The funding was awarded to Fibrwrap Construction Inc. by the Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Technology and Innovation Program (TIP). Fibrwrap will work in partnership with Fyfe Company and the University of California to develop the project.

The funding for the project is part of the NIST’s $US71 million Technology and Innovation Program (TIP) as part of President Barack Obama’s efforts to spur economic recovery and address costly societal concerns in the US.

Developing the technology

The funding will be used to build and deploy a fully automated machine that applies Carbon Fibrwrap using a wet-layup technique for restoration of aging water transmission pipelines.

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The Tyfo Carbon Fiber system is designed to prevent large diameter pressure pipes from bursting, collapsing or further deteriorating. The current method of installation is a labour intensive semi-automated process.

Fibrwarp’s CEO Heath Carr said that a robot renewal method will reduce costs to comparable to steel sliplining while removing the need for excavation.

“Robotics have been built in the past without success. This system is utilising a proprietary technology that may enable the device to layup the materials without quality control concerns,” Mr Carr said.

The system has been used in the US to strengthen pipes over the past decade. A robotic approach to installation will allow the system to be applied up to ten times faster than manual application.

“In the end, these cutting-edge platforms will monitor pipe health and restore pipes quickly and efficiently – with limited downtime for both water companies and consumers,” Mr Carr said.

If successful, the innovation may be used to strengthen lengths of high pressure pipelines ranging in diameter from 8–202 inches.

NIST’s Technology and Innovation Program

The TIP is a merit-based, competitive program that provides cost-shared funding for research projects by single small to medium sized businesses or by joint ventures, including institutions of higher education, not-for-profit research organisations and national laboratories.

The program will fund 20 projects US-wide, focusing on the monitoring or repair of major public infrastructure systems and the practical application of advanced materials, both of which are particular areas of national interest.

US Commerce Deputy Secretary Dennis Hightower said “President Obama is leading an effort to drive economic growth and solve national problems by deploying a 21st Century economy.

“These new projects will develop new technology and material that will play a critical role in modernising infrastructure and developing the manufacturing company across the country.”