Device and method to split pipe near utilities
AssigneeTT Technologie, Inc.
InventorMichael Tjader
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Examples of splitter systems and methods are shown. In some examples, a splitter system includes a splitter body. A plurality of blades is attached at different angular locations around a perimeter of the splitter body. In some examples, the plurality of blades have a cutting depth that is less than a thickness of a wall thickness of a pipe to be split. Configurations are further shown that provide lubrication to splitting operations in a number of locations along a splitter system. Configurations are also shown that provide electrical isolation to cutting blades.
Claims21
A splitter system, comprising:
- a pipe to be split, having a wall thickness;
- a splitter body;
- a plurality of blades attached at different angular locations around a perimeter of the splitter body;
- wherein each of the plurality of blades has a maximum cutting depth that is less than the wall thickness of the pipe to be split.
A method, comprising:
- pulling a splitter body through a pipe;
- cutting only a portion of a wall thickness in the pipe in a plurality of angular locations around an inside diameter of the pipe using a plurality of blades, each with a maximum cutting depth that is less than the wall thickness of the pipe;
- and
- expanding the pipe with an expander to split the pipe;
- pulling in a new pipe behind the expander.
A splitter system, comprising:
- a pipe to be split, having a wall thickness;
- a splitter body;
- a plurality of blades attached at different angular locations around a perimeter of the splitter body;
- wherein the plurality of blades includes a primary blade, the primary blade including a maximum primary cutting depth that is deeper than a maximum cutting depth of each of the rest of the plurality of blades, wherein the maximum primary cutting depth and the maximum cutting depth of each of the rest of the plurality of blades are each less than the wall thickness of the pipe to be split.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.