Research and Development Office

Using Robotics Technology to Reline Large Diameter Piping on Steep Slope

Project ID: 8107
Principal Investigator: Allen Skaja
Research Topic: Repair and Maintenance
Funded Fiscal Years: 2018
Keywords: None

Research Question

Relining projects in piping is extremely dangerous, due to inaccessibility, steep slopes, and permit required confined spaces. Incorporating hazardous materials and flammables into the work environment exacerbate the potential for accidents, as observed in the 2007 Cabin Creek fire. In addition, working from platforms on steep inclined surfaces results in slow production rates and high cost, requiring longer work schedules.

Need and Benefit

"Contractors have been using robotics equipment since providing better safety, by reducing the number of workers in the permit required confined space, with exposure to hazardous environments. The demonstration project at the CAP Mark Wilmer discharge tubes showed that robotic equipment could be used on steep slope. Eliminating work from platforms on steep inclined surfaces. Robotics equipment have high production rates allowing for shorter outages, faster return to service, and reduces labor cost. Robotic equipment can be used on pipe diameters up to 32 foot, but could be modified to do any diameter."

Contributing Partners

Contact the Principal Investigator for information about partners.

Research Products

Bureau of Reclamation Review

The following documents were reviewed by experts in fields relating to this project's study and findings. The results were determined to be achieved using valid means.

Using Robotics Technology to Reline Large Diameter Piping on Steep Slope (final, PDF, 1.4MB)
By Allen Skaja
Research Product completed on September 30, 2018

Using Robotics Technology to Reline Large Diameter Piping on Steep Slope (final, PDF, 144KB)
By Allen Skaja
R&D Bulletin completed on September 30, 2019

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