Technicians use both CIPP (CURED-IN-PLACE PIPE) and directional drilling to install pipes. CIPP replaces and repairs existing pipes. Directional drilling establishes new lines.
Despite different applications, the two technologies have a few things in common. Both are trenchless technologies, meaning no digging is required. Both save money and time since they don’t require excavation or relandscaping. Both require specialized training and experienced technicians.
Directional Drilling Makes Advancements
Directional drilling has been around since the 1920s. Engineers have made many advancements since then, and the technology has continued to improve over the decades.
Today, directional drilling is an efficient way to install underground pipes without digging. To do this, the technician uses horizontal boring machines. He drills a pilot hole that enters and exits at precisely determined locations.
The machine can change directions, avoiding obstructions that could pose problems. Installation is quick and efficient, safe for the environment, and saves landscaping, hardscaping, and buildings from destruction.
To use directional drilling, the site needs to be prepared before the horizontal boring machine is positioned. Once the area is ready, the bore head can go to work.
To clear soil and rocks and make a hole for the pipe, the boring head moves through the earth and exits at the opposite side of the run. A reamer is pulled through the line.
The result is a hole that’s somewhat larger than the pipe. Once the hole is ready, the technician pulls the new line through the opening. The ends of the line are then ready to be connected.
How CIPP is Different from Directional Drilling
CIPP (CURED-IN-PLACE PIPE) is a newer technology than directional drilling. It made its first appearance in the 1970s in England. Unlike directional drilling, CIPP requires an existing pipeline. CIPP forms a new lining that repairs damaged or old pipes.
CIPP is a minimally destructive way to work on underground pipelines. It is often used to rebuild or repair sewer lines, and storm drains, or prepare pipelines for water and gas overflows.
The technology requires the expertise of a trained CIPP technician who can operate specialized equipment such as robotic cutters and closed-circuit video.
Here are the basic steps of a CIPP repair:
- The existing pipe is cleared of debris.
- After the technician prepares the pipe, he injects the liner with a slow-curing epoxy.
- The technician inserts the lining into the pipe. The liner expands to fill the pipe.
- The liner is cured with hot water or UV light. Curing is complete within hours.
CIPP is ideal for large commercial and civic projects. [Please contact Apollo Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning][2] to learn if trenchless technologies are right for your project.
