ePIPE team awarded U.S patent for abrasive cleaning method used in small diameter pipe restoration

Pipe Restoration Technologies, LLC, makers of the ePIPE pipe restoration product line, announced today that it has been granted its 10th US patent, #8696823, which covers methods used in abrasive cleaning inside small diameter pipes, 2″ ID and smaller, such as water supply pipes.

This patent focuses on methods where intermittent bursts of abrasive particles are injected into the piping system for cleaning the interior walls of the pipes reducing burrs and interior lips which can cause unnecessary and unwanted erosion inside the pipe. Such erosion can lead to early wear and potential leaks such as those commonly referred to as slab leaks, when the leak occurs under a concrete slab. This patented process gives the operator greater control and efficiencies when compared to alternative methods.

ePIPE CEO, Larry Gillanders commented: “We recently rolled out a 2 hour return to service “in-place” lining material certified by NSF in the US, Belgaqua in Belgium, SABS in South Africa and by the UK’s Secretary of State (Drinking Water Inspectorate) for use in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland for use in protecting drinking water systems.”

Recently, ePIPE technology was named winner in ‘Best Innovation Adopted’ Category at UK Energy Innovation Awards for developments in protecting natural gas lines and the Spanish ePIPE team was awarded 2nd place in the ‘Selected Products’ category at the Construmat Fair for Innovation and Sustainability in Barcelona. ePIPE has also been recognized by National Grid, UK for its contribution the Circular Economy, where intelligent design of products and supply are used in order to reduce waste and retain resource value.

In Canada, Mr. Gillanders is a qualified nominee for the 2014 Manning Awards for Innovation. The ACE DuraFlo®, ePIPE® team has been twice nominated for the US National Medal of Technology and Innovation.

About ePIPE

The patented ePIPE process involves restoring pipes in-place, with an application of an epoxy barrier coating resulting in a restored epoxy lined piping system. The process provides for a solution for pinhole leaks, epoxy lining, corrosion control and prevention of lead leaching from pipes.