Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A method of inspecting district heating pipes consists in introducing into the pipe a vehicle including an uninflated balloon and a pulley in which a cable is inserted. The vehicle is immobilized in the pipe by inflating the balloon. A sensor is moved in the pipe by fixing it to one end of the cable and pulling on the other end of the cable to move the sensor toward the immobilized vehicle in order to inspect the pipe. The vehicle includes a parachute and is propelled in the pipe by introducing into the pipe a fluid under pressure that acts on the parachute. The balloon is deflated when the sensor reaches the vehicle immobilized in the pipe. The vehicle and the sensor are withdrawn from the pipe by pulling on the end of the cable so that the inspection is carried out during the return travel of the vehicle and the sensor. With this method, the inspection can be carried out with access from only one end of the pipe.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim