Temporary Environmentally Controlled Enclosure For Pipeline Repair

Abstract

This invention relates to a climate controlled, air supportable, temporary elongated enclosure constructed around a predetermined section of transmission pipeline having at least one anomaly that needs to be inspected, repaired, or both. The enclosure allows workers to inspect and repair an anomaly in the pipeline without regard to normal weather conditions.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . In accordance with the present invention there is provided: a flexible, air supportable, elongated enclosure, constructed 360 degrees about an excavated, targeted section of pipeline to be inspected, repaired, or both, and which targeted section of pipeline has a starting point and an ending point wherein the distance between the starting point and the ending point defines the length of said targeted section, wherein at both the starting point and the ending point said elongated enclosure is sealingly, but removably, secured to the said targeted section of pipeline, thereby resulting in an elongated enclosure containing an environmentally protected interior space that is sealed to the outside environment and containing the entire targeted section of pipeline, wherein the environmentally protected interior space within said tubular enclosure is of sufficient size capable of allowing the required number of work-crew members to perform the necessary work needed to inspect and repair said targeted section of pipeline, wherein there is also provided: i) at least one transparent panel to allow natural light to enter said interior space and to observe work being done inside of said enclosure; ii) a climate control system capable of providing a flow of air into said interior space, which air has been controlled with respect to relative humidity, temperature, and flow rate; iii) at least two conduits to conduct said climate controlled air from said climate controlled system into said enclosure; and iv) at least one door providing ingress and egress to and from said interior space. 
     
     
         2 . The elongated enclosure of  claim 1  wherein the material of which the enclosure if constructed is: a) cloth-like; b) substantially waterproof; c) flexible enough to allow the enclosure to take its intended shape with use of forced air; d) strong enough to withstand the activities of workers preforming the needed work to inspect and repair the targeted section of pipeline; e) easily removable fastened together by use of a suitable fastening means. 
     
     
         3 . The enclosure of  claim 2  wherein the material is a woven polyester material, coated with nylon or a polyvinyl chloride material for waterproofing. 
     
     
         4 . The enclosure of  claim 2  wherein the fastening means is a hoop and loop system. 
     
     
         5 . The enclosure of  claim 2  wherein the fastening means is a zipper. 
     
     
         6 . The enclosure of  claim 2  wherein the fastening means is a combination of a hoop and loop system and a zipper system. 
     
     
         7 . The enclosure of  claim 1  which is comprised of plurality of rectangular panels of materials defined in  claim 1 . 
     
     
         8 . The enclosure of  claim 1  wherein the enclosure is comprised of 4 main sections, a floor, a roof, and 2 sides each of which is constructed from a plurality of panels as defined in  claim 7  hereof.