The MICP lining materials have been tested and meet the requirements of ANSI/NSF 61 Drinking Water System Components.

SippTech’s robotic system can accommodate minor deflections (max angle dependent on pipe diameter) but cannot operate through 45 or 90 degree bends. Bends make great locations to create access pits for the robotic system insertion.

Yes, SippTech’s robotic system can accommodate most non-circular shapes over 48”.  Lining thicknesses around the perimeter of the pipe will vary with non-circular shapes but not significantly.

Yes, we have developed a solution for applying MICP within riveted steel pipes while providing a finished smooth lining. 

The carbon fiber reinforcement is only used for pipes under higher pressure conditions. The carbon fiber is not needed for low pressure or gravity flow conditions. 

We utilize hand laid Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CRFP) to terminate the lining or transition to other materials. CRFP has successfully been high pressure water systems for over 25 years. Our CRFP details are designed by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) per AWWA C305. Our termination details also include mechanical seals paired with the CFRP as for a bullet proof design. 

The pipe needs to be free of any loose debris or standing water. This is commonly achieved through water blasting or remote sponge blasting. The system can be installed in a damp pipe but where there is any standing water. Any voids over 3/8” in depth in the host pipe need to be filled smooth. The new lining utilizes the host pipe as a form to spray against and any deviations in the host pipe surface will telegraph through the lining. 

The robotic system requires a 10’ opening for insertion. This opening can either be a saddle cut or full stick removal of the host pipe. 

The robotic system can travel up to 1,000 LF from an access point (depending on configuration of the host pipe). In straight runs of pipe it is possible to have access pits that are 2,000 LF apart by lining a section of pipe from 2 directions (meeting in the middle). 

Each liner design is specific to each project and must take into account all external loads (soil, traffic, groundwater, etc.) and internal pressure (or vacuum) loads. For reference a 48” line with a 150 Psi operating pressure requires a lining thickness of about 1.5”. 

Host pipe deterioration is not a concern. MICP is designed as an AWWA Class IV Structurally Independent lining. This means it can stand alone as a new structural pipe. 

The robotic system utilizes LIDAR on the front and back of each robot in order to keep itself centered in the pipe. The LIDAR feedback also provides real-time thickness verification. At the end of a project we will provide report of actual lining thickness indexed throughout the length of the pipe. 

Yes, the MICP lining has passed all chemical resistance testing. The lining is not affected by the hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas commonly found in sewer systems.