CIPP, From the magazine, Rehabilitation

Expanding with CIPP

Since 1966, DFI Corporation has supplied the oilfield construction industry with pile-driving, pile supply and trucking services. However, the seasonal nature of the oil and gas industry means that projects are not balanced throughout the year.

DFI General Manager Sean Freeland says “For the past few years we’ve wanted to diversify.

“When the oil business is good, it’s very good. But we needed more consistency, the ability to expand into a business that is outside of oil and gas – also one that is of an opposing season so that we can blend crews and maximise work hours throughout the year.

“One of my employees brought to my attention CIPP for the repair of mainline sewer pipes,” says Mr Freeland.

“While this work happens all year, it is more common to reline pipes in the spring and summer seasons, while oil and gas work typically happens in the fall and winter. So we quickly realised that CIPP was a perfect complement to our existing business model.”

Incorporating CIPP into the business also allowed DFI to grow geographically.

“The possibility of enhancing our expansion into the United States and beyond was very appealing to us. By reducing our vulnerability to local recessions and other economic concerns, CIPP provides us a certain security.”

DFI’s management then had to determine the most effective way to enter the CIPP market. Following thorough research into the CIPP industry, DFI chose RS Technik, which offers the RS CityLinerå¨ system for mainline rehabilitation and repair.

“We looked at everybody before deciding to go with RS Technik,” Mr Freeland says. “They were the most advanced in terms of research and development, and they had proven their systems in Europe and other areas around the world for more than 15 years.”

The RS CityLiner systems provide unparalleled logistical advantages in “find and fix”, emergency work and the multiple mobilisations common in maintenance contracts. The systems have the ability to prepare, impregnate and install DOW‰ã¢ formulated epoxy liners right on the job site, enabling rapid response to needed repairs.

RS Technik’s Joanne Hughes says “Our exclusive, on-board computerised feature allows full visibility to project inspectors from wet-out through installation. In spite of ever-changing environmental conditions, our automated systems ensure that jobs are done right the first time.”

Mr Freeland says that the RS CityLiner system has two key stand-out features: “The number one feature that comes to mind is that the RS CityLiner system only uses DOW formulated styrene-free epoxy resins,” he says. “The fact that the system is environmentally friendly is a huge benefit to us.

“The other main reason we went with the RS CityLiner system is the mobile nature of the unit, and the fact that everything we need – equipment, materials, even the wet-out function – is right onboard.”

Mr Freeland also says that he invested in the RS CityLiner system because it was clear to see where RS Technik is headed. “They are extremely progressive,” he says.

“They are continually working on different styles of liners, equipment and technology developments that will improve and expand the system solutions even more.”

In a recent visit to Europe, Mr Freeland and his team experienced RS Technik’s comprehensive, in-the-field training.

“We saw several job sites, all with different conditions. We left with a clear idea of what to expect, and what’s expected of us in order to be effective in the field and delivery quality work for our customers.”

With a desire to be a full-service provider as quickly as possible, Mr Freeland is considering the MaxLiner system, which means he will also be able to offer lateral CIPP repair services

“Including CIPP into our service offering is load-levelling. We will now have consistent business throughout the year, and with RS Technik’s support, we believe we can be the first-responder, no matter where in the world the business leads us.”

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