CIPP Liner Termination With Coupling Members for Standalone Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe rehabilitation methods rely on the existing pipe system to form a fluid-tight flow path, which is challenging when multiple liners are used to line different lengths of a pipe system, as they require coupling with components other than the existing pipe system to create a standalone rehabilitation system.
Innovation Solution
A method involving cured-in-place liners and coupling components that form a fluid-tight connection without relying on the existing pipe system, using a coupling member and mechanical couplers to connect liners and form a standalone fluid flow path between access points, with the liners being made of curable polymers and coupling members made of fiber-reinforced polymers or metals for enhanced bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional pipe lining operations use more than one liner to line different lengths of an existing pipe system, then the liner can reach longer distances, but the complexity of forming a fluid-tight flow path increases because adjacent ends of separate liners must seal with the existing host pipe rather than with components of the rehabilitation system
Solution Approach 1:
The rehabilitation system is divided into separate modular components: individual liners, coupling members, and mechanical couplers. Each liner can be installed independently and connected to coupling members that interface with mechanical couplers, allowing multiple liners to be joined without relying on the host pipe for sealing. This segmentation enables long-distance rehabilitation while maintaining simple, standardized connection procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Coupling members serve as intermediary components between adjacent liners and mechanical couplers. These coupling members provide standardized interfaces that simplify the connection process, allowing liners to be joined through the coupling members rather than requiring direct sealing against the host pipe. This intermediary approach reduces the complexity of forming fluid-tight flow paths in multi-liner installations.
2Reliability
If the existing pipe system is compromised, then rehabilitation is needed, but relying on the host pipe to form a fluid-tight flow path is not desirable when the host pipe is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the rehabilitation function from the host pipe structure by using standalone coupling members and mechanical couplers that create a self-contained fluid-tight flow path. This segmentation allows the rehabilitation system to function independently of the host pipe's structural integrity, providing reliable flow paths even when the host pipe is compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid-tight flow path is extracted from dependence on the host pipe by using coupling members and mechanical couplers that form connections independent of the host pipe. This extraction creates a standalone rehabilitation system that does not rely on the compromised host pipe to maintain sealing, thereby improving reliability while reducing adaptability requirements for the host pipe condition.
3Reliability
If a coupling member is positioned end to end with the host pipe and adhesively bonded to the liner, then a fluid-tight connection is formed, but the complexity of the installation process increases
Solution Approach 1:
Coupling members serve as intermediary components that provide standardized interfaces between liners and mechanical couplers. These coupling members are designed with adhesive bonding surfaces that simplify the connection process, allowing liners to be securely attached through standardized adhesive procedures rather than custom field modifications. This intermediary approach maintains high seal integrity while reducing installation complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling members are designed with specific material properties and surface characteristics that optimize adhesive bonding. By controlling parameters such as surface area, surface energy, and geometric configuration, the system achieves reliable fluid-tight connections through adhesive bonding without requiring complex installation procedures. The standardized parameters enable simple, repeatable installation processes while maintaining high connection reliability.
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 enables the creation of a standalone, fluid-tight flow path within the pipe system, independent of the existing pipe, ensuring a continuous and reliable fluid flow between access points, even in cases where the distance is too long for conventional single-liner methods, and can withstand operational and external pressures.
Implementation Method 1
positioning a liner comprising a curable polymer in a host pipe of the pipe system so that the liner lines an interior surface of the host pipe. The curable polymer is cured.
Implementation Method 2
The connecting section of the liner is adhesively bonded to the coupling member.
Data Source
AI summary
A rehabilitated pipe system and a method for rehabilitating a pipe system. A lines a host pipe and a coupling member configured for being operatively coupled to a mechanical coupler is positioned adjacent the host pipe so that a connecting section of the liner extends into the coupling member. The connecting section of the liner is adhesively bonded to the coupling member, and the mechanical coupler is installed to fluidly couple the liner to another fluid conducting structure. The connecting section of the liner can be formed in a portion of the host pipe that is removed after lining. The coupling member can be flanged or include a lateral coupling tube. The mechanical coupler can, e.g., be a ductile iron coupler or a bolt.