Computerised feed grouting system for multiple inlet sleeve pipes

Abstract

A system for feeding consolidating mixture for multiple inlet sleeve pipes used for the consolidation grouting of loose ground comprising a computerised distributor valve having an inlet connection connected to a grout pumping system and a plurality of outlet connections capable of delivering cementitious grout to each of the individual inlet pipes of the multiple inlet sleeve pipe connected hydraulically thereto. Each outlet connection has a servo-valve, a pressure measuring device and a flow measuring device connected to a process controller capable of carrying out any desired feed sequence to each individual pipe present in the sleeve pipe, monitoring the pressure and volume of mixture injected.

1 . A system for feeding consolidating  1  mixture for multiple inlet sleeve pipes suitable for the consolidation of loose ground of the type comprising at least one inlet conduit connected to the grout pumping system and a plurality of outlet conduits each of which can be connected to the corresponding inlet conduit of the said sleeve pipe, wherein it comprises:
 a main delivery body, preferably comprising a conduit which extends linearly having at least one inlet connection connected to the existing grout pumping station and a plurality of outlet connections intended to feed the corresponding inlets present in the multiple feed sleeve pipe; 
 each outlet connection has an opening/closing servo-valve comprising integrated operating means which can be controlled remotely; 
 each outlet connection has a flow transducer capable of generating electrical signals proportional to the flow of grout passing through, the measuring device being mounted either upstream or downstream of the servo-valve; 
 each outlet connection has a pressure transducer capable of generating electrical signals proportional to the pressure of the injected grout measured downstream from the servo-valve; 
 a programmable controller provided with sufficient memory and a sufficient number of electrical input and output signals; 
 connection means, preferably but not necessarily of the electrical type, between the controller and the servo-valves, and flow and pressure measuring devices; 
 an operating software program downloaded or downloadable into the controller to allow any sequence of opening the servo-valves during the grouting stage to be performed; 
 
       the controller being capable of implementing any opening/closing sequence of the servo-valves on the basis of instructions included in the operating program, keeping the pressure and flow values of the grout through each outlet connection controlled and/or recorded respectively. 
     
     
         2 . A system for feeding consolidating mixture according to  claim 1 , wherein the controller operates a sequence for simultaneous feeding all the secondary pipes present in the sleeve pipe connected thereto bringing about simultaneous opening of all the corresponding servo-valves, monitoring pressure and flow respectively for each of these in real time and bringing about the closure of each individual servo-valve when a predetermined delivered pressure and/or flow limit is reached. 
     
     
         3 . A system for feeding consolidating mixture according to  claim 1 , wherein the main delivery body has incorporated mixing means to mix the grout within the main delivery body. 
     
     
         4 . A system for feeding consolidating mixture according to  claim 3 , wherein the said mixing means for mixing the grout within the main delivery body substantially comprises a spiral rotor which extends almost the entire length of the body which is caused to rotate at a suitable rotation speed by suitable incorporated drive means. 
     
     
         5 . A system for feeding consolidating mixture according to  claim 4 , wherein the drive means for the incorporated mixer means comprises an electric motor with or without a mechanical gearbox. 
     
     
         6 . A system for feeding consolidating mixture according to  claim 1 , wherein the distributor body has at least one manually openable outlet so that the interior of the distributor body can be inspected and cleaned. 
     
     
         7 . A system for feeding consolidating mixture according to  claim 1 , wherein incorporated means are present for washing the system located within the main delivery body and preferably comprising nozzles located within the cylindrical cavity present in the distributor body which inject highly pressurised water provided by a suitable external pumping system. 
     
     
         8 . A system for feeding consolidating mixture according to  claim 1 , wherein the mixing system may also have different geometrical forms such as tubular, cylindrical, spherical or hemispherical. 
     
     
         9 . A system for feeding consolidating mixture according to  claim 1 , wherein each outlet connection may have a further servo-valve which allows water to be injected from the attached pumping system and incorporated in each individual pipe to allow them to be washed individually. 
     
     
         10 . A system for feeding consolidating mixture for multiple inlet sleeve pipes suitable for the consolidation of loose ground of the type comprising at least one inlet conduit connected to a grout pumping system and a plurality of outlet conduits each of which can be connected to the corresponding inlet conduit of the sleeve pipe, wherein it comprises:
 a main body having at least one inlet connection capable of being connected to a grout pumping station and a plurality of outlet connections intended to feed corresponding inlets present in the multiple feed sleeve pipe;   each outlet connection has a servo-valve whose closing/opening can be operated from a remote position;   each outlet connection has a flow transducer mounted upstream or downstream from the servo-valve capable of generating electrical signals proportional to the flow of grout passing through it;   each outlet connection has a pressure transducer capable of generating electrical signals proportional to the pressure of the grout injected measured downstream of the servo-valve;   a programmable controller or processor capable of receiving input signals from the flow and pressure measuring devices and capable of controlling selective operation of the servo-valves, the controller being programmed to perform a sequence of opening/closing of the servo-valves while keeping the pressure and flow values for the grout passing through each outlet connection controlled and/or recorded respectively.   
     
     
         11 . A process for feeding consolidating mixture to multiple inlet sleeve pipes suitable for consolidating loose ground through a feed system according to  claim 1 , comprising the stages of keeping the pressure and flow values of the grout passing through each outlet connection controlled and/or recorded respectively and controlling selective operation of the servo-valves in an open/closing sequence. 
     
     
         12 . A process according to  claim 11 , in which closure of each individual servo-valve is brought about when a predetermined delivered pressure and/or flow limit is reached. 
     
     
         13 . A process according to  claim 11 , in which the opening/closing sequence of the servo-valves comprises a sequence of simultaneous feeding to all the secondary pipes present in the sleeve pipe connected thereto, controlling simultaneous opening of all the corresponding servo-valves monitoring flow and pressure respectively for each of these in real time and closing each individual servo-valve when a predetermined delivered pressure and/or flow limit is reached.