Pipe repair apparatus and method

1. A liner for insertion into a pipe, said liner comprising:

an extender tube;

a connector portion; and

a liner tube;

a first end of said extender tube being in substantially fluid tight communication with a first end of said connector portion;

a second end of said connector portion forming a substantially fluid tight, detachable connection with a first end of said liner tube to form a first connection;

said extender tube, connector portion and liner tube forming a continuous tubular construction which is capable of eversion;

wherein the liner comprises a sealing member arranged to inhibit passage of a fluid from the liner tube to the extender tube or the connector portion; and

wherein said connector portion and/or said extender tube comprises a translucent material or a transparent material.

2. The liner of claim 1 , wherein the liner comprises a lay-flat configuration, and wherein in the lay-flat configuration, the connector portion and the liner tube are substantially planar and each comprise a first substantially rectangular face and a second substantially rectangular face.

3. The liner of claim 2 , wherein the sealing member is arranged to inhibit passage of a fluid from the liner tube to the extender tube or the connector portion when the liner is in the lay-flat configuration.

4. The liner of claim 1 , wherein the sealing member is arranged to collapse an inner surface of said liner tube at a sealed portion, such that the sealed portion forms a substantially fluid tight seal.

5. The liner of claim 4 , wherein the sealing member comprises a clamping member.

6. The liner of claim 5 , wherein the clamping member comprises a first flat surface; and a second flat surface arranged to oppose the first flat surface; the first flat surface and the second flat surface being an adjustable distance from one another.

7. The liner of claim 6 , wherein the first flat surface and the second flat surface comprise a compressive material.

8. The liner of claim 7 , wherein the compressive material is rubber.

9. The liner of claim 8 , wherein the clamping member comprises a compression member arranged to urge the first flat surface toward the second flat surface, such that a portion of the liner tube is compressed.

10. The liner of claim 9 , wherein the liner tube comprises an absorbent material.

11. The liner of claim 10 , wherein the absorbent material is one selected from the range: felt, fabric, mesh.

12. The liner of claim 11 , wherein an interior surface of the connector portion and/or the extender tube comprises an adhesive-resistant material.

13. The liner of claim 12 , wherein the adhesive-resistant material forms a coating layer on the interior surface.

14. The liner of claim 13 , wherein a surface of the extender tube and/or the connector portion is arranged to accept and retain a marking applied thereto.

15. The liner of claim 14 , wherein the marking is made using a writing implement.

16. The liner of claim 15 , wherein the first connection comprises an adhesive material comprising an adhesive strength.

17. The liner of claim 16 , wherein the adhesive strength of the adhesive material is arranged to be reduced during or following the communication of one selected from the range:

heat;

a solvent;

an oil-based material;

with the adhesive material.

18. The liner of claim 17 , wherein the connector portion is part of the extender tube.

19. The liner of claim 18 , wherein the first connection is provided using a limited strength adhesive material.

20. The liner of claim 19 , wherein the first connection comprises a frangible material.

21. A method of repairing a pipe, the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing a liner comprising:

an extender tube;

a connector portion; and

a liner tube;

wherein the extender tube and/or the connector portion comprises a translucent material;

a first end of said extender tube being in substantially fluid tight communication with a first end of said connector portion;

a second end of said connector portion forming a substantially fluid tight, detachable connection with a first end of said liner tube to form a first connection;

said extender tube, connector portion and liner tube forming a continuous tubular construction which is capable of eversion;

wherein the liner comprises a sealing member arranged to inhibit passage of a fluid from the liner tube to the extender tube or the connector portion;

b) marking an exterior surface of the connector portion and/or the extender tube at a portion comprising the translucent or a transparent material;

c) everting the liner such that said liner becomes positioned at a desired position in a pipe to be lined;

d) applying a first force to said extender tube, said first force transmitted along said extender tube to detach the connector portion from the liner tube;

e) removing said extender tube and said connector portion from said pipe.

22. The method of claim 21 , wherein the first force comprises a peeling force or a breaking force.

23. The method of claim 21 , wherein the desired position in a pipe to be lined is determined by the marking.