UNIREF
The DATIpilot UNIREF Innovation Sprint is developing a novel shut-off solution for operational pressurized wastewater pipelines.
Temporary shutoff of the pipe end is absolutely necessary for routine leak tests on existing pressurized wastewater pipelines. In many cases, the structure is not designed for this, which necessitates costly retrofitting measures. The innovative core concept of the project is the development of a novel retrofit flange that provides a simple shutoff option suitable for all common materials and diameters, without restricting wastewater flow during operation. Avoiding costly measures thus benefits both society and the environment through leak-proof pipes within the “sewage disposal” cost-sharing system.
The project is led by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Rita Hilliges from the Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg (THA). She is an expert in water management.
The project is funded through the DATIpilot funding program of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) as one of 300 DATIpilot Innovation Sprints. During the project’s duration of up to 18 months, the research findings will already be put into practical application. Funding is provided for individual or collaborative projects in which a maximum of two partners work together. A total of six DATIpilot Innovation Sprints are being funded at THA.
Project Goal
The goal of the UNIREF project is to develop a new type of shut-off system for pressurized wastewater pipelines currently in operation.
Milestones
The development of a permanently bonded flange involves the following steps:
- Design of a steel component for installation in the pipe to be sealed
- Identification of a universal or material-specific adhesive
- Development of a seal that can be installed inside the pipe to contain the adhesive
- Pre-treatment of the bonding surfaces
- Calculation of the required bonding area
- Experimental testing of the strength of the bonded joint in the laboratory
- Durability testing in situ and in the laboratory
- Testing of the universal retrofit installation flange on actual pressurized wastewater pipelines
Outlook
In many cases, the requirement to be able to seal the ends of existing pressurized wastewater pipes—which is essential for leak tests—poses a problem. There is therefore an urgent need for a simple way to retrofit a flange in order to avoid costly renovation work while still enabling the leak tests required to protect the environment and groundwater.
The field of water management is an innovative area of research that, due to its high relevance to society and the environment, presents a wide range of research questions. Increasing environmental requirements—such as the revised version of the Municipal Wastewater Directive to be adopted by the end of 2024—present challenges that require the scientific development of innovative solutions.
External Partners
BK-Pipecheck GmbH
Schützenstraße 8
86153 Augsburg
info@bk-pipecheck.de
Website (external)
Funding
DATIpilot Projects at THA
At THA, six innovation sprints and one innovation community are part of the DATIpilot funding guidelines
The goal of DATIpilot is to advance the transfer of knowledge from research to practice, generate new approaches to addressing societal challenges, and gain important insights for promoting innovation and technology transfer, as well as for establishing the German Agency for Technology Transfer and Innovation (DATI).
