Pipeline Relining Resin System for UV Curing in Shadow Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline relining methods face challenges such as complex equipment, high energy costs, and long operation times, especially when dealing with pipes that have shadow areas or irregular morphologies.
Innovation Solution
A method using a bi-component composition comprising a resin crosslinkable by actinic light and another resin crosslinkable by a co-hardening compound, allowing for efficient in situ remediation and repair of pipelines with adequate hardening depth and performance, even in shadow areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If photoactivable hardening compositions are used to achieve short operation times, then operating time is reduced, but uniform irradiation becomes difficult in shadow areas or pipes with sharp bends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hardening mechanism into two independent parts: a photoactivable component for rapid initial hardening and a thermal component for complete final hardening. This allows the process to proceed in stages, with UV light providing quick initial set and heat completing the crosslinking in shadow areas, thereby resolving the contradiction between speed and uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite hardening system combining photoactivable resins and thermal hardening agents in the same composition. This dual-mechanism approach allows both rapid response to UV light and thorough completion via thermal activation, achieving both short operation times and uniform crosslinking depth throughout the pipeline including shadow areas.
2Manufacturing precision
If hot water activation is used to achieve complete hardening, then hardening completeness is improved, but energy cost and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The photoactivable component performs preliminary hardening action immediately upon UV irradiation, providing rapid initial set and structural formation. This preliminary action reduces the subsequent thermal processing time and energy requirement, as the composition is already partially hardened before thermal activation begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the activation parameters from requiring prolonged high-temperature water heating to using brief UV irradiation followed by moderate thermal activation. This parameter change reduces both the intensity and duration of thermal energy input while achieving complete hardening, thereby reducing overall energy cost.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If room temperature activation is used to reduce energy cost, then energy consumption is reduced, but operation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two activation mechanisms (photoactivation and thermal activation) into a single hardening composition. The photoactivable resin provides rapid initial hardening response, while the thermal hardening agent ensures complete final hardening. This combination achieves both reduced operation time and reduced energy cost compared to either mechanism alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-mechanism system ensures continuous useful action throughout the hardening process. UV irradiation initiates immediate hardening, and thermal activation continues the process to completion without interruption or waiting periods. This continuous action eliminates the long wait times associated with room temperature activation while maintaining low 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
The method achieves remarkable short operating times for pipeline remediation and repair, ensuring effective performance and adequate hardening depth, including in pipes with shadow areas or irregular morphologies.
Implementation Method 1
at least one resin that can be cross-linked by the action of an actinic light-activatable photoinitiator
Implementation Method 2
at least one resin that can be cross-linked by the action of at least one co-hardening compound
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for relining a pipeline that uses a composition comprising: a) at least one resin that can be crosslinked by the action of a photoinitiator which can be activated with actinic light, b) at least one resin crosslinkable by the action of at least one co-hardening compound; c) at least one photo-initiator compound that can be photoactiveted by irradiation with an actinic light source; to which is added, before use: d) at least one co-hardener compound selected in the group consisting of a semilatent co-hardener and a co-hardener at room temperature. The invention also relates to a kit for relining a pipeline according to this method, comprising: 1) a container comprising a), b) and c); 2) a container comprising d); 3) a substrate suitable to be impregnated with the composition resulting from mixing the contents of the container 1) with the container 2); and eventually 4) a source of actinic light and a generator of a flow of air or other gas or liquid at adjustable pressure.