Device and method for the plugging of services in conduits

An apparatus for plugging a plurality of service entrances in a conduit prior to installation of a liner in the conduit, the apparatus comprising:

• a remotely controlled robot;
• at least one plug dispensing magazine mounted on the robot for storing and dispensing a plurality of service entrance plugs;
• each plug having a core body having a central hollow channel, at least two longitudinally spaced apart flexible fins extending radially outwardly from the core body and a plurality of radial vent holes located in between the longitudinally spaced apart flexible fins;
• each magazine supporting the plugs at a constant height and comprising:
• at least one spring-loaded retaining finger for retaining the plugs at a plug strip-off end of each magazine;
• a plug pusher for advancing the plugs along the magazine;
• and a biasing member for applying a constant force against the plug pusher to advance the plugs;
• a plug insertion tool having a support block for engaging and removing a plug from the plug strip-off end of each magazine and for inserting the plug into a service entrance of the conduit;
• and
• a remote operated injection device for delivering a sealing material into the plug inserted into the service entrance, the injection device including a nozzle located within the support block of the plug insertion tool, a remote controlled dispensing valve connected to the nozzle, and a cartridge of sealing material connected to the dispensing valve.