Lighted CIPP Liner Structure for Low-Pressure Resin Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light curing methods for cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) repair in sewer systems face challenges with high inflation/inversion pressures and prolonged curing times, leading to potential liner stretching and reduced structural integrity due to the weight and friction of traditional light systems.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating fiber optics or light diffusing fibers within the liner or bladder to illuminate and cure light curable resin, reducing the need for external light sources and minimizing pressure requirements, while ensuring consistent resin curing throughout the pipe length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional external light systems are used for curing resin in CIPP repair, then curing can be achieved, but high inflation/inversion pressures are required and curing time is prolonged due to the weight and friction of the light systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source directly with the liner by embedding optical fibers or light-emitting elements within the liner structure itself. This integration eliminates the need for separate external light systems, reducing the overall weight and friction during installation, thereby lowering inflation/inversion pressure requirements while maintaining effective resin curing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical fibers as an intermediary to transmit light from a remote source through the liner to the resin. This allows the light curing function to be delivered directly at the resin location without requiring heavy external light equipment that would increase friction and pressure requirements during liner installation
2Reliability
If traditional external light systems are used for curing resin, then curing can be performed, but curing time is prolonged due to the weight and friction of the light systems
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the light source directly into the liner structure, the system ensures optimal light delivery to the resin throughout the curing process. This direct integration eliminates light transmission losses and ensures consistent curing intensity, reducing the time required to achieve effective resin cure compared to traditional external light systems
Solution Approach 2:
The light-curing capability is prepared in advance by embedding optical fibers or light-emitting elements within the liner during manufacturing. This preliminary integration ensures that the light delivery system is already in position and optimized for the specific repair location, eliminating setup time and ensuring immediate effective curing when the liner is installed
3Manufacturing precision
If uniform illumination is provided throughout the pipe length, then consistent resin curing is achieved, but traditional light systems require high pressure to overcome friction and achieve proper liner positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of light sources along the entire length of the liner ensures that uniform illumination is achieved without requiring excessive inflation pressure. The distributed light sources are positioned to provide consistent curing intensity throughout the pipe length, eliminating the need for high pressure that would be required to overcome friction from heavy external light equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies light sources at specific locations along the liner where they are most needed for effective resin curing. This localized approach to illumination ensures consistent curing quality throughout the pipe length while minimizing the overall weight and friction, thereby reducing the inflation pressure required for proper liner positioning
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 reduces curing time, minimizes pressure on the liner, and maintains structural integrity by evenly illuminating the resin, allowing for faster and more effective pipe repair with reduced disruption.
Implementation Method 1
a liner, said liner comprising one or more strands of fiber optic lights associated therewith and extending substantially the same length as said liner
Implementation Method 2
a light source for activating the one or more strands of fiber optic lights while the liner and light curable resin are positioned in the one or more pipes to aid in curing said light curable resin
Data Source
AI summary
Cured-in-place pipe lining repair is a way to access and repair a pipe or pipe section in a trenchless manner. A resinous material is positioned in a pipe and is cured, which creates a repaired wall or surface for the pipe. A light curable resin can be cured with the introduction of illumination in the pipe, such as via a light source. To aid in reducing the curing time for the resin, a liner saturated with the resin, a scrim, and/or a bladder used to press the resin towards the wall of the pipe can be manufactured with a light source, such as one or more fiber optic lines or strings. The lights can be incorporated along the full length of the pipe being repaired and activated along the length to cure the resin along the length at the same time, which reduces the time needed for curing.