September 12, 2016

Team seeks additional funds to research chemicals in pipe repair

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. —A College of Engineering team is seeking funds to continue research into the possible dangers of a pipe repair technique.

Andrew Whelton, assistant professor for the Lyles School of Civil Engineering and Environmental and Ecological Engineering, said Purdue University has kicked off the fundraiser to help his seven-person team examine the use of cured-in-place pipe repair.

A goal of $24,000 has been set for the fundraising effort. Donations can be made through a Purdue crowdfunding page, https://crowdfunding.purdue.edu/project/2768

A team of faculty and staff, as well as undergraduate and graduate students, are researching air samples and additional materials for hazardous chemicals connected with the commonly used CIPP practice.

"This will be the first independent study to examine chemical exposure and emission risks from the most popular water pipe repair technology used in the United States," Whelton said. "Our initial investigation has uncovered something pretty significant. We are asking for the support and direct assistance of the public to complete this study."

Through CIPP, workers insert chemically treated liner fabric through an expanse of pipeline and harden it using methods including hot water, steam or ultra-violet light. The method creates a tight-fitting replacement pipe without the use of trenches or excavation.

The research team is examining for the presence of chemicals including the air pollutant styrene and other volatile organic compounds in the air at levels exceeding exposure standards.

The team drove to California in August to test the air for hazardous materials at five CIPP sites. The West Coast work expended seed funding initially given by the National Science Foundation and more money is needed for additional safety equipment on-site and to alter test methods to identify the chemicals spread by the procedure.

This year, the team has worked to analyze more than 200 air samples and driven more than 4,000 miles as part of the research. 

Writer: Brian L. Huchel, 765-494-2084, bhuchel@purdue.edu

Source: Andrew Whelton, 765-494-2160, awhelton@purdue.edu

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