CIPP Liner Packaging for Accurate Wet-Out and Air Bubble Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipe repair systems using two-part epoxy resin require separate packaging for resin, hardener, and liner, leading to messy and error-prone mixing and wetting-out processes, which can introduce air bubbles and compromise the integrity of the repair.
Innovation Solution
A packaging system with separate compartments for each pipe repair component, including a compartment for the pipe liner, where the components are pre-measured and combined within the packaging to wet-out the liner, with openable barriers and a calibration roller to facilitate mixing and air removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pipe repair components are packaged separately in individual containers, then storage and transport are simplified, but mixing and wetting-out processes become messy and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate packaging containers into a single integrated packaging system that houses all pipe repair components (resin, hardener, liner) in separate compartments within one package. This merging maintains the separation of components for easy storage and transport while providing an integrated mixing chamber that ensures accurate mixing and wetting-out processes, thereby resolving the contradiction between packaging simplicity and mixing accuracy.
2Device complexity
If resin and hardener are measured and mixed in a different container, then packaging is simpler, but measurement errors and mixing errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-measured resin and hardener components directly into the packaging structure in separate compartments. The packaging is designed with built-in measurement markings and mixing chambers that guide the user through the mixing process, eliminating the need for external measurement tools and containers. This preliminary preparation within the packaging ensures accurate measurements and reduces mixing errors while maintaining packaging simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If liner wetting-out is performed outside packaging, then application is more flexible, but air bubbles are more likely to be incorporated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controlled intermediate environment within the packaging system that serves as a transition zone between storage and application. The packaging includes a dedicated wetting-out chamber with features for air bubble removal (such as vacuum ports or pressure equalization mechanisms) that mediates the wetting-out process. This intermediate controlled environment eliminates air bubbles while maintaining application flexibility, as the prepared liner can then be easily removed and applied to the pipe.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system and method are provided for packaging pipe repair components and using the packaging for cured in place pipe liner sectional spot repairs. The packaging has separate compartments each housing a pipe repair component including a pipe liner. The pipe liner is wet-out within the packaging with the pipe repair components from the other compartments in the packaging system.