
Abstract
2087269 9201121 PCTABS00010 An apparatus (11) is shown for cleaning a pipe. The apparatus includes a rigid stem (13) and a motor (27) stationarily mounted on the stem (13). An outer body surrounds the motor (27) and is rotatably mounted on the rigid stem. A fluid conduit (37) is connected to the stem (13) and to a source of fluid under pressure for supplying fluid to the motor (27) for driving the motor. The fluid conduit (37) also connected to a pulling unit for pulling the apparatus (11) through the pipe to be cleaned. Fluid supplied through the fluid conduit to the stem and through the stem to the fluid powered motor (27) provides rotational propulsion to turn the outer body (47) as the apparatus (11) is moved through the pipe to be cleaned.
Description
W O 92/01121 PC~r/US91/04827 . . ' , ```~ 2o8~2G~ -2-BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTlON
3 1. Field of lhe Invention:
The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for 6 cleaning pipe, particularly for cleaning a pipe in place in the ground by 7 reaming, scraping and descaling the pipe to remove debris, obstructions and 8 encrustations in the pipe interior.
10 2. Description of the rrior Art:
12 Various devices are shown in the prior art for cleaning, scraping and 13 rearn~ng water, steam, gas and other tubes, pipes, conduits and mains. For 14 instance, a need exists for cleaning encrusted pipes in wbich deposits have been made on the inner walls of tbe pipe by precipitation of the lluid passing 16 through it, such as occurs, for instance, vith water containing lime or iron. A
17 need also exists for an apparatus to remove obstructions and foreign matter 18 in the interior of pipes, as when it is desired to install a synthetic liner uithin 19 the existing pipe. By providing a uniform interior surface, improv.ed bonding can be achieved bctween the syntbetic liner an~l the existing pipe interior.
21 For instance, it is desirable in some applications to line the interior of an 22 existing pipeline to reduce corrosion and frictional drag to flow of fluid 23 through the pipe. In the casc of an existing sewer main, it is oflen desirable 24 to remove obstructions and clean the scwer line interior ;D order that a 2s synthetic liner can be installed to restore the integrity of the main for the 26 passage of fluids. It is also desirable to remove offsets in pipe joints which 27 may exist in the sewer line interior.
29 Particularly with respect to in-ground pipe cleaning operations, such as sewer mains, the operations were hindered by the length of the drive 31 mechanism utilized or which was required to be fed out to the cleaning 32 apparatus. Also, hydraulic drives have a practical running limit due to 33 pressure loss in the return fluid.
2a (PCT/US91/04827) 1 us Patent 3,562,836 diqcloses a pipe reaming tool havLng
3 1. Field of lhe Invention:
The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for 6 cleaning pipe, particularly for cleaning a pipe in place in the ground by 7 reaming, scraping and descaling the pipe to remove debris, obstructions and 8 encrustations in the pipe interior.
10 2. Description of the rrior Art:
12 Various devices are shown in the prior art for cleaning, scraping and 13 rearn~ng water, steam, gas and other tubes, pipes, conduits and mains. For 14 instance, a need exists for cleaning encrusted pipes in wbich deposits have been made on the inner walls of tbe pipe by precipitation of the lluid passing 16 through it, such as occurs, for instance, vith water containing lime or iron. A
17 need also exists for an apparatus to remove obstructions and foreign matter 18 in the interior of pipes, as when it is desired to install a synthetic liner uithin 19 the existing pipe. By providing a uniform interior surface, improv.ed bonding can be achieved bctween the syntbetic liner an~l the existing pipe interior.
21 For instance, it is desirable in some applications to line the interior of an 22 existing pipeline to reduce corrosion and frictional drag to flow of fluid 23 through the pipe. In the casc of an existing sewer main, it is oflen desirable 24 to remove obstructions and clean the scwer line interior ;D order that a 2s synthetic liner can be installed to restore the integrity of the main for the 26 passage of fluids. It is also desirable to remove offsets in pipe joints which 27 may exist in the sewer line interior.
29 Particularly with respect to in-ground pipe cleaning operations, such as sewer mains, the operations were hindered by the length of the drive 31 mechanism utilized or which was required to be fed out to the cleaning 32 apparatus. Also, hydraulic drives have a practical running limit due to 33 pressure loss in the return fluid.
2a (PCT/US91/04827) 1 us Patent 3,562,836 diqcloses a pipe reaming tool havLng
2 a cylindrical hou~ing with front and rear ends. A
3 frustoconical reaming head at the front end of the housing
4 carries steel plate3 to which cru~hed carbide particles are bonded. A pneumatic motor inside the housing driveq the 6 reaming head, which rotates with respect to the hou~ing as the 7 pipe reaming tool is towed through a pipe by a cable connected 8 to a swivel coupling mounted on the reaming head. A compressed 9 air hose and a retrieval cable extend from the rear of the housing. The outer diameter of the housing is considerably 11 smaller th~n the inner diameter of the pipe to provide room 12 for endles~ tracks which are mounted on the outside of the 13 housing to grip the inner wall of the pipe and thereby keep 14 the housing from rotating with respect to the pipe. The endless tracks are disposed at spaced positions about the 16 periphery of the housing and extend parallel to the axis of 17 the housing. The tracks, which are not driven by the motor, 18 are spring-biased outward to firmly engage the pipe wall.
US Patent 3,087,181 discloses a sewer cleaning apparatus 21 which travels through a pipe from a first manhole,to a second 22 manhole so that a cable can then be drawn back through the 23 pipe to the first manhole Ln order to permit conventlonal 24 sewer cleaning equipment to be attached to the cable. The apparatus has a ~hell having a nhort cylindrical central 26 portion and conical front and rea~ portions which are 27 connected to it. Auger-like vanes are connected to the 28 outside of the shell in a spiral pattern. A tubular shaft is 29 rotatably mounted inside the ~hell and extend~ along the iO shell's axis. An eccentric yoke member is connected to the 31 shaft. An electric motor carried by the yoke member 32 cooperates with commutator rings mounted on the ~haft. An 33 electric cable extends through the ~haft to the commutator 34 rings. A pinion rotated by the motor meshes with an internal gear connected to the shell. During operation gravity keep~
36 the eccentric yoke member and the motor oriented downward 37 while thæ pinion rotates the ~hell via the internal gear.
g2~ SUBSTITUTE SHEET
,, . . ~ ,. .
Wo 92/01121 pcr/uss1/04827 ~`'', . .
2 It is an object o~ the present invention to provide a cleaning apparatus 3 which can be fed out for greater distances than heretofore possible in pipe 4 cleaning operations, such as in-ground sewer rearning operations.
6 Various other applicatiorls for the pipe cleaning apparatus and 7 method of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art based8 upon the following written description.
. .
.. . . . . ..
.~!, .
~, . ,. . . ,. , ,, j ' , . ,. ~ .
, .. ' , ~' . . ' ... :,' ' ~ . i. ' ' ' W O 92/01121 PC~r~US91/04827 ~:, 7 2 6 9 _4_ i , SUM~IARY OF THE lNVENTION
3 The apparatus for cleaning a pipe of the invention includes a rigid, 4 longitudinally extending s~em. A motor is s~at;onarily mounted on the stem.
US Patent 3,087,181 discloses a sewer cleaning apparatus 21 which travels through a pipe from a first manhole,to a second 22 manhole so that a cable can then be drawn back through the 23 pipe to the first manhole Ln order to permit conventlonal 24 sewer cleaning equipment to be attached to the cable. The apparatus has a ~hell having a nhort cylindrical central 26 portion and conical front and rea~ portions which are 27 connected to it. Auger-like vanes are connected to the 28 outside of the shell in a spiral pattern. A tubular shaft is 29 rotatably mounted inside the ~hell and extend~ along the iO shell's axis. An eccentric yoke member is connected to the 31 shaft. An electric motor carried by the yoke member 32 cooperates with commutator rings mounted on the ~haft. An 33 electric cable extends through the ~haft to the commutator 34 rings. A pinion rotated by the motor meshes with an internal gear connected to the shell. During operation gravity keep~
36 the eccentric yoke member and the motor oriented downward 37 while thæ pinion rotates the ~hell via the internal gear.
g2~ SUBSTITUTE SHEET
,, . . ~ ,. .
Wo 92/01121 pcr/uss1/04827 ~`'', . .
2 It is an object o~ the present invention to provide a cleaning apparatus 3 which can be fed out for greater distances than heretofore possible in pipe 4 cleaning operations, such as in-ground sewer rearning operations.
6 Various other applicatiorls for the pipe cleaning apparatus and 7 method of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art based8 upon the following written description.
. .
.. . . . . ..
.~!, .
~, . ,. . . ,. , ,, j ' , . ,. ~ .
, .. ' , ~' . . ' ... :,' ' ~ . i. ' ' ' W O 92/01121 PC~r~US91/04827 ~:, 7 2 6 9 _4_ i , SUM~IARY OF THE lNVENTION
3 The apparatus for cleaning a pipe of the invention includes a rigid, 4 longitudinally extending s~em. A motor is s~at;onarily mounted on the stem.
5 An outer body surrounds the motor and is rotatably mounted on ~he
6 longitudinalJy extending stem. Drive means are provided for cormecting the
7 motor to the outer body. A power coup!ing is connected to the stem for
8 supplyiDg power to the motor, the coupling also being connected to a pulling g unit for pulling the apparatus through the pipe ~o be cleaned. Power supplied 10 through the stem to the motor provides rotational propulsion to turn the 11 outer body as the apparatus is moved through the pipe to be cleaned.
13 Preferably, the motor is a water powered motor and the power 14 CoUpliDg iS a water conduit connected to the longitudinally extending ster~
15 The outer body preferably includes hardened regions on the exterior thereof 16 which are selectively sized to réam the irlterior of the pipe to be cleaned.
18 In the method of the invention, a fluid powered motor is stationarily 19 mounted on a rigid stem, the rigid stem being provided with a hollow interior.
20 An outer body is rotatably mounted on the longitudinally cxten~ling stem with21 the outer body surrounding the nuid powered motor. The ~uid powercd 22 motor is cormected to the outer body by a suitable drivc means. One end of a 23 fluid conduit is connected to the stcm, tbe fluid conduit being connected with 24 a source of fluid under pressure for powering the nuid motor. The opposite 25 end of the fluid conduit is connected to a pulling unit for pulling the 26 apparatus through thc pipe to be clcancd. ~:luid is supplied under pressure 27 through the stem to the motor to pro~ride rotational propulsion to turn the 28 outer body whDe simultaneously pulling the apparatus throug~ -lhë pipe with 29 tbe pulling unit connected to the nuid conduit, thereby causing the apparatus3 0 to ream the pipe interior.
. .~ - .. . , ~ . ;. .
; . . .. ... .
:~ :
Wo 92/01121 Pcr/uss1/o4827 1; : .
Preferably, the fluid motor is a water powered motor and the fluid 2 conduit is connected wi~h a source of water under pressurc for providing 3 rotational propulsion for the apparatus.
Additional objects, ~eatures and advantages will be apparent in the 6 written description which follows.
...
..
,; .; ~ . . f J
-6 ~PCT/US91/04827) 1 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF T~E DRAWINGS
3 Figure 1 is a side, perspective view of the pipe 4 cleaning apparatus of the invention, showing the apparatus in place in an underground pipe, with portion~ of the pipe broken 6 away for ease of illustration;
8 Figure 2A is a ~implified, ~chematic view, of the
13 Preferably, the motor is a water powered motor and the power 14 CoUpliDg iS a water conduit connected to the longitudinally extending ster~
15 The outer body preferably includes hardened regions on the exterior thereof 16 which are selectively sized to réam the irlterior of the pipe to be cleaned.
18 In the method of the invention, a fluid powered motor is stationarily 19 mounted on a rigid stem, the rigid stem being provided with a hollow interior.
20 An outer body is rotatably mounted on the longitudinally cxten~ling stem with21 the outer body surrounding the nuid powered motor. The ~uid powercd 22 motor is cormected to the outer body by a suitable drivc means. One end of a 23 fluid conduit is connected to the stcm, tbe fluid conduit being connected with 24 a source of fluid under pressure for powering the nuid motor. The opposite 25 end of the fluid conduit is connected to a pulling unit for pulling the 26 apparatus through thc pipe to be clcancd. ~:luid is supplied under pressure 27 through the stem to the motor to pro~ride rotational propulsion to turn the 28 outer body whDe simultaneously pulling the apparatus throug~ -lhë pipe with 29 tbe pulling unit connected to the nuid conduit, thereby causing the apparatus3 0 to ream the pipe interior.
. .~ - .. . , ~ . ;. .
; . . .. ... .
:~ :
Wo 92/01121 Pcr/uss1/o4827 1; : .
Preferably, the fluid motor is a water powered motor and the fluid 2 conduit is connected wi~h a source of water under pressurc for providing 3 rotational propulsion for the apparatus.
Additional objects, ~eatures and advantages will be apparent in the 6 written description which follows.
...
..
,; .; ~ . . f J
-6 ~PCT/US91/04827) 1 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF T~E DRAWINGS
3 Figure 1 is a side, perspective view of the pipe 4 cleaning apparatus of the invention, showing the apparatus in place in an underground pipe, with portion~ of the pipe broken 6 away for ease of illustration;
8 Figure 2A is a ~implified, ~chematic view, of the
9 operation of the method of the invention showing the water nozzle blaster which is used to remove large debris from the 11 pipe to be cleaned;
13 Figure 2B i9 a simplified, schematic view, ~imilar to 14 2A, showing the pipe cleaning apparatu~ of the invention which has been attached to the fluid conduit, the cleaning apparatus 16 being pulled through the pipe to be cleaned by the pulling - 17 unit or the ~urface;
19 Figure 3A is a partial, sectional view of a pipe to be cleaned with the apparatus of the invention showing the 21 obstructions within the pipe interior.
23 Figure 38 i5 a subsequent view of the pipe interior of 24 Figure 3A after having been reamed with the apparatus of the lnvention;
27 Figure 3C shows the underground plpe of Figure 3a having 28 been lined with a synthetic liner;
Figure 4 is a side, cross-sectional view of the pipe 31 cleaning apparatus of the invention;
33 Figure 5 i9 a ~implified, overall view of another 34 version of the pipe cleaning apparatus of the invention, the apparatus being provided with a doubly tapered external 36 housing for pulling. in either of two opposite directions 37 withln a pipe;
SUE3STITUTE S~EET
W O 92/01121 PC~r~US91/04827 .
~ 7 2 6 9 Figure 6 is an exploded view of certain of the internal components of 2 the apparatus of the invention;
4 Figures 7-9 are isolated views of alternate exterior surfaces which can 5 be provided on the apparatus of the inven~ion.
, . .. . - , . ..
.. .
.. . .. .
. .
. .
;. ~ . , .
8 (PCT/US91/04827) 3 Figure 1 shows the pipe cleaning apparatus of the 4 invention de~ignated generally as 11. Aq best seen in Figure 5 4, the pipe cleaning apparatus 11 includes a rigid, 6 longitudinally extending stem 13. The stem 13 has a hollow, 7 cylindrical interior 15 and a series of stepped exterior 8 regions 19, 21, 23. Stepped exterior region 23 forms an 9 external flange provided with bolt receiving reces~es for
13 Figure 2B i9 a simplified, schematic view, ~imilar to 14 2A, showing the pipe cleaning apparatu~ of the invention which has been attached to the fluid conduit, the cleaning apparatus 16 being pulled through the pipe to be cleaned by the pulling - 17 unit or the ~urface;
19 Figure 3A is a partial, sectional view of a pipe to be cleaned with the apparatus of the invention showing the 21 obstructions within the pipe interior.
23 Figure 38 i5 a subsequent view of the pipe interior of 24 Figure 3A after having been reamed with the apparatus of the lnvention;
27 Figure 3C shows the underground plpe of Figure 3a having 28 been lined with a synthetic liner;
Figure 4 is a side, cross-sectional view of the pipe 31 cleaning apparatus of the invention;
33 Figure 5 i9 a ~implified, overall view of another 34 version of the pipe cleaning apparatus of the invention, the apparatus being provided with a doubly tapered external 36 housing for pulling. in either of two opposite directions 37 withln a pipe;
SUE3STITUTE S~EET
W O 92/01121 PC~r~US91/04827 .
~ 7 2 6 9 Figure 6 is an exploded view of certain of the internal components of 2 the apparatus of the invention;
4 Figures 7-9 are isolated views of alternate exterior surfaces which can 5 be provided on the apparatus of the inven~ion.
, . .. . - , . ..
.. .
.. . .. .
. .
. .
;. ~ . , .
8 (PCT/US91/04827) 3 Figure 1 shows the pipe cleaning apparatus of the 4 invention de~ignated generally as 11. Aq best seen in Figure 5 4, the pipe cleaning apparatus 11 includes a rigid, 6 longitudinally extending stem 13. The stem 13 has a hollow, 7 cylindrical interior 15 and a series of stepped exterior 8 regions 19, 21, 23. Stepped exterior region 23 forms an 9 external flange provided with bolt receiving reces~es for
10 receiving a plurality of threaded bolt~ 25. The threaded bolts
11 25 are used to ~tationarily mount a motor 27 on the ~tem 13.
12 Preferably, the motor 27 is a fluid powered motor. A variety
13 of fluid powered motors are known in the art which can be
14 utilized with the apparatus of the invention. For instance a
15 fluLd powered motor can be obtained commercially from Char-
16 lynn Corporation, of Eden Prairie, Minnesota as the Series A,
17 H and S "Gerotor~ motors. Most preferably, the motor is a
18 water powered motor. ~
19 .. *
20 The motor 27 has an inlet opening 28 which communicates
21 with the hollow interior 15 of the stem 13 for receiving
22 pressurized fluid. The motor also has an internal chamber 30
23 which i9 arranged to communicate with the inlet opening and
24 the hollow interior of the stem 13. The motor has an internal
25 gerotor which is turned by the passage of water through the
26 internal chamber, thereby powering a driven shaft 31 which
27 extends from the rear face 33 of the motor 27 along the
28 longitudinal axis 35 of the apparatus.
29
30 A 1uLd conduit such as coil tubing 37 (Figures 1 and
31 4) is connected to the stem 13 by means of a threaded
32 coupllng 39 which matingly engages the threaded exterior
33 41 of the ~tem outer extent. Although coil tubing of the
34 type used in well workover operations is used in the preferred
35 embodiment, any of a number of high pressure, bi-
36 directlonal steel reinforced hydraulic hoses could be
37 utilized. The fluid conduit is connected to a source of
38 fluid under pres~ure for ~upplying fluid under pressure to
39 the internal chamber 30 of the motor 27 to power the motor.
40 As will be presently explained, the fluld conduit 37 is also
41 connected to a pulling unit ~uch as the winch 43 located on SUE~5~3~iJTE S~ ~T
- ` - .. ,. , . -` ~ :
r 9 (PCT/US91/04827) 1 the rear of a service truck 45 at a qurface location. In this 2 way, the fluid conduit 37 not only supplies preqqurized fluid 3 to the fluid motor 27, but also qerves aq a means for pulling 4 the apparatus through the pipe to be cleaned.
6 Returning to Figure 4, an outer body 47 completely 7 surrounds the fluid powered motor 27. The outer body 47 8 includes a leading, tapered nose cone portion 49 and a 9 trailing body portion 51 which serve_ as a motor housing for the motor 27. The external diameter of the outer body 47 11 increases between the tapered nose cone portion 49 and the 12 body portion 51, giving the overall appearance of a bottle-13 shape. The external diameter of the outer body 47 is sized to 14 be closely received within the $nterior of the pipe to be cleaned. The body portion 51 includes a generally cylindrical 16 outer shell 53 and an inner shell 55 which iQ received 17 concentrically within the outer shell 53. The inner shell 55 18 is qpaced-apart from the exterior of the motor 27 forming an 19 internal cavity 57. The internal cavity 57 allows water passing from one or more exhau3t ports 29 leading from the 21 motor internal chamber to enter the internal cavity 57 and 22 flow about the exterior of the motor 27, thereby serving to 23 cool the motor.
The outer body 47 i9 rotatably mounted on the longi-26 tudinally extending stem by means of a bearing assembly such 27 as the double row Timken bearing 59. The bearing asaembly 59 28 is positioned within the interior of the apparatus by means of 29 a ~pacer member 61 which locates the bearing assembly 59, as well as the other internal components of .he apparatus. The 31 spacer member 61, ha~ ~tepped exterior regions 63, 65, 67, 69 32 ~Figure 6) which gradually increase in external diameter from 33 the leading end 71 to the trailing end 73 thereof. The 34 trailing end 73 i~ pro~ided with a plurality of bolt receiving recesses for receiving connecting bolts 75 (Figure 4). The 36 connecting bolts 75 pass through mating bores provided in the 37 flange portion~ 77,79 of the outer shell 53 and inner shell 38 55. The no~e cone portion 49 has mating threaded bores 81 for 39 engaging the connecting bolts 75, whereby the outer shell 53 and inner ~hell 55 are as~embled to the tapered no~e cone 41 portion 49.
l~3.~ . 3 ~ ~T
, . .. . .... . ... .
.. ., . `
: ~
f~
(PCT/US91/04827) 1 An internal shoulder 83 formed in the apacer member 61 2 is provided with a plurality of cixcumferentially spaced 3 threaded bores for receiving a--7sembly bolts a5. Assembly 4 bolts 85 are used to mount a retaining ring 87 which is used to mount the bearing assembly 59 within the interior of the 6 apparatus.
8 A fluid seal 89 is located within an annular passage 91 9 which i8 located beneath the stepped region 69 of the spacer 61. The fluid seal 89 is a ring-shaped member formed of a 11 .quitable elastomer and formQ a fluid tight seal between the 12 internal cavity 57 of the apparatus and the bearing assembly 13 59. A circumscribing inlay 93 can be located beneath the 14 stepped region 69 within the interior of the spacer 71 to form a contact _urface for the fluid seal 89 as the outer body 47 16 i9 rotated about the Qtationary stem 13 and motor 27.
18 The leading end 71 of the spacer member 61 is provided 19 with a plurality of circumferentially spaced threaded bores 95. Bolts 97 are received within the mating bores and are 21 u~ed to mount an end ring 99. A plurality of end bolt3 101 22 pass through boreq 103 (Figure 6) provided within the tapered 23 noqe cone portion 49 and are used to assemble the nose cone 24 portion 49 to the end ring 99. As Qhown in Figure 4, the stem outer extent has one or more orifices 105 which allow fluid 26 entering the hollow interior 15 to pass radially outward into 27 a cavity 107 within the interior of the nose cone port~on.
28 One or more orifices 109 allow a small amount of fluid to pass 29 from the cavity 107 radlally outward from the exterLor of the nose cone portlon 49. An nnnular ~eal ring 111 located 31 between the exterLor of the stem 13 and the interior of the 32 ~nternal spacer 61 ~solates the cavity 107 from the bearing 33 assembly 59.
A~ shown in Figure 4, drive means are provided for 36 connect$ng the output flhaft 31 of the motor 27 to the 37 outer body 47 for rotating the outer body about the ~tation-38 ary stem 13 and motor 27. Preferably, the drive means 39 include~ a driven plate 113 which i3 engaged on the driven ~haft 31 in a plane generally perpendicular 41 thereto by means of a ~plined opening 115 which ~ ~ ~ - r Jr~'-r~ :7~ 'T
- . . , Wo 92/01121 Pcr/ussl/04827 ( :- .
-11- 2p872;69 matingly engages the external splines provided on the driven shaft 31. The 2 driven plate 113 has a plurality of outlet openings 117 which are 3 circurnferentially spaced about the driven shaft 31 for exhausting fluid from4 the internal cavity 57 to the exterior of the apparatus as the apparatus is being pulled by the fluid conduit 37. A plurality of bores 119 spaced about 6 the outer periphery of the driven plate 113 are adapted to receive connecting7 bolts 121 which arc used to assemble a butt plate 123 on the trailing end of 8 the apparatus. The connecting bolts 121 have threaded ends 125 which are 9 received within mating openings provided in the end portion 127 of the inner shell 55.
12 Tbe butt plate 123 includes a circular opening 129 for exhaustmg 13 water passing through the outlet operungs 117. The circular opening 129 also14 has affixed tberein, as by welding, a tow ring 131 having a T-shaped attachment portion 133.
17 Tbe method of the invention will be described with reference to 8 Figures 2A-2B. In the operation shown in Figure 2A, the apparatus 11 is 19 being used to clcan a sewer line 135 which extends horizontally in the ground 13? and which has largc debris 139 within the interior thereo Although lhe 21 invention will be described witb reference to the re work of a sewer main, il 22 uill be apparent to tbose skilled in the art that the apparatus of the invcntion 23 can be utilized in a"variety of pipe cleaning opera~ions. As shown in greater 24 detail in Figure 3A and 3B, tbe sewcr main has one or morc pipc joints 141, 25 , 143 which in this case have become misaligned at the coupling 145. The joint 26, 143 also has,cracks 147 into which''plant roots and other dcbris have 27 accurnulated. The joint 141 has an incoming line 149 which includes an inncr28 extcnt 151 which protrudes within the internal diameter 153 of thc joins.
3 0 Returning to Figure 2A, a gross cleaning implement such as the nozzle 31 blaster 155 is first connected to the fluid conduit 157 which is dispensed frorn 32 a take-up reel 159 located on the,rear of the service truck 161. The noæie 33 blaster 155 will bc farniliar to thosc skilled in the art and is used to open a . .. . .
- . . j ................... ..
:: - .
W O 92/01121 PC~r/US91/04827 '~, ~ 12-. i .
pathway jD the pipe interior. Other gross cleaning implements could be used 2 as well, since the pipe internal sidewalls are not being reamed in this slep.
3 For instance, U.S. Patent No. 1,628,070, issued to Sladden, May 10, 1927, 4 shows a self propelled hose nozzle, ~he disclosure of which is incorporated S herein by reference. The nozzle blaster 155 is run into the en rance 163 of 6 the pipe joint which is exposed wjthin the manhole 165 at a irst horizontal 7 location. A stand 167 and ;dler 169 dispense the fluid conduit 157. Water 8 under pressure is purnped from the pump unit 171 on the service truck 161 to 9 drive the nozzle blaster 155 ill the direction of a second manhole 173 located at a second horizontal position of the pipe joint to be cleaned. The water 11 nozzle blaster 155 clears a pathway within the pipe joint by removing gross 12 debris within the joint. It is loosely spaced within the internal diamcter of the 13 joint and exhausts water to the rear as it is driven forward.
Once the nozzle blaster has reached the second manhole location 173, 16 it is removed and is replaced with the apparatus of the invention 11. The 17 threaded coupling 39 of the apparatus 11 (Figure 1) is used to attach the 18 apparatus to the nuid conduit 157 which now extends through the pipe joint.
19 As shown in Figure 2A, the apparatus 11 also bas attached thereto a w;re cable 175 which is played out from a power winch 177 located at tlhe surface.
22 As shown in Figure 2B the pipe is then reamed by acluating the 23 pulling unit 43 on the service truck 45 as water is being pumped under 24 pressure from the pump unit 171 through the Duid conduit lS7. Water pumped through the Quid conduit aDd through tbe stem 13 powers the water 26 motor 17. Thc driven shaft 31 of the water motor acts througb the driven 27 plate 113 to rola~e the outer body 47 about the stationary stem 13 and motor 28 27. -As thc apparatus is being pulled to the left when viewed in ~igure 1,29 water is bei~g exhausted through the circular opening 129 provided in the 3 0 butt P!ate 123 of the apparatus.
3 1 ~ -32 , The outer body 47 is preferably pro~ided with hardened regiuns such 33 as the spiralling regions of tungsten carbide hardfacing 179 (Figure 1). In the - . , . ' ~:, ' ' wo 92/01121Pcr/Us91/04827 ;
~087269:
embodiment shown, ~he hardened regions 179 alternate with spiralling 2grooves 181 which begin at the tapered nose cone region 49 and terrninate at 3the trailing cnd of the apparatus. The exterior of the outer body 47 can also 4be provided with other pipe cleaning pro&les, such as those shown in Figures 57-9. Figure 7 shows a plura~ty of circular polycrystalline diarnond cutting 6elements 183 positioned on backings 18S. The cutting faces 187 of the cutting 7elements arc arranged ill radial planes which contact the pipe interior as the 8outer body is being rotated. Figurc 8 shows another embodirnent of the outer gbody exterior in which longitudina]ly arrangcd brush elements 189 are 10positioned on the spiralling lands 191 provided on the outer body exterior.
11Figure 9 shows another arrangement of raised tungsten carbide elements 193 12us~d to contact the pipe interior.
14As shown in Figure 2B, the wire cable 175 which is attached to the tow 15riDg 131 of the apparatus 11 allows the apparatus to be retrieved by means of 16tbe power winch 177 should the apparatus become stuck within the pipe 17being deaned. Otherwise, thc apparatus is pul~ed through the pipe by means 18of the pulling unit 43 on the service truck 45. Once the rear~ung apparatus 19has becn puDed to the first horizontal location at the manhole 16S, it is 20removed from the water conduit. The water nozzle blaster can then be 21reinstalled on the water conduit, the service truck moved to anolhèr location,2 2and thc proccss repcated.
24~igure S shows another embodirnent of t~e apparatus 11 in which the 25apparatus is provided with a doubly tapered outer body 195. The apparatus 2 6is identical to tbat previously described witb refcrence to Figure 4 except that 27thc butt plate 123 is replaced with a second tapercd section 197 which slopes 28 - in thc opposite direction from the Icading tapered nose cone portion 49. A
29 - funnel shaped passage 199 is provided within the second tapered section 19730 for cxhausting ihe water passing from the outlet openings 117 of the driven 31 plate 113 to the trailing end of the apparatus. The funnel shaped passage 32 terminates in an ex~aust pipe 201 which is also the connecting point for a tow 33 ring 203. In this cmbodimcnt of the in~ention, the water supplied through ' ~I''; f~
. . .
( .
. . :'- ` ' -' ' : . : , :': '': " `' ,': ', ': ' . :
.' :. "; :
,'-' . ' ~ .. ..
~ -- `
r;~
14 (PCT/US91/04827) 1 the stem 13 to the motor 27 rotate~ the entire doubly tapered 2 outer body 195 about the stationary motor 27. In this way, 3 the hou~ing 195 would turn and ream the pipe interior whether 4 being pulled by the fluid conduit in one direction or by the tow ring 203 in the opposite direction.
7 Figure 3B show~ the pipe joints 141, 143 after being 8 reamed with the apparatus 11 of the invention. It will be 9 noted that the apparatus ha~ sheared the inner extent 151 of the incoming line 149 to pre~ent a smooth internal diameter 11 for the pipe joint. The device has also smoothed the pro-12 truding portions 205 of the pipe ~oint and has removed the 13 debris which was extending within the crack 147.
Figure 3C shows the pipe joints 141, 143 after a 16 ~ubsequent operation in which a synthetic liner 207 ha~ been 17 installed within the sewer main. The ~mooth internal diameter 18 153 facilitateq the uniform seating of the liner 207 within 19 the pipe joints.
21 An inven~ion has been provided with several advantages.
22 ~he apparatu~ of the invention i9 relatively ~imple in de~ign 23 and economical to manufacture utilizing commercially available 24 parts. The apparatus can perform a variety of pipe cleaning and reaming operations. ~ecaUse the apparatus can be water 26 powered instead of being operated by conventional hydraulic 27 oil, lt can be operated at much greater di~tances from the 28 pump truck than was previously possible. The water powered 29 version of the device is non-polluting and envlronmentally safe making lt ideally suited for use in sewer and water 31 supply applications. It is not necessary to have a drive 32 mechanism for the apparatuq located downhole ince the 33 apparatu~ i9 fluid powered. Because the fluid conduit which 34 is u~ed to power the apparatus can bypass around turns, it i5 not necessary to perform extensive excavation of underground 36 3ewage and water lines, as was done in the past. The device 37 can be provided with a variety of exterior surfaces for 38 reaming, scrapping, de~caling, brushing and other operations 39 within th~ pipe being worked.
.
SUBSTITUTE SHEFT
-, . . ~ .
` ' i ' ` ' '~ " ': ' ' ' : ~ :
Wo 92/01l2 PCr/US91/0482 ~87269 -15- i~ " . .~;
While the invention has been shown in its preferred forrn, it is not thus 2 limited but is susceptible to various changes and modifications wilhout 3 departing from tbe spirit thereof.
- ` - .. ,. , . -` ~ :
r 9 (PCT/US91/04827) 1 the rear of a service truck 45 at a qurface location. In this 2 way, the fluid conduit 37 not only supplies preqqurized fluid 3 to the fluid motor 27, but also qerves aq a means for pulling 4 the apparatus through the pipe to be cleaned.
6 Returning to Figure 4, an outer body 47 completely 7 surrounds the fluid powered motor 27. The outer body 47 8 includes a leading, tapered nose cone portion 49 and a 9 trailing body portion 51 which serve_ as a motor housing for the motor 27. The external diameter of the outer body 47 11 increases between the tapered nose cone portion 49 and the 12 body portion 51, giving the overall appearance of a bottle-13 shape. The external diameter of the outer body 47 is sized to 14 be closely received within the $nterior of the pipe to be cleaned. The body portion 51 includes a generally cylindrical 16 outer shell 53 and an inner shell 55 which iQ received 17 concentrically within the outer shell 53. The inner shell 55 18 is qpaced-apart from the exterior of the motor 27 forming an 19 internal cavity 57. The internal cavity 57 allows water passing from one or more exhau3t ports 29 leading from the 21 motor internal chamber to enter the internal cavity 57 and 22 flow about the exterior of the motor 27, thereby serving to 23 cool the motor.
The outer body 47 i9 rotatably mounted on the longi-26 tudinally extending stem by means of a bearing assembly such 27 as the double row Timken bearing 59. The bearing asaembly 59 28 is positioned within the interior of the apparatus by means of 29 a ~pacer member 61 which locates the bearing assembly 59, as well as the other internal components of .he apparatus. The 31 spacer member 61, ha~ ~tepped exterior regions 63, 65, 67, 69 32 ~Figure 6) which gradually increase in external diameter from 33 the leading end 71 to the trailing end 73 thereof. The 34 trailing end 73 i~ pro~ided with a plurality of bolt receiving recesses for receiving connecting bolts 75 (Figure 4). The 36 connecting bolts 75 pass through mating bores provided in the 37 flange portion~ 77,79 of the outer shell 53 and inner shell 38 55. The no~e cone portion 49 has mating threaded bores 81 for 39 engaging the connecting bolts 75, whereby the outer shell 53 and inner ~hell 55 are as~embled to the tapered no~e cone 41 portion 49.
l~3.~ . 3 ~ ~T
, . .. . .... . ... .
.. ., . `
: ~
f~
(PCT/US91/04827) 1 An internal shoulder 83 formed in the apacer member 61 2 is provided with a plurality of cixcumferentially spaced 3 threaded bores for receiving a--7sembly bolts a5. Assembly 4 bolts 85 are used to mount a retaining ring 87 which is used to mount the bearing assembly 59 within the interior of the 6 apparatus.
8 A fluid seal 89 is located within an annular passage 91 9 which i8 located beneath the stepped region 69 of the spacer 61. The fluid seal 89 is a ring-shaped member formed of a 11 .quitable elastomer and formQ a fluid tight seal between the 12 internal cavity 57 of the apparatus and the bearing assembly 13 59. A circumscribing inlay 93 can be located beneath the 14 stepped region 69 within the interior of the spacer 71 to form a contact _urface for the fluid seal 89 as the outer body 47 16 i9 rotated about the Qtationary stem 13 and motor 27.
18 The leading end 71 of the spacer member 61 is provided 19 with a plurality of circumferentially spaced threaded bores 95. Bolts 97 are received within the mating bores and are 21 u~ed to mount an end ring 99. A plurality of end bolt3 101 22 pass through boreq 103 (Figure 6) provided within the tapered 23 noqe cone portion 49 and are used to assemble the nose cone 24 portion 49 to the end ring 99. As Qhown in Figure 4, the stem outer extent has one or more orifices 105 which allow fluid 26 entering the hollow interior 15 to pass radially outward into 27 a cavity 107 within the interior of the nose cone port~on.
28 One or more orifices 109 allow a small amount of fluid to pass 29 from the cavity 107 radlally outward from the exterLor of the nose cone portlon 49. An nnnular ~eal ring 111 located 31 between the exterLor of the stem 13 and the interior of the 32 ~nternal spacer 61 ~solates the cavity 107 from the bearing 33 assembly 59.
A~ shown in Figure 4, drive means are provided for 36 connect$ng the output flhaft 31 of the motor 27 to the 37 outer body 47 for rotating the outer body about the ~tation-38 ary stem 13 and motor 27. Preferably, the drive means 39 include~ a driven plate 113 which i3 engaged on the driven ~haft 31 in a plane generally perpendicular 41 thereto by means of a ~plined opening 115 which ~ ~ ~ - r Jr~'-r~ :7~ 'T
- . . , Wo 92/01121 Pcr/ussl/04827 ( :- .
-11- 2p872;69 matingly engages the external splines provided on the driven shaft 31. The 2 driven plate 113 has a plurality of outlet openings 117 which are 3 circurnferentially spaced about the driven shaft 31 for exhausting fluid from4 the internal cavity 57 to the exterior of the apparatus as the apparatus is being pulled by the fluid conduit 37. A plurality of bores 119 spaced about 6 the outer periphery of the driven plate 113 are adapted to receive connecting7 bolts 121 which arc used to assemble a butt plate 123 on the trailing end of 8 the apparatus. The connecting bolts 121 have threaded ends 125 which are 9 received within mating openings provided in the end portion 127 of the inner shell 55.
12 Tbe butt plate 123 includes a circular opening 129 for exhaustmg 13 water passing through the outlet operungs 117. The circular opening 129 also14 has affixed tberein, as by welding, a tow ring 131 having a T-shaped attachment portion 133.
17 Tbe method of the invention will be described with reference to 8 Figures 2A-2B. In the operation shown in Figure 2A, the apparatus 11 is 19 being used to clcan a sewer line 135 which extends horizontally in the ground 13? and which has largc debris 139 within the interior thereo Although lhe 21 invention will be described witb reference to the re work of a sewer main, il 22 uill be apparent to tbose skilled in the art that the apparatus of the invcntion 23 can be utilized in a"variety of pipe cleaning opera~ions. As shown in greater 24 detail in Figure 3A and 3B, tbe sewcr main has one or morc pipc joints 141, 25 , 143 which in this case have become misaligned at the coupling 145. The joint 26, 143 also has,cracks 147 into which''plant roots and other dcbris have 27 accurnulated. The joint 141 has an incoming line 149 which includes an inncr28 extcnt 151 which protrudes within the internal diameter 153 of thc joins.
3 0 Returning to Figure 2A, a gross cleaning implement such as the nozzle 31 blaster 155 is first connected to the fluid conduit 157 which is dispensed frorn 32 a take-up reel 159 located on the,rear of the service truck 161. The noæie 33 blaster 155 will bc farniliar to thosc skilled in the art and is used to open a . .. . .
- . . j ................... ..
:: - .
W O 92/01121 PC~r/US91/04827 '~, ~ 12-. i .
pathway jD the pipe interior. Other gross cleaning implements could be used 2 as well, since the pipe internal sidewalls are not being reamed in this slep.
3 For instance, U.S. Patent No. 1,628,070, issued to Sladden, May 10, 1927, 4 shows a self propelled hose nozzle, ~he disclosure of which is incorporated S herein by reference. The nozzle blaster 155 is run into the en rance 163 of 6 the pipe joint which is exposed wjthin the manhole 165 at a irst horizontal 7 location. A stand 167 and ;dler 169 dispense the fluid conduit 157. Water 8 under pressure is purnped from the pump unit 171 on the service truck 161 to 9 drive the nozzle blaster 155 ill the direction of a second manhole 173 located at a second horizontal position of the pipe joint to be cleaned. The water 11 nozzle blaster 155 clears a pathway within the pipe joint by removing gross 12 debris within the joint. It is loosely spaced within the internal diamcter of the 13 joint and exhausts water to the rear as it is driven forward.
Once the nozzle blaster has reached the second manhole location 173, 16 it is removed and is replaced with the apparatus of the invention 11. The 17 threaded coupling 39 of the apparatus 11 (Figure 1) is used to attach the 18 apparatus to the nuid conduit 157 which now extends through the pipe joint.
19 As shown in Figure 2A, the apparatus 11 also bas attached thereto a w;re cable 175 which is played out from a power winch 177 located at tlhe surface.
22 As shown in Figure 2B the pipe is then reamed by acluating the 23 pulling unit 43 on the service truck 45 as water is being pumped under 24 pressure from the pump unit 171 through the Duid conduit lS7. Water pumped through the Quid conduit aDd through tbe stem 13 powers the water 26 motor 17. Thc driven shaft 31 of the water motor acts througb the driven 27 plate 113 to rola~e the outer body 47 about the stationary stem 13 and motor 28 27. -As thc apparatus is being pulled to the left when viewed in ~igure 1,29 water is bei~g exhausted through the circular opening 129 provided in the 3 0 butt P!ate 123 of the apparatus.
3 1 ~ -32 , The outer body 47 is preferably pro~ided with hardened regiuns such 33 as the spiralling regions of tungsten carbide hardfacing 179 (Figure 1). In the - . , . ' ~:, ' ' wo 92/01121Pcr/Us91/04827 ;
~087269:
embodiment shown, ~he hardened regions 179 alternate with spiralling 2grooves 181 which begin at the tapered nose cone region 49 and terrninate at 3the trailing cnd of the apparatus. The exterior of the outer body 47 can also 4be provided with other pipe cleaning pro&les, such as those shown in Figures 57-9. Figure 7 shows a plura~ty of circular polycrystalline diarnond cutting 6elements 183 positioned on backings 18S. The cutting faces 187 of the cutting 7elements arc arranged ill radial planes which contact the pipe interior as the 8outer body is being rotated. Figurc 8 shows another embodirnent of the outer gbody exterior in which longitudina]ly arrangcd brush elements 189 are 10positioned on the spiralling lands 191 provided on the outer body exterior.
11Figure 9 shows another arrangement of raised tungsten carbide elements 193 12us~d to contact the pipe interior.
14As shown in Figure 2B, the wire cable 175 which is attached to the tow 15riDg 131 of the apparatus 11 allows the apparatus to be retrieved by means of 16tbe power winch 177 should the apparatus become stuck within the pipe 17being deaned. Otherwise, thc apparatus is pul~ed through the pipe by means 18of the pulling unit 43 on the service truck 45. Once the rear~ung apparatus 19has becn puDed to the first horizontal location at the manhole 16S, it is 20removed from the water conduit. The water nozzle blaster can then be 21reinstalled on the water conduit, the service truck moved to anolhèr location,2 2and thc proccss repcated.
24~igure S shows another embodirnent of t~e apparatus 11 in which the 25apparatus is provided with a doubly tapered outer body 195. The apparatus 2 6is identical to tbat previously described witb refcrence to Figure 4 except that 27thc butt plate 123 is replaced with a second tapercd section 197 which slopes 28 - in thc opposite direction from the Icading tapered nose cone portion 49. A
29 - funnel shaped passage 199 is provided within the second tapered section 19730 for cxhausting ihe water passing from the outlet openings 117 of the driven 31 plate 113 to the trailing end of the apparatus. The funnel shaped passage 32 terminates in an ex~aust pipe 201 which is also the connecting point for a tow 33 ring 203. In this cmbodimcnt of the in~ention, the water supplied through ' ~I''; f~
. . .
( .
. . :'- ` ' -' ' : . : , :': '': " `' ,': ', ': ' . :
.' :. "; :
,'-' . ' ~ .. ..
~ -- `
r;~
14 (PCT/US91/04827) 1 the stem 13 to the motor 27 rotate~ the entire doubly tapered 2 outer body 195 about the stationary motor 27. In this way, 3 the hou~ing 195 would turn and ream the pipe interior whether 4 being pulled by the fluid conduit in one direction or by the tow ring 203 in the opposite direction.
7 Figure 3B show~ the pipe joints 141, 143 after being 8 reamed with the apparatus 11 of the invention. It will be 9 noted that the apparatus ha~ sheared the inner extent 151 of the incoming line 149 to pre~ent a smooth internal diameter 11 for the pipe joint. The device has also smoothed the pro-12 truding portions 205 of the pipe ~oint and has removed the 13 debris which was extending within the crack 147.
Figure 3C shows the pipe joints 141, 143 after a 16 ~ubsequent operation in which a synthetic liner 207 ha~ been 17 installed within the sewer main. The ~mooth internal diameter 18 153 facilitateq the uniform seating of the liner 207 within 19 the pipe joints.
21 An inven~ion has been provided with several advantages.
22 ~he apparatu~ of the invention i9 relatively ~imple in de~ign 23 and economical to manufacture utilizing commercially available 24 parts. The apparatus can perform a variety of pipe cleaning and reaming operations. ~ecaUse the apparatus can be water 26 powered instead of being operated by conventional hydraulic 27 oil, lt can be operated at much greater di~tances from the 28 pump truck than was previously possible. The water powered 29 version of the device is non-polluting and envlronmentally safe making lt ideally suited for use in sewer and water 31 supply applications. It is not necessary to have a drive 32 mechanism for the apparatuq located downhole ince the 33 apparatu~ i9 fluid powered. Because the fluid conduit which 34 is u~ed to power the apparatus can bypass around turns, it i5 not necessary to perform extensive excavation of underground 36 3ewage and water lines, as was done in the past. The device 37 can be provided with a variety of exterior surfaces for 38 reaming, scrapping, de~caling, brushing and other operations 39 within th~ pipe being worked.
.
SUBSTITUTE SHEFT
-, . . ~ .
` ' i ' ` ' '~ " ': ' ' ' : ~ :
Wo 92/01l2 PCr/US91/0482 ~87269 -15- i~ " . .~;
While the invention has been shown in its preferred forrn, it is not thus 2 limited but is susceptible to various changes and modifications wilhout 3 departing from tbe spirit thereof.
Claims (21)
1. An apparatus for cleaning a pipe having a pipe interior, the apparatus comprising:
a rigid, longitudinally extending stem;
a motor stationarily mounted on the stem;
an outer body which surrounds the motor, the outer body being rotatably mounted on the longitudinally extending stem and being selectively sized to ream the pipe interior as the apparatus is moved through the pipe interior;
drive means for connecting the motor to the outer body;
a power coupling connected to the stem for suppling power to the motor, the power coupling also being connected to a pulling unit for pulling the apparatus through the pipe to be cleaned;
whereby power supplied through the power coupling and through the stem to the motor provides rotational propulsion to turn the outer body as the apparatus is moved through the pipe to be cleaned.
a rigid, longitudinally extending stem;
a motor stationarily mounted on the stem;
an outer body which surrounds the motor, the outer body being rotatably mounted on the longitudinally extending stem and being selectively sized to ream the pipe interior as the apparatus is moved through the pipe interior;
drive means for connecting the motor to the outer body;
a power coupling connected to the stem for suppling power to the motor, the power coupling also being connected to a pulling unit for pulling the apparatus through the pipe to be cleaned;
whereby power supplied through the power coupling and through the stem to the motor provides rotational propulsion to turn the outer body as the apparatus is moved through the pipe to be cleaned.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the motor is a fluid powered motor.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the motor is a water powered motor.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outer body includes hardened regions on the exterior thereof, the outer diameter of the hardened regions on the outer body being selectively sized to ream the interior of the pipe to be cleaned.
5. An apparatus for cleaning a pipe having a pipe interior and which extends horizontally in the ground, the apparatus comprising:
a longitudinally extending stem having a hollow interior;
a fluid powered motor stationarily mounted on the stem and having an internal chamber arranged to communicate with the hollow interior of the stem;
a fluid conduit connected to the stem, the fluid conduit being connected to a source of fluid under pressure for suppling fluid under pressure to the internal chamber of the motor to power the motor, the fluid conduit also being connected to a pulling unit for pulling the apparatus through the pipe to be cleaned;
an outer body which completely surrounds the fluid powered motor, the outer body being rotatably mounted on the longitudinally extending stem;
drive means for connecting the fluid powered motor to the outer body;
whereby fluid supplied through the fluid conduit to the stem and through the stem to the fluid powered motor provides rotational propulsion to turn the outer body as the apparatus is moved through the pipe to be cleaned.
a longitudinally extending stem having a hollow interior;
a fluid powered motor stationarily mounted on the stem and having an internal chamber arranged to communicate with the hollow interior of the stem;
a fluid conduit connected to the stem, the fluid conduit being connected to a source of fluid under pressure for suppling fluid under pressure to the internal chamber of the motor to power the motor, the fluid conduit also being connected to a pulling unit for pulling the apparatus through the pipe to be cleaned;
an outer body which completely surrounds the fluid powered motor, the outer body being rotatably mounted on the longitudinally extending stem;
drive means for connecting the fluid powered motor to the outer body;
whereby fluid supplied through the fluid conduit to the stem and through the stem to the fluid powered motor provides rotational propulsion to turn the outer body as the apparatus is moved through the pipe to be cleaned.
6. An apparatus for cleaning a pipe having a pipe interior and which extends horizontally in the ground, the apparatus comprising:
a longitudinally extending stem having a hollow interior, the stem being adapted for connection to a source of fluid under pressure located on the surface above the ground;
a fluid powered motor stationarily mounted on the stem, the fluid powered motor having an internal chamber arranged to communicate with the hollow interior of the stem and having a fluid powered output shaft;
an outer body including a tapered nose cone and an associated body portion which together completely surround the fluid powered motor, the outer body being rotatably mounted on the longitudinally extending stem;
drive means for connecting the output shaft of the fluid powered motor to the outer body;
whereby fluid supplied through the stem to the fluid powered motor provides rotational propulsion to turn the drive shaft and, in turn, the outer body as the apparatus is moved through the pipe to be cleaned.
a longitudinally extending stem having a hollow interior, the stem being adapted for connection to a source of fluid under pressure located on the surface above the ground;
a fluid powered motor stationarily mounted on the stem, the fluid powered motor having an internal chamber arranged to communicate with the hollow interior of the stem and having a fluid powered output shaft;
an outer body including a tapered nose cone and an associated body portion which together completely surround the fluid powered motor, the outer body being rotatably mounted on the longitudinally extending stem;
drive means for connecting the output shaft of the fluid powered motor to the outer body;
whereby fluid supplied through the stem to the fluid powered motor provides rotational propulsion to turn the drive shaft and, in turn, the outer body as the apparatus is moved through the pipe to be cleaned.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising:
bearing means for mounting the outer body for rotational movement about the longitudinally extending stem.
bearing means for mounting the outer body for rotational movement about the longitudinally extending stem.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the drive means is a driven plate which is mounted on the drive shaft of the motor in a plane generally perpendicular thereto, the driven plate having at least one outlet opening to exhausting fluid from the interior of the apparatus to the exterior thereof.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the outer body has a tapered nose region at each of the opposite ends thereof.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the fluid powered motor has an exhaust port which exhausts fluid within the interior of the outer body which completely surrounds the motor, the exhausted fluid being routed about the exterior of the motor for cooling the motor and then being exhausted through the outlet opening in the driven plate.
11. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the outer body includes hardened regions of tungsten carbide hardfacing arranged as spiralling lands on the exterior of the outer body.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the hardened regions on the exterior of the outer body alternate with spiralling grooves provided on the exterior of the outer body.
13. A method of cleaning a pipe having an obstructed interior, the method comprising the steps of:
inserting a reaming apparatus within the pipe interior, the reaming apparatus being provided with a rigid, longitudinally extending stem and a motor stationarily mounted on the stem, the motor being surrounded by an outer body which is rotatably mounted on the longitudinally extending stem, the motor also being provided with drive means which connect the motor to the outer body for rotating the outer body with respect to the stationary motor and stem;
connecting a power coupling to the stem for suppling power to the motor, the power coupling also being connected to a pulling unit for pulling the apparatus through the pipe so be cleaned;
supplying power through the power coupling to the stem and, in turn, to the motor, to thereby provide rotational propulsion to turn the outer body as the apparatus is moved through the pipe to be cleaned;
actuating the pulling unit to pull the reaming apparatus as the motor is supplying rotational propulsion to the outer body.
inserting a reaming apparatus within the pipe interior, the reaming apparatus being provided with a rigid, longitudinally extending stem and a motor stationarily mounted on the stem, the motor being surrounded by an outer body which is rotatably mounted on the longitudinally extending stem, the motor also being provided with drive means which connect the motor to the outer body for rotating the outer body with respect to the stationary motor and stem;
connecting a power coupling to the stem for suppling power to the motor, the power coupling also being connected to a pulling unit for pulling the apparatus through the pipe so be cleaned;
supplying power through the power coupling to the stem and, in turn, to the motor, to thereby provide rotational propulsion to turn the outer body as the apparatus is moved through the pipe to be cleaned;
actuating the pulling unit to pull the reaming apparatus as the motor is supplying rotational propulsion to the outer body.
14. A method of cleaning a pipe having an obstructed interior, the method comprising the steps of:
stationarily mounting a fluid powered motor on a rigid stern, the rigid stem having a hollow interior;
rotatably mounting an outer body on the longitudinally extending stem with the outer body surrounding the fluid powered motor;
connecting the fluid powered motor to the outer body with drive means;
connecting one end of a fluid conduit to the stem, the fluid conduit being connected with a source of fluid under pressure for powering the fluid motor;
connecting the opposite end of the fluid conduit to a pulling unit for pulling the apparatus through the pipe to be cleaned;
supplying fluid under pressure through the stem to the motor to provide rotational propulsion to turn the outer body while simultaneously pulling the apparatus through the pipe with the pulling unit connected to the fluid conduit, thereby causing the outer body to ream the pipe interior.
stationarily mounting a fluid powered motor on a rigid stern, the rigid stem having a hollow interior;
rotatably mounting an outer body on the longitudinally extending stem with the outer body surrounding the fluid powered motor;
connecting the fluid powered motor to the outer body with drive means;
connecting one end of a fluid conduit to the stem, the fluid conduit being connected with a source of fluid under pressure for powering the fluid motor;
connecting the opposite end of the fluid conduit to a pulling unit for pulling the apparatus through the pipe to be cleaned;
supplying fluid under pressure through the stem to the motor to provide rotational propulsion to turn the outer body while simultaneously pulling the apparatus through the pipe with the pulling unit connected to the fluid conduit, thereby causing the outer body to ream the pipe interior.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the fluid motor is a water powered motor and wherein the fluid conduit is connected with a source of water under pressure for providing rotational propulsion for the outer body.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the outer body is provided with hardened regions of tungsten carbide on the exterior thereof, the hardened regions being selectively sized to ream the interior of the pipe to be cleaned.
17. A method of cleaning a pipe having interior sidewalls and which extends horizontally in the ground, the pipe have large debris within the interior thereof as well as obstructions on the pipe interior sidewalls, the method comprising the steps of:
inserting a nozzle blaster into the pipe interior at a first location along the horizontal length thereof, the nozzle- blaster having a frontface and having a rear face connected to a trailing water conduit which supplies water under pressure to the nozzle blaster to propel the nozzle blaster forward and remove large debris within the pipe interior;
running the nozzle blaster along the horizontal length thereof to a second location;
removing the nozzle blaster from the water conduit at the second location and connecting one end of the water conduit to a reaming apparatus, the reaming apparatus being provided with a rigid, longitudinally extending stem and a water powered motor stationarily mounted on the stern, the motor being connected by drive means to an outer body which is rotatably mounted on the longitudinally extending stem;
connecting an opposite end of the water conduit to a pulling unit on the surface of the ground for pulling the reaming apparatus through the pipe to be cleaned;
supplying water under pressure through the water conduit to the motor to provide rotational propulsion to turn the outer body while simultaneously pulling the apparatus through the pipe with the pulling unit connected to the fluid conduit, thereby causing the outer body to ream the pipe interior.
inserting a nozzle blaster into the pipe interior at a first location along the horizontal length thereof, the nozzle- blaster having a frontface and having a rear face connected to a trailing water conduit which supplies water under pressure to the nozzle blaster to propel the nozzle blaster forward and remove large debris within the pipe interior;
running the nozzle blaster along the horizontal length thereof to a second location;
removing the nozzle blaster from the water conduit at the second location and connecting one end of the water conduit to a reaming apparatus, the reaming apparatus being provided with a rigid, longitudinally extending stem and a water powered motor stationarily mounted on the stern, the motor being connected by drive means to an outer body which is rotatably mounted on the longitudinally extending stem;
connecting an opposite end of the water conduit to a pulling unit on the surface of the ground for pulling the reaming apparatus through the pipe to be cleaned;
supplying water under pressure through the water conduit to the motor to provide rotational propulsion to turn the outer body while simultaneously pulling the apparatus through the pipe with the pulling unit connected to the fluid conduit, thereby causing the outer body to ream the pipe interior.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of:
continuing to pull the reaming apparatus with the pulling unit until the apparatus has been returned to the first horizontal location in the pipe.
continuing to pull the reaming apparatus with the pulling unit until the apparatus has been returned to the first horizontal location in the pipe.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the steps of:
removing the reaming apparatus from the water conduit;
reinstalling the nozzle blaster on the water conduit;
running the nozzle blaster to a third horizontal location in the pipe interior.
removing the reaming apparatus from the water conduit;
reinstalling the nozzle blaster on the water conduit;
running the nozzle blaster to a third horizontal location in the pipe interior.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein a pulling cable is attached to the end of the reamer apparatus opposite the water conduit for retrieving the reaming apparatus in case it becomes stuck within the pipe being cleaned.
21. The method of claim 18, wherein the reamer apparatus includes a doubly tapered outer body, whereby the reamer apparatus reams the pipe when pulled in either of two opposite longitudinal directions within the pipe.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US553,732 | 1990-07-13 | ||
| US07/553,732 US5090079A (en) | 1990-07-13 | 1990-07-13 | Apparatus for cleaning pipe |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2087269A1 true CA2087269A1 (en) | 1992-01-14 |
Family
ID=24210524
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002087269A Abandoned CA2087269A1 (en) | 1990-07-13 | 1991-07-12 | Apparatus and method for cleaning pipe |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5090079A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0539498B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH06500607A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE158632T1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2087269A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69127753D1 (en) |
| NO (1) | NO177814C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1992001121A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN112323954A (en) * | 2020-10-01 | 2021-02-05 | 冯华 | Water conservancy anti-blocking dredging device and using method thereof |
Families Citing this family (28)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5435854A (en) * | 1990-08-10 | 1995-07-25 | Pipeline Sewer Services, Inc. | Pipe cleaning modules and systems and methods for their use |
| US5444887A (en) * | 1991-12-04 | 1995-08-29 | Rufolo; Paul G. | Method and device for cleaning underwater pipes |
| US5333448A (en) * | 1993-04-13 | 1994-08-02 | Spartan Tool Div. Of Pettibone Corp. | Fluid control nozzle for conduit cleaner |
| DE9401122U1 (en) * | 1994-01-24 | 1995-05-24 | Preussag Anlagenbau | Drilling tool |
| DE4416721C2 (en) * | 1994-05-11 | 1997-01-23 | Preussag Rohrsanierung Gmbh | Device and method for cleaning and stripping underground pipelines, such as gas, water and sewage pipes |
| US5588171A (en) * | 1995-03-24 | 1996-12-31 | Pettibone Corporation | Drain line cleaning apparatus |
| AT405308B (en) * | 1997-04-16 | 1999-07-26 | Matlschweiger Peter | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CLEANING A PIPELINE WITH DROP PIPE |
| US6182676B1 (en) | 1999-03-01 | 2001-02-06 | David Lee | Protector for sewer cleaning hose |
| US6328812B1 (en) * | 1999-11-03 | 2001-12-11 | Ta-Hsin Huang | Pipeline-cleaning method and device thereof |
| FI108408B (en) * | 1999-11-23 | 2002-01-31 | Lifa Iaq Ltd Oy | Air conditioning and other duct cleaning equipment |
| NO324515B1 (en) * | 2005-12-05 | 2007-11-05 | Aker Kvaerner Well Service As | Device for cleaning rudder |
| GB0725347D0 (en) * | 2007-12-31 | 2008-02-06 | Cokebusters Ltd | Improvements in or relating to pipeine pigs |
| CA2732377A1 (en) * | 2010-02-22 | 2011-08-22 | Jeffrey S. Tinlin | Inline jet-sonde |
| DE102011076585A1 (en) * | 2011-05-27 | 2012-11-29 | Rosink Apparate- Und Anlagenbau Gmbh | boiler cleaning |
| EP2631018A1 (en) * | 2012-02-23 | 2013-08-28 | A + B Bürsten-Technik AG | Method for cleaning drainage pipes and cleaning device |
| US8931558B1 (en) * | 2012-03-22 | 2015-01-13 | Full Flow Technologies, Llc | Flow line cleanout device |
| GB2501312B (en) | 2012-04-20 | 2017-04-26 | Cokebusters Ltd | Improvements in or relating to pipeline pigs |
| CN107597756A (en) * | 2017-09-12 | 2018-01-19 | 陈安娜 | A kind of new type medical equipment |
| CN108213003A (en) * | 2017-09-12 | 2018-06-29 | 广州巨茗自控技术有限公司 | A kind of modified medical instrument |
| CN107597766A (en) * | 2017-09-12 | 2018-01-19 | 陈安娜 | A kind of medicine equipment |
| CN107524228B (en) * | 2017-09-12 | 2018-08-28 | 江苏清溢环保设备有限公司 | A kind of decontamination plant |
| CN109680791A (en) * | 2018-12-14 | 2019-04-26 | 苏州交通工程集团有限公司 | Highway transverse drainage pipeline cleaning plant |
| CN109915049B (en) * | 2019-04-10 | 2021-11-30 | 中国石油大学胜利学院 | Closed oil well cleaner |
| CN111468485A (en) * | 2020-04-14 | 2020-07-31 | 安徽超星新材料科技有限公司 | Inner wall cleaning device for plastic pipeline and using method thereof |
| CN112718724B (en) * | 2020-12-18 | 2022-09-06 | 无锡佳谊林电气有限公司 | Power pipeline dredging robot |
| CN113187069B (en) * | 2021-05-11 | 2022-10-04 | 湖南沃开节能科技有限公司 | Municipal drainage pipeline |
| CN113802685B (en) * | 2021-10-14 | 2023-02-24 | 华北水利水电大学 | Water pollution treatment pipeline dredging device for hydraulic engineering and pipeline dredging method |
| CN115143339B (en) * | 2022-07-12 | 2023-09-01 | 无锡市公用水务投资有限公司 | Repairing device and method for urban underground drainage pipeline |
Family Cites Families (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US710798A (en) * | 1900-07-02 | 1902-10-07 | Franz Nowotny | Tube-cleaner. |
| US812361A (en) * | 1903-10-08 | 1906-02-13 | Alfred Pickles | Tube, conduit, and pipe cleaner. |
| US1208203A (en) * | 1916-03-22 | 1916-12-12 | Frederick A Plimley | Tool for removing incrustations in boiler-tubes. |
| US1272253A (en) * | 1917-11-01 | 1918-07-09 | Henry M Green | Well-cleaning device. |
| US1628070A (en) * | 1926-05-12 | 1927-05-10 | Sidney C Sladden | Self-propelled hose nozzle |
| US2062850A (en) * | 1933-08-09 | 1936-12-01 | Stuart M Weaver | Turbine sewer cleaner |
| US3056155A (en) * | 1960-07-18 | 1962-10-02 | Mission Mfg Co | Pipe treating apparatus |
| US3087181A (en) * | 1961-11-15 | 1963-04-30 | Jane Wallen | Sewer cleaning apparatus |
| FR1503395A (en) * | 1966-12-07 | 1967-11-24 | Rizh Lakokrasochny Zd | Device for the removal of hard deposits of slag adhering to furnace surfaces |
| US3562836A (en) * | 1968-12-30 | 1971-02-16 | Raymond M Bremner | Reaming tool |
| US3740785A (en) * | 1971-07-14 | 1973-06-26 | Brien Mfg Co O | Hydraulic sewer pipeline cleaner |
| GB1460031A (en) * | 1973-03-09 | 1976-12-31 | Insituform Pipes & Structures | Removal of detritus from underground channels passages and the like |
| DE2337519A1 (en) * | 1973-07-24 | 1975-02-13 | Hans Schaefer | Cleaning head for channels and pipes - has cleaning nozzle with propelling nozzles for forward and backward propelling and cutting head |
| US4773115A (en) * | 1985-10-08 | 1988-09-27 | Systems Canada Limited | Sewer cleaning device |
-
1990
- 1990-07-13 US US07/553,732 patent/US5090079A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1991
- 1991-07-12 CA CA002087269A patent/CA2087269A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1991-07-12 EP EP91913837A patent/EP0539498B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-07-12 AT AT91913837T patent/ATE158632T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1991-07-12 JP JP3512929A patent/JPH06500607A/en active Pending
- 1991-07-12 WO PCT/US1991/004827 patent/WO1992001121A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1991-07-12 DE DE69127753T patent/DE69127753D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1993
- 1993-01-12 NO NO930099A patent/NO177814C/en unknown
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN112323954A (en) * | 2020-10-01 | 2021-02-05 | 冯华 | Water conservancy anti-blocking dredging device and using method thereof |
| CN112323954B (en) * | 2020-10-01 | 2021-11-30 | 凤阳县天龙水利建筑工程有限公司 | Water conservancy anti-blocking dredging device and using method thereof |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| ATE158632T1 (en) | 1997-10-15 |
| NO177814C (en) | 1995-11-29 |
| NO177814B (en) | 1995-08-21 |
| US5090079A (en) | 1992-02-25 |
| WO1992001121A1 (en) | 1992-01-23 |
| EP0539498A1 (en) | 1993-05-05 |
| EP0539498B1 (en) | 1997-09-24 |
| JPH06500607A (en) | 1994-01-20 |
| DE69127753D1 (en) | 1997-10-30 |
| NO930099D0 (en) | 1993-01-12 |
| NO930099L (en) | 1993-02-25 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA2087269A1 (en) | Apparatus and method for cleaning pipe | |
| US5244505A (en) | Method for cleaning pipe | |
| WO2001094041A1 (en) | System for cleaning the interior of pipes | |
| JPH0384193A (en) | Earth excavating method and apparatus | |
| US5456552A (en) | Method and apparatus for installing pipe in horizontal borehole | |
| KR20130060892A (en) | Apparatus for cleaning well using brush | |
| US3449783A (en) | Hydraulic waste disposal line cleaner with motor and cleaning head | |
| US3432872A (en) | Jet-propelled hydraulic pipeline cleaner with a skid,tangential jet and cleaning head | |
| US5176211A (en) | Apparatus and method for recirculating mud when drilling under an obstacle | |
| US5327980A (en) | Drill head | |
| CA2472609A1 (en) | Pipe clearing system and device | |
| CN114263264A (en) | Hydraulic ultrasonic combined dredging robot | |
| KR20110007917A (en) | Apparatus for removing concrete within underground tube without excavating manhole area | |
| CN216078648U (en) | Seamless steel pipe convenient to desilting | |
| US6058547A (en) | Device for removing objects from enclosed areas | |
| EP0063940A2 (en) | Cutting method and apparatus | |
| CN216768561U (en) | Underground pipeline laying structure with soil discharging function | |
| JP3488407B2 (en) | Method of preventing cutter face plate blockage of shield machine | |
| JP3390792B2 (en) | Hydraulic motor and excavator using the same | |
| CN113492142B (en) | Oil pipeline dredging method and system | |
| JP2536812B2 (en) | Method and device for updating existing pipeline | |
| JP2583205B2 (en) | Updating existing buried pipes | |
| JP4195855B2 (en) | Screw conveyor applied to tube propulsion equipment | |
| RU2011447C1 (en) | Device for rinsing the internal surface of pipelines | |
| WO1984000594A1 (en) | Articulated pipe coupling |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |