Ultraviolet light (UV) cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) lining solutions have become a popular choice for pipeline rehabilitation due to their efficiency, minimal disruption, and long-lasting results. But not all UV CIPP solutions are created equal. Different systems vary widely in material composition, curing methods, and performance, which can impact the quality and durability of the rehabilitated pipeline. To select the right solution for your infrastructure project, you must understand the types of UV CIPP technologies and materials available.
Types of UV CIPP
UV CIPP refers to a range of technologies where a resin-saturated liner is inserted into a damaged pipeline and cured using ultraviolet light. There are several types of UV CIPP on the market, differentiated by the materials used in the liner and the curing process itself. The most common types include:
- UV-cured felt liners: Felt liners, typically made from nonwoven polyester or felt, are impregnated with resin and cured using UV light. While felt liners may be flexible and can fit into tight spaces, they generally lack the inherent strength and rigidity needed for high-pressure or heavily loaded pipelines.
- LED CIPP systems: In LED CIPP systems, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are used to cure the resin in the liner. These systems are still emerging in the CIPP market and may not yet offer the same curing consistency and depth as more established light-based curing systems.
- UV glass-reinforced pipe (UV GRP) liners: GRP liners are made of a fiberglass-reinforced material and are cured entirely using UV light. This combination of GRP and UV curing provides a liner with superior mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and load-bearing capacity.
Reline America’s commitment to UV GRP CIPP
Reline America recognizes the limitations of other CIPP materials and has made a conscious decision to utilize only fiberglass-reinforced liners in our UV CIPP systems. Our GRP liners, combined with UV-curable resins, ensure the rehabilitated pipe maintains its integrity and performance even under the most challenging conditions. Here’s why we have committed to UV GRP:
- Superior strength and rigidity: UV GRP liners are reinforced with glass fibers, giving them a much higher tensile strength. This strength allows GRP liners to withstand higher external loads, such as soil pressure and traffic, making them suitable for use in high-stress environments, such as highways, airports, and heavy industrial areas.
- Complete UV curing: UV GRP CIPP uses UV light to cure the entire liner, guaranteeing uniformity throughout the material. This method eliminates the risk of partially cured sections or weak spots, resulting in a fully cured, structurally sound pipe.
- Long-term durability: The combination of glass reinforcement and UV curing gives UV GRP liners exceptional durability and a longer service life compared to other UV CIPP options. For example, Reline America’s Alphaliner products are engineered to provide decades of reliable performance, resisting common pipeline threats like corrosion, root intrusion, and structural fatigue.
- Compliance with industry standards: UV GRP products like Reline America’s meet or exceed the ASTM F2019 standards for UV-cured, glass-reinforced, cured-in-place-pipe systems. These standards confirm that the liner material, curing process, and installation meet the requirements for strength, durability, and long-term performance.
Choose wisely
While various forms of UV CIPP solutions are available on the market, UV GRP stands out as the most reliable, durable, and high-performing option for pipeline rehabilitation. Whether you are dealing with deteriorating sewer systems, industrial pipelines, or high-traffic transportation infrastructure, Reline America’s UV GRP liners offer a solution that will meet your needs today and protect your investment for decades to come.
