Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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PATENT APPLICATION
Method For Installing At Least One Pipe Line And/Or An Empty Conduit In
Supply And Sanitation Pipes Which Have Already Been Laid, Especially In Sewer
Pipe Systems Or Networks And Similar
The present invention relates to a method for installing at least one
cable and/or empty pipe in laid pipes used for supply or disposal,
more particularly in sewage pipe systems or pipe mains and the like,
1 0 wherein the cables and/or empty pipes which are to be laid are
introduced into the pipe duct and fixed on the wall of same.
The field of communications shows a constantly increasing growth rate
and an end to this growth can still not be foreseen at the present
1 S time. Whereas in particular telecommunications have developed to a
large extent through satellites the transmission of data and
information through earth-laid cables still ranks of equal importance
to transmissions by satellite. Furthermore pipelines and cables laid
in the ground are becoming increasingly important with the
2 0 introduction of glass fibre cables which make it possible to transmit
large amounts of data at high speeds.
Particularly in relation to glass fibre cables a rapid cost-effective
cross-linking is desirable for establishing communication networks
2 5 covering a wide surface area. Laying cable's or pipelines in this way
naturally requires expensive earth work, un.Less it is possible to use
already existing installed empty pipes or other usable pipe ducts.
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One way of installing cables and/or empty pipes, where cables such as
data transmission lines can be drawn into these empty pipes, and which
is already in practice at the moment, is to fix in the existing pipe
ducts, such as for example sewage pipes which can have very large
cross-sections, the new cables or empty pipes which are to be fixed on
the walls for example by pipe or cable clips which are fastened by
dowels at regular intervals along the sewage pipe walls. This type of
installation is obviously very labour and cost intensive and can only
be carried out in sewage pipes having a large enough cross-section to
be accessible to a person, unless camera guided and monitored robots
are used for this type of pipe laying so that then cables or empty
pipes can be fitted even in sewage pipes which are not large enough to
walk through.
1 5 Also several empty pipes or cables can be fixed by tension clips which
are tensioned against the circumference of the overall channel cross-
section. Such tension clips can also be laid by means of robots, even
in existing pipe ~~ucts; such as sewage pipes, which have a mailer
cross-section but which. is still large enough for such robots, i.e.
2 0 the pipe diameters must be 200 mm and more. It is evident:that the
empty pipes and cables which are subsequently laid, whether fixed by
pipe or cable clips or with the said tension clips, are fully exposed
to the raw:.sewage operation. These pipe routes have to withstand both
the sewage-flow with high water surges and also high pressure. pipe
2 5 cleaning. In particular experience has shown that sewage p-articles
settle on. the filigree clips and tension rings, and sooner or later
clog up the channel so that it can be expected that these fastening
elements used to fix the subsequently laid cables and empty pipes will
not stand up to the pressure build up which will arise. For this
3 0 reason it is not anticipated that this method of operation will be
used in future in view of the breakdown factors which can be expected.
In addition the normal channel operation becomes difficult. The
corresponding pipe ducts can no longer be pressure tested or shut off
35 by shut-off bubbles.
According to DE U1 298 Ol 424 flat hollow profiled sections are used
for laying cables in a non walk-in sewage pipe, in the manner of a
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cable duct made from metal or plastics and either stuck or fixed by
dowels on the inside wall of a sewage pipe. For this pipe-laying
process, robots are used to enter into ncn walk-in gas, water or
sewage pipes.
The drawback with these robot systems is that the pipe duct has to
have been previously renovated. If the cables or pipelines are hung
up by the robots without the pipe duct having previously been
renovated, then it can be expected in the future that these cables
will have to be covered with an inliner (lining), which is then mostly
no longer correctly possible. This would involve not inconsiderable
additional processing steps, incurring extra costs.
Renovating processes for pipe ducts are obviously also known where
shape-stable pipe sections are pushed into old or damaged pipe ducts
and then connected together. The interspace between the pipe which is
to be newly added and the old pipe can be caulked with these measures,
using a suitable cast'ing.-substance, a so-called "dammer". Within the
scope of introducing such shape-stable relining pipes;: distributed for
2 0 example by Messrs. Hobas Rohre AG, Switzerland, it was -also proposed
to insert cables or empty pipes in the interspace between the new pipe
and the old pipe duct:: It is obvious that this method of procedure is
fundamentally expensiv.e,and if cables or empty pipes; such~as:for
example for telecommunications, are to be laid then thi is always
2 5 linked with-intro~ucing such shape-stable pipe linings of plastics or
steel.
Where an inliner is already laid, i.e. an internal lining is provided,
laying additional cables or empty pipes is always coupled with further
3 0 inliner renovation work. Where the pipe ducts require renovation but
have not yet been renovated, this is of hardly any importance and
indeed has economic advantages.
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In any case this means, where in intact or even newly laid pipe ducts
these additional pipelines are to be laid in pipe ducts which do not
require renovation, the linked renovation involves additional work and
costs.
The object of the invention is now to overcome the aforesaid drawbacks
of the prior art and to provide a method which enables the additional
and subsequent laying of cables and/or empty pipes in existing
pipelines or pipe ducts which is competitive when compared directly
1 0 with the traditional trench method and in which the subsequently laid
cables and pipes have solid protection, and renovation can be
correctly carried out either before or after where necessary, although
is not absolutely essential and the pipe duct operation is not
restricted. Furthermore the possibility is also to be offered of
removing again any subsequent inliner renovation whereby the cables
and/or empty pipes can remain in the pipe duct.
This is achieved through a method of the type mentioned at the
beginning which is characterised in that a tubular or hose-like
2 0 internal lining is pushed and/or. drawn into 'the laid pipe. duct,
wherein at least one. flexible ,empty pipe and/or cable is.or,are
arranged on the outside surface area of the .lining.
Preferred embodiments of the invention will be apparent from:the sub-
claims. ;
The basic idea of the invention lies in drawing or pushing a tubular
internal lining into already existing laid pipeline ducts, in. sewage:
pipe systems or pipe mains and the like, for example also in
ventilation pipes, and in mounting between the outside wall of this
internal lining and the inside wall of the existing pipe duct the new
cables or empty pipes in order to draw in further pipelines or cables
later on. With this method of procedure no additional mounting
elements or fixing parts are required in order to fix and hold the
newly laid individual cables and/or empty pipes in the pipe duct.
Furthermore through the tubular internal lin_Lng a new smooth pipe wall
is provided through which the sewage is guided so that no blockage
points are formed which could restrict the flow through the pipe duct
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or could form blockages as a result of a build-up thereon of solid
parts carried along in the sewage. Indeed the smooth inside surface
of a new tubular internal lining of this kind will improve the
hydraulics. All newly laid empty pipes and cables are separated from
the medium flowing through the pipe duct and the risk of corrosion and
abrasion does not materialise. At the same time with this method of
procedure existing pipe ducts or sewage pipes can be additionally
sealed or renovat~sd. It is evident that with this method there are
practically unlimited possibilities for installing and dismantling
data communication networks with relatively small expense since
practically all households or other industrial and communal
installations are already connected to sewage pipe systems which can
be used even if such sewage pipes have a relatively small diameter,
for example even in the case of pipe ducts whose diameter is between
80 and 150 mm since the method according to the invention can even be
used in these pipe ducts.
It may be that the conditions in existing laid sewage pipes, pipe duct
systems or mains networks are such that the tubular internal lining
2 0 can only then be drawn:in.when its outer diameter is substantially
less than the internal:diameter of the pipe duct into which the
tubular internal lining is to be pushed or drawn. Particularly in
hese cases an irreversibly:deformable hose is drawn in as the tubular
... :internal lining, with the outer diameter of 'the hose being such that
2 5 it .can easily be drawn into the:pipe duct. 'This hose is then,de:formed
through suitable measures, such as through high internal pressure, to
become pressed against the inside wall of the pipe duct so that the
cables and/or empty pipes are also pressed irretrievably between the
deformed hose and the pipe duct wall.
A flexible hose is preferably used for such a deformable hose which
can be folded up with regard to its cross-sectional dimensions so that
a flat panel is produced which can be easily drawn into the existing
sewage pipe or pipe duct system or mains network. When this type of
hose is drawn in, the required empty pipes and cables can be fitted
onto the outer surface at the same time. After the hose is drawn into
the sewage pipe the hose can be closed at it:> ends and then when
filled with a fluid medium or with a gaseous medium such as for
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example compressed air can be pressed against the inside wall of the
pipe duct and then irreversibly solidified and secured against the
inside wall, for example by heat or UV radiation, where the material
of the hose can be hardened by heat or UV radiation. Once the hose is
solidified and secured the pressure can be withdrawn from the inside
of the hose. The hose then lies tightly against the inside wall of
the pipe duct, holding the cables and empty pipes.
Basically it is possible to attach the cables and/or empty pipes (for
drawing in cables) which are to be installed on all sides of the
tubular internal lining and thus on all sides of the existing pipe
duct. Preferably such empty pipes and/or cables are attached to the
upper region of the outside surface of the tubular internal lining so
that once the tubular internal lining is installed they become
positioned on the upper side of the pipe duct.
In order to facilitate the installation work on site, i.e. at the
building site, it can be advantageous to use a tubular internal lining
which already contains the or-each empty pipe and/or cable integrated
2 0 ;in the wall. With regard.to:a deformable hose as internal lining such
:cables and empty pipes can be integrated in the wall.
It;ean:.be sufficient to fix the empty pipes <3nd/or cables which are to
be: installed, on the outside of the tubular :internal lining which :is.
2 5 to.be pushed or drawn in, at certain spots a:iong the length of the .
outer surface so that when ins alling the tubular internal lining
these remain in fixed association with each other. This type of spot
fastening is also possible immediately on sii=a during installation of
the tubular internal lining with simple means so that the individual
30 pipes or cables which are to be installed are fixed on the tubular
internal lining depending on requirements immediately during drawing
in the internal lining.
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If a hose is drawn into the pipe duct then for reasons of stability it
should be a woven hose, with a glass fibre hose being preferred.
Furthermore it is possible to use, as the hose, a textile woven and/or
plaited hose impregnated with a hardening resin. The resin used here
should be one which sets under UV radiation or heat in order to then
solidify the hose pressed under pressure against the pipe duct wall.
Since the resin has an adhesive property, before it hardens a foil of
tubular shape should be applied to the outer and/or inner surface of
this hose so that the hose walls do not stick against each other,
particularly if the hose is drawn into the pipe duct in the folded
state.
When as the tubular internal lining a tube is used which is
dimensionally stable per se, i.e. it is not brought to its final shape
under pressure after insertion and then solidified, it can be
particularly advantageous to wind the tubular shaped internal lining
spirally into a stable shape from a material web as it is inserted
into the pipe duct. To this end a corresponding.machine assembly is
set up iri an access shaft and the material web is supplied as an
2 0: endless web to this machine. In he machine'this web is then wound
spirally and the individual longitudinal edges: of this spiral shape
which. adjoin one another lengthways are connected together by suitable
means.,. aor example by flanging over or welding:the edges. The spiral
tube is::then pushed forwards continuously into the pipe duct whilst at
25.; .the same.time the cable and/or empty pipe which is to be installed is
introduced onto the outer wall. The web material which is used in
order to form the spiral structure tube can.be a metal or plastics
web.
3 0 A further possibility which is to be preferred under certain
circumstances is that where a plastics tube is used as the tubular
inner lining, wherein the cross-section of t:he tubular wall is drawn
as a folded profiled section into the existing pipe duct and then is
deformed back to the original tubular cross-.section under internal
35 pressure through a heated medium.
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In order to produce a close contact between the shape-stable tube
which forms the tubular inner lining and they inside wall of the pipe
duct, it is preferable if as the tubular internal lining is used a
plastics pipe whose tubular cross-section prior to entry into the
existing pipe duct is reduced mechanically through tensile extrusion
and relaxed again back to the original tubular cross-section after
entry by lifting the tensile strain. With this measure the tubular
internal lining closely adjoins the wall of the pipe duct and thus the
empty pipes and/or cables drawn in between the outside wall of this
plastics pipe and the inside wall of the existing pipe duct are held
in close contact against same.
The subsequent installation of cables and/or pipelines into existing
1 5 pipe ducts, in sewage pipe systems or mains networks or the like is
preferably undertaken through so-called manholes or other readily
accessible places. In the region of these installation accesses the
cables and/or. empty pipes inserted between the tubular internal lining
and the existing pipe duct are guided by their endsinto a distributor
and/or connector box in order that they can when be cross-linked with
each other :at.a later date in the area of the a conne.etor boxes or can
be connected to an existing communications network br an electrical
network; t-he~~same applies for empty pipes into which:then cables, for
example data communication cables, can be inserted to-'be accessible
through the connector boxes.
The assembly mass which is used to cover the cables and/or empty pipes
and which sticks the cables and/or empty pipes together and to the
pipe wall, provides at the same an all round protection. This
3 0 particularly applies when the cables and/or empty pipes are fully
embedded into the assembly mass, so that they thus become quasi cast.
In a further preferred embodiment the or each cable and/or empty pipe
which is to be laid is covered with an assembly mass which has
adhesive properties and is then inserted with an assembly hose acting
as the tubular internal lining, into the pipe, the assembly hose is
then enlarged and the or each cable and/or empty pipe is then pressed
against the pipe wall, and after a sufficient holding time during
which the cables and/or empty pipes become stuck against the wall, the
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pressure acting on the assembly hose is withdrawn. The particular
advantage with this procedure is that only one assembly hose is used
which once the cables or empty pipes are in~~talled in the already laid
pipe duct can be removed and then used again so that only the laid
empty pipes or cables remain in the existing pipe duct, for example a
sewage pipe. With this method there is al~~o the possibility of
installing cables and/or empty pipes side by side, at certain
intervals and in very different configurations, all at the same time.
The assembly hose which is used is preferably as already mentioned
' above removed again from the pipe duct after assembly; by using an
assembly hose of this kind made from a suitable material it is
possible to use the assembly hose several times for installing such
cables or empty pipes in existing supply or disposal pipelines and
systems.
The assembly position of these cables or empty pipes which are fitted
in subsequently against the inside wall of a. pipe duct: can be
determined~in advance for which then these cables are posi Toned
2 0 correspondingly_on the assembly hose. The assembly position. will
however lie-mostly-in the upper circular half or; upper arc of the
cross-section of:ahe pipe duct into which th.e cables, and empty pipes
are inserted.
Preferably the cables or empty pipes which are to be installed are
embedded over their entire length into an assembly mass having
adhesive properties, i:e. a correspondingly-suitable adhesive mass,
with which they can then also be pressed and stuck against damp inside
3 0 walls of pipe ducts. An epoxy resin of this kind can be a dual-
component epoxy resin which can be hardened for example over a certain
period of time or with additional supply of heat or through radiation
with a suitable wave length.
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In addition as carrier material for the assembly mass or adhesive
material can be used mineral and /or synthetic inserts, for example in
the form of woven, knitted or felt materials>. The most suitable
material is used corresponding to requirements.
It is evident that after sticking and hardening, the additional cables
are fixedly connected to the inside wall of the pipe duct and are
preferably bonded into the assembly mass and where applicable an
additional carrier material so that the cables and/or empty pipes
1 0 become one component with the assembly mass. The cables are covered
and protected by a defined layer of mass from the inside of the pipe
duct and from the sewage where these pipes a.re sewage pipes. The mass
lines the cables with smooth transitions to the pipe duct and connects
them in keyed and force locking engagement to the inside wall of the
pipe duct. Where necessary an outer cover layer can also be provided
which is introduced in the form of a web material, i.e. a web material
which is first applied to.:the assembly hose, after which the empty
pipes and cables which.;ar:e to be laid are arranged on the web material
and embedded in the mass-: This cover layer can however also.be
2 0 fixedly connected on one side on the outside to the carrier materials
and remains.in.the pip~-duct after sticking on the empty pipes:
If the adhesive or carrier mass which is used has static material:
characteristics then,itis even possible with the aforementioned:
2 S process afterwards to increase the static load-bearing capacity of the
pipe duct in'which the.:empty pipes or cables were mtroduced.~
As assembly hose should preferably be used a flat hose. which is-drawn
into the pipe duct. By flat hose here is meant one which first before
3 0 introduction into the pipe duct can be collapsed into a flat web so
that the empty pipes or cables can be fitted onto the top side
thereof.
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A hose of this type is then, once it has been drawn into the pipe
duct, expanded by a suitable liquid or gaseous fluid so that the
cables and empty pipes which are preferably laid out on the top side,
embedded in a mass having the adhesive propE>rties, are then pressed
against the inside wall of the pipe duct. 7.n order to expand the hose
it is possible to use a gaseous or even fluid medium wherein in most
cases a gaseous medium is preferred, for example air. To inflate the
hose, one end can be closed, unless the hose' is inflated from both
ends.
In order to ensure optimum pressing of the assembly mass with the
cables or empty pipes, the flat hose should be made with regard to its
circumference, slightly undersized relative to the pipe duct and
should have expanding properties so that it can be adapted to the
conditions in the pipe duct. Preferably ho~~es can be considered which
are made from rubber or silicon and have inherently good separating
properties with regard to the assembly mass.
In order to ensure optimum release of the assembly hose fr.om:the mas
.. 2 0 once the mass has hardened~.in the pipe duct; separating layers can be
arranged between the.;assembly hose and the assembly mass having the
.._ adhesive properties, or an:,:adhesive and/or carrier mass, with the
separating layers:being in he°form of for example paste-like
separating means; or however also in the form of suitable web
material, such as for example a plastics foil.
It can be useful, particularly when the cables and/or empty pipes
which are to be laid.in the pipe duct are to be attached at the sides.
of the duct cross-section ("transoms"), to fix the separating layer on
3 0 the assembly hose, a preferred option here being the use of a touch
and close fastening band. The mass is then placed with the empty
pipes and/or cables on the separating layer so that the pipes and
cables can be positioned exactly with regard to the cross-section of
the pipe duct.
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A further possibility is to connect the separating layer, e.g. in the
form of a foil, to one of the outer carrier materials or inserts by a
bonding or lining which then remains fixedly stuck in the pipe duct
after the cables and/or empty pipes have been stuck and the assembly
hose has been removed.
There is also the possibility of fixing the separating layer in the
form of the web material on the assembly hose by means of double-sided
adhesive tape. An adhesive tape of this kind can then be removed with
1 0 or after removal of the assembly hose from the pipe duct.
Further details and features of the invention will be apparent from
the following description of embodiments with reference to the
drawings in which:
Figure lA shows a cross-section through a laid pipe duct with a
tubular internal. lining inserted. therein in the folded
state and having cables. and/or empty pipes already mounted
2 0 on the top side;
Figure 1B shows the pipe duct of Figure lA with tubular internal
lining pressed ,against the inside wall;
2 5 Figure 2 shows a diagrammatic.view for explaining the method. of
laying the tubular internal lining, as shown in Figures lA
and 1B;
Figures 3A, 3B show cross-sections through a laid pipe duet with
3 0 two different method steps of arranging an internal lining
which is introduced initially in the deformed state
(Figure 3A);
Figure 4 shows a diagrammatic view of introducing the pipe sections
35 as internal lining by arranging thereon the empty pipes or
cables which are to be installed,;
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Figure 4B shows a cross-section through the pipe duct of Figure 4A
with laid pipe sections;
Figure 5 shows a diagrammatic view which shows the construction of
a communications network by using the method according to
the invention;
Figure 6 shows a diagrammatic view of an assembly process according
to a second embodiment in the region of a supply shaft
where the cables and/or empty pipes which are to be laid
are introduced together with an assembly hose; and
Figures 7A, 7B and 7C each show a cross-sectional view of a pipe duct
at different stages of laying th.e assembly hose and the
empty pipes and/or cables which are to be laid.
In order to install cables and/or empty pipes 2 in an existing laid
pipe duct 1, such as for examplea sewage pipe, as shown in Figure 2,
2 0 a :hose 3 which has been folded across its cross-section to form a flat
web is drawn off from a supply reel 4 and let down over an inlet
pulley 5 into a supply shaft~-6:which runs: perpendicular between the
,street .surface 7 and the pipe duct l or channel 8. This hose 3 can be
a woven and/or plaited hose. which: is impregnated with resin so that
2:5 this. hose 3 or the web folded therefrom is easy to handle, i.e. is
flexible. As the hose 3 runs in, the cables or flexible empty pipes
are unwound from supply reels 11, supplied for example in a supply
lorry 9, and are guided over a guide pulley 10 and brought together
with the folded hose. In the region of the inlet pulley 5 the cables
30 and/or empty pipes 2 can be fixed spot-wise on the top side of the
folded hose 3 so that the cables/empty pipes 2 cannot slip around.
The hose 3 together with the cables/empty pipes 2 is drawn into the
pipe duct 1 through the shaft 6, from where 'the duct 1 is readily
accessible, for example by means of a draw cable which pulls in the
35 direction of the arrow 12. The hose 3 is then drawn into the duct
along to another entrance or access area (not shown in Figure 2), for
example a further shaft so that the end is accessible there. The hose
3 with the cables/empty pipes 2 on the top side thereof then lies on
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the bottom of the pipe duct 1 as shown by dotted lines 13 in Figure 2,
or by the cross-sectional view of the pipe duct 1 in Figure lA. The
hose 3 is then separated from the supply reel 4 and closed airtight at
its two open ends. Compressed air is then supplied through at least
one of these closed ends, through a compressor installed on the lorry
9 for example, so that the hose 3 becomes inflated and is pressed
against the inside wall of the pipe duct 1. The cables/empty pipes 2
hereby become pressed against the top side of the pipe duct 1. The
cable/empty pipes 2 hereby come to adjoin the top side of the pipe
1 0 duct 1, as shown in Figure 1B. When the hose 3 is in this position
adjoining the inside wall of the pipe duct 1, depending on the type of
hose 3 used, it becomes fixed or solid; for example if the hose 3 is
of a type impregnated with resin which sets under heat, then the
inside of the hose 3 is heated up in order to set the resin, but if it
involves a resin which sets under UV radiation then the inside of the
hose 3 is subjected to infra red radiation using a suitable radiation
device. After the hose 3 has set and hardened, the internal pressure
can be removed. The cables and/or empty pipes 2 are then inserted and
fixed in a transfer station 14 which is fixed readily accessible on
2 0 he wall of the shaft 6. The ends ofrahe hose 3 can then be fixed
appropriately in the region of the transition between the pipe duct 1
and shaft 6 so that the interspace between he wall of the pipe duct 1.
and' thevoutside of the hose 3 is sealed off: The pipe duct 1 is thus
as showm in Figure 1B provided with a smooth internal lining, with
2 5. Simultaneous protection and simultaneous sealing of the cables or _
empty pipes 2 which adjoin the inside wall o:f the pipe duct 1.
Cables, such as data communication lines in the form of light
conductor fibre cables which will be required later on can then be
drawn from the transfer station 14 into empty pipes 2 which are
3 0 installed between the pipe duct l and the hoae 3.
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As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2 this method here relates to the
post-installation of cables and/or empty pipes into existing pipe
ducts, sewage pipe systems or mains networks and is a very flexible
universal method of utilising existing sewage pipe systems to build up
communications networks.
Whereas previously the method for installing cables and/or empty pipes
2 in existing sewage pipe systems was described using a flexible
folded hose 3, Figure 3A shows a cross-section of a sewage pipe 1 in
which a longitudinally folded pipeline section of a deformed plastics
pipe is shown which is folded inwards by its edges, seen in cross-
section, i.e. the two edges are folded down and turned to face each
other. A pipe deformed in this way, and made for example from a
plastics material, has a certain stability of shape in the folded
state, as shown in Figure 3A. Cables/empty pipes 2 are in turn
arranged and fixed on the top side of this folded hose 3 so that they
face towards the upper wall of the pipe duct. Once this hose 3 is
suitably po itioned in the pipe duct 1 the hose i deformed back to
the original pipe cross-section through a heated medium and internal
2 0 pressure, .so that it lines the inside of the pipe duct 1 and at the
same time presses the cable/empty pipes 2 against :the inner wall of
the pipe duct l, as shown in Figure 3B.
Whereas previously the method has been described using a hose as a
2 5 ubular internal lining, Figure 4A shows a diagrammatic view of a pipe
duct.l which extends between two shafts: As oppo ed to the method of
procedure described above, in the illustration of Figure 4A individual
pipe sections 16 are let down into the one shaft 3. and are pushed
section by section by a feed mechanism 17 into the pipe duct 1. The
30 individual pipe sections 16 are hereby pushed into each other, welded
together or screwed together so that they become connected together.
At the same time cables/empty pipes 2 are attached to the top side of
these pipe sections 16 and are pushed forwards together with the pipe
sections 16. These cables/empty pipes 2 can be supplied directly from
35 a supply vehicle according to the illustration of Figure 2. After the
pipe sections 16 have been forced forwards along to the second shaft 3
the cables/empty pipes 2 are then again inserted and fixed into a
transfer station 14. The required length for the cables/empty pipes
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can already be left on inserting the first pipe section 16 into the
pipe duct 1, or these cables or empty pipes can be extended up to the
transfer station 14. If it is desired then a plugging material 15 can
be pressed into any interspaces which may remain or produce a ring
chamber, as shown in Figure 4B.
Figure 5 shows the diagrammatic build-up of a network using the method
indicated above. In order for example to build up a new data transfer
network, it is preferable to use the already laid main pipe ducts 1 of
a pipeline network, preferably those provided for sewage disposal, in
order to install therein a number of individual cables/empty pipes 2
between the various transfer stations 14 by 'using a tubular internal
lining, for example a hose 3 or pipe sections 16, as described above.
Through existing house connections, i.e. the mains connection pipes
which take the sewage and waste water from a house 18 to the pipe duct
l, likewise marked with reference numeral 1, hoses 3 are introduced
forming a tubular internal lining, clamped, between a hose: and the pipe
duct 1. A transfer. station l4 is then provided in the house 18 in
order to connect up this household to the newly laid network. A
separate connection point l9 can be provided in the region of the
transitiony;from-the house connecting pipe duct l to-the-main pipe duct
1 in order.to provide the required branches of th-e cables/empty pipes
2 to the house 18.
2 5 According,.: to a second embodiment, as shown i:n Figure,6,.for.post-
laying:cables and/or empty pipes 102 in an e:xisting'pipe duct 101, for
example a sewage pipe, which is already laid in the ground, a supply
104 of flat-folded assembly hose 105 is set up in the region of a
supply shaft 103 which runs perpendicular between the street surface
3 0 107 and the pipe duct 101. Furthermore supp:Ly reels 106 are provided
at the supply shaft 103 on which the cables/empty pipes 102 are wound
which are to be subsequently laid.
M1745/RAM
10/11/00
CA 02334017 2000-12-O1
- 1 7 - W099/65129
These supply reels 106 can be supplied for example on a lorry 108.
From the lorry 108 the cables or empty pipes 102 run out over a guide
pulley 109 at the back of the lorry 108 and :perpendicular down into
the supply shaft 103. Underneath the guide pulley 109 a container
111 containing an assembly mass 112 having adhesive properties is
positioned on a platform 100. Roughly in the middle of the container
111 is an applicator device 113 which has two guiding and applicator
rollers 114 between which the cables/empty pipes 102 are passed as
they run over the guide pulley 9. As the cables/empty pipes 102
unwind so they are covered all round, i.e. on both sides with the
assembly mass 112 at the applicator device 13 and the guide and
applicator rollers 114.
The assembly mass 112 is preferably a dual-component epoxy resin.
The cables/empty pipes 102 which have thus become covered x.un out
under the platform 100 and are brought together with the assembly hose
105 and laid down on the: top side of the latter. The a sembly.hose
2 0 105 is for this,purpose:,guided from the supply reel l04 over a first
guide pulley.115:;and.:a.second guide pulley 116 set at the edge-:of the
supply shaft 103; with:. he second guide pulley.11.6 in particular
ensuring that the.asseinbly hose 105 is produced as a flat web in the
region where it comes:together with the cables/empty pipes 2..:
: ..,
The assembly hose 105 can be a silicon or rubber hose.
The assembly hose 105 on which now rest the cables and/or empty pipes
3 0 102 which have been covered with assembly mass 112 is then inserted at
the end of the supply shaft 103 into the pipe duct 101 whereby the
assembly hose 105 is drawn in the direction of the arrow 117 as it is
laid. For this purpose a draw cable of a draw device (not shown in
further detail) can be fixed at the end, not shown, of the assembly
3 5 hose 105 in order to draw the assembly hose 105 to a further supply
shaft 103 which is connected to the pipe duct 101.
M1745/RAM
10/11/00
CA 02334017 2000-12-O1
1 8 - W099/65129
As can be seen in Figure 6 two batches 118 of a carrier strip 119, for
example in the form of a woven band, can be additionally placed in the
container 111 for the assembly mass 112, and are impregnated with the
assembly mass 112 and are then guided over t:he applicator and guide
rollers 114 and are applied either side onto the cables/empty pipes
102 which are to be laid.
After the assembly hose 5 with the cables/empty pipes 102 placed on
the top side thereof, and where necessary with the additional carrier
strip 119, has been introduced into the pipe duct 101, it is closed at
the end (which is not shown) in the region of the other supply shaft, _-
103, which. is likewise not shown, and is sex>arated from the supply
reel 1.04 in.the region of the supply shaft 1.03 which is shown in
Figure,.6. A pump device which is positioned on the lorry 108 is then
connected to the interior of the assembly: hose 105 and pumps through a
fl,uid," preferably air.
Figure 7A shows the position of the assembly hose 5 drawn into the
pipe duct 101 and having the cables/empty pi..pes 102 located thereon,
as well as the two carrier strips 119, on the one hand between the
assembly hose 105 and the cables/empty pipe's, 102 and on the other on
the top side of the cables/empty pipes 102. Starting from this
position according to Figure 7A air is supplied through the pump
device to the interior of the assembly hose 105 so that the latter is
inflated, as shown in Figure 7B. As the assembly hose 105 inflates so
the cables/empty pipes 102, embedded in the assembly mass 112 under
pressure and lying between the carrier strips 119, are pressed against
the top side of the pipe duct 101.
35
The assembly hose 105 is then held in the inflated state, as shown in
Figure 7B, until the assembly mass 112 is s.ea and the cables/empty
pipes 102 are stuck together and to the wall of the pipe duct 101 in
the upper circular arc region thereof. In order to set the assembly
mass 12 heat is applied or another radiation., depending upon the type
of assembly mass which is used.
M1745/RAM
10/11/00
CA 02334017 2000-12-O1
- 1 9 - W099/65129
After a holding time which is sufficient fo:r the assembly mass 112 to
become hardened, the pressure is withdrawn :From the interior of the
assembly hose 105. Through elastic shrinkage the assembly hose 105 is
released from the assembly mass 112 so that it can removed again from
the pipe duct 101 and through the supply shaft 103. The cables/empty
pipes 102 then remain, as shown diagrammatically in Figure 7C. It can
be seen that the cables/empty pipes 102 are embedded on the one hand
in the carrier mass 102 and on the other arcs covered by the outer
carrier strips 119 which face towards the interior of the duct 101.
The assembly position of the cables/empty p_Lpes 102 against the inside.
wall of the pipe duct can be determined in advance but will mostly lie
in the. upper circle half of the duct cross-section.
15. The assembly mass, preferably a dual-componE:nt epoxy resin can also be
cold-setting.
The hardening process can however be accelei:ated with extra assistance
by using heat, i.e. the hardening time can be. reduced. This can take.
place by heating water, air or by means of steam through which the ,
assembly hose 105 is expanded.
In addition mineral and/or synthetic textile' layers and braided and/or
woven fabric can be used as carrier material- for the adhesive.
The assembly hose serves not for the simultaneous renovation and
lining of the pipe duct but only as a reusable assembly aid and will
be removed again from the pipe duct once the: adhesive has set.
M1745/RAM
10/11/00
