DEVELOPMENT OF A LIVE INTERNAL CAST IRON BELL JOINT SEALING SYSTEM – INNERSEAL

摘要

A method for live, insitu sealing of largerndiameter, 16”-24”, cast iron bell joints has beenrndeveloped by innerseal. The process involvesrnlive entry into a low pressure distributionrnsystem, location of the joints, preparation, andrnsealing. Remote controlled robots with closedrncaption television cameras perform the workrnrequired to prepare the pipe and apply the seal.rnSuch a system represents significant advantagesrnover traditional external sealing methods in thatrnthe major cost, the cost of the excavation, can bernminimized by access to multiple joints from arnsingle excavation. Additionally, leaks inrndifficult locations such as railroad crossings,rnbusy intersections, highway crossings, etc. canrnpotentially be accessed from outside the problemrnzone minimizing cost and public impact.The system is presently in the research andrndevelopment stage. Field trials have revealedrnencouraging results. Currently industry’s interestrnis driving further developments.rnCurrent development efforts include:rn? Enhanced substrate preparation and cleaningrn? Increased reach or range from the entryrnpoint – up to 500 feetrn? Refinement of the systems and robotics forrncommercializationrn? Less disruptive access to the distributionrnmain – top entryrn? Developments to accommodate intermediaternpressure conditionsrn? Performance testing with the GasrnTechnology Institute “GTI”rn? Miniaturization 8” to 12” inch pipe