Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) technology repairs pipes by coating the inside with resin, without excavation. The process involves diagnosing the problem, cleaning the pipe, and installing the liner using either the pulled or reversal method. Different resins are available for different applications. CIPP technology offers benefits such as faster and less expensive repairs, improved flow, and avoidance of problems associated with pipe joints. The technology can be used in industrial and residential applications, and industry standards and local building codes may regulate its use.
A cure-in-place (CIPP) pipe is a pipe that has been repaired by coating its inside with a resin that cures once placed. The installation of the cladding does not require excavation, therefore it is sometimes referred to as a trenchless technology. In addition to repairing pipe damage, a cure-in-place pipe offers performance, durability, and other benefits.
Repairing a pipe using this non-invasive CIPP technology begins with diagnosing the problem area. This often involves mapping the pipe system and doing an internal inspection with a camera. Once the problem area has been identified, the pipe is cleaned and prepared for liner installation. The particular steps involved depend on the type of pipe being repaired, the cause of the damage, and so on. For example, you may need to remove mineral buildup or corrosion, or cut away any roots that are intruding through a break in the pipe.
Once the preparation is complete, the pipe can be repaired. No excavation is required to install a cured pipe in place. However, bypass pumps, hoses, etc. are usually required to divert the flow around the damaged area while it is being repaired. The installation can be done using one of two techniques. A cured-in-place pipe can be pulled into place or can be installed by the reverse method.
To install cured pipe in place using the pulled method, a contractor pulls a resin-saturated fabric pipe into place over the damaged area. This is most commonly a felt tube, although other types of fabric tubes can also be used. The tube is inflated to make contact with the tube walls. Then the resin is cured to form a tight, seamless tube within the damaged area. Curing can occur at room temperature, with the aid of hot water or steam, or sometimes with exposure to ultraviolet light.
The reversal method involves rolling a liner from the entry point into place in the damaged pipe. It fills with air, water or steam to inflate it against the walls of the tube. Once placed, the veneer is cured similar to the pulled method. Finally, the cured-in-place tube ends are cut off and removed.
One advantage of the pull-in method over the flip method is that it can be used to align multiple angles. With the pulled method, it is also possible to coat only a small damaged section instead of the entire pipe. Many contractors offer both installation methods to their customers.
A variety of resins are available to suit many applications. Polyester resins are generally the cheapest yet offer long life and good chemical resistance. Vinyl resins provide excellent chemical and fatigue resistance and perform well under high temperature conditions. These qualities make them highly suitable for industrial applications involving high pressure and temperature conditions and corrosive environments. Epoxies can help prevent buildup and blockage inside the pipe because mineral deposits are difficult to adhere to the epoxies.
Once the grating is fully installed, the contractor typically inspects and tests the repair to ensure quality and function. Leak test and camera inspection can verify the structural quality. A variety of fluid flow and water quality tests can verify acceptable system functionality.
CIPP trenchless technology offers many benefits to the customer. Since there is no digging required, there is no chance of damaging other nearby underground pipes or infrastructure. Installation is also much faster and less expensive than traditional repairs because it avoids the time and expense of digging.
Although a cured-in-place pipe reduces the inside diameter of a pipe, it can actually improve the flow through the pipe. The resin forms a much smoother surface than the original hose material, thus facilitating fluid flow. Its seamless seal also avoids many problems commonly associated with pipe joints. Such problems include corrosion, root intrusion, and structural damage to joints due to minor seismic activity.
Cured-in-place pipe repair can be used in industrial applications such as sanitary or rainwater sewers or water mains. This technology is also used in residential applications. Industry standards provide details on proper construction and liner design. Local building codes may regulate this type of repair.
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