NL2009895C2 - FLEXIBLE COATING COMPOSITION FOR REPAIRING OR STRENGTHING A PIPE. - Google Patents

Description

Flexible cladding assembly for repairing or reinforcing a pipe

This invention relates to a method and device for repairing or reinforcing an underground pipe, and more in particular, to a method and device for repairing or reinforcing an underground pipe with minimal, or no excavation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

After years of use, many devices that require water may show leaks in the supply lines, which bring water supply to the environment. Typically, the supply lines are formed as underground lines. Due to age, the action of roots, the placement of heavy loads and shifting of the earth above and around existing pipes or for a variety of other reasons, the underground pipes may suffer damage that requires repair due to the resulting leaks. This makes the repair difficult. While repairs can be carried out by means of excavation, removal and replacement of the entire existing pipe or only of the damaged parts of the pipe; such procedures are either very time-consuming or even impossible to perform.

As shown in FIG. 1, underground polyvinyl chloride lines or plastic used specifically for circulation of swimming pool water, essentially the main underground pipe system 1 located at the bottom near a deep end of the swimming pool 2, tends to become active after a year of operation. to leak. These pipes vary in size with inside diameters of usually 1.5 inches, 2 inches, 3 inches and 4 inches and are embedded under the bottom of the pool, or the adjacent side (skimmers) to the pump and filter units. Conditioned swimming pool water returns to the swimming pool 2 through the main underground pipe system 1 and leaves it through water jet outlets 3 arranged below the water line in the side walls of the swimming pool. These units are usually housed within a housing fitted with or without a foundation and with or without a concrete floor. Another obstacle is the location of the swimming pool 2. Swimming pools above or inside buildings cannot be excavated or prevent the use of excavation tools to reach the existing pipe 4, which leaks to replace it.

During the initial construction, a main drainage water supply 5 is built in the deepest part of the swimming pool 2. The main drainage water inlet 5 connects one of the underground main pipe system 1 that is needed to transport swimming pool water for the correct circulation of chemically treated, heated ( if the swimming pool 2 is equipped with a swimming pool heater), and filtration for clarity of the swimming water. Skimmers (not shown) are provided in the pool walls and partially submerged at the water line for skimming any debris from the bathing water surface and for transporting this debris and water which is taken to the pump housing 6 through underground return lines. These pipes are also prone to leakage. The pump housing 6 heats, filters and chlorinates the water and brings the conditioned water back to the swimming pool 2 via other underground pipes (not shown). These return lines are also susceptible to leakage while they open into wall-mounted outlet jets 3 which are arranged in the side walls of the swimming pool 2 below the water line.

25 Hot tubs and Jacuzzis also have potential pipe leakage problems that require a lot of time, labor, and material to repair, including restoring the surrounding area to its original condition. This makes it critical to simplify this repair method.

Natural gas pipes made from galvanized metal pipes are also a major problem.

The inside of the galvanized pipes corrodes relatively quickly due to contact with the transported gas. A large growth of corrosion that limits the gas flow is not uncommon. This limited gas flow also constitutes a safety risk. The initial demand for gas from a limited gas line tends to die out and to extinguish gas pilot flames housed in devices such as furnaces, heating units and gas-fed water heaters without the user's knowledge that the pilot flame has been extinguished. The current method for overcoming this difficult circumstance is to insert a straight rigid plastic sleeve into the existing pipe. However, the difficulty exists with the slightest rotation or bend in the line being repaired. The existing pipe must be dug out at that location to be repaired.

It is not unusual for electricians to bury plastic (polyvinyl chloride) lines with a range between 1.5 inch and four inch inside diameter to accommodate individual or bundled electrical wiring therein. Occasionally, high water levels associated with damaged pipes containing the above wiring lead to immersion or saturation with ground water or inflowed water. This problem can be difficult to solve, even with excavation to provide access to these pipes. Many solutions to the above problems have been investigated, but no earlier solution is considered to be completely suitable.

Older repair methods essentially restore only the straight lines with a minimum of bends. Previous devices specially designed to solve the bend problem are too labor intensive and usually consist of expensive machinery such as abrasive inflation machines for preparing the existing lines for coating adhesion. Adhesive, epoxy or resin joints for mixing and distributing for coating the damaged pipe after sandblasting are mandatory and complicated.

Compressed air together with steam or heat-producing machines are also used to clean the damaged coating or to adhere the resin-impregnated coating to the inner diameter of the damaged coating after it has been put in place. Curing must also take place after the impregnation process has been completed. This leads to excessive downtime and man-hours that play an important role in installing the resin-impregnated coatings and other similar systems.

Therefore, another common repair method is still 4 to excavate the damaged area or the entire length of the damaged pipe, if possible, or to demolish and repair existing structures such as bathrooms or indoor pools and Jacuzzis. This results in high costs and problems and inability to use the existing unit when the damaged pipe supports the daily operation of the existing unit.

Therefore, any method or device that minimizes the downtime and the recovery speeds up great benefits.

There is a need or desire for an improved system and method for repairing and reinforcing underground pipes that overcomes the foregoing difficulties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Among the many objects of this invention is the provision of a cleaning device for an underground pipe.

A further object of the invention is to provide a flexible repair liner for an underground pipe.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a substantially non-collapsible repair liner for an underground pipe.

Yet a further object of the invention is the provision of a brush head assembly for cleaning an underground pipe.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a filling mechanism for cleaning an underground pipe.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method for repairing an underground pipe in situ.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a connector for the recovery line.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a repair system, which greatly reduces the time required for repairing an underground pipe.

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A further object of the invention is to provide a method for reinforcing an underground pipe in situ.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a substantially non-collapsible reinforcement liner for an underground conduit to reinforce it.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a method for providing preventive maintenance of an underground pipe in situ.

Another object of the invention is to provide a substantially non-collapsible reinforcement lining of an underground pipe to provide it with preventive maintenance.

These and other objects of the invention (which other objects will become apparent by taking cognizance of the specification, claims and drawings in its entirety) are achieved by providing a method for reinforcing or repairing a conduit comprising the steps of drawing -20 know a coating assembly with a flexible drill coating and a semi-rigid helix, which gives non-collapsible characteristics within the damaged pipe for both linear pipe sections and curved pipe sections. The existing conduit is first cleaned with a specially designed plastic brush with two wooden spheres at each end of the brush to avoid hooking or jamming during brushing operations. The liner assembly is then pulled along the entire length of the conduit and anchored at each end with retaining sleeves that are sandwiched and glued with the liner assembly and the inner diameter of the existing conduit.

The present invention is also directed to an improved system and method for repairing and / or reinforcing underground conduits, which minimizes and substantially reduces the resistance and friction encountered when the coating assembly is moved through the conduit. The method comprises the steps of providing a flexible coating assembly with a first end and a second end, applying an internal pressure to the coating assembly, inserting the first end of the coating assembly into a first end of a conduit member while maintaining internal pressure, pressing the liner assembly through the conduit member while maintaining internal pressure until the first end of the liner assembly reaches a second end of the conduit member, and releasing the internal pressure of the liner assembly. The method may include the steps of sealing the first and second ends of the liner assembly prior to pressing the liner assembly through the conduit member, to facilitate pressurization and maintenance of the internal pressure, and to compress the first and second ends of the coating assembly for facilitating the release of the internal pressure. The method may also include the step of connecting first and second ends of the installed liner assembly to the conduit portion such that the liner assembly provides a substantially leak-free tube through the conduit portion.

The flexible liner assembly can include a smooth flexible borehole liner and a semi-rigid reinforcement helix, and can be sealed at both ends to maintain an internal pressure. The flexible coating assembly may alternatively comprise another flexible material, such as a corrugated plastic material, which may be sealed at both ends. The closure device may include a screw-in pressure plug at one or both ends which connects to an air compressor and introduces pressurized air to the interior of the liner assembly. Other types of closing devices can also be used.

The air pressure in the liner assembly should be high enough so that the liner assembly can be pushed through the interior of the conduit section without collapsing, and low enough so that the liner assembly has sufficient flexibility to bend around corners in the conduit section.

By providing a liner assembly that can be pressed through a conduit member, rather than being pulled, contact between the liner assembly and 7 sharp corners of the conduit member can generally be prevented. The lining assembly does not become entangled at the sharp corners and encounters less resistance when the lining assembly is moved through the conduit member. This allows the repair of longer pipe sections, and pipe sections with a greater number of bends than is possible by pulling the covering assemblies through the pipe sections.

With the foregoing in mind, it is an aspect and advantage of the invention to provide an improved method for repairing and reinforcing subsurface conduits which overcomes the problems associated with flexible cladding assemblies that become entangled at the sharp corners of conduit sections, avoids or minimizes.

It is also an aspect and advantage of the invention to provide an improved coating assembly, which can maintain internal pressure that allows the coating assembly to be pressed instead of being pulled through the conduit member.

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a perspective, partial cross-sectional view of a buried swimming pool with a cross-section of a damaged existing underground pipe.

Figure 2 shows a side view of a cleaning brush for a pipe.

Figure 3 shows a partial cross-sectional end face view of a cleaning brush for a line based on Figure 2.

Figure 4 relates to a line cleaning brush without oversized circular clothing cleaning mops that have been slid over the brush core based on Figure 2.

Figure 5 shows a perspective drawing of a brush head assembly with a sphere connected thereto.

Figure 6 shows a top view of a connecting ring used for connecting necessary devices for cleaning, repairing or reinforcing. Figure 7 shows a side view of a connecting ring used for connecting necessary devices for cleaning, repairing or reinforcing.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a connecting ring used for connecting necessary devices for cleaning, repairing or reinforcing an underground pipe.

Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a line cleaning brush with garment mops and brush head assembly.

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a plastic drawstring.

Figure 11 shows a side view of a highly flexible smooth-eroded plastic (polyvinly chloride) coating assembly.

Figure 12 shows an end view of a highly flexible smooth-eroded plastic (polyvinyl chloride) coating assembly.

Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a highly flexible smooth, hollow-out plastic (polyvinyl chloride) coating assembly.

Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the upholstery head assembly.

Figure 15 shows anchoring consisting of three metal staples.

Figure 16 shows a side view of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) retaining sleeve.

Figure 17 shows an end view of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) retaining sleeve.

Figure 18 shows a perspective view of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) retaining sleeve.

Figure 19 shows a perspective view of a retaining sleeve inserted into the conduit liner assembly and assembled as one unit.

Figure 20 shows a perspective view of a retaining sleeve 35 that is inserted into the conduit liner assembly.

Figure 21 shows a side and partial cross-sectional view of an assembled conduit liner assembly and retaining sleeve anchored with an adhesive seal in an existing conduit.

Figure 22 shows a perspective view of a conventional main drain of a swimming pool together with a shown view of an inserted and anchored pipe liner assembly with a repaired swimming pool pipe in the underground main pipe system.

Figure 23 shows a block diagram of the cleaning method for an underground pipe according to the invention.

Figure 24 shows a block diagram of the cleaning device for an underground pipe according to the invention.

Figure 25 shows a block diagram of the brush system used with the cleaning device for an underground conduit according to the invention.

Figure 26 schematically illustrates an inventive method for repairing or reinforcing an underground conduit which includes the step of pressing an internal pressurized coating assembly through a conduit portion.

Figure 27 schematically illustrates the use of a pig and a label line for measuring the length of a conduit section and determining the design length of a liner assembly to be inserted. Figure 28 is a perspective view of a screw-in end plug that can be attached to both ends of the liner assembly to maintain internal pressure during the installation of the liner assembly in the pipe portion.

Figure 29 is a perspective view of the coating assembly of Figure 28 with a fixed gas injection nozzle for introducing pressurized gas, such as air into the coating assembly.

Figure 30 is a perspective view of an end cap for the coating assembly of Figure 28.

Figure 31 is a top view of the coating assembly of Figure 28, further equipped with two small partial openings for receiving a special double-pointed tool.

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Figure 32 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a retaining sleeve that may serve as an adapter between one or both ends of the installed liner assembly and corresponding to one or both ends of the conduit portion.

Fig. 33 is a perspective view of an end of a conduit section with the retaining sleeve of Fig. 32 attached thereto, and embodied with a threaded connecting sleeve for connecting the conduit section to a main conduit or conduit assembly.

In all figures of the drawings, the same parts that appear in more than one figure of the drawings are indicated by the same number.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This device and method relates to an improvement in the existing pipe repair and methods used today in the plumbing and electrical industry for repairing both lateral and angled pipes. This is achieved by inserting a flexible coating assembly within the damaged conduit.

A very important use for this method and device can serve to prevent maintenance measures or reinforcement purposes. The lining assembly can be inserted into existing undamaged conduits in which highly sensitive wiring for computers or communication uses are accommodated. The coating assembly can also house hazardous gases or liquids, such as radioactive or hazardous materials that are very harmful to humans or the environment.

If there is a fracture in the existing conduit, a detector between the existing conduit and the conduit lining assembly inserted therefor may warn that there is a fracture in which staff have time to protect the data, or switch to another system or to repair the damaged outer casing liner without interrupting operation or loss of gases or liquids 11 whatever may be the case. This redundancy can be used but is not limited to government installations such as military or Federal Aviation Administration facilities such as air traffic control, nuclear power plants or in important industries.

Referring now to Figure 2 and Figure 3, a side view and an end view of a cross-sectional view of a line cleaning brush 7 is shown. This brush 7 has a steel jacket 8 with a 0.125 inch opening 10 that is drilled through each end of the spindle. These drill holes 9 are used for connecting a brush 7 in a head assembly 10 (Figure 5) by means of a connector ring 11 (Figure 8).

The bristles 12 are made of plastic or a metal that varies in stiffness, material and radius length depending on the material, and the inner diameter of the damaged coating. The brush diameter is at least 0.125 inch oversize for effective cleaning.

In particular, the brush radius is up to 115 percent of the radius of the line to be cleaned. More preferably, the brush radius is up to 110 percent of the radius of the line to be cleaned. Most preferably, the brush radius is up to 109 percent of the radius of the line to be cleaned.

This method includes the steps of pulling a flexible smooth borehole liner 13 (Figure 11) with a semi-rigid helix 14 wrapped around it, to form liner assembly 15, which has non-collapsible features within the damaged conduit 4 through both linear pipe sections and curved pipe sections up to and including ninety degree angles. The existing conduit is first cleaned with a specially designed plastic brush 7 (Figure 2) which includes a sphere 16 (Figure 5) at each end of the brush 7 (Figure 9) to prevent jamming or blocking during the brushing operations. Sphere 16 can be made of any suitable material, such as wood, metal or plastic. Wood is preferred.

Cloth mops 17 (Figure 4) are then installed at both ends of the brush 7 in order to provide the existing pipe 4 with a final cleaning. This cleaning of the existing pipe 4 serves to remove dirt so that the new coating assembly 15 can move freely within the existing pipe over its full length.

Figure 4 relates to cleaning brushes 7 without over-dimensioned circular cleaning cloth mops 17 which are arranged over the brush jacket 8 and against the brush hairs 12 after the head assemblies 10 (Figure 5) have been detached from the brush 7 by the connecting rings 11 of Figure 6, Figure 7 and Figure 8. These mops 17 are over-dimensioned beyond the cleaning brush hair radius with a minimum length of 0.125 inch to remove any residual dirt present after the initial cleaning of the line brush.

More specifically, the cloth cleaning mop radius is up to 115 percent of the inner diameter of the line to be cleaned. More preferably, the fabric cleaning mop radius is up to 110 percent of the pipe radius. The most preferred is that the cloth cleaning mop radius is up to 109 percent of the pipe radius.

Looking now to Figure 5, it is shown that brush head assembly 10 has a sphere 16 attached thereto. Material for sphere 16 is made of wood, plastic, metal, nylon, or hard rubber. A directional aperture 18 is drilled through the central axis of the sphere to accommodate a 0.125 inch diameter nylon cord 19 (Figure 10). This cord portion accommodates a finished loop 20 at opposite ends of the sphere. These loops are made with copper clamps 21 for maintaining strength and size.

Figure 6, Figure 7 and Figure 8 show connecting ring 11 used for connecting necessary devices for cleaning, repairing or reinforcing. These connecting rings 11 are used for: (a) connecting a brush head assembly 10 with a pipe cleaning brush 7 Figure 2,

Figure 3 and Figure 4; and (b) connecting a nylon drawstring 19 according to Figure 10 with a brush head assembly 10 according to Figure 5 or a covering head assembly 22 according to Figure 14.

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Figure 9 joins pipe cleaning brush 7 with cloth mops 17, and two brush head assemblies 10 connected at opposite ends by using two connecting rings 11 connecting a nylon cord loop 20 with a casing opening 9 to form a brush system 30.

Figure 10 shows 0.125 inch diameter nylon drawstring 19 used in both cleaning, repairing and reinforcing steps. This diameter varies depending on the size of the pipe to be repaired. For example a 0.250 inch dia-10 meter is used to repair 4.0 inch inside diameter line. The end loop or finished loop 20 is made in the same manner as the loop end used for the brush head assembly 10 and the lining head assembly 22.

For pipe repair, Figure 11, Figure 12 and Figure 15 show that the repair device uses a highly flexible, smoothly drilled, plastic liner assembly 15. This liner assembly 15 has the spherical semi-rigid helix 14 wrapped around a flexible liner 13 which combined to provide a low resistance coefficient to avoid jamming or blocking when the coating assembly 15 is pulled through the conduit 4 to be repaired.

The liner assembly 15 is pulled along the entire length of the conduit 4 and anchored at both ends with specially designed retaining sleeves 23 shown in Figure 21, which are sandwiched and glued within the liner assembly 15 and the inner diameter of the existing conduit 4. This method completes sealing the inner surface 24 of the existing pipe 4 with the outer surface of the pipe covering assembly 15 with minimal loss of the inner diameter of the existing pipe 4.

Figure 14 shows a view of the coating head assembly 22. According to the embodiment of the brush head assembly 10, a 0.125 inch diameter nylon cord 19 is passed through the previously drilled axes of two superimposed spheres of different diameters. A knot is formed at the end of the nylon cord 19 at the larger diameter sphere 16. A loop 20 is formed with the nylon cord 19 at the front of the smaller diameter sphere 25. Larger diameter sphere 16 is inserted and anchored in the inner diameter of 14 the coating assembly 15.

Figure 15 shows an anchoring consisting of three metal staples 26 pneumatically stapled about 120 degrees apart through the outside of the liner 13 while the helix 14 is included and is finally inserted into the inserted larger diameter sphere 16. The liner head assembly 22 of Figure 14 is inserted and anchored by galvanized staples 26 in a flexible liner 13. In addition, Figure 15 shows the liner assembly 15 inserted and pulled through an existing conduit 4 with a nylon drawstring 19.

Figure 16, Figure 17, and Figure 18 show a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) retaining sleeve 23. This sleeve 23 is specially designed for joining an inserted coating assembly 15 to the input and output ends of the conduit 4 being repaired. The smaller outer diameter 27 of the retaining sleeve 23 is inserted and attached to the inner diameter of the lining assembly 15. The larger outer diameter 28 of the retaining sleeve 23 is inserted and attached to the inner diameter of the damaged conduit 4.

Figure 19, Figure 20, and Figure 21 show combined piping liner 13 of liner assembly 15 and retaining sleeve 23 assembled as one unit. When retaining sleeve 23 is inserted into the pipe covering 13, it is inserted, anchored and secured with an adhesive seal 29 within an existing pipe 4.

Figure 22 shows the results of the above figures anchored within an existing swimming pool with main drain 5 together with a clear view of an inserted and anchored pipe lining assembly 15 with a repaired swimming bath pipe 4 in the underground main pipe system 1. Thus, the effect is of the repair of the main underground pipe system 1 in terms of its efficiency.

Referring now to Figure 23, a block diagram 35 of the cleaning method for an underground pipe 4 cleaning and finishing is shown. This method has brush 7, which may or may not be embodied with cloth 17 attached thereto. A head assembly 10 is attached to each end of brush 7 with a nylon drawstring 19 attached to the opposite end of said head assembly. Pulling on the pull cord 19 in a reciprocating application results in the cleaning of conduit 4. Cloth 17 finishes what brush 7 has begun.

Referring now to Figure 24, the cleaning device 30 operates in the underground conduit 4 according to the invention. Cleaning device 30 includes brush 12 with cloth 17 that may be attached to both ends. Aperture 9 is used to connect brush 12 to head assembly 10 using connection ring 11. End of head assembly 10 disposed opposite brush 12 is then connected to pull cord 19 such that brush system 30 can be pulled through conduit 4 and used for cleaning the pipe.

Figure 25 shows brush system 30 used with the cleaning device 30 which has a brush jacket 8. Mounted on the brush mantle 8 are brushes 12. Inside the brush mantle 8, casing openings 9 are provided to facilitate movement of the brush system 30 through line 4 for preparing line 4 for receiving the repair mechanism. Optionally, cloth 17 can be added to the brush system 30 to provide a final cleaning of the conduit 4 prior to its repair.

The method according to the invention comprises clearing the existing leaking conduit 4 from any dirt with a conduit cleaning brush 7 and brush head assembly 10 (Figure 9), and then pulling a highly flexible smooth borehole covering 13 with a semi-rigid helix 14 having non-collapsible features within the damaged conduit 4 for both linear conduit sections and curved conduit sections including ninety degree angles. An existing plastic pipe 4 is usually first cleaned with a specially designed nylon brush 7 and a head assembly 10 (Figure 9). An existing metal line 4 is usually first cleaned with a specially designed metal brush 7 and head assembly 10. Under the right circumstances, the brushes according to the invention can be used interchangeably.

The line cleaning brush 7 has a special steel jacket 8, with a nylon or a metal brush structure.

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The line cleaning brush 7 has a specially designed length and outside diameter that relates to the inside diameter of the line 4 to be cleaned. Typically, these lines have an inside diameter of 1.5 inch, 2 inch, 3 inch and 4 inch, with 5 both plastic and metal pipes. Two brush-head assemblies 10 are present on the jacket 8 (Figure 9) on each side of the brush jacket 8. This structure allows the brush system 30 to navigate through pipe angles up to 90-degree angles, avoiding jamming or blocking.

Thereafter, the brush system 30 is provided with circular cloth mops 17 or an equivalent which are slightly larger in diameter than the bristles. The brush system 30 is again drawn by removing the existing line 4 from all dirt. The brush system 30 is pulled through the existing pipe with nylon draw cords 19 (Figure 10) connected to stainless steel connection rings 11 (Figure 9).

The brush system 30 (Figure 9) is used for wiping away all dirt from the pipe 4 to be repaired. Every small dirt has the potential to form a wedge between the pipe covering assembly 15 in the existing pipe 4 before this coating assembly 15 is in the correct position. can be placed. This is due to the precise tolerances between the outside diameter of the pipe covering assembly 15 and the inside diameter of the pipe 4 that needs to be repaired. The brush or fiber portions of the brush system 30 has coarse nylon or metal bristles 12 that are oversized by about 0.125 inch for the inner diameter of the existing conduit to be repaired. For example, 1.625 inch diameter bristles 12 allow use with 1.5 inch inner diameter conduit 4. The bristles 12 are wound around a steel jacket 8 with an opening 9 drilled at both ends of the brush jacket 8 for connecting a brush head assembly 10 (Figure 5) at each end with a connecting ring 11 (Figure 8).

A worker at one end of the pipe 4 cooperates with a worker at the opposite end of the pipe 4 to brush the inner portion of the pipe in a generally reciprocating or reciprocating motion. Each nylon drawstring 19 (Figure 10) has at least the length plus two feet of the existing conduit 4 to completely clean the entire length of the conduit 4.

After cleaning, a highly flexible pipe covering assembly 15 for repairing or making a pipe 4 has an internally smooth borehole 13 with an external, semi-rigid external spherical helix 14 with low coefficient of friction. This structure is very effective for repairing underground pipes.

While the intention is not to be bound by a certain theory, the following is postulated. The helix 14 together with the design of the coating head assembly 22 (Figure 14) allows the coating 13 not to jam or block during transit through all straight and curved parts of the damaged conduit 4. The helix 14 also provides non-collapsible features within the existing pipe 4 with linear pipe sections and curved pipe sections up to 90 degrees of angles.

A designed upholstery head assembly 22 (Figure 14) is part of a whole upholstery head assembly 22 consisting of connecting rings 11 and nylon pull cords 19 (Figure 10) 25 and similar to that of the brush head assembly 30 (Figure 9). The liner head assembly 22 is inserted and anchored in the pipe liner assembly 15 with three staples 26, preferably metal, each positioned about 120 degrees from the other or spaced radially apart. The covering head assembly 22 (Figure 14) is connected to the nylon pull cord 18 (Figure 10) with a stainless steel connection ring 11 (Figure 8) which pulls the pipe covering assembly 15 through the existing pipe 4 up to including right angles (90 degrees) elbows which occur that the liner 13 becomes jammed or blocked in the existing pipe 4. The pipe lining assembly 15 per se has at least the total length of the pipe 4 being repaired.

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In a preferred conduit liner assembly 15, a smooth polyvinyl chloride borehole conduit liner 13 is provided with an external polyvinyl chloride helix 14. The spherical helix 14 is made of a material having a low coefficient of friction. This feature is of optimum use for preventing jamming and blocking during passage of the pipe covering 13 to its position. This coating assembly 15 is provided in various dimensions for repairing 1.5 inch, 2 inch, 3 inch and 4 inch in the diameter lines. Some helixes 14 are made of stainless steel embedded in an EPDM (rubber) coating depending on the size of the pipe 4 to be repaired.

A total number of two nylon draw cords 19 (Figure 10) are used during the repair operation as explained above. These are used unisonly and connected at both ends of the brush head assembly 30 (Figure 9) for pulling the brush 7 back and forth in order to eliminate any existing dirt in the conduit 4 to be repaired. This nylon cord 19 (Figure 10) has a minimum of 0.125 inch diameter. The length varies. Each cord 19 (Figure 10) will have a minimum length of the total length plus two feet of the cord 19 based on the conduit 4 to be repaired. One of the puller wires 19 has a loop 20 on each end finished with a copper crimp closure 21. The other cord 19 has only one loop 20.

The double looped cord 19 is used to connect to a fishing tape initially fished through the existing conduit from the opposite end. The connected cord 19 is then withdrawn through the line 4 with the fishing tape in position to pull the cleaning brush 7 (Figure 2) when the opposite end loop 20 is connected to a stainless steel connection ring 11 with the brush head assembly 30 (Figure 9). The single loop forming cord 19 is connected to the other end of the brush head assembly 35 (Figure 9) with another connecting ring 11. One nylon cord 19 is used to pull the pipe covering assembly 15 into position within the damaged pipe 4 by detaching of the nylon cord 19 (Figure 10) together with the connecting ring 11 of the brush head assembly 30 (Figure 19 9) and reattaching to the coating head assembly 22 (Figure 14).

The stainless steel spiral connection ring 11 is used to connect brush head assembly 30 (Figure 9) at both ends of the line cleaning brush 7 (Figure 2) to the two nylon puller wires 19 (Figure 10). The connecting ring 11 is also used to connect the upholstery head assembly 22 (Figure 14) with a nylon puller wire 19 (Figure 10) to pull and place the upholstery assembly 10 in position of the damaged conduit 4.

The final procedure involves anchoring the newly introduced liner assembly 15 into the existing leaking conduit 4. The exposed liner head assembly 22 (Figure 15 14) drawn through the existing conduit 4 end is separated by a razor blade at right angles to the length of the conduit covering 13. Two retaining sleeves 23 (Figure 18) designed to connect and seal are implemented with the inserted conduit covering 13 at the input and output ends of the conduit 4 being repaired.

A retaining sleeve 23 (Figure 18) is designed to connect to an inserted conduit liner assembly 15 at the input and output ends of the conduit 4 being repaired. This sleeve 23 can vary in size depending on the size of the inner diameter of the pipe 4 being repaired and the size of the fittings that connect the existing pipe of the underground main pipe system 1 to the main swimming pool drain 5 or other connector.

The retaining sleeve 23 (Figure 18) may vary in size but they are constant in design. A retaining sleeve 23 (Figure 18) is naturally cylindrical. The end thereof that fits within the pipe covering 13 usually has a smaller diameter 27 and is then the end that connects with the covering 13 at the desired base, as discussed above. Polyvinyl chloride, preferably rigid, is the preferred material. However, sleeve 23 material may vary depending on the conduit 4 to be repaired such as galvanized coated conduit, stainless steel, aluminimum, nylon or another plastic type conduit.

Polyvinyl chloride cement is applied to the smaller of the two outer diameter end 27 of the retaining sleeve 23 (Figure 18). The sleeve 23 is then inserted into the open end of the liner assembly 15 (Figure 20) which connects and seals the interior of the liner assembly 15 to the retaining sleeve 23 (Figure 18). A special adhesive sealing material depending on the substrates involved is applied to the larger outer diameter 28 of the retaining sleeve 23 and inserted together with the pipe coating assembly 15 into the existing pipe that seals the coating assembly 15 to the existing pipe 4. This process is repeated to the opposite end of the pipe covering 13 to either a straight nominal pipe or an existing pipe 4 connected to a main pool drain 5 or other connector. These polyvinyl chloride sleeves can vary in size depending on the inside diameter of the pipe being repaired and the size of the fittings connecting the existing pipe 4 to the main pool drain or other type of connector.

The sleeves 23 (Figure 18) can vary in size but are constant in design. Material for the sleeves can vary depending on future pipes that need to be repaired such as stainless steel, galvanized coated metals, aluminum, nylon, or other plastics.

Referring to Figure 26, a portion 31 of the conduit 1 is shown with a first end 32, and a second end 33, and a wall 34 with two sharp inner corners 35. A flexible liner assembly 15 is provided comprising a first end 36 covered by plug 37, and a second end 38 covered by plug 39. The flexible coating assembly 15 shown comprises the smooth flexible coating assembly 13 and the semi-rigid reinforcement helix 14. In alternative embodiments, the flexible coating assembly 15 may be formed of a corrugated semi -rigid plastic material, or other suitable material.

In order to repair or reinforce the pipe portion 31 using the flexible liner assembly 15, a selected pressure, such as air pressure, is applied internally in the liner assembly 15. The internal pressure is large enough to maintain integrity and prevent collapse of the coating assembly 15, but not so large that bending or flexing of the coating assembly 15 is prevented. The plugs 37 and 39 or other suitable means are used to maintain the desired pressure within the coating assembly 15. The desired pressure in the coating assembly 15 is generally about 2 to about 20 psi, suitably about 3 to about 6 psi. The optimum pressure can vary for different applications, depending on the length and diameter of the pipe part 31, the length and diameter of the lining assembly 15, the material of the construction of the lining assembly 15, the number of bends in the pipe parts 31, and other factors.

While maintaining internal pressure, the first end 36 of the liner assembly 15 is inserted into the first end 32 of the conduit portion 31. The liner assembly 15 is then pressed through the conduit portion 31 in the direction of the arrow to the first end 36 of cladding assembly 15, the second end 33 of line portion 31 is approaching or reaching. As shown in Figure 26, the liner assembly 15 departs from the sharp inner corners 35 of the wall 34 of conduit member 31, due to the pressurized liner assembly 15 being pressed instead of pulled, and instead slides along the smooth curved outer parts of the wall 34. There is little or no risk that the lining assembly 15 gets stuck due to the sharp inner corners 35, and the lining assembly 15 passes through the pipe parts 31 with minimal resistance.

The lining assembly 15 suitably has a predetermined length that is approximately equal to the length of the pipe portion 31 being repaired or reinforced. In this way, the second end 38 of the liner assembly 15 will approach the first end 32 of the conduit section 31 when the first end 36 of the liner assembly 15 approaches the second end 33 of the conduit section 31. Since the lining assembly 15 is flexible, it can have a length that is slightly greater or somewhat shorter than the length of the conduit part 31. Suitably, the length of the lining assembly 15 is internally pressurized within about 20%, or within approximately 10% of the length of the pipe part 31.

After the coating assembly 15 has been fully inserted into the pipe portion 31 such that the first end 36 of the coating assembly 15 reaches the second end 33 of pipe portion 31, the internal pressure is released from the coating assembly 15. This can be achieved by removing the end plugs 37 and 39 of the coating assembly 15. Before or after the internal pressure has been released, the outer circumference of the first end 36 of the coating assembly 15 can be sealed to the inner circumference of the second end 33 of pipe part 31, and the outer circumference of the second end 114 of the coating assembly 15 can be sealed with the inner circumference of the first end 32 of the coating assembly 15. Due to the sealing, and the removal of the end plugs 37 and 39, the inner mechanism functions of the liner assembly 15 as the interior of the conduit portion 31 for the purpose of passing liquid 20 or electrical to store cables. The flexible liner assembly 15 provides a leak-free conduit, while the original conduit portion 31 provides structural integrity.

The desired length of the lining assembly 31 can be determined by initially measuring the length of the conduit portion 15, using a pig 40 attached to a label line 41 as shown in Figure 27. Pig 40 can be made of a polystyrene foam or another lightweight material, and has a cylindrical shape or other suitable shape that allows it to be transported through conduit portion 31 using air blown from the first end 32 and / or vacuum from the second end 33. The label line 41 has a length that is at least the length of pipe part 31 and that can vary from about 50 feet to about a hundred feet. The pig 40 can be transported through the conduit part 31 in the direction of the arrow using a blow gun disposed at the first end 32 and / or a wet / dry vacuum applied to the second end 33. When the pig 40 is the 23 second end 33, the label line 41 can be detached or it can remain stuck. The length of the label line between the first end 32 and the second end 33 is then measured to determine the design length of the coating assembly 15.

The pig 40 may alternatively be formed as a wooden sphere, a plastic bag containing foam parts, or another suitable material. When the pig 40 is shaped like a wooden sphere, alternatively water can be used as a means of transporting the pig 40 through the pipe part 31. The length of pipe part 31 is typically the underground length measured from a suitable entry point upwards from wherece the pipe part 31 enters the ground to a suitable starting point down from where the pipe part 31 leaves the ground.

When the coating assembly 15 is formed from a smooth flexible bore 13 and a semi-rigid helix 14, the smooth flexible bore 13 can be formed from polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene, EPDM, nitrile, PVC / NBR (polyvinyl chloride / nitrile butadiene rubber) blends, or other suitable flexible material with good long-term stability during use. The semi-rigid helix 14 can be formed from polypropylene, polyethylene, wire reinforcement, or other suitable semi-rigid material. The semi-rigid helix 14 may be within the flexible bore 13, or may be external to the flexible bore 13, in which case the flexible bore 13 is applied to the semi-rigid helix 14 using heat or a suitable bonding material. A commercially available material that combines the flexible bore 13 and semi-rigid helix 14 is sold by Kuryama of America, located in Schaumburg, Illio-nois, under the trade name TIGERFLEX®.

The coating assembly 15 may alternatively be formed using a semi-rigid corrugated plastic material. Suitable plastic materials include, without limitation, polypropylene, high density polyethylene, polyamides, polyvinyl chloride, PVC / NBR blends, and laminates thereof. Other suitable materials and structures may also function as the liner assembly 15, assuming that the liner assembly 15 has suitable flexibility to move 24 around bends in the pipe sections 31, and sufficient rigidity to prevent collapse.

The plugs 37 and 39 may be externally threaded plugs that fit into corresponding screw threads provided at the respective ends 36 and 38 of the liner assembly 15 to provide a substantially air-tight seal. Figure 28 shows one embodiment of plug 37 or 39, indicated as a threaded plug 42 with an internal thread 10 opening or inlet 43 and external threads 44.

Figure 29 shows the same plug 42 in which an injection nozzle 45 is connected to inlet 43 for realizing controlled introduction of air from a pressurized air supply (not shown). Figure 30 shows the same plug 42 in which a top cap 46 with a threaded portion 47 is screwed, pressure connected, or otherwise sealed in the opening 43. The top cap 46 optionally has a hook or loop 48 which can be connected to a label line , as further explained below.

When the coating assembly 15 is pressurized prior to insertion into the conduit portion 31, the first plug 37 (represented by a combination of threaded plug 42, and end cap 46) can be screwed into the first end 36 of the coating assembly Using an epoxy or other seal, if necessary, to provide a sealing fit. A second plug 39 (represented by a combination of a threaded plug 42 and injection nozzle 45) can be screwed into the second end 38 of the coating assembly 30 using an epoxy or other seal, if necessary. Air from a pressurized air supply (not shown) can be introduced through nozzle 45 into the coating assembly 15 until a desired pressure is achieved. Then the air supply is isolated and the injection nozzle 45 is removed from the second plug 39 and replaced by an end cap 46.

At this point, the pressure within the liner assembly 15 is maintained, and the liner assembly 15 can be introduced into the conduit portion 31 by pressing it from the second end 38 as explained above. Alternatively, the coating assembly 15 may be inserted into the conduit portion 31 using a combination of pressures from the second end 38 and pull from the first end 36. In order to apply the combination of pressures and pulls, it becomes trailing end 49 of the label line 41 shown in Fig. 27 attached or otherwise connected to the hook 48 of the end cap 46 on the first end plug 37 on the liner assembly 15. This is done before the liner assembly 15 is inserted into the pipe portion 31.

Then, the coating assembly 15 can be inserted by pressing from the second end 38, as explained above, and pulling from the first end 36 by pulling the leading edge 58 of the label line 41, which can be connected to the pig 40. Depending on In the application, the pressing and pulling of the covering assembly 15 through the pipe section 31 need not be carried out simultaneously. In some applications, it may be desirable to apply an alternating order of pressure and draw. In other applications, it may be desirable to continuously press from the second end 38 of the coating assembly and to pull only occasionally from the first end 36 of the coating assembly. By designing the coating assembly 15 for both pressing and drawing, the user has flexibility to perform the steps required for successful insertion of the coating assembly 15 into the pipe portion 31.

The plugs 37 and 39 can be formed by any suitable material such as polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, high density polyethylene or the like. The end plugs 37 and 39 are not limited to the aforementioned configurations.

Also, the label line 41 should be formed from a material that is sufficiently strong for use with the liner assembly 15, but does not cut or make grooves in any part of the wall 34 of the conduit part 31. If the material 35 of the label line 41 is too sharp is, it can cut or make grooves in the sharp inner corners 35, creating undesirable friction. One particularly suitable material for the label line 41 is a flat nylon tape with a width of at least about 0.5 inch.

26

As shown in Figure 31, the apex of the plug 42 may be designed with two small partial openings 50 and 51 that do not extend entirely through the plug 42. The partial openings 50 and 51 are intended to form a special two-toothed portion. to accommodate a tool that facilitates screwing in and unscrewing of the plug 342 of the coating assembly 15.

After the liner assembly 15 has been fully inserted into the pipe portion 31, the internal pressure is released by removing both end plugs 37 and 39. If threaded plugs 42 are used, they can be unscrewed using a two-toothed tools entering openings 50 and 51. After the end plugs 37 and 39 have been removed (or, in some cases, before), the outer surfaces of the end parts 36 and 38 of the liner assembly 15 can be appropriately applied to the inner surfaces of the pipe part 15. Typically, the first end 36 of liner assembly 15 is suitably disposed in conduit portion 31 near its second end 33, and the second end 38 of liner assembly 15 is appropriately disposed in conduit portion 31 near its first end 32.

In order that the installed liner assembly 15 serves as a conduit within the conduit section 31, it is important to provide a leak-free seal between the ends of the liner assembly 15 and the conduit section 31.

In most cases, the outer diameter of pipe assembly 31 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of pipe part 31. In order to provide for the differences in diameter 30, a retaining sleeve 52, as shown in Fig. 32, can be provided at both ends 32 and 33 of pipe part 31 to serve as an adapter between cladding assembly 15 and pipe portion 31.

The retaining sleeve 52 has a first portion 53 with a more limited outer diameter and second portion 54 with an intermediate outer diameter, and a third portion 55 with a larger outer diameter. The first part 53 may or may not be threaded and is adapted to contact the inner surface of lining assembly 15 with one or both of the 27 ends 36 and 38. The outer diameter of first part 53 is approximately equal to the inner diameter of lining assembly 15. An epoxy or other seal can be used to form an air-tight and water-tight, pressure-resistant seal.

The second part 54 may or may not be threaded and is adapted to be in contact with the inner surface of pipe part 31 at one or both ends 32 and 33. The outer diameter of second part 54 is approximately equal to the inner diameter of pipe part 31 at one or both ends. An epoxy or other seal can be used to form a water-tight and airtight, pressure-resistant seal.

The third part 55 may or may not be provided with screw thread and has an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of pipe part 31 at one or both ends. As shown in Figure 33, when the retaining sleeve 52 is fully fitted, the third part 55 can be seen as a short extension of pipe part 31 at one or both ends 32 and 33. The pipe part 31 can then be reconnected to the assembly of the main line from which it was disconnected before the start of the repair or reinforcement. If the ends of the pipe portion 31 are formed with a standard threaded connector sleeve 56 with screw thread 57, the connector sleeve 56 can be reconnected to a cooperating connector sleeve on the main pipe or pipe assembly (not shown). Reconnecting cooperating connector sleeves further reinforces the position of retaining sleeve 52 at one or both ends of the conduit portion 31. Sealing rings, such as O-rings, can also be used to reinforce the connection between connector sleeves 56 and cooperating connector sleeves.

This application - taken in its entirety with the abstract, specification, claims, and the drawings in combination - provides sufficient information for an average practitioner to practice the invention as disclosed and claimed. Measures required to implement the invention are well within the skill of the average artisan, after he has made an accurate study of this disclosure.

28

The coating system as well as the method for repairing pipes as described herein can be used, for example, for underground pipes in swimming pools, sewage systems, industrial water systems, irrigation systems, urban drinking water systems, and a further variety of water systems that use underground pipes. Furthermore, the application for coating systems and the method for repairing leads as described herein may also include, without limitation, preventing fluid from seeping into the existing lead, protecting its contents such as low and high voltage power lines, communication lines, including telephone and computer cables as well as fiber optic cables. The shipping industry can also be useful by preventing seawater from coming into contact with the wiring installed in pipes that run below the ship's waterline. Furthermore, the coating assembly and method as described herein can be used in the oil, steel, chemical, and nuclear power industries.

Because of this disclosure and solely because of this disclosure, modification of the method and device may become clear to the average practitioner in this particular art. Such modifications are clearly understood by this disclosure.

25 For which rights are sought and for which protection is sought, the following concerns:

Claims (47)

A flexible liner assembly for repairing or reinforcing a pipe, with a flexible smooth bore lining and a semi-rigid helix running through the pipe, wherein the flexible smooth bore lining 5 covers the inner diameter of the pipe, the semi-rigid helix sufficient strength provided to the liner assembly to line the inside of the conduit; a first retaining sleeve connected to a first end of the flexible bore lining and the conduit, said first retaining sleeve having a smaller diameter portion that is in contact with an inner surface of the flexible bore coating and a larger diameter portion that is in contact with an inner surface from the management. The flexible coating assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second retaining sleeve connected to a second end of the flexible bore liner and the conduit, which second retaining sleeve has a smaller diameter portion that is in contact with the inner surface of the flexible bore coating and a larger diameter portion that 20 is in contact with an inner surface of the conduit. 3. The flexible coating assembly of claim 1, wherein the smaller diameter portion is present at the first end of the first retaining sleeve and the larger diameter portion is present at a second opposite end of the first retaining sleeve. 4. Flexible coating assembly according to claim 2, wherein the smaller diameter portion is present at a first end of each of the first and second retaining sleeves and the larger diameter portion is present at a second opposite end of each of the first and second retaining sleeves. The flexible coating assembly of claim 1, further comprising an adhesive seal that connects the first retaining sleeve to the first end of the flexible bore liner and the conduit. The flexible liner assembly of claim 2, further comprising an adhesive seal that connects the first and second retaining sleeves to the corresponding first and second ends of the flexible bore liner and conduit. The flexible coating assembly of claim 1, wherein the flexible bore coating comprises polyvinyl chloride. The flexible coating assembly of claim 1, wherein the semi-rigid helix comprises polyvinyl chloride. The flexible coating assembly of claim 1, wherein the semi-rigid helix comprises stainless steel embedded in rubber. The flexible coating assembly of claim 1, wherein the first retaining sleeve comprises polyvinyl chloride. The flexible coating assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second retaining sleeves comprises polyvinyl chloride. 12. Brush assembly for cleaning a pipe comprising a casing with a first casing end and a second casing end that carries the brush assembly, a first head assembly that is attached to the casing end, a second head assembly that is attached to the second second casing end, brush hairs for the brush assembly attached to the casing, wherein the brush hairs for the brush assembly have a brush hair radius of up to 115 percent of a radius of the conduit to be cleaned. 13. Brush assembly as claimed in claim 12, further comprising a first cloth mop added to the first mantle end, a second cloth mop added to the second mantle end, wherein the first cloth mop and the second cloth mop provide a second cleaning of the conduit to eliminate waste for a new coating assembly to be inserted into the existing conduit, wherein the first cloth mop and the second cloth mop have a radius of up to 115 percent of the inner diameter of the line to be cleaned. The brush assembly of claim 13, wherein the brush assembly brushes are made of metal or nylon, the brush radius is up to 109 percent of the radius of the radius of the line to be cleaned, the cloth mop radius of up to 109 percent of the radius of the brush to be cleaned line and which is provided with a brush head assembly for the brush assembly to facilitate movement of the brush assembly through the line. 15. Brush assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the brush head assembly comprises a connector ring, and a puller wire, which connector ring releasably connects the brush assembly to the brush head assembly, a puller wire is connected to the brush head assembly, and arranged opposite the brush assembly, wherein the puller wire serves for moving of the brush assembly through the line to be cleaned. 16. A method for repairing or reinforcing an underground pipe in which a flexible coating assembly with a flexible smooth bore coating and a semi-rigid helix is pulled through the pipe, an interior of the pipe is covered with the flexible coating composition. and the flexible coating assembly is secured within the conduit. The method of claim 16, wherein the conduit is cleaned before the flexible liner assembly is pulled through the conduit, wherein the conduit has at least one linear portion and at least one curved portion. 18. Method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the line is brushed with a brush assembly with a brush diameter up to 115 percent of an inner diameter of the line in order to provide a first cleaning of the line, the brush assembly being provided with a first brush end and a second brush end disposed opposite and at least one sphere attached to the first brush end and to the second brush end. A method according to claim 18, wherein the first brush assembly is removed from the conduit, the at least one sphere is removed from the first brush end and the second brush end of the at least one sphere is attached to the flexible coating assembly and the flexible coating assembly is positioned in the underground conduit to repair or reinforce it. The method of claim 19, wherein the at least one sphere comprises a larger sphere and a smaller sphere and a connector ring secures the at least one sphere to the brush assembly for cleaning the underground conduit. The method of claim 20, wherein the at least one sphere is connected to the flexible liner assembly and the at least one globe is used to position the flexible liner assembly in the underground conduit. 22. Method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the flexible coating assembly is fixed in the underground conduit to repair or reinforce it, three metal staples are provided radially spaced around the at least one sphere around the flexible coating thereto To attach, the at least one sphere is formed from a larger sphere and a smaller sphere and the larger sphere is attached to the flexible coating assembly using the three staples. 23. Method according to claim 22, wherein a first cloth mop assembly is installed at the first brush end and a second cloth mop assembly is installed at the second brush end diameter, the first cloth mop assembly and the second cloth mop assembly have a mop diameter of up to 115 percent of an inner diameter of the conduit to provide a second cleaning of the conduit and the at least one bulb is used to move the brush assembly through the conduit. 24. Method as claimed in claim 23, wherein the at least one sphere is removed from the flexible coating assembly, a retaining sleeve is fixed in the flexible coating assembly after the flexible coating assembly has been introduced into the conduit, the retaining sleeve has a smaller outer diameter that fits into the flexible liner assembly and a larger outer diameter that fits into the underground conduit, and the retaining sleeve is glued in position. The method of claim 24, wherein a first puller wire is attached to a first brush end, a second puller wire is attached to the second brush end, the first puller wire and the second puller wire are used to move the brush assembly through the underground conduit and the first The puller wire and the second puller wire are used to move the first fabric mop assembly and the second fabric mop assembly through the underground conduit. The method of claim 25, wherein the first puller wire and the second puller wire are provided with a length greater than the underground conduit being cleaned, at least one of the puller wire and the second puller wire are repaired with a loop therein in order to draw facilitating the brush assembly through the subterranean conduit, a tape is provided for being maneuvered through the subterranean conduit, which tape is maneuvered through the subterranean conduit and the brush assembly is moved through the subterranean conduit. 27. Method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the first cloth-wipe assembly is added to the first brush end and the second cloth-wipe assembly is added to the brush assembly, the cleaning of the underground conduit is completed, the at least one sphere is attached to the first puller wire or the second puller wire, the liner assembly is moved into position within the conduit and the liner assembly is secured within the conduit. 28. Method for repairing or reinforcing a pipe part, comprising the steps of providing a flexible lining assembly with a first end and a second end, applying internal pressure to the flexible lining assembly, inserting at least a portion of the flexible liner assembly in the conduit section while maintaining internal pressure, pressing the flexible liner assembly through the conduit section while maintaining internal pressure, releasing the internal pressure of the flexible liner assembly and joining the first and second ends of the flexible liner assembly coating assembly with the conduit portion such that the flexible coating assembly provides a substantially leak-free conduit within the conduit portion. The method of claim 28, wherein the first and second ends of the coating assembly are sealed to maintain the internal pressure and the first and second ends of the coating assembly are sealed to release the internal pressure. 30. A method according to claim 29, wherein the sealing step comprises the step of attaching an end plug to one of the first and second ends of the flexible coating assembly and the releasing step comprises the step of removing the end plugs. The method of claim 30, wherein at least one of the end plugs is adapted to receive an injection nozzle, and the step of applying an internal pressure 10 to the coating assembly comprises the step of injecting a pressurized gas by the injection nozzle. 32. Method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the step of connecting first and second ends of the coating assembly to the pipe part comprises the step of connecting a retaining sleeve to at least one end of the coating assembly and a corresponding end of the pipe part for providing a substantially leak-free seal between the liner assembly and the pipe portion. The method of claim 32, wherein a retaining sleeve is connected to each end of the liner assembly and each corresponding end of the conduit portion. The method of claim 32, wherein the retaining sleeve comprises a first portion with a tighter outer diameter that is approximately equal to an inner diameter of the liner assembly, a second portion with an intermediate outer diameter approximately equal to an inner diameter of the conduit portion, and a third portion with a larger outer diameter approximately equal to an outer diameter of the pipe part. The method of claim 28, wherein a length of the conduit section is measured and the coating assembly is provided with a length that is within about 10% of the length of the conduit section. The method of claim 35, wherein the length 35 of the conduit portion is measured by transporting a pig through the conduit portion from a first end to a second end of the conduit portion wherein the pig is attached to a leading end of a label line and the measuring a length of the label line drawn in the pipe section by the pig. 37. A method according to claim 36, wherein a trailing end of the label line is attached to the first end of the coating assembly and the coating assembly is pulled through at least part of a distance through the line portion using the label line. 38. Method for repairing or reinforcing a pipe part comprising the steps of providing a coating assembly with a first end and a second end, applying a first pressure to the coating assembly, inserting at least a portion of the coating assembly into releasing the pipe part while maintaining the internal pressure, pressing the flexible lining assembly through at least part of a distance through the pipe part while maintaining the internal pressure, pulling the flexible lining assembly through at least part of the distance through the pipe part, releasing the internal pressure of the flexible liner assembly and connecting parts of the flexible liner assembly to the conduit portion such that the flexible liner assembly provides a substantially leak-free conduit through the conduit portion. The method of claim 38, wherein the steps of pressing and pulling the flexible coating assembly are performed simultaneously. The method of claim 38, wherein the steps of pressing and drawing the flexible coating assembly are performed in succession to each other. 41. A method according to claim 38, wherein the flexible coating assembly comprises a flexible bore coating and a semi-rigid helix. 42. The method of claim 38, wherein the steps of pulling the flexible coating assembly include the step of connecting a trailing end of a label line to the flexible coating assembly and pulling the label line. The method of claim 42, further comprising the step of measuring the length of the conduit portion using the label line and using the measured length to determine a design length for the flexible liner assembly. 44. The method of claim 38, further comprising the steps of securing end plugs and first and second ends of the flexible liner assembly for maintaining the internal pressure and removing the end plugs for releasing the internal pressure. 45. Method for repairing or reinforcing a pipe part comprising the steps of determining a length of the pipe part, providing a flexible coating assembly with a first end, a second end and a length within about 10% of the length of the conduit portion, applying internal pressure to the flexible liner assembly, maintaining internal pressure using end plugs attached to the first and second ends of the flexible liner assembly, pressing the flexible liner assembly at least partially through a distance a pipe part while maintaining the internal pressure, releasing the internal pressure of the flexible coating assembly by removing the end plugs and connecting the first and second ends of the flexible coating assembly to the pipe portion so that the flexible coating assembly is a substantially leak-free pipe provided by the pipe part. The method of claim 45, wherein the flexible coating assembly is pulled at least partially over the distance through the conduit portion using a label line. 47. Method as claimed in claim 45, wherein the step of connecting the first and second ends of the flexible coating assembly to the conduit part comprises the steps of connecting a first retaining sleeve to a first end of the flexible coating assembly and a corresponding second end of the conduit portion and connecting a second retaining sleeve to a second end of the flexible liner assembly and a corresponding first end of the conduit portion.