Why Quality Control Matters in Pipe Rehabilitation

You’d be hard pressed to find an industry that doesn’t prioritise quality control in the rollout and use of its products.

However, when considering the modern reliance on consistent and reliable pipelines, ferrying waste and water to and from endless 21st century infrastructures, the need for quality control in the pipe rehabilitation industry becomes particularly crucial.

What is Pipe Rehabilitation?

Pipe rehabilitation is, by definition, the repair of a damaged pipe.

The alternative option is replacement – something that was once the industry standard but has become a secondary preference for many local councils and engineers. Why? Because pipe replacement is significantly more expensive, causes extensive delays and disruption to local areas, and has a substantial impact on the environment.

In contrast, pipe rehabilitation enables a damaged pipe to be repaired and restored to full working order without breaking ground, removing, or even exposing the pipe. Methods engineered by Insituform use an innovative felt liner, which is fed into the damaged pipe, activated remotely using hot water or steam, and given time to settle on the inside wall of the pipe. The aim of this is to create a new layer of pipe wall, strong enough to withstand the pressure of the water inside the pipe as well as the weight of forces outside the pipe.

So, how is quality controlled and guaranteed – and what assurances do local councils and engineers have when it comes to restoring rehabilitated pipes back to full use?

What is Pipeline Quality Control?

Quality control in the pipeline and pipe rehabilitation industry stems from the selection of materials, the integration of the active resin, and the method used to install felt liners.

At Insituform, all pipe liners are made from only premium-quality raw materials, using up to 75% recycled materials in the creation of each felt liner. To ensure that every inch of every liner meets our unique specifications for thickness and strength, we carry out more than 28 quality checks. These checks, as well as our detailed records, help Insituform experts to ensure that all of our tubes meet our high-quality standards.

And that’s just the felt liners. The integration of resin is carefully controlled for quality guarantee, while Insituform’s training provision seeks to upskill any engineer keen to learn more about this trenchless technology and how it works.

Why Quality Control is Essential in CIPP Projects

Without complete precision from start to finish, there is a high risk of pipes leaking or failing long before the projected timespan of an effectively rehabilitated pipe.

Insituform’s own products are known to last more than 50 years when installed correctly, as evidenced by the first pipe to ever be repaired using the technology. Still running effectively even now, more than 50 years later, the case study is a testament to the quality of a pipe liner that’s installed correctly.

But this longevity relies on precision both when manufacturing and installing the CIPP liners. Without it, pipes are likely to leak, causing costly damage and disruption to local residents, businesses, and infrastructures.

The Role of Standards and Testing in Pipeline Rehabilitation

Industry standards exist to ensure that corners are not cut when it comes to manufacturing and using specific products and solutions.

This is not a process that’s exclusive to the pipeline repair and rehabilitation sector – rather, it spans countless industries. In the world of CIPP, products are tested under the ASTM regulations (American Society for Testing and Materials).

By following standards laid out by ASTM, Insituform is able to supply products that guarantee safety, performance, and regulatory compliance. However, this must be paired with effective installation – best conducted under the guidance of Insituform experts through hands-on support and training.

This, in turn, ensures that rehabilitated pipes can withstand the test of time, reducing the risk of premature failure. It reduces the impact on the environment by enabling pipes to be repaired and restored without excavation and damaging groundwork and makes pipeline rehabilitation cost effective.

To learn more about pipe rehabilitation and the ways in which Insituform guarantees a high quality and successful outcome for clients, get in touch with us directly.