Frame for trenchless pipe replacement system and method

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10240691-B2
Application number	US-201715725361-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Oct 5, 2017
Priority date	Dec 20, 2011
Publication date	Mar 26, 2019
Grant date	Mar 26, 2019

Abstract

A pipe replacement system and cable guide frame are shown. Configurations are shown that include plurality of guide pulleys attached to the cable guide frame to define a curved path between a pipe to be replaced and a cable pulling system. Configurations are shown where a pipe breaking tool is pulled over the plurality of guide pulleys for ease of removal after a replacement operation. Configurations are also shown that include a stationary splitter adjacent to the cable pulling system to prevent jamming of the cable pulling system.

First claim

I claim:

1. A pipe replacement system, comprising:
a cable pulling system;
a cable guide frame coupled to the cable pulling system;
a pulley to redirect a towing cable from an axis of a pipe to be replaced up to the cable pulling system; and
a stationary splitter located on the cable guide frame, the stationary splitter adapted to align with the towing cable after the towing cable is redirected by the pulley, wherein a location of the stationary splitter is adjustable with respect to the cable guide frame, wherein the stationary splitter includes a lateral slot to accept sideways insertion of the cable.

2. The pipe replacement system of claim 1 , wherein the cable pulling system is located above ground level.

3. The pipe replacement system of claim 1 , wherein the pulley is included in a plurality of pulleys that are used to redirect the towing cable from the axis of the pipe to be replaced up to the cable pulling system.

4. The pipe replacement system of claim 1 , wherein the cable pulling system includes a continuous tension device.

5. The pipe replacement system of claim 1 , wherein the cable pulling system includes a dual capstan winch.

6. The pipe replacement system of claim 1 , wherein the cable guide frame is a boom.

7. The pipe replacement system of claim 1 , wherein the pipe replacement system is adapted for a keyhole operation.

8. A pipe replacement system, comprising:
a cable pulling system;
a cable guide frame coupled to the cable pulling system;
a pulley to redirect a towing cable from an axis of a pipe to be replaced up to the cable pulling system; and
a stationary splitter including a lateral slot to accept sideways insertion of the cable, the stationary splitter located on the cable guide frame, the stationary splitter adapted to align with the towing cable after the towing cable is redirected by the pulley.

9. The pipe replacement system of claim 8 , wherein the cable pulling system is located above ground level.

10. The pipe replacement system of claim 8 , wherein the pulley is included in a plurality of pulleys that are used to redirect the towing cable from the axis of the pipe to be replaced up to the cable pulling system.

11. The pipe replacement system of claim 8 , wherein the cable pulling system includes a continuous tension device.

Assignees

• Tt Technologies Inc

Inventors

• Tjader Michael

Classifications

• F16L55/1658 Primary

  the old pipe being ruptured prior to insertion of a new pipe · CPC title

• B66D3/08

  Arrangements of sheaves · CPC title

• F16L1/028 Primary

  in the ground (F16L1/026 takes precedence) · CPC title

• B66D3/006

  Power actuated devices operating on ropes, cables, or chains for hauling in a mainly horizontal direction (B66D3/003 takes precedence) · CPC title