Laser Liner Curing With Axicon Beam Shaping for Pipe Rehabilitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for curing resin-impregnated fibre tubes in pipe rehabilitation are complex and costly due to the need for direct laser alignment, and previous laser-based solutions have not been commercially viable.
Innovation Solution
A process using a laser beam deflected by optics at an angle to cure the resin system within the liner, allowing the laser source to be positioned outside the pipe, utilizing an axicon to generate an annular beam profile for efficient curing, and incorporating photoinitiators or thermal initiators in the resin system for photocuring or thermal decomposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the laser source is directed directly towards the inner surface of the liner, then the curing effect is achieved, but the device becomes very expensive and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system consisting of deflecting mirrors or prisms that redirect the laser beam from an external source to the inner surface of the liner. This mediator allows the laser source to be positioned outside the pipe while still achieving effective curing of the resin-impregnated liner, thereby reducing device complexity and cost without compromising the curing effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of the laser source positioning by moving it from inside the pipe to outside the pipe. By using optical deflecting elements, the laser beam is redirected through a different spatial path, allowing the source to be located in a more accessible external position while still delivering light to the target surface.
2Reliability
If the laser source is directed directly towards the inner surface of the liner, then the curing effect is achieved, but the device required becomes very expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system consisting of deflecting mirrors or prisms that redirect the laser beam from an external source to the inner surface of the liner. This mediator allows the laser source to be positioned outside the pipe while still achieving effective curing of the resin-impregnated liner, thereby reducing device complexity and cost without compromising the curing effect.
3Ease of operation
If conventional light sources are used for curing, then the process can be performed, but intensity loss is proportional to the square of the distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of light source type from conventional broadband sources to laser sources. This parameter change results in highly directional, coherent light with minimal divergence, causing intensity loss to be approximately linearly proportional to distance rather than proportional to the square of the distance, thereby significantly reducing energy loss over distance.
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
This approach simplifies the curing process, reduces costs, enhances safety, and improves control, enabling effective curing of resin systems with reduced intensity loss and improved handling, while allowing for smaller diameter pipe rehabilitation.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam is deflected by at least one optics at an angle from 0.5 to 179 degrees with respect to the incident laser beam such that the laser light impinges on the inner surface of the erected liner
Implementation Method 2
laser light is deflected in the device by at least one optics at an angle from 0.5 to 179 degrees with respect to the incident laser beam
Implementation Method 3
the use of an axicon for generating an annular laser beam profile for curing a liner for the rehabilitation of pipes or canals
Implementation Method 4
incorporating photoinitiators or thermal initiators in the resin system for photocuring or thermal decomposition
Implementation Method 5
incorporating photoinitiators or thermal initiators in the resin system for photocuring or thermal decomposition
Data Source
AI summary
A process for curing a liner for the rehabilitation of pipes or canals, wherein laser light is used for curing a resin-impregnated liner, and the use of an axicon for generating an annular laser beam profile for curing a liner for rehabilitating pipes or canals. A method of using at least one axicon for generating an annular beam profile of a laser beam for curing a liner for rehabilitation of pipes or canals.