US 5,686,674 A · System for characterizing surfaces of pipes, ducts or similar structures

Abstract

A system for characterizing contamination or integrity information from within a pipe, including a flexible tubular membrane which is extendable within the pipe and inflatable to a diameter effective to urge the tubular membrane against the rigid wall. The tubular membrane has a first end and a second end, and is initially rolled up and connected to a reel inside of a deployment system. A tether connects the deployment system to a characterization tool retained within the tubular membrane, which is attached adjacent to the second end of the tubular membrane. When the system is engaged, pressurized fluid enters the tubular membrane causing the membrane to invert and distend into and through the pipe's interior. Simultaneously, the attached characterization tool is towed adjacent to and in parallel with the path of the tubular membrane's second end, is protected from contamination by the surrounding tubular membrane, and is capable of repetitive testing for several forms of information, such as structural integrity of the pipe's interior or radioactive contamination. As the tool traverses the pipe's interior, this information is transmitted to a data acquisition system. When the system is disengaged, the deployment system, the tether and the characterization tool are used to retrieve the system in reverse order. A vent is provided for equalizing pressure beneath the tubular membrane while retracting the membrane.

Claims49

Dependent claims

A system for transporting a characterization tool in a pipe, said system comprising:

a. an elongated, inflatable impermeable membrane, said membrane having first and second ends;
b. a housing, said housing including,
i. means for supporting said membrane in said housing, and
ii. means for coupling said housing to said pipe;
c. means for attaching said first end to said housing;
d. means for pressurizing said membrane, to inflate, invert and drive said membrane into said pipe;
e. means for characterizing at least interior portions of said pipe, said means for characterizing including a characterization tool, means to determine characterization tool deployment rate into and position in said pipe, and a data acquisition system coupled to said characterization tool, said characterization tool secured to said second end of said membrane whereby, as said membrane is being inflated and driven into said pipe, said characterization tool is being drawn into both said membrane and said pipe, said data acquisition system including a computer and means to record the output from said means for determining said position of said characterization tool in said pipe;
and
f. a tether, said tether interconnecting said means for supporting said membrane and said characterization tool.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

System for characterizing surfaces of pipes, ducts or similar structures

Life of this patent

System for characterizing surfaces of pipes, ducts or similar structures

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims49