A Formadrain CIPP installation
Trenchless technology rehabilitates pipes that are either leaking or structurally unsound in a variety of innovative ways. One method, cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) technique, is the method that Formadrain uses.
CIPP technology was first implemented in London, England in 1971. Its inventor, Eric Wood, initially called it insit u form, a term derived from Latin meaning “form in place.”While the American patent for this technology was granted to Wood in 1977, CIPP didn’t enter the public domain until 1994.
The CIPP process involves pulling or inverting a resin-saturated tube made of polyester into a damaged pipe. This is typically done from either a manhole or small excavation. Engineers use hot water, UV light or steam used to cure the resin and form a tight-fitting, joint less and corrosion-resistant replacement pipe. To repair internal or lateral pipe connections, technicians use robotically-controlled cutting devices which they operate and monitor via a closed-circuit television (CCTV) located above-ground.
Because little or no digging is involved in this process, it is much more earth-friendly–and cost effective–than traditional “dig and replace” pipe repair methods. CIPP also:
- prevents sinkholes and surface settlement
- eliminates joints and leaks
- increases flow capacity
- protects pipes from corrosion
- increases pipe strength
- reduces maintenance
- has a 50-year design life
CIPP projects also take less time to complete: one to three days as opposed to six to nine months for those projects using traditional pipe replacement methods.
Regardless of whether the repairs involve residential or municipal pipelines, Formadrain’s CIPP technology offers engineers a proven alternative to open-cut methods. And in this era of tight budgets, it’s also providing a much-needed way to get crucial projects done quickly and efficiently. Trenchless technology isn’t just the future: it’s the future now.
