Helical Composite Pipe Lining for Corrosion Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reinforcing embedded pipes, particularly those with metal liners, face challenges such as corrosion, water infiltration, and inefficient stress distribution, leading to potential pipe breaks and increased corrosion risks during repair, especially when pre-stressing wires fail or when repairs are performed from the inside.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the in-situ stratification of a composite structural reinforcement using a band of reinforcement fibers and a resin matrix applied helically within the pipe, with controlled application using a machine to ensure homogeneous stress distribution and prevent detachment or crumpling, allowing the band to carry radial stress effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal liner is placed within the pipe for repair, then the pipe's resistance is re-established, but water infiltration into the interstice causes pressure on the concrete core and renders the liner inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
A composite reinforcement band made of non-metallic fibers (glass, carbon, or basalt) serves as an intermediary between the damaged concrete core and the protective liner. This band is wrapped helically around the pipe and impregnated with resin to create a corrosion-resistant reinforcement layer that does not suffer from the same degradation issues as metal liners, while still providing the necessary structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials consisting of reinforcement fibers (glass, carbon, or basalt) combined with resin matrix to create a reinforcement band that replaces traditional metal liners. This composite structure provides both the mechanical strength needed to restore pipe resistance and the corrosion resistance needed to prevent water infiltration damage, solving the contradiction between strength and reliability.
2Strength
If the band is applied with tension, then it can carry radial stress, but it may locally detach or crumple if application conditions are not satisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
The application process uses dynamic control of the wrapping tension and resin impregnation to ensure uniform application. The tension applied to the band during wrapping is carefully controlled to be sufficient for carrying radial stress but not so high as to cause crumpling or detachment, with the resin serving as a flexible medium that adapts to the band's position and ensures complete coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the reinforcement material by using flexible fiber bands instead of rigid elements, and controls the resin impregnation parameters to ensure proper saturation without excess. The helical wrapping angle and tension parameters are optimized to balance stress-carrying capacity with application uniformity, preventing both detachment and crumpling.
3Stress or pressure
If pre-stressing wires are used, then the pipe can carry pressure stress, but corrosion of wires leads to breaking and delamination
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces long-lived but corrosion-susceptible metal pre-stressing wires with shorter-lived but corrosion-resistant composite reinforcement bands. While the composite materials have different durability characteristics, they eliminate the corrosion mechanism entirely, providing a service life adequate for the application without the degradation issues of metallic wires.
Solution Approach 2:
The core problem of corrosion in metal pre-stressing wires is solved by using composite materials (fiber-reinforced polymers) that are inherently resistant to corrosion. The fiber bands are impregnated with resin to create a complete protective barrier, eliminating the electrochemical corrosion that plagues metal wires while maintaining the ability to carry pressure stresses.
4Stability of the object's composition
If welds are performed in situ on the metal liner, then the liner structure is completed, but weld failures may occur leading to pipe bursting
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical welding process with a wrapping and impregnation process. Instead of joining metal liner segments through welding (which introduces heat-affected zones and potential defects), the composite reinforcement band is wrapped continuously or in overlapping segments and bonded through resin impregnation and compression, eliminating the welding step entirely and its associated failure risks.
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 method provides a safe, efficient, and controlled application of reinforcement, preventing local errors and ensuring the repaired pipe can withstand pressure without cracking or increased corrosion risks, enhancing the pipe's structural integrity and resistance to external forces.
Implementation Method 1
in situ stratification of a composite structural reinforcement using a band of reinforcement fibers and a resin matrix
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method of reinforcing an embedded cylinder pipe (1) by applying a composite structural reinforcement within the pipe through in situ stratification of at least one band (3) of reinforcement fibers and a resin or a resin including matrix comprising the steps of - applying said band onto a contact area (4) on an internal face (2) of said pipe by means of a contacting member (40); - moving said contacting member (40) along an helical path so that said contact area follows said path; - moving a main pressing member (50) behind said contacting member (40) along said path, to apply pressure to said band (3) in a main pressure area (5) separated from said contact area (4). Related device for reinforcing an embedded cylinder pipe (1) by applying a composite structural reinforcement within the pipe.