With piping infrastructure from the 19th and
early 20th century reaching the end of it's life expectancy, utilities are now challenged
with the decision of how to reinvest in and renovate their systems for the future. Although
complete replacement of the piping infrastructure using conventional dig solutions is an
option, this approach can be time consuming and very disruptive to traffic, citizens and
the environment. Today, many utilities are now realizing that these problems can easily
be avoided by the use of trenchless pressure pipe lining technologies.
Several municipalities have utilized such technologies for rehabilitating small
diameter distribution piping. Although these lining technologies are not new to the USA
and have over 7,000 miles of experience worldwide, the process has previously been
used in moderation in water main rehabilitation due to the fact that excavations were
required at each service connection. However, recent technology developments have
allowed for the robotic internal sealing and reinstatement of the service connections,
thereby eliminating the unnecessary disruption and added costs of excavations.
This paper provides specifics of two lining technologies that have been
utilized. The paper focuses on one specific robotic technology used for
the internal sealing and reinstatement of service connections. By way of a remote
operator above ground, the unique process takes place inside the pipe; utilizing
robotics, eddy current sensor technology, and specially designed milling bits to install a
mechanical seal at each service connection. Includes 5 references.
| Edition : | Vol. - No. |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 2 MB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 50 |
| Published : | 06/01/2007 |
