Pipes can be damaged by e.g. corrosion, movement in the ground, erosion and aging. Some estimates predict that the European sewer pipe repair market will reach 14.9 billion euros by 2021. The repair or remediation of large diameter pipes has traditionally required technicians to work within the pipe itself. A hazardous, labour intensive, slow and expensive operation. The costs associated with shutdown of large diameter pipes whilst such work is undertaken is very significant. Remediation of these infrastructures requires rapid and reliable repair techniques, to enable systems to be returned to operation minimising downtime and lost production.

​Initial trials of the Fast-Fix system for pipe internal surface preparation, followed by manual spray application of a pipe liner, have demonstrated that this technique is already >5x faster than the manual repair of large diameter pipes.   

Wash

Dry

Abrade

Lining

10x faster than conventional manual repair

We will now further develop the Fast-Fix process, which will be a >10x faster method than manual repair. A 3-5mm strong and protective pipe-liner will be coated consistently and reliably inside the pipes. Both (semi-) structural and non-structural liners will be developed to expand the area of application for the process.

Fully automated by remote control

The final target of this project is to develop a fully remote-controlled version of our semi-automated concept robot used in Qatar (see Trials). After 1 year in progress with this highly competent & complimentary skilled multinational project team we are well ahead of plan. Several steps have been tested with good results. Now remaining work is fully automation into one efficient process. Full integration tests will be done during the spring and summer 2021, before being ready for a real rehabilitation projects.