US20090038703A1 - System and method for conduit reparation - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a system and method for conduit expansion for use in expanding a liner conduit within a host conduit. The system includes injection hardware positioned on a first end of the liner conduit and the host conduit, and distal end cap hardware positioned on a second end of the host conduit and liner conduit. Both the injection hardware and the distal end cap hardware are in communication with a control mechanism for use in monitoring and/or controlling the operating parameters of the system.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a divisional application and takes priority from U.S. application Ser. No. 10/865,738, filed Jun. 10, 2004 which takes priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/478,594, filed Jun. 13, 2003, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention
• The present invention relates generally to systems for repairing, lining or expanding conduit, such as expanding a liner conduit within a host conduit and, in particular, to a system and arrangement with accompanying hardware for repairing a conduit, for example expanding a liner conduit within a host conduit.
• 2. Description of Related Art
• Conduit systems are used extensively throughout the world in order to transfer or convey material, such as water and other fluids, from location to location for distribution throughout the system. For example, extensive conduit systems are used to distribute water to both residences and businesses for use and further processes. Typically, such conduit or piping systems are located underground, as aboveground piping would be both unsightly and intrusive.
• Typical water conduit systems transport material through pipe, e.g., cast iron, ductile iron, reinforced concrete, asbestos-cement, etc., buried underground with the branches extending in various directions in order to reach the end user. Normally, after many years of use, or for some other reason, the present piping fails and begins to leak, thereby reducing line pressure and unnecessarily allowing water to leak into the area surrounding the piping. Such leaks not only affect the system, but increase the processing costs of the supplier, which, in turn, increases the end user costs. Therefore, these leaks must be quickly repaired and preventative measures taken to ensure that further leakage is prevented.
• Due to the underground positioning of the conduit system, repairing a leaking pipe is particularly labor intensive and time consuming. Trenches must be dug along the pipeline to locate the leak and effectively repair it prior to putting the pipe back in service. Various lining systems have been developed according to the prior art in an attempt to seal a leaking pipe or a pipe that has fallen into disrepair, whether to repair a present crack or to preventatively ensure against future cracks or breaks. In addition, the use of a much smaller diameter pipe within the larger diameter cracked or broken pipe has been used. However, this merely replaces the problem of a cracked outer pipe with a cracked or otherwise leaking inner pipe. Still further, using such a pipe-in-pipe system drastically reduces the flow through the conduit system and evidences unwanted and varying pressure parameters.
• To that end, a pipe liner and method of installation have been developed, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,794,662 to St. Onge et al., specifically directed to pressurized pipeline applications. The St. Onge patent is directed to a method of relining sewer lines, water lines or gas lines, and uses a segmented liner of reduced size relative to the pipe being relined. However, as opposed to merely leaving the small diameter liner conduit within the large diameter outer conduit, the method of the St. Onge patent uses heat and/or pressure to mold the reduced size pipe to the shape of the pipe being relined. In particular, the inner or liner conduit is a thermoplastic pipe, typically a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe that, when exposed to heat or pressure, expands and molds against the inside of an existing conduit to effect the relining of it. This process allows for both the lining of the entire length of pipe or only a portion of it that is damaged, which is typically referred to as “spot repair.”
• According to the St. Onge patent, once the length of the liner conduit is inserted into the existing or host conduit, the liner conduit is plugged at either end and exposed to steam under pressure to heat the liner conduit along its length and apply pressure, which urges it to expand and contact the interior walls of the surrounding host conduit. Once the liner conduit has fully expanded to conform to the interior surface of the existing conduit, it is cooled and the plugs are removed. The resulting expanded liner conduit conforms to the walls of the host conduit, thereby preventing any further leakage. Also, the method of the St. Onge patent requires only access pits to be dug at either end of the section to be repaired.
• While the St. Onge patent represents an advance in the art of relining or repairing underground conduit systems, there is room in the art for additional improvements and advancements. Merely plugging either end of the liner conduit and injecting steam to pressurize the liner conduit and force it to expand to the walls of the host conduit presents certain problems. Such a method and system give rise to both physical and structural weaknesses at either end of the expanded liner conduit.
• Various arrangements and systems have been developed for assisting in the injection of gas and/or liquid into a liner or within a lining process, as is known in the art. For example, hardware and equipment have been developed for use in connection with a bladder expansion or thermoplastic impregnated liner system. See U.S. Patent Nos.: U.S. Pat. No. 6,299,803 to Ledoux; U.S. Pat. No. 5,601,763 to Hunter et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,462,706 to McMillan et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,503,190 to Kamiyama et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,964 to Kamiyama et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,121 to Yokoshima; U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,300 to Schwert et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,223 to Rice; U.S. Pat. No. 4,671,840 to Renaud; U.S. Pat. No. 4,361,451 to Renaud; U.S. Pat. No. 6,539,979 to Driver; U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,809 to Steketee, Jr.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,301 to Menendez et al. However, such equipment and systems have several drawbacks. Without controlled restriction of the liner conduit within the host conduit, undesirable longitudinal or lateral expansion may occur, which may lead to the ultimate failure of the liner conduit. Further, monitoring and/or controlling the heat and/or pressure of the material injected into the liner conduit is required in order to appropriately expand the liner conduit within the host conduit. In addition, monitoring and/or controlling various physical parameters in the conduit is important to effectively repair the conduit and engage in the associated process. Accordingly, such prior art systems are deficient in control and are thus subject to failures in installation, maintenance and lining integrity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a system and arrangement for conduit reparation that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art. It is another object of the present invention to provide a system and arrangement for conduit reparation and expansion that provides appropriate lateral and longitudinal restriction and increases the resulting structural integrity of both the liner conduit and/or host conduit. It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a system and arrangement for conduit reparation that includes the appropriate hardware at either end of a pipe section that monitors and controls the process. It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a system and arrangement that effectively controls a conduit reparation process or pipe reparation process.
• Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an arrangement for use in connection with a conduit reparation process having a target conduit with a first end and a second end. The arrangement includes injection hardware in operative communication with the first end of the target conduit and distal end hardware in operative communication with the second end of the target conduit. The arrangement also includes a control mechanism in communication with at least one of the injection hardware and the distal end hardware for communicating with and/or controlling the conduit reparation process, the injection hardware and the distal end hardware.
• In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the control mechanism can (i) monitor at least one physical characteristic of at least one of the injected material and recycled material; (ii) control at least one physical characteristic of injected material and/or recycled material; (iii) monitor at least one physical characteristic of the lining process; (iv) control at least one physical characteristic of the lining process; (v) monitor at least one physical characteristic of a host conduit and/or a liner conduit; and (vi) control at least one physical characteristic of the host conduit and/or the liner conduit. In addition, in a further embodiment, the injection hardware and/or the distal end hardware includes one or more measurement devices for measuring the physical characteristics or parameters of the injected material, the lining process, the host conduit and/or the liner conduit. For example, the measurement device measures the pressure of the injected material, the temperature of the injected material, a surface temperature of the host conduit and/or a surface temperature of the liner conduit.
• In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the injection hardware and/or the distal end hardware include a communication device in communication with the control mechanism for transmitting, processing and/or receiving signals. The communication device preferably wirelessly communicates with the control mechanism. The control mechanism is typically a computing device, such as a portable computer, laptop, a PDA, a palmtop, a computer, a personal computer, a networked computer or a server.
• In a further preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the control mechanism is loaded with control software to enable the control mechanism to perform various functions and actions. For example, the control software may allow the control mechanism to (i) receive and process signals transmitted from at least one of the injection hardware and the distal end hardware; (ii) transmit signals to at least one of the injection hardware and the distal end hardware; (iii) monitor at least one physical characteristic of at least one of the lining process, the injection hardware, the distal end hardware, a material in contact with the injection hardware, a material in contact with the distal end hardware; (iv) track at least one physical characteristic of at least one of the lining process, the injection hardware, the distal end hardware, a material in contact with the injection hardware, a material in contact with the distal end hardware; (v) control at least one physical characteristic of at least one of the lining process, the injection hardware, the distal end hardware, a material in contact with the injection hardware, a material in contact with the distal end hardware; (vi) control operation of at least one component of at least one of the injection hardware and the distal end hardware; and (vii) storing data directed to at least one physical characteristic of at least one of the lining process, the injection hardware, the distal end hardware, a material in contact with the injection hardware, a material in contact with the distal end hardware, an operation parameter of the injection hardware and an operation parameter of the distal end hardware.
• The present invention, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with the additional objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood from the following description of exemplary embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system and arrangement for conduit reparation according to the present invention, wherein the conduit reparation method includes a conduit expansion process;
• FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of injection hardware used in connection with the system and arrangement ofFIG. 1;
• FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of distal end cap hardware used in connection with the system and arrangement ofFIG. 1;
• FIG. 4 is a schematic view of material flow in subcomponents of the injection hardware ofFIG. 2; and
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the injection hardware of the system and arrangement according toFIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.
• The present invention is asystem10 and arrangement for conduit expansion and is illustrated in various embodiments inFIGS. 1-5. It is envisioned that thesystem10 can be used in connection with various conduit reparation methods and processes. For example, thesystem10 may be used in connection with a conduit expansion process, as discussed in detail hereinafter. However, thesystem10 may also be used in connection with slip-lining methods, bladder-based systems, material-impregnated liners and other similar conduit reparation processes. As discussed hereinafter, thesystem10 is useful when repairing a damaged conduit, and is particularly preferable when used with methods wherein the conduit is an underground pipe, which need not be longitudinally unearthed prior to reparation. It is also envisioned that the control and communication aspects of thesystem10 can be used in connection with various lengths of aboveground conduit as well, for example for manufacturing, maintenance, preparation and similar activities. Accordingly, the presently-inventedsystem10, as described hereinafter, may be utilized with many different conduit-based applications and provides novel control and communication aspects to these applications.
• The present invention is an arrangement andsystem10 that is utilized in connection with a conduit reparation process having a target conduit orhost conduit14.Injection hardware24 is engaged with and in operative communication with afirst end16 of thehost conduit14, anddistal end hardware26 is engaged with and in operable communication with asecond end18 of thehost conduit14. Acontrol mechanism30 is in communication with theinjection hardware24 and/or thedistal end hardware26. Thiscontrol mechanism30 provides communication with and/or control of the pipe lining or reparation process, theinjection hardware24 and/or thedistal end hardware26. Accordingly, thecontrol mechanism30 acts to monitor parameters, communicate with thehardware24,26 and otherwise allow for the control of the components and sub-components of thehardware24,26.
• In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, thesystem10 may be adapted for beneficial use in conduit expansion process, as illustrated inFIG. 1. As seen inFIG. 1, thesystem10 is used in connection with aliner conduit12 positioned within ahost conduit14. In a preferred embodiment, theliner conduit12 is manufactured from a thermoplastic material, such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, etc. However, it is envisioned that any material having the appropriate expansion characteristics can be used. Thesystem10 works equally effectively with anyexpandable liner conduit12, bladder, liner bag, impregnated bladder, etc.
• In this embodiment, after a particular portion of thehost conduit14 is identified for repair or lining, access is gained, typically by digging a trench to the host conduitfirst end16 and the host conduitsecond end18. Using known bend characteristics and measurements, theliner conduit12 is fed through the host conduitfirst end16 until a liner conduitfirst end20 is located adjacent the host conduitfirst end16, and a liner conduitsecond end22 is located adjacent the host conduitsecond end18. In this manner, theliner conduit12 is positioned within thehost conduit14 and ready for the expansion process.
• After positioning, theinjection hardware24 is engaged with and in operative communication with the host conduitfirst end16 and/or liner conduitfirst end20. Similarly, thedistal end hardware26 is engaged with and in operable communication with the host conduitsecond end18 and/or the liner conduitsecond end22. Once theinjection hardware24 and the distalend cap hardware26 are engaged, thesystem10 is ready for the injection of amaterial28, such as steam, air or fluid, into theliner conduit12.
• In order to monitor and/or control the various components, sub-components and the process physical parameters, thecontrol mechanism30 is used and is in communication with, preferably, both theinjection hardware24 and the distalend cap hardware26. By using thecontrol mechanism30, thesystem10 becomes a monitored, controlled and easily and accurately duplicated process. In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment, thecontrol mechanism30 can (i) monitor at least one physical characteristic of at least one of injected material and recycled material; (ii) control at least one physical characteristic of the injected material and/or the recycled material; (iii) monitor at least one physical characteristic of the reparation process; (iv) control at least one physical characteristic of the reparation process; (v) monitor at least one physical characteristic of ahost conduit14 and/or aliner conduit12; and (vi) control at least one physical characteristic of thehost conduit14 and/or theliner conduit12. In addition, in a further embodiment, theinjection hardware24 and/or thedistal end hardware26 includes one ormore measurement devices38 for measuring the physical characteristics or parameters of the injected material, the reparation process, thehost conduit14 and/or theliner conduit12. For example, themeasurement device38 measures the pressure of the injected material, the temperature of the injected material, a surface temperature of thehost conduit14 and/or a surface temperature of theliner conduit12.
• A preferred embodiment of theinjection hardware24 is illustrated inFIG. 2. In this preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the injectedmaterial28 is a fluid, such as water. In addition, the various components and subcomponents of theinjection hardware24 andsystem10, as described in detail hereinafter, are described according to function, as opposed to order of connection. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand how to physically connect these various subcomponents in the correct order and use the correct interrelationships in order to arrive at this preferred embodiment of theinjection hardware24.
• As the present embodiment preferably uses afluid material28, aninlet hose32 is engaged with ahose connector34. Thehose connector34 is in fluid communication with a control device36, which can be used to shut off, throttle back or otherwise adjust the flow characteristics of thematerial28. Also, as seen in this embodiment, themeasurement device38 is positioned between thehose connector34 and the control device36. Further, thismeasurement device38 measures various operating parameters, such as pressure and/or temperature of the injectedmaterial28. Still further, themeasurement device38 is in communication with acommunication device40 capable of receiving, processing and transmitting signals, and thecommunication device40 is in further communication with thecontrol mechanism30. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, thecommunication device40 is a transmitter that wirelessly transmits data to thecontrol mechanism30. It is further envisioned that thecontrol mechanism30 can communicate with the control device36 and provide for wireless control of the injection ofmaterial28. Still further, thecommunication device40 may be hardwired to controlmechanism30.
• The control device36 is engaged with a fitting42, which is, in turn, connected to aflow connection44. Theflow connection44 is a T-shaped connector and has an injection port46 and arecycle port48. Therecycle port48 is in operative communication with arecycle hose50, which transfers and recycles the material28 back to a fluid system (not shown).
• The injection port46 is positioned adjacent aninsert52. Theinsert52 is at least partially engaged within the liner conduitfirst end20. Further, theinsert52 is a wedge-shaped connection that is frictionally engaged with and expanded against an inside wall of theliner conduit12. Aliner conduit clamp54 is engaged with an outside wall of the liner conduitfirst end20 and locks the liner conduitfirst end20 between theliner conduit clamp54 and theinsert52.
• In order to prevent lateral or circumferential expansion of theliner conduit12, a firstexpansion restriction sleeve56 is positioned near the liner conduitfirst end20. This firstexpansion restriction sleeve56 is bolted or otherwise removably engaged with theliner conduit12 and provides rigid restriction against expansion during the expansion process. It is also envisioned that themeasurement device38 is in communication with theliner conduit12 at or near the firstexpansion restriction sleeve56 and measures the skin temperature of theliner conduit12. Next, a secondexpansion restriction sleeve58 is engaged around and provides rigid expansion restriction with respect to theliner conduit12. Again, bolts, clamps or other means of connecting the secondexpansion restriction sleeve58 in an abutting relationship with theliner conduit12 is envisioned.
• Atransition collar60 is positioned adjacent an end of the secondexpansion restriction sleeve58 and in an abutting relationship with the host conduitfirst end16. Thetransition collar60 is shaped as a tapered element and provides a surface to which theliner conduit12 can expand immediately adjacent the host conduitfirst end16. Without thistransition collar60, and due to the thickness of thehost conduit14, theliner conduit12 could continue expanding and create a gap or ridge immediately adjacent the host conduitfirst end16, which would decrease the structural integrity at that point.
• Finally, alongitudinal restriction connection62 is in engagement with and in operable communication with thehost conduit14 and theliner conduit clamp54. This generally, longitudinally-extendingrestriction connection62 provides rigid connection between thehost conduit14 and other components of theinjection hardware24 and rigidly prevents undesirable longitudinal expansion during the process.
• A preferred and non-limiting embodiment of thedistal end hardware26 is illustrated inFIG. 3. Again, the components and subcomponents described hereinafter are with reference to function and connection, as opposed to order of attachment. Anothermeasurement device38 is in communication with thecommunication device40 and, further, themeasurement device38 is in communication with anend cap element64. Again, thiscommunication device40 is in communication with thecontrol mechanism30 and used to receive, process and/or transmit the data monitored and gathered by themeasurement device38. It is also envisioned that thecommunication device40 is in wireless communication with thecontrol mechanism30, which acts as a central repository for all the gathered data.
• Theend cap element64 is positioned at least partially within the liner conduitsecond end22 and acts as a seal at the liner conduitsecond end22. Since themeasurement device30 is connected to theend cap element64, it measures various parameters, such as pressure and temperature near the liner conduitsecond end22. A thirdexpansion restriction sleeve66 is placed at least partially over the host conduitsecond end18 and the liner conduitsecond end22. It is envisioned that the thirdexpansion restriction sleeve66 operates in a similar manner as thesecond expansion sleeve58. Therefore, if desired, thetransition collar60 may also be used to provide a smooth transition zone at the host conduitsecond end18.
• Again, as with theinjection hardware24, a fourthexpansion restriction sleeve68 is positioned around the liner conduitsecond end22 and adjacent theend cap element64. Both the thirdexpansion restriction sleeve66 and the fourthexpansion restriction sleeve68 act to rigidly prevent lateral expansion of theliner conduit12 with relation to thehost conduit14. In addition, as with theinjection hardware24, thedistal end hardware26 includes thelongitudinal restriction connection62 for preventing unwanted longitudinal expansion during the process. In this preferred and non-limiting embodiment, thelongitudinal restriction62 is rigidly attached to both the host conduitsecond end18 and theend cap element64. It is also envisioned that theinsert52 can be used in connection with thedistal end hardware26 for stiffening of theliner conduit12. Further, theend cap element64 may be substituted with a plug, cap or other similar element as would be known and appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.
• An internal schematic view of theflow connection44 of theinjection hardware24 is illustrated inFIG. 4. With respect to this section of thesystem10,material28 is injected through theinlet hose32, and theinlet hose32 is in operable communication with the fitting42, which is, in turn, connected to anipple connection70. Thenipple connection70 extends through an internal cavity of theflow connection44 and, typically, at least partially within theliner conduit12. The nipple connection is engaged with aliner conduit hose72, and theliner conduit hose72 extends along the length of theliner conduit12. Thenipple connection70 and theliner conduit hose72 are engaged in a manner as known in the art, such as by threaded fittings, or other similar connection techniques. Theliner conduit hose72 includes multiple flow orifices74 positioned along the length of theliner conduit hose72. These flow orifices74 allowmaterial28 to be intermittently injected along the length of theliner conduit hose72, which provides for a more uniform injection ofmaterial28 and, therefore, a more uniform expansion of theliner conduit12. In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the orifices74 are positioned on thehose72 near the host conduitsecond end18, which provides a more even heat distribution along theliner conduit12. Further, the orifices74 may preferably be disposed on a bottom portion of theliner conduit hose72.
• In operation, once the material28 moves through thenipple connection70 and further through theliner conduit hose72 and out the flow orifices74, and due to theend cap element64, theliner conduit12 is filled withmaterial28. Next, thismaterial28 flows back through theliner conduit12 in a recycle route, after encountering the liner conduitsecond end22, and moves further through theliner conduit12 back into theflow connection44. Due to the internal structure of theflow connection44, thematerial28 is now flowing on the outside of thenipple connection70 and moves through therecycle port48 of theflow connection44. The material28 flows through therecycle hose50 and back into the fluid system (not shown). In this manner, theinjection hardware24 acts as both an injection and recycle route for thematerial28 for further use in thesystem10. While theinjection material28, as discussed above, is preferably a fluid, the present invention is not so limited. Thematerial28 may be a gas, a liquid, a solid, a semi-solid, a mechanism, an object, steam, water, heated water, etc.
• It should be noted that the above-discussed and specific arrangement of the components and subcomponents of theinjection hardware24 and thedistal end hardware26 represents only exemplary embodiments. It is also envisioned that the injectedmaterial28 may be both injected through and recycled from theinjection hardware24, while alternatively, the injectedmaterial28 may be injected through theinjection hardware24 and removed at thedistal end hardware26. It is only necessary that thematerial28 is somehow inserted or injected appropriately into the system and, if required, removed therefrom.
• Thecontrol mechanism30 may be a computing device, such as a portable computer, laptop, a PDA, a palmtop, a computer, a personal computer, a networked computer or a server. In a further preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the control mechanism is loaded with control software to enable the control mechanism to perform various functions and actions. For example, the control software may allow the control mechanism to (i) receive and process signals transmitted from at least one of the injection hardware24 and the distal end hardware26; (ii) transmit signals to at least one of the injection hardware24 and the distal end hardware26; (iii) monitor at least one physical characteristic of at least one of the reparation process, the injection hardware24, the distal end hardware26, the material28 in contact with the injection hardware24, the material28 in contact with the distal end hardware26; (iv) track at least one physical characteristic of at least one of the reparation process, the injection hardware24, the distal end hardware26, the material28 in contact with the injection hardware24, the material28 in contact with the distal end hardware26; (v) control at least one physical characteristic of at least one of the reparation process, the injection hardware24, the distal end hardware26, the material28 in contact with the injection hardware24, the material28 in contact with the distal end hardware26; (vi) control operation of at least one component of at least one of the injection hardware24 and the distal end hardware26; and (vii) storing data directed to at least one physical characteristic of at least one of the reparation process, the injection hardware24, the distal end hardware26, the material28 in contact with the injection hardware24, the material28 in contact with the distal end hardware26, an operation parameter of the injection hardware24 and an operation parameter of the distal end hardware26.
• One preferred and non-limiting embodiment of theinjection hardware24 is illustrated inFIG. 5. While specific conduit/piping and hardware connections are described, any manner and method of injectingmaterial28 in a controllable situation is envisioned. Themeasurement devices38 may be used to monitor specific operating parameters for use in not only controlling the current process, but making further improvements in future processes. Therefore, thesystem10 and arrangement for conduit expansion allows for the expansion of theliner conduit12 within thehost conduit14 with additional structural integrity advantages not inherent in prior art. In addition, and as discussed above, thesystem10 is equally useful in a variety of conduit reparation processes, as are known and practiced in the art.
• This invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Obvious modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations.

Claims (15)

1. A method of conduit reparation including an existing, host conduit and a tubular target conduit formed from a rigid, thermoplastic material, the method comprising:

providing injection hardware in operative communication with an injection end of at least one of the host conduit and the target conduit;

providing distal end hardware in operative communication with a distal end of at least one of the host conduit and the target conduit;

providing a control mechanism in communication with at least one of the injection hardware and the distal end hardware, the control mechanism configured to at least one of communicate with and control at least one of the following: the conduit reparation process, the injection hardware, the distal end hardware or any combination thereof;

positioning the target conduit having a first diameter within the host conduit;

expanding the target conduit by injecting a heated, pressurized gas or liquid material directly into an inner area of the target conduit, such that the temperature and pressure of the gas or liquid cause the target conduit to expand to a second, larger diameter resulting in a structural, expanded target conduit; and

controlling, by the control mechanism, at least one of the following: the temperature, pressure, volume or any combination thereof, of the heated, pressurized gas or liquid.

2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the rigid, thermoplastic material is at least one of the following: polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, an expandable thermoplastic or any combination thereof.

3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the gas or liquid is at least one of the following: water, heated water, steam or any combination thereof.

4. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising at least one of the following:

(i) monitoring at least one physical characteristic of at least one of the injected material and recycled material;

(ii) controlling at least one physical characteristic of at least one of the injected material and recycled material;

(iii) monitoring at least one physical characteristic of the reparation process;

(iv) controlling at least one physical characteristic of the reparation process;

(v) monitoring at least one physical characteristic of at least one of the host conduit and the target conduit;

(vi) controlling at least one physical characteristic of at least one of the host conduit and the target conduit;

or any combination thereof.

5. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising controlling flow characteristics of the material through the injection hardware.

6. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising measuring at least one physical characteristic of at least one of the following: the injected material, the recycled material, the reparation process, the host conduit, the target conduit or any combination thereof.

7. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising measuring at least one of the pressure and the temperature of at least one of the injected material and recycled material.

8. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising measuring a surface temperature of at least one of the host conduit and the target conduit.

9. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising controlling at least one of lateral expansion and circumferential expansion of the target conduit.

10. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising providing a surface against which the target conduit may expand.

11. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising injecting the injection material into the target conduit through at least one of a plurality of orifices of a target conduit hose, thereby contacting an internal surface of the target conduit.

12. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising preventing at least one of the injected material and recycled material from exiting the target conduit.

13. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising providing wireless communication between at least one of the following: the control mechanism, the injection hardware, the distal end hardware or any combination thereof.

14. A method of conduit reparation including an existing, host conduit and a tubular target conduit formed from a rigid, thermoplastic material, the method comprising:

positioning the target conduit having a first diameter within the host conduit;

expanding the target conduit by injecting a heated, pressurized gas or liquid material directly into an inner area of the target conduit through injection hardware, such that the temperature and pressure of the gas or liquid cause the target conduit to expand to a second, larger diameter resulting in a structural, expanded target conduit; and

controlling at least one of the following: the temperature, pressure, volume or any combination thereof, of the heated, pressurized gas or liquid.

15. A method of conduit reparation including an existing, host conduit and a tubular target conduit formed from a rigid, thermoplastic material, the method comprising:

positioning the target conduit having a first diameter within the host conduit;

expanding the target conduit by injecting a heated, pressurized gas or liquid material directly into an inner area of the target conduit through injection hardware, such that the temperature and pressure of the gas or liquid cause the target conduit to expand to a second, larger diameter resulting in a structural, expanded target conduit; and

controlling at least one of the conduit reparation process and the injection hardware.

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