How is pipeline repair carried out? Unveiling the efficient solution of "minimally invasive surgery" in cities In Hefei Economic Development Zone, a "minimally invasive surgery" for underground sewage pipes is quietly underway. There is no loud noise from large excavation machinery at the scene. Just by using inspection wells on the road surface, several workers completed the thorough repair of a section of the pipeline within 9 hours, without causing any impact on the surrounding traffic or residents' lives. Behind this is the non-invasive pipeline repair technology that is revolutionizing the industry. Traditional pipeline repair often involves a "major surgery" on the city's roads, resulting in traffic congestion, noise pollution, high costs and long construction periods. Nowadays, "non-invasive repair technology" is achieving unprecedented efficiency, convenience and intelligence in pipeline repair through methods similar to medical endoscopes and minimally invasive surgeries. It is not only a technological upgrade but also a profound innovation in urban governance concepts. Why choose the simple "minimally invasive" repair method? Before choosing the repair method, let's first take a look at the common problems caused by the traditional excavation method: The social cost is high: extensive road closures are required, resulting in long-term traffic disruptions and severely affecting citizens' travel and the business operations of shops along the route. 2. Huge economic cost: It involves a series of complex procedures such as road excavation, support, backfilling, and restoration. The construction period is long and the overall cost is extremely high. For example, the traditional repair of an ordinary sewage pipe, from excavation to restoring the road surface, may take about one week. 3. Environmental and safety impacts: It will damage the urban landscape, generate a large amount of construction waste, and the uncertainties during the construction process may also pose safety risks to other underground pipelines (such as cables and optical fibers) in the surrounding area. In contrast, the "minimally invasive" repair technology based on non-digging techniques has direct advantages that directly address the aforementioned pain points: · The operation is simple and has minimal impact on traffic: The main working area is located inside the underground pipelines or at limited inspection manholes, and no large-scale road excavation is required. For example, in the Tangshan gas pipeline repair project, the traffic was not blocked throughout the process, achieving a "traceless repair". · Construction is efficient and the overall cost is lower: It avoids the high costs of excavation and pavement restoration, and the construction speed is extremely fast. In the case of Hefei, the use of ultraviolet light curing technology shortened the construction period from approximately one week to 9 hours. In the large-scale pipeline repair project in Wu Zhuo City, each section is expected to be completed in about 20 days. · Safe and environmentally friendly, with precise control: It reduces construction dust and noise, and minimizes the overall damage to the urban environment. Through endoscopic inspection, it can precisely locate pipeline internal damages like performing a "gastroscopy", enabling targeted repairs. Detailed Explanation of the Mainstream Non-digging Repair "Simple Technique" The non-digging repair technology system is well-established. Based on the degree of pipe damage and the specific situation, the most convenient and applicable construction method can be selected. Here are several mainstream "simple techniques" and their operation points. 1. Overall repair method: "Put on a new, high-strength suit" for the pipeline When there are multiple damages or overall aging of the pipeline, this method can form a continuous new inner lining pipe in one operation, and it is one of the most efficient solutions. · UV in-situ curing method: This is one of the most widely used and highly convenient technologies at present. · Simple operation procedure: Preparation work: Lay a protective film on the ground and wrap the glass fiber hose soaked in resin around it. 2. Inserting the hose: Using a traction device, drag the hose through the inspection well into the old pipe that needs to be repaired. 3. Air inflation: Inflate the hose to make it tightly adhere to the inner wall of the old pipe. 4. UV curing: Place the UV lamp chain inside the hose and move it at a constant speed of approximately 1 meter per minute. Utilize the UV rays to rapidly cure and shape the resin. 5. End treatment: After the curing process is completed, remove the equipment and cut off the excess parts inside the well. · Core advantages: Extremely fast construction speed, controllable curing process; Smooth inner pipe wall, which can enhance flow capacity; High strength of the repaired pipeline, with a service life of up to 50 years. It has been successfully applied to a complex project with a burial depth of 15 meters, a pipe diameter of 1 meter, and a single segment length of 209 meters. · Hot water/steam in-situ curing method: The principle is similar to that of UV light curing, but the difference lies in using hot water or steam as the heat source to cure the resin hose. It is suitable for large-diameter or non-circular pipes, such as repairing a pipe with a diameter of 1.5 meters. It can be completed within 3 days, and the lining life exceeds 30 years. 2. Local Repair Method: Precise and Rapid "Point-to-Point Treatment" For minor issues such as local leakage, cracks or misalignment of interfaces in the pipeline, there is no need for overall pipe repair. Local repair methods are more economical and quicker. · Point-based in-situ curing method: Similar to the "band-aid" technology. · Simple operation procedure: Use an airbag to accurately press the resin-coated fabric onto the damaged part of the pipeline, and then let it cure through ultraviolet light or heating. This method is often used for emergency repairs and is very fast in terms of restoration speed. · Stainless steel quick locking method: A mechanical rapid repair technique. · Simple operation procedure: Place the stainless steel ring with a sealed rubber ring into the pipeline position, then use the expander to make it expand and lock it onto the damaged area, thereby achieving rapid water sealing. It is suitable for emergency repairs in various complex environments.