Methods and systems for pulling pipe

Abstract

The invention pertains to pipe pulling systems and methods for sequentially adjoining pipes enabling one or more operators to efficiently attach the receiving and adjoining pipe ends together. As part of the pulling system, a pipe pulling apparatus is secured and can easily pull one or more sequential cascading pipes into position for attachment or adjoining from a common location. The pulling apparatus can alternatively be moved to the distal end of the previously adjoined pipe making it the new receiving pipe. Progressively cascading extended pipe systems and clusters with lateral sections and risers are built in short periods of time as compared with typical manual methods of pipe assembly and construction. A variable length pulling member of the pulling system adjoins pipes, fittings, or pipes with fittings located at remote distances with directional turns, typically orthogonal, into their adjoining or attachment position using pulleys with securing members and mechanisms.

That which is claimed: 
     
         1 . A pipe pulling system comprising:
 (a) a pipe securing mechanism for attachment to a first receiver pipe wherein the pipe securing mechanism is constructed with a pipe mount frame member shaped to secure the mounting of a range of pipe diameters with at least two pipe gripper pads located in pairs of opposing positions to contact the receiver pipe;
 and wherein the pipe securing mechanism is further comprised of a fixed termination; 
 and an elongated securing member; 
 and a variable securing element for securing the pipe pulling apparatus to a receiver pipe ranging in diameter from 0.05 meters to 0.3 meters in diameter; 
   (b) a pull control unit for operating and controlling the pipe pulling system by as few operators as a single operator to efficiently adjoin pipes in a piping system;   (c) a pipe pulling apparatus comprised of the pipe securing mechanism;
 and wherein a pulling member applies a pulling force on an adjoining pipe at the distal end to pull the adjoining pipe into an attachment position of the receiving section of the receiver pipe; 
   (d) the pulling member providing a pulling force and velocity for pulling an adjoining pipe into the receiving section of a receiving pipe;
 and wherein the receiving and adjoining with pipes are in sections comprised of few as two adjoined pipes and at least one interconnecting fitting; 
 and wherein sections are progressively adjoined within a piping system comprising up to approximately 100 pipe sections; 
   (e) at least one handle for lifting and removing the pipe pulling apparatus to attach the pipe pulling apparatus in an alternate position;   
     
     
         2 . The pipe pulling system of  claim 1 , the pipe securing mechanism securing element is selected from the group consisting of chains, straps, ropes, Velcro®, brackets, magnets, electromagnets, clamps, and belts; 
     
     
         3 . The pipe pulling system of  claim 1 , wherein the pipe securing mechanism securing element embodies a chain secured on one end with a chain link hook and a tightening mechanism on the distal end of the securing element; 
     
     
         4 . The pipe pulling system of  claim 1 , the fixed termination of the pipe securing mechanism securing element is selected from the group consisting of a hook, eye-hook, bolt, clamp, and weld; 
     
     
         5 . The pipe pulling system of  claim 1 , the variable termination of the pipe securing mechanism securing element is selected from the group consisting of a winding mechanism, reel, winder, locking lever or latch, hook, loop, tie-down, and turnbuckle; 
     
     
         6 . The pipe pulling system of  claim 1 , wherein the control unit is one of a hard wired wire, hard wired cable, or wireless connection; 
     
     
         7 . The control unit of  claim 6 , wherein the control capability is selected as one of local, less than 1 meter from the pipe securing mechanism, or remote control, as long as 10 meters form the pipe securing mechanism, for pipe pulling operations. 
     
     
         8 . The pipe pulling system of  claim 1 , wherein the pulling member is one of a metal cable, rope, chain, or belt. 
     
     
         9 . The pulling member of  claim 8  is further comprised of a pulling attachment selected from the group consisting of a hook, strap, belt, bracket, bolt, clamp, Velcro®, and tape. 
     
     
         10 . The pipe pulling system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one handle is selected as one of a handle located on top and aligned above the center of mass of the pipe pulling apparatus or two handles located on opposing sides of the pipe pulling apparatus aligned with the center of mass of the pipe pulling apparatus. 
     
     
         11 . The pipe pulling system of  claim 1 , wherein the receiving pipe and adjoining pipe are adjoined with a fitting. 
     
     
         12 . The pipe pulling system of  claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the adjoining pipe is further comprised of an attached fitting. 
     
     
         13 . The pipe pulling system of  claim 1 , wherein one or more angular riggings are used to pull and adjoin pipe sections at nonaligned angles, preferably about 90 degree angles. 
     
     
         14 . The pipe pulling method for attaching pipes in sections comprising;
 (a) Placing a pipe pulling apparatus to the receiving end of a receiving pipe;   (b) Attaching the pipe pulling apparatus to the receiving end of receiving pipe at a pulling position;   (c) Attaching a pulling member end from the pulling apparatus to the distal end of the next adjoining pipe in the piping system;   (d) Actuating the pulling apparatus by the pull control unit to pull the adjoining pipe toward a receiving pipe for adjoinment at an adjoinment section further comprising an interconnecting fitting consisting of a collar, a tee, and an elbow;   (e) Adjoining an adjoining pipe to a receiving pipe with the interconnecting fitting;   (f) Disengaging the pulling member;   (g) Continuing steps (a) through (f) until the pipe system is completed.   
     
     
         15 . The pipe pulling method for attaching pipes progressively from a common pulling position in pipe systems and clusters comprising;
 a. Placing a pipe pulling apparatus at the receiving end of a primary receiving pipe at a common pulling location;   b. Attaching the pipe pulling apparatus to the receiving end of the primary receiving pipe at the common pulling location;   c. Attaching a pulling member end from the pulling apparatus to the next adjoining pipe in the piping system;   d. Actuating the pulling apparatus by the pull control unit to pull the adjoining pipe toward a progressive receiving pipe for adjoinment at an adjoinment section further comprising an interconnecting fitting;   e. Adjoining an adjoining pipe to a receiving pipe at an adjoinment section further comprising an interconnecting fitting;   f. Disengaging the pulling member;   g. Continuing steps (c) through (f) until the pipe system is progressively completed from a common pulling location.