DEVELOPMENT OF A TECHNOLOGY FOR LOCAL IN-PIPE REPAIR OF HARD-TOREACH SECTIONS OF PIPELINE NETWORKS

Abstract

Most of Ukraine's multi-purpose pipeline networks (gas, heat, water, sewage) are in critical condition due to ageing, wear, corrosion, mechanical damage, etc. These factors cause a constant increase in the number of accidents, which have numerous negative consequences. In order to reverse this trend, it is necessary to carry out large-scale repairs using trenchless technologies. Based on the analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the existing trench and trenchless technologies for the renovation and repair of pipeline networks, it is proven that today, in the conditions of limited budgets of operators, the application of technologies for the local in-pipe repair of pipeline networks, especially in hard-to-reach places, is relevant. Despite the variety of technologies for such repairs, there is a need for their further development and improvement in the conditions of increasing complexity of pipeline networks. The "Pulling pigB" technology has been developed to carry out in-pipe repairs of pipeline networks, which consists in delivering the repair system through the pipeline to a local defect in the pipe wall in a hard-to-reach place, in particular behind an elbow, a T-piece, and installing a repair bandage there. It is proposed to use a pig made of silicone compound and to press a repair bandage impregnated with a special resin onto the inner wall of the pipeline in the place of a local defect by supplying air to the elastic shell onto which it is pressed. Special attention was paid to the experimental part of the study, which confirmed the feasibility of the developed technology and the manufacturability of all operations. The proposed technology has a potential for application in various industries where it is necessary to ensure the reliability and durability of pipeline networks, in particular in gas, thermal power, water supply, etc.