Answering the question of what CIPP is made of seems like it should be simple, but it really is rather complicated. CIPP materials are unique, but they can also vary based on many different details. Materials depend on the type of pipe and the materials that your installation team is most familiar with. There are many variations on the basic design of CIPP. The kind of host pipe used may affect the CIPP materials used to repair it. This guide shares some of the most common CIPP materials for you to better understand.
WOVEN PIPELINER
CIPP comes in essentially two parts: the pipe liner, and the materials that eventually harden into the new pipe to eclipse the original liner. This liner can be made from several materials. As the liner is eventually surrounded completely by the hardened material, what it’s made of is ultimately less important than the other material. It just has to be stiff enough to keep the wet material in place so that it can harden properly.
Polyester is one of the most common and least expensive types of pipelines. The stiff fabric is perfect for holding resin. It’s flexible enough to thread into a pipe but stiff enough to carry a lot of weight. It also has a wide weave. As the pipe liner is injected with the resin that will eventually make the pipe, full coverage is an absolute necessity. Fiberglass cloth is another top choice for CIPP materials. This fabric is strong and sturdy and helps add additional support. Typically, fiberglass cloth is better for very large-diameter pipes.
There are other pipe liner materials besides polyester and fiberglass cloth. If your installation team wants to try a different liner, just ask why. Sometimes a matter as simple as availability is the reason behind going non-standard.
HEAT-HARDENED MATERIALS
The second half of the CIPP materials are hardened by heat. It goes into the pipe as a thick liquid that fully impregnates the liner. There, it hardens into a solid pipe. This transformation happens with steam, hot air, or UV light. The resulting pipe is strong, stable, and corrosion-resistant. It’s also jointless, making it easier for the pipe to stand up to tree roots and the like. Laterals can be installed by cutting the pipe after installation.
The most common resin for CIPP materials is polyester. This versatile plastic has the necessary strength to stand up to pipe pressure. It forms into a smooth, strong pipe with exposure to hot air and UV light. It also hardens fairly quickly. In some cases, if polyester is either impractical or difficult to use, installation teams may turn to various epoxies. These more glue-like liquids harden in much the same way. The needs of your specific pipe and the availability and price of the materials determine the specific CIPP materials for pipe repair.
CIPP materials vary according to the needs of the job. There are many combinations that result in high-quality pipes. In general, polyester (either in the lining or the resin) is the most common material. Others are used when needed. Contact us today at Advanced Pipe Repair to learn more about the materials that may be used for your project.