The Impact of Technology and Equipment on Pipe Restoration Services

While it may seem like just one word in the title of this article, the use of the term ‘restoration’ is arguably the most important part of this topic and the way that damaged pipes are approached by modern day engineers.

While traditional methods would see damaged pipes being excavated and uncovered, dug up, removed, and then replaced with brand new stretches of pipe, innovation across the industry means that more and more engineers are turning to pipe repair and restoration methods instead of replacement.

With that in mind, then, what impact does technology and equipment have on the rollout and success of pipe restoration?

The Creation of CIPP Felt Liners

The earliest CIPP felt liners were introduced back in 1971 by Eric Wood, who went on to launch Insituform – now the leading brand behind pipe restoration technology.

As the very first trenchless solution that empowered engineers to repair damaged pipes rather than remove and replace them, CIPP liners have had a huge and lasting impact on the industry.

For one thing, CIPP liners make it possible for pipes to be repaired and restored to full working use without having to dig down to or access the inside of the pipe, Liners can be fed into the pipe and activated from above ground, settling the resin on the inside wall of the pipe so that it sticks and creates a brand new surface.

By making this approach to pipe repair possible, CIPP liners are also responsible for huge cost savings, for making pipe repair more efficient, and for preserving the environment surrounding these damaged pipes.

But while the liners themselves mark the biggest step in technical and material innovation, other technologies have been released in recent years to support the use of CIPP liners…

Additional Equipment to Support Pipe Restoration

Diagnostic Tools

While CIPP liners create a new layer on the inside of the pipe, restoring it to full working order following damage to its structure and stability, CIPP liners cannot be fed into the entire pipe network or system.

Diagnostic tools are used to identify and isolate the location and severity of the damage to the pipe, so that the right liner can be applied for a thorough repair. Some popular diagnostic tools include CCTV equipment which can be fed into the pipe and send a live video feed back to a monitor above ground, laser profiling which helps to map the layout and size of the pipes underground, and acoustic sensors which help to pinpoint leaks and damage.

The aim of these tools is to make it easier to anticipate and track damage to a pipe, so that the right solution can be employed as quickly as possible to minimise disruption.

Automation and Robotics

CIPP liners are designed to be installed and activated with minimal intervention. However, sometimes a little extra guidance goes a long way to securing the seal on a liner and making sure that it is thoroughly targeted in its placement and application.

Increased reliance on robotics is making it easier for engineers to remotely manage the installation of pipe repair materials, inspect damage, and check the standard of repair before restoring a pipe to full use.

The main benefit here is to take an already effective method of pipe repair and make it even more accurate and foolproof, delivering swift and minimally intrusive results to communities all over the world.

Remote Learning for Local Engineers

Finally, we can’t ignore the impact of technology on making pipe rehabilitation training easier to follow and more accessible for communities and engineers all over the world.

With Insituform considered the leading brand behind pipe repair and CIPP solutions, it’s important that those who access the products are trained and skilled in how to use them. Insituform offers training for engineers, and hands-on installation support for those who want to access CIPP solutions with ease.

For more information on CIPP solutions and training opportunities, reach out to the Insituform team today.