RTi from A to Z

A – Sewer pipes, lining and pull-and-expand methods

The RTi Group offers a comprehensive range of trenchless repair, renovation and renewal methods for sewer pipes, which have been used successfully for decades.

The lining process is primarily used for the rehabilitation of tanks, structures and also manholes. In this process, prefabricated polyethylene panels are mechanically anchored to the existing structural substrate and the panel joints are welded. Spacer studs then allow the resulting gap between the structure and the lining to be filled with high-flowability mortar.

The expansion-pulling method is identical in terms of machinery and process technology to the pipe bursting method; this technology is used to replace pipes made of ductile materials such as steel, ductile iron, PE, or similar. Instead of the bursting tool, a roller cutter is used here to cut the old pipes axially.

 

B – Structural Rehabilitation, Coating and Burst Lining

The rehabilitation of damaged structures, primarily wastewater disposal and drinking water supply systems, is also a key component of our overall service portfolio. Depending on the nature of the damage, we offer a wide variety of methods for the repair of structures.

Coating shafts, tanks and pipelines prevents groundwater ingress and increases the chemical and mechanical resistance of the surface.

The burst lining process is used by the RTi Group for the rehabilitation of pressure and gravity pipelines. RTi works with both the static and dynamic burst lining processes.

 

C – CIPP and Close-Fit

CIPP stands for Cured-In-Place-Pipe and is the English term used for the hose-lining process.

In the Close-Fit process, the diameter of the pipe is reduced by approx. 25–30%. This allows the pipe string to be pulled into the damaged old pipeline using a winch with minimal tensile forces. The reshaping process is initiated by applying pressure and heat (superheated steam) to the inserted, deformed pipe. The PE pipe ultimately fits tightly, i.e. ‘close-fit’, against the inner wall of the old pipe.

 

D – Pressure pipes, diameters, pressure testing and steam curing

The RTi Group offers a comprehensive portfolio of trenchless repair, renovation and renewal methods for pressure pipes, which have been used successfully for decades.

RTi offers an optimal solution for every problem with defective gravity and pressure pipes in the diameter range DN 50 – 5500 mm.

In steam curing, the impregnated liner is inserted into the existing pipe using compressed air via a special machine in a reverse process and then cured with steam.

In pressure testing, pipes, manholes and structures are tested for leaks using either compressed air or water via calibrated measuring instruments.

 

E – Single-pipe lining and installation lengths

In single-pipe lining (short-pipe relining), individual factory-manufactured pipe modules are pulled, pushed or driven into the pipeline to be rehabilitated in stages.

The maximum installation length depends on the dimensions, wall thickness and the method used. However, several hundred metres can be installed in a single rehabilitation step. Thanks to the flexibility of the hose liner, installation lengths of 200 m and more can be carried out in a single step without any problems.

 

F – Gravity sewers, flooding method

The RTi Group offers a comprehensive portfolio of trenchless repair, renovation and renewal methods for gravity sewers, which have been used successfully for decades in the rehabilitation of gravity sewers.

 

G – Gas pipelines and trenchless pipe rehabilitation

As a specialist in pipe rehabilitation, RTi is also a reliable partner for trenchless pipe rehabilitation of gas pipelines and industrial pipelines.

Replacing pipes using open-cut construction is expensive, time-consuming, noisy and often causes significant traffic disruption. A modern solution here is trenchless pipe rehabilitation, which has been successfully used by RTi for many years.

 

H – High-temperature pipes, resins, ultra-high-pressure water jet robots, ultra-high-pressure cleaning

The ultra-high-pressure water jet robot was developed specifically for removing hard deposits and foreign objects from pipes and operates with camera assistance and adjustable water pressure of up to 1500 bar.

The ultra-high-pressure cleaning system ensures metal-bare, grease- and corrosion-free surfaces, thereby optimally preparing the pipeline for rehabilitation with a hose liner. This is made possible by the use of state-of-the-art cleaning systems, which generate water pressure of up to 1550 bar.

RTi is also your reliable and expert partner when it comes to the rehabilitation of pipes and tanks that must withstand exceptional demands, whether due to high temperatures, high static loads or aggressive media.

The pipe lining process is based on flexible liners impregnated with resin, which are inserted into the pipe to be rehabilitated and then cured.

 

I – Industrial Pipelines, Injection Methods, Internal Sleeves, Inspection

RTi is also your reliable and expert partner when it comes to the rehabilitation of industrial pipelines. We have successfully completed numerous projects in the industrial sector over the past decades.

The injection method is primarily used for concrete and brick structures. The wide range of different injection methods allows us to address the specific damage patterns of the structures in a targeted manner.

Partial rehabilitation using pipe internal liners is a purely mechanical rehabilitation method. This allows for the permanent sealing of the defective area. Internal liners can be used for all standard pipe systems from DN 150 mm upwards.

 

J – Year of foundation

RTi has been active in the civil engineering sector for over 50 years. For 35 years, RTi has been successfully engaged in the inspection and trenchless rehabilitation of pipeline networks.

 

K – Sewer rehabilitation, power station pipelines and classification

The RTi Group offers a comprehensive portfolio of trenchless repair, renovation and renewal methods for sewer rehabilitation, which have been used successfully for decades.

RTi has been offering professional and reliable rehabilitation of power station pipelines for more than 35 years. Since 2018, RTi has specialised in leak testing of ultra-high-pressure pipelines, enabling leak tests up to 200 bar.

In pressure pipe rehabilitation using hose-lining methods, a distinction is made between various classifications. These classifications are defined by an international standard.

 

L – Lining, liner, pipeline information system, LIS and leak detection

There are various lining methods used in trenchless pipe rehabilitation. In hose lining technology, a resin-impregnated liner is inserted into the existing pipe and then cured.

The Pipe Information System, known as LIS for short, is a tool for the rapid provision of information on sewer and water pipes.

In leak detection, damaged areas are located quickly and precisely using state-of-the-art technology. This enables targeted pipe rehabilitation and allows for rapid repair of the damage.

 

M – Installation methods, manual repairs, pigging and pig cleaning

The installation method is used for the rehabilitation of accessible pipes and structures. In this process, factory-made panel segments made of materials such as polymer concrete, GRP, stoneware or PE are mounted on the inner wall of the component to be rehabilitated.

The manual repair work includes, for example, patching up localised damage, refurbishing incorrectly connected inlets, repairing defective manhole channels, or replacing damaged risers.

Using pig cleaning, it is possible to clean pressure pipelines with a diameter of 50 mm or more. The cleaning elements – pigs – are introduced into the pipeline via pig locks and clean it over several kilometres in one go without the need for excavation or pipeline disconnection.

 

N – Service water pipes, new construction, nominal diameter

RTi offers a comprehensive portfolio of trenchless repair, renovation and renewal methods for service water pipes, which have been used successfully for decades.

For more than 60 years, RTi has also been offering the construction of new pipeline networks using conventional methods.

RTi offers an optimal solution for every problem with defective gravity and pressure pipes in the diameter range DN 50 – 5500 mm.

 

O – Oil pipelines

As a specialist in pipe rehabilitation, RTi is also a reliable partner for trenchless pipe rehabilitation of oil pipelines and industrial pipelines.

 

P – Partial Lining

Partial lining, also known as the short-liner system, can be used to rehabilitate locally damaged pipe sections ranging from 0.5 to 4.0 m in length. A resin-impregnated felt or glass tube is inserted via existing inspection chambers using packers and positioned at the damaged section under CCTV camera observation.

 

Q – Quality

Thanks to our many years of experience, highly trained and motivated staff, and innovative and proven technologies, we offer first-class quality and reliability in our products and services.

 

R – RTi, Pipe Rehabilitation, Pipelines, Robotic Methods, Pipeline Construction, Cleaning, Renovation Methods

RTi is your specialist for pipe rehabilitation, civil engineering and inspection.

RTi offers a comprehensive portfolio of pipe rehabilitation services.

Worldwide, pipelines are at risk from deposits, ageing and corrosion. Leaky joints and cracks pose an environmental hazard and result in the loss of vital resources such as drinking water, gas or oil.

The robotic method employs rehabilitation robots that enable repair work to be carried out, such as milling out and filling cracks or leaky joints, or the tight sealing of incorrectly connected inlets.

For more than 60 years, RTi has also been offering new pipeline construction using conventional methods.

The renovation process is a method for the rehabilitation of gravity and pressure pipelines.

Thorough cleaning of pipes is an important prerequisite for successful rehabilitation. During cleaning, deposits, incrustations and corrosion are removed from the inside of the pipe.

 

S – Rehabilitation, Software and Semi-structural Solutions

RTi offers a comprehensive portfolio for the rehabilitation of pipelines.

Using software for pipe networks, sewer inspection data is recorded and stored in a database.

In semi-structural solutions, unlike a conventional lining, the liner has ring stiffness, enabling it to withstand external loads. This system complies with Class B of EN ISO 11295.

 

SCH – Hose Lining, Manhole Inspection, Manhole Maintenance, Manhole Frame Rehabilitation

In hose lining technology, a resin-impregnated liner is inserted into the existing pipe and then cured.

For manhole inspection, visual inspection using a tablet, inspection with a manhole camera or inspection using scan technology can be employed.

Manhole maintenance ensures the functionality of manholes and other structures through periodic checks. As part of manhole maintenance, RTi carries out a wide range of tasks for you.

In manhole frame rehabilitation, manhole frames that are washing out or are too deep are lowered or raised without the need for excavation or asphalting work.

 

T – Drinking water pipes, CCTV inspection and civil engineering

The RTi Group offers a comprehensive portfolio of trenchless repair, renovation and renewal methods for drinking water pipes that have been used successfully for decades. RTi holds all the essential certifications, approvals and quality marks that guarantee high-quality project execution.

Specialised CCTV camera systems from RTi are used for the CCTV inspection of pipelines and manhole structures.

 

U – Investigation

A thorough and efficient rehabilitation requires a careful investigation and analysis of the pipelines and manholes to be rehabilitated.

 

V – Deformed pipes, fully load-bearing system

In the pipe rehabilitation process using deformed pipes, the diameter of the pipe is reduced by approx. 25–30%. This allows the pipe string to be pulled into the damaged old pipeline using a winch with minimal tensile forces. This process is also known as the close-fit method.

With the installation of a fully load-bearing pipe liner system, all functions – including the absorption of internal pressure – are transferred to the liner. This system complies with Class A of EN ISO 11295.

 

W – Wound Pipe Lining

In wound pipe lining, factory-produced profiled strips with high ring stiffness made of PVC or HDPE are mechanically wound into a pipe string directly inside the existing pipeline.

 

X – XXL system

The XXL system is the largest possible inversion drum for hose lining and enables pipe rehabilitation up to DN 1400 mm.

 

Y – Yarn

A special yarn is used to install a seamless pressure pipe liner, which is specifically designed for pipe rehabilitation solutions for drinking water, gas and industrial pipelines.

 

Z – Branch rehabilitation, satisfied employees and customers

Branch rehabilitation, also known as spigot rehabilitation, is a robot-assisted process for repairing pipe branch connections.