CIPP Lateral Pipe Liner Geometry to Prevent Joint Bunching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) liner installations face issues such as blocking of service laterals, resin shrinkage leading to gaps between the liner and host pipe, and weak points at joints due to uneven resin distribution and material bunching, which result in imperfect adhesion and potential structural failures.
Innovation Solution
A CIPP liner system comprising multiple contiguous pieces assembled to form a seamless and jointless structure, with a service lateral liner portion attached at a non-perpendicular angle, featuring a cutout portion at the joint to prevent material bunching and ensure uniform thickness, using a football-shaped material removal defined by specific arcs to inhibit crinkling and obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-piece CIPP liner is used, then the liner provides continuous coverage, but material bunching occurs at service lateral joints creating weak points
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is divided into multiple contiguous pieces (first piece, second piece, third piece) that are assembled to form the complete liner. The service lateral liner portion is attached to the main pipe liner portion at a non-perpendicular angle, with a cutout portion at the joint between pieces to prevent material bunching and ensure uniform thickness distribution.
2Reliability
If resin is applied generously to ensure complete saturation, then the liner cures properly, but resin shrinkage creates gaps between the liner and host pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The liner design incorporates a service lateral liner portion with specific geometric features (cutout portion at joints, non-perpendicular attachment angle) that address local areas prone to adhesion problems. These localized modifications ensure proper resin distribution and eliminate gap formation at critical joint areas without requiring excessive resin application throughout the entire liner.
3Ease of manufacture
If the liner is installed at a perpendicular angle to service laterals, then installation is simplified, but material bunching occurs at joints creating obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The service lateral liner portion is attached to the main pipe liner portion at a non-perpendicular angle rather than a standard perpendicular orientation. This asymmetric attachment angle, combined with the cutout portion at the joint, prevents material bunching and eliminates obstructions in the service lateral flow path while maintaining installation feasibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a seamless, jointless liner that reduces material bunching and weak points, ensuring better adhesion and structural integrity by preventing resin shrinkage gaps and improving the connection between the main and service lateral pipes.
Implementation Method 1
The curing process typically uses heat or ultraviolet radiation to cure the resin and harden the liner.
Implementation Method 2
prevailing industry standards recommend that the tube be vacuum-impregnated, such as by a vacuum pump
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for forming and deploying a pipe liner in a pipe main having a service lateral. The line is formed from three pieces of material. The piece of material forming the front top and of the main liner and the front of the lateral line has a cutout at the joint to reduce bunching, which can result in non-uniform liner thickness and may form obstructions at the joint.