초록 ▼

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.

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.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A pipeline vehicle comprising a plurality of linked modules forming a self powered and self controlled train for traveling within a pipeline without external control, at least one of the modules being capable of carrying out an operation on the pipeline, at a location of a branch pi

[ I claim:] [1.] A pipeline vehicle comprising a plurality of linked modules forming a self powered and self controlled train for traveling within a pipeline without external control, at least one of the modules being capable of carrying out an operation on the pipeline, at a location of a branch pipeline; andwherein a module includes a hole forming tool provided to cause an aperture to be made through or into the pipe or a lining therein, at the location of the branch.