Self-powered pipeline vehicle for carrying out an operation on a pipeline and method

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 6031371
SERIAL NO

08952115

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

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Abstract

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An in-pipe vehicle for carrying out at least one operation in a pipeline. The vehicle includes a train of modules interlinked by suspension units to allow serpentine movement through pipe bends. The vehicle train has its own internal power supply and drive mechanism in the modules. A detector module determines the presence of a service junction using magnetic field information. A manipulative module allows the vehicle to be temporarily wedged in the pipeline while providing rotational movement to facilitate the desired operation at the junction. This may include drilling and welding of a service pipe to the main using appropriate modules. A remote probe typically containing a magnetic field generator can be used to assist in service junction location by the vehicle.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
TRANSCO PLC1-3 STRAND LONDON WC2N 5EH

International Classification(s)

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Smart, Andrew Loughborough, GB 10 500

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