UV-Cured Conduit Liner Installation Without Refrigeration
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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 unpredictable curing times and potential environmental hazards due to the use of carcinogenic substances like styrene.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus 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 using a non-VOC synthetic resin that cures quickly under UV light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If thermal curing resin is used for lining conduits, then the resin can be cured to form a hard lining, but refrigeration equipment 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. The resin composition is specifically formulated to cure under UV radiation rather than heat, eliminating the need for thermal control equipment during transportation and installation. The flexible tube delivers UV light directly to the liner as it is being installed, enabling curing without mechanical refrigeration or temperature control systems.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If thermal curing resin is used, then the lining can be cured in place, but the curing time becomes unpredictable due to temperature variations, affecting installation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic UV light exposure through the flexible tube as it is pulled through the conduit. The UV light source is activated in a continuous or periodic manner along the length of the liner during installation, ensuring consistent curing intervals regardless of environmental temperature variations. This periodic action provides predictable curing timing that maintains installation efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If thermal curing resin is used, then the lining can be installed, but carcinogenic substances like styrene require special handling and create environmental hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the resin system by formulating a UV-curable resin composition that does not rely on styrene or other carcinogenic substances. The resin includes specific UV-reactive monomers and oligomers that cure under UV light without releasing harmful volatile organic compounds. This parameter change in the chemical composition eliminates environmental hazards while maintaining ease of installation.
4Reliability
If refrigeration is used for transporting UV-activated resin liner, then temperature control is needed, but the patent eliminates this requirement by using UV curing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the curing process from the transportation and storage phase by using UV-light curable resin that remains stable at ambient temperatures until exposed to UV radiation. The curing function is separated from the transportation requirements, allowing the liner to be transported and stored without refrigeration equipment while maintaining reliable curing consistency when UV light is applied during installation.
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 hazardous materials, enabling efficient installation of liners in various conduit sizes and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a UV-activated resin-impregnated tubular liner with 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.