ReFlow is looking for partners

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/reflow-looking-partners-renzo-chirulli

 

 

ReFlow (patent pending), an original idea developed by Renzo Chirulli and Manuel García Román (University of La Laguna, Tenerife – Spain), was selected to be between the three finalists of IWATER Idea Awards 2016, held in Barcelona, Spain on 15-17 November 2016.

ReFlow – Flow Enhancement, Rehabilitation and Cabling is a modular mold that allows to reshape existing sewer conduits, migrating from a traditional circular or egg-shaped cross section to an algebraic curve of degree higher than two (i.e. Bernoulli’s lemniscate or Huygens lemniscate). The resulting reshaped cross section significantly increments fluid velocity at the lowest flow rates. Low flow rates in sewage pipes cause sedimentation of solids and other problems derived from the lack of water aeration and generation of hydrogen sulfide, namely metal corrosion and concrete attack by sulfate. The new reshaped pipe invert is obtained by assembling several molds, manhole to manhole, in a continue string, before carrying out a trenchless relining operation (i.e. Cured In Place Pipe). The new liner, installed by a trenchless method, takes the shape resulting from the combination of the existing pipe and the ReFlow mold, as shown below.

 

 

ReFlow does not enhance merely hydraulic performances, it allows to construct several secondary conduits, obtained in the body of the mold string. The new conduits result to be parallel to the pipe axis and perfectly protected against the most common attacks (fluid dragging, mice, etc.). These secondary conduits can be used to install fiber optic cables, transforming the sewer main in a telecommunication infrastructure.

 

 

ReFlow is a simple and smart way to solve common problems due to low fluid velocity at low flow rates, such as sedimentation and hydrogen sulfide and for cabling a sewer main before rehabilitate it with the most popular trenchless methods.

ReFlow is a patent pending product.

We are looking for a strong industrial/commercial partner.

If you are interested contact Renzo Chirulli at: rchirulli@trenchless.eu

 

 

 


SEWER MAINS AND HOUSE CONNECTIONS BY HDD

Client: SE.T.A. Srl (today ETRA Spa) – Italy

Year: 2003-2004

What I did: I made the detailed design of the installation of pressure and gravity sewer pipes by directional drilling; I carried on the training of the technical personnel (engineers, supervisors and operators). I developed a dedicated and complete HDD pit launched installation system for the connection of houses to the sewer mains. I also wrote two technical standards: the first for preliminary underground mapping and the second for the construction of house connections by using pit launched HDD machines.

SEWER MAINS AND HOUSE CONNECTIONS BY HDD

RD07-13

click on the image to see the index of the standard norm (language: Italian)


RD07-14

click on the image to see the index of the standard norm (language: Italian)


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R&D IN HDD AND DETAILED DESIGN OF LARGE RIVER CROSSINGS

Client: FONDAZIONI SPECIALI Spa, Italy

Year: 2011-2012

What I did: I worked as the head of R&D of the HDD division, having the following charges:

  • feasibility studies for the application of HDD and microtunneling technologies
  • R&D for the use of HDD in compensation and jet grouting.
  • R&D for a non-conventional guidance system for HDD
  • R&D for hole supporting in up-hill directional drilling
  • organization and management of the mud laboratory.
  • training of engineers, supervisors and operators.

I also made the detailed design, performing the role of problem solver during the execution of large river crossing carried out by HDD for the installation of gas pipelines:

  • PO river, Italy, DN600 (24 in) for a total length of 1.300 m (4,300 ft)
  • Enza river, Italy, DN100 (4 in) for a total length of 1.200 m (4,000 ft) 
R&D IN HDD AND DETAILED DESIGN OF LARGE RIVER CROSSINGS

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DEVELOPMENT OF DRY DIRECTIONAL DRILLING TECHNOLOGY

Client: SE Srl, Italy

Year: 1997-2002

What I did:  I collaborated in the development and application of the Dry Directional Drilling technology, being member of the team that developed this technology.

About Dry Directional Drilling technology: DDD is based on the use of compressed air at low pressure (175/360 psi – 12/25 bar) instead of traditional bentonite mud. Down the hole percussive air powered tools have a blow frequency that ranges from 900 to 1.500 blow per minute, which means that they are able to drill, with successful results, any kind of soil and any kind of hard rock banks, even when the rock has a resistance to compression of more than 29,000 psi (200 MPa). The rotating and percussive action exerted by the down-the-hole tool is extremely efficient even in presence of very hard rocks. Moreover, it turns out to be very useful in presence of soft soils, since the percussive action generates a pre-consolidation of the soil, so that it facilitates the drilling and steering stage.

DEVELOPMENT OF DRY DIRECTIONAL DRILLING TECHNOLOGY

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OPTICAL GUIDANCE SYSTEM FOR HDD & COMPENSATION GROUTING BY HDD

Client: Revolution Directional Drilling Technology Srl – Italy

Year: 2005-2007

What I did: I developed the idea of a new laser based guidance system for horizontal directional drilling, operating in 2 1/2″ drill string, with a minimum bending radius of 25 m; the system was called ALICE; I developed the algorithm, collaborating to the construction and testing phase of prototypes.

I carried out the feasibility studies for the application of HDD to pre-tunneling compensation grouting and directional underground injections for insulation and treatment.

OPTICAL GUIDANCE SYSTEM FOR HDD & COMPENSATION GROUTING BY HDD

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LAUNCH OF DRY DIRECTIONAL DRILLING TECHNOLOGY IN THE NORTH AMERICAN MARKET

Client: SE INDUSTRIES Inc., Montreal, QC – Canada

Year: 2000-2002

What I did:  I was the General Manager and VP Marketing, Sales and Development of the company. I actively collaborated in the development and application of the Dry Directional Drilling technology, being member of the team that developed this technology. I was the key person for the launch of this technology in the North American market, conceiving and implementing the marketing strategies and managing the relationships with public and private investors interested in this technology.

About Dry Directional Drilling technology: DDD is based on the use of compressed air at low pressure (175/360 psi – 12/25 bar) instead of traditional bentonite mud. Down the hole percussive air powered tools have a blow frequency that ranges from 900 to 1.500 blow per minute, which means that they are able to drill, with successful results, any kind of soil and any kind of rock banks, even when the rock has a resistance to compression of more than 29,000 psi (200 MPa). The rotating and percussive action exerted by the down-the-hole tool is extremely efficient even in presence of very hard rocks. Moreover, it turns out to be very useful in presence of soft soils, since the percussive action generates a pre-consolidation of the soil, so that it facilitates the drilling and steering stage.

SPREADING OF THE DRY DIRECTIONAL DRILLING TECHNOLOGY IN THE NORTH AMERICAN MARKET

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28 KM OF URBAN CABLING PROJECT BY HDD

Client: Hydro Quebec, Montreal, QC – Canada

Year: 2000-2001

What I did:  I collaborated on the design of a specialized pit launched drilling rig (the pit-launched 250 Scorpio dry directional drilling rig – with 7 tons of pullback force) and on the detailed design of the installation project of more than 28 km (17 miles) of medium tension electrical cables (3 kV), for the connection of 1.000 houses, in the city of Hampstead, Montreal – QC, Canada. I also carried out the training of the engineers and operators both of the Client (Hydro Quebec) and of the Contractor, and I supervised the work in order to assure the expected productivity.

28 KM OF URBAN CABLING PROJECT BY HDD

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DRILL PIPES FOR DIRECTIONAL DRILLING

Client: Colli Drill Spa, Rome – ITALY

Year: 1994-2007

What I did:  I designed the product (drill pipes) in a wide range of diameters, connection types and lengths, setting-up all the mechanical calculation methods;  then I studied the manufacturing process (friction welding, thermo-chemical treatments, post welding heat treatments) and all the control procedures; and finally I designed and supervised the construction of the manufacturing plant. Six year of continuous research, enthusiasm, errors and success, achieving a deep knowledge about the directional drilling process, and steel and metallurgy. We set a new standard reference in the industry of drill pipes for shallow horizontal directional drilling. Some patents and some innovative ideas complete the achievements reached thanks to this collaboration.

DRILL PIPES FOR DIRECTIONAL DRILLING

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