Sensor-Integrated CIPP Liner for Sewer Backup Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cured in place pipe systems lack the ability to monitor fluid flow and conditions within the pipes, making it difficult to detect infiltration, inflow, and backup issues, which can lead to damage and require manual inspection and repair.
Innovation Solution
Integration of sensors into the cured in place pipe system that transmit signals indicative of flow rates, fluid levels, and conditions to a remote communications device, allowing for real-time monitoring and alerting of potential issues without operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If sensors are integrated into the cured in place pipe system, then monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is integrated directly into the cured in place pipe liner during the rehabilitation process, combining the monitoring function with the structural repair function. This merging approach enables monitoring capability while minimizing additional complexity by using a single integrated component rather than separate added systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The cured in place pipe liner serves multiple functions: it provides structural repair by sealing defects and cracks, and simultaneously serves as a platform for sensor integration to enable monitoring of flow conditions, infiltration, and pipe health. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the repair structure itself the monitoring platform.
2Measurement precision
If manual inspection methods are used to detect infiltration and inflow, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is installed during the initial pipe rehabilitation process, establishing the monitoring capability in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for future manual inspection deployments, enabling continuous monitoring that provides both precise detection and immediate response to infiltration and inflow events.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor provides continuous real-time feedback on flow conditions, infiltration, and inflow events. This automated feedback system replaces manual inspection by continuously monitoring and immediately detecting problems, achieving both precise measurement and rapid response time without requiring periodic human intervention.
3Ease of manufacture
If cured in place pipe systems are installed without sensors, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor integration is performed during the initial liner installation and curing process, incorporating the monitoring function before the pipe enters service. This preliminary integration maintains installation simplicity by using the existing rehabilitation workflow while simultaneously improving system reliability through built-in monitoring capability that enables early detection of problems.
Data Source
AI summary
A cured in place pipe system having a sensor has a cured in place pipe having a seam, a sensor incorporated into the seam, the sensor for transmitting a signal indicative of a condition within the cured in place pipe, and a communications device positioned remote from the sensor and capable of receiving the signal from the sensor.