Liner Tube Curing with External Temperature Feedback Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for curing liner tubes in pipe rehabilitation systems lack precise control over radiant energy distribution, leading to incomplete curing due to indirect temperature measurements from the inside and uneven power output, especially in non-circular cross-sections and with water deposits, resulting in unreliable curing processes.

Innovation Solution

Moving the temperature measurement device from the inside to the outside of the liner tube and using continuous temperature measurements at multiple points to control the radiant energy, with graphical representations and automatic adjustments for the curing device's speed and power output based on external temperature readings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If temperature measurement is performed from the inside of the liner tube, then the measurement setup is simple, but the curing precision and reliability are insufficient due to indirect measurements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement device positioning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by moving the temperature measurement device from the inside to the outside of the curable layer. The external measurement device measures temperature through the outer film, providing direct and accurate temperature data of the curable layer without the complexity of internal positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The outer film acts as an intermediary that allows temperature measurement from the outside. The measurement device measures temperature through this film, which transmits the thermal information from the curable layer to the external sensor without requiring direct contact with the resin.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If radiation sources are moved quickly through the liner tube to increase productivity, then curing time is reduced, but incomplete curing occurs due to insufficient radiant energy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecuring speedVSAvoidcuring completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously measuring the temperature of the curable layer during irradiation. The control device adjusts the movement speed and/or power output of the radiation source based on the measured temperature, ensuring complete curing while maintaining high productivity. The system responds dynamically to actual curing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the curing process dynamic by allowing real-time adjustment of radiation source parameters (movement speed and power output) based on measured temperature conditions. This dynamic adaptation ensures optimal curing at each position along the liner tube.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If uniform power output from radiation sources is assumed, then the control system is simple, but uneven curing occurs in non-circular cross-sections and with water deposits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidcuring uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses temperature feedback from multiple measurement points to detect and compensate for non-uniform curing conditions. The control device adjusts radiation distribution based on actual temperature measurements, correcting for effects of non-circular cross-sections and water deposits automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality control by adjusting radiation parameters based on local temperature conditions at different positions. Each region of the curable layer receives customized radiation energy based on its specific thermal state, ensuring uniform curing despite geometric variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If multiple temperature measurement points are implemented to improve curing precision, then curing reliability increases, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecuring process reliabilityVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the temperature measurement device multi-functional by positioning it externally to measure temperatures at multiple points along the liner tube during its passage. A single external measurement device serves multiple measurement locations sequentially, reducing the need for multiple separate sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Ensures high-precision curing by ensuring complete activation of the curable layer, optimizing reliability and efficiency by accounting for varying cross-sections and water deposits, and providing visual indicators for operator control and logging of successful curing.

Implementation Method 1

A curing device, which has a radiation source and is guided through the liner tube, is inserted into the liner tube to cure it, in order to activate or carry out the curing of the curable layers of the liner tube with the radiation energy.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation curing: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

wherein a temperature is detected by a temperature measuring device on the outside of the curable layer of the liner tube

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature measurement: Thermography

Data Source

PatentEP3389992B1Method for curing a liner tube
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 RELINEEUROPE GMBH
  • EP3389992B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for the renovation of conduits, especially of channels, shafts or the like, wherein a curing device for curing the curable and/or hardening layer is activated and a continuous movement of the curing device is controlled or regulated in the liner tube. In particular, the power output of the curing device is controlled or regulated as a function of the temperature detected by a temperature measuring device on the outer side of the curable layer.