Die Draw Ltd has developed a Liner Optimisation Tool to assist water network engineers in selecting the optimal PE 100 liner for pipeline rehabilitation projects.
By inputting the host pipe diameter and required pressure, the tool provides optimum liner sizing in both structural and semi-structural applications.
The tool is based on over 30 years of practical experience, incorporating real-world considerations such as manufacturing tolerances and common specification challenges. It aligns with the requirements of BS EN ISO 12201 and offers results informed by practical conditions, which may differ from those generated by flow modelling software.
Key Features of the Optimisation Tool
All PE 100 liners provide inherently good flow characteristics due to a Hazen Williams coefficient of 120 and surface roughness of 0.005mm.
- Tight-Fit Semi-Structural Liners: Designed for collapse resistance with gap bridging and hole spanning capabilities. These thin liners with high SDRs provide improved flow characteristics. Bespoke PE 100 liner sizes ensure an interference tight fit on the host pipe bore.
(For interactive semi-structural liners, further engineering assessment is required to ensure that ring stiffness is sufficient to prevent collapse. In some cases, hole spanning and gap bridging assessments may also be necessary, depending on the condition of the host pipeline.) - Tight-Fit Fully Structural Liners: Designed using standard PE 100 pipe pressure ratings with bespoke liner sizes for an interference tight fit. These liners maintain similar flow characteristics compared to the original pipe, with a modest bore reduction that typically ensures acceptable future flow capacity.
This tool is designed to aid flow modellers and engineers in optimising network design when rehabilitating aged pipelines. It provides practical, experience-based recommendations to ensure the most effective liner solution for any given application.
Liner Optimisation Calculator
The tool currently focuses on tight-fit liners, with future updates planned to include additional designs such as close-fit and slip liners which use standard-sized PE 100 pipes.
Coming Soon:
- Close-Fit Liners: Use standard PE 100 pipe dimensions, sometimes resulting in a small gap between the liner and host pipe. These designs still provide significantly better flow capacity than traditional slip liners.
- Slip Liners: Offer the greatest bore reduction but maintain adequate flow capacity in many cases due to the smooth PE 100 bore.
In Reality…
In reality the versatility of the Die Draw design process can produce a liner with any bore size less than that of the original host pipe depending on the asset owner’s flow requirement. This tool starts with the best possible options using bespoke liner pipe sizes available to Die Draw..
For further clarification or to discuss specific calculations, please contact Die Draw Ltd.