Installation Techniques

Blown-In
This is a common technique for epoxy lining of small diameter [water supply] pipes commonly found in multifamily properties. With this procedure, the pipes are drained and dried by blowing hot air through the piping system. The interior of the pipes are then “cleaned” typically using a “sand-blasting” abrasion process to attempt to remove corrosion from the inside of the pipe wall and hopefully create a clean, smooth surface which is required for proper adhesion of the epoxy resin. The liquid epoxy is often blended onsite and blown through the pipe until, in theory, the walls of the pipe are properly coated. This is done in sections of the piping system, with a “shot” of epoxy theoretically calibrated to be enough to coat the estimated length of pipe being coated, which is forced through by air. It is assumed that when the resin comes out the other end after a shot, that the pipe has been adequately coated. The epoxy then cures for several hours (or even days) depending on the type of resins used. After curing is complete, the water service can be restored.

Spin Cast
The pipes are dried and cleaned in a similar fashion as the process for a blown-in epoxy application. However, rather than forced air blowing in the epoxy from one end of the pipe to the other, a spray head is attached to an umbilical cord rig that is pulled through the pipe, while spinning, to create a centrifugal casting process. This process is computer controlled, creating a more uniform coating throughout the length of pipe being lined. Various resins can be employed using this approach, and various thicknesses can be achieved, but it is only available for larger diameter pipes.