U.S. patent application number 10/641201 was filed with the patent office on 2004-06-03 for portable pipe restoration system.
Invention is credited to McGrady, Stephen C., Robinson, Robert A..
Application Number | 20040106366 10/641201 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32396936 |
Filed Date | 2004-06-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040106366 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Robinson, Robert A. ; et
al. |
June 3, 2004 |
Portable pipe restoration system
Abstract
There is provided a pipe restoration system which uses abrasives
to remove encrustation from a piping system. The pipe restoration
system first comprises a main header having a plurality of header
outlets. A pressure generator with abrasives is also provided with
the system and is connected to one of the header outlets to receive
air pressure therefrom. The pressure generator is further connected
to one of piping system's inlets so as to discharge the abrasives
therethrough via the air pressure. A separator is connected to the
piping system's outlet to receive and separate the abrasives from
the encrustation removed thereby. The separator retains the
abrasives therewithin. Lastly, a particle collector is connected to
the separator to receive and retain the encrustation separated in
the separator.
Inventors: |
Robinson, Robert A.;
(Glenwood, NM) ; McGrady, Stephen C.; (Hesperia,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kit M. Stetina, Esq.
STETINA BRUNDA GARRED & BRUCKER
Suite 250
75 Enterprise
Aliso Viejo
CA
92656
US
|
Family ID: |
32396936 |
Appl. No.: |
10/641201 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60406017 |
Aug 26, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
451/99 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02P 70/179 20151101;
B24C 9/006 20130101; B24C 3/327 20130101; Y02P 70/10 20151101; B24C
3/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
451/099 |
International
Class: |
B24C 007/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A pipe restoration system for removing encrustation from a
piping system, the piping system defining a plurality of pipe
inlets which lead to a pipe outlet, the pipe restoration system
comprising: a main header having a plurality of header outlets; a
pressure generator with abrasives connected to one of the header
outlets for receiving air pressure therefrom, the pressure
generator further being connected to one of the plurality of pipe
inlets for discharging the abrasives therethrough via the air
pressure; a separator connected to the pipe outlet for receiving
and separating the abrasives and the encrustation removed thereby,
the separator being sized and configured to retain the abrasives
therewithin; and a particle collector connected to the separator
for receiving and retaining the encrustation separated in the
separator.
2. The pipe restoration system of claim 1 wherein the pressure
generator has a generator body forming an internal generator
compartment, the internal generator compartment having a pressure
discharger assembly disposed therewithin.
3. The pipe restoration system of claim 2 wherein the pressure
discharger assembly comprises an abrasive storage container for
storing the abrasives therein, the abrasive storage container
having upper and lower container ends.
4. The pipe restoration system of claim 3 wherein the pressure
discharger assembly comprises an abrasive loading hopper having a
lower hopper end, the lower hopper end being engaged to the upper
container end so as to provide the abrasives from the abrasive
loading hopper to the abrasive storage container.
5. The pipe restoration system of claim 4 wherein the abrasive
loading hopper has an upper hopper end and the generator body
comprises an upper lid member, the upper lid member being sized and
configured to open and close with respect to the upper hopper end
so as to selectively access the abrasive loading hopper when
providing the abrasives thereto.
6. The pipe restoration system of claim 3 wherein the pressure
discharger assembly comprises an abrasive mixing valve having an
upper valve end, the upper valve end being engaged to the lower
container end so that the abrasive mixing valve receives the
abrasives from the abrasive storage container.
7. The pipe restoration system of claim 6 wherein the abrasive
mixing valve has a first side valve end, the first side valve end
being in communication with one of the header outlets for receiving
the air pressure therefrom.
8. The pipe restoration system of claim 6 wherein the abrasive
mixing valve has a second side valve end, the second side valve end
being in communication with one of the pipe inlets for discharging
the abrasives therethrough.
9. The pipe restoration system of claim 2 wherein the generator
body defines a lower generator surface, the lower generator surface
having pressure generator wheels attached adjacent thereto for
facilitating movement of the pressure generator.
10. The pipe restoration system of claim 1 wherein the main header
comprises a header tank having a tank body whereat the plurality of
header outlets are extended therefrom.
11. The pipe restoration system of claim 10 wherein the tank body
defines two opposing tank sides and the plurality of header outlets
are extended from respective ones of the opposing tank sides.
12. The pipe restoration system of claim 10 wherein the tank body
comprises at least one header inlet in communication with an
outside pressure source for receiving the air pressure generated
therefrom.
13. The pipe restoration system of claim 10 wherein the main header
comprises a header tank enclosure disposing the header tank
therewithin and having a plurality of side openings for allowing
the header outlets to be extended therethrough.
14. The pipe restoration system of claim 13 wherein the header tank
enclosure defines a bottom header surface, the bottom header
surface having main header wheels attached adjacent thereto for
facilitating movement of the main header.
15. The pipe restoration system of claim 14 wherein the header tank
enclosure comprises a main header support formed adjacent to the
bottom header surface for supporting the main header when erected
in an upright position.
16. The pipe restoration system of claim 1 wherein the particle
collector has a collector body forming an inside collector
compartment, the inside collector compartment having a particle
filter disposed therewithin for filtering the encrustation received
from the separator.
17. The pipe restoration system of claim 16 wherein the collector
body comprises a collector inlet in communication with the
separator for receiving the abrasives therefrom.
18. The pipe restoration system of claim 16 wherein the collector
body comprises at least one collector outlet for discharging the
air pressure therethrough.
19. The pipe restoration system of claim 16 wherein the particle
filter is a polyester filter.
20. The pipe restoration system of claim 16 wherein the collector
body defines a lower collector surface, the lower collector surface
having a particle removal assembly formed thereabout, the particle
removal assembly having a removable particle drawer used for
disposing the abrasives.
21. The pipe restoration system of claim 16 wherein the collector
body has a lower collector surface, the lower collector surface
having collector wheels attached adjacent thereto for facilitating
movement of the particle collector.
22. The pipe restoration system of claim 1 wherein the separator
has a separator body, the separator body including a separator
outlet in communication with the particle collector for discharging
the separated encrustation thereto.
23. The pipe restoration system of claim 22 wherein the separator
body defines a lower separator surface, the lower separator surface
having an abrasive removal assembly formed adjacent thereto, the
abrasive removal assembly having a removable abrasive drawer used
for disposing the abrasives.
24. The pipe restoration system of claim 22 wherein the separator
body has a lower separator surface, the lower separator surface
having separator wheels attached adjacent thereto for facilitating
movement of the separator.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/406,017 entitled "PORTABLE PIPE RESTORATION
SYSTEM" filed Aug. 26, 2002, the entirety of the disclosure of
which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates generally to pipe restoration
systems, and more particularly to an improved, portable pipe
restoration system featuring a unique combination of portable
devices which collectively operate to effectively remove and
contain low water pressure causing encrusted layers disposed within
various piping of the plumbing system.
[0004] It is inevitable that most residential and commercial
buildings suffer from encrusted plumbing systems as they age.
Plumbing systems within these buildings are typically laid out in a
manner as to provide water to certain designated areas such as
kitchens, bathrooms, garages, yards, and the like. Water is usually
drawn into the residential/commercial buildings by a single piping
and exits the same by a different single piping after use.
[0005] However, due to the fundamental material characteristics of
the piping forming the conventional plumbing system, encrustation
of the piping appears to be unavoidable over time. More
specifically, these piping are typically constructed from either
copper or galvanized steel, and form relatively small diameter
conduits for channeling water through different areas of the
building. Repeated exposures to water over long durations of time
within these copper or galvanized steel piping can lead to
undesired consequences such as calcium buildups resulting from
gradual accumulation of encrustation layers therein.
[0006] Encrusted piping typically lower the quality of water and
its use which can become very frustrating to building and home
owners, property managers, tenants and the like. For instance, the
layers of encrustation within the piping may become so thick that
the water supply is barely flowing. In addition to the lower water
pressure, encrusted piping may cause the water to smell. They may
even lead to freeze-outs or scalds when a toilet is flushed or
faucet is turned on. These problems associated with encrustation of
the piping system progressively get worse if they remain
neglected.
[0007] One effective long-term remedy for encrusted piping is to
repipe the whole piping system. However, such procedure is very
expensive to perform as it requires new piping materials and
extensive labor time. Further to the expense, repiping procedure
usually leads to nuisance of dirt, noise and several weeks of being
deprived of water. As such, although repiping may generally resolve
encrustation problems, the expense and inconvenience associated
with such procedure greatly detract from its overall utility.
[0008] As an alternative to the often frustrating repiping
procedure, some companies in the piping industry have developed and
used a procedure where the existing in-placed pipes are essentially
restored to their original working conditions. Generally, the
existing piping system is inspected for integrity and repairs are
made where there are excessively worn joints and fittings. The
piping system is then drained of any sitting water and dried with
heated compressed air to remove all moisture. Thereafter, the air
medium is once again used to shoot abrasives through the piping
system to remove layers of encrustation accumulated therein.
[0009] Perhaps the greatest deficiency of such in-place pipe
restoration procedures is their inability to remove the layers of
encrustation in a time efficient manner. A conventional restoration
system is typically connected to an open end of a sizably elongated
piping in order to shoot out abrasives through that end via
continuous discharges of air pressure. However, due to the sizable
elongation of such piping, the discharged air pressures may weaken
toward the opposite end of the piping.
[0010] As such, the existing in-place pipe restoration procedures
may not be so effective in removing the encrustation layers that
are accumulated toward the opposite end of the piping. The known
remedy for this inadequacy is to prolong the operation time in
hopes that the continuous flow of abrasives would remove
substantial portions of the encrustation toward the opposite end of
the piping. However, even with the unusually long operational time
which would obviously prolong the overall pipe restoration process,
the successful removal of the encrustation layers does not appear
to be guaranteed as the air pressure tends to weaken toward the
piping's opposite end.
[0011] In view of the above-described shortcomings of conventional
pipe restoration systems and procedures, there exists a need in the
art for an in-place pipe restoration system that can effectively
remove layers of encrustation from an entirety of the piping system
so as to restore it into its original working conditions. More
specifically, there exists a need for an in-place pipe restoration
system which can accomplish the overall pipe restoration process in
a time-efficient manner so that any nuisance or inconvenience to
the living tenants is greatly mitigated.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates
the above-referenced deficiencies associated with the use of
conventional pipe restoration systems and procedures. More
particularly, the present invention is an improved, portable pipe
restoration system that is applied upon a plumbing pipe system
which is first divided into a plurality of manageable segments. The
present pipe restoration system features a unique collection of
portable devices which are designed to operate together for the
purpose of effectively removing and containing low water causing
encrusted layers accumulated within various piping. It is expressly
contemplated herein that the use of the present pipe restoration
system is not merely limited to plumbing systems. Its application
may extend to other similar pipe utilizing settings such as air
conditioning drain pipes for example.
[0013] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided an in-place pipe restoration system
which is configured to quickly, efficiently and effectively
eliminate substantial portions of low water pressure causing
encrustation deposits from a plumbing pipe system. For the purposes
of this patent, the term encrustation will be understood hereon out
as any substance that slows down water flow within the piping. In
this regard, encrustation will be associated with various
substances that negatively affect the water flow within the
piping.
[0014] The pipe restoration system of the present invention first
features a main header which is connected with an outside pressure
source and the present system's pressure generator. The main header
primarily serves as a conduit between the outside pressure source
and the pressure generator such that the requisite air pressure
generated from the outside pressure source is supplied to the
pressure generator. To achieve this objective, the main header
includes a header tank which has at least one header inlet, of
which one of the header inlets is placed in communication with the
outside pressure source. The remaining header inlet or inlets (if
provided) may be used to connect with additional pressure sources
should a need to increase the air pressure exist. The header tank
is preferably formed of metal.
[0015] Extending from the sides of the tank body are a plurality of
header outlets. One of these header outlets is connected to a
pressure generator which is hooked up to one of several open pipe
inlets of the segmented piping. By doing so, the main header is
able to provide the air pressure necessary to discharge the
abrasives from the pressure generator into the connected pipe
inlet. Simultaneously, the other header outlets are selectively
utilized to connect and discharge only the air pressure through the
remaining open pipe inlets of the segmented piping so that none of
the abrasives shot out from the pressure generator becomes lodged
or stuck in any sections of the segmented piping.
[0016] A header tank enclosure may be provided to enclose the
header tank therewithin. Such enclosure can be fabricated from any
sturdy material but metal is preferred. The header tank enclosure
defines multiple openings which allow all of the header inlets and
outlets to be extended therethrough. Moreover, main header wheels
may be attached adjacent to the tank enclosure's bottom surface to
provide mobility to the main header, thus making it portable.
Additionally, a main header support can be formed at the bottom
surface of the tank enclosure laterally across from the main header
wheels so that it may be used to support the main header when
standing in an upright position.
[0017] As briefly mentioned above, the pipe restoration system of
the present invention also includes a pressure generator which is
used for discharging the stored abrasives through the connected
open pipe inlet of the segmented piping. The pressure generator
comprises a generator body which is preferably made out of metal
and forms an internal generator compartment therewithin. A pressure
discharger assembly is disposed within the internal generator
compartment. The pressure discharger assembly has an abrasive
loading hopper which can be selectively accessed by an
openable/closeable upper lid member formed at the top of the
generator body. In this regard, by opening the upper lid member, a
system operator may manually load the abrasives into the abrasive
loading hopper. The abrasives are then fed and stored into an
abrasive storage container which is located immediately underneath
the lower end of the abrasive loading hopper.
[0018] An abrasive mixing valve is disposed immediately underneath
the lower end of the abrasive storage container. Such mixing valve
is used to receive and then discharge the abrasives through its
discharge end. The abrasive mixing valve is connected to one of the
header outlets of the main header at an end substantially opposite
from its discharge end which results in the acquisition of air
pressure needed to shoot out the abrasives therefrom. Due to such
configuration, and further due to the additional air pressure
supplied through the other pipe inlets by the remaining header
outlets, abrasives may be effectively passed through the segmented
piping without becoming stuck or lodged so as to effectively abrade
and remove any accumulated layers of encrustation disposed
therein.
[0019] The pressure generator may become mobile, and hence
portable, via attachment of pressure generator wheels thereto.
Preferably, the pressure generator wheels are attached adjacent to
the lower surface of the generator body. In this regard, the
movement of the pressure generator between various locations can be
greatly facilitated by its use of the pressure generator
wheels.
[0020] In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, there is further provided a separator which is adapted
to connect with a pipe outlet formed by merging of the various
separated sections of the piping. The separator becomes connected
to the pipe outlet through at least one separator inlet formed on
its separator body. Such connection ensures the reception of the
used abrasives and the encrusted particles which are removed
thereby.
[0021] Subsequent to receiving the used abrasives and removed
encrusted particles, the separator is utilized for separating the
abrasives from the removed particles. Due to the negatively
pressurized atmosphere generated within the separator body which in
turn creates a very low velocity, the heavier abrasives drop to the
bottom of the separator body while the lighter encrusted particles
travel to the system's particle collector. The separator discharges
the removed encrusted particles to the particle collector through
its outlet.
[0022] An abrasive removal assembly is formed close to the
separator body's lower surface. Such assembly is primarily used for
retaining the abrasives after they are separated from the encrusted
particles and fall to the bottom of the separator body. A removable
abrasive drawer is included in such assembly so that the used
abrasives can be easily and conveniently thrown away after
operation. Separator wheels may be attached at the separator body's
lower surface laterally across from the removable abrasive drawer
to provide mobility, and thus portability, to the separator.
[0023] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a
particle collector is provided for receiving and retaining the
removed encrusted particles from the separator. The particle
collector has a collector body which is preferably fabricated from
metal and forms an inside collector compartment. A collector inlet
which is used for receiving the encrusted particles from the
separator outlet is defined on the collector body. Disposed within
the inside collector compartment is a particle filter. This
particle filter is preferably made out of polyester and is
essentially utilized for filtering the removed encrusted
particles.
[0024] A particle removal assembly is formed adjacent to the
collector body's lower surface. This assembly is used for retaining
the encrusted particles after being subjected to filtration. The
particle removal assembly includes a removable particle drawer
which allows convenient disposal of the collected particles.
Particle collector wheels may be attached adjacent to the collector
body's lower surface for facilitating movement of the particle
collector.
[0025] In operation, several preparatory procedures need to be
conducted before undergoing the encrustation removal process.
First, the piping system, whether it's plumbing or other types of
system (e.g., air conditioning drain pipes), is mapped. The piping
system is then divided into manageable segments, of which each
segment results in the formation of multiple pipe inlets which
typically lead to a single pipe outlet. Thereafter, each segment is
drained of any sitting water and dried thoroughly using hot air
pressure.
[0026] After performing the above preparatory procedures, the
in-place pipe restoration system of the present invention can now
be applied upon the piping system. The system's pressure generator
is first connected to a particular segmented piping to be worked
on. Such connection may be established through flexible hosing.
Next, the separator can be connected to the pipe outlet also
through the use of flexible hosing. By connecting one of the header
outlets to the pressure generator while some or all of the
remaining ones connect to the other exposed pipe inlets of the
piping, the abrasives can be discharged from the discharge end of
the pressure generator through its connected pipe inlet. The
discharged abrasives would then work to remove the layers of
encrustation that are accumulated within the segmented piping.
[0027] The abrasives and the removed encrusted particles are then
received by the separator which is already connected to the pipe
outlet. The separator can now function to separate the used
abrasives from the removed encrusted particles within its body due
to the establishment of negatively pressurized and low velocity
atmosphere therein. The encrusted particles are thereafter
discharged to the particle collector which operates to filter the
particles through the use of its particle filter. The encrusted
particles are retained within the particle collector until they are
manually removed and disposed of by the system operator.
[0028] After undergoing the encrustation removal process, each of
the segmented piping are visually inspected at every connection
point to assure proper cleaning. The segments are then flushed to
ensure that the layers of encrustation are properly removed from
the piping. The piping system is further pressure checked for
leaks. Thereafter, epoxy coating material is injected into the
piping to repair any existing pinhole leaks. The water system and
water supply is reconnected back to the piping system. Moreover,
complete systems check, testing and evaluation should be carried
out to assure a leak-free system. The piping system is then flushed
with hot water for about two hours or so and evaluation of water
flow and quality is conducted thereafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] These as well as other features of the present invention
will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings
wherein:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a main header constructed in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and
illustrating its multiple header inlets which are designed for
connection to an outside pressure source (not shown);
[0031] FIG. 2 is a side view of the main header of FIG. 1 and
illustrating its header tank which is connected to the header
inlets of FIG. 1 through solid piping;
[0032] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the main header of FIG.
1 and illustrating its multiple header outlets sized and configured
to connect with the present invention's pressure generator (shown
in FIG. 4) and the pipe inlets of a segmented piping (not
shown);
[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pressure generator
constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention and illustrating its control panel which is used
for operation thereof;
[0034] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the pressure generator
of FIG. 4 and illustrating its pressure discharger assembly used
for discharging abrasives stored therein via the air pressure
supplied from the main header of FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 6 is a front view of the pressure generator of FIG. 4
and illustrating its air and discharge holes which are adapted to
accommodate their respective flexible hosing therethrough;
[0036] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a separator and a particle
collector constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention and illustrating an elongated, flexible
connection hosing placed therebetween;
[0037] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the separator of FIG. 7 and
illustrating its separator outlet used for discharging the removed
encrusted particles to the particle collector of FIG. 7; and
[0038] FIG. 9 is a cutaway view of the particle collector of FIG. 7
and illustrating its particle filter used for filtering the removed
encrusted particles received from the separator of FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for
purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present
invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIG. 1
perspectively illustrates a main header 10 of a portable pipe
restoration system 12 constructed in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. As indicated above, various
portable devices featured in the present pipe restoration system 12
are collectively and simultaneously applied upon an already
existing, in-place plumbing pipe system (not shown) which is first
divided into a plurality of manageable piping segments. In brief
summary, such application is established through shooting abrasives
into one of several exposed pipe inlets defined by a segmented
piping, while further discharging air pressure into the remaining
pipe inlets thereof. Thereafter, the used abrasives and removed
encrusted particles are processed and contained within the system
14 itself until they are manually disposed of by a system operator.
It is recognized herein that the present pipe restoration system 12
may be utilized upon other types of piping systems such as air
conditioning drain pipes.
[0040] Before describing the specific features of the present pipe
restoration system 12, it should be noted that the term
encrustation is referred to as any substance that is accumulated
within a piping and slows down water flow therewithin. As such, the
term encrustation should be construed broadly to apply to various
substances which negatively affect the flow of water within the
piping.
[0041] Referring more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 4, the pipe
restoration system 12 of the present invention first includes a
main header 10 which is connected with an outside pressure source
(not shown) and a pressure generator 14 (via flexible hosing). The
main header 10 essentially functions as a conduit-like device as it
operates to supply the pressure generator 14 with the air pressure
generated from the outside pressure source. To accomplish this
objective, the main header 10 defines a header tank 16 forming a
number of header inlets 18, of which one of those header inlets 18
is connected (via flexible hosing) with the outside pressure
source. The remaining header inlets 18 may be optionally used to
connect with additional pressure sources depending upon the
particular needs of the operator (i.e., further need to increase
pressure intensity within the header tank 16). However, under
normal operating conditions, the use of only one header inlet 18
should suffice for creating the desired regulated pressure within
the header tank 16. Preferably, the connection to the selected
header inlet or inlets 18 is achieved through cam lock.
[0042] The header tank 16 of the main header 10 defines a tank body
20. Although the tank body 20 may be constructed from any sturdy
material, it is preferably formed of metal. An exemplary tank body
20 would be fabricated from a 12 inch diameter pressure vessel and
has a capacity of 16 gallons. However, it is in no way limited to
those specifications. Furthermore, the header inlets 18 extend out
from the tank body 20 but maintain fluid communication with the
inside of the tank body 20. Such extensions may be formed through
solid piping 22 laid therebetween (shown in FIG. 2) or through
utilizing flexible header hoses 24 which connect to the solid
piping 26 extending from the tank body 20 (shown in FIG. 3). It is
irrespective which configuration is used as long the header inlets
18 and the tank body 20 remain fluidly connected to each other.
Moreover, it is preferable that the tank body 20 comprises a one
way check valve installed at the connection points of the header
inlets 18 to prevent any back flow of pressure.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3, the tank body 74 defines two
opposing tank sides 28. A plurality of header outlets 30 can extend
outwardly either from only one tank side 28 or from both of the
tank sides. The decision is an engineering choice which can be made
in view of the present system's application. From these multiple
header outlets 30, one header outlet 30 is selected to connect with
the pressure generator 14 to provide the necessary air pressure
thereto for discharging the abrasives into one of the connected
open pipe inlet. Preferably, such connection is made via flexible
hosing which is cam locked to the selected header outlet 30.
Moreover, further connections are formed (also preferably by
flexible hosing) between the unused header outlets 30 and the
corresponding number of pipe inlets of the segmented piping
remaining open. The purpose of such connections is to shoot air
pressure directly into the pipe inlets such that the risks of
abrasives becoming lodged or stuck in differing sections of the
segmented piping are greatly reduced. A pressure gauge is
preferably provided to allow discharge pressure reading during the
operation of the main header 10.
[0044] Preferably, the header outlets 30 are extended from only one
tank side 28 of the tank body 20. Placement of the header outlets
30 on one tank side 28 permits ease of operation. However,
additional header outlets 12 may be provided on the opposite tank
side 28 of the tank body 20 to increase the level of operation.
Further, the number of header outlets 30 may vary depending upon
the particular setting the pipe restoration system 12 is applied.
In smaller scale applications such as residential houses, condensed
one-story buildings and the like, only few header outlets 30 such
as three on one tank side 28 may be necessary to sufficiently carry
out their operation (best shown in FIG. 1). However, when being
applied in larger settings such as hotels, resorts, multiple
leveled buildings and the like, increase of header outlets 30 such
as to seven may be optimal (best shown in FIG. 7). Of course, it
should be appreciated that such descriptions of header outlets 30
should in no way be limiting as variations thereof are
foreseeable.
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a header tank enclosure 32 is
provided to enclose the header tank 16 therewithin. This enclosure
32 prevents the view of the header tank 16 and its manifold
assembly, as well as protecting the same from being inadvertently
damaged by outside environmental factors (e.g., thrown rocks,
sudden impacts, etc.). In this respect, the header tank enclosure
32 should be fabricated from a sturdy material. It is preferably
constructed from a metallic material such as gallium. The tank
enclosure 32 forms a plurality of header openings 34 thereabout to
respectively accommodate each of the header inlets and outlets 18,
30 therethrough. The control handles of the header inlets and
outlets 18, 30 should be located outside the header tank enclosure
32 for ease of their operation.
[0046] Referring more particularly to FIG. 2 now, main header
wheels 36 may be attached adjacent to the tank enclosure's bottom
header surface 38. A header dolly handle 40 may also be provided so
as to facilitate movement of the main header 10 between various
locations. Additionally, a main header support 42 may be provided
at the bottom header surface 38 laterally across from the main
header wheels 36 so that it may support the main header 10 when the
bottom header surface 38 is disposed towards the ground to stand in
an upright position.
[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 6, the pipe restoration system
12 of the present invention further includes a pressure generator
14. The pressure generator 14 essentially functions to discharge
abrasives that are stored therein. It defines a generator body 44
preferably constructed out of a metallic material such as gallium.
However, the generator body 44 may be fabricated from other types
of metals such as aluminum, for example, in order to reduce the
overall weight of the pressure generator 14.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 5 only, the generator body 44 forms an
internal generator compartment 46 therewithin. Disposed within the
internal generator compartment 46 is a pressure discharger assembly
48. The pressure discharger assembly 48 comprises an abrasive
loading hopper 50 which can be selectively accessed by an
openable/closeable upper lid member 52 hinged to the generator body
44. In particular, the upper lid member 52 can be opened relative
to the abrasive loading hopper's upper hopper end 54 so that the
abrasives can be manually loaded thereinto and closed thereafter to
prevent their escape during pot pressure sealing. The abrasive
loading hopper 50 includes spring loaded plunger for pot seal
during pressurized operation and abrasive loading plunger for
pressure pot loading. It is preferably made out of metal such as
gallium.
[0049] The pressure discharger assembly 48 also features an
abrasive storage container 56 which is disposed underneath the
abrasive loading hopper 50. More specifically, an upper container
end 58 of the abrasive storage container 56 is fluidly connected,
preferably by welding means, to a lower hopper end 60 of the
abrasive loading hopper 50. By forming such configuration, the
abrasives may then be fed and stored into the abrasive storage
container 56. Although the capacity of such container 56 may vary
depending on the amount of abrasives to be stored, it is believed
that one-third cubic foot of the pressure generator 14 is
sufficient to adequately conduct the overall operation.
[0050] An abrasive mixing valve 62 is placed beneath the abrasive
storage container 56. To be more descriptive, an upper valve end 64
of the abrasive mixing valve 62 is fluidly engaged, preferably by
welding, to the abrasive storage container's lower container end
66. Such manner of engagement allows the abrasive mixing valve 62
to receive the abrasives from the abrasive storage container 56.
Similar to the rest of the pressure discharger assembly 48, the
abrasive mixing valve 62 is also preferably fabricated from metal
such as gallium.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the abrasive mixing valve 62
is used to discharge the abrasives through the connected pipe inlet
of the segmented piping. To accomplish this objective, the abrasive
mixing valve 62 has a first side valve end 68 which is connected to
one of the header outlets 30 via an elongated flexible air hose 70,
for example. The flexible hose 70 is advanced through an air hole
72 formed on the generator body 44 to connect the first side valve
end 68 with one of the header outlets 30.
[0052] Utilizing the acquired air pressure from one of the header
outlets 30, the abrasive mixing valve 62 operates to discharge the
abrasives received from the abrasive storage container 56 through
its second side valve end 74. The second side valve end 74 is
generally located opposite from the first side valve end 68 (best
shown in FIG. 5). Likewise, the second side valve end 74 is
connected by an elongated flexible discharge hose 76 which extends
out of the generator body 44 through its discharge hole 78. The
discharge hose 76 is thereafter connected to one of the exposed
pipe inlets defined by the segmentation of the piping. This aspect
will be discussed shortly below.
[0053] FIG. 6 shows the pressure generator's control panel 80
defining various operational components such as a pressure gauge
82, pressure timer 84 and pressure adjuster 86. The discharge
pressure should be preset using the pressure gauge 82 and pressure
adjuster 86. The discharge pressure time relay may also be set to a
desired time via the pressure timer 84. Of course, the pressure
generator 14 will be connected to an electrical power source to
draw the necessary electrical power therefrom.
[0054] The pressure generator 14 may become a portable device by
attachment of pressure generator wheels 88 (e.g., heavy duty
wheels) thereto. The pressure generator wheels 88 should preferably
be attached adjacent to the generator body's lower surface 90.
Further, a generator dolly handle 92 may be attached adjacent to
the generator body's upper surface 94 to ease the movement of the
pressure generator wheels 88. As such, the movement of the pressure
generator 14 can be greatly facilitated by the collective use of
the pressure generator wheels 88 and the generator dolly handle
92.
[0055] FIG. 7 shows a separator 96 of the present pipe restoration
system 12. The separator 96 is designed to connect with a pipe
outlet which is typically formed by merging of the various
separated sections of the piping. More particularly, the separator
96 defines a separator body 98 having a separator inlet 100 formed
thereon. The separator inlet 100 is placed in communication with
the pipe outlet via a flexible hosing, for example. By establishing
such connection, the used abrasives and the encrusted particles
that are abraded and removed thereby flow into the separator inlet
100 due to the force of the air pressure being applied from the
pipe inlets. An additional separator inlet 100 may be provided
should a need to accommodate another pipe outlet arise. The
separator body 98 is preferably constructed from metal such as
gallium so that it can withstand the impact of the abrasives
injected and collected therein.
[0056] Referring now to FIG. 8, the separator 96 receives the used
abrasives and removed encrusted particles. The separator 96 is then
utilized to separate the abrasives from the removed particles. As
will be described below, through the utilization of an exhaust
blower (not shown), a negatively pressurized atmosphere is
maintained within the separator body 98 which in turn creates a
very low velocity therein. Due to such negative pressure and slow
velocity, the heavier abrasives are allowed to fall to the bottom
of the separator body 98 while the encrusted particles, which are
lighter in weight than the abrasive, travel to the present system's
particle collector 102. Put simply, the separator 96 operates to
substantially segregate the encrusted particles from the used
abrasives and discharges such particles to the particle collector
102 through its separator outlet 104.
[0057] An abrasive removal assembly 106 is disposed about the
separator body's lower separator surface 108. The abrasive removal
assembly 106 is provided in order to collect the used abrasives
after they fall and accumulate at the bottom of the separator body
98. The removal assembly 106 has a slidably removable abrasive
drawer 110 which can be used to provide convenient disposal of the
accumulated abrasives. Preferably, separator wheels 112 are
attached about the lower separator surface 108 laterally across
from the removable abrasive drawer 110 so as to provide the
separator 96 with easy mobility. Additionally, a separator dolly
handle 114 may be formed adjacent the upper separator surface 116
to better facilitate the separator's mobility.
[0058] As briefly noted above, an exhaust blower (not shown) may be
provided which essentially operates to maintain the inside of the
separator body 98 at negative pressure and slow velocity. Although
other types of exhaust blowers may be used, the exhaust blower
which is preferably incorporated along with the present invention
should consist of a 12 inch diameter blower impeller and a 11/2
H.P. 120 volt blower motor. The 11/2 H.P. motor has been chosen to
enable operation on 120 volt, 20 amp. in-house circuit.
[0059] An exhaust silencer (not shown) may be laid in communication
with the exhaust blower. The exhaust silencer is primarily used to
reduce the exhaust blower's noise level. The exhaust silencer
contains sound deadening materials for blower noise level
reduction. Of course, a control box (not shown) may be provided to
perform various functions such as establishing connection to an
electrical power source, operating the exhaust blower, or the
like.
[0060] Referring now to FIG. 9, a particle collector 102 is
provided for receiving and retaining the removed encrusted
particles from the separator 96. The particle collector 102 has a
collector body 118 which is preferably fabricated from metal and
forms an inside collector compartment 124. A collector inlet 120
which is used for receiving the encrusted particles from the
separator outlet 104 is formed on the side collector surface 122 of
the collector body 118. Such connection is established through the
use of an elongated, flexible hose 126 which places the separator
outlet 104 and the collector inlet 120 in communication with each
other (best shown in FIG. 7).
[0061] Disposed within the inside collector compartment 124 is a
particle filter 128. This particle filter 128 is preferably made
out of polyester and is essentially utilized for filtering the
removed encrusted particles. Constant cleaning of this filter 128
is unnecessary due to the large filter surface area. However, the
particle filter 128 may be cleaned from time to time through the
use of an outside air pressure source. Furthermore, the particle
filter 128 may be removably installed within the inside collector
compartment 124 so that it may be conveniently taken out for
replacement or cleaning. The filter 128 is selectively accessible
via an openable/closeable separator door defined on the separator
body 98 (not shown).
[0062] A particle removal assembly 132 is disposed about the
collector body's lower collector surface 134. Similar to the
abrasive removal assembly 106, this assembly 132 is provided in
order to collect the removed encrusted particles before and/or
after undergoing the filtration process. The particle removal
assembly 132 has a slidably removable particle drawer 136 which can
be used to provide convenient disposal of the removed encrusted
particles. Collector wheels 138 may be attached adjacent to the
lower collector surface 134 so as to provide the particle collector
102 with easy mobility.
[0063] The following paragraphs will generally describe the overall
pipe cleaning process which incorporates the use of the present
pipe restoration system 12. More particularly, several preparatory
procedures need to be conducted before undergoing the encrustation
removal process. First, the piping system, whether it's plumbing or
other types of system (e.g., air conditioning drain pipes), is
mapped. The piping system is then divided into manageable segments,
of which each segmented piping typically results in the formation
of multiple pipe inlets which generally lead to a pipe outlet.
Thereafter, each segment is drained of any sitting water and dried
thoroughly using hot air pressure.
[0064] After the preparatory procedures are completed, the present
pipe restoration system 12 is then applied to the piping system.
The pipe restoration system 12 is set up with respect to the piping
system by first connecting the pressure generator 14 to one of the
pipe inlets of the segmented piping to be worked on (via a flexible
hosing, for example). Shortly thereafter, the separator 96 is
connected to the pipe outlet also through the use of flexible
hosing. Then, the main header 10 is placed in communication with
the pressure generator 14 by connecting one of its header outlets
30 thereto, while simultaneously connecting some or all of the
remaining header outlets 30 directly to the exposed open pipe
inlets of the subject segmented piping. By operating in the manner
described above, the abrasives are discharged by the pressure
generator 14 to its connected pipe inlet 12 as the main header 10
further works to discharge air pressure into the remaining ones of
the pipe inlets so that the abrasives do not become dislodged or
stuck within the subject segmented piping.
[0065] The abrasives and the abraded encrusted particles are then
received by the separator 96 which is already connected to the pipe
outlet. Utilizing the negatively pressurized and low velocity
atmosphere, the separator 96 operates to segregate the used
abrasives from the removed encrusted particles. The particles are
then discharged to the particle collector 102 whereat such
collector 102 filters the encrusted particles from the flow of air
that they are disposed in. The encrusted particles are retained
within the particle collector 102 while the air flow exits
thereoutof.
[0066] After undergoing the encrustation removal process, the
piping system is visually inspected at every connection point to
assure proper cleaning. The segments are then flushed to ensure
that the encrustation are properly removed from the piping system.
The piping system is further pressure checked for leaks.
Thereafter, epoxy coating material is injected into the piping
system to repair any existing pinhole leaks. The water system and
water supply is reconnected back to the piping system. Moreover,
complete systems check, testing and evaluation should be carried
out to assure a leak-free system. The piping system is then flushed
with hot water for about two hours or so and evaluation of water
flow and quality is conducted thereafter.
[0067] Additional modifications and improvements of the present
invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art. Thus, the particular combination of parts described and
illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain
embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to serve
as limitations of alternative devices within the spirit and scope
of the invention.
* * * * *