Method and apparatus for inflating and curing a resin impregnated manhole liner
OwnerRonald A. McNeilinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for inflating and curing a resin impregnated liner include a resin impregnated liner lowered into an underground structure so that a portion of the liner extends beyond the structure. The protruding portion of the liner is then sealed. Pressurized air and steam are simultaneously admitted into the liner so that the liner inflates and engages the structure. Air and steam continue to be admitted into the liner for a period sufficient to cure the resin while maintaining the liner engaged with the structure.
Claims19
Apparatus for inflating and curing a liner, comprising:
- a) an inflation canister including a top plate and a cylindrical neck extending therefrom for attachment to a liner to be inflated and cured;
- b) a first conduit secured to said top plate and communicating with said neck, said conduit including means for simultaneously permitting pressurized heated air and steam to flow thereto and to a liner attached to said canister;
- c) a relief valve operably associated with said plate for maintaining the liner at a selected pressure;
- and
- d) a downpipe secured to and extending a substantial distance from said conduit for receipt within the liner so that pressurized air and steam supplied thereto may be discharged therein.
A method for inflating and curing a resin impregnated liner, comprising the steps of:
- a) lowering a liner having a resin impregnated outer surface into an underground structure so that a portion of the liner extends beyond the structure;
- b) sealing the liner portion;
- c) simultaneously admitting pressurized heated air and steam into the liner so that the liner inflates and said outer surface engages the structure;
- and
- d) continuing to admit heated air and steam into the liner for a period sufficient to cure the resin while engaged with the structure.
The method of reinforcing a manhole, comprising the steps of:
- a) providing a liner shaped to conform to a manhole to be reinforced, the liner having first and second resin impregnated layers sandwiching an impermeable layer and an impermeable bladder overlying the first layer;
- b) lowering the liner into the manhole and causing a portion of the liner to extend therefrom;
- c) sealing the liner portion;
- d) simultaneously admitting heated, pressurized air and steam into the liner so that the liner inflates and the second layer engages the walls of the manhole;
- and
- e) continuing to admit heated, pressurized air and steam into the liner for a period sufficient to cure the resin in the layers.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.