SFP Liner

Since several years, distribution system operators have been looking for a solution to develop a structuring sheath, capable of rehabilitating metal pipes used for distribution of drinking water or steam (heating). These pipes show frequent bends, are difficult-to-access and display a degree of corrosion leading to a significant loss of mechanical properties. Current solutions do not combine the structuring and flexible properties in order to meet the requirements, that is why this project was launched.

The objectives of the project are to develop a system that is able to accommodate the changes in direction (bends) of an entangled network, while withstanding the static, pressure and temperature constraints (in the case of a system that will rehabilitate pipes with high-temperature water) to which it will be subjected. The system will consist of a reinforced textile liner, an appropriate resin depending on the final application (drinking water or high temperature), possibly a support material, the whole being assembled during installation using the CIPP (Cured in Place Pipe) method.

The PEPs team of the Chemical Engineering Department of the University of Liege, is in charge of the support of the eco-design of the process and the realization of the environmental assessment of the product via the life cycle analysis.

LCA will be used throughout the R&D project as a decision-making tool in an eco-design perspective. This means that in addition to the economic, technical and patent factors traditionally used, the results of the LCA calculations or LCA estimates (which will be progressively refined) will also be considered in the strategic choices of orientation of the research project (selection of one alternative rather than another). A comparative LCA will be carried out in order to confirm the environmental interest of the CIPP type solutions developed compared to standard solutions requiring the construction of a trench. At the communication level, an environmental product declaration (EPD) will be written and certified for publication in the B-EPD database (Belgium EPD) listing products related to the construction sector.