WO2000075621A1

WO2000075621A1 - Improvements in or relating to the introduction of a device into a pressurised pipe

Info

Publication number: WO2000075621A1
Application number: PCT/GB2000/002180
Authority: WO
Inventors: Susan Mary Williams
Original assignee: Suez Lyonnaise des Eaux
Current assignee: Suez Lyonnaise des Eaux
Priority date: 1999-06-04
Filing date: 2000-06-05
Publication date: 2000-12-14
Anticipated expiration: 2001-12-04
Also published as: AU5234400A; GB9913061D0

Abstract

Apparatus for introducing a turbidity probe into a water main comprises a mounting tube (2) having a coupling (4) to couple its lower end to a conventional gate valve in the water main whereby the interior of the water main and the interior of the mounting tube (2) are placed in communication. A normally retracted turbidity probe (6) is received within the mounting tube (2) and has one end connected to an anchor block (8) at a connection sealed by a sealing ring (10). An elongate support tube (12), connected at one end to the anchor block (8), supports the turbidity probe (6). A lead screw (20) is supported for rotation and arranged to move along the length of the lead screw (20) upon rotation of the lead screw. This moves a clamp block (42) and the support tube (12). Hence the turbidity probe (6) is extended relative to the mounting tube (2) and is introduced into the water main.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO THE INTRODUCTION OF A DEVICE INTO A PRESSURISED PIPE

The present invention relates to apparatus and a method for introducing a device into a pipe supplying a fluid under pressure.

There is often a requirement to introduce a device, such as a probe or sensor, into the fluid supplied under pressure in a pipe. For example, it may be required to measure the turbidity of the water in a water main.

Currently, measurements on the fluid in a pipe are made in one of two ways. The first is to tap some of the fluid from the pipe into a short branch pipe connected to the main pipe, which branch pipe contains the necessary measuring instrument. The second technique is to manually insert the measuring device into the pipe to make the measurements. To facilitate either of these techniques pipes are generally provided with couplings tapped into the pipe at intervals. The couplings may comprise, for example, an appropriate gate valve.

The present invention seeks to improve on these techniques.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for introducing a device into a pipe supplying a fluid under pressure, said apparatus comprising: an elongate mounting tube having first and second spaced ends, and a connector for coupling the first end of the mounting tube to a coupling tapped into the pipe; a device to be introduced into the pipe, said device being elongate, and, at least in part, being received within said mounting tube; support means, at least in part external to the mounting tube, and supporting said device within the mounting tube, the support means including movement means operable to move said device in each direction along the longitudinal extent of the mounting tube; and sealing means sealing the second end of the mounting tube; wherein part of the support means and/or part of the device extends through and is movable with respect to the sealing means.

Apparatus of an embodiment of the invention enables a device, which may be a measuring probe or an instrument with one or more sensors, to be introduced by the apparatus into the pipe.

In a preferred embodiment, the fluid under pressure is water under mains pressure.

In one embodiment, part of the device itself extends out of the second end of the mounting tube and hence is movable through and with respect to the sealing means. In an alternative embodiment, it is part of the support means which extend through the second end of the mounting tube and which is movable through and with respect to the sealing means.

Preferably, the sealing means is provided within the second end of the mounting tube and defines a sealed passage through which part of the support means and/or part of the device extends.

The movement means may be constructed as required to impart the necessary movement to the device. In this respect, it is necessary that the movement means is able to move the device into the pipe against the pressure there encountered, and it is preferred that the movement means cannot readily be moved in the opposite direction by that fluid pressure. In this latter respect, locking means to lock the movement means and/or the device in the extended position within the pipe are preferably provided. In a preferred embodiment, the movement means comprises a lead screw mounted in the support means for rotation, and a lead screw nut connected to or coupled to said device such that rotation of the lead screw is translated into longitudinal movement of the device along the mounting tube.

If required, gearing may be provided between the lead screw nut and the device, and/or between the lead screw and the lead screw nut, and/or between means for rotating the lead screw and the lead screw. Such gear means can be used to control the number of rotations of the lead screw required in order to translate the device longitudinally through a predetermined distance.

Similarly, the pitch of the screw threads on the lead screw and the lead screw nut may be chosen to provide for relatively easy introduction of the device into the pipe against the pressure of the fluid.

In a preferred embodiment, the connector for coupling the first end of the mounting tube to the pipe coupling is a quick release coupling enabling the orientation of the mounting tube relative to the pipe to be predetermined.

In a preferred embodiment, the mounting tube and/or the coupling carried thereby is provided with a tap to enable a sample of the fluid in the pipe to be drawn therethrough.

The device supported within apparatus of the invention may be any appropriate device. For example, the device may be a tool for acting on the pipe or its contents, or an instrument for measuring or monitoring the pipe or its contents. Where the apparatus is to be used for measuring or monitoring the fluid, the device may carry more than one sensor and each said sensor may be responsive to different parameters. The present invention also extends to a method of introducing a device into a pipe supplying a fluid under pressure, the method utilising an apparatus comprising an elongate mounting tube receiving the device, and support means, at least in part external to the mounting tube, and supporting the device, the method comprising the steps of: coupling one end of the mounting tube to a tapping in the pipe in a fluid tight manner to place the interior of the pipe in communication with the interior of the mounting tube, the other end of the mounting tube being sealed; and moving the device, by operation of movement means of the support means, along the longitudinal extent of the mounting tube to introduce the device into the pipe.

In a preferred embodiment, the fluid under pressure into which the device is introduced is water under mains pressure.

The device is moved into the pipe against the pressure there encountered. Preferably, the method further comprises the step of locking the device in its position within the pipe.

In a preferred embodiment, the device is moved into the pipe by rotating a lead screw rotatably mounted in the support means, such that a lead screw nut connected to or coupled to the device translates the rotation of the lead screw into longitudinal movement of the device along the mounting tube.

In an embodiment, the number of rotations of the lead screw required in order to translate the device longitudinally through a predetermined distance is controlled.

In a preferred embodiment, the orientation of the mounting tube relative to the pipe, when the mounting tube is coupled to the pipe, is predetermined. Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section through a first embodiment of apparatus of the present invention, Figure 2 shows a plan view from above of the apparatus of Figure 1 ,

Figure 3 is a longitudinal section through an alternative embodiment of an apparatus of the invention, and

Figure 4 is a plan view from above of the device of Figure 3.

The apparatus illustrated in the drawings are specifically designed for introducing a turbidity probe into a water main and will be described below when used in that environment. However, it will be appreciated that the apparatus can be used to introduce any device into a pipe containing any fluid under pressure, and the purpose of the device to be so introduced can be chosen as required.

The apparatus of Figure 1 comprises a mounting tube 2 having a coupling or fitting, indicated at 4, on a first, lower end thereof. This fitting 4 is arranged to couple the first end of the mounting tube to a conventional gate valve as provided in a water main such that once the mounting tube 2 has been connected to the gate valve, the interior of the water main and the interior of the mounting tube 2 can be placed in communication. In this respect, the provision of gate valves and other valved tappings into water mains is conventional such that further description of the connection is not required.

The mounting tube 2 is an elongate, substantially cylindrical, hollow tube in which a turbidity probe 6 is received. In the initial position shown in Figure 1 , the turbidity probe 6 is retracted, and is received within the apparatus such that its free end is within the first end of the mounting tube 2. The opposite end of the turbidity probe 6 is connected to an anchor block 8, and the connection is sealed by way of a sealing ring indicated at 10. A support for the turbidity probe 6 comprises a elongate support tube 12 which is connected at one end to the anchor block 8. In the embodiment illustrated, an electrical cable 14 of the turbidity probe 6 extends through the support tube 12.

The support for the probe 6 includes means to move the probe so that it can be extended out of the mounting tube 2, and subsequently retracted again into the initial position illustrated. These movement means comprise a lead screw 20 supported for rotation in spaced bearings 24 each carried by a respective support plate 26. In the embodiment illustrated, the support plates 26 are fastened together by four tie bars 28. Furthermore, and as illustrated, the bearings 24 are each constituted by a ball race.

It will be seen that the lower one of the support plates 26 closes the upper end of the mounting tube 2 and also carries a collar, indicated at 30, which defines a passage through which the support tube 12 passes. "O" ring seals 32 seal the passage through the collar 30.

The lead screw 20 has an associated lead screw nut 40 which is fixed to a clamp block 42 fastened to the support tube 12. A bar 44 is selectively engageable through a bore in the top of the lead screw 20 to facilitate the rotation of the lead screw 20.

It will be appreciated that when the lead screw 20 is rotated, for example, by turning the bar 44, it will cause the lead screw nut 40 to be moved along the length of the lead screw 20, in one direction or the other in dependence upon the direction of rotation. This will similarly move the clamp block 42 and the support tube 12. Hence the turbidity probe 6 is moved relative to the mounting tube 2 longitudinally of the apparatus.

When it is wished to measure the turbidity of the water in a water main, the free end of the mounting tube 2 is connected to an appropriate valved coupling, such as a gate valve, in the water main and the valve is opened to put the interior of the tube 2 in communication with the interior of the water main. The bar 44 is then appropriately rotated to move the probe 6 in the direction to extend the probe 6 out of the mounting tube 2 and to introduce the probe into the water main. During this movement, the probe 6 is, of course, being moved against the pressure of the water in the main and the pitch of the threads on the lead screw 20 and its nut 40 are chosen to make the advance of the probe relatively easy. In this respect, as the pitch is increased, fewer turns of the screw are required to advance the probe over a specified distance. However, the pitch cannot be made too large or the pressure may be able to cause retraction of the probe. In this latter respect, locking means (not shown) may be provided to lock the support tube 12 to part of the probe support, or to otherwise lock the probe in its extended position.

The fitting 4 at the free end of the mounting tube 2 will generally have a screw thread to enable it to be screwed into the coupling provided in the water main. However, use of a simple screw thread coupling means that the final orientation of the apparatus relative to the water main cannot be determined. Accordingly, and if required, a quick release coupling (not illustrated) may alternatively be provided such that the orientation of the apparatus relative to the water main can be predetermined. Furthermore, the quick release coupling, and/or the mounting tube 2, may be provided with a tap to enable samples of the water in the main to be extracted.

Figures 3 and 4 show an example of an alternative embodiment of apparatus of the invention. In Figures 3 and 4 components which are the same or similar to those shown in Figures 1 and 2 have been given the same reference numerals.

The apparatus shown in Figures 3 and 4 operates in the same manner to that of Figures 1 and 2, but some of the details of construction differ. In particular, in Figure 1 , in its retracted position, the turbidity probe 6 is retained completely within the mounting tube 2. By contrast, and as can be seen, in the embodiment of Figure 3, the turbidity probe 6 is longer than the mounting tube 2 and extends beyond the inner end thereof. In this embodiment, the turbidity probe 6 is mounted within the support tube 12 which, at one end is fixed to a thrust cap 100. Together with a retaining ring 102, the thrust cap 100 engages a thrust plate 104 which is fixed on the lead screw nut 40.

The particular probe 6 shown in Figure 3 can carry a number of sensors which may all be responsive to the same parameter or which, alternatively, may each be responsive to different parameters.

In the embodiments illustrated and described, the movement means is a lead screw which is manually rotated, and this is presently the preferred manner of imparting the required movement to the probe 6. However, it will be appreciated that alternative movement means may be provided.

It has been made clear above that a sample tap may be provided in the coupling 4 and/or in the mounting tube 2. In view of the pressures which occur in a water main, this sample tap may be used as a pressure release valve during uncoupling of the apparatus from the water main.

It will be appreciated that further variations in, and modifications to, the embodiments described and illustrated may be made within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. Apparatus for introducing a device into a pipe supplying a fluid under pressure, said apparatus comprising: an elongate mounting tube having first and second spaced ends, and a connector for coupling the first end of the mounting tube to a coupling tapped into the pipe; a device to be introduced into the pipe, said device being elongate, and, at least in part, being received within said mounting tube; support means, at least in part external to the mounting tube, and supporting said device within the mounting tube, the support means including movement means operable to move said device in each direction along the longitudinal extent of the mounting tube; and sealing means sealing the second end of the mounting tube; wherein part of the support means and/or part of the device extends through and is movable with respect to the sealing means.

2. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein part of the device itself extends out of the second end of the mounting tube and hence is movable through and with respect to the sealing means.

3. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein part of the support means extends through the second end of the mounting tube and is movable through and with respect to the sealing means.

4. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the sealing means is provided within the second end of the mounting tube and defines a sealed passage through which part of the support means and/or part of the device extends.

5. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the movement means is arranged to move the device into the pipe against the pressure there encountered.

6. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 5, further comprising locking means arranged to lock the movement means and/or the device in the extended position within the pipe.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the movement means comprises a lead screw mounted in the support means for rotation, and a lead screw nut connected to or coupled to said device such that rotation of the lead screw is translated into longitudinal movement of the device along the mounting tube.

8. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 7, further comprising gear means provided between the lead screw nut and the device, and/or between the lead screw and the lead screw nut, and/or between means for rotating the lead screw and the lead screw, said gear means being arranged to control the number of rotations of the lead screw required in order to translate the device longitudinally through a predetermined distance.

9. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the connector for coupling the first end of the mounting tube to the pipe coupling is a quick release coupling enabling the orientation of the mounting tube relative to the pipe to be predetermined.

10. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mounting tube and/or the coupling carried thereby is provided with a tap to enable a sample of the fluid in the pipe to be drawn therethrough.

11. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said device is a tool for acting on the pipe or its contents, or an instrument for measuring or monitoring the pipe or its contents.

12. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 11 , where the apparatus is to be used for measuring or monitoring the fluid, and wherein said device carries more than one sensor, and each said sensor is responsive to different parameters.

13. A method of introducing a device into a pipe supplying a fluid under pressure, the method utilising an apparatus comprising an elongate mounting tube receiving the device, and support means, at least in part external to the mounting tube, and supporting the device, the method comprising the steps of: coupling one end of the mounting tube to a tapping in the pipe in a fluid tight manner to place the interior of the pipe in communication with the interior of the mounting tube, the other end of the mounting tube being sealed; and moving the device, by operation of movement means of the support means, along the longitudinal extent of the mounting tube to introduce the device into the pipe.

14. A method as claimed in Claim 13, wherein the fluid under pressure into which the device is introduced is water under mains pressure.

15. A method as claimed in Claim 13, or 14, wherein the device is moved into the pipe against the pressure there encountered.

16. A method as claimed in Claim 15, further comprising the step of locking the device in its position within the pipe.

17. A method as claimed in any of Claims 13 to 16, wherein the device is moved into the pipe by rotating a lead screw rotatably mounted in the support means, such that a lead screw nut connected to or coupled to the device translates the rotation of the lead screw into longitudinal movement of the device along the mounting tube.

18. A method as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the number of rotations of the lead screw required in order to translate the device longitudinally through a predetermined distance is controlled.

19. A method as claimed in any of Claims 13 to 18, wherein the orientation of the mounting tube relative to the pipe, when the mounting tube is coupled to the pipe, is predetermined.

20. Apparatus for introducing a device into a pipe supplying a fluid under pressure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

21. A method of introducing a device into a pipe supplying a fluid under pressure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.