“Green” Cured in Place Pipe Utilization, Styrene Free Emerging Methods and Resin Systems

This paper compares Non Styrenated, UV Light, Remote Epoxy CIPP, and Sequential Wrapped Carbon Fiber/Epoxy technology in applications where the presence of VOC's, fumes, vapors, is unacceptable, undesirable or impractical. Several recent case histories of successfully installed CIPP applications are presented where the application did not allow for Styrene emissions either in the Vapor Phase during Cure or during the release of liquid Styrene laden process water during commissioning of the pipeline. UV cure technology is also compared which, while styrenated, requires no process water resulting in styrene concentrations well below those realized during typical CIPP installation. Finally in NSF 61 Certified Application there is no room for introduction of solvents, reagents, and residuals into the distribution side of the municipal water stream.The practical limits of Styrene usage in the trenchless industry has become controversial citing environmental, exposure, and safety issues. The use of non-styrenated, UV Cure, and Remote Impregnated Epoxy Resins in CIPP installation sidesteps this debate while offering the benefits of close fit, full structural, and pressure rated cured in place pipe.Issues associated with styrene usage, such as cycle water contamination and airborne odor concentration has been largely eliminated in Europe through the evolution of UV, as well as, Remote impregnated epoxy technologies. While it remains to be seen as to the timing of this change within the US; both sides along with the economics of this issue will be presented within this paper.The movement towards more “Green” materials in construction has been largely accepted in concept while the Owner/End users must weigh the economic impact of such materials as compared with alternative means of using styrenated products and more common technologies. While styrene utilization remains commonplace within our industry; Green or sensitive application requires containment, absorption, and/or shielding methodologies. This paper shall demonstrate the successful installation of CIPP without Styrene in applications where Odors, Exposures, or Contamination could not be tolerated.