Pipetronics expands eMULTI system

3 in 1: One system for filling, grouting and mounting top hat profiles

• Pipetronics turns the pipe robot unit into a complete system: PI.TRON3 – Three functions in one!
• Unique electrical oval pipe driving carriage developed
• PI.TROC resin proven in practice

Pipetronics, manufacturer of pipe rehabilitation robots, has added a new function to the eMULTI system, which combines the electrically operated eCUTTER milling robot with the approved PI.TRON filling and grouting system into one device. The same drive unit can now be used to mount resin-saturated top hat profiles to connect side branches. The carriage for egg-shaped profile sewers has also been redeveloped. It has been fully reconstructed and equipped with electrical drives for height adjustment and stabilisation in the sewer. In the past, this carriage was available only in a fully mechanical version.

In addition to milling work with the eCUTTER, the PI.TRON system is another option available from Pipetronics, and can be used to carry out filling and grouting work in sewers. Trusted for many years, it allows high-precision, flexible work in partially repairing damaged sleeves and cracks, as well as rehabilitating connecting branches and drainage lines. In addition to its filling and grouting functions, the same drive unit can now also be used to install top hat profiles.

The eMULTI system combines the most important functions and repair technologies in a single system. The brand names of the system components indicate their functions: PI.TRON¹ stands for the top hat installation device, PI.TRON² for the classic smoothing and grouting system, and PI.TRON³ for the overall system used for filling, grouting and installing top hat profiles.

Top hat profile technology is used primarily when the inlet to the sewer is still intact and the pipeline needs to be connected to the side channel with a positive-locking connection, for instance after a pipe liner rehabilitation. A base material made of glass or synthetic fibres saturated in resin and assembled for the branch line is brought to the inlet by a specialised pipe robot, positioned there, and cured quickly using heat.

Operator has optimal view of the side branch - robust, fabric-reinforced rubber bladder

Pipetronics has modified the setting bridge on the PI.TRON filling and grouting system. The drives are now used to retract and extend a metal shield coated with silicone. The metal tag can be heated, accelerating curing for the laminate by adding heat. This design makes it possible to keep the tab fitted with the top hat profile very small when inserting it into the sewer. The operator has an optimal view of the side channel and can precisely align the robot. The new top hat setting device by Pipetronics is equipped to position the top hat profile in the side branch with a rubber bladder. This can be blown up along its length and can also be heated. The company has selected a highly robust, fabric-reinforced rubber material for this bladder, like the material used in large pipe plugs in sewer rehabilitation. This especially safe option was selected to avoid the risk of the bladder being damaged by any sharp objects in the sewer when it is inflated with compressed air.

“With the eMULTI system, sewer rehabilitation companies can complete the most frequently requested repair process with one system. These kinds of systems are in demand worldwide” says Pipetronics CEO Christian Noll, describing the advantages of the system. The attachment modules for filling work, for the moulding and grouting system and the new top hat installation device all use the same carriage. They are simply attached to the robotic carriage. Rehabilitation companies, which had to have multiple different systems in the past, can now choose from the PI.TRON¹ to the PI.TRON³ systems depending on their requirements to work more efficiently. The systems can also be added step by step with the individual functions. In addition, according to Noll, another benefit is that companies no longer need to train their personnel on multiple systems. This also significantly reduces expenses for service and maintenance because the workshop only needs to keep replacement parts for a single system on hand. “With four service locations in Germany and one in Switzerland, we offer the most expansive network of workshops in the industry, our understanding of being close to our customers” says Noll.

Unique! New oval profile carriage offers electrical extension

The second new development by Pipetronics in 2019 is a new carriage for egg-shaped pipes up to 600/900, which can now be flexibly adjusted to the right height in the sewer from the command console with electrical controls. In contrast to robotic work in circular profiles, the height of the working head must be individually adjusted to the processing position in an egg-shaped or specialized profile shape. In the past, Pipetronics only offered one carriage that had to be used to mechanically adjust the pipe robot to the required working height and position in the sewer at the entrance shaft. If milling work needed to be done at different heights in the same position, for instance, the adjustments can take up a lot of work time.

Pipetronics has fully reconstructed the oval profile carriage and is the first company in the world to combine it with two electric motors. One motor handles the drive and height adjustment, while a second motor drives a scissor mechanism providing lateral stabilisation for the robot in the sewer. Both settings are within the camera’s field of view and can be precisely controlled. Now, robotic support can also be used to complete repairs in oval profile sewers with changes in dimension or obstacles. The new carriage, which can be used for all Pipetronics robots, facilitates not only faster but also more precise work in egg-shaped and specialised profiles.    

PI.TROC 21 epoxy resin and SAM700 automatic mixing and dosing station proven

PI.TROC 21 epoxy resin, developed in-house by Pipetronics, has also proven itself in practice for side channel rehabilitation with the PI.TRON filling and grouting system. The resin is characterised by a very high viscosity and is distributed particularly quickly and evenly behind the casing. Another advantage of the cold-curing system is that it cures without any shrinkage or stress cracks. Pipetronics expects to receive DIBt approval for the product this year. In addition to the standard version, which cures in around eight hours, the resin is also offered in a faster “rapid” version, which allows formwork stripping on the construction site after just about four hours. This allows many rehabilitation projects to be completed in just one work day.

PI.TROC21 is available in cans and 700ml tubular bags. These are designed precisely to match the capacity of the PI.TRON filling and grouting system resin cartridge at 2.8 litres. With the new SAM700 mixing and dosing system, 4 x 700ml tubular bags can be mixed in an automated process with consistent quality, always ensuring the correct ratio and allowing for direct filling into the pipe robot's cartridge. This is not only simple and safe for workers on the construction site but also minimises waste and cleaning work for tools.