Cured-in-place pipe lining is an effective tool, but the process can sometimes be time-consuming. Fortunately, HammerHead Trenchless has a solution to get those needed repairs done fast.

The company’s Bluelight LED CIPP lining system is designed for rapid rehabilitation of laterals and small sewer pipes from 3 to 10 inches in diameter. According to Jeff Urbanski, senior manager of marketing and training for HammerHead Trenchless, the technology uses a specially formulated single-part resin that cures under light in the “blue” wavelength, giving installers significantly longer working time between liner wet-out and curing.

“Bluelight is the name but also the type of light used to cure the resin,” Urbanski says. “What is unique is that contractors can use conventional inversion equipment. It uses a single-component resin that will only cure with that blue light. It is free of VOCs and conforms to the requirements of ASTM F1216, which lowers environmental impact.”

The system includes features such as an intuitive touchscreen interface, interchangeable reels in 131- and 164-foot lengths, three light head sizes, including a 3-inch light head, and a lightweight ergonomic frame for easier maneuverability and portability. Once installed, the automated curing system pulls the LED light head through the liner, curing the resin as fast as 5.4 feet per minute. 

“Lining traditionally mixes two resins together which can cause anxiety on the job site,” Urbanski says. “Resin can react before you place the liner into ground, causing the contractor to dig up the pipe and replace it. Using a Bluelight LED system lowers anxiety because the liner can be wet-out offsite, loaded into the inversion drum, and inverted into the pipe without risk of curing, even if you lose pressure or air on site. The liner will not cure until the light head is turned on.”

The Bluelight system is capable of navigating and repairing 45- and 90-degree bends and some transitions. According to Urbanski, the speed of repairs using the system has been the biggest benefit.

“A lot of our customers have been able to grow their businesses by twofold,” he says. “They can place more liners in the ground more efficiently as the system’s automated curing system using the LED light head allows for the resin to cure five times faster than other methods. That feedback has led to multiple improvements with the system to make it the next best thing the market is asking for.” 800-331-6653; www.hammerheadtrenchless.com