INTERLINE UV

Interline UV is a product recently acquired from Saertex Multicom in Germany. The product uses advanced UV cured technology and is used extensively in Europe for lining pipes up to 1200mm diameter. Interflow has negotiated an exclusive usage of the product in Australia and New Zealand for non man-entry ovoid pipelines up to 1200mm diameter.

Interline UV consists of a PVC-coated glass reinforced liner that is impregnated with a UV curable polyester resin. The liner is manufactured in a unique manner such that it is extremely strong compared to standard CIP liners and all other glass fibre liners. Saertex have quoted modulus values of up to 15,000 MPa, other glass fibre liners have values up to 7,500 MPa whilst typical CIP liners have modulus of 1,200 MPa. The net effect of this is that the liner is thinner so there is minimal loss in cross sectional area and it can be cured more quickly. The liner is supplied with the resin contained between layers of styrene proof coating, so there is no risk of the resin leaking. The installation process requires the pipeline to be plugged and a by-pass setup before the liner is pulled through the pipeline. After the liner is installed in place the ends are plugged and the liner is pressurised with air which forces the liner to take the shape of the host pipe. The curing process involves pulling a UV light train through the liner at a speed governed by the heat generated of curing. A typical speed range for curing is between 1 and 0.2 m/min for diameters 200mm to 1200mm. As the UV light train moves down the pipeline the liner is being cured behind it.

The UV curing process is faster and more reliable than heat cured CIP systems making the overall installation lower risk and safer. There is no noisy equipment, boilers or heaters on site so there is less disruption to local community.