Pull-In-Place CIPP Liner VS Inversion CIPP Liner

“I’m confused. I was shopping for a lining system to install liners at the WWETT show but left not buying anything.  One vendor told me inversion was the only way to install liner as it would travel farther than pull-in-place, and another vendor told me that pull-in-place liner was better because it didn’t squeeze out resin while installing it. Do you have the right answer?”

Sounds like you ran into salespeople excited about selling their systems to you without educating you about their processes, as well as what other systems are out there and how they work. Let’s start with the basics. Both systems are approved for using CIPP lining to rehabilitate pipe.

The inversion method found in ASTM F-1216 describes the means and methods to install CIPP. The pull-in-place method found in ASTM F-1743 describes the means and methods to install CIPP using that method. Either method can meet the standard to give the customer a 50-year design life, chemical resistance, and durability to provide a new pipe inside the old pipe that serves as little more than a form for the new pipe.

Here are the pluses and minuses of both systems:

• The inversion method is performed by saturating the tube with resin, inserting it into a device that turns the material inside out as it installed into the pipe or inverted. It may be installed through only one opening – shooting to a stopping point without digging up or accessing the other end. This method is used as installation lengths may be longer than the pull-in-place method. The reason is that the friction found in the pull-in-place method is not there. With enough air capacity, you install virtually any length you need.
• The pull-in-place method investment in equipment to install it is much less as there are only a few parts needed and employ basic winches and cables. You need to have two ends open. Both methods have been used for years and are both proven to be acceptable.

So here’s the bottom line. We supply contractors who use both methods. Sometimes pull-in-place makes sense, especially with shorter lines where friction doesn’t defeat the process. Sometimes inversion works better when the lines are longer and need the ability to go further. If you have an inversion system, we train you to employ pull-in-place so you can use it when you need it. And if you own an inversion system, it doesn’t mean you need to use it for every job no matter when.

For more information, contact Pipe Lining Supply at +1-888-354-6464 or email us at info@pipeliningsupply.com.

Tags: ASTM, blog, CIPP Lining, inversion, pipe lining supply, pull in place, quik-shot, WWETT Show