How to choose the right resin for lining your pipes? What are the different types of resins for lining and their specificities?

Pipe lining, an effective repair method for sewerage, drinking water and industrial effluent networks, avoids the need for complete replacement of the pipes. This technique involves the introduction of a flexible resin-impregnated sheath inside the damaged pipe, which hardens to form a new, robust inner wall, adhering to the existing walls. It is a practical solution to correct cracks, leaks, corrosion problems, or even the presence of asbestos, without the inconvenience of heavy work.

This guide explores choosing the right resin for your lining project. It covers the different resins available, their characteristics and applications, to help you make an informed decision on the most suitable, high-performance and durable resin for your needs.

The Foundation of Choice: Understanding Pipe Lining

To select the ideal resin for your pipe lining project, it is crucial to understand the fundamentals of this renovation technique, its benefits and the determining criteria for making the right choice.

The principle of lining

This method creates a new inner layer in damaged pipes without requiring their complete replacement. It uses a flexible sheath coated with resin that hardens by polymerization, thus adhering to the walls of the existing pipe.

The lining can be done by resin projection via a robot, or by coating with a fiberglass sheath, applying to various networks (sewage, drinking water, industrial effluents, etc.) and pipeline materials (cast iron, concrete, PVC, steel, etc.).

The advantages of the method

Lining offers multiple advantages compared to traditional methods of replacing pipes, including:

• Rectify cracks, leaks, corrosion or the presence of asbestos without resorting to demolition or earthworks.
• Minimize costs, delays and inconveniences associated with the work.
• Increase the performance and longevity of networks through better sealing, resistance and flow of pipes.
• Preserve the environment by reducing material waste and soil pollution.

The essential selection criteria

Choosing the most appropriate resin for your project depends on several specific factors, including:

• The diameter, length, shape, and general condition of the pipe to be renovated.
• The type of network (drinking water, wastewater, industrial effluents, etc.) and the applicable standards.
• The properties of the resin (type, composition, viscosity, setting time, etc.) and its compatibility with the pipe material.
• The application conditions (temperature, humidity, accessibility, etc.) and the necessary equipment.

Different types of resins and their applications

There are a variety of resins used for pipe lining, each offering unique characteristics and applications. This article explores the four main types: epoxy, polyester, silicate, and vinylester resins.

Epoxy resins

Epoxy resins, thermosetting, harden following a chemical reaction between the resin and the hardener. They are distinguished by their superior adhesion, mechanical and chemical robustness, as well as their low viscosity. Ideal for drinking water pipes due to their compliance with health standards, they are also suitable for lining wastewater or industrial effluents thanks to their resistance to bio-aggression and thermal variations.

Polyester resins

Based on a chemical reaction between the resin and a catalyst, polyester resins are also thermosetting but at a lower cost than epoxies, although with limitations. With a higher viscosity, their application is more difficult and their lower chemical resistance makes them less suitable for industrial water. However, they are effective for wastewater pipes, resisting biological attacks well.

Silicate resins

Less common, silicate resins are mineral resins that harden through a reaction with a specific hardener. Their low viscosity simplifies their implementation and their excellent chemical resistance predestines them for lining industrial pipes. Depending on the hardener used, they are suitable for drinking water pipes as well as for wastewater or industrial water.

Vinyl ester resins

Similar to polyester but offering better chemical and thermal resistance thanks to a reaction between the resin and a catalyst, vinylester resins are ideal for lining industrial effluents exposed to corrosive substances and high temperatures. They are also suitable for drinking water pipes, meeting health standards.

Commonalities and major differences

These types of resins share several important characteristics:

• Used to reinforce pipes, they create a new internal wall to repair damaged pipes.
• Solidification occurs by polymerization, a chemical reaction between the resin and another component (either a hardener or a catalyst).
• Offer an economical solution to repair rather than replace pipes, minimizing costs, time, and inconvenience of the work.
• Increase the performance and longevity of piping systems by improving their sealing, strength, and flow capacity.

However, they differ according to several criteria:

• The type of network they serve (potable water, wastewater, industrial effluent, etc.) and the specific standards to be respected.
• Their viscosity, which has a direct impact on the ease of application and on the final quality of the coating.
• Their chemical and thermal resistance, essential for dealing with environmental constraints.
• The cost, which varies depending on the quality and specific performance of the resin.

Choosing the Right Resin for Your Project

After exploring the different types of resins and their uses, it is crucial to choose the one that best suits your pipe renovation project. This decision involves taking into account several factors, such as the specifics of the pipe in question, the application conditions, the necessary preparation, and of course, the budget and desired durability.

Specifics of the Channeling

It is essential to know the details of the pipeline to be rehabilitated: its diameter, length, shape, as well as its current condition. This information determines the choice of sheath (fiberglass or polyester), the quantity of resin required and the application method. The composition of the pipeline (cast iron, concrete, PVC, steel, etc.) must also be compatible with the resin to avoid any risk of degradation.

Conditions of Application

The application context is another determining criterion. The type of network (drinking water, wastewater, etc.) as well as the specific standards guide the choice towards suitable resins, such as epoxy resins for lining drinking water pipes. Climatic conditions and external aggressions (chemical, thermal, mechanical) also influence the selection in terms of resistance and hardening of the resin.

Preparation and Application Constraints

Application success depends on pipeline accessibility, decommissionability, and cleanliness. Equipment requirements, project duration, and complexity are also considerations. Resin viscosity directly impacts application; a thin resin may drip, while a thick resin may be difficult to spread properly.

Cost and Durability

The budget and expectations in terms of the lifespan of the renovation guide the final choice of resin. Higher quality resins, such as epoxy or vinylester, although more expensive, guarantee better resistance over time. Conversely, polyester resins, which are more economical, may offer less resistance. It is crucial to find the right balance between cost and quality to best meet your needs.

Conclusion

This article has guided you in choosing the ideal resin for your pipe lining project, explaining how it works, its benefits, as well as the selection criteria for this network renovation method.

You have explored the different types of resins available and their specific uses. You have also learned how to evaluate the properties of the pipeline in question, the environment in which it is located, the preparation steps, the implementation challenges, and the financial and sustainability aspects of the chosen resin.

Armed with this knowledge, it’s time to take action. Call on a qualified and experienced specialist who can guide and support you in carrying out your pipe lining project.