SEALING LARGE-DIAMETER CAST-IRON PIPE JOINTS UNDER LIVE CONDITIONS

The objective of this program is to design, test and commercialize a robotic system capable of sealing multiple cast iron bell and spigot joints from a single pipe entry point. The proposed system will perform repairs while the pipe remains in service by traveling through the pipe, cleaning each joint surface, and attaching a stainless-steel sleeve lined with an epoxy impregnated felt across the joint. This approach will save considerable time and labor, avoid traffic disruption, and eliminate any requirements to interrupt service. Technical challenges include: repair sleeves must compensate for diametric variation and eccentricity of cast iron pipes; the assembly must travel long distances through pipes containing debris; the pipe wall must be effectively cleaned in the immediate area of the joint to assure good bonding of the sleeve; and an innovative bolt-on entry lifting is required to conduct repair operations on live mains.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • The report is currently available on CD-ROM and paper only.
• Corporate Authors:

  Institute of Gas Technology

  3424 South State Street
  Chicago, IL  United States  60616

  Department of Energy

  1000 Independence Avenue, SW
  Washington, DC  United States  20585

  Maurer Technology Incorporated

  Sugarland, TX  United States 
• Authors:
  • Kothari, K M
  • Pittard, G T
• Publication Date: 2003-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 39 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cast iron; Design; Natural gas pipelines; Pipelines; Robotics; Sealing (Technology)
• Subject Areas: Design; Pipelines; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00981835
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 24 2004 12:00AM