For more than three decades, pipe restoration service companies have used cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) lining services to rehabilitate pipes. These services are a form of trenchless technology, which involves a method of rehabilitating broken, cracked, and failed storm sewer or sanitary pipes. This method of lining is more cost-effective and efficient than the often used standard open cut replacement methods. It represents a very effective method for restoring CIPP pipe. Florida pipe restoration customers can benefit from the use of this process for the rehabilitation of many types of pipe including PVC, HDPE, ABS, corrugated metal pipe, and concrete pipe.
Wet-Out Process
Tubular layers of nonwoven polyester felt comprise the construction of CIPP pipe liners. Through a process referred to as wet-out, a mixture consisting of catalyzed thermosetting resin is inserted into the felt. Acting as a resin carrier, the felt provides flexible strength to the finished liner. Through the application of a pulled into place or inversion process, the CIPP liner is positioned within the pipe. Once in place, the liner is inflated with either a water column or air pressure that pushes the material against the pipe wall. Upon full inflation, hot water, steam, or ambient air is circulated within the liner to facilitate the curing or hardening of the thermosetting resin.
Similar to a New Pipe
In accordance with ASTM standards that refer to a 50 year design life, a CIPP liner that is properly installed within a host pipe results in the equivalence of having a new pipe inside an existing pipe. These liners are designed to have independent structural strength that is sufficient within itself without the need for any structural strength from the host pipe. A CIPP pipe liner within the existing host pipe reduces the diameter of the pipe minimally. However, this reduction diameter is made up for by the characteristics of the liner’s surface material that facilitates increased flow along its surface.
A number of different pipe defects can be remedied through the application of cured-in-place-pipe liners. These liners can eliminate or significantly reduce infiltration and inflow problems. They can also eliminate root infiltration and provide a bridge to compensate for pipe joints and gaps in piping.
