Pipe replacement system
AssigneeTT Technologies, Inc.
InventorMichael Tjader
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Pipe replacement devices, and systems are shown. Devices and systems may include jointed cutters and floating cutters to navigate difficult pipe replacement conditions. Devices and systems may also include replacement pipe with pre-installed supply hoses, such as lubricant supply and/or pneumatic supply hoses. Methods of pipe replacement are also described, including splitting old pipe and pulling in new pipe behind the equipment as splitting progresses.
Claims25
A pipe replacement device, comprising:
- an expander;
- an opening in a front of the expander to accept a towing cable;
- a lateral insertion pocket coupled to the opening, adapted to guide a cable threaded into the expander through the opening and outward through the lateral insertion pocket;
- a removable anchor block adapted to fit within the lateral insertion pocket;
- and
- one or more tapered wedge segments fitting into corresponding tapers in the removable anchor block.
A pipe replacement device, comprising:
- an expander;
- an opening in a front of the expander to accept a towing cable;
- a reciprocating hammer coupled behind the expander;
- and
- a floating cutter adapted to attach to the cable at a location separate from, and in front of the expander, with a length of bare cable between the expander and the floating cutter.
A replacement pipe supply device, comprising:
- an amount of replacement pipe;
- a lubricant supply hose pre-installed within the amount of replacement pipe;
- a pneumatic supply hose pre-installed within the amount of replacement pipe;
- and
- a reel to store the amount of replacement pipe, wherein the reel includes lubricant and pneumatic supply fittings on a hub.
A pipe replacement system, comprising:
- an expander;
- an opening in a front of the expander to accept a towing cable;
- a lateral insertion pocket coupled to the opening, adapted to guide a cable threaded into the expander through the opening and outward through the lateral insertion pocket;
- a removable anchor block adapted to fit within the lateral insertion pocket;
- a reciprocating hammer coupled behind the expander;
- a floating cutter adapted to attach to the towing cable at a location separate from, and in front of the expander;
- a reel of replacement pipe;
- a lubricant supply hose pre-installed within the replacement pipe;
- and
- a pneumatic supply hose pre-installed within the replacement pipe.
A method, comprising:
- driving an expander through a pipe using a reciprocating hammer;
- pulling the reciprocating hammer through the pipe with a cable while concurrently driving the expander with the reciprocating hammer;
- splitting the pipe in front of the expander using a floating cutter attached to the cable at a location separate, and in front of the expander, with a length of bare cable between the expander and the floating cutter.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.