UV-Cured Conduit Lining for Temperature-Independent Resin Curing
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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 and apparatus using a light-activated resin with a flexible light curing activator tube to invert and cure the tubular liner in situ, eliminating the need for refrigeration and temperature control, allowing for faster and more consistent curing within the conduit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal curing resin is used to impregnate the tubular liner, then the liner can be cured in place within the conduit, but refrigeration and temperature control are required during transportation and installation, increasing costs and risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal curing system with a light-activated curing system. Instead of using heat to cure the resin, the invention employs ultraviolet (UV) light or other electromagnetic radiation sources that activate the photopolymerization of the resin. This substitution eliminates the need for complex temperature control equipment, refrigeration during transportation, and heating devices during installation, while maintaining reliable in-place curing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the curing activation parameter from thermal energy to electromagnetic radiation energy. By formulating the resin as a light-curable composition rather than a heat-curable one, the invention fundamentally alters the activation mechanism. This parameter change allows the liner to be stored and transported at ambient temperatures without premature curing, and enables curing to proceed rapidly when exposed to UV light or other electromagnetic radiation sources within the conduit.
2Manufacturing precision
If thermal curing resin is used, then the liner can be cured effectively, but temperature variations cause premature curing or delays, affecting installation consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces temperature-dependent thermal curing with light-dependent photopolymerization. The resin composition includes photoinitiators that activate upon exposure to specific wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, typically UV light. This substitution makes the curing process independent of ambient temperature variations, ensuring consistent curing results whether the installation occurs in hot or cold environments, and eliminating the risk of premature curing during transportation and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the curing activation parameter from temperature to light wavelength and intensity. By formulating a light-curable resin system with appropriate photoinitiators, the patent enables precise control over the curing process through electromagnetic radiation exposure. This parameter change ensures that curing occurs only when and where light is applied, providing manufacturing precision and consistency independent of temperature fluctuations.
3Reliability
If refrigeration is used for transporting resin-impregnated liners, then premature curing is prevented, but transportation costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the refrigeration system with a light-curable resin formulation. Instead of using mechanical cooling to prevent premature curing during transportation, the invention uses a chemically stable resin composition that remains uncured at ambient temperatures until exposed to activating light. This substitution eliminates the need for refrigerated transport equipment, reduces energy consumption, and simplifies logistics while maintaining reliability in preventing premature curing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the resin's chemical stability parameters to allow long-term storage and transportation at ambient temperatures without curing. By selecting appropriate monomers, oligomers, and photoinitiators with stable formulations that require light activation, the patent enables the liner to be manufactured, stored, and transported without refrigeration. The curing reaction is kinetically stable until triggered by electromagnetic radiation, eliminating energy loss associated with refrigeration.
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 enables efficient, temperature-independent curing of the resin-impregnated liners, reducing costs and risks associated with refrigeration, transportation, and environmental concerns, while minimizing downtime and ensuring consistent installation across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible light curing activator tube to invert and cure the tubular liner in situ
Implementation Method 2
light-activated resin with a flexible light curing activator tube to invert and cure the tubular liner
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.