Once you’ve identified the signs of a damaged pipeline, it’s essential to act fast in handling repairs. One of those repair methods is known as Cured-in-Place Pipe Lining (CIPP). Read on to learn more about CIPP lining and its process of restoring underground infrastructure.
What is Cured in Place Pipe Lining?
Cured-in-Place Pipe Lining (CIPP) is a trenchless pipe repair method that involves inserting and curing a resin impregnated tube within an existing deteriorated pipe. The goal of this pipe lining process is to repair the existing host pipeline by providing support with the newly hardened pipe.
This process can renew gravity sewers, storm drains, culverts, and pressure pipelines, making it a popular choice within the trenchless rehabilitation industry. Let’s take a look at the Cured-in-Place lining process and why it’s had a steady, proven track record.
The CIPP Rehabilitation Process
In roughly an hour, the CIPP lining process is able to begin restoring the structural integrity of the old existing pipe. Since this is a trenchless method, it is able to be completed at a faster and easier rate than open-cut construction. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the CIPP installation process.
- Clean the host pipe. In a sense, the new lining is encompassing the host pipe. In order to properly do so, dirt and debris should be removed to make room for the CIPP liner to be installed against the pipeline’s wall. CIPP often requires a heavy cleaning for the existing pipeline.
- Set up a bypass/flow management. CIPP requires a dry pipe for installation. For certain smaller diameter applications, this can be achieved solely with plugs. For other instances, setting up a temporary bypass pumping operation will be necessary. This means pumping the flow above ground to divert it away from the repair area. If a bypass is needed, a sewer vacuum may be your best option for keeping the pipe consistently clear.
- Install the CIPP liner. The CIPP liner is installed most commonly by either a process called inversion or pull-in-place. For inversion, the resin impregnated tube is inserted within a piece of equipment that uses air or water pressure to insert the liner the total length of the pipeline. A pull-in-place liner, rather than being pushed by inversion, is pulled towards the end access.
- Introduce UV light or heat. Once correctly aligned within the existing pipeline, either heat or UV rays are utilized to cure the resin and form a rigid pipe.
- Reinstate lateral connections. After the pipe is hardened and ready to go, the lateral connections that were previously disconnected can be reinstated.
- Check the quality. Before leaving the site, pipeline professionals should conduct a quality check to ensure the rehabilitated pipe is fit for service.
CIPP vs. Spiral Wound Lining
Though the CIPP lining process is an effective rehabilitation choice for existing pipelines, other restoration methods may be better options depending on the situation. For example, the SEKISUI SPR Spiral Wound Lining process is even more eco-friendly and efficient than that of CIPP. We’ll break down the difference between these two pipe lining solutions and why Spiral Wound Lining may be the one for you.
CIPP Rehabilitation
Since CIPP does not require digging like a traditional open-cut construction, it is commonly used to repair pipelines. The widely used technology is very well known in the industry and is installed across the United States. It offers a small reduction in host pipe diameter and is capable of renewing pipes from around 4” to well over 100” in diameter.
While this pipe lining method seems like the way to go, the CIPP process can be an exceptionally expensive route for rehabilitation given certain conditions. If bypass pumping is required, this could add at minimum an additional 15% in cost to a CIPP bid with an even further increase for larger pipes. Most CIPP projects fall within the $30 – $700 per linear foot range depending on the pipe diameter and additional repair factors.
Spiral Wound Lining Rehabilitation
For individuals looking for other potential repair options, you may want to consider SEKISUI SPR’s Spiral Wound Lining trenchless process. Spiral Wound Lining can be completed in a pipe with low velocity flow, often requiring little or no bypass pumping. It is also a 100% mechanical process, meaning no harmful chemicals or thermal processes are used during construction. Spiral Wound lining is capable of renewing pipes between 6” to over 200” in diameter.
The entire process can be done through existing access points, meaning this method of repair leaves little impact on the surrounding environment. Mechanically wound pipe lining offers a ribbed profile design that adds an additional layer of support and structural integrity to the existing host pipeline at a low cost.
Rehabilitate Your Pipe Lining with SEKISUI SPR
With state-of-the-art trenchless technology, SEKISUI SPR has the experience and tools needed to ensure your piping systems are up-to-date. Using our Spiral Wound Lining process, you can expect fast and easy eco-friendly repairs. We pride ourselves in our efficient systems and high-quality materials so you can rest assured that your pipeline will last another 50 years. Contact us today to find out how you can get started with our team of professionals.
