A robotic apparatus and method for treatment of system of conduits and lateral
sub-conduits comprising a remotely controlled robotic vehicle which navigates main
conduits which delivers a series of tools to locations within the conduit. The
mule's tools comprise a variety of devices including a tape head and a transport
housing for a second remotely controlled robotic vehicle, or mouse which can be
deployed for traversing and treating sub-conduits. Further, a method to install
one or more small diameter flexible elongate members, such as conductors or sheathes
to the inside of the system of conduits comprises advancing an elongate member
through the conduit system with the mule or mouse, anchoring the elongate member
and then taping the elongate member with the taping head while retreating out of
the conduit. Preferably the tape is pre-shaped to minimize wrinkling upon application
and more preferably, greater security and tape bonding strength is achieved by
spraying over the tape and elongate member.
