Pipeline insertion system

摘要

A pipeline insertion system may include an insertion device outside a tunnel that includes an insertion device frame and a movable clamp device in slidable engagement with the insertion device frame. A drive may cause the movable clamp device engaged with a pipeline to move between a first position and a second position along the frame. Inside the tunnel, the system may also include a plurality of support frames remote from the insertion device and remote from each other which support the pipeline on bearings as the pipeline is pushed (or pulled) by the insertion device through the bores of a plurality of housing segments mounted in the tunnel. A controller is operative to control the drive and the movable clamp device responsive to transducers which measure pipeline slippage, thrust force, and clamping pressure.

主权项

1. At least one non-transitory computer readable media comprising executable instructions operative to cause at least one controller in operative connection with a pipeline insertion device to carry out a method comprising:
a) through operation of the at least one controller, causing a movable clamp device included in the pipeline insertion device to clamp at least one portion of a pipeline, wherein the pipeline is at least one kilometer in length, wherein the pipeline insertion device includes an insertion device frame, the movable clamp device in slidable engagement with the insertion device frame, and at least one drive, wherein the movable clamp device is operative to move between a first position and a second position along the insertion device frame, wherein the movable clamp device is operatively configured to change between a first state and a second state, wherein in the first state the movable clamp device is operative to clamp the at least one portion of the pipeline and prevent relative movement between the movable clamp device and the pipeline, wherein in the second state the movable clamp device is operative to release the at least one portion of the pipeline and permit relative movement between the movable clamp device and the pipeline; and b) through operation of the at least one controller causing the at least one drive to move the movable clamp device from the first position to the second position in a first direction along the frame, which causes portions of the pipeline to move on a plurality of spaced apart support frames positioned in at least one of; in a tunnel; over land; or a combination thereof, wherein each support frame includes at least one roller operative to contact the pipeline as the pipeline moves relative to each support frame, wherein the support frames are positioned in spaced apart relation spanning a distance of at least one kilometer, wherein the support frames are aligned to receive the moving pipeline extending in a substantially straight line for at least one kilometer; c) through operation of the at least one controller, causing the movable clamp device to release the at least one portion of the pipeline; and d) through operation of the at least one controller, causing the at least one drive to move the movable clamp device from the second position to the first position in a second direction that is opposite the first direction without moving the pipeline relative to the support frames.