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Cured-In-Place Pipe Offers Corrosion Control for Industrial Sector
With the growing popularity of cured in place pipe (CIPP), or trenchless, technology, composites are seeing increased use in the industrial corrosion sector. The technology, used for repairing underground pipelines with minimal excavation, represents nearly half of the $3.4 billion market for sewer line rehabilitation in the U.S., and roughly one-eighth of the $1.5 billion spent on repairing potable water pipes.
CIPP allows for faster, more effective pipeline repair
CIPP is a seamless process often used to repair damaged water, sewer, chemical and other underground pipelines in situ. The CIPP is created by specialized equipment that pulls or pushes a deflated resin-saturated polyester tube into a damaged pipe via a manhole, excavation or other access point. The tube is then inflated and the resin cured in five to 30 hours, forming a tight, corrosion-resistant replacement pipe. These types of systems are often designed for a 50-year service life.
CIPP helps industries control corrosion
CIPP can be used in the case of partially or fully deteriorated pipes, and the structures are versatile. The industrial corrosion industry is one that can most clearly benefit from this type of technology. When corrosive material travels through underground pipes, the risk of groundwater contamination can be high. Composites like polyester and vinyl ester resin offer resistance to the highly caustic and acidic materials sent through industrial waste lines.
One such application was at a British Petroleum manufacturing plant in Decatur, Alabama, where water laced with trace amounts of industrial chemicals had corroded a 54-inch diameter concrete extraneous water sewer pipeline. CIPP repaired a 720-foot section in just one week, using a standard nonwoven polyester fiber tube and corrosion-resistant vinyl ester resin.
In oil and gas extraction, chemical and paper processing, energy generation, pollution control and other industrial environments, corrosive materials can impact the service life and effectiveness of waste lines and other pipe systems. Not only that, but a damaged pipe can create a major hazard for workers or the surrounding area. The use of vinyl ester resin and polyester resin can offer the industrial corrosion industry design flexibility, unique applications and long-term operational benefits.
Composites One is the leading supplier of composite materials
Composites One is the leading supplier of composites throughout North America. We work with the industrial industry to provide composite materials for corrosion control, and a technical resource team with extensive industry experience. To learn more about the materials we offer, contact our technical specialists today.