Composite Stand-Alone Liners for In Situ Pipe Restoration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for lining high-pressure piping systems often require excavation, which is time-consuming and costly, and are not suitable for demanding, crowded, or corrosive environments.
Innovation Solution
A portable factory system that manufactures and inserts composite stand-alone liners made of temperature-resistant, corrosion-resistant materials, using off-the-shelf extruded polyethylene, carbon fiber tape, and on-site manufacturing, allowing for deformation to ease installation into existing pipes without excavation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipe replacement methods are used, then piping systems can be replaced, but excavation is required which is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The new liner is inserted inside the existing host pipe, with the liner being collapsed into a compact configuration that fits within the host pipe's internal diameter. The liner is then expanded in situ to restore its functional diameter, eliminating the need to excavate and replace the entire pipe system.
Solution Approach 2:
The piping system is segmented into the existing host pipe and the new insertable liner. This allows the liner to be manufactured separately, transported to the site, and installed through the host pipe without disturbing the surrounding infrastructure, significantly reducing excavation requirements.
2Reliability
If traditional pipe replacement methods are used, then piping systems can be replaced, but excavation is required which increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is pre-assembled with reinforcement layers and pre-formed into a collapsible configuration before transport. This preliminary preparation allows the complex multi-layer structure to be installed as a complete unit through the host pipe, reducing on-site assembly complexity and installation costs.
3Ease of operation
If liner diameter is reduced for insertion, then installation is eased, but liner strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is constructed as a composite structure with an inner corrosion-resistant layer and outer reinforcement layers containing high-strength fibers. This composite construction maintains structural integrity during the collapsed insertion phase and provides the necessary strength when expanded to its functional diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner is designed with a curved, collapsible cross-section that can be compressed into an oval or flattened shape for insertion, then expanded back to a circular cross-section in the installed position. The curvature design allows dimensional reduction without compromising the structural framework.
Data Source
AI summary
A liner or core pipe which is suitable for insertion into a host pipe, the core pipe including, in certain aspects, a pipe made of temperature-resistant corrosion-resistant material and having an outer surface, an inner surface, a first end and a second end and a flow channel therethrough from the first end to the second end; first and second strengthening wraps around the pipe; a plurality of spaced-apart pulling tapes on the pipe; the pipe deformable to facilitate insertion into a host pipe, and a protective outer wrap on the pipe. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).