WO2015128669A1 - Vehicle for transporting and dispensing coiled pipe - Google Patents

Vehicle for transporting and dispensing coiled pipe Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2015128669A1
WO2015128669A1 PCT/GB2015/050581 GB2015050581W WO2015128669A1 WO 2015128669 A1 WO2015128669 A1 WO 2015128669A1 GB 2015050581 W GB2015050581 W GB 2015050581W WO 2015128669 A1 WO2015128669 A1 WO 2015128669A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pipe
vehicle
outer frame
platform
free end
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2015/050581
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
John Joseph IREDALE
Stephen George KNOWLES
Original Assignee
Utility Innovations Solutions Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Utility Innovations Solutions Ltd filed Critical Utility Innovations Solutions Ltd
Priority to GB1615876.8A priority Critical patent/GB2538478B/en
Publication of WO2015128669A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015128669A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16LPIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L1/00Laying or reclaiming pipes; Repairing or joining pipes on or under water
    • F16L1/024Laying or reclaiming pipes on land, e.g. above the ground
    • F16L1/06Accessories therefor, e.g. anchors
    • F16L1/065Accessories therefor, e.g. anchors fixed on or to vehicles
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H49/00Unwinding or paying-out filamentary material; Supporting, storing or transporting packages from which filamentary material is to be withdrawn or paid-out
    • B65H49/18Methods or apparatus in which packages rotate
    • B65H49/20Package-supporting devices
    • B65H49/24Rollers
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H49/00Unwinding or paying-out filamentary material; Supporting, storing or transporting packages from which filamentary material is to be withdrawn or paid-out
    • B65H49/02Methods or apparatus in which packages do not rotate
    • B65H49/04Package-supporting devices
    • B65H49/06Package-supporting devices for a single operative package
    • B65H49/08Package-supporting devices for a single operative package enclosing the package
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H49/00Unwinding or paying-out filamentary material; Supporting, storing or transporting packages from which filamentary material is to be withdrawn or paid-out
    • B65H49/18Methods or apparatus in which packages rotate
    • B65H49/20Package-supporting devices
    • B65H49/30Swifts or skein holders
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H49/00Unwinding or paying-out filamentary material; Supporting, storing or transporting packages from which filamentary material is to be withdrawn or paid-out
    • B65H49/18Methods or apparatus in which packages rotate
    • B65H49/20Package-supporting devices
    • B65H49/32Stands or frameworks
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H51/00Forwarding filamentary material
    • B65H51/18Gripping devices with linear motion
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H51/00Forwarding filamentary material
    • B65H51/28Arrangements for initiating a forwarding operation
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65HHANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2701/00Handled material; Storage means
    • B65H2701/30Handled filamentary material
    • B65H2701/33Hollow or hose-like material

Definitions

  • the present invention concerns vehicles for transporting and/or dispensing coiled pipes.
  • the present invention relates to vehicles of the type which are used to transport large coiled pipes of the type used to convey gas or liquids underground.
  • the vehicles may be powered vehicles (such as customised trucks) or trailers for towing by another vehicle.
  • such vehicles in the prior art take the form of a trailer and are able to hold and transport one or more coils of pipe material which has been formed into a coil for ease of transport.
  • the pipe is installed directly into a trench which has been pre-dug to receive the pipe.
  • the pipe is forcibly pushed into a pre- installed conduit.
  • such a conduit is an existing pipe and the new pipe is used to line the existing pipe.
  • Such an installation is relatively common where the integrity or structure of the existing pipe is questionable or coming to the end of its life.
  • By forcibly pushing the new pipe into the existing pipe a more economic means of installing pipe is provided. This can be achieved with or without the carrier pipe (pre-existing conduit) being drained/emptied/decommissioned. Such an operation is known respectively as live or dead insertion.
  • the coiled pipe may be formed from any suitable material, but is commonly formed from polyethylene (PE). Typical dimensions of the pipes commonly transported by prior art vehicles range in diameter from 50mm and up to 125mm and lengths of up to 500m. Other materials and dimensions of pipe are, of course, possible Figure 1 shows an example of a prior art trailer 500 used to transport coiled pipes to an installation site.
  • PE polyethylene
  • Prior art vehicles typically take the form of an enclosed cage structure 510 in which the coiled pipe 520 resides.
  • the trailer is provided with one or more axles each having a pair of wheels 530.
  • a coupling hitch for attachment to a towing vehicle (not shown).
  • the trailer 500 shown in figure 1 includes a rotatable hub 550 about which the pipe may be coiled. In the particular example shown, however, a relatively large diameter of pipe is coiled and this resides within the cage 510 of the trailer but is not wound tightly on the hub 550.
  • Figure 1 shows a prior art trailer for carrying coiled pipe
  • Figure 2 shows the upper part of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 shows a chute, which forms part of the vehicle shown in figure 2;
  • Figure 4 shows a retractable conveyor for use in a second embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the present invention with the chute and retractable conveyor in place
  • Figure 6 shows the embodiment of figure 5 with a coiled pipe in position
  • Figure 7 shows a view of the second embodiment of the invention in use.
  • Figure 8 shows a more detailed view of the pipe pusher.
  • Figure 2 shows the upper part of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the upper part of the vehicle is arranged to be fitted to a suitable powered vehicle or to a chassis having wheels and a towing hitch for attachment to a towing vehicle.
  • These parts of the vehicle or trailer have been omitted for clarity purposes since these are standard parts and well-known to the skilled person.
  • vehicle The structure of embodiments of the present invention will be referred to as a vehicle, and it will be understood that the vehicle will include the structure shown in the figures and described herein, as well as the requisite parts of a powered vehicle or trailer, as appropriate.
  • the vehicle 1 comprises a structure, which is generally closed at the sides and generally open at the top, in which is accommodated the coiled pipe to be transported.
  • an outer frame 10 which substantially surrounds the coiled pipe whilst it is being transported.
  • the outer frame is further provided with a wire mesh which impedes access to the interior of the outer frame and is intended to prevent an operative or other person from placing their arms inside the outer frame since this can be dangerous.
  • the wire mesh is not shown in the figures for clarity purposes but the skilled person would appreciate that this can be readily applied to the outer frame by means of welding or other fixing techniques.
  • Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of the vehicle, together with a coiled pipe 520in position for transportation and later installation.
  • the coiled pipe sits on support rollers 20 .
  • At least one of these support rollers 20 is adjustable to accommodate coiled pipes 520 having a different coil diameter.
  • the adjustment is performed by means of a suitable provider of motive force, such as a pneumatic or hydraulic system or an electrical motor.
  • the adjustment is controlled by an operative by means of a control panel situated outside of the outer frame.
  • side rams 25 which may be operated to control the position of the coiled pipe from side to side within the outer frame. This can ensure that the coiled pipe is evenly positioned, does not lean over to one side and is properly located for the free end to be dispensed from the vehicle in a process which will be described shortly.
  • lateral bars 35 are used to couple the two longer sides of the outer frame together. These are locked in position and ensure that the coil is retained securely in the vehicle, as shown in Figure 6, where the lateral bars 35 sit within the coil.
  • the free end of the coiled pipe is intended to be discharged from the vehicle in the vicinity of one end of the vehicle 30. This may be the front or the rear of the vehicle as required and may depend on whether the particular embodiment is in the form of a trailer or a powered vehicle.
  • a chute 40 is provided such that the free end of the pipe passes into the chute and is smoothly guided towards the front 30 of the vehicle, from where it is dispensed.
  • the chute 40 takes the form of a smoothly curved channel having a curved concave profile into which the free end of the pipe travels easily and without impairment.
  • the chute is shown in Figure 3 and in-situ in Figure 5.
  • an operative was required to access the straps through the side of the cage supporting the coiled pipe. This could lead to injury in cases where the cold pipe sprang free with considerable force. Since the operative was accessing the pipe through the side of the cage, this had the potential to cause quite significant injury to the operative.
  • an access platform 50 which includes a ladder (not shown) for accessing the upper portion of the coiled pipe.
  • the access platform 50 further comprises one or more safety rails 55.
  • safety rails 55 surround the access platform and ensure that if an operative, working at the top of the ladder, leans back or otherwise stumbles, he will not fall to the road surface below. In cases where the free end of the pipe is liable to spring out, the operative is quite likely to react in a way which may cause him to fall backwards and be injured.
  • the access platform and safety rails is intended to mitigate any risk of that happening, combined with further safety features also herein described.
  • the operative is able to access the various straps which secure the coil in formation. From here, the individual straps may be severed or released individually slowly freeing the coiled pipe.
  • the coiled pipe is initially located in the vehicle such that the free end of the pipe, which is accessible, is positioned towards the end of the vehicle adjacent the access platform 50.
  • the operative fits a towing head into the free end of the pipe and secures its in position.
  • the towing head is well-known in the art and includes a device which fits securely inside the open end of the pipe and can be fastened in position such that it cannot be easily released.
  • the towing head features an eye at its free end and this eye can be coupled to a towing line (not shown) which is attached to a winch 100 such that the coiled pipe can be uncoiled in a controlled and reliable fashion by use of the winch.
  • the winch 100 is located conveniently at the same end 30 of the vehicle from which the pipe is to be dispensed, and is controlled from there or elsewhere by an operative.
  • the winch may be powered or manually operable.
  • the towing cable runs from the winch 100 to the rear of the vehicle from where it can be attached to the towing head when the coiled pipe needs to be uncoiled.
  • the towing cable will be positioned, using a series of rollers and/or pulleys, before the coiled pipe is placed into the vehicle. Once the towing head has been installed into the coiled pipe, the winch cable may be detached from a stowed position and attached to the eye of the towing head.
  • the towing head is drawn by means of the towing cable towards the end 30 of the vehicle.
  • the winch may be stopped and the strap nearest to the operative may be severed or released accordingly.
  • the tension which would otherwise cause the pipe to spring outward and potentially injure an operative is kept under control by means of the winch 100 which is operably connected to the towing head in the free end of the pipe.
  • the free end of the pipe is caused to enter the chute 40 and, due to the gently curving nature of the chute, the free end of the pipe travels easily through it and along the lower part of the vehicle where it is guided by one or more rollers.
  • the free end of the pipe reaches the end 30 of the vehicle, all of the restraining straps holding the coil in formation will have been removed.
  • the free end of the pipe is then dispensed from the vehicle and may be used as required. Such use may involve completely uncoiling the pipe and laying in a trench. Alternatively the pipe may be fed into a device for forcibly pushing it into a pre-existing conduit.
  • a pipe pushing machine 200 which is provided on a platform 210 which extends downwardly from the end of the vehicle towards the ground such that the free end of the pipe can be forcibly pushed into the pre-existing conduit, which is already positioned underground.
  • Figure 7 shows a view of this second embodiment
  • Figure 8 shows a more detailed view of the pipe pushing machine.
  • Figure 4 shows a view of the platform 210 which, in transit, is raised so that it does not foul the road. However, when the vehicle 1 arrives at the installation site, the platform is lowered into position. The platform rotates about hinge points 215 so that the other end of the platform 210 sits on or near the ground.
  • the winch 100 is located part way up the end of the vehicle such that the towing cable passes through the body of the pipe pushing machine 200, via a roller 220.
  • the winch may be detached from the towing head and the towing head may be removed from the free end of the pipe.
  • the pipe pushing machine 200 operates in a grasping and reciprocating fashion to slowly push the pipe into a pre-existing conduit underground.
  • the pipe pushing machine 200 comprises a collar, having 2 halves 201 , 202, which surround the pipe. Shims of appropriate dimensions may be inserted as needed.
  • the two halves can be separated and brought into contact.
  • the two halves have a hinged connection 203 on one side and, at the other side, may be opened or closed by means of hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical means 205.
  • the 2 halves of the machine are bought into close proximity so that the pipe is gripped firmly.
  • the pipe pushing machine is then propelled forward along the platform 210 such that the pipe is forcibly propelled from the vehicle and into an underground conduit.
  • the pipe pushing machine 200 Once the pipe pushing machine 200 has reached the end of the platform 210, the pipe pushing machine releases its grip on the pipe by opening the two halves 201 , 202 of the collar. The pipe pushing machine then travels back towards the opposite end of the platform 210, where it again grips the pipe and the process is repeated to push a further length of pipe underground. As will be appreciated, the length of pipe which can be pushed underground in any one action is equal to the length of travel along the platform 210.
  • the pipe pushing machine 200 is propelled along the platform by means of hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical force.
  • the speed with which pipe may be installed in an underground conduit can be greatly increased. Furthermore, the ease with which the pipe may be initially uncoiled and fed into the pipe pushing machinery as a single process by means of the winch 100, greatly increases the efficiency of the pipe laying operation and significantly reduces the likelihood of any operative being injured during the process.
  • a door 60 is provided in one or more sides of the outer frame.
  • An operative may be required to enter the interior of the cage to realign the cold pipe or to remove a blockage or obstruction should that be necessary.
  • the door 60 is opened and audible and/or visual alarm is provided to other operatives in the vicinity so that they are aware that someone is potentially at danger inside the cage of the vehicle.
  • Embodiments of the present invention provide a quicker and safer means of transporting and, particularly, dispensing coiled pipe.

Abstract

Disclosed is a vehicle (1) for transporting and dispensing coiled pipe (520), comprising: an outer frame (10) arranged substantially around a periphery of the vehicle, such that the coiled pipe (520) is located inside the outer frame (10) for transit; a winch (100) and a towing line, the towing line arranged to couple with a free end of the pipe and being configured to transport the free end of the pipe towards a dispensing portion of the trailer, under control of the winch.

Description

VEHICLE FOR TRANSPORTING AND DISPENSING COILED PIPE
The present invention concerns vehicles for transporting and/or dispensing coiled pipes. In particular, the present invention relates to vehicles of the type which are used to transport large coiled pipes of the type used to convey gas or liquids underground. The vehicles may be powered vehicles (such as customised trucks) or trailers for towing by another vehicle.
Typically, such vehicles in the prior art take the form of a trailer and are able to hold and transport one or more coils of pipe material which has been formed into a coil for ease of transport. However, once the coil of pipe material has been transported to the installation site, it must be safely removed from the vehicle and installed into position. Sometimes, the pipe is installed directly into a trench which has been pre-dug to receive the pipe. Other times, the pipe is forcibly pushed into a pre- installed conduit. Often, such a conduit is an existing pipe and the new pipe is used to line the existing pipe. Such an installation is relatively common where the integrity or structure of the existing pipe is questionable or coming to the end of its life. By forcibly pushing the new pipe into the existing pipe, a more economic means of installing pipe is provided. This can be achieved with or without the carrier pipe (pre-existing conduit) being drained/emptied/decommissioned. Such an operation is known respectively as live or dead insertion.
In societies such as the United Kingdom, which has a very large supply of ageing underground infrastructure, this technique of lining existing pipes is commonly used to avoid disruption and inconvenience caused by digging up highways. Instead, a smaller excavation is made at periodic intervals along the length of the existing pipe and the new pipe is installed by pushing it into the existing conduit from these smaller excavations. The coiled pipe may be formed from any suitable material, but is commonly formed from polyethylene (PE). Typical dimensions of the pipes commonly transported by prior art vehicles range in diameter from 50mm and up to 125mm and lengths of up to 500m. Other materials and dimensions of pipe are, of course, possible Figure 1 shows an example of a prior art trailer 500 used to transport coiled pipes to an installation site. Prior art vehicles typically take the form of an enclosed cage structure 510 in which the coiled pipe 520 resides. The trailer is provided with one or more axles each having a pair of wheels 530. Also provided is a coupling hitch for attachment to a towing vehicle (not shown). The trailer 500 shown in figure 1 includes a rotatable hub 550 about which the pipe may be coiled. In the particular example shown, however, a relatively large diameter of pipe is coiled and this resides within the cage 510 of the trailer but is not wound tightly on the hub 550. Once the trailer arrives at the installation site, operatives working in or around the cage are required to remove the strapping 560 which holds the coil in position. Often, the coiled pipes are secured in position using heat welded plastic or metal strapping. This must be cut before the pipe can be unwound and often a saw is used for this cutting process. There is a danger associated with this cutting process that the end of the pipe 520, when free of its strapping, will tend to spring outwards. There is a significant amount of energy stored in the coiled pipe and it has been known for operatives to be injured once the pipe coil is freed. Furthermore, due to the size and scale of the pipe and trailer, operatives are frequently required to climb onto and/or inside the cage in order to free the coiled pipe. This increases the chances of an accident or mishap occurring and the entire uncoiling operation is potentially quite dangerous.
It is therefore an aim of embodiments of the present invention to address these other shortcomings in the prior art.
According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows. For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a prior art trailer for carrying coiled pipe; Figure 2 shows the upper part of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 shows a chute, which forms part of the vehicle shown in figure 2;
Figure 4 shows a retractable conveyor for use in a second embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the present invention with the chute and retractable conveyor in place;
Figure 6 shows the embodiment of figure 5 with a coiled pipe in position;
Figure 7 shows a view of the second embodiment of the invention in use; and
Figure 8 shows a more detailed view of the pipe pusher.
Figure 2 shows the upper part of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. The upper part of the vehicle is arranged to be fitted to a suitable powered vehicle or to a chassis having wheels and a towing hitch for attachment to a towing vehicle. These parts of the vehicle or trailer have been omitted for clarity purposes since these are standard parts and well-known to the skilled person.
The structure of embodiments of the present invention will be referred to as a vehicle, and it will be understood that the vehicle will include the structure shown in the figures and described herein, as well as the requisite parts of a powered vehicle or trailer, as appropriate.
The vehicle 1 comprises a structure, which is generally closed at the sides and generally open at the top, in which is accommodated the coiled pipe to be transported. In particular, there is an outer frame 10 which substantially surrounds the coiled pipe whilst it is being transported. The outer frame is further provided with a wire mesh which impedes access to the interior of the outer frame and is intended to prevent an operative or other person from placing their arms inside the outer frame since this can be dangerous. The wire mesh is not shown in the figures for clarity purposes but the skilled person would appreciate that this can be readily applied to the outer frame by means of welding or other fixing techniques.
Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of the vehicle, together with a coiled pipe 520in position for transportation and later installation. As can be seen from figures 2 and 6, the coiled pipe sits on support rollers 20 . At least one of these support rollers 20 is adjustable to accommodate coiled pipes 520 having a different coil diameter. The adjustment is performed by means of a suitable provider of motive force, such as a pneumatic or hydraulic system or an electrical motor. The adjustment is controlled by an operative by means of a control panel situated outside of the outer frame.
Also provided to ensure the correct positioning of the coiled pipe within the outer frame are side rams 25 which may be operated to control the position of the coiled pipe from side to side within the outer frame. This can ensure that the coiled pipe is evenly positioned, does not lean over to one side and is properly located for the free end to be dispensed from the vehicle in a process which will be described shortly.
Once the coil is loaded into the vehicle, lateral bars 35 are used to couple the two longer sides of the outer frame together. These are locked in position and ensure that the coil is retained securely in the vehicle, as shown in Figure 6, where the lateral bars 35 sit within the coil.
The free end of the coiled pipe is intended to be discharged from the vehicle in the vicinity of one end of the vehicle 30. This may be the front or the rear of the vehicle as required and may depend on whether the particular embodiment is in the form of a trailer or a powered vehicle.
In prior art vehicles, the free end of the pipe often becomes entangled or snagged on parts of the vehicle or chassis. In embodiments of the present invention, in order to provide a smooth passage way for the coiled pipe to be dispensed, a chute 40 is provided such that the free end of the pipe passes into the chute and is smoothly guided towards the front 30 of the vehicle, from where it is dispensed. The chute 40 takes the form of a smoothly curved channel having a curved concave profile into which the free end of the pipe travels easily and without impairment. The chute is shown in Figure 3 and in-situ in Figure 5. When the coil is located in the vehicle for transportation, it is secured in a coil formation by a plurality of straps 560 located around the circumference of the coil. These must be individually released or severed before the pipe can be dispensed from the vehicle. In order to access the straps, in prior art vehicles, an operative was required to access the straps through the side of the cage supporting the coiled pipe. This could lead to injury in cases where the cold pipe sprang free with considerable force. Since the operative was accessing the pipe through the side of the cage, this had the potential to cause quite significant injury to the operative. In the embodiment of the present invention which is shown in figure 2, there is provided at the rear of the vehicle an access platform 50 which includes a ladder (not shown) for accessing the upper portion of the coiled pipe. The access platform 50 further comprises one or more safety rails 55. These safety rails 55 surround the access platform and ensure that if an operative, working at the top of the ladder, leans back or otherwise stumbles, he will not fall to the road surface below. In cases where the free end of the pipe is liable to spring out, the operative is quite likely to react in a way which may cause him to fall backwards and be injured. The access platform and safety rails is intended to mitigate any risk of that happening, combined with further safety features also herein described.
Once located at the top of the ladder, the operative is able to access the various straps which secure the coil in formation. From here, the individual straps may be severed or released individually slowly freeing the coiled pipe. The coiled pipe is initially located in the vehicle such that the free end of the pipe, which is accessible, is positioned towards the end of the vehicle adjacent the access platform 50. In order to ensure that the coiled pipe uncoils safely and reliably, the operative fits a towing head into the free end of the pipe and secures its in position. The towing head is well-known in the art and includes a device which fits securely inside the open end of the pipe and can be fastened in position such that it cannot be easily released. The towing head features an eye at its free end and this eye can be coupled to a towing line (not shown) which is attached to a winch 100 such that the coiled pipe can be uncoiled in a controlled and reliable fashion by use of the winch.
The winch 100 is located conveniently at the same end 30 of the vehicle from which the pipe is to be dispensed, and is controlled from there or elsewhere by an operative. The winch may be powered or manually operable. Suitably, the towing cable runs from the winch 100 to the rear of the vehicle from where it can be attached to the towing head when the coiled pipe needs to be uncoiled. Usually, the towing cable will be positioned, using a series of rollers and/or pulleys, before the coiled pipe is placed into the vehicle. Once the towing head has been installed into the coiled pipe, the winch cable may be detached from a stowed position and attached to the eye of the towing head.
By careful operation of the winch, the towing head is drawn by means of the towing cable towards the end 30 of the vehicle. As the coiled pipe slowly rotates under the action of the winch and the towing cable, further individual restraining straps come into reach of the operative located on the access platform 50 at the rear of the vehicle. When one becomes available, the winch may be stopped and the strap nearest to the operative may be severed or released accordingly. At all times, the tension which would otherwise cause the pipe to spring outward and potentially injure an operative is kept under control by means of the winch 100 which is operably connected to the towing head in the free end of the pipe.
By continued operation of the winch 100 the free end of the pipe is caused to enter the chute 40 and, due to the gently curving nature of the chute, the free end of the pipe travels easily through it and along the lower part of the vehicle where it is guided by one or more rollers. By the time the free end of the pipe reaches the end 30 of the vehicle, all of the restraining straps holding the coil in formation will have been removed. In a first embodiment of the present invention, the free end of the pipe is then dispensed from the vehicle and may be used as required. Such use may involve completely uncoiling the pipe and laying in a trench. Alternatively the pipe may be fed into a device for forcibly pushing it into a pre-existing conduit. In a second embodiment of the present invention, when the free end of the pipe reaches the end 30 of the vehicle, from which it is to be dispensed, it is located into a pipe pushing machine 200 which is provided on a platform 210 which extends downwardly from the end of the vehicle towards the ground such that the free end of the pipe can be forcibly pushed into the pre-existing conduit, which is already positioned underground. Figure 7 shows a view of this second embodiment and Figure 8 shows a more detailed view of the pipe pushing machine. Figure 4 shows a view of the platform 210 which, in transit, is raised so that it does not foul the road. However, when the vehicle 1 arrives at the installation site, the platform is lowered into position. The platform rotates about hinge points 215 so that the other end of the platform 210 sits on or near the ground.
In this second embodiment, the winch 100 is located part way up the end of the vehicle such that the towing cable passes through the body of the pipe pushing machine 200, via a roller 220. In this way, once the free end of the pipe has been located inside the pipe pushing machine, by action of the winch and towing cable, and the pipe pushing machine has engaged the pipe, the winch may be detached from the towing head and the towing head may be removed from the free end of the pipe.
The pipe pushing machine 200 operates in a grasping and reciprocating fashion to slowly push the pipe into a pre-existing conduit underground. The pipe pushing machine 200 comprises a collar, having 2 halves 201 , 202, which surround the pipe. Shims of appropriate dimensions may be inserted as needed. The two halves can be separated and brought into contact. The two halves have a hinged connection 203 on one side and, at the other side, may be opened or closed by means of hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical means 205. Once the free end of the pipe is located inside the pipe pushing machine, the 2 halves of the machine are bought into close proximity so that the pipe is gripped firmly. The pipe pushing machine is then propelled forward along the platform 210 such that the pipe is forcibly propelled from the vehicle and into an underground conduit. Once the pipe pushing machine 200 has reached the end of the platform 210, the pipe pushing machine releases its grip on the pipe by opening the two halves 201 , 202 of the collar. The pipe pushing machine then travels back towards the opposite end of the platform 210, where it again grips the pipe and the process is repeated to push a further length of pipe underground. As will be appreciated, the length of pipe which can be pushed underground in any one action is equal to the length of travel along the platform 210. The pipe pushing machine 200 is propelled along the platform by means of hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical force.
By providing the pipe pushing machine in an integral fashion with the vehicle 1 , the speed with which pipe may be installed in an underground conduit can be greatly increased. Furthermore, the ease with which the pipe may be initially uncoiled and fed into the pipe pushing machinery as a single process by means of the winch 100, greatly increases the efficiency of the pipe laying operation and significantly reduces the likelihood of any operative being injured during the process.
There may be occasions when an operative is required to enter the interior of the cage which houses the coil pipe and for this purpose, a door 60 is provided in one or more sides of the outer frame. An operative may be required to enter the interior of the cage to realign the cold pipe or to remove a blockage or obstruction should that be necessary. However, there is a danger to the operative by being inside the cage and as a safety precaution, if the door 60 is opened and audible and/or visual alarm is provided to other operatives in the vicinity so that they are aware that someone is potentially at danger inside the cage of the vehicle.
Embodiments of the present invention provide a quicker and safer means of transporting and, particularly, dispensing coiled pipe.
Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.
All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A vehicle for transporting and dispensing coiled pipe, comprising: an outer frame arranged substantially around a periphery of the vehicle, such that the coiled pipe is located inside the outer frame for transit; a winch and a towing line, the towing line arranged to couple with a free end of the pipe and being configured to transport the free end of the pipe towards a dispensing portion of the trailer, under control of the winch.
2. A vehicle as clamed in claim 1 wherein a floor of the vehicle comprises at least one adjustable roller, arranged so that the coiled pipe sits upon the at least one adjustable roller, so that the coiled pipe may be appropriately supported in transit and during dispensing.
3. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the outer frame comprises at least one adjustable ram, arranged to contact at least one side of the coiled pipe, so as to adjust the vertical alignment of the coiled pipe and to support it in transit.
4. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the vehicle comprises a curved chute arranged to receive the free end of the pipe, the chute being arranged to guide the free end of the pipe towards the dispensing portion.
5. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a pipe-pushing device arranged to grip the pipe and force it from the vehicle into a conduit.
6. A vehicle as claimed in claim 5, wherein the pipe-pushing device is arranged on a platform wherein the platform is configured to move between a stowed position, substantially free of a ground surface and an in-use position where it is positioned adjacent the ground surface.
7. A vehicle as claimed in claim 5 or 6 wherein the pipe-pushing device is arranged to travel back and forth along the platform so as to force the pipe into the conduit.
8. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising an access platform arranged to provide elevated access to an upper portion of the vehicle.
9. A vehicle as claimed in claim 8 wherein the access platform is provided with a safety rail arranged to at least partially enclose the platform.
10. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the outer frame is further provided with a safety mesh arranged to impede access to the interior of the outer frame.
1 1. A vehicle as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising an access door provided in the outer frame, said door being provided with an alarm to indicate that the door is open.
12. A vehicle substantially as hereinbefore described and having particular reference to Figures 2-8 of the accompanying drawings.
PCT/GB2015/050581 2014-02-28 2015-02-27 Vehicle for transporting and dispensing coiled pipe WO2015128669A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1615876.8A GB2538478B (en) 2014-02-28 2015-02-27 Vehicle for transporting and dispensing coiled pipe

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1403601.6A GB2523592A (en) 2014-02-28 2014-02-28 Improvements in and relating to coiled pipe transportation
GB1403601.6 2014-02-28

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2015128669A1 true WO2015128669A1 (en) 2015-09-03

Family

ID=50490606

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2015/050581 WO2015128669A1 (en) 2014-02-28 2015-02-27 Vehicle for transporting and dispensing coiled pipe

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (2) GB2523592A (en)
WO (1) WO2015128669A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10654395B1 (en) 2016-04-08 2020-05-19 Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC Pipe deployment trailer

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2201129A (en) * 1987-02-21 1988-08-24 Indespension Ltd Trailer for handling reels
GB2211907A (en) * 1987-11-04 1989-07-12 Pipe Equipment Limited Pipe trailer
US6419424B1 (en) * 1998-11-11 2002-07-16 Null's Machine & Mfg., Inc. Coil pipe trailer
DE202005020441U1 (en) * 2005-12-21 2006-03-09 Bagela Baumaschinen Gmbh & Co. Pipe coil handling device, has pipe coil provided in roller cage by using cage rollers, and windings of coil pressed with exterior side outwardly against rollers, where coil is rotated in cage, such that it is uncoiled
WO2010133879A1 (en) * 2009-05-22 2010-11-25 Wellstream International Limited Transporting and installing flexible pipe
GB2471488A (en) * 2009-07-01 2011-01-05 Balfour Beatty Plc An apparatus for storing and dispensing a coil of pipe

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2201129A (en) * 1987-02-21 1988-08-24 Indespension Ltd Trailer for handling reels
GB2211907A (en) * 1987-11-04 1989-07-12 Pipe Equipment Limited Pipe trailer
US6419424B1 (en) * 1998-11-11 2002-07-16 Null's Machine & Mfg., Inc. Coil pipe trailer
DE202005020441U1 (en) * 2005-12-21 2006-03-09 Bagela Baumaschinen Gmbh & Co. Pipe coil handling device, has pipe coil provided in roller cage by using cage rollers, and windings of coil pressed with exterior side outwardly against rollers, where coil is rotated in cage, such that it is uncoiled
WO2010133879A1 (en) * 2009-05-22 2010-11-25 Wellstream International Limited Transporting and installing flexible pipe
GB2471488A (en) * 2009-07-01 2011-01-05 Balfour Beatty Plc An apparatus for storing and dispensing a coil of pipe

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10654395B1 (en) 2016-04-08 2020-05-19 Trinity Bay Equipment Holdings, LLC Pipe deployment trailer

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201615876D0 (en) 2016-11-02
GB2523592A (en) 2015-09-02
GB2538478B (en) 2020-06-03
GB2538478A (en) 2016-11-16
GB201403601D0 (en) 2014-04-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US11767192B2 (en) System and method for handling reel of pipe
CN109996749B (en) Installation trailer for coiled flexible pipe and method of use thereof
US8037661B2 (en) Shuttle change system and method for wrapping apparatus
GB2471488A (en) An apparatus for storing and dispensing a coil of pipe
US4228990A (en) Hydraulic sewer cleaning system
US20130129458A1 (en) Automated system for laying pipe
JP2013107280A (en) Regeneration method of thermoplastic resin pipe, and drum conveyance truck
US10279751B2 (en) Adjustable carrier system
US20220205577A1 (en) CIPP Liner Reel System
US11613443B2 (en) Mobile cradle frame for pipe reel
KR101912504B1 (en) A transfer device with automatically drive
WO2015128669A1 (en) Vehicle for transporting and dispensing coiled pipe
US20200052476A1 (en) Feed device and power supply system
CN114645619B (en) Construction method for integrally pulling Gamma steel strand of containment vessel of nuclear power station
JP6859205B2 (en) Container device for transporting rehabilitation pipes
JP2007062796A (en) Tank container and tank vehicle
US10730732B1 (en) Pipe-hoisting strap installation tool
KR101468939B1 (en) A device for installing of a pipe
US8622122B2 (en) Rod reel and method of repairing a rod string
CN212022463U (en) Auxiliary transportation device for water pipes
KR101780801B1 (en) Wheel Fixing Device To Vehicle Towed With Safety Loader
JP2007215361A (en) Method of laying aerial cable
CN219056238U (en) Material transport vehicle with simple vehicle sealing device
US2855118A (en) Spare tire holder and hoist
CN219904399U (en) Reinforcement cage travelling bogie

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 15707755

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 201615876

Country of ref document: GB

Kind code of ref document: A

Free format text: PCT FILING DATE = 20150227

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 1615876.8

Country of ref document: GB

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 15707755

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1