Equipment and materials for pipe lining: buying guide

Are you looking for a reliable and long-lasting method to repair your damaged pipes? Have you heard of pipe lining but do not understand what it is or know the tools needed to implement it?

This article aims to demystify pipe lining by introducing you to its basics and benefits. We will also explore the various equipment that can be used for this procedure. Whether you are a sanitation expert, a plumber, or simply a homeowner wishing to carry out repairs, you will discover here all the essential data to obtain the appropriate equipment and carry out effective pipe lining.

Understanding the Basics of Pipe Lining

Before you decide on the equipment needed for pipe lining, it is essential to understand the basics of this technique and its benefits over conventional pipe repair methods.

What is pipe lining?

Pipe lining is a revolutionary approach to rehabilitating sewer and water lines without having to dig large trenches. This method repairs damaged lines from the inside with a special coating that attaches to the inner wall of the existing pipes. This coating is usually a fiberglass jacket impregnated with a hardening resin (epoxy, polyester or vinylester).

The sheath is inserted into the pipe via a pneumatic or hydraulic device, then inflated and heated to take the shape of the conduit and create a new, waterproof and solid layer. The lining can be applied to pipes of various diameters (from 50 to 400 mm) and lengths (up to several hundred meters).

The advantages of lining for pipeline rehabilitation

Lining offers several advantages over traditional repair methods that often require excavating and replacing damaged pipes. These advantages include:

• Saving time and money: by avoiding earthworks and reconstruction, which are both costly and time-consuming, lining significantly reduces the duration and cost of the project, generally completed between 1 and 2 days compared to several weeks for a complete replacement.
• Reduced nuisance: This method minimises disruption to local residents and the environment, without noise, dust, waste or interruption of services such as water or electricity.
• Improved performance: Lining increases the mechanical and chemical resistance of the pipes, making them more robust, watertight and durable. The smooth coating also improves water flow and quality.
• Health preservation: by preventing water from coming into contact with harmful materials such as lead or asbestos present in old pipes, the lining reduces the risks of bacterial contamination or corrosion.

The different types of liner: CIPP, SIPP, etc.

There are various methods of coating, differentiated by their mode of application, the type of resin used and the polymerization process. The most common are:

• CIPP (Cured-In-Place Pipe): this process consists of inserting a sheath impregnated with epoxy resin into the pipe, then curing it with steam or hot water. It is suitable for diameters from 50 to 1200 mm and lengths up to 500 meters.
• SIPP (Sprayed-In-Place Pipe): a more recent technique which sprays an epoxy or polyester resin onto the walls of the pipe using a robot, suitable for diameters from 100 to 600 mm and lengths up to 200 metres.
• Spot repair: a solution for locally repairing a damaged area without treating the entire pipe, by applying a fiberglass patch impregnated with epoxy resin, then hardening it with an inflatable balloon.

Essential equipment for pipe lining

To ensure successful pipe lining, it is essential to equip yourself adequately and efficiently. We will detail the essential equipment for each phase of lining, from preparation to finishing.

Preparation and inspection equipment

The first step is to check that the pipeline is clean and in good condition. To do this, it is necessary to use:

• A high-pressure water jet: essential for removing deposits, roots, grease and other debris that could block or damage the pipe.
• An endoscopic camera: it allows you to examine the inside of the pipe and identify cracks, breaks, deformations and other anomalies requiring repair.
• Analysis software: it analyzes the images taken by the camera to evaluate the dimensions, geometry and slope of the pipeline.

Lining equipment: injectors, resins, sheaths and liners

After preparing the pipeline, the next step is to apply the coating that will constitute the new lining. To do this, it is essential to use:

• An injector: it is used to insert the sheath or resin into the pipe, using a pneumatic or hydraulic system.
• A resin: this material, which can be epoxy, polyester or vinylester, will harden and adhere to the wall of the pipe, offering various properties of resistance, sealing and durability.
• A sheath: made of fiberglass fabric impregnated with resin, it unfolds and adheres to the wall of the pipe. There are tubular sheaths, such as liners, or flat ones, such as patches.
• A liner: a flexible fiberglass tube impregnated with resin, which swells and takes the shape of the pipe. Liners can be hardened by steam, hot water (CIPP) or UV (SIPP).

Curing Technologies: Steam, UV, and Ambient Curing

The applied coating must then be hardened to become solid and resistant. To do this, you can use:

• Steam: This method activates the chemical reaction of the resin using the heat of the water vapor. Fast and efficient, it requires a steam generator and precise temperature control.
• UV: exposure to ultraviolet rays causes the resin to polymerize. Eco-friendly and precise, this technique requires specific equipment and UV protection.
• Ambient curing: simpler and more economical, this method lets the coating dry in the open air, although it is slower and less reliable than the others.

Finishing equipment: cutting and milling robots

Finally, to complete the lining, some finishing touches are necessary to ensure the optimal functioning of the pipeline. This involves the use of:

• A cutting robot: it cuts the covering at the connections and openings, using a rotating blade or a cutter.
• A milling robot: it smoothes the coating and corrects defects such as folds, bubbles or excess thickness, using a milling cutter or a grinding wheel.

Choosing the Right Equipment: Factors to Consider

Understanding the benefits and principles of pipe lining, as well as the different types of equipment needed, is one thing. But how do you go about selecting the right equipment from the multitude of options available?

What criteria should you consider to make a wise investment? Together we will explore the main factors to evaluate when choosing your pipe lining equipment.

Quality and reliability of equipment

Quality and reliability are paramount. Your equipment must guarantee quality lining without the risk of failure. Here's what to check:

• Technology and performance: Choose state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring precise application and consistent performance during coating.
• Ruggedness and durability: Select equipment that is designed to withstand harsh field conditions, requires little maintenance and offers increased longevity.
• Reliability and safety: Choose equipment that has been rigorously tested, meets high industry safety standards, and is backed by a solid warranty and quality after-sales service.

Compatibility with different types of pipelines

Equipment compatibility with various types of pipelines is also essential. Make sure that the equipment can adapt to the specificities of the pipelines to be repaired:

• Diameter and length: Choose equipment capable of handling pipes of various diameters (from 50 to 1200 mm) and lengths (up to 500 meters).
• Geometry and slope: Choose flexible equipment that can adjust to changes in direction, bends, connections, and other specific features.
• Material and condition: Select equipment capable of working with different materials (PVC, cast iron, Eternit, fiber cement, steel, etc.) and repairing various types of defects (cracks, breaks, deformations, etc.).

Technical support and training

Technical support and training provided by the supplier are essential. You must have the necessary support to optimize the use of your equipment.

To be checked :

• Training: Make sure the vendor provides comprehensive, personalized training to familiarize you with the equipment, master techniques, and troubleshoot common problems.
• Support: Choose a provider that offers responsive and efficient technical support, capable of keeping your equipment in optimal condition, answering your questions and intervening when necessary.

Investment cost and profitability

Finally, investment cost and profitability are determining criteria. Your equipment must allow you to carry out profitable work, generating profits and amortizing your investment.

Things to compare:

• Purchase cost: Choose equipment that offers good value for money and fits your budget, including delivery, installation and commissioning costs.
• Operating costs: Choose equipment that minimizes operating costs (energy consumption, consumables, maintenance, repair).
• Cost of Production: Choose equipment that reduces intervention time, waste and errors, while improving liner quality, throughput and durability.
• Revenue: Select equipment that increases your ability to complete more projects, retain customers and stand out from the competition.

Conclusion

This article introduced you to pipe lining, an advanced pipe renovation method that surpasses conventional techniques in terms of efficiency and benefits. You explored the various equipment needed to perform quality pipe lining and the essential criteria for choosing the right equipment.

If you are considering getting started with pipe lining, or if you want to upgrade your existing equipment, we are here to help. With over 20 years of experience in the field, we offer customized solutions that meet your specific requirements and budget. A comprehensive training program and first-rate technical support are also available.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.

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