July 2021 Vol. 76 No. 7
Rehab Technology
First Look: InnerCure Provides System That Prevents Lateral/Main Leaks
By Jeff Griffin, Senior Editor
InnerCure Technologies Inc. has introduced a new technology to stop leaks at sewer mainline/lateral connections.
The InnerCure system consists of a fiberglass or felt lining material, a patented ring that provides a guide to position the lateral connection behind the mainline, rather than in it, and installation equipment.
The system can be applied either before or after a sewer mainline is relined, said Jerry Botts, InnerCure President. It and the proprietary equipment for installation are available directly from InnerCure.
“The connection between the main and the lateral pipeline is completed,” Botts explained, “using a fiberglass and/or felt product that applies a patented ring which not only indicates where the lateral needs to be reinstated, but also serves as a guide for reinstating the service.
“When the lateral is part of the required repair, InnerCure uses patented products that utilize ColdCure UV technology.” Cold Cure UV does not produce heat other than a chemical reaction. This aides in less shrinkage of the finished product.
Dealing with I&I
Botts said inflow and infiltration (I&I) at mainline/lateral connections continues to be a problem for utilities.
“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates approximately 50 percent of any sanitary sewer collection system is comprised of laterals, and that laterals can equate to up to 75 percent of I&I,” he stressed. “Therefore, lining the mainline sewer will not eliminate all I&I.”
Botts said lateral maintenance had largely been ignored until the last few years, mainly due to inspection technology being inefficient and lateral repair technology being unable to solve long-term issues.
“Laterals now can be inspected and confidently rehabilitated by pre- or post-lining of the main line,” he added.
The InnerCure system can address the lateral connection only, or it can make the mainline connection and reline the lateral.
Botts pointed out that before starting the connection process, the pipe must be properly cleaned and, for the lateral, special cleaning equipment is required. Mainlines and laterals may be inspected with closed-circuit television (CCTV) equipment. Smoke tests can identify areas where in-flow is occurring.
The process
Basic steps include:
- Cleaning of the mainline and the lateral to be lined.
- Inspecting the main and the lateral to ensure proper cleaning has been completed.
- LoadingInnerCurepre impregnated material onto the applicator
- Positioning the applicator inside the pipe, at the location of the repair. Inflating the lining material and inverting it. After confirming proper placement of the lining, the UV light train is positioned and powered on for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on material being used.
- After curing, pressure is held for five minutes, the light train is removed, and a final CCTV inspection is made.
Botts said after CIPP lining of the lateral is complete, InnerCure can be used to connect the lateral to the mainline sewer for immediate or future rehabilitation of the mainline without the need for excavation. The system provides a permanent structural seal at the connection and a chemically-bonded, seamless connection with a sealed annulus between the host pipe and the mainline liner.
“InnerCure’s technology enables a utility or property owner to have the most advanced lining materials available installed with our proprietary application equipment,” Botts concluded. “Trained and certified installers use the technology to ensure liners are installed safely and professionally..”
Based in Orlando, Fla, InnerCure Technologies™, Inc. is a provider of innovative products and services for the pipeline rehabilitation industry.
The InnerCure team has extensive experience in the rehabilitation of sanitary, stormwater and potable water infrastructure. InnerCure also offers non-VOC vinyl ester hybrid material with snap cure technology. Not only is it stronger allowing for thinner liners to be installed but it also speeds up the curing process by “snap curing” once it reaches exotherm.
Along with specialty items, InnerCure offers heat- or ambient-cured resin products with fiberglass, aramid fibers or polyester needle felt products. •
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
InnerCure Technologies™, Inc. (844) 546-3772, www.innercuretechnologies.com.
The InnerCure system navigates even major bends with ease.
The InnerCure process during a quick cure.
Comments