초록 ▼

A thermoplastic pipe in a flattened and folded shape and of selected characteristics is formed by manufacturing it in this reduced shape. It is inserted in the flattened and folded shape and in a pliable state into a pipeline to be lined. It is then expanded and when set serves as a rigid or semi-ri

A thermoplastic pipe in a flattened and folded shape and of selected characteristics is formed by manufacturing it in this reduced shape. It is inserted in the flattened and folded shape and in a pliable state into a pipeline to be lined. It is then expanded and when set serves as a rigid or semi-rigid pipe within a pipeline capable of withstanding external hydrostatic and earth pressures. The thermoplastic pipe is heated during its installation for installing it into an existing pipeline and for expanding it.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of lining an existing pipeline with a substantially rigid thermoplastic pipe comprising the steps of: manufacturing a substantially rigid, thermoplastic pipe in a flattened and folded shape in at least a length comparable to the length of an existing pipeline to be lined; said flattened and

A method of lining an existing pipeline with a substantially rigid thermoplastic pipe comprising the steps of: manufacturing a substantially rigid, thermoplastic pipe in a flattened and folded shape in at least a length comparable to the length of an existing pipeline to be lined; said flattened and folded thermoplastic pipe having cross-sectional dimensions less than the cross-sectional dimensions of the lumen of the existing pipeline to be lined to facilitate insertion of the flattened and folded pipe into the existing pipeline; storing the flattened and folded pipe on storage means in a layered condition to facilitate transport of the flattened and folded pipe to an installation site; heating the flattened and folded pipe at the installation site while the pipe remains in the flattened and folded shape; removing the heated, flattened and folded pipe from the storage means; said heating of said pipe being sufficient to render said pipe softened and deformable to facilitate extending of the pipe from the storage means to a substantially elongated condition for insertion into the existing pipeline and to enable subsequent expanding of the pipe from the flattened and folded shape; feeding the heated, elongated pipe through the lumen of the existing pipeline while it remains flattened and folded; positioning the heated, elongated, flattened and folded pipe within the lumen of the existing pipeline; heating the pipe, now positioned inside of the existing pipeline, the pipe remaining in its flattened and folded shape; applying internal pressure to the pipe positioned inside the existing pipeline thereby expanding the heated pipe from the flattened and folded shape to cross-sectional dimensions comparable to the cross-sectional dimensions of the existing pipeline; ceasing to apply heat to the pipe to allow the pipe to cool and again become substantially rigid thereby allowing the pipe to maintain its expanded shape; and, ceasing to apply internal pressure to the expanded substantially rigid thermoplastic pipe in place within the existing pipeline; said expanded, substantially rigid pipe being capable of withstanding hydrostatic and earth pressures.