The project was carried out by pipelining specialist Pipenology Inc and involved lining a total 7.7 km of 20-183 cm diameter sewer pipes both in the busy downtown and rural areas of Reno. With the cured in place pipe (CIPP) process the repairs were carried out via existing manhole access points. This approach was not only faster than more traditional pipe lining methods but also eliminated disruptive and potentially damaging excavation work.

CIPP technology repairs ageing or damaged pipelines by constructing a new liner inside the existing host pipe. In the case of the Reno project liner construction began with a special felt tube of predetermined dimensions and length. The felt was impregnated AOC’s Vipel® corrosion-resistant resin was used and then inserted into the pipe via existing manholes in order to eliminate or minimize the need for excavation.

Pressurised water was then introduced into the resin-impregnated tube to invert it and move it along and against the sides of the host pipe. When the entire length of tube was turned inside out, the water used during the insertion was heated to cure the resin.