PRACTICES

users of the technology. This further inhibits
greater use of the licensed technology.
When costs are analyzed further it
becomes clear a total systems concept needs
to be employed. In order to provide a cost attractive
pricing structure to the owner, appropriate
savings need to be realized to reduce
labor time for cleaning, pipeline preparation,
resin mixing, wet-out, curing, CCTV inspection,
grinding, etc., and to include handling
any unforeseen tasks (protrusion removal,
obstacles, etc.) that might occur. All these
major processes can be very time-consuming
and also contribute to the costs. They also
hinder the ability to get the customer back
on-line in a reasonable amount of time. A
total systems concept approach needs to
consider the implementation of appropriate
process improvements to reduce the
labor time to complete these various tasks.
In order to help promote the use of CIPL
technology, ideally these tasks need to be
performed more efficiently, more quickly and
less expensively. The use of modular robotics
equipment packages capable of handling any
and all unknowns (obstructions, protrusions,
mitered fittings, debris-laden internal
conditions, etc.) has been implemented and
certainly is a step in the right direction.
Education is another key component to
successful technology transfer and implementation.
There are far too many North
American utilities that are simply unaware
of the CIPL trenchless renewal technique
and the inherent advantages it has to offer.
By virtue of the nature of the product, the
gas industry is a very conservative business,
so resistance to change certainly plays a role.
With change comes a certain level of risk
that many companies are uncomfortable to
address, so why take that risk?
The Department of Transportation
(DOT) Pipeline Safety Regulations, 49 CFR
Part 192, are silent on the use of CIPL as a
recognized renewal or replacement technique.
All gas utilities in the US must comply
with these minimum safety standards.
Through various R&D efforts considerable
work and effort has taken place to educate
regulators on the application and use of
CIPL, including the many benefits. Despite
these efforts, DOT still views CIPL as a new,
untested and untried technology. Clearly,
much more work needs to be performed in
this area which will take considerable time
at the pace regulators move.
Wet-out process underway for 30-inch CIPL liner for gas pipe rehab
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