In Situ Pipe Repair Controller and System

Abstract

A control apparatus used in conjunction with tools and devices such as electrical power supplies, fluid pumps and vacuums for in situ repair of pipes. A method for controlling in situ repair of pipe using electrical power sources, fluid and pressure sources and flexible heat and inflation bladder installing thermal responsive repair materials and applying the repair material to the interior wall surface. The apparatus controls the inflation of the repair tool inserted into a pipe and the amount and rate of fluid pressure and maintenance of a selected pressure. The apparatus may also control the evacuation of the fluid from the bladder of the repair tool. The device controls the heating of the tool used in the installation of the repair material. The invention also teaches a method for controlled inflation and expansion of the bladder carrying the repair material to the area of the pipe to be repaired and heating the material at a rate and to a temperature to facilitate optimum curing or installation of the thermally responsive repair material. The invention also teaches the detachment of the repair material and removal of the repair tool. The method further includes the procedures necessary to complete the installation of these materials.

1 . A method for controlling installation of in situ pipe repair material comprising:
 a. positioning a pipe repair material into a pipe;   b. using a fluid controlling component to increase fluid pressure to press the repair material to the pipe wall;   c. using an electrical power controlling component to energize components for resistively heating the repair material;   d. using the electrical power controlling component to stop resistive heating; and   e. using the fluid controlling component to reduce fluid pressure.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising removing a repair device from the pipe. 
     
     
         3 . An in situ pipe repair system comprising a pipe repair device and a controller further comprising a fluid controlling component. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3  further comprising a CPU. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 3  further comprising a fluid pump. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 3  wherein the fluid pump is an air compressor. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 3  further comprising a transformer.