DE4105625A1 - Inflatable seal for use e.g. between cable and duct - consists of e.g. laminate of plastic films which is folded over, suitably bonded to form envelope - Google Patents

Abstract

A seal for the space between a cable duct and the article inside it has an inflatable covering which is impervious to gases; this covering is produced by folding over a flat film to make one or more overlaps and bonding and/or welding these together. The film used is preferably a laminate of a polymer, a strongly orientated polymer, aluminium foil, and another polymer layer. The laminate or film used is produced as a rectangular sheet and coated with adhesive (20) in the form of strips running near to and parallel to each side (i.e. 20 and 21). The sheet is next folded over close to each end, so that the two fold lines (23) are parallel to each other, but the folded ends to not overlap each other. Similarly the two longer edges are also folded over inwards (e.g. along the line 26). An area left between the strips of adhesive receives a separating film to prevent sticking (30) and the product thus form an envelope. A small tube, preferably with valve, is let in between the top overlaps and all the overlaps are e.g. bonded/pressed together. The product can then be wrapped round a cable and inflated. ADVANTAGE - The seal is produced simply by applying compressed air.

Description

The present invention relates to the sealing of Substrates such as cables or pipes, especially sol chen inside pipelines or splice housings against external influences. This can be done hen to prevent water, gas or other Pollutants along a pipeline in an ar penetrates hole or the like, or around one Protect cable splices against environmental influences Zen. The invention is primarily used as a seal for cable ducts (whereby this term also "Exec rungen "includes); the invention lets However, it also applies to other areas of application like that Sealing of splice cases, protection for pipes and Use rubber grommets etc.

The need for a seal (instead of one not too thick adhesive connection) can result from a size difference in shape or form between the one to be sealed Substrate and another object, e.g. B. a housing, in which the substrate is located. So can e.g. B. a cable duct by a few millimeters up to several Centimeters larger than what is in it Cable or substrate, an oval cable can be in one circular tube system lie, or the instal The size of a splice case can be larger than the spliced cables arranged therein. That's the way it is when sealing a branch between two or more cables generally necessary, the concave Surface in the crotch area in a convex or convert straight surface that, e.g. B. by Half shells or a dimensionally resilient Sleeve (generally a heat shrinkable sleeve), can be wrapped.  

Such seals are usually through an adapting sealing element, e.g. B. an O- Ring or the use of a sealant or one Hot melt adhesive. Although this ver conclusions generally work satisfactorily problems can sometimes arise. So have on fit sealing elements naturally a ge wrestle module and, especially if large cavities to be filled in tend to be about to crawl for long periods of time. Creepage paths can occur stand, if it was not possible, sufficient heat to bring in a hot melt adhesive. For example, it is difficult to heat in a Pipeline.

Also with regard to the materials required for Rohrlei Cables and cables can cause difficulties because these may be incompatible. That's how cables are often sometimes made of polyethylene or lead and cables ducts made of polyvinyl chloride, steel or cement, the dirty or crumbly and therefore difficult to clean can be.

A widely used pipe seal is in GB 15 94 937 (Raychem). This seal around summarizes a hollow body on its inner and / or outer surface with a variety of at a distance flanges arranged to each other is provided, wherein each flange is away from and around the surface extends around, and at least part of it Surface of the distant flange at th temperatures is deformable, and at least one Part of this surface (s) and / or the surface of the Flanges is provided with a sealant.  

EP 01 79 657 (Raychem) describes a seal for Pipe systems, especially for sealing about four cables, which contains a spring, which when activated, the part of the pipe seal radially ex pandiert, which serves to seal the shaft. The Cables come through heat shrinkable outlet openings the cable duct seal tightly sealed. After this the part of the seal in which the spring is located det, warmed, it is activated. The Erwär The material of the seal can soften and activate an adhesive.

In EP 01 52 696 (Raychem) an arrangement for Sealing an opening (such as between a tube cable and a cable arranged in it) open beard. This arrangement comprises a flexible jacket which is designed to reverse itself hit and is inserted into the opening, whereby there is a recess in the jacket to a stretchable or stretching filler, e.g. B. one curable foam, for expanding the jacket, record; the arrangement further comprises a container ter containing this stretchable filler, and Means to enclose the container connect and the filler material which is the expansion the wrapper causes it to flow into the wrapper because characterized in that an adhesive or a Sealant on at least part of the outer Surface of the jacket is attached or with this connected is. The disclosure of EP 01 52 696 is by reference part of this description.

The following patent descriptions just disclose if hollow coverings for sealing purposes. In the  EP 01 00 228 (Raychem) becomes a manufacturing method a seal between at least one elongate object and one or more objects closing surface, which includes:

• a) Attach a flexible jacket between the Subject and surface, this coat contains a void filling composition derived from State of lower viscosity to the state of higher Viscosity can change;
• b) deformation of at least part of the shell where in the void-filling composition the Ge object and adapts to the surface; and
• c) effect the change from lower to higher Viscosity.

EP 02 10 807 (Raychem) describes a double-walled wall Subject revealed. Two of these items will be for creating a seal for piping systems used by wrapping them around one another Hose are arranged between his two Walls a filling of small volume from a rei exercise-reducing liquid (preferably with a high Boiling point and low vapor pressure) or from one Solid. The item can go through Shear stress between the two walls across the sub turn strat for protection against environmental influences or to provide electrical protection.

In GB 20 06 890 (Kraftwerk Union) an Abdich device disclosed that a container made of elastic Contains plastic film, some with a Liquid is filled, which is between one  Protective hose in a wall and one around a pipe brought insulating layer is. The container is essentially ring-shaped and allows axial and radial movement of the tube, the seal maintain between the insulating layer and the hose will.

In US 30 38 732 (Scott and Bond) an inflation bare sealing sleeve for sealing a pipeline Housing disclosed, containing an elastic hollow element to adapt to the inner surface of the housing and contact with the outer surface a blown-up confi of the pipe of this pipeline guration has elements for introducing a fluid into this elastic hollow element to open it puff, and a variety of angularly arranged, relatively fixed spacers with this elasti the hollow element form a unit and in the transverse direction device are arranged to the pipe within the Center and support housing, each of these Spacer has a passage that the rivers fluid transfer in the hollow interior of this elastic produces hollow element.

In US 28 16 575 (Stockes) a device for Laying a pipe using annular air filled sealing rings disclosed.

In US 33 39 011 (Ewers Jr. et al) a pneuma table sealed cable splice case reveals what ches a longitudinally sealable zy has a lindrische housing that verse with elements hen is inside and next to each of its longitudinal ends are arranged to hal slabs of the end wall ten and spaced apart, each  this end wall panels two semicircular Schei areas with rounded outer and inner edges and axially aligned Aus running along it cuts include, with cables through these aligned cutouts in can enter the housing, and inflatable sealing devices between each of these Panels of these end walls are included and Have openings that correspond to the openings of the plates are in alignment, with this inflatable seal in front direction, if it is included in this way, against the cables through the openings in the end walls were carried out, is expanded, thereby records that the end walls are removable from the device in order to to secure these walls, and the semicircular disc areas can also be swiveled are connected to each other, with their cutouts together be brought to the openings of the plates form, these semicircular disc sections can be swung apart and so be placed around the channels.

An inflatable seal device for insertion between contact surfaces of the connector and the pipe socket ends of a pipe connection is in the GB 14 21 960 (Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique) open beard.

An inflatable closure element with on it cher sealing compound for sealing cables is in GB 20 28 601 (Raychem).  

In US 9 07 136 a seal for pipe connections gene disclosed by folding a reticulated textile fabric and applying an adhesive, etc. is manufactured.

Although many of the patents mentioned in the above exercises disclosed objects satisfactory There are still a few seals available Problems. So z. B. the use of harden the materials or other solidifying materials the subsequent removal of the object ver hinder or complicate; and the simple creation of the Gas pressure in a seal is generally used Consequence that the objects have a short life duration due to leaks and gas diffusion to have.

We have now succeeded in creating a seal for cables invent channels in some embodiments does not have these and other problems and through simple compressed air, which is an envelope in the middle space between the cable duct and one in it inflates sensitive cable, works.

The invention accordingly provides: an Ab Seal for cable duct systems for sealing a Space between a cable duct and one substrate located therein, which has a hollow includes a blowable, gas impermeable jacket which is made by a method is prepared which comprises:

• a) folding a substantially flat film, preferably a single film, for the production of a or more overlap connections, and  
• b) the connecting and / or welding neigh beard layers at these joints.

Preferably none of the compounds so formed during the inflation of the sheath, at least ever but if it is inside the pipeline det, exposed to a peeling force. Generally is the pressure on both sides of the connections balanced chen. The compounds are generally one Exposed to shear stress. Its breadth is true apparently at least 4 cm, preferably little at least 5, and more preferably at least 6 cm, what a long creepage distance with very little cross cut dimension ensures. Therefore, a very low one Loss of internal pressure from the casing can be expected.

To facilitate folding and reduce the Probability of creepage distances that can arise If a fold is not sharp enough, it will preferably, at most two thicknesses on each fold line fold the film.

The wrapping is preferably by a method manufactured which includes:

• 1) Make one on a first edge of the film adjacent first fold;
• 2) Making one on an opposite two th edge of the film adjacent second fold, where the first and second areas, each by the first and second folds were folded over each other do not overlap;
• 3) Make a third fold that is the first and  second fold crosses; and
• 4) Make a fourth fold that is the first and crosses second fold such that a fourth area, that is created by turning over the fourth fold, one third, created by folding the third fold Area overlapped.

Steps (3) and (4) are preferably carried out according to Steps (1) and (2) performed. Before folding the film is preferably essentially rectangular, and the first and second folds are preferably in essentially parallel to each other (and parallel to the short sides of the rectangle), and the third and fourth folds are preferably substantially parallel to each other and preferably essentially ver tical to each of the first and second folds.

The jacket is either around a in a pipeline existing cable wrapped, or in any other way this around (e.g. by putting it in the cable box nal is pushed in) and then with a suitable one medium, such as air or another Gas or liquid, inflated. The wrapping deforms and thus fills the space between the Ka channel and the cable. Generally, that includes Sheathing a simple thickness on one side and several thicknesses on the opposite side, being the different thicknesses by the different fal ten can be achieved. The simple and therefore more flexible Thickness is preferably towards the cable as it is a smaller diameter must adapt and simp can buckle or adapt in any other way. The opposite side is towards the cable duct.  

The deformation of the shell can originate in the Have vapor pressure caused by one in it Liquid with high vapor pressure is exerted. The Use of such a liquid and of objects, that contain this liquid is new and for already inventive, regardless of the design of the coat.

On the whole, the Abdich according to the invention device for cable ducts in the sense of a pressure fluid, wel ches directly or indirectly on a movable wall acts, are viewed.

When installing the seal for cable ducts it is not necessary to apply heat; in general no heat is applied either. It cannot only be advantageous because an annoying Ver step, but also because the subsequent shrinkage continues when cooling falls. The fact that the sealing of the sealant terials can be bypassed, which in general the case means that the seal during the Service life more resistant to movement will, and can therefore also mean that their Lagerbe Stability before use is no longer a problem.

The presence of a liquid with high vapor pressure could be particularly in the market for cable fittings useful where seals are required against environmental influences with the cables to be protected have comparable lifespan, this is more common wise at least 20 years.

With the help of the present invention, however, a constant pressure (a constant temperature  sets) are maintained, although the pressures settling steam diffuses away. However, it will assumed that the inventive design the wrapping with the very wide overlap joint diffusion rates with air are extremely low, making the product an acceptable one long life is given. The sealing can if necessary, regularly with liquid and / or gas be refilled. Individual seals can ge can be refilled separately, two or several connected to a common reservoir will. The seal can be removed easily be that the liquid and / or the gas free be set. Low pressure may be preferred if weak cables or pipelines for a long time should be protected from damage, whereas high Herer pressure may be preferred if a more robust one Sealing is desired.

It is preferred that the fluid contact the wall of the Man is in contact. However, this is not necessary dig; the movement of the wall can also be done by mechanical Means the wall and another object directly connect with each other and against which the pressure of the Fluids acts, are accomplished.

The movable wall preferably forms at least part of a flexible hollow body, which before preferably includes the fluid. However, it is the same possible that the fluid is in one of the wall and container located away from the substrate or is connected to the wall via a pipe. This is not currently preferred because it is preferred is that the seal is closed by one NEN object is reached, and an outside  brought piping is avoided. The item can be delivered with a container that has a certain Amount of fluid that is preferred for a filling enough, contains, delivery as a kit is imminent moves.

The wall is preferably flexible and can be stretched so as to stick to substrates of different sizes and / or adjust irregular or bulky shape to be able to. It can cover at least three layers grasp, e.g. B. a layer to retain the fluid, one to mechanical strength - for example tensile strength against internal pressure, tear resistance or through impact resistance - to impart, and a layer, which serves to seal around the substrate by making small irregularities conforms to the surface of the substrate. For this, the Wall a first layer of metal (or metallized Plastic or metal-coated plastic), which is in contact with the fluid, and have a second reinforcing layer, such as. B. polyethylene ho density, together with a third layer, which in direct or indirect sealless relationship to the first layer and between the first Layer and the substrate is arranged. The above he imagined third layer can be a deformable material like rubber or another elastomer or foam contain. Materials other than this can also be used third layer can be used, e.g. B. Sealing measure materials such as sealing compounds (e.g. mastic resins or Gels). However, it is used for many applications prefers that there is no permanent liability to the Sub strat is coming. In general, it is preferred that the second layer a hardness of 35 to 85, further before moves 40 to 80, and particularly preferably from 45 to  75 shore. The various mentioned above However, functions can also be achieved through fewer layers be reached, e.g. B. if a layer two or more Functions.

The wall can e.g. B. a laminate of a metal film and a layer of plastic on both sides contain. Through this plastic layer, the wall to manufacture the sheath with itself ver be welded. Overlap connections are, if necessary using patches, preferably rather under Shear stress than produced under peel force when the item is inflated. Such connections preferably have a considerable width, e.g. B. at least 20 mm, preferably at least 50 mm, to the proportion of diffusing through the compound and thereby liquid escaping from the casing to keep it as low as possible. It can too additional layers for mechanical strength be seen, e.g. B. aligned, such as biaxial orien or two layers of uniaxially oriented High density polyethylene like that under the goods characters Valeron known. A possible structure could look as follows, the dimension being only is preferred:

Copolymer 15-30 µm
Valeron (trademark) 40-160 µm
Mylar (trademark) 10-30 µm
Aluminum (one or more layers) 5-60 µm
Mylar (trademark) 10-30 µm
Linear low density polyethylene 0-80 µm
Copolymer 15-30 µm

However, this structure can also be varied, e.g. B. by omitting Mylar or by another Material is used in its place. The copoly should allow hot gluing or welding and can use a hot melt adhesive, e.g. B. on ethylene vi nyl acetate base. The copolymer can on the Joining / welding seams should be thicker (e.g. up to 200 µm) to better fill to cover To allow irregularities. Additionally or al Alternatively, an adhesive based on polyamide can be used be set. The structure preferably has one Elongation at break of at least 10%, preferably at least 20% on. This structure can be encased in one be set, the z. B. a polymer such as an elasto mer, e.g. B. rubber, possibly with z. B. reinforced nylon is contains. Optionally, it can also be connected to one of these Laminated polymer or used alone. The additional material can reduce creep ren.

In general, it is only necessary that a sealing contact between the wall of the cable duct and along the cable or other substrate a line that goes through a possible creep runs away, is present, although a contact surface be pregnant width may be preferred. It can therefore suffice that the sealing object a narrow strips of rubber or one as above has written third layer, which over extends only part of the first layer. A large outer first layer may be desirable to the To arrange wall with respect to the substrate, or one special effect when pressurized to reach.  

The layers mentioned are preferably thin, so that they are flexible. In some embodiments the layers, however, also as nominal layers of a Ge be viewed with significant thickness.

As already mentioned above, the wall preferably forms at least part of a flexible hollow body. This hollow body preferably contains one in essence lichen flat (this term also "flatten bar "as the item is also in a ge curved or other shape are hardened can) flexible wrapping around an elongated Substrate, e.g. B. a cable can be wound, and so it forms an annulus, which is caused by the vapor pressure the liquid is deformable to its radial thickness to increase. This can create an annular gap located between a pipe and one in it Neten cables are sealed.

The jacket can contain a film made of one material that gives it stiffness or shape and / or which serves as a separating layer to prevent opposing surfaces stick together, e.g. B. during hot gluing or welding Edges in its manufacture.

The object can be provided with a valve, that allows the supply of steam or liquid, but prevents their release. The valve can with be provided with a device with which the intention draining liquid or vapor from the tank object is made possible because instead of the object It can also be replenished at regular intervals it may be desirable to remove the residual liquid and then refill the item; there  a sufficient filling volume is ensured poses. The valve is preferably easily accessible, if the item is in a cable duct or otherwise installed. It closes preferably flush with an outer surface of the Object, and is with the help of a nozzle, if necessary. via a flexible hose attached to the fluid supply attached, reached; when the fluid is air, can of course also be a simple pump be set.

There has been surprising success in sealing ver different substrate shapes achieved by a flat sheathing was used, which is simple was made by around the edges of the substrates an originally completely flat, rectangular Fo lienmaterial together in the manner described brought or welded. It can still may be desirable for some purposes, a hollow Ge to make available one thing to the outside Pointing convex surface for sealing contact with an inner surface of a pipe, etc., inner half of which the object is attached. A such a hollow object can optionally or too an outward-facing concave surface for sealing contact with a cable or a have another substrate around which the counterpart stand is appropriate. Such curved surfaces, the creepage distances due to the avoidance of wrinkles can reduce and allow lower internal pressures Chen, can by thermoforming a flat surface or also at initio by compression molding the. Still, the film that made up the wrapper is considered to be substantially flat as they are not the shape of a hose  points, in which only the ends verbun closed that are.

The object preferably has a so-called "Wrapping or envelope shape" on. This one on the Ge offers very common expression for cable fittings means to be installed around a cable can, without having access to its ends (it is in in this connection referred to GB 11 55 470, in which an envelope sleeve is disclosed). To the above To design embodiment as a "wrap shape" is prefers that the concave, inward facing upper surface to an outward-facing surface of the object extends.

If a liquid with high vapor pressure is used must be, this will be the one to be sealed Substrate according to and according to the environment, in which it is used. In general is the liquid with respect to the substrate and the object in which the substrate is located, preferably non-toxic, non-corrosive and non-flammable cash, also on any components of the environment, the ge has currently been regarded as endangered Liquid no harmful effects. The important Most of the properties of the liquid are its boiling point and their vapor pressure within different temperature areas. Their boiling point is preferably at Air pressure less than 10 ° C, more preferably less than 0 ° C, and particularly preferably less than -5 ° C; however, for some purposes it can be up to, for example 15 ° C is enough. Your vapor pressure at 0 ° C is preferred wise at least 0.25, more preferably at least 0.5, and particularly preferably at least 0.7 bar (Gauge). It is also preferred that the steam  pressure 5 bar, in particular 4 bar, and more preferred 3 bar at 25 ° C, especially at 20 ° C, not above increases. These properties can be achieved through a single Liquid and its vapor can be achieved - preferably They are also achieved wisely - although also Mixtures of various components, including those from liquids and gases, such as. B. air, can be used. So a mix of a liquid with high vapor pressure and one with low vapor pressure can be used to the ge desired pressure to achieve. Mixtures can, however also vary in time, so preferably a component evaporates, unless a suitable one Azeotropic is found. Suitable liquids include fluorocarbons such as those from ICI un ter the Arcton trademark, e.g. B. Arcton 134A, possibly with Arcton 114. Arton 134A is CH₂FCF₃, and Arcton 114 is CHF₂ · CHF₂.

The invention is illustrated by the drawings tert, it shows

FIG. 1 shows the generally accepted finished shape of a casing, in which a fluid may be injected;

Figure 2 shows a section or an end view of a not yet expanded jacket around a cable within a cable duct.

Figure 3 shows the envelope with liquid therein speed, ie accordingly after expansion.

Figure 4 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a casing in two different embodiments.

Fig. 5 and 6 sections of further embodiments; and

Fig. 7 to 11 the way in which an envelope can be made and attached to cables.

The casing shown in Fig. 1 contains opposing film-shaped walls ( 2 , 3 ) with a generally rectangular configuration, which are welded or connected at their edges, where appropriate with other, for example, particularly ge-shaped intermediate elements ( 4 ). The wrapping can also be trapezoidal (indicated by the dashed lines). One or more of the walls ( 2 , 3 and 4 ) can be flexible and / or stretchable, and in their quiescent state, ie before loading with internal pressure, the walls can lie essentially in one plane (as shown) or else also be specially shaped. Such shapes can allow for additional expansion and have the form of corrugations, or they can have a rather smooth curve shape in order to adapt to the substrate to be sealed. The walls can each contain the appropriate material, at least one metal layer, e.g. B. stainless steel, aluminum or lead is preferred, which is optionally connected to a plastic film. In this context, metal may be desirable because of its vapor permeability. For many purposes, it is also preferred that the walls do not stretch, especially in an axial direction seen from the cable and cable duct. It should be noted again that a metal is advantageous, although plastics that are uniaxial, e.g. B. reinforced with axial fibers, can be inserted. The edges ( 9 , 9 ' ) of the wrapping can taper to avoid a step in the areas where they overlap when wrapping the wrapping around the substrate. The covering is provided with a hose or valve ( 5 ) through which the liquid is injected. In the drawing, the hose enters through a side wall. However, it can also simply run between overlapping layers of the casing which are connected as an overlap joint. The part of the hose that runs through between the layers can be at least partially flattened so that the overlapped connection is not unduly impaired. The walls ( 2 ) and / or ( 3 ) may have a strip of rubber, gel or another material ( 6 ) so as to support the production of a seal between the underlying layers containing the liquid and the substrate . Two or more materials of different properties can be used, either one above the other or side by side. So z. B. a softer material between harder materia lien be held on both sides. Foam coatings can also be seen for the wrapping, these having a gel-filled space. The material ( 6 ) can be used to prevent creepage distances that could arise due to the folding of the envelope. With the wrapper installed, the strip could extend over one end and overlap the other end. Preferred materials have a cone penetration value of 100 to 350, preferably 100 to 300, and particularly preferably 150 to 300 (10 ^-1 mm) according to ASTM D217-68, and preferably an elongation at break of at least 100%, more preferably at least 200%, and particularly preferably at least 500% according to ASTM D638-80. Further details can be found in US 46 00 261. Suitable materials can be produced by gelating a liquid mixture from suitable precursors of the gel, such as, for. B. polyurethane, Po lysiloxane or elastomeric styrene block copolymers, together with suitable reactive and non-reactive extenders, for. B. mineral or vegetable oils. The gel can be in the spaces between the material, e.g. B. open-cell foam plastic, for example. In the form of a strip, may be included.

In Fig. 2 the jacket ( 1 ) around a telecommunications cable or power cable within a cable channel or one end of a splice case ( 8 ) is wrapped ge. The annular gap between cable and pipe is preferably narrow, e.g. B. less than 10 mm, measured when the cable is in the middle of the shaft. In the case of a larger gap, a correspondingly larger jacket can be used, a smaller sheath can be wrapped several times around a cable, or the cable can be enlarged by wrapping it, for example with a rubber band. The sheath can be pre-stretched around the cable and held in the wound configuration with a band. The sheath is then pushed into the cable duct, either by sliding the sheath along the cable, or by moving the cable with respect to the cable duct. Then a fluid dispenser or reservoir ( 10 ) is connected to a valve or other inlet on the envelope, and the fluid ( 11 ) is injected. This generally happens under the force of gravity or through the force of one's own vapor pressure within the reservoir ( 10 ).

If the sheathing has a high coefficient of friction to the cable and / or to the pipeline, or if the order cover with a material with a high coefficient of friction is provided on its surface (e.g. a gel or a other sealing material with high adhesive strength), so this surface can be treated to the shooting ben to facilitate the cable and / or the cable duct tern. A gel or the like can e.g. B. an outside skin or with a thin film or Lubricant that can be perforated, a powder, e.g. B. talc, or coated with small balls be. If necessary, the coating can be chosen in this way be that the contact between gel and cable and / or Pipeline is still there if that Gel shifts due to pressure. In many cases, however, such contact does not be necessary and the high adaptability of the gel together with a thin film coating will achieve the desired seal. The gel can also with a separating layer, which ent distant, be coated.

The fluid inflates or merely deforms the sheath so that it comes into sealing contact with the cable and the conduit and thereby creates a seal between them. Liquid can flow into the casing from the reservoir ( 10 ) under gravity. The reservoir ( 10 ) can be separated if there is sufficient liquid in the envelope [see ( 11 ) in FIG. 3]. This is done either by observing the casing (e.g. if it is transparent) or if a change in the fill level of the reservoir is found. The amount of liquid required can be calculated based on the vapor permeability rate through the casing material and the maximum time required between refills.

In some cases, the weight of the cable causes or the force exerted on the cable to pull it out from the cable duct in the desired direction bend the cable in the cable duct eccentrically comes to lie. With the present invention this eccentricity can be largely compensated. However, if problems are to be expected, it can also a cable support, e.g. B. a firm covenant, just inside half of the shaft around the cable the.

The fact that pressure is exerted by a fluid can bring significant benefits because of this Pressure where it is needed, evenly over the entire surfaces can be exercised. These Uniformity can also be achieved despite the cable crawling nals and / or the cable and despite movement, e.g. B. if the cable into an off-center position within the Shaft is moved, maintained; Liquid and / or steam move the requirement accordingly just around the seal.

The sealing for cable ducts can be done by simple Release the internal pressure and pull it out of the box canal can be removed. To facilitate the Ent a handle or other extensions that can protrude from the cable duct. Such an extension could then also be easily accessible liche point for the injection of the liquid.

In Fig. 4 an axial section through a cable duct ( 8 ) and a seal ( 1 ) of a cable duct is shown. The seal ( 1 ) is properly installed within half of the cable duct, so that damaged areas ( 12 ) are avoided. The seal has non-stretchable edge areas ( 13 ) which serve to bring the seal of the cable duct into the correct alignment with the cable duct. The upper and the lower section of the seal ( 1 ) each represent embodiments. In the lower part, the seal is a simple wrapping shown in FIG expand. The pockets could be shaped so that they have a larger radius of curvature above and below and a smaller radius to the left and right as shown, so that the compression deformation with respect to the cable and duct is mainly radial rather than axial. In the drawing, however, the larger radius of curvature is to the left and right, which could lead to a reduction in the effective radial component of the pressure. This can be useful if the seal is used for weak cable ducts.

FIG. 5 shows a way in which more than one cable is sealed in a cable duct using the present invention. In this case, each cable lies in a pocket in the shaft seal. These pockets can simply be formed due to the presence of the cable during installation, or the sealing of the cable channel can be preformed by compression molding or thermoforming of a flat film. It can be seen that the seal has outwardly facing concave surfaces ( 14 ) for sealing against the cable and an outwardly facing convex surface ( 15 ) for sealing against the cable duct. It should be noted at this point to clarify the terminology that the surface ( 16 ) is an inwardly directed surface. The convex surfaces extend towards the outer surface of the object (in this case, the convex surface ( 15 ) and thus allow the object to be "wrapped" around the cable.

In Fig. 6 is an alternative to Fig. 5 Darge provides. In this case, the pressurizable sheath ( 1 ) can be thin and, if desired, have the general shape shown in Fig. 1. The cables ( 7 ) have a convex shape which essentially fills the cable duct ( 8 ). This can be done by placing the cables ( 7 ) in holes which run through the filler ( 17 ) made of sealing material. The sealing material is preferably a rubber or other elastomer that can be foamed, but in certain circumstances may correspond to the usual sealing material disclosed in US 46 00 261 (Raychem). This disclosure is incorporated by reference into this description. The envelope ( 1 ) is pressurized, whereby the filler ( 17 ) is compressed around the cable, so that the gap between it and the Ka belschacht ( 8 ) is sealed. The holes in which the cables ( 7 ) lie can be open ( 18 ) to an outside of the filler ( 17 ), which corresponds to a "wrapping or envelope shape".

An advantage of the preferred embodiments of the above lying invention is that no bond between the seal and the cables or the cable duct must be done. This not only makes removal easier,  but can also be rated as a safety factor the. The pressure that the seal for cable ducts holds, depending on the nature of the rivers be determined. So if there is a water column or other pressure higher than the steam pressure of the liquid, behind the cable duct seal forms, the seal enables the release of the pressure. In contrast, a connected or glued sealing of a piping system allow the build up of dangerous pressures, which is too high damage if the seal eventually fails.

In Fig. 7 a laminate or other rectangular sheet (19) is represented, which has stripe-shaped Klebbeschichtungen (20) on a surface (top) and adhesive coating (21) on an opposite surface. These adhesive coatings preferably run parallel to and close to the edges of the rectangle.

The film ( 19 ) is folded as shown in Fig. 8. A first fold is made along the line ( 22 ) next to a first edge of the film, a second fold along the line ( 23 ) next to an opposite edge of the film. The two lines ( 22 , 23 ) preferably run essentially parallel to one another. The first and second parts ( 24 , 25 ) folded over in this way preferably do not overlap one another. Fig. 9 shows the result of the first two folds; a preferred arrangement is shown there, in which the adhesive coatings ( 20 and 21 ) lie as strips in the folded-over edge regions.

In Fig. 8, third and fourth fold lines ( 26 and 27 ) and corresponding edge areas ( 28 , 29 ) which are folded over are also drawn. There is a separating device ( 30 ), for. B. a separating layer is shown, which is substantially in an area which is limited by the four fold lines. This Trennvor direction prevents folded areas from sticking to the underlying surface of the film, which would prevent the proper inflation of the casing.

The third, along the line ( 26 ) made folding device is shown in Fig. 10; in Fig. 11 the fourth fold along line ( 27 ) was also made. The folded areas ( 28 , 29 ) overlap each other and thus form the envelope. This overlap is preferably wide, since the extent of the overlap represents the length of the connecting line of a large part of the envelope, which is exposed to the internal pressure fluid. The areas ( 28 , 29 ) z. B. Chen in essence be the same size, each substantially corresponding to the size of the finished jacket. It will be noted that this preferred folding procedure does not produce an open ended tube as would have been the case if the folds along lines ( 26 and 27 ) preceded those along lines ( 22 and 23 ). However, that would have required folding a triple layer of the film.

A tube ( 31 ) for pressure access, which is generally provided with a device valve, enters the jacket between the overlapping areas ( 28 , 29 ). Such a tube preferably does not penetrate the film.

The different overlapping surfaces can all connected to each other at the same time (or closed welded together), or by means of a Hot press or other devices after each fall tung.

An outer surface of the casing can be covered with a Gel or other sealing material on one or both of its major surfaces to the seal to the cable duct and / or to the cable cause.

The sheath can be wound in the directions of the arrows ( 33 ) around a cable ( 34 ) and then pushed longitudinally along the cable into a cable duct surrounding the cable. After that, it is inflated.

At this point it should be noted that the present Invention a method and an object for Ab sealed as well as a sealed object, esp provides special for cables, with an order envelope is used by a method that reduced their permeability at connection points, is produced, and / or an object available supply represents a liquid with high vapor pressure or a solid is used, and / or one or more of the Darge described in this description characteristics is applied.

Claims (19)

1. Seal for cable ducts for sealing an inter mediate space between a cable duct and a substrate located therein, containing a hollow, inflatable, gas-impermeable sheathing, which by a process which

• a) folding a substantially flat film to produce one or more overlap connections and
• b) connecting and / or welding adjacent layers to these connections,

includes, is formed. 2. Seal for cable ducts according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that none of the compounds formed when the casing is inflated, at least however if this is in the space mentioned det is exposed to a peeling force. 3. Cable duct seal according to claim 1 or 2, there characterized in that at each of the fold lines ma x two thicknesses of the film are folded. 4. Seal for cable ducts according to one of the previous existing claims, characterized in that the Ab follow the folds so that no hose is formed with open ends. 5. Seal for cable ducts according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheath is produced by a method which comprises:

• 1) producing a first fold adjacent to a first edge of the film,
• 2) producing a second fold adjoining an opposite second edge of the film, the first and second regions, which were respectively folded over by the first and second folds, not overlapping one another,
• 3) Make a third fold that crosses the first and second fold and
• 4) Make a fourth fold that crosses the first and second folds such that a fourth region that is created by folding the fourth fold overlaps a third region created by folding the third fold.

6. Sealing for cable ducts according to claim 5, characterized in that steps ( 3 ) and ( 4 ) take place after steps ( 1 ) and ( 2 ). 7. Cable duct seal according to claim 5 or 6, there characterized in that the first and second cases th are substantially parallel to each other, and the third and fourth folds are essentially parallel lel to each other. 8. Seal for cable ducts according to claim 7, characterized characterized in that the first and second folds respectively substantially vertical to each of the third and fourth fold.   9. Sealing for cable ducts according to one of the first claims, characterized by a Hose that gives access to pressure inside the Provides wrapping. 10. Seal for cable ducts according to claims 5 and 9, characterized in that the hose extends through the overlapping Be formed in step ( 4 ) Be. 11. Sealing for cable ducts according to one of the ahead going claims, characterized by a you on an outer surface of the umman telung. 12. Cable duct seal according to claim 5, characterized net by a release or separation device inside the shroud, which is essentially in one area which is delimited by the four fold lines. 13. Cable duct seal according to claim 12, characterized ge indicates that the separating device is a coating device on a film surface or a separating layer contains between overlapping areas of the film. 14. Seal for cable ducts according to claim 5, there characterized in that the film before folding the first, second, third and fourth areas each because it has an adhesive. 15. Seal for cable ducts according to claim 14, there characterized in that both the first and the second area an adhesive on a surface che, which after the first or second  Crease faces outwards and that the third and fourth area each have an adhesive on one Surface which after the third or fourth fold points inwards. 16. Seal for cable ducts according to one of the previous existing claims, characterized in that the Fo contains a laminate. 17. Sealing for cable ducts according to claim 16, characterized in that the laminate

• a) a polymer layer
• b) a strongly oriented polymer layer
• c) an aluminum foil
• d) a polymer layer

contains.