ePIPE Patent for In-Place Lead Pipe Coating Technology

Pipe Restoration Technologies, LLC (PRT) announced that it has been awarded U.S. Patent #8,524,320 for its innovative ePIPE® in-place lining technology. The patented process is designed to reduce lead leaching from lead pipes and other in-line lead contributors into drinking water supplies.

Using the ePIPE process, lead levels are reduced to below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guideline for lead of 10 ug/L, also referenced as 10 ppb.

What Does the ePIPE Patent Cover?

The patent, titled “Process for Coating the Interior Surface of Water Service Lines,” was granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). It covers the in-place coating of lead pipes, including a resin-curing process that can cure in at least one hour and, once cured, reduce lead in the water supply to less than 10 ug/L, or 10 ppb.

Unlike conventional pipe replacement, the ePIPE process is completed with pipes remaining “in-place.” This helps reduce the need for excessive digging, wall demolition, or tearing into a building’s foundation, which is often required with traditional pipe replacement methods.

Lead Pipe Restoration Without Full Pipe Replacement

ePIPE protected pipes and fittings allow water suppliers to discontinue the use of lead inhibitors.

Lead service lines and lead-containing plumbing components remain a concern in many properties. It is estimated that 25% of domestic dwellings in the EU have a lead pipe, either as a connection to the water main, as part of the internal plumbing, or both. This potentially puts 120 million people at risk from lead in drinking water within the EU.

In the United States, an estimated 38 million properties are affected by lead leaching into the water supply.

Why Reducing Lead in Drinking Water Matters

Lead is a cumulative poison, and exposure can affect nearly every system in the body. Children under age 6 and pregnant women are among the most susceptible to the negative health effects of lead exposure.

“With the application of our patented ePIPE technology we are contributing to a healthier delivery of drinking water especially to those most at risk to exposure to lead, children under 6 and expecting mothers”, says CEO, Larry Gillanders.

In-Place Water Supply Pipe Restoration in Hours

With the ePIPE product and process, water supply pipes can be restored “in-place” in a matter of a few hours per property. This makes the technology a less disruptive alternative for homeowners, property managers, housing councils, utilities, and government facilities seeking to address lead leaching in drinking water pipes.

“We have already completed lead reduction programs with several proactive Water Utilities and Housing Councils in the UK, and with the US Department of Defense in the United States. In all cases, after the ePIPE process, a first draw of standing water, tested at the kitchen tap for lead, was found to be in compliance with new WHO/EU guidelines”, added Larry.

Corresponding patent applications have also been filed in other countries, including the European Union.