Pipe & Culvert: CIPP Trenchless Repair & Relining:

Empipe specializes in the cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) process.

How it works
The CIPP process uses custom-manufactured felt tubes that are impregnated with a polyester thermo-setting resin. These tubes are inserted into the damaged section of a sewer, usually through an existing maintenance hole. Water pressure or air is used to propel the tube through the pipe, which turns the tube inside out and presses it against the walls of the existing pipe. This is like pushing the end of a sock until it is “inside out” or inverted. When the tube reaches an endpoint, the water or air inside the tube is heated which causes the resin to cure and harden. The result is a sturdy, jointless new pipe within the old pipe. Once in place, a robotic cutter slices through the wall of the new pipe and restores the service connections. To verify success, CCTV video cameras are fed through the pipes and every inch is visually inspected. This pipe rehabilitation method provides a structurally sound pipe that is also resistant to the corrosive environment that exists in sewer lines.

The benefits
The rehabilitated pipe is both sturdy and efficient. This process restores the original life to the pipe while saving the cost of digging and service line re-routing. This trenchless alternative minimizes damage to existing pavement and reduces long-term street repair costs. Because surface digging is not required, the trenchless pipe repair method minimizes inconveniences to the public.

The CIPP process results in significant savings. When compared to a conventional open-cut pipe replacement, in addition to notable cost savings, a cured-in-place-pipe repair can be done in much less time, without large excavations. A conventional open-cut sewerline replacement takes more than two weeks per block with significant disruption to traffic and service; a CIPP project takes only two days and is completed without any excavation. Sewer rehabilitation also has a number of positive environmental effects.