How to choose your pipe lining equipment well? The Pro guide

Pipe lining offers an effective solution to rehabilitate damaged drainage networks without requiring their complete replacement. This method involves applying a new robust and waterproof internal coating, using specific resins or sleeves. Choosing pipe lining has several notable advantages: it is an economical solution, quick to implement, environmentally friendly, and durable over time.

But how to select the right equipment for lining your pipes? What factors should be considered to ensure effective and quality lining?

What options are currently available on the market? This guide aims to explain the basics of pipe lining, detail the essential equipment for its implementation, and clarify the key criteria for making a wise choice. Thus, you can rehabilitate your drainage systems effectively while maintaining peace of mind.

Understanding pipeline lining

Pipe lining is an effective method to rehabilitate damaged drainage networks without requiring complete replacement. This technique involves creating a new solid and waterproof internal coating, using resin or liner.

This method offers multiple advantages: it is economical, quick to implement, environmentally friendly, and ensures increased longevity.

The advantages of lining

Pipe lining offers several benefits, notably:

• Time and money savings: It eliminates the need to dig up, remove, and replace pipes, thus reducing associated costs such as equipment rental, waste disposal, ground repair, etc. This technique also reduces noise pollution, traffic disruptions, and accident risks.
• Environmental protection: It limits ecological impact by reducing waste production, energy and water consumption, as well as CO2 emissions. Additionally, it helps prevent leaks that can contaminate soil and groundwater.
• Performance improvement: Lining increases the mechanical and chemical resistance of pipes against corrosion, abrasion, roots, rodents, etc., and improves flow by eliminating irregularities and pipe constrictions.
• Guaranteed longevity: This method extends the lifespan of pipes, providing them with new sealing and strength. Depending on the materials used, this duration can exceed 50 years.

The different types of lining

Various methods are available, distinguished by their application technique and the type of pipes concerned:

• Resin spray lining: This approach consists of spraying an epoxy resin inside the pipes via a robot, forming an adherent layer. Suitable for small to medium diameter pipes, it effectively handles bends and section variations.
• Slip lining: This method involves inserting and expanding a flexible resin-impregnated liner against the internal walls, thus creating a new pipeline inside the existing one. It is suitable for medium to large diameter pipes, for straight segments and gentle curves.
• Spray lining: It consists of spraying an epoxy resin with a gun, forming a thin and smooth layer. Ideal for small diameters, this technique allows handling bends and section changes.

Selection criteria for a lining project

To choose the most suitable lining technique, consider:

• Type and condition of pipes: Understanding the material, diameter, length, shape, and level of degradation is crucial.
• Technical and regulatory constraints: It is important to verify project feasibility, especially pipe access and the need for authorizations.
• Budget and deadlines: Comparing costs and durations of different options while considering additional expenses is crucial.
• Provider quality and guarantee: Ensuring the professionalism of the chosen company through its references, certifications, insurances, and warranty duration is essential.

Essential equipment for successful lining

The success of pipe lining depends on using suitable and efficient equipment. For each lining methodology, depending on the pipe diameter and the desired finish level, there is a set of specific equipment. Discover here the main equipment needed for quality lining, grouped into three categories: pipe preparation equipment, lining systems, and control and finishing equipment.

Pipe preparation equipment

Preparation is a key step before lining. It involves cleaning, inspecting, and unblocking pipes if necessary. Here is the essential equipment for this stage:

• Inspection camera: essential for assessing the internal condition of pipes, detecting anomalies, leaks, or connections. It can be manual, motorized, or mounted on a robot.
• Hydrocleaner: a major tool for cleaning pipes using a high-pressure water jet, capable of removing deposits, grease, and roots. It is often complemented by various accessories such as nozzles, chains, or brushes.
• Unblocker: allows removal of blockages caused by debris or other obstructing elements, available in mechanical, electric, or pneumatic versions.

Lining systems: Spray, CIPP, and other technologies

Once the pipes are ready, lining can begin. Depending on the needs, different systems can be used:

• Resin projection system: ideal for spraying epoxy resin into small to medium diameter pipes. Uses a robot or a gun to apply the resin which, once cured, creates a solid and durable coating. Perfect for treating bends and changes in section.
• Lining system: involves inserting a resin-impregnated liner inside the pipe, then expanding it so that it perfectly fits the walls. After the resin hardens, a new pipe is formed, suitable for medium and large diameter pipes.
• Spot repair system: local repair solution for damaged pipes, applying resin or liner to the affected area. An effective method for spot repairs without the need to fully line the pipe.

Control and finishing equipment

The final step of lining consists of verifying the quality of the coating and performing the finishing touches. The following equipment is essential:

• Inspection camera: allows checking the condition of the coating, ensuring its uniformity and watertightness. The same camera used for preparation can be employed.
• Milling robot: used to clear connections covered by the coating, equipped with various cutting tools. It is often the same robot used for resin spraying.
• Leak test: essential to confirm the absence of leaks in the coating, performed by applying air or water pressure according to standards.

Making the right choice: parameters to consider

To select the pipe lining equipment that best meets your requirements, it is essential not to limit yourself to knowledge of the different available technologies and equipment. Other factors must be considered, directly influencing the quality, efficiency, and profitability of your renovation work. We will detail the main parameters to examine for making a wise choice, grouped into three categories: the quality and longevity of the equipment, ease of use and supplier support, as well as budget and return on investment.

Assessing the quality and durability of the equipment

The first parameter to study is undoubtedly the quality and lifespan of the equipment intended for pipe lining. It is important to ensure that the equipment complies with current standards, is strong and durable, delivers performance and reliability up to your expectations, and guarantees maximum longevity of the coating. This involves gathering information on the technical specifications of the equipment such as the type of resin, liner, robot, and camera used.

It is also crucial to verify that the equipment is suitable for the dimensions, length, shape, and condition of the pipes to be treated. Furthermore, it is advisable to rely on the reputation and testimonials regarding the manufacturer or distributor of the equipment, and to ensure that they possess the required certifications and guarantees.

Consider ease of use and supplier support

Ease of handling and support offered by the supplier constitute the second essential criterion. It is important to verify the ease of transport, installation, handling, and maintenance of the equipment.

The supplier must also support you throughout your project by offering consulting, training, maintenance, and support services if needed. Inquire about delivery, rental, purchase, and equipment buy-back options offered.

Also inform yourself about warranty conditions, after-sales service, and technical support offered by the supplier. It is also wise to consult reviews from other users and ensure the supplier's good reputation and availability.

Take into account the budget and return on investment

The budget and profitability of the investment in pipeline lining equipment are the third criteria to consider. It is essential to ensure that the investment matches your financial means and will allow savings and profits in the short, medium, and long term. Inform yourself about the costs related to purchase, rental, transport, installation, use, and maintenance of the equipment.

Also inquire about subsidies, tax incentives, and financial aid available to support your project. Finally, assess the expected benefits of using the equipment, particularly in terms of cost reduction, increased productivity, improved customer satisfaction, and contribution to environmental protection.

Conclusion

It is clear that pipeline lining is a preferred solution for the rehabilitation of drainage networks. This method offers you the opportunity to restore your pipelines without completely replacing them, thus providing new sealing, resistance, and extending their lifespan.

However, to guarantee effective lining, it is crucial to select the equipment best suited to your needs, considering the quality, efficiency, and cost of the equipment. It is also important to rely on a reliable and competent supplier, capable of supporting you at every stage of your project and providing impeccable service.

Don't wait any longer, contact us now to benefit from a free and customized quote. We offer you the most suitable solutions for pipeline lining, including cutting-edge equipment and personalized support.

Our commitment is to provide you with fast, efficient, and sustainable service, while ensuring respect for the environment and your budget constraints. With our help, the renovation of your pipelines will be carried out with complete peace of mind.