What is CIPP?

CIPP or cured-in-place pipe is a trenchless method for renewing aging and deteriorated industrial piping.

The chemical resistance, strength, life expectancy, increased flow, quick installation, and low cost of cured-in-place pipe have been proven the world over. Because the cured-in-place pipe eliminates the need for digging up deteriorated or problem pipe, there are countless applications available.

The CIPP process uses epoxy resin-impregnated liners and an inversion process to form a new, seamless pipe within a pipe. The cured-in-place pipe process allows for rehabilitation of leaking, separated or failing pipes with minimal disruption to plant operations.

This innovative, trenchless technology involves inverting a felt tube—drenched with a mixture of thermosetting resin and catalyst—into a damaged, deteriorated or otherwise obsolete pipe. Heat is used to cure the cylinder, which then creates a long-term surface for the existing pipe.

What is the material make up?

EA Services uses a variety of epoxy, resin-impregnated, saturated, woven felt liner systems; coupled with an inversion process for all CIPP or cured-in-place pipe repairs.

The felt is produced from individual fibers compressed into a thin sheet. These sheets are then stacked three or more layers thick and needle punched to produce one layer. One side of the felt is then coated with a polymer and rolled into a uniform tube.

Each liner system comes complete with an epoxy resin designed specifically for that system. These systems are formulated to provide superior strength and corrosion resistance to meet or exceed ASTM specifications. This epoxy resin is impregnated into the felt lined tube, flattened and stored for use.

The final stages of CIPP installation involve heat and a catalyst. The catalyst used comes from suppliers that provide vast experience and test data relating to promotion systems for all types of resins.

How are CIPP lining systems installed?

EA's CIPP lining systems are installed through an air inversion process. Forced air is used to invert the epoxy saturated felt liner into position.

During the installation. epoxy is injected into defect areas eliminating voids between the liner and host pipe.

Once the installation is complete, heat can be introduced to accelerate the cure of the thermoset epoxy resin.