Woods, Marti, Ferry
New Technologies # 2004 Milan
Open-cut installation of C900/C905 PVC for new potable water systems has been a proven methodology for many years. Creating PVC pipe with improved hydrostatic stress rating through expansion and orientation of the polymer (PVCO) is likewise established technology. Sliplining existing pipelines with butt-fused sections of polyethylene pipe is also a familiar technology. Advantages of each of these technologies are captured in a new rehabilitation system : PVC pipe which is butt fused, inserted into a pipeline, and then expanded and oriented in place. The resulting product is a structural, NSF-61 certified, pressure capable renewed water line accomplished with a trenchless approach. Development of this product and system required three technical accomplishments : producing consistent, high-strength fusion joints; expanding the inserted fused sections to the inside diameter of the host pipe; and quantifying the strength increase obtained to rationally assign a pressure rating to the expanded-and-oriented pipe. Data supporting these developments is presented.
