UV-Cured Conduit Liner Installation Without Refrigerated Resin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipelining systems face challenges with thermal curing resins, requiring refrigeration for transportation and on-site installation, which is costly and risky, and are affected by temperature variations, leading to potential liner premature curing and environmental hazards due to styrene release.
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 minimizing environmental risks by initiating curing before full installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal curing resin is used for lining conduits, then the liner can be cured after installation, but the liner requires refrigeration during transportation and storage, increasing cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the curing mechanism from thermal activation to UV light activation. The resin composition is modified to contain photopolymerizable monomers and oligomers that cure upon exposure to UV radiation, eliminating the need for thermal control during transportation and storage while maintaining reliable curing capability at the installation site
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal curing system (heating equipment, temperature control mechanisms) with a UV light curing system. The flexible light curing activator tube delivers UV radiation directly to the liner, substituting mechanical/thermal processes with optical processes that do not require refrigeration or temperature control during handling
2Reliability
If thermal curing resin is used, then the liner cures after installation, but temperature variations can cause premature curing or curing failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the activation parameter from temperature to UV light exposure. The resin system responds to photonic energy rather than thermal energy, making the curing process independent of ambient temperature variations. This ensures consistent curing results regardless of whether the environment is cold or hot
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies UV light activation during the installation process itself, before the liner is fully positioned and secured. The flexible light curing activator tube is inserted along with the liner and activates curing as it progresses, ensuring the liner sets in place during installation rather than before or after, eliminating premature curing issues
3Ease of manufacture
If thermal curing resin is used, then the liner can be installed, but styrene release creates environmental hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the resin chemistry from styrene-based thermal curing resin to a photopolymerizable resin system. This chemical substitution eliminates styrene release entirely, as the curing mechanism relies on UV-induced polymerization of alternative monomers that do not volatilize or create harmful emissions during installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of chemical release during curing into a benefit by using UV light activation. The curing process occurs rapidly upon light exposure without releasing volatile organic compounds, transforming what was previously an environmental hazard into an environmentally friendly installation process
4Reliability
If refrigeration is used for transporting and storing the liner, then premature curing is prevented, but cost and logistical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the stability mechanism from temperature-dependent (requiring cold storage) to light-dependent (stable in dark, cures on UV exposure). The liner can be transported and stored at ambient temperatures without refrigeration, as long as it is kept in darkness. Curing is initiated only when UV light is applied during installation, eliminating the need for expensive refrigeration equipment and associated logistical complexity
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, reduces costs and risks associated with temperature and environmental factors, and ensures consistent curing without the need for refrigeration or on-site mixing of temperature-activated catalysts, while preventing styrene release into waterways.
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.