Pipe installation system

A pipe installation system configured to install a new pipe within an in-ground pipe, the system comprising:

• a driver assembly including a rod, the driver assembly configured to move at least a portion of the pipe installation system through the in-ground pipe;
• a plug assembly positioned on the rod;
• an installation head having a leading portion extending along a central axis, a mating portion configured to mate with the new pipe, a grout ejection port positioned within the leading portion, and a grout conduit connected to the grout ejection port, the leading portion having a cross-section including a tapered nose in which the cross-section increases in a rearward direction from a first end to a maximum cross-section portion;
• a grout supply line configured to supply a grout to the installation head, the grout supply line attached to the grout conduit by a connection port;
• and
• a coupling assembly positioned between the first end of the leading portion and the plug assembly,
• wherein the grout ejection port is positioned no further rearward than the maximum cross-section portion of the leading portion,
• wherein a cross-section of the first end of the leading portion is smaller than a cross-section of the plug assembly, and
• wherein a cross-section of the maximum cross-section portion of the leading portion is at least as big as the cross-section of the plug assembly.

A pipe installation system configured to install a new pipe within an in-ground pipe, the system comprising:

• a plug assembly;
• an installation head having a leading portion extending along a central axis, a mating portion configured to mate with the new pipe, a grout ejection port positioned within the leading portion, and a grout conduit connected to the grout ejection port, the leading portion having a cross-section including a tapered nose in which the cross-section increases in a rearward direction from a first end to a maximum cross-section portion;
• a driver assembly including a rod, the driver assembly configured to move the installation head through the in-ground pipe;
• a grout supply line configured to supply a grout to the installation head, the grout supply line attached to the grout conduit by a connection port;
• and
• wherein the grout ejection port is positioned no further rearward than the maximum cross-section portion of the leading portion,
• wherein a cross-section of the first end of the leading portion is smaller than a cross-section of the plug assembly, and
• wherein a cross-section of the maximum cross-section portion of the leading portion is at least as big as the cross-section of the plug assembly.

A method of installing a new pipe within an in-ground pipe, the method comprising:

• positioning a plug assembly and an installation head in the in-ground pipe, the installation head extending along a central axis and including a leading portion having a tapered nose and a mating portion mated with the new pipe;
• driving the installation head in a forward direction through a portion of the in-ground pipe;
• creating a pressurized zone between the plug assembly and a maximum cross-section portion of the leading portion of the installation head;
• ejecting a grout into the pressurized zone between an exterior of the installation head and an interior of the in-ground pipe, during the driving of the installation head, from a grout ejection port positioned within the leading portion of the installation head;
• and
• positioning the new pipe within in the in-ground pipe.