Importance

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Abstract

There is disclosed a method, apparatus and system for in situ relining underground pipes, lines and passageways particularly sewer lines. A sewer line which has deteriorated and/or otherwise requires repair is cleaned in a conventional manner by use of high pressure water jets to dislodge debris and clean the line, a T.V. inspection of the line is made to determine where the defects are located and to make a log of all ties and intersects. A moisture barrier, such as a thin polyethylene film, is installed along with a resin impregnable felt liner, the polyethylene film serving to prevent absorption of water or other moisture or contaminant by the felt liner and permitting thereby full absorption of resin by the liner. With the upstream end of the felt tube molded or otherwise sealed to the existing end of the sewer line a steel rod is then passed through the inside of the felt liner between the two points between which the repair is being made. The felt liner or mat is then squeegeed smooth and impregnated with a liquid resin material, again squeegeed smooth and immediately, curing of the resin is initiated applying hydraulic pressure and heat to the internal surfaces of the resin absorbing material. The felt liner is impregnated with the resin under pressure between the spaced pair of spaced squeegees, the first squeegee in the direction of travel serving to iron or otherwise smooth the internal surfaces of the felt liner and form the upstream end of a traveling resin impregnating chamber. A trailing squeegee(s) form the downstream end of the traveling resin depositing chamber apparatus and also serves to further assure smoothness of the internal surfaces of the felt liner which has just been impregnated with the resin. In addition to assuring uniformity and smoothness of the internal surfaces, the trailing squeegee has a trailing section which receives the everting end of a resin curing polyethylene tube which is maintained full of heated water under pressure thereby applying a uniform heat and pressure to the resin impregnated felt tube to immediately initiate curing of same. There is therefore a positive force acting via the squeegees to initially smooth and eliminate wrinkles and bubbles and other surface defects and then heat and a fluid hydraulic pressure is utilized to cure the resin and maintain the sidewalls in the ironed or smoothed condition.

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First Claim