UV-Cured Conduit Liner for Refrigeration-Free Pipe Rehabilitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipelining systems face challenges with thermal curing resins, requiring refrigeration for transportation and installation, which is costly and risky, and are affected by temperature variations, leading to potential premature curing and delays in subterranean passageways.
Innovation Solution
A method using a UV-activated resin-impregnated tubular liner with a flexible light curing activator tube, allowing for in-situ curing during installation, eliminating the need for refrigeration and temperature control, and enabling faster, more consistent liner placement and curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal curing resin is used for lining conduits, then the liner can be cured in place, but refrigeration and temperature control are required during transportation and installation, increasing cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal curing mechanism with a UV light curing mechanism. Instead of using heat to cure the resin, the invention uses UV light sources that can be transported through the liner to initiate and maintain curing of the resin-impregnated liner material in place, eliminating the need for thermal control systems and refrigeration during transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the curing parameter from temperature-based (thermal curing) to light-based (UV curing). This parameter change allows the resin to cure at ambient temperatures without requiring refrigeration during transport or complex temperature control during installation, while still achieving reliable in-place curing of the liner.
2Reliability
If thermal curing resin is used, then the liner can be cured effectively, but temperature variations cause premature curing or delays, affecting installation speed and consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the temperature-dependent thermal curing process with a UV light-dependent curing process. The UV light sources are transported through the liner and activated to cure the resin at controlled locations, enabling consistent curing effectiveness independent of ambient temperature variations and allowing faster installation speeds without premature curing or delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention prepares the liner with UV-reactive resin and embedded or attachable UV light sources before installation. This preliminary preparation allows the liner to be activated and cured immediately upon installation without waiting for temperature conditions to be favorable, significantly improving installation speed and consistency.
3Reliability
If refrigeration is used for transporting resin-impregnated liner, then premature curing is prevented, but transportation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the resin chemistry to use UV-curable resin instead of thermally-curable resin. This parameter change allows the liner to be stored and transported at ambient temperatures without refrigeration, as the curing reaction is initiated by UV light exposure rather than temperature, eliminating the need for refrigeration systems while preventing premature curing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the refrigeration-based prevention of premature curing with a UV light-triggered curing system. The liner contains UV-reactive resin that remains stable during transport and only cures when exposed to UV light sources that are activated during or after installation, eliminating the need for refrigeration equipment and reducing transportation complexity.
4Reliability
If thermal curing is used, then the liner cures in place, but time-consuming heating and temperature maintenance are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the slow thermal curing process with rapid UV light curing. UV light sources are introduced into the liner and activated to cure the resin in place almost immediately, reducing curing time from hours or days (thermal curing) to minutes or seconds (UV curing), while maintaining the advantage of in-place curing without removing the liner.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses periodic or continuous UV light exposure through the liner to initiate and maintain curing as the liner is installed. This periodic activation of UV sources along the installation path enables rapid in-place curing without the prolonged heating time required by thermal curing methods.
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 simplifies and speeds up the pipelining process, reducing costs and risks associated with temperature and environmental factors, while ensuring consistent curing of the liner without the need for refrigeration or on-site mixing of temperature-sensitive materials.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible light curing activator tube, allowing for in-situ curing during installation
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus or equipment and systems for lining conduits, e.g., preferably subterranean pipelines and passageways, such as sewers, with a liner impregnated with a curable resin in order to secure the conduit against ingress or egress of liquids.