Pipe Restoration Technologies, LLC, (PRT) today announced that it has been awarded US patent #8,524,320 for its innovative ePIPE® in-place lining technology, which reduces lead, from lead pipes and other in-line lead contributors from leaching into the drinking water supply. Using the ePIPE process, lead levels are reduced to below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines for lead of 10 ug/l (10ppb).

The patent, “Process for Coating the Interior Surface of Water Service Lines” was granted by the USPTO, which covers the in-place coating of lead pipes, curing the resin, in at least 1 hour and when cured reduces lead in the water supply to less than 10 ug/l (10 ppb). The process is completed to pipes “in-place” reducing the need for excessive digging or tearing up a buildings foundation or walls, as is common using conventional pipe replacement methods.

ePIPE protected pipes and fittings allow water suppliers to discontinue the use of lead inhibitors.

It is estimated that 25% of domestic dwellings in the EU have a lead pipe, either as a connection to the water main, or as part of the internal plumbing, or both, potentially putting 120 million people at risk from lead in drinking water within the EU.

An estimated 38 million properties in the US are affected by lead leaching into the water supply.

Lead is a cumulative poison, and exposure can affect nearly every system in the body. Children under 6 and pregnant women are the most susceptible to the negative health effects of lead exposure.

“With the application of our patented ePIPE technology we are contributing to a healthier delivery of drinking water especially to those most at risk to exposure to lead, children under 6 and expecting mothers”, says CEO, Larry Gillanders.

With the ePIPE product and process, water supply pipes can be restored “in-place” in a matter of a few hours per property.

“We have already completed lead reduction programs with several proactive Water Utilities and Housing Councils in the UK, and with the US Department of Defense in the United States. In all cases, after the ePIPE process, a first draw of standing water, tested at the kitchen tap for lead, was found to be in compliance with new WHO/EU guidelines”, added Larry.

Corresponding patent applications have also been filed in other countries including the European Union.

About ePIPE®

The patented ePIPE process involves restoring pipes in-place, with an application of an epoxy barrier coating resulting in a restored epoxy lined piping system. The process provides for a solution for pinhole leaks, epoxy lining, corrosion control and prevention of lead leaching from pipes. ePIPE service providers are located in the US, Canada, Mexico, Russia and Europe. For more information contact ACE DuraFlo Systems at http://www.epipeinfo.com

Pipe Restoration Technologies, LLC, (PRT), a world-leading pipe lining innovator and manufacturer, announced today that it has been awarded its 14th U.S. patent, Patent #9273815, titled, “Process for Coating the Interior Surface of Water Service Lines.” Granted by the USPTO, this patent covers the in-place coating of metallic pipes, including lead, copper and steel pipes, curing the resin in at least one hour. ePIPE® in-place lining technology reduces lead leaching from lead pipes and other in-line lead contributors, such as lead solder from leaching into the drinking water supply. Using the ePIPE process, lead levels are reduced to well below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) cut-off guidelines for lead, at 10 ug/l (10ppb). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cut-off levels for lead, at 15 ug/l (15ppb), are 50 percent higher than recommended by the World Health Organization. 

  The ePIPE technology is completed to pipes “in-place,” reducing the need for excessive digging or tearing up roads or buildings’ foundation or walls. ePIPE is a long-term solution that does not require the addition of expensive and questionable water treatment chemicals.  

“Relying on chemical treatment of the drinking water and getting it wrong was a major contributor to the Flint poison pipe problem,” Pipe Restoration Technologies and ACE DuraFlo® CEO Larry Gillanders said. “Hands down, we offer the best solution to protect drinking water from lead leaching.”

ePIPE technology is the industry’s fastest and most effective in-place pipe lining process preventing leaks and greatly reducing lead and metals from leaching into the drinking water supply.  

The Flint, MI, water crisis has brought major attention to the cumulative effects of lead consumption, especially in pregnant women and small children. Lead is a dangerous toxin, poisoning drinking water, with medical experts agreeing there is no amount of lead deemed safe for consumption. Lead exposure can impair a child’s IQ and cognitive function and can lead to behavioral problems. High-profile environmental activists, such as Erin Brockovich and Former First Lady of the United States, Hillary Clinton, are getting involved in raising awareness and attempting to find a solution.  

“We are already providing our ePIPE technology as a solution to lead leaching in England and we have already provided the ePIPE solution to thousands of properties in the U.S.,” said Gillanders. “We are prepared to help cities like Flint to bring their water pipes into lead leaching compliance, using this efficient, effective and proven solution. With our licensed network of plumbing companies across the country that use ePIPE, we are asking all cities and building owners who are dealing with lead compliance issues to contact us so that we can protect their drinking water. Our non-invasive epoxy coating system can bring lead contaminated water systems into compliance within hours, without causing destruction or closing down streets. This is a win-win for cities and their citizens.”  

Lead service pipes are not the only contributor to lead in drinking water.  Lead solder, which was used on copper piping systems is a lead contributor and as seen recently in the Hong Kong Lead Crisis, can elevate lead levels from 10 to 60 times the allowable limit.  Prior to 1988, lead solder was a commonly installed material used with the installation of copper piping systems in the U.S. and Canada.    

About Pipe Restoration Technologies, LLC:

PRT is the parent company of the ePIPE product and worldwide group of installers that utilize the patented ePIPE process to restore pipes in-place. An alternative to a destructive repipe, this process is achieved using an application of an epoxy barrier coating, which results in a restored, epoxy lined piping system. The process provides a remedy for pinhole leaks, corrosion control and prevention of lead leaching from pipes without the destruction or disruption encountered by pipe replacements. PRT and its affiliated companies have locations throughout the United States, United Kingdom, Belgium, Spain, Mexico and Hong Kong. For more information, contact PRT at www.epipeinfo.com or (888) 775-0220.  

Read More