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PIPE Repair:
CFRP to the rescue
Treatment
Optimize spent-filter
backwash water
Online Tools
database delivers
contaminant resources
N ove m b e r 2008
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Technology is helping utilities locate water main breaks, estimate damage, and
repair specific sections quickly and cost-effectively.
BY SHAH RAHMAN
PIPE FAILURES
performed externally.
low-thermal-expansion applications.
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composite systems, engineers routinely strengthen forced concrete structure. CFRPs consist of fibers
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Carbon Fiber
Resin Matrix
Single Carbon
Fiber Filament
composite liner enables the steel cylinder to perform within its elastic range
at or below industry-recommended
levelsto ensure the pipelines longterm performance is maintained.
STEP BY STEP
1/16-in.
of concrete from the inner core surface. In steel lines (2b), the cementmortar
lining or any other type of internal lining
should be removed first, followed by a further
abrasive treatment of the pipe to white steel.
3. In preparation for the fiber saturation
process, epoxy resins are mixed on-site (3a).
A specially designed saturator is used to saturate measured lengths of 2-ft-wide dry fiber
fabric (3b). When saturation is complete, the
composites must be applied within three hr.
2a
2b
3a
3b
5a
5b
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ON THE HORIZON
CFRP INSTALLATION
R ESO URCES
O
The performance and long-term durability of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) systems inside pipelines can be ensured by
O using experienced installers who have more than five years of underground infrastructure work experience and an equal amount of experience with CFRP applications.
O submitting structural and durability testing results by the materials manufacturer and
the applicator (examples include full-scale external load testing and internal pressure
testing of pipes, environmental durability testing, biological growth-support-potential
testing, anticavitation testing, checking for volatile organic compounds in resins, and
ultraviolet testing for external applications).
O material approvals from independent agencies such as International Code Council.
O ensuring that all components of the CFRP system, including the fiber, epoxies, tack
coats, primers, and top coats are all certified to NSF 61 requirements for potable water
applications.
O confirming in-field sample tensile strength for all applications per ASTM D3039, Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Polymer Matrix Composite Materials and
adhesion testing on bond-critical projects per ASTM D4541, Standard Test Method for
Pull-off Strength of Coatings Using Portable Adhesion Testers.
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O
O
O
O