Process and device for replacing an underground pipe
AssigneeGaz de France
InventorsEric Federspiel, Richard Godefroy
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In order to replace a first underground pipe such as a metal pipe by a second pipe of mean diameter substantially equal to or greater than that of the first pipe, the first pipe is cut longitudinally by a localized projection of a flow of matter, particles or radiation thanks to a localized projection means which are displaced inside the first pipe in order to divide the first pipe longitudinally into at least two segments. Cutting by localized projection avoids in particular the creation of vibrations during fragmentation of the pipe to be replaced.
Claims17
A process for replacing a first underground pipe with a second pipe whose mean diameter is substantially equal to that of said first pipe, comprising the steps of:
- providing cutting means for displacement inside the first pipe, said cutting means including localized projection means for localized projection of a flow of matter;
- and
- cutting said first pipe over at least a part of its thickness, using the localized projection of the flow of matter onto said first pipe, with the localized projection means which are displaced inside the first pipe, in order to longitudinally divide said first pipe into at least two cut segments.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.