Pipeline vehicle with linked modules and carriages
AssigneeBritish Gas Corporation
InventorAndrew Smart
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An in-pipe vehicle for carrying out at least one operation in a pipeline. The vehicle comprises a train of modules 11-16 interlinked by suspension units 17 to allow serpentine movement through pipe bends. The vehicle train has its own internal power supply and drive mechanism in respective modules. A detector module 14 determines the presence of a service junction and a manipulative module 13 allows the vehicle to be temporarily wedged in the pipeline whilst providing rotational movement to facilitate the desired operation at the junction. This can include drilling and welding of a service pipe to the main using appropriate modules.
Claims14
A pipeline vehicle comprising a plurality of linked modules including a power module and a control module, the plurality of linked modules forming a self powered and self controlled train for traveling within a pipeline, each of the modules being supported and spaced from the next in the train by one of a plurality of intermediate and wheeled carriages flexible relative to a center line of the pipeline to allow serpentine travel through the pipeline.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.