Turn cure data into actionable QC that cuts rework and proves performance.
A strong quality control program starts before the liner enters the pipe. Define a cure monitoring plan that measures what matters: temperature at the liner–host pipe interface along the full length of the shot. Place sensors where risk concentrates—near services, bends, and diameter changes—and verify that sampling frequency and calibration meet your requirements. Capture ramp, soak, and cool-down segments with time stamps and job metadata (resin lot, ambient temperature, cure method, equipment settings). This data becomes the single source of truth when questions arise. Use standards to frame the plan. ASTM F1216 remains the backbone for CIPP installation and testing; it lays out requirements and acceptance that your plan should harmonize with (ASTM F1216). ASTM F2994 provides shared terminology and practices around cure profiles and monitoring that help normalize submittals across contractors and manufacturers (ASTM F2994). Many municipal specifications already require interface temperature recording and define how to place and protect sensors during inversion or pull-in (City of Tulsa Spec). With a monitoring plan in place, set up a reporting workflow that moves data seamlessly from the field to the office. A handheld controller and a secure cloud portal let project managers and engineers view live progress, troubleshoot ramp-rate issues, and make call-ahead decisions—reducing downtime and unnecessary site visits. The output should be clear enough for owners to include in acceptance records while also detailed enough for crews to learn from. This foundation supports the next step: turning raw logs into meaningful KPIs.
Collecting data is only half the battle; making it useful is where ROI shows up. Start with a core KPI set tied to job outcomes: percent of cycles meeting target soak time at liner–host interface, average delta between calculated and measured exotherm, rate of alarms per 1,000 feet installed, rework per crew-hour, and acceptance on first pass. Trend these by crew, diameter, host material, and curing method (UV, steam, hot water). Display KPIs in a simple dashboard that everyone can read in the morning standup and that leaders can review across projects. Use cure profiles as teaching tools. Archive representative “golden runs” that illustrate proper ramp, soak, and cool-down. When a run struggles (e.g., slow ramp due to high groundwater), annotate the chart and record the field correction (increase power, extend soak, adjust recirculation). Turn those annotations into quick-reference playbooks for winter work, high-I&I basins, long shots, and diameter transitions. Over time, your knowledge base will outperform rules of thumb. Correlate cure KPIs with cost. When acceptance is tied to documented cure, crews minimise wasted resin, overtime, and call-backs. Owners see fewer disruptions and better long-term performance. Cite standard language that supports data collection: ASTM F1216 defines installation and curing requirements and allows for temperature monitoring for verification (ASTM F1216). ASTM F2994 provides a framework for discussing cure profiles and data requirements (ASTM F2994). Municipal specifications increasingly require interface temperature recording and archival; examples include detailed acceptance criteria and sensor placement instructions (City of Norcross Spec).
Contracts that reward data create alignment. In specifications, define minimum data elements: sensor locations (invert and springline for large diameters), sampling frequency (e.g., 1 reading per 5 seconds minimum), calibration checks, and time-synchronised logs. Require upload to a secure cloud within 24 hours and retention for the warranty period. Acceptance should reference both visual inspection (PACP coding) and cure data, with clear pass/fail criteria: ramp rate tolerance, minimum soak time at target temperature, and cool-down thresholds before reinstatement. Incentivise performance. Consider milestone payments tied to complete, compliant data packages; add a corrective action pathway when data shows marginal cure so contractors can complete targeted post-heating without full replacement when manufacturer-approved. For owners, include a right-to-audit clause and specify data availability to third-party reviewers. Finally, close the loop by referencing industry guidance. The NASSCO CIPP Specification Guideline provides language for submittals, inspection, and acceptance (NASSCO Guideline). Summaries of evolving certification and testing practices emphasise the move toward quantifiable verification (CIPP Certification Overview). By pairing clear contract language with a system that captures and communicates cure data, you set up crews to succeed, reduce rework, and give owners defensible acceptance records.