Product Overview
VIP-WECO is an internal pipe repair seal manufactured using flexible EPDM rubber and stainless steel tension bands. It is designed for trenchless rehabilitation of pipes and sewers and is suitable for industrial water, drinking water, wastewater, fuel and gas applications, including joint repair and end-liner sealing or repair for relined pipes.
Technical Specifications
Specification | Detail |
Non-walkable diameter range | DN185 to DN599* |
Walkable diameter range | DN600 to DN6000 |
Exfiltration pressure | Up to 20 Bar |
Infiltration pressure | Up to 2 Bar |
Temperature range | -10°C to 140°C |
Typical installation time | 40 minutes |
Typical life expectancy | 50+ Years |
* VIP-WECO REMOTE
Seal Configurations
| Configuration | Internal Pressure | External Pressure | Retaining Bands | Reinforcing Sheet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| External Pressure Option 1 | 20 bar | Up to 0.4 bar | 2 | No |
| External Pressure Option 2 | 20 bar | Up to 0.8 bar | 3 | No |
| External Pressure Option 3 | 20 bar | Up to 2.0 bar | 4 | Yes |
| End Liner Sealing | 20 bar | Up to 0.8 bar | 1–3 | No |
Extra-Wide Repairs
For repair areas wider than 343 mm, VIP-Weco can be supplied in an extra-wide configuration. This uses a bespoke central rubber hose section secured with additional retaining bands, with VIP-Weco seals positioned at each end to complete the repair.
Pipe Profiles
VIP-Weco seals can be manufactured to suit a range of pipeline profiles, including standard and non-standard pipe shapes.
- Egg shaped
- Circular
- Ellipse
- Mouth
- Bespoke angles
Materials
The VIP-Weco seal uses a highly flexible EPDM rubber sleeve with stainless steel tension bands. The standard EPDM material is black, has a hardness of 70 ±5 Shore A and is specified in accordance with EN 681-1.
- Flexible EPDM rubber sleeve
- Stainless steel tension bands
- Standard stainless steel grades: 304 and 316
- Alternative rubber material available: NBR for applications involving aggressive chemicals
EPDM Rubber Properties
The standard VIP-Weco flexible rubber sleeve is manufactured from EPDM compound CVE69, specified to EN 681-1 / WA/WC/70.
| Property | Test Method | Result | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | ISO 48 | 70 IRHD | 70 ±5 |
| Tensile strength | ISO 37 | 12.3 MPa | 9 MPa minimum |
| Elongation | ISO 37 | 298% | 200% minimum |
| Compression set – 70 hrs at 23°C | ISO 815 | 8.1% | 15% maximum |
| Compression set – 22 hrs at 70°C | ISO 815 | 15.2% | 20% maximum |
| Compression set – 72 hrs at -10°C | ISO 815 | 30.2% | 50% maximum |
| Ozone resistance | ISO 1431-1 | No cracks | No cracks |
Stainless Steel Properties
VIP-Weco tension bands are available in 304 (1.4301) and 316 (1.4401) stainless steel. The bands are pickled to help prevent corrosion, with other grades available on request for specific applications.
| Property | 304 (1.4301) | 316 (1.4401) |
|---|---|---|
| Proof stress | 190 MPa minimum | 200 MPa minimum |
| Tensile strength | 500–700 MPa | 500–700 MPa |
| Elongation A50 mm | 45% minimum | 40% minimum |
| Hardness Brinell | 215 HB maximum | 215 HB maximum |
Approvals & Standards
VIP-Weco uses WRAS approved material and complies with BS 6920 requirements for potable water applications. The EPDM rubber is specified in accordance with BS EN 681-1 for elastomeric seals used in water and drainage applications.
- WRAS material approval
- BS 6920
- ACS approval for France
- BS EN 681-1
Applications
VIP-Weco internal pipe repair seals are designed for trenchless rehabilitation of pipes and sewers and can be used for joint repair and for sealing or repairing the ends of liners in relined pipelines.
- Joint repair
- End-liner sealing
- End-liner repair for relined pipes
- Industrial water pipelines
- Drinking water pipelines
- Wastewater pipelines
- Fuel pipelines
- Gas pipelines
Pressure Testing
An optional pressure test valve can be fitted to the VIP-Weco seal. The valve is positioned in the centre of the rubber sleeve and can be used after installation to check the integrity of the seal and identify air leakage using a suitable spray solution.
Installation Equipment
Installation of the VIP-Weco seal requires standard pipe preparation tools together with the correct hydraulic spreading equipment for the seal diameter.
- Wire brush
- Cement trowel
- Cloths
- Paint brush
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Angle grinder
- Hydraulic pump
- Hydraulic hose
- Hydraulic spreading piston
Pipeline Suitability
VIP-Weco internal pipe repair seals are suitable for use with a range of host pipe materials, including ductile iron, steel, GRP, plastic, clay and concrete.
- Ductile Iron
- Steel
- GRP
- Clay
- Plastic
- Concrete
Pipe Profiles
VIP-Weco seals can be manufactured to suit a range of pipeline profiles, including standard and non-standard pipe shapes.
- Egg shaped
- Circular
- Ellipse
- Mouth
- Bespoke angles
Materials
The VIP-Weco seal uses a highly flexible EPDM rubber sleeve with stainless steel tension bands. The standard EPDM material is black, has a hardness of 70 ±5 Shore A and is specified in accordance with EN 681-1.
- Flexible EPDM rubber sleeve
- Stainless steel tension bands
- Standard stainless steel grades: 304 and 316
- Alternative rubber material available: NBR for applications involving aggressive chemicals
Approvals & Standards
VIP-Weco uses WRAS approved material and complies with BS 6920 requirements for potable water applications. The EPDM rubber is specified in accordance with BS EN 681-1 for elastomeric seals used in water and drainage applications.
- WRAS material approval
- BS 6920
- ACS approval for France
- BS EN 681-1
Applications
VIP-Weco internal pipe repair seals are designed for trenchless rehabilitation of pipes and sewers and can be used for joint repair and for sealing or repairing the ends of liners in relined pipelines.
- Joint repair
- End-liner sealing
- End-liner repair for relined pipes
- Industrial water pipelines
- Drinking water pipelines
- Wastewater pipelines
- Fuel pipelines
- Gas pipelines
Pressure Testing
An optional pressure test valve can be fitted to the VIP-Weco seal. The valve is positioned in the centre of the rubber sleeve and can be used after installation to check the integrity of the seal and identify air leakage using a suitable spray solution.
Installation Equipment
Installation of the VIP-Weco seal requires standard pipe preparation tools together with the correct hydraulic spreading equipment for the seal diameter.
- Wire brush
- Cement trowel
- Cloths
- Paint brush
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Angle grinder
- Hydraulic pump
- Hydraulic hose
- Hydraulic spreading piston
Installation
VIP-Weco internal pipe repair seals are typically installed in around 40 minutes. Installation should be carried out by a VIP-Polymers approved contractor, or installation training can be provided.
- Typical installation time: 40 minutes
- Installation by an approved contractor
- Installation training available
- Test valves can be fitted on request
Installation begins with preparation of the internal pipe surface, which should be clean, smooth and free from debris or significant irregularities. The flexible rubber sleeve is positioned centrally over the repair area, before the stainless steel retaining bands are installed and expanded into position using the appropriate hydraulic spreading equipment.
Full installation procedures, equipment requirements and safety information are provided in the VIP-Weco Installation Guide.
Installation & Training
Installation of the VIP-Weco internal pipe repair seal can be carried out by the client or by installers nominated by VIP-Polymers. Because installation takes place inside the pipe, relevant confined-space regulations must be followed. Installation training and demonstrations can be provided on request.
Pressure Testing
An optional pressure test valve can be fitted to the VIP-Weco seal. The valve is positioned in the centre of the rubber sleeve and can be used after installation to check the integrity of the seal and identify air leakage using a suitable spray solution.
Installation Equipment
Installation of the VIP-Weco seal requires standard pipe preparation tools together with the correct hydraulic spreading equipment for the seal diameter.
- Wire brush
- Cement trowel
- Cloths
- Paint brush
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Angle grinder
- Hydraulic pump
- Hydraulic hose
- Hydraulic spreading piston
Rubber Sleeve Dimensions
Total Width | Web Width | Sleeve Thickness |
280 mm | 140 mm | 6 mm |
360 mm | 241.20 mm | 6 mm |
480 mm | 350 mm | 6 mm |
Stainless Steel Tension Bands
The VIP-Weco seal uses stainless steel tension bands which are pickled to help prevent corrosion. Standard grades are 304 (1.4301) and 316 (1.4401), with other grades available on request for specific applications.
- Standard grades: 304 and 316 stainless steel
- Available thicknesses: 5 mm or 8 mm
- Supplied as single, two-piece or three-piece assemblies depending on pipe diameter
Frequently Asked Questions
What is VIP-Weco used for?
VIP-Weco is used for internal trenchless repair of pipes and sewers, including leaking joint repair and end-liner sealing or repair in relined pipelines. It is suitable for industrial water, drinking water, wastewater, fuel and gas applications.
What pipe sizes can VIP-Weco be used on?
VIP-Weco is available for non-walkable pipes from DN185 to DN599 and walkable pipes from DN600 to DN6000.
Can VIP-Weco be used for potable water applications?
Yes. VIP-Weco uses WRAS approved material, complies with BS 6920 and also has ACS approval for France.
What material is the VIP-Weco seal made from?
The standard VIP-Weco seal uses a flexible EPDM rubber sleeve with stainless steel tension bands. NBR rubber is also available on request for applications involving aggressive chemicals.
What pressure can VIP-Weco withstand?
VIP-Weco is rated for exfiltration pressures up to 20 bar and infiltration pressures up to 2.0 bar. The maximum allowable pressure depends on the material and condition of the host pipe.
How long does it take to install a VIP-Weco seal?
A typical VIP-Weco installation takes around 40 minutes. Installation should be completed by a VIP-Polymers approved contractor, although installation training can also be provided.
What pipe materials can VIP-Weco be installed in?
VIP-Weco can be used with a range of host pipe materials, including ductile iron, steel, GRP, plastic, clay and concrete.