Resin-Lined Conduit Inversion via Air Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipe-lining systems require bladders for installation, which can rupture, necessitating equipment changes and increasing labor and time for repairs, especially in varying diameter pipes, and are limited by specific diameter ranges and directional installation challenges.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for lining conduits without bladders, using air pressure to invert and inflate a resin-impregnated tubular liner, allowing for installation in any diameter or direction, reducing labor and equipment costs, and facilitating uniform heating for faster curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bladders are used for pipe-lining installation, then the liner can be installed in conventional manner, but the bladders can rupture requiring equipment changes and increasing labor and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bladder component entirely from the pipe-lining system. Instead of using a bladder to inflate and position the liner, the invention uses direct air pressure application to the liner material itself, eliminating the intermediate bladder element that was prone to rupture and required replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air pressure as a direct mediator between the installation equipment and the liner material. By using air pressure to directly inflate and position the liner without a bladder intermediary, the system achieves more reliable operation and reduces installation time while maintaining the necessary inflation function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bladders are used for pipe-lining, then installation can proceed with specific equipment, but equipment changes are needed for varying diameter pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal installation system that can accommodate varying pipe diameters without requiring different equipment. The air pressure-based inflation method works across different sizes, making the equipment adaptable to various liner diameters and pipe configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized bladder systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses adjustable air pressure parameters to adapt the installation process to different liner diameters and pipe sizes. By controlling air pressure rather than relying on fixed-size bladders, the system can be easily adapted to various dimensions without changing the fundamental equipment configuration.
3Ease of operation
If conventional lining systems are used, then installation follows standard procedures, but directional installation challenges arise especially uphill or downhill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic pressure to overcome gravitational effects during installation in varying directions. Air pressure can be applied uniformly to inflate and advance the liner whether installing uphill, downhill, or horizontally, eliminating the directional limitations of conventional gravity-dependent methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic installation system where air pressure can be adjusted and redirected as needed during the installation process. This allows the liner to be installed in any direction by dynamically controlling pressure application, rather than being constrained by fixed installation orientations.
4Productivity
If bladders are used for liner installation, then the liner can be inflated, but labor and equipment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the bladder component, which is an additional manufactured part that increases system cost. By using direct air pressure application, the system reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and maintained, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining installation productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive, reusable bladder system with a simpler, more economical direct air pressure method. The elimination of the bladder component reduces manufacturing costs and eliminates the need for expensive equipment changes when bladders need replacement.
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 enables faster, more versatile, and cost-effective lining of conduits with reduced downtime, accommodating various sizes and contours, and allows for installation uphill or downhill without bladders, improving productivity and reducing installation costs.
Implementation Method 1
using air pressure to invert and inflate a resin-impregnated tubular liner
Implementation Method 2
allows for installation in any diameter or direction, reducing labor and equipment costs, and facilitating uniform heating for faster curing
Data Source
AI summary
A method for inverting a tubular liner in a hollow conduit involves: forming a cuff from the tubular liner, the cuff having an opening through which the liner is fed; and while feeding the liner through the cuff opening, feeding a gas under pressure through a gas inlet port formed in the liner to a space between the cuff and the remainder of the liner, thereby causing inversion and inflation of the liner into and through the conduit. After a portion of the liner has been inverted in the conduit, a region of the cuff and liner upstream of the gas inlet port is sealed off, thereby causing inversion of the remainder of the liner in the conduit. Optionally, before a trailing end of the liner is fed through the opening of the cuff, the trailing end is sealed to prevent flow of gas therefrom. When the liner is intended to line the conduit, the liner resin-impregnated either outside or in the conduit and, after complete inversion of the liner in the conduit, the resin is cured and the ends of the liner are sealed to the inside surfaces of the conduit. An apparatus and system for conducting the method are also provided.