Aussie Trenchless is at the cutting edge of keeping infrastructure safe, secure, and operational for as long as possible. It’s why its products ensure minimal disruption and maximum benefit.
Aussie Trenchless Director Chris Meredith and the team are committed to pioneering state-of-the-art solutions and furthering business in the trenchless industry. As part of that innovation, the company continually offers a wide range of unique products in Australia and globally.
Aussie Trenchless SRP-EXP Spiral Lining System is designed to rehabilitate pipes from DN150 to DN1200 using six different-sized profiles. The SRP-EXP system is a close-fitting structural spiral ribbed PVC trenchless pipelining system.
What is spiral wound lining?
Spiral wound lining is a trenchless technology that uses a continuous plastic strip to form liners in gravity pipelines. Meredith says this unique rehabilitation method originated in the 1980s. With four decades of installation history, the spiral wound has been used extensively on pipes across the globe. Like cured-in-place piping (CIPP) or slip lining, spiral wound liners provide a structural lining solution for fully deteriorated pipelines with minimal site disruption.
“Aussie Trenchless stands out from its competitors by providing all contractors access to spiral ribbed lining,” Meredith says.
A liner pipe is formed inside the host pipe by helically winding a PVC profile strip into a host pipe, usually from an existing access chamber.
The winding machine is initially set to a smaller diameter than the host pipe. As the profile is continuously fed into the winding machine, the lead end of the PVC Ribbed Pipe rotates as it is wound into the host pipe.
The SRP-EXP pipe will ride over displaced joints and negotiate slight bends and damaged areas. When it gets to the other end of the host pipe, the SRP-EXP is made to expand in diameter until it is in close contact with the internal surface of the existing pipe.
The result is a new PVC pipe within the damaged pipe without excavation.
What is the SRP-EXP Spiral Lining System?
The SRP-EXP System is a close-fitting, structural spiral ribbed PVC trenchless pipe lining system. The winding machine is positioned in an access chamber or pit. It then helically winds the SRP-EXP ribbed strip to produce a pipe within the existing pipeline.
Aussie Trenchless SRP-EXP system is irst installed at a smaller diameter and then expanded to be a close fit against the internal surface of the existing pipe.
The SRP-EXP profile strip has a dual-action lock. During the initial wind-in process, this holds the spiral wound pipe tight at the smaller diameter.
When the far end of the installation length is reached, the SRP-EXP Liner end is restrained. The lock area is sequentially released so the liner can expand in a controlled manner until it is pressed hard against the inside wall of the existing pipe.
Benefits of spiral wound lining
Why have spiral wound linings become so successful in this market? What are the main benefits to the installer and client?
Firstly, spiral wound lining is made from a ribbed structure, giving it a high strength- o-weight ratio. That means less material is needed, making it a more cost-effective solution. With a high strength-to-weight ratio, the SRP-EXP System can handle a variety of pipe diameters, circular or otherwise.
Spiral wound lining can be installed while liquids flow through pipes without bypassing the flow. It can be deployed in numerous situations without disrupting people’s lives. By locking strips of lining together, the installation process is entirely mechanical. There is no need for any curing or heating to prepare the lining for the pipe. This is an enormous advantage, particularly given the tight-fitting nature of this lining solution.
When looking at any infrastructure project, a key component is managing the community impacted by the works. Spiral wound lining installations tend to have small site footprints and minimise resident disruptions. They also feature minimal wastage, as the contractors on site only need to use as much product as necessary. Any wastage that is generated can be recycled with ease.
The SRP-EXP System is designed to last for at least 50 years. Such longevity can dramatically reduce maintenance costs for water authorities and local councils. It provides more options for customers to use their limited financial resources over the long term, thereby improving outcomes for all involved.
Where to now with spiral wound lining?
Over the past 25 years, advances have extended spiral wound linings’ capabilities to larger sizes and greater load-carrying capacities. It has repeatedly been proven capable of renewing deteriorated sewers, storm drains and culverts. It can be utilised in applications where rehabilitation by lining would otherwise have been impossible.
Latest advances have seen many of the limitations of these liners overcome. It continues to extend the possibilities for structural rehabilitation of an ever-widening range of deteriorated conduit configurations under a broad range of conditions.
Investment is being made in further research and development. These results should see the possibilities for further trenchless structural pipeline rehabilitation.
As with past advances, development is taking place with the support of Australian and New Zealand water authorities. They have always encouraged such development.
“It represents a willingness to incorporate innovative solutions that can be seen to offer mutual benefits,” says Meredith.
For more information, visit www.aussietrenchless.com.
This article appeared in the April edition of Trenchless Australasia. Access the digital copy of the magazine here.
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