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Technical answers to industry questions
For a CIPP project I am trying to decide whether to use steam cure or UV light cure. Would you have a list of advantages/disadvantages for steam vs. UV light? Of course cost is a big concern, but I also want to specify the most advantageous product. Thanks for any advice.
There are pros and cons of each method when comparing steam vs. ultraviolet (UV) light cure, just as there are when comparing steam vs. hot water cure or pull-in vs. the inversion installation process. Mitigation of emissions, time of installation, sewer size and length, service lateral reconnection and site conditions are just a few of the parameters to consider. Regardless of the site specific considerations, both steam and UV cure are good CIPP technologies when installed properly by qualified contractors.
Don’t be concerned about the cost of the various means and methods the contractor may use when installing CIPP. NASSCO advocates using performance specifications that define the operational requirements of the CIPP finished product regardless of the variety of installation and cure techniques that may be appropriate for the project. Some considerations for performance specifications include the following:
- The technical provisions of the specification do not instruct the contractor on how to install the CIPP, but rather ask the contractor to submit the detailed means and methods that will be used to install the CIPP product.
- Contractor is responsible for meeting the anticipated operational requirements. For CIPP this includes a requirement for signed and sealed design calculations by a professional engineer based on standards noted in the performance specification.
- Contractor develops and submits for approval a quality plan that outlines the quality checks and procedures to be made before, during and after installation.
Adopting a performance specification mindset allows the owner to procure the most cost-effective product/process from the lowest responsive, responsible bidder. The contractor may decide to use steam, UV light or hot water cure, or a combination of the three, whatever is most appropriate for the situation at hand.
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