Cured in Place Pipe (CIPP)

CIPP Repairs

Cured in Place Pipe (CIPP) is a type of non-invasive pipe repair using resin to cure a liner along a damaged pipe and to create a new, structurally independent pipe within the existing pipe. CIPP is a cost-effective choice for disjointed pipelines as it seals cracks, eliminating leaks. The repair can be performed in wet or dry conditions while most other repair methods require dry environments. CIPP is also acceptable as patchwork and does not require the entire pipe to be relined.

Types of Pipe Curing

One method of CIPP lining utilizes UV technology. The thin liner is pulled through the pipeline and air is funneled into the liner, inflating it. Once inflated, a device is pulled through the liner with ultraviolet light to cure the resin. UV light bonds polymers together, joining the base pipe to the inserted liner.

There is also a methodology using two or three-part curing resin called ambient cure. This method cures quickly; once the parts are mixed there is a limited working time before curing begins. Because of this, it is used for small, isolated repairs.

Water can also be utilized to cure liner. Hot water is chosen as a curing method as it can fill any size pipe. Water also evenly disperses the heat along the pipe, so the curing process happens at the same rate, leaving less room for error.

Steam is another method of curing CIPP. Once the liner is inserted into the pipe it is filled with air and pushed flush with the existing pipe. Steam is then released into the pipe, curing the liner. This material strengthens the existing pipe, eliminating the vulnerable or weakened parts.

Liners are fabricated from felt (made of polyester or acrylic), fiberglass or glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) that can be compacted and later expanded. Felt is more malleable and often preferred over the older method of GFRP. Fiberglass-reinforced felt liner offers the benefits of both options. Installation of felt and fiberglass liners are simple when compared to GFRP.