UV Curing for CIPP Explained: Today’s Top 4 Curing Methods Compared
One of the newest technologies for trenchless pipe repair is UV curing for CIPP. This innovative approach to the cured-in-place repair process challenges many of the perceptions of CIPP repair that plumbers and consumers have believed for decades. But is it right for your business?
We’ll explore the various CIPP curing options available today, taking a look at what makes them different from each other, as well as what you should consider when investing in your CIPP repair service.
What Is UV Curing for CIPP?
Most CIPP curing methods use heat to chemically cure the resins used for the repair. That heat comes in many different forms, each with advantages and drawbacks. UV CIPP, on the other hand, uses UV-activated compounds that require no external heat to begin curing.
The UV-activated resin hardens quickly, and it can add as many as 50 years to the lifespan of a pipe. Other CIPP methods offer similar benefits, but UV curing addresses some of the challenges that have frustrated trenchless repair specialists for decades.
How Does UV Curing Compare to Other Curing Methods?
The key differences between other curing methods and UV curing are time, strength, and cost.
| Ambient | Hot Water | Steam | UV Light | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curing Time | 12-24 hours | 4-8 hours | 2-4 hours | > 1 hour |
| Repair | Some potential weak points | Strong | Strong, but some risk of improper curing | Strongest repair |
| Initial Investment | Minimal | Moderate | More Expensive | Most Expensive |
| Footprint | Smallest | Small | Large | Small |
| Pipe Diameter | Small diameters only | No limitations | Small to Medium diameters | Small to large diameters; limited to liner availability |
| Pipe Length | Short lengths only | Up to 500m | Limited lengths | Limited lengths |
| Environmental Impact | Styrene emissions | Styrene emissions; disposal and contamination issues | Styrene emissions; potential for contamination | Almost no environmental impact |
| Resin Limitations | Resin cures immediately and must be wetted out on site | Resin cures immediately and must be wetted out on site | Resin cures immediately and must be wetted out on site | Resin only cures with UV light; excess can be saved and reused |
Which CIPP Curing Method Should You Choose?
Each CIPP curing method comes with its own positives and negatives, so you’ll need to know your top priorities when choosing the method you want for your pipe repair business. Here are three key factors to consider.
What Are Your Needs?
More than anything, your needs should influence this decision. Need faster repairs? Want a simpler system? Already have training on a specific system? Each of these questions could point to a different solution for your CIPP repair needs.
What’s Your Budget?
If you’re ready for a bigger investment upfront, your options open up quickly. But if you’re a bit more cautious with your spending, avoid the more convenient options and go with a streamlined and inexpensive method instead.
What’s Your Environmental Impact?
If you’re in a state with tight environmental regulations, or if your business aims at minimizing environmental impact, it’ll change what you choose. This may mean more expensive equipment at the start, but compliance and value-based decisions are both important.
Getting Started with CIPP Repairs
While we love UV curing for CIPP, we know that what might be right for one business isn’t always right for another. And because of that, we’re here to help you find the perfect solution for your trenchless pipe repair services.
With T3 Lining Supply, you can expect industry-leading equipment and materials, phenomenal customer service, and training that fits your needs. We’ll train on any equipment, whether or not you purchased it through us. And we can train you on the latest industry methods and practices in any location, including your own headquarters.
Reach out today to find the perfect solution and training to grow your plumbing and pipe repair business!