As we enter the early days of the 21st century, water utilities are facing an enormous task and expense. With piping infrastructure from the 19th and early 20th century reaching the end of it’s life expectancy, utilities are now challenged with the decision of how to reinvest in and renovate it’s systems for the future. Although complete replacement of the piping infrastructure using conventional dig solutions is an option, this approach can be time consuming and very disruptive to traffic, citizens and the environment. Today, many utilities are now realizing that these problems can easily be avoided by the use of trenchless pressure pipe lining technologies. Several municipalities have utilized such technologies for rehabilitating small diameter distribution piping. Although these lining technologies are not new to the USA and have over 7,000 miles of experience worldwide, the process has heretofore been used in moderation in water main rehabilitation due to the fact that excavations were required at each service connection. However, recent technology developments have allowed for the robotic internal sealing and reinstatement of the service connections, thereby eliminating the unnecessary disruption and added costs of excavations. This paper will provide specifics of two lining technologies that have been utilized. Most notably, the paper will explore one specific robotic technology used for the internal sealing and reinstatement of service connections. By way of a remote operator above ground, the unique process takes place inside the pipe; utilizing robotics, eddy current sensor technology, and specially designed milling bits to install a mechanical seal at each service connection.
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