Pipe liner

Abstract

Herein is described a cure in place pipe liner comprising a CIPP fabric, the CIPP fabric comprising: first fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the first fibers oriented in a first direction, the first direction being along the length of the fabric; second fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the second fibers oriented in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and a chopped strand mat layer comprising randomly oriented chopped glass fiber strands, wherein the first fibers constitute at least about 10 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the fabric, and the chopped glass fiber strands constitute at least about 30 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the fabric.

Description

Pipe LinerField of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to cure in place pipe (CIPP) fabrics for producing cure in place pipe (CIPP) liners, pipe liners and uses thereof, in particular the present invention relates to cure in place pipe (CIPP) liners and uses thereof.Background

[0002] Pipes leak or fail structurally over time and periodically require replacement or repair. Replacing certain pipes, especially underground, such as storm pipes or sewer pipes, can be extremely difficult and expensive. Accordingly, technologies have been developed to repair pipes in locations that are difficult to access, rather than to physically replace the pipe.

[0003] One repair technology involves the use of cure in place pipe (CIPP) liners that can be inserted within old pipes to essentially replace the old pipes. Specifically, cured-in-place pipe liners are known in which a flexible tube, or sock, is used to line the inner diameter of an old pipe. The liner may be constructed on a resin backed lining, or may have resin applied during the initial installation. The liner may be installed from one point of entry to another by one of several known techniques. With the liner in place within the pipe, the resin is cured and the liner essentially becomes a new pipe within the old pipe. The resin may be cured by one of several known techniques, including UV curing. Cure in place pipe liners are cost effective for several reasons, including because access is necessary only at the upstream and downstream ends of the pipe segment to be lined, which commonly are readily accessible through manholes.Summary of the Invention

[0004] In an aspect, the present invention provides a CIPP fabric for reinforcing pipes (e.g., for providing a cure in place pipe liner), the CIPP fabric comprising: first fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the first fibers oriented in a first direction, the first direction being along the length of the CIPP fabric; second fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the second fibers oriented in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and a chopped strand mat layer comprising randomly oriented chopped glass fiber strands,wherein the first fibers constitute at least about 10 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, and the chopped glass fiber strands constitute at least about 30 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric.

[0005] In an aspect, the present invention provides a cure in place pipe liner comprising a CIPP fabric, the CIPP fabric comprising: first fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the first fibers oriented in a first direction, the first direction being along the length of the CIPP fabric; second fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the second fibers oriented in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and a chopped strand mat layer comprising randomly oriented chopped glass fiber strands, wherein the first fibers constitute at least about 10 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, and the chopped glass fiber strands constitute at least about 30 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric.

[0006] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of repairing a pipe, the method comprising: providing a cure in place pipe liner comprising a CIPP fabric as described herein; impregnating the cure in place pipe liner with a curable resin; inserting the cure in place pipe liner into a pipe to be repaired; curing the curable resin to form a composite pipe.

[0007] The present inventors have found that the cure in place pipe liners and CIPP fabrics described herein provide advantages in terms of liner processability (e.g., inserting the liner into a pipe to be repaired), mechanical performance, impregnation of the liner with curable resin and abrasive resistance.

[0008] The invention includes the combination of the aspects and features described herein except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.Brief Description of the Figures

[0009] Embodiments and experiments illustrating the principles of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a CIPP fabric described herein;

[0011] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a plurality of layers of CIPP fabric described herein; and

[0012] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a cure in place pipe liner as described herein inside a host pipe.Detailed Description

[0013] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All documents mentioned in this text are incorporated herein by reference.

[0014] Described herein is a CIPP fabric for reinforcing pipes, for example a CIPP fabric for producing a cure in place pipe liner. The CIPP fabric may comprise: first fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the first fibers oriented in a first direction, the first direction being along the length of the CIPP fabric; second fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the second fibers oriented in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and a chopped strand mat layer comprising randomly oriented chopped glass fiber strands, wherein the first fibers constitute at least about 10 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, and the chopped glass fiber strands constitute at least about 30 wt.% (for example, at least about 33 wt.%) of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric.

[0015] In embodiments, CIPP fabric for reinforcing pipes comprises: a non-crimp fabric layer comprising: first fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the first fibers oriented in a first direction, the first direction being along the length of the fabric; second fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the second fibers oriented in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and a chopped strand mat layer comprising randomly oriented chopped glass fiber strands,wherein the first fibers constitute at least about 10 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the fabric, and the chopped glass fiber strands constitute at least about 30 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the fabric.

[0016] In embodiments, CIPP fabric for reinforcing pipes comprises: a non-crimp fabric layer comprising: first fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the first fibers oriented in a first direction, the first direction being along the length of the fabric; second fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the second fibers oriented in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and a chopped strand mat layer comprising randomly oriented chopped glass fiber strands, wherein the first fibers constitute at least about 10 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the fabric, the second fibers constitute at least about 40 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the fabric, and the chopped glass fiber strands constitute at least about 30 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the fabric.

[0017] In embodiments, CIPP fabric for reinforcing pipes comprises: first fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the first fibers oriented in a first direction, the first direction being along the length of the CIPP fabric; second fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the second fibers oriented in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and a chopped strand mat layer comprising randomly oriented chopped glass fiber strands, wherein the first fibers constitute at least about 10 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, the chopped glass fiber strands constitute at least about 30 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, and the second fibers comprise continuous glass fibers having an elastic modulus of at least about 85 GPa and a tensile strength of at least 2200 MPa. The elastic modulus and the tensile strength of the glass fibers may be determined according to ASTM D2343-09.

[0018] In embodiments, CIPP fabric for reinforcing pipes comprises: first fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the first fibers oriented in a first direction, the first direction being along the length of the CIPP fabric; second fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the second fibers oriented in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; anda chopped strand mat layer comprising randomly oriented chopped glass fiber strands, wherein the first fibers constitute at least about 10 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, the chopped glass fiber strands constitute at least about 30 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, and the second fibers comprise continuous glass fibers having an elastic modulus of at least about 89 GPa. The elastic modulus of the glass fibers may be determined according to ASTM D2343-09.

[0019] In embodiments, CIPP fabric for reinforcing pipes comprises: first fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the first fibers oriented in a first direction, the first direction being along the length of the CIPP fabric; second fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the second fibers oriented in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and a chopped strand mat layer comprising randomly oriented chopped glass fiber strands, wherein the first fibers constitute at least about 10 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, the second fibers constitute at least about 40 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the liner, the chopped glass fiber strands constitute at least about 30 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, and the second fibers comprise continuous glass fibers having an elastic modulus of at least about 85 GPa and a tensile strength of at least 2200 MPa. The elastic modulus and the tensile strength of the glass fibers may be determined according to ASTM D2343-09.

[0020] In embodiments, CIPP fabric for reinforcing pipes comprises: a non-crimp fabric layer comprising: first fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the first fibers oriented in a first direction, the first direction being along the length of the fabric; second fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the second fibers oriented in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and a chopped strand mat layer comprising randomly oriented chopped glass fiber strands, wherein the first fibers constitute at least about 10 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, the chopped glass fiber strands constitute at least about 30 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, and the second fibers comprise continuous glass fibers having an elastic modulus of at least about 89 GPa. The elastic modulus of the glass fibers may be determined according to ASTMD2343-09.

[0021] In embodiments, CIPP fabric for reinforcing pipes comprises: a non-crimp fabric layer comprising: first fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the first fibers oriented in a first direction, the first direction being along the length of the fabric; second fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the second fibers oriented in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and a chopped strand mat layer comprising randomly oriented chopped glass fiber strands, wherein the first fibers constitute at least about 10 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, the chopped glass fiber strands constitute at least about 30 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, and the second fibers comprise continuous glass fibers having an elastic modulus of at least about 89 GPa, and wherein the second fibers are formed from a high performance glass composition being a glass composition comprising: 55.0 to 65.0 wt.% SiC ; 17.0 to 27.0 wt.% AI2O3; 8.0 to 15.0 wt.% MgO; 7.0 to 12.0 wt.% CaO; 0.0 to 1.0 wt.% NajO; 0 to 2.0 wt.% TiC ; 0 to 2.0 wt.% FejOa; and up to 0.5 wt.% LizO. The elastic modulus of the glass fibers may be determined according to ASTM D2343-09.

[0022] In embodiments, CIPP fabric for reinforcing pipes comprises: a non-crimp fabric layer comprising: first fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the first fibers oriented in a first direction, the first direction being along the length of the fabric; second fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the second fibers oriented in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and a chopped strand mat layer comprising randomly oriented chopped glass fiber strands, wherein the first fibers constitute at least about 10 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, the chopped glass fiber strands constitute at least about 30 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, and the second fibers comprise continuous glass fibers having an elastic modulus of at least about 85 GPa, for example at least about 89 GPa, and a tensile strength of at least 2200 MPa. The elastic modulus and the tensile strength of the glass fibers may be determined according to ASTM D2343-09.

[0023] In embodiments, CIPP fabric for reinforcing pipes comprises: a non-crimp fabric layer comprising:first fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the first fibers oriented in a first direction, the first direction being along the length of the fabric; second fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the second fibers oriented in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and a chopped strand mat layer comprising randomly oriented chopped glass fiber strands, wherein the first fibers constitute at least about 10 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, the second fibers constitute at least about 40 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the liner, the chopped glass fiber strands constitute at least about 30 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, and the second fibers comprise continuous glass fibers having an elastic modulus of at least about 85 GPa and a tensile strength of at least 2200 MPa. The elastic modulus and the tensile strength of the glass fibers may be determined according to ASTM D2343-09.

[0024] Also described herein is a cure in place pipe (CIPP) liner comprising a CIPP fabric, the CIPP fabric comprising: first fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the first fibers oriented in a first direction, the first direction being along the length of the CIPP fabric; second fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the second fibers oriented in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and a chopped strand mat layer comprising randomly oriented chopped glass fiber strands, wherein the first fibers constitute at least about 10 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the liner, and the chopped glass fiber strands constitute at least about 30 wt.% (for example, at least about 33 wt.%) of the total fiber weight of the liner.

[0025] In embodiments, the cure in place pipe liner comprises a CIPP fabric comprising: a non-crimp fabric layer comprising: first fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the first fibers oriented in a first direction, the first direction being along the length of the liner; and second fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the second fibers oriented in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and a chopped strand mat layer comprising randomly oriented chopped glass fiber strands, wherein the first fibers constitute at least about 10 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the liner, and the chopped glass fiber strands constitute at least about 30 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the liner.

[0026] In embodiments, the cure in place pipe liner comprises a CIPP fabric comprising: the CIPP fabric comprising: a non-crimp fabric layer comprising: first fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the first fibers oriented in a first direction, the first direction being along the length of the liner; and second fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the second fibers oriented in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and a chopped strand mat layer comprising randomly oriented chopped glass fiber strands, wherein the first fibers constitute at least about 10 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the liner, the second fibers constitute at least about 40 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the liner, and the chopped glass fiber strands constitute at least about 30 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the liner.

[0027] In embodiments, the cure in place pipe liner comprises a CIPP fabric comprising, the CIPP fabric comprising: first fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the first fibers oriented in a first direction, the first direction being along the length of the CIPP fabric; second fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the second fibers oriented in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and a chopped strand mat layer comprising randomly oriented chopped glass fiber strands, wherein the first fibers constitute at least about 10 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, the chopped glass fiber strands constitute at least about 30 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, and the second fibers comprise continuous glass fibers having an elastic modulus of at least about 85 GPa and a tensile strength of at least 2200 MPa. The elastic modulus and the tensile strength of the glass fibers may be determined according to ASTM D2343-09.

[0028] In embodiments, the cure in place pipe liner comprises a CIPP fabric comprising, the CIPP fabric comprising: first fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the first fibers oriented in a first direction, the first direction being along the length of the CIPP fabric; second fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the second fibers oriented in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; anda chopped strand mat layer comprising randomly oriented chopped glass fiber strands, wherein the first fibers constitute at least about 10 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, the second fibers constitute at least about 40 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the liner, the chopped glass fiber strands constitute at least about 30 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, and the second fibers comprise continuous glass fibers having an elastic modulus of at least about 85 GPa and a tensile strength of at least 2200 MPa. The elastic modulus and the tensile strength of the glass fibers may be determined according to ASTM D2343-09.

[0029] In embodiments, the cure in place pipe liner comprises a CIPP fabric comprising, the CIPP fabric comprising: a non-crimp fabric layer comprising: first fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the first fibers oriented in a first direction, the first direction being along the length of the fabric; second fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the second fibers oriented in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and a chopped strand mat layer comprising randomly oriented chopped glass fiber strands, wherein the first fibers constitute at least about 10 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, the chopped glass fiber strands constitute at least about 30 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, and the second fibers comprise continuous glass fibers having an elastic modulus of at least about 85 GPa and a tensile strength of at least 2200 MPa. The elastic modulus and the tensile strength of the glass fibers may be determined according to ASTM D2343-09.

[0030] In embodiments, the cure in place pipe liner comprises a CIPP fabric comprising, the CIPP fabric comprising: a non-crimp fabric layer comprising: first fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the first fibers oriented in a first direction, the first direction being along the length of the fabric; second fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the second fibers oriented in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and a chopped strand mat layer comprising randomly oriented chopped glass fiber strands,wherein the first fibers constitute at least about 10 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, the second fibers constitute at least about 40 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the liner, the chopped glass fiber strands constitute at least about 30 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, and the second fibers comprise continuous glass fibers having an elastic modulus of at least about 85 GPa and a tensile strength of at least 2200 MPa. The elastic modulus and the tensile strength of the glass fibers may be determined according to ASTM D2343-09.

[0031] Described herein is a method of repairing a pipe, the method comprising: providing a cure in place pipe liner comprising a CIPP fabric as described herein; impregnating the cure in place pipe liner with a curable resin; inserting the cure in place pipe liner into a pipe to be repaired; curing the curable resin to form a composite pipe.

[0032] The term "continuous glass fibers" is used herein to refer to glass fibers / filaments having a length many times longer than the diameter of the fibers / filaments, for example at least about 5000 times longer than the diameter of the fibers / filaments, e.g. at least about 10000 times longer than the diameter of the fibers / filaments. The continuous glass fibers used in the CIPP fabrics described herein may be provided as glass fiber strands (or tows). The continuous glass fibers may be formed by a continuous manufacturing process in which molten glass passes through the holes of a "bushing," the streams of molten glass thereby formed are solidified into filaments / fibers. The continuous glass fibers described herein (e.g. the continuous glass fibers of the first and second fibers) may include a sizing on their surface, e.g. a sizing applied on the glass fibers during formation of the fibers. The sizing can include components such as a film former, lubricant, coupling agent (to promote compatibility between the glass fibers and the resin used to form a composite article comprising the hybrid fabric described herein), etc. that facilitate formation of the glass fibers and / or use thereof in a matrix resin. In some embodiments, the glass fibers of first and / or second fibers include a polyester compatible sizing, an epoxy compatible sizing, a vinylester compatible sizing, or a polyurethane compatible sizing. In some embodiments, the glass fibers of first and / or second fibers include a polyester compatible sizing or an epoxy compatible sizing.

[0033] The term "glass fiber strand" or "glass fiber tow" as used herein, refers to a bundle of continuous glass filaments. In embodiments the glass fiber strands or tows are bundles of untwisted glass filaments. In embodiments, glass fiber strands or glass fiber tows are providedfrom glass fiber direct rovings. Glass fiber direct rovings are made up of a bundle of continuous untwisted (i.e. substantially parallel, or parallel) glass filaments bonded (as the glass filaments are formed) into a single strand and wound onto a bobbin.

[0034] The term "chopped glass fiber strands" is used herein to refer to continuous glass fiber strands that have been chopped to have a length of less than about 200mm, for example a length of less than about 100mm, for example a length in the range of about 10mm to about 100mm, for example a length in the range of about 10 mm to about 75 mm.

[0035] The term "chopped strand mat" is used herein to refer to a mat formed of chopped glass fiber strands randomly oriented.CIPP Fabric

[0036] Figure 1 provides a schematic diagram of a CIPP fabric 100. The CIPP fabric 100 comprises first fibers 103, second fibers 105 and a chopped strand mat 106 comprising randomly oriented chopped glass fiber strands 108.

[0037] The first fibers of the CIPP fabric are oriented in a first direction, the first direction is aligned with the length of the fabric and aligned with the length of the CIPP liner when the CIPP fabric is formed into a CIPP liner. The first fibers may be referred to as warp fibers. The first fibers may be arranged side by side and substantially parallel to one another.

[0038] The second fibers of the CIPP fabric are oriented in a second direction. The second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, for example substantially perpendicular to the length of the fabric and the length of the CIPP liner when the CIPP fabric is formed into a CIPP liner. The second fibers may be referred to as weft fibers. The second fibers may be arranged side by side and substantially parallel to one another.

[0039] The term "substantially perpendicular" is used herein to refer to a direction of ±80°, for example ±85°, ±88°, ±89°, or about 90°, to a given reference direction, for example to the first direction.

[0040] In preferred embodiments, the first fibers and the second fibers form a non-crimp fabric layer. In a non-crimp fabric, the first and second fibers described herein are maintained in their respective orientations by a stitching yarn. The non-crimp fabric layer may be referred to as a biaxial fabric formed of (referring to figure 1) a layer 102 of first fibers 103 and a layer 104 of second fibers 105, the second fibers 105 being oriented in a direction which is substantiallyperpendicular (e.g., in a direction of about ±80°, for example ±85°, ±88°, ±89°, or about 90°) to the direction in which the first fibers 103 are oriented. Any suitable stitching yarn may be employed. In embodiments, the stitching yarn is a polyester yarn. In embodiments, the stitching yarn has a linear mass density in the range of about 50 dTex to about 300dTex. In embodiments, the stitching yarn forms a stitching pattern through the fabric, the stitching pattern may be selected from a tricot stitching pattern, a symmetric double tricot stitching pattern, an asymmetric double tricot stitching pattern, a symmetric stitching pattern, and an asymmetric stitching pattern. In embodiments, the stitching yarn forms a stitching pattern through the noncrimp fabric, the stitching pattern being a tricot stitching pattern. In embodiments, the stitching yarn defines a stitching length, the stitching length being in the range of about 2 mm to about 20 mm, for example about 2 to about 10 mm, or about 3 to about 8 mm.

[0041] In embodiments, any suitable glass reinforcing fibers may be employed as the first, second and chopped strand glass fibers, for example, fibers made from E glass, E-CR glass (such as Advantex™ glass fibers available from Owens Corning), C glass, H glass, S glass, and AR glass types can be used.

[0042] In preferred embodiments, the second fibers are formed from a high performance glass composition such that the second fibers comprise continuous glass fibers having an elastic modulus of at least about 85 GPa and a tensile strength of at least 2200 MPa wherein the elastic modulus and tensile strength of the glass fibers are determined according to ASTM D2343-09. The values for tensile strength referred to herein refer to the impregnated tensile strength which is described in ASTM D2343-09. In preferred embodiments, the second fibers comprise continuous glass fibers having an elastic modulus of at least about 86 GPa, for example at least about 87 GPa, at least about 88 GPa, or at least about 89 GPa. In preferred embodiments, the second fibers comprise continuous glass fibers having an elastic modulus in the range of about 85 GPa to about 95 GPa, for example about 87 GPa to about 92 GPa, or about 88 GPa to about 91 GPa. In preferred embodiments, the second fibers comprise continuous glass fibers having a tensile strength of at least about 2200 MPa, for example at least about 2300 MPa. In preferred embodiments, the second fibers comprise continuous glass fibers having an elastic modulus of at least about 88 GPa and a tensile strength of at least about 2200 MPa, for example an elastic modulus of at least about 89 GPa and a tensile strength of at least about 2300 MPa.

[0043] In embodiments, the second fibers are formed from a high performance glass composition being a glass composition comprising: 55.0 to 65.0 wt.% SiC ; 17.0 to 27.0 wt.%AI2O3; 8.0 to 15.0 wt.% MgO; 7.0 to 12.0 wt.% CaO; 0.0 to 1.0 wt.% NajO; 0 to 2.0 wt.% TiC ; 0 to 2.0 wt.% FejOa; and up to 0.5 wt.% LijO.

[0044] In embodiments, the second fibers are formed from a high performance glass composition being a glass composition comprising: 55.0 to 65.0 wt.% SiC ; 19.0 to 27.0 wt.% AI2O3; 8.0 to 15.0 wt.% MgO; 7.0 to 12.0 wt.% CaO; 0.0 to 1.0 wt.% NajO; 0 to 1.5 wt.% TiOj; and up to 0.5 wt.% LijO. In embodiments, the glass composition from which high performance glass fibers are formed contains a total weight percentage of CaO and MgO of greater than 20 % and the weight present ration of ALOa / MgO is less than 2.0. In embodiments, the glass composition has a fiberizing temperature no greater than 1370° C.

[0045] In embodiments, the second fibers are formed from a high performance glass composition being a glass composition comprising: 55.0 to 60.4 wt.% SiC ; 19.0 to 25.0 wt.% AI2O3; 8.0 to 15.0 wt.% MgO; 7.0 to 12.0 wt.% CaO; 0.0 to 1.0 wt.% NaaO; 0 to 1.5 wt.% TiOa; 0 to 2.0 wt.% FeaOa; and up to 0.5 wt.% LiaO.

[0046] US 11214512B2 describes high performance fiberglass compositions that may be used to form the second glass fibers formed from a high performance glass composition, such that the second fibers comprise continuous glass fibers having an elastic modulus of at least about 85 GPa (for example, at least about 86 GPa, at least about 87 GPa, at least about 88 GPa, or at least about 89 GPa) and a tensile strength of at least 2200 MPa wherein the elastic modulus and tensile strength of the glass fibers are determined according to ASTM D2343-09.

[0047] In embodiments, the continuous glass fibers of the first and / or second fibers have a linear mass density in the range of about 50 Tex to about 10000 Tex, for example about 50 Tex to about 9600 Tex, about 100 Tex to about 5000 Tex, about 200 Tex to about 4800 Tex, about 300 Tex to about 2500 Tex, about 300 Tex to about 2400 Tex, or about 600 Tex to about 1200 Tex.

[0048] In embodiments, the continuous glass fibers of the first fibers have a linear mass density in the range of about 50 Tex to about 5000 Tex, for example about 200 Tex to about 4800 Tex, about 300 Tex to about 2500 Tex, about 300 Tex to about 2400 Tex, or about 600 Tex to about 1200 Tex; and the continuous glass fibers of the second fibers have a linear mass density in the range of about 50 Tex to about 10000 Tex, for example about 50 Tex to about 9600 Tex, about 100 Tex to about 5000 Tex, about 200 Tex to about 4800 Tex, about 300 Tex to about 2500 Tex, about 300 Tex to about 2400 Tex, or about 500 Tex to about 1000 Tex.

[0049] Preferably, the glass fiber strands (i.e. bundles of untwisted glass filaments) of the chopped strand mat layer have a linear mass density of up to about 100 bundle Tex, for example a linear mass density of up to about 40 bundle Tex, or up to about 33 bundle Tex. Preferably, the glass fiber stands of the chopped strand mat layer have a linear mass density in the range of about 20 bundle Tex to about 40 bundle Tex, or about 25 bundle Tex to about 33 bundle Tex, or about 25 bundle Tex to about 40 bundle Tex. The term "bundle tex" is used herein, and commonly in the art, to refer to the linear mass density of the glass fiber strands (i.e. bundles of untwisted glass filaments) forming the chopped strand mat (it is noted that this "bundle Tex" terminology is used to clarify difference between the linear mass density of the glass fiber yarn (continuous strand having a linear mass density commonly described in the units "Tex") which is chopped to form the glass fiber stands of the chopped strand mat (having a linear mass density commonly described in the units "bundle Tex").

[0050] In embodiments, the first fibers comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of continuous glass fibers.

[0051] In embodiments, the second fibers comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of continuous glass fibers.

[0052] In embodiments, the first fibers and the second fibers comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of continuous glass fibers.

[0053] The first fibers constitute at least about 10 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric. In embodiments, the first fibers constitute from about 10 wt.% to about 30 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, for example from about 10 wt.% to about 20 wt.%, or from about 10 wt.% to about 15 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric.

[0054] In preferred embodiments, the second fibers constitute at least about 30 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, for example at least about 40 wt.%, or at least about 45 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric. The second fibers may constitute up to about 60 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, for example up to about 57 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric. In embodiments, the second fibers constitute from about 30 wt.% to about 57 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, for example from about 35 wt.% to about 57 wt.%, from about 40 wt.% to about 57 wt.%, or from about 45 wt.% to about 57 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric. In preferred embodiments, the second fibers constitute from about 45 wt.% to about 57 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric.

[0055] The chopped glass fiber strands constitute at least about 30 wt.%, for example at least about 33 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric. In embodiments, the chopped glass fiber strands constituted from about 33 wt.% to about 60 wt.% of the CIPP fabric, for example from about 33 wt.% to about 55 wt.%, from about 33 wt.% to about 50 wt.%, or from about 33 wt.% to about 45 wt.% of the CIPP fabric. In preferred embodiments, the chopped glass fiber strands constitute from about 33 wt.% to about 45 wt.% of the CIPP fabric,

[0056] In embodiments, the CIPP fabric further comprises a spacer layer, for example a nonwoven veil or felt layer. In embodiments, the CIPP fabric further comprises a spacer layer, for example a non-woven veil or felt layer, and the spacer layer constitutes up to about 10 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, for example up to about 8 wt.%, up to about 5 wt.% or up to about 3 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric. The spacer layer may be formed from a non-woven veil or a felt, for example a glass fiber non-woven veil or a polyester felt.

[0057] In embodiments, the spacer layer has an areal weight of up to about 50 g / m2, for example up to about 30 g / m2. The spacer layer may be formed from a non-woven veil or a felt, for example a glass fiber non-woven veil or a polyester felt, having an areal weight of up to about 50 g / m2, for example up to about 30 g / m2. The areal weight of the spacer layer may be determined according to ISO 3374.

[0058] In preferred embodiments, the first fibers, second fibers and chopped strand mat layer of the CIPP fabric are arranged such that the first fibers form the outer layer of a CIPP liner in use.

[0059] In preferred embodiments, the first fibers, second fibers and chopped strand mat layer of the CIPP fabric are arranged such that the second fibers are disposed between the first fibers and the chopped strand mat layer.

[0060] In preferred embodiments, the first fibers, second fibers and chopped strand mat layer of the CIPP fabric are arranged such that the second fibers are disposed between the first fibers and the chopped strand mat layer, and the chopped strand mat layer of the fabric is oriented inwardly of the first and second fibers in use.

[0061] In embodiments, the first fibers, second fibers, chopped strand mat layer and spacer layer of the CIPP fabric are arranged such that the first fibers and the spacer layer form opposed outer layers of the CIPP fabric, the second fibers and the chopped strand mat layer being disposed between the first fibers and the spacer layer. In preferred embodiments, the first fibers,second fibers, chopped strand mat layer and spacer layer of the CIPP fabric are arranged such that the first fibers and the spacer layer form opposed outer layers of the CIPP fabric, the second fibers and the chopped strand mat layer being disposed between the first fibers and the spacer layer, and the second fibers being disposed between the first fibers and the chopped strand mat layer.

[0062] In preferred embodiments, the CIPP fabric has an areal weight of up to about 2000 g / m2. In embodiments, the areal weight of the CIPP fabric is in the range of about 500 g / m2to about 2000 g / m2. The areal weight of the CIPP fabric may be determined according to ISO 3374.

[0063] In preferred embodiments, the CIPP fabric comprises the first fibers in an amount such that the areal weight of the first fibers in the CIPP fabric is at least about 80 g / m2. In embodiments, the CIPP fabric comprises the first fibers in an amount such that the areal weight of the first fibers in the CIPP fabric is in the range of about 50 g / m2to about 300 g / m2, for example from about 50 g / m2to about 250 g / m2, from about 80 g / m2to about 200 g / m2, or from about 80 g / m2to about 150 g / m2.

[0064] In preferred embodiments, the CIPP fabric comprises the second fibers in an amount such that the areal weight of the second fibers in the CIPP fabric is at least about 150 g / m2. In embodiments, the CIPP fabric comprises the second fibers in an amount such that the areal weight of the second fibers in the CIPP fabric is in the range of about 150 g / m2to about 650 g / m2, for example in the range of about 150 g / m2to about 600 g / m2, in the range of about 150 g / m2to about 550 g / m2, or in the range of about 150 g / m2to about 500 g / m2.

[0065] In preferred embodiments, the chopped strand mat layer has an areal weight of at least about 280 g / m2, for example an areal weight in the range of about 280 g / m2to about 400 g / m2. The areal weight of the chopped strand mat may be determined according to ISO 3374.

[0066] In preferred embodiments, the CIPP fabric comprises first fibers, second fibers and a chopped strand mat layers as described herein, wherein the first fibers constitute at least about 10 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the fabric, the second fibers constitute at least about 40 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the liner, and the chopped glass fiber strands constitute at least about 33 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the fabric.

[0067] In embodiments, the CIPP fabric comprises first fibers, second fibers and a chopped strand mat layers as described herein, wherein the first fibers constitute from about 10 wt.% to about 27 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, the chopped glass fiber strandsconstituted from about 33 wt.% to about 50 wt.% of the CIPP fabric, and the second fibers constitute from about 40 wt.% to about 57 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric.

[0068] In preferred embodiments, the CIPP fabric comprises first fibers, second fibers and a chopped strand mat layers as described herein, wherein the first fibers constitute from about 10 wt.% to about 20 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, the chopped glass fiber strands constituted from about 33 wt.% to about 45 wt.% of the CIPP fabric, the second fibers constitute from about 45 wt.% to about 57 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric.

[0069] In preferred embodiments, the CIPP fabric comprises first fibers, second fibers and a chopped strand mat layers as described herein, wherein the first fibers constitute from about 10 wt.% to about 15 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, the chopped glass fiber strands constituted from about 33 wt.% to about 45 wt.% of the CIPP fabric, the second fibers constitute from about 45 wt.% to about 57 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric.

[0070] In embodiments, the CIPP fabric comprises first fibers, second fibers and a chopped strand mat layers as described herein, wherein the first fibers constitute from about 10 wt.% to about 20 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, the chopped glass fiber strands constituted from about 33 wt.% to about 45 wt.% of the CIPP fabric, the second fibers constitute from about 45 wt.% to about 57 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, and the second fibers comprise continuous glass fibers having an elastic modulus of at least about 85 and a tensile strength of at least 2200 MPa.

[0071] In embodiments, the CIPP fabric comprises first fibers, second fibers and a chopped strand mat layers as described herein, wherein the first fibers constitute from about 10 wt.% to about 27 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, the chopped glass fiber strands constituted from about 33 wt.% to about 50 wt.% of the CIPP fabric, the second fibers constitute from about 40 wt.% to about 57 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, and wherein the CIPP fabric has an areal weight of up to about 2000 g / m2.

[0072] In embodiments, the CIPP fabric comprises first fibers, second fibers and a chopped strand mat layers as described herein, wherein the first fibers constitute from about 10 wt.% to about 20 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, the chopped glass fiber strands constituted from about 33 wt.% to about 45 wt.% of the CIPP fabric, the second fibers constitute from about 45 wt.% to about 57 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, and wherein the CIPP fabric has an areal weight of up to about 2000 g / m2.

[0073] In embodiments, the CIPP fabric comprises first fibers, second fibers and a chopped strand mat layers as described herein, wherein the first fibers constitute from about 10 wt.% to about 20 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, the chopped glass fiber strands constituted from about 33 wt.% to about 50 wt.% of the CIPP fabric, the second fibers constitute from about 40 wt.% to about 57 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, and the chopped strand mat layer has an areal weight of at least about 280 g / m2.

[0074] In embodiments, the CIPP fabric comprises first fibers, second fibers and a chopped strand mat layers as described herein, wherein the first fibers constitute from about 10 wt.% to about 20 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, the chopped glass fiber strands constituted from about 33 wt.% to about 45 wt.% of the CIPP fabric, the second fibers constitute from about 45 wt.% to about 57 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, and the chopped strand mat layer has an areal weight of at least about 280 g / m2.

[0075] In embodiments, the CIPP fabric comprises first fibers, second fibers and a chopped strand mat layers as described herein, wherein the first fibers constitute from about 10 wt.% to about 20 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, the chopped glass fiber strands constituted from about 33 wt.% to about 50 wt.% of the CIPP fabric, the second fibers constitute from about 40 wt.% to about 57 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, the chopped strand mat layer has an areal weight of at least about 280 g / m2, and the fabric comprises the first fibers in an amount such that the areal weight of the first fibers in the CIPP fabric is at least about 80 g / m2.

[0076] In embodiments, the CIPP fabric comprises first fibers, second fibers and a chopped strand mat layers as described herein, wherein the first fibers constitute from about 10 wt.% to about 20 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, the chopped glass fiber strands constituted from about 33 wt.% to about 45 wt.% of the CIPP fabric, the second fibers constitute from about 45 wt.% to about 57 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, the chopped strand mat layer has an areal weight of at least about 280 g / m2, and the fabric comprises the first fibers in an amount such that the areal weight of the first fibers in the CIPP fabric is at least about 80 g / m2.

[0077] In embodiments, the CIPP fabric comprises first fibers, second fibers and a chopped strand mat layers as described herein, wherein the first fibers constitute from about 10 wt.% to about 27 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, the chopped glass fiber strands constituted from about 33 wt.% to about 50 wt.% of the CIPP fabric, and the second fibersconstitute from about 40 wt.% to about 57 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric; wherein the CIPP fabric comprises the first fibers in an amount such that the areal weight of the first fibers in the CIPP fabric is at least about 80 g / m2; wherein the CIPP fabric comprises the second fibers in an amount such that the areal weight of the second fibers in the CIPP fabric is in the range of about 150 g / m2to about 600 g / m2; and wherein the chopped strand mat layer has an areal weight in the range of about 280 g / m2to about 400 g / m2.

[0078] In embodiments, the CIPP fabric comprises first fibers, second fibers and a chopped strand mat layers as described herein, wherein the first fibers constitute from about 10 wt.% to about 20 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, the chopped glass fiber strands constituted from about 33 wt.% to about 45 wt.% of the CIPP fabric, the second fibers constitute from about 45 wt.% to about 57 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric; wherein the CIPP fabric comprises the first fibers in an amount such that the areal weight of the first fibers in the CIPP fabric is at least about 80 g / m2; wherein the CIPP fabric comprises the second fibers in an amount such that the areal weight of the second fibers in the CIPP fabric is at least aboutl50 g / m2; and wherein the chopped strand mat layer has an areal weight in the range of about 280 g / m2to about 400 g / m2.

[0079] In embodiments, the CIPP fabric comprises first fibers, second fibers and a chopped strand mat layers as described herein, wherein the first fibers constitute from about 10 wt.% to about 27 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, the chopped glass fiber strands constituted from about 33 wt.% to about 50 wt.% of the CIPP fabric, and the second fibers constitute from about 40 wt.% to about 57 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric; wherein the CIPP fabric comprises the first fibers in an amount such that the areal weight of the first fibers in the CIPP fabric is at least about 80 g / m2; wherein the CIPP fabric comprises the second fibers in an amount such that the areal weight of the second fibers in the CIPP fabric is in the range of about 150 g / m2to about 600 g / m2; and wherein the chopped strand mat layer has an areal weight in the range of about 280 g / m2to about 400 g / m2; and wherein the areal weight of the CIPP fabric is in the range of about 500 g / m2to about 1000 g / m2.

[0080] In embodiments, the CIPP fabric comprises first fibers, second fibers and a chopped strand mat layers as described herein, wherein the first fibers constitute from about 10 wt.% to about 20 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric, the chopped glass fiber strands constituted from about 33 wt.% to about 45 wt.% of the CIPP fabric, the second fibers constitute from about 45 wt.% to about 57 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric; wherein the CIPP fabric comprises the first fibers in an amount such that the areal weight of the first fibers inthe CIPP fabric is at least about 80 g / m2; wherein the CIPP fabric comprises the second fibers in an amount such that the areal weight of the second fibers in the CIPP fabric is in the range of about 150 g / m2to about 600 g / m2; and wherein the chopped strand mat layer has an areal weight in the range of about 280 g / m2to about 400 g / m2; and wherein the areal weight of the CIPP fabric is in the range of about 500 g / m2to about 2000 g / m2.CIPP liner

[0081] The CIPP liner comprises a CIPP fabric as described herein.

[0082] In embodiment, the CIPP fabric is impregnated with a curable resin, for example a UV curable resin or a thermally curable resin. Suitable curable resins include epoxy resins, polyester resins and vinyl ester resins. In embodiments the curable resin may be a UV curable polyester resin.

[0083] In preferred embodiments, the total fiber weight of the liner is from about 45 wt.% to about 70 wt.% of the resin impregnated CIPP liner.

[0084] Figure 2 provides a schematic diagram showing a plurality of layers of a CIPP fabric 100, each of the plurality of layers of the CIPP fabric 100 being disposed directly on another of the plurality of layers of the CIPP fabric 100. The CIPP liner may comprise a plurality of layers of a CIPP fabric described herein, for example the CIPP liner may comprise at least 2 or at least 3 layers of a CIPP fabric described herein, the layers disposed directly on one another. In embodiments, the CIPP liner is formed by wrapping layers of CIPP fabric disposed on one another around a mandrel such that the length of the fabric (the 0° direction) is aligned with the length of the CIPP liner.

[0085] Figure 3 provides a schematic diagram of a CIPP liner 200 formed from a CIPP fabric as described herein, the CIPP liner situated inside a host pipe 300. In embodiments, the CIPP liner comprises an outer wall 250 configured to hold the layers of the CIPP fabric 100 (for example, the non-crimp layer and the chopped strand mat layer) in place relative to one another and prevent leakage of curable resin after the liner 200 has been impregnated. The outer wall 250 may also shield the resin from daylight / UV light to prevent a UV light curable resin from prematurely curing. Suitable materials for the wall 250 include, but are not limited to, one or more of a polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, or polyester.Method of repairing a pipe

[0086] Also described herein is a method of repairing a pipe, the method comprising: providing a CIPP liner as described herein; impregnating the CIPP liner with a curable resin, for example a UV curable resin; inserting the CIPP liner into a pipe to be repaired; and curing the curable resin to form a composite pipe.

[0087] Suitable curable resins include epoxy resins, polyester resins and vinyl ester resins. In embodiments the curable resin may be a UV curable polyester resin.

[0088] In embodiments, the curable resin is a UV curable resin and curing the resin comprises exposing the resin to UV radiation.Examples

[0090] The following illustrates examples of the processes and related aspects described herein. Thus, these examples should not be considered to restrict the present disclosure, but are merely in place to teach how to carry out the processes and obtain the products of the present disclosure.

[0091] In the Examples that follow, CIPP fabrics were produced by first providing a biaxial non-crimp fabric comprising first and second fibers as described herein and the forming a chopped strand mat on the biaxial non-crimp fabric to form the CIPP fabrics.

[0092] Each of the CIPP fabrics of Examples 1-3 summarised in table 2 below were then used to form a panel representing a CIPP liner by layering the CIPP fabrics and impregnating the layered CIPP fabrics with a UV curable thermosetting polyester resin (AOC LT 720 IMP-05) to provide panels with a total fiber weight of around 55 wt.% by total weight of the panels. Panels rather than pipes were used to simplify testing. The mechanical properties of the glass fibers employed in the CIPP fabrics of Examples 1-3 and the UV cured polyester resin is provided in table 1 below. The tensile Young's modulus and tensile strength were determined according to ASTM D2343-09. As described in ASTM D2343-09, the tensile strength determined was the impregnated tensile strength (rather than, for example pristine tensile strength which is performed on a single perfect filament). The inventors consider the impregnated tensile strength to provide a more realistic value of tensile strength to reflect the performance in composite products compared to pristine tensile strength (conducted on a single perfect filament).

[0093] Table 1

[0094] The panels formed from the CIPP fabrics of Examples 1-3 as described above were tested according to DIN EN 1228 to determine flexural modulus and DIN ISO 178 to determine flexural strength, the details of the fabrics and the panels formed along with the mechanical testing results are provided in Table 2 below.

[0095] Table 3 provides modelled data for flexural modulus and flexural strength for cured CIPP liners (in pipe form) formed from the CIPP fabrics described in the table impregnated with the same polyester resin employed for the panels described in Table 2.able 2 - mechanical testing resultsable 3 - modelled results

[0096] The results provided in Table 2 show satisfactory mechanical properties. However, it can be noticed that mechanical properties of CIPP liners having a higher amount of second fibers (example 3) or having HP glass fibers as second fibers (example 1) are further improved compared to example 2. It is also noticed that the higher amount of second fibers (example 3) provides a significant improvement in mechanical properties compared to example 2 and example 1. The present inventors have also found that the linear mass density of the glass strands employed in the chopped strand mat of Examples 1-3, i.e. a linear mass density of 40 bundle Tex or less, provides further improvements in relation to resin infusion and therefore also static and fatigue resistance in the cured CIPP liner compared to comparative fabrics employing a chopped strand mat formed of glass strands having a slightly higher linear mass density (for example, 44 bundle Tex). Furthermore, the present inventors have microscopically analysed the panels of Examples 1-3 and comparative panels formed of fabrics containing a woven fabric instead of a non-woven fabric and found that the panels formed of fabrics containing a woven fabric instead of a non-crimp fabric contained larger resin pockets within the material (thought to be due to the structure of the woven fabric compared to the non-crimp fabric). From the results of this microscopic analysis, the present inventors expect the fatigue resistance of panels of Examples 1-3 to be improved relative to comparative panels formed of fabrics containing a woven fabric instead of a non-woven fabric.

[0097] From the experiments carried out, the present inventors consider that CIPP fabrics described herein containing a chopped strand mat formed of glass strands having a linear mass density of up to about 40 bundle Tex, for example 40 bundle Tex or less, up to about 33 bundle Tex are likely to provide further improvements in relation to resin infusion and therefore also static and fatigue resistance in the cured CIPP liner compared to comparative fabrics employing a chopped strand mat formed of glass strands having a linear mass density of greater than about 40 bundle Tex (for example, 44 bundle Tex).

[0098] The modelled data experiment was carried out digitally employing a model trained on real data and exactly mimicking the test protocol of DIN EN 1228 and DIN ISO 178. Therefore, the model data is considered to accurately represent real data that would be obtained for pipe liners manufactured using the CIPP fabrics described above. The results provided in table 3 also demonstrate the excellent mechanical properties of the cured CIPP liners described herein in addition to the improvements provided by incorporation of high performance glass fibers in the second direction (transverse to the length of the pipe).

[0099] Therefore, the present inventors have found that the cured in place pipe liners andCIPP fabrics described herein provide advantages in terms of liner processability (e.g., inserting the1 liner into a pipe to be repaired), mechanical performance, impregnation of the liner with curable resin and abrasive resistance. The present inventors have also found that incorporating a spacer layer into the CIPP fabric as described herein provides further improvements in abrasion resistance of the cured in place pipe liners described herein.[000100] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.[000101] While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.[000102] For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.[000103] Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.[000104] If a standard test is mentioned herein, unless otherwise stated, the version of the test to be referred to is the most recent at the time of filing this patent application.[000105] Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and "include", and variations such as "comprises", "comprising", and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.[000106] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and / or to"about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" in relation to a numerical value is optional and means for example + / - 10%.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cure in place pipe (CIPP) fabric for reinforcing pipes, the CIPP fabric comprising: first fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the first fibers oriented in a first direction, the first direction being along the length of the fabric; second fibers comprising continuous glass fibers, the second fibers oriented in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and a chopped strand mat layer comprising randomly oriented chopped glass fiber strands, wherein the first fibers constitute at least about 10 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the fabric, and the chopped glass fiber strands constitute at least about 30 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the fabric.

2. A CIPP fabric according to claim 1, wherein the first fibers and the second fibers form a noncrimp fabric layer.

3. A CIPP fabric according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second fibers constitute at least about 40 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric.

4. A CIPP fabric according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second fibers comprise continuous glass fibers having an elastic modulus of at least about 89 GPa and a tensile strength of at least 2200 MPa, wherein the tensile strength and the elastic modulus are determined according to ASTM D2343-09.

5. A CIPP fabric according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second fibers comprise continuous glass fibers being formed from a high performance glass composition, the high performance glass composition being a glass composition comprising: 55.0 to 65.0 wt.% SiC ; 17.0 to 27.0 wt.% AI2O3; 8.0 to 15.0 wt.% MgO; 7.0 to 12.0 wt.% CaO; 0.0 to 1.0 wt.% NajO; 0 to 2.0 wt.% TiC ; 0 to 2.0 wt.% FejOa; and up to 0.5 wt.% LizO.

6. A CIPP fabric according to claim 5, wherein the glass composition from which high performance glass fibers are formed contains a total weight percentage of CaO and MgO of greater than 20 % and the weight present ration of ALOa / MgO is less than 2.0, optionally the glass composition has a fiberizing temperature no greater than 1370° C.

7. A CIPP fabric according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the glass fiber strands of the chopped strand mat layer have a linear mass density of up to about 40 bundle Tex, preferably up to about 33 bundle Tex.

8. A CIPP fabric according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the areal weight of the fabric is in the range of about 500 g / m2to about 2000 g / m2.

9. A CIPP fabric according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: the first fibers constitute from about 10 wt.% to about 27 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric; the chopped glass fiber strands constituted from about 33 wt.% to about 45 wt.% of the CIPP fabric; and / or the second fibers constitute from about 45 wt.% to about 57 wt.% of the total fiber weight of the CIPP fabric.

10. A CIPP fabric according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the chopped strand mat layer has an areal weight of at least about 280 g / m2.

11. A CIPP fabric according to any of the preceding claims, the CIPP fabric comprising: the first fibers in an amount such that the areal weight of the first fibers in the CIPP fabric is at least about 80 g / m2; and / or the second fibers in an amount such that the areal weight of the second fibers in the CIPP fabric is at least about 150 g / m2.

12. A cure in place pipe liner comprising a CIPP fabric according to any of claims 1 to 11.

13. A cure in place pipe liner according to claim 12, wherein the second fibers are disposed between the first fibers and the chopped strand mat layer, the chopped strand mat layer of the fabric being oriented inwardly of the first and second fibers in use.

14. A cure in place pipe liner according to claim 12 or claim 13 further comprising a spacer layer, optionally wherein the second fibers are disposed between the first fibers and the chopped strand mat layer, the chopped strand mat layer of the fabric being oriented inwardly of the first and second fibers in use and the spacer layer being oriented inwardly of the chopped strand mat layer.

15. A cure in place pipe liner according to any of claims 12-14, wherein the CIPP fabric is impregnated with a curable resin, optionally wherein the total fiber weight of the liner is from about 40 wt.% to about 70 wt.% of the resin impregnated CIPP liner.

16. A cure in place pipe liner according to any of claims 12-15 comprising a plurality of layers the CIPP fabric according to any of claims 1 to 11, each of the plurality of layers of the CIPP fabric being directly disposed on another of the plurality of the layers of the CIPP fabric.

17. A method of repairing a pipe, the method comprising: providing a cure in place pipe liner according to any of claims 12 to 16; impregnating the cure in place pipe liner with a curable resin; inserting the cure in place pipe liner into a pipe to be repaired; curing the curable resin to form a composite pipe.

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