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Joint venture with UCI nets $8.5 million from Commerce Department
Project, led by Fibrwrap, will develop robot to revamp old water mains.
By Kristen SchottPublished: December 15, 2009 10:49 AM
A joint research venture involving UC Irvine, Fibrwrap Construction and the Fyfe Co. is set to receive about $8.5 million from the U.S. Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop a robotic platform that would restore old water pipelines in the U.S.
The undertaking is among 20 projects that were awarded a portion of $71 million in funds through the agency's Technology Innovation Program. The TIP competition, which began in March, called for groundbreaking platforms that aim to support national infrastructure needs or new manufacturing platforms.
UCI was selected for the project for its experience in the robotics field, as well as in pipeline modeling and research. The institution is working with Ontario-based Fibrwrap, which is leading the program, and San Diego-based Fyfe to design and build a robot model that would both restore and enhance older water lines. The technology would apply a carbon fiber reinforcement to the insides of the pipes without excavation or replacement. This type of innovation could support the nation's water infrastructure – comprised mainly of 2 million miles of transmission pipelines. Many of those channels are worn out and aging.
The process to replace pipelines is expensive and time consuming, but the new platform would allow a robot to strengthen underground pipelines and prevent possible breaks or collapse through the carbon fiber. What's more, if it is successful, it could save the U.S. about $245 billion, according to a project report.
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The undertaking is among 20 projects that were awarded a portion of $71 million in funds through the agency's Technology Innovation Program. The TIP competition, which began in March, called for groundbreaking platforms that aim to support national infrastructure needs or new manufacturing platforms. UCI was selected for the project for its experience in the robotics field, as well as in pipeline modeling and research. The institution is working with Ontario-based Fibrwrap, which is leading the program, and San Diego-based Fyfe to design and build a robot model that would both restore and enhance older water lines. The technology would apply a carbon fiber reinforcement to the insides of the pipes without excavation or replacement. This type of innovation could support the nation's water infrastructure – comprised mainly of 2 million miles of transmission pipelines. Many of those channels are worn out and aging. The process to replace pipelines is expensive and time consuming, but the new platform would allow a robot to strengthen underground pipelines and prevent possible breaks or collapse through the carbon fiber. What's more, if it is successful, it could save the U.S. about $245 billion, according to a project report. NEXT PAGE >> Related headlines Costa Mesa's T3 Motion delivers 'green' mail service Mission Viejo profits from city bonds sale Broadcom chips in for Bluetooth audio technology |
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