The application of 3M’s polyurea-based liner is part of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPS) Aging Water Infrastructure Research Programme. The liner resurfaces existing pipes to minimise water loss throughout the system. The results will be evaluated by a team from Battelle, American Water and the EPA.
The EPA’s scientific and engineering research program evaluates technologies, such as 3M’s Scotchkote Spray In Place Pipe (SIPP) Coating, which can reduce costs, and improve the effectiveness of operation, maintenance and renewal of aging drinking water distribution systems. 3M SIPP 269 Coating offers a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to traditional water-pipe rehabilitation methods, such as total replacement and cement-mortar lining, which disrupt water flow to homes and businesses. With a one-hour cure time, 3M SIPP 269 minimizes the traditional side-effects of pipe repairs, such as detours on city streets.
Chad Carney, global marketing manager, 3M Water Infrastructure, said: “As in many cities across the nation, portions of the water infrastructure in Somerville were showing signs of deterioration. This field demonstration will rehabilitate an impacted section of Somerville’s pipeline, as well as provide performance and cost data that other cities can use to create new protocols and best practices for pipe rehabilitation.”
The 3M SIPP 269 is ideally suited for pipe diameters of 4 to 12 inches, and is approved to NSF/ANSI Standard 61.