CIPP Liner Inspection Optical Sensor Resin Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) lining lack effective control over resin distribution, leading to inconsistent mechanical strength and potential leaks due to insufficient or excessive resin application, relying on visual inspection and experience.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an inspection chamber with rollers and optical sensors to measure resin levels and mechanical properties, correlating spectral data with resin concentration and mechanical properties to identify under-impregnated areas and automatically adjust resin application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If visual inspection and experience are used to control resin amount, then the inspection method is simple, but the manufacturing precision of resin distribution is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual inspection (mechanical/sensory method) with optical sensing technology. The optical sensor detects resin distribution by measuring light absorption or reflection properties, providing objective, quantifiable data about resin concentration along the liner, thereby improving manufacturing precision while maintaining ease of operation through automated detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical sensor as an intermediary between the resin-impregnated liner and the inspection system. This intermediary converts physical resin distribution into measurable optical signals, enabling precise detection and control of resin concentration without direct human intervention or subjective visual assessment.
2Strength
If excess resin is applied to ensure mechanical strength, then the liner meets strength requirements, but the liner becomes overly stiff and may compromise flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where optical sensors continuously monitor resin distribution during the impregnation process. The system compares detected resin levels with target specifications and provides feedback to adjust resin application in real-time, ensuring optimal resin concentration that achieves required mechanical strength while maintaining appropriate flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables spatially resolved measurement of resin distribution along the liner length and circumference. By identifying specific locations with insufficient or excessive resin, the system allows localized adjustment of resin application, ensuring each section receives the precise amount needed for its mechanical requirements without over-impregnating other areas.
3Stability of the object's composition
If insufficient resin is applied to maintain flexibility, then the liner remains flexible, but the mechanical strength and tightness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensing system provides real-time feedback on resin distribution, allowing the control system to detect areas with insufficient resin concentration and trigger additional resin application or process adjustments, ensuring minimum resin levels are achieved throughout the liner while preserving flexibility in areas where it is appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs resin distribution inspection during or immediately after the impregnation process, before the liner is fully cured and installed. This preliminary detection allows for corrective actions to be taken while the liner is still accessible and modifiable, preventing defects that would compromise mechanical strength or tightness.
4Manufacturing precision
If automated optical inspection is implemented, then the manufacturing precision of resin distribution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual inspection procedures with automated optical sensing technology. While the optical sensor system adds technological complexity, it eliminates the need for subjective human judgment and extensive training, simplifying the overall inspection process and reducing operational complexity despite increased device sophistication.
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
Ensures consistent resin distribution, identifying and correcting under-impregnated areas in real-time, enhancing the mechanical integrity and watertightness of CIPP liners.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor for detecting a resin level in an impregnated CIPP liner traveling between the first and second rollers
Implementation Method 2
correlating spectral data with resin concentration and mechanical properties
Data Source
AI summary
A cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) liner inspection system used to inspect a resin level in a CIPP liner that has been impregnated with resin using an inspection chamber having an optical sensor. The CIPP liner inspection system is also used to identify zones within an installed CIPP liner having lower mechanical strength due to inadequate distribution of resin using a robotic unit having an optical sensor. The optical sensor measures an optical property, which is used to determine a resin level or a mechanical property based on predetermined correlations between the optical property and the resin level and predetermined correlations between the optical property and the mechanical property.