Pipeline Relining Resin Composition for Uniform Shadow-Area Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline relining methods face challenges with complex equipment, high energy costs, long operation times, and uneven hardening due to shadow areas or irregular pipe morphologies, particularly in photoactivable resins.
Innovation Solution
A bi-component composition using a resin crosslinkable by actinic light and a co-hardening compound, allowing partial hardening via photoinitiator activation followed by complete hardening through a co-hardener, ensuring adequate hardening depth and performance even in shadow areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If photoactivable resins are used to reduce hardening time and eliminate heating requirements, then operation time is reduced and energy cost decreases, but uneven hardening occurs in shadow areas or pipes with irregular morphologies
Solution Approach 1:
The hardening process is segmented into two distinct stages: first, UV light activation provides rapid initial crosslinking for quick operational hardening; second, thermal activation completes the crosslinking process uniformly throughout the resin, including shadow areas. This segmentation allows each activation method to perform its optimal function without the limitations of using a single method.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the activation parameter from solely optical (UV) to a combination of optical and thermal parameters. By introducing thermal activation as a second stage, the system overcomes the limitation of UV light penetration in shadow areas while maintaining the rapid initial hardening benefit of photoactivation.
2Speed
If UV light irradiation is used for rapid hardening, then hardening speed increases, but shadow areas or angular morphologies prevent uniform crosslinking
Solution Approach 1:
UV light activation performs preliminary crosslinking action that provides immediate operational hardening and structural stability. The thermal activation then follows as a completing action, ensuring full crosslinking throughout the resin including areas not reached by UV light, thereby guaranteeing both speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Thermal activation acts as an intermediary mechanism that complements UV activation. While UV provides rapid surface and accessible area crosslinking, thermal activation mediates the completion of crosslinking in protected or shadowed areas through heat diffusion, ensuring uniform and complete hardening throughout the entire resin structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If thermoplastic resins requiring hot water heating are used, then sufficient hardening depth is achieved, but energy cost and operation time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
UV light activation performs partial crosslinking action that provides sufficient immediate hardening for operational purposes without requiring the full energy input of complete thermal curing. The thermal activation then provides the remaining crosslinking action at lower energy cost compared to conventional hot water heating methods, achieving both adequate hardening depth and reduced energy consumption.
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
Achieves rapid and effective pipeline repair with preliminary stiffness within minutes, followed by complete hardening over hours to months, enhancing overall performance and durability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one resin which can be crosslinked by the action of a photoinitiator which can be activated by irradiation with an actinic light source
Implementation Method 2
at least one resin which can be crosslinked by the action of at least one co-hardening compound
Data Source
AI summary
A method for relining a pipeline includes providing and using a composition that includes (a) a resin crosslinkable by action of a photoinitiator that is activated with actinic light, (b) a resin crosslinkable by action of a co-hardening compound; (c) a photo-initiator compound that can be photoactivated by irradiation with actinic light; and (d) a co-hardener compound added before use that is a semilatent co-hardener or a co-hardener at room temperature. A kit for relining a pipeline according to this method includes (1) a container containing (a), (b) and (c); (2) a container containing (d); (3) a substrate for impregnation with the composition resulting from mixing the contents of container (1) and container (2); and, optionally, (4) a source of actinic light and a generator of a flow of gas or liquid at adjustable pressure.