Inversion (INV)

Efficiency and safety are two important criteria when Inpipe developed the technology for the inversion of fiberglass-reinforced liners. The method requires, among other things, minimal human resources compared to other installation techniques and it improves staff working environment by minimizing the need to work down in cramped wells. The method saves both time and money.

The work is done from the installation vehicle

The liner is manufactured differently. During the installation process, it is inverted the same time that it is being pushed into the pipe using compressed air. The majority of the work steps take place from inside the installation vehicle.

When the fiberglass-reinforced liner is completely in place, it expands tightly against the pipe via air pressure. Then the UV light train is introduced into the cable directly from the vehicle and curing is started. All liners are cured with UV light.

Imagine what it looks like when your sleeve is inside out.
Our method works in a similar way. The liner is manufactured inside out and during the installation process, it is inverted at the same time that it is being pushed into the pipe using compressed air. The majority of the work steps take place from inside of the installation vehicle
.

Minimal gap

The entire installation process takes place while maintaining air pressure to ensure the best fit and reduce the risk of errors and problems. The technology creates a very tight fit between the liner and the existing pipe. Any water that remains in depressions in the pipe is pushed away during installation. This helps to ensure that the shape of the pipe does not risk changing and you keep the cross-sectional area of the pipe. The gap between the existing pipe and the liner will be minimal, less than 0.1% of the diameter.

The method requires custom equipment provided by Inpipe.

Advantages of the inversion method

  • Efficient: installation is fast, resource-efficient, and environmentally friendly.
  • Provides minimal gap between the existing tube and the liner.
  • Safe working environment, minimizes the work that takes place in a well.
  • Retains the shape and flow on your wires.
  • Adapted for a liner up to and including Ø 500 mm.

Therefore, we recommend inversion because it:

  • Requires fewer work steps compared to winch-in-place.
  • You do not have to pull through a tow line in the pipe to be able to pull out wires or ropes.
  • It requires fewer staff resources compared to removal, when staff is needed at both ends of the liner.
  • The liner does not need to be protected against abrasion damage (sliding foil).
  • Staff do not need to release the air pressure from the liner after it has been inflated to manually insert the light train into the liner before curing. Instead, this is done directly from inside the installation vehicle and does not require the operator to be down in the well. After curing, the light train automatically goes back into the vehicle.