Conformable Polymer Pipe Repair Sealing Groundwater Infiltration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for repairing damaged pipes, especially those underground, are hindered by groundwater infiltration, and existing solutions like welding are time-consuming and expensive, while other methods like stuffing materials are unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A method involving preparing the pipe surface around a breach, applying a conformable material impregnated with a curable polymer to seal the breach, and using fiber-reinforced polymer materials adhered with adhesive to prevent groundwater ingress, allowing for a more reliable and efficient repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If welding is used to block holes in the pipe, then the seal against groundwater infiltration is improved, but the repair time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the repair method from thermal welding to chemical curing. The curable polymer composition undergoes a chemical transformation from liquid to solid state, creating a seal without requiring welding operations. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable sealing through chemical means rather than time-consuming welding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical welding system with a chemical polymerization system. Instead of using heat and mechanical pressure to fuse materials, the invention uses a curable polymer that chemically bonds to the pipe surface and cures to form a seal. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming welding steps while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
2Reliability
If conventional welding methods are used for pipe repair, then the breach is sealed, but the complexity and cost of the repair process increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the repair process into distinct functional components: surface preparation, polymer application, and curing. Each component performs a specific function that contributes to the overall sealing objective. This segmentation simplifies the process by breaking down the complex welding operation into manageable steps that can be performed with simpler equipment and procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The curable polymer composition acts as an intermediary material between the pipe surface and the external environment. Rather than directly welding the pipe material, the polymer serves as a mediating sealing layer that bonds to the pipe surface and prevents groundwater infiltration. This intermediary approach simplifies the repair process by avoiding direct welding operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple stuffing material is used to block pipe openings, then the repair process is simplified, but the reliability of the seal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite material system consisting of a curable polymer composition that combines adhesive properties with structural sealing capabilities. The polymer formulation includes multiple components (resin, hardener, fillers, and additives) that work together to provide both ease of application and reliable sealing performance. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by achieving simplicity in application while maintaining high seal reliability through advanced material composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the sealing material from passive stuffing material to an active curable polymer system. The polymer transitions from a liquid or paste state during application to a solid, structurally sound seal upon curing. This parameter transformation enables the material to be easily applied like simple stuffing while developing the strength and reliability of a engineered seal.
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 effectively seals breaches against groundwater infiltration, enabling a more universal and reliable pipe repair by creating a strong and liquid-tight covering that allows for optimal repair conditions, as demonstrated by test systems showing no leakage and high burst pressure resistance.
Implementation Method 1
The piece of conformable material is impregnated with a curable polymer. The curable polymer is cured within the piece of conformable material thereby to seal the breach against egress of groundwater into the pipe.
Implementation Method 2
Adhesive is applied to the conditioned surface. A piece of fiber reinforced polymer material is cured over the breach and joined to the side wall of the pipe at least in part by the adhesive.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of repairing a section of a pipe including a breach in the pipe. A surface of a wall of the pipe is prepared generally around the breach. A piece of conformable material of the type capable of carrying a curable polymer is sized in relation to a size of the breach. The sized piece of conformable material is applied to the prepared surface so that the breach is covered by the piece of conformable material. The piece of conformable material is impregnated with a curable polymer. The curable polymer is cured within the piece of conformable material thereby to seal the breach against egress of groundwater into the pipe.