SEKISUI SPR has just the method you need to repair your pipeline with minimal downtime. Read on to learn more about Spiral Wound Pipe Lining can be completed in live flow and the many benefits that come along with it.
Spiral Wound Lining & Live Flow
Innovation is key when it comes to trenchless pipeline repair methods — and that’s exactly where Spiral Wound Pipe Lining comes into play. This rehabilitation technology utilizes continuous strips of PVC to repair pipelines and can be completed in certain live flow situations.
Spiral Wound Pipe Lining Installation
The following step-by-step installation process will outline what the typical Spiral Wound Pipe Lining process entails.
- Monitor flow level. The first step is to monitor the flow level to ensure that the repair can be completed in live flow. Spiral wound is capable of being installed in up to 30% low-velocity flow. If these conditions are not met, a modified bypass pumping or temporary flow-through plugging or diversion may be required.
- Equipment insertion. Either a stationary or traversing winding machine will be placed at the host pipe entrance. The chosen PVC lining method (SPR™EX, SPR™TF, SPR™) depends on the pipeline’s shape and diameter. Since Spiral Wound is an entirely mechanical process, the equipment and material are not damaged by flow. The equipment can even be left within the pipeline during rain events that require man-entry evacuation.
- Liner construction. PVC liner is fed into the winding machine via an above-ground spool. The powerful winding machines are capable of locking the PVC profile’s edges together to construct the liner even within sections of flow. For SPR™ and SPR™TF, this means actually traversing the pipe with flow while constructing the liner. For SPR™EX, this means winding the SPR™EX liner in flow towards the opposite manhole.
- Expansion or grouting. SEKISUI’s SPR™TF method lines the PVC directly against the pipeline wall for a tight fit, eliminating the need for grouting. SPR™EX also achieves a tight fit through the expansion of the liner during the installation of the PVC profile. The SPR™ process, in contrast, does require grouting between the host pipe and liner. These finishing touches that completely restore the life of the pipe can all be conducted within flow.
- Final check. Once the liner has been installed, the machinery is removed and the pipeline is given a final inspection to ensure the repair is complete.
Why Choose a Live Flow Repair?
There are a variety of options when it comes to pipeline repairs, but the ability to install a liner in live flow opens up opportunities and includes benefits such as:
Decreased Construction Costs
Managing a pipeline’s flow can be an expensive task, and it is often a vital activity for certain trenchless pipe repair methods. We recently conducted an in-house study that is detailed in our white paper. We analyzed 40 CIPP bid tabulations from 25 states, dating from 2015 – 2019. Given these constraints (and others detailed in the paper), the average portion of bypass pumping cost was over 15% of the total bid. This percent increased when isolating projects dealing with diameters larger than 20”. For the full results, download our paper.
Decreased Service Disruption
While portions of a bypass pumping operation occur below-ground, most equipment is surface level. As stated in the NASSCO spec, the operation’s staging area must be determined. This includes the area for the pumps near the suction manhole and the piping to transfer flows to the discharge area. The piping will cover any necessary length the rehabilitation area requires. The pipes used to transport flow typically range between 2” to 30” in diameter, depending on the scale of the operation.
Eco-Friendly
Spiral Wound Lining is an eco-friendly solution to renew pipelines, and the ability to install in live flow adds to this benefit. Without the need to transport harmful effluent above-ground, this further reduces any risk for these contaminants to accidentally be introduced in unwelcome environments. Live flow installation ensures the harmful contents of sewers remain underground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions does Spiral Wound Lining work best in?
Spiral Wound Pipe Lining is a top contender for situations where flow is present but bypass pumping is difficult/expensive. Often, this occurs when an above-ground piping plan presents challenges. Since Spiral Wound Lining can primarily be done in a live flow, it has become the go-to option for these situations.
What is the cost of a live-flow Spiral Wound Lining repair?
The cost of your repair will depend on a few factors, such as the diameter and length of your pipe. Check out our guide to calculating the cost of a trenchless repair to learn more about these factors, and become familiar with the costs of temporary bypass pumping to learn how you can save by installing in live flow.
SEKISUI SPR™ is equipped with up-to-date technology that can quickly repair and extend the life of your pipeline.
