Wetout Funnel Grouting for Uniform Liner Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grouting material delivery and application systems often result in non-uniform coating of expandable flexible liners within conduits, leading to potential voids and weak spots during the repair process.
Innovation Solution
A mobile grouting delivery and applicator system featuring a wetout funnel with a v-shaped design and squeegee mechanism, combined with dual ejector pipes for even distribution of grouting material onto the liner, ensuring uniform coating as it passes through the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If grouting material is pumped into the conduit and liner is pulled through, then the repair process can be completed, but the coating on the liner becomes non-uniform leading to voids and weak spots
Solution Approach 1:
The grouting material is applied to the liner exterior surface before the liner is inserted into the conduit. This preliminary coating action ensures uniform distribution of grouting material on the liner, eliminating voids and weak spots that occur when material is pumped after insertion. The liner is coated while outside the conduit, allowing for controlled and even application.
Solution Approach 2:
The application process is segmented into distinct stages: (1) applying grouting material to the liner exterior surface, (2) inserting the coated liner into the conduit, and (3) inflating the liner to press the grouting material against the conduit interior. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently, ensuring uniform coating application.
2Strength
If grouting material is applied to ensure complete coverage, then structural integrity is improved, but the complexity of the application system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the liner's own inflation mechanism to achieve complete grouting material coverage. When the liner is inflated, it presses the grouting material uniformly against the conduit interior surface, ensuring complete coverage without requiring additional complex application equipment. The liner essentially applies its own coating through the inflation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the liner from deflated to inflated to achieve grouting material application. This parameter change (inflation) automatically presses the grouting material against the conduit surface, ensuring complete coverage while using a simple, readily available mechanism rather than complex application equipment.
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 system ensures a uniform and complete coating of the liner, effectively filling cracks and holes in conduit inner walls, enhancing structural integrity and preventing weak spots during the curing process.
Implementation Method 1
a squeegee (102) disposed at the slot (90) for controlling the coating of grouting material (52) for a uniform covering on the liner (50)
Implementation Method 2
A first ejector pipe (104) having an inflow end and an outflow end for receiving and dispensing grouting material (52) to coat one half of the liner (50) exterior
Data Source
AI summary
A grouting material delivery and application system for coating the exterior of a collapsed liner with an even distribution of grouting material prior to insertion into a damaged conduit. The apparatus includes a wetout funnel for receiving grouting material to evenly coat the exterior of the liner. The wetout funnel includes opposite walls forming a v-shape with a slot at the bottom of the v-shape and a squeegee disposed at the slot for controlling the coating of grouting material for a uniform covering on the liner as it passes through the wetout funnel. A first ejector pipe having an inflow end and an outflow end for receiving and dispensing grouting material to coat one half of the exterior of the liner. A second ejector pipe having an inflow end and an outflow end for receiving and dispensing grouting material to coat the opposite half of the exterior of the liner.