Patent Publication Number: US-2023160516-A1

Title: Pipe lining systems and methods of use

Description:
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/014,052, filed Sep. 8, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/663,549, filed Jul. 28, 2017, granted as U.S. Pat. No. 10,767,805, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/367,941 filed Jul. 28, 2016, the contents of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to systems and methods for a pipe lining system, methods of making a pipe lining system, and methods of using a pipe lining system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Needs exist for improved systems and methods for repairing pipes, including underground sewer pipes. Underground pipes can leak or become susceptible to inflow and infiltration (“I/I”) for a number of reasons. Junctures where lateral pipe lines meet or branch from main line pipes are one area that can require unique repair methods. 
     Lateral pipe lines are often the pipes that lead from a main pipe line to smaller pipes or homes. For example, main pipe lines often run generally horizontally relative to the ground and a lateral pipe line is installed at some upward angle off of the main pipe line. A lateral pipe line may be positioned at 90 degrees relative to a main pipe, i.e., a “T”, or an angle less than 90 degrees, i.e., a “Y”. At times, lateral pipe lines are installed after main pipe lines have been installed and the juncture may have never been properly sealed. 
     In some situations, a hole may be required in a main pipe line, e.g., for a lateral pipe line to be inserted or connected to the main pipe line. This may allow for I/I from the moment the lateral pipe line is installed. Even for lateral pipe lines initially installed correctly, problems can arise over time that damage or weaken the juncture allowing for I/I. The surrounding earth may shift, plant roots may infiltrate the juncture, or flexural problems such as those from cars passing over underground pipes, may arise and cause I/I at the juncture. 
     Prior art devices and methods have attempted to solve this problem using various cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) repairs devices but have not done so successfully. Some prior art methods rely on a “T” or “Y” shaped liner that is inserted in the main pipe line and lateral pipe line to repair the damaged juncture. These devices and methods, however, have not achieved sufficient results. Moreover, positioning the repair device in the pipe so that it can be positioned in the correct location underground can be time consuming and difficult, especially once a liner is saturated in resin. A prior art example is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,079, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety, but the examples of that disclosure do not adequately solve the problems solved by the devices and methods described herein, such as inter alia, providing improved adherence to a host pipe. Another prior art example that did not solve the problems solved by the devices and methods described herein is U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,349, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    shows one CIPP liner of embodiments of the present invention positioned on a bladder. 
         FIG.  2    shows a view of a CIPP liner of embodiments of the present invention as it is being inserted into a bladder. 
         FIG.  3    shows another view of one CIPP liner of embodiments of the present invention as it is being inserted into a bladder. 
         FIG.  4    shows a view of one CIPP liner of embodiments of the present invention showing a main line liner before it is wrapped around a bladder. 
         FIG.  5    shows a view of one CIPP liner of embodiments of the present invention with a main line liner as it is wrapped around a bladder. 
         FIG.  6    shows a sectional view of a CIPP liner of embodiments of the present invention with a main line liner after it has been inserted into a bladder and the assembly has been inserted into a pipe line. 
         FIG.  7    shows a sectional view of one CIPP liner with a main line liner after a CIPP lateral liner has been inverted into a lateral pipe line. 
         FIG.  8    shows a backing ring useful in certain embodiments. 
         FIG.  9    shows one positioning of a backing ring on a CIPP liner of embodiments of the present invention on a bladder prior to a main line liner being wrapped around the bladder. 
         FIG.  10    shows one positioning of a backing ring on a CIPP liner of embodiments of the present invention prior to installation into a pipe line. 
         FIG.  11    shows a sectional view of one CIPP liner of embodiments of the present invention containing a backing ring positioned for repair of a lateral pipe line. 
         FIG.  12    shows a sectional view of one CIPP liner of embodiments of the present invention after being inverted into a lateral pipe line. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The examples described herein relate to pipe lining systems and methods of use. These examples are for illustrative purposes only. 
     An embodiment of the invention is an apparatus comprising: a CIPP liner assembly comprising a main line liner and a CIPP lateral liner; a bladder comprising a main liner bladder and a lateral installation bladder; wherein said main line liner comprises a felt layer and a membrane; wherein said CIPP lateral liner comprises a CIPP lateral liner felt layer and a CIPP lateral liner membrane; wherein said felt layer is positioned so that it is contacting said main line liner; wherein said CIPP lateral liner is positioned inside of said lateral installation bladder and said CIPP lateral liner and said lateral installation bladder are positioned inside of said main liner bladder; and said CIPP lateral liner membrane is positioned so that it is contacting said lateral installation bladder. 
     A method of the invention is a method of positioning a CIPP liner on a bladder, the steps comprising: providing a CIPP liner wherein said CIPP liner comprises a main line liner and a CIPP lateral liner and the CIPP lateral liner is attached to said main line liner, forming a T-shape; providing a bladder wherein said bladder comprises a main liner bladder and a lateral installation bladder and said lateral installation bladder is attached to said main liner bladder, forming a T-shape; forming a U-shape with a first end of said CIPP lateral liner; inserting said U-shaped first end of said CIPP lateral liner into a first end of a lateral installation bladder so that a CIPP lateral liner membrane faces an inner diameter of said lateral installation bladder; positioning said CIPP lateral liner and said lateral installation bladder inside of said main liner bladder; wrapping said main line liner comprising a felt layer and a membrane around said main liner bladder so that said membrane is facing an outer diameter of said main liner bladder; and securing said main line liner to said bladder. 
     Another embodiment of the invention is a backing ring comprising: an inward facing portion and an outward facing portion a first edge portion around an outer circumference of said backing ring, and a second edge portion around in inner circumference of said backing ring; an edge portion around a circumference of said backing ring; and said backing ring comprises a felt. 
     An embodiment of the invention is an apparatus, comprising: a CIPP liner; a backing ring comprising: an inward-facing portion, an outward-facing portion, a first edge portion around an outer circumference of said backing ring, and a second edge portion around an inner circumference of said backing ring; wherein said inward-facing portion is attached to said CIPP liner; said backing ring further comprises a bonded portion and an unbonded portion, wherein said unbonded portion comprises a pocket; and said backing ring is positioned on or around a lateral opening of said CIPP liner. 
     One method of the invention is a method of repairing a lateral junction of a pipe, the method comprising: providing a CIPP liner; providing a backing ring comprising: an inward-facing portion, an outward-facing portion, a first edge portion around an outer circumference of said backing ring, and a second edge portion around an inner circumference of said backing ring; wherein said backing ring is attached to said CIPP liner with said inward facing portion toward said CIPP liner; positioned on or around a lateral opening of said CIPP liner; bonding a portion of said backing ring to said CIPP liner; and forming an unbonded portion of said backing ring comprising a pocket. 
     Certain embodiments may comprise everting a lateral pipe liner into a lateral pipe and compressing said hydrophilic material between said cured-in-place pipe liner and said backing ring while pressing said outward-facing portion of said backing ring against the inside of a pipe. 
     Certain embodiments may comprise everting a lateral pipe liner into a lateral pipe and compressing said hydrophilic material between said cured-in-place pipe liner and said backing ring while pressing said outward-facing portion of said backing ring against a juncture of a main pipe and a lateral pipe. 
     Certain embodiments may comprise a method of positioning a cured-in-place (CIPP) liner on a bladder, the steps comprising: providing a CIPP liner wherein said CIPP liner comprises a main line liner and a CIPP lateral liner and the CIPP lateral liner is attached to said main line liner, forming a T-shape; providing a bladder wherein said bladder comprises a main liner bladder and a lateral installation bladder and said lateral installation bladder is attached to said main liner bladder, forming a T-shape; forming a U-shape with a first end of said CIPP lateral liner; inserting said U-shaped first end of said CIPP lateral liner into a first end of a lateral installation bladder so that a CIPP lateral liner membrane faces an inner diameter of said lateral installation bladder; positioning said CIPP lateral liner and said lateral installation liner inside of said main liner bladder; wrapping said main line liner comprising a felt layer and a membrane around said main liner bladder so that said membrane is facing an outer diameter of said main liner bladder; and securing said main line liner to said bladder. 
       FIG.  1    shows CIPP liner assembly  100  positioned on bladder  101  where CIPP liner assembly  100  is ready to be inserted into a pipe line for a repair. CIPP liner  102  can comprise a felt material, a needled felt material, a polyester, a glass material, a knit material and mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, a felt layer may comprise a felt material comprising a fiberglass. As used herein, the terms “felt” and “felt layer” can be used to refer to any one of or combination of these materials and the meaning will be clear to the ordinarily skilled artisan when considering the context in which the term is used. 
     In certain embodiments, CIPP liner  102  comprises membrane  105  on a side of CIPP liner  102  as seen in  FIG.  2   . 
     CIPP liner  102  can be impregnated with resin prior to attaching CIPP liner  102  to bladder  101 . When impregnating CIPP liner  102  with resin, felt layer  106  of CIPP liner  102  can be impregnated with resin. Membrane  105  can allow for a vacuum to be applied to CIPP liner  102  by acting as a layer that is impermeable to air. A vacuum can be applied using a pump. A vacuum can be applied to CIPP lateral liner  104  and can be applied when membrane  105  is facing outward and felt layer  106  is facing inward. Resin can then be applied to the inward-facing felt layer of CIPP liner  102 . Membrane  105  can be transparent or translucent to allow felt layer  106  of CIPP liner  102  to be visible through membrane  105 , which can allow for visible inspection of resin saturation in the felt layer during and after resin impregnation. 
     In certain embodiments, membrane  105  can be opaque. In some embodiments, membrane  105  can comprise a material that changes color when it comes into contact with a liquid, such as water or a resin. In certain embodiment, felt layer  106  can comprise a material that changes color when it comes into contact with a liquid, such as water or a resin. 
     In certain embodiments, CIPP lateral liner  104 , as seen in  FIG.  2   , can be tubular in shape and felt layer  106  forms an inner circumference of CIPP lateral liner  104  and membrane  105  forms an outer circumference of CIPP lateral liner  104 . 
     Applying a vacuum to CIPP liner  102  can allow for efficient and improved saturation of felt layer  106  of CIPP liner  102 . Improved saturation and penetration of resin into felt layer  106  produces superior results when a liner is installed into a pipe line because it allows for greater strength and resiliency once CIPP liner  102  is cured. By positioning membrane  105  so that it faces outward and felt layer  106  faces inward, a vacuum can be applied to CIPP liner  102  without the use of a bag or other additional sealing material that is used as an air-tight barrier to form a vacuum. CIPP liner  102 , as disclosed herein, can have a vacuum applied to CIPP liner  102  using a pump connected directly to the CIPP liner  102 . In some embodiments, a CIPP Liner  102  can be folded so that folding can cause contact between a first folded edge and a second folded edge. In some embodiments these edges can be sealed when applying a vacuum to a CIPP liner  102 , allowing for improved resin saturation. 
     A pump can be attached to CIPP lateral liner  104  and or CIPP liner  102 , at a port, hole, or the like formed in CIPP liner  102  and/or CIPP lateral liner  104 . A hose or the like can be attached to the port, hole, or the like to form an air connection between a pump and CIPP lateral liner  104 . Upon activating the pump, a vacuum can be applied to the inside of CIPP lateral liner  104 . By removing the air from inside CIPP lateral liner  104 , resin can more thoroughly penetrate and saturate CIPP lateral liner felt layer  108 . Applying a vacuum to a CIPP lateral liner  104  while the CIPP lateral liner membrane  107  is facing outward and CIPP lateral liner felt layer  108  is facing inward and subjected to a vacuum allows for the unexpectedly superior results of achieving a better vacuum than has been achieved in the past and also allows for improved resin impregnation resulting in improved pipe repairs. When applying a vacuum, a membrane can be advantageously positioned so that a felt layer  106  faces inward while membrane  105  faces outward, producing the unexpectedly superior results of improving a vacuum, which can improve resin impregnation. 
     Membrane  105  can be polyurethane, polypropylene, polyethylene, and the like, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, membrane  105  and/or CIPP lateral liner membrane  107  can be transparent, translucent, or opaque. In some embodiments, membrane  105  and/or CIPP lateral liner membrane  107  can be permeable, semi-permeable, or impermeable to air and liquids. In certain embodiments CIPP liner  102  may be cured using steam or water. In certain embodiments, a CIPP liner may be cured using ambient temperatures. Membrane  105  can comprise a polymer. Membrane  105  can be applied to CIPP liner  102  before or during its manufacture and/or can be applied at a job site. 
       FIG.  2    shows CIPP liner  102  and bladder  101  where CIPP liner  102  comprises a main line liner  103  and a CIPP lateral liner  104 . Main line liner  103  can comprise membrane  105  and felt layer  106 . Main line liner  103  can be a flat sheet as shown in  FIG.  2   . 
     CIPP liner  102  can be impregnated with a resin, epoxy, or the like, which allows CIPP liner  102  to harden after it is installed into a pipe line. As used herein, the term “resin” can refer to resin and/or epoxy and the usage will be clear to the ordinarily skilled artisan when considering the context. CIPP liner  102  can be cured using a curing medium such as hot water, hot air, steam, or the like. CIPP liner  102  can be cured by directing a curing medium to bladder  101  that has CIPP liner  102  positioned on it, thus initiating the curing reaction that can cause CIPP liner  102  to harden. 
     In certain embodiments, main line liner  103  can be disk-shaped and form a brim-shape when attached to CIPP lateral liner  104 . A brim-shaped portion of main line liner  103  can be positioned in a host pipe so that a brim portion of main line liner  103  is positioned within a main pipe while CIPP lateral liner  104  is positioned in a lateral pipe. A brim-shaped portion can be positioned so that it is flush against the inside of a main line pipe after CIPP liner  102  has been inserted into a pipe line and CIPP liner  102  envelopes the juncture between the main line pipe and the lateral pipe, and the lateral portion of CIPP liner  102  lines the inside of the lateral pipe. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2 - 7   , CIPP lateral liner  104  can comprise CIPP lateral liner membrane  107  and CIPP lateral liner felt layer  108 . Bladder  101  can comprise main liner bladder  109  and lateral installation bladder  110 . Bladder  101  can comprise layflat hose  111 . Bladder  101  can comprise pull-in cable  112 . 
       FIG.  2    shows first end  104   a  of CIPP lateral liner  104  can be folded into a shape, such as a U-shape, prior to inserting first end  104   a  of CIPP lateral liner  104  into first end  110   a  of lateral installation bladder  110 . Lateral installation bladder  110  can be slightly cupped at first end  110   a  so that first end  104   a  of CIPP lateral liner  104  can be inserted therein. CIPP lateral liner  104  can be inserted so that CIPP lateral liner membrane  107  is directly contacting an inner diameter of lateral installation bladder  110 . Folding first end  104   a  of CIPP lateral liner  104  into a shape, such as a U-shape, can allow CIPP lateral liner  104  to fit in first end  110   a  of lateral installation bladder  110  and provide for friction when lateral installation bladder  110  is pulled into main line bladder  109 . Pull-in cable  112  can be used to pull CIPP lateral liner  104  and lateral installation bladder  110  into bladder  101 . CIPP lateral liner  104  along with corresponding lateral installation bladder  110  can be pulled inside of main line bladder  109  so that the entire assembly can be moved through and positioned in a damaged pipe line. 
       FIG.  3    shows CIPP liner  102  as it is inserted into bladder  101 . CIPP lateral liner  104  can be inserted into lateral installation bladder  110  until a membrane  105  of main line liner  103  is flush with main liner bladder  109  once the full length of CIPP lateral liner  104  is inserted into lateral installation bladder  110 . 
     In some embodiments, CIPP lateral liner  104  is not inserted into lateral installation bladder  110 , which can allow for CIPP liner  100  to be used in pull-in-place installations. When using an embodiment with a pull-in-place installation, CIPP lateral liner  104  may not be pulled inside of bladder  101  and when installing CIPP liner  102  into a pipe, CIPP lateral liner  104  can be pulled into a lateral pipe line and then a lateral installation bladder  110  can be inflated, being inserted into CIPP lateral liner  104 . CIPP liner  102  can be cured as described herein once it has been positioned using a pull-in-place installation. 
       FIG.  4    shows main line liner  103  once it is flush with main liner bladder  109  and the full length of CIPP lateral liner  104  has been inserted into lateral installation bladder  110 , and both CIPP lateral liner  104  and lateral installation bladder  110  are inside main liner bladder  109 . Liner opening  116  is shown prior to insertion of CIPP liner assembly  100  into a damaged pipe line and liner opening  116  can be aligned with the juncture once CIPP liner assembly  100  is inserted into a pipe line. Lateral installation bladder  110  and CIPP lateral liner  104  may be positioned within bladder  101  until lateral installation bladder  110  is inverted inside a lateral pipe to be repaired. 
       FIG.  5    shows main line liner  103  as it is wrapped around a bladder  101  so that the ends of main line liner  103  can overlap. The ends of main line liner  103  may overlap at a distance configured to allow edges of main liner  103  to overlap and expand to main line pipe without separating and/or leaving a gap between main liner  103  edges when CIPP liner  102  is inflated during installation. In certain embodiments, overlap of edges of main line liner  103  may be between about 1-3 inches, about 1-5 inches, about 1-10 inches, and ranges therebetween depending on the specifications determined for that specific repair. Main line liner  103  can then be held in place on main liner bladder  109  using any suitable securing device, for example, rubber bands, o-rings including but not limited to hydrophilic o-rings, elastic bands, twist-ties, zip-ties and the like. In certain embodiments, a securing device is configured so that it has a tensile strength designed to break once bladder  101  is inflated during installation of CIPP liner  102 . Main line liner  103  can be secured around bladder  101  so that membrane  105  is directly contacting bladder  101  with felt layer  106  facing outward toward the inner diameter of main pipe line  113 . 
     CIPP liner assembly  100  can then be inserted into a pipe line to be repaired as shown in  FIG.  6   . A pipe line to be repaired can comprise main pipe line  113  and lateral pipe line  114 . CIPP liner assembly  100  can be positioned so that liner opening  116  is aligned with lateral pipe line  114 . By positioning liner opening  116  beneath lateral pipe line  114  and aligning liner opening  116  with lateral opening  115 , lateral installation bladder  110  and CIPP lateral liner  104  can be inverted into lateral pipe line  114  as shown in  FIG.  7   . This can be done when bladder  101  is filled with air, steam, water, or the like, to cure the CIPP lateral liner  104  and main line liner  103  to repair and seal juncture  117 . 
     CIPP liner assembly  100  can be positioned using a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera that is inserted into a pipe line prior to inserting CIPP liner assembly  100 . This way, a repair can be properly assessed, allowing proper positioning and sizing of repair materials. 
     After bladder  101  is inflated, CIPP lateral liner  104  can be fully extended into lateral pipe line  114  after being inverted as is shown in  FIG.  7   . Bladder  101  can be filled with water, steam, or the like to heat a resin, which has been impregnated into CIPP lateral liner  104  and main line liner  103 . Heating a resin as described can cause the resin to cure and harden. A resin can also be cured at ambient temperature. After main line liner  103  and CIPP lateral liner  104  have hardened, bladder  101  can be de-inverted out of CIPP lateral liner  104 , which can be performed by pulling pull-in cable  112 , causing lateral installation bladder  110  to be pulled out of lateral pipe line  114  into main liner bladder  109 , which can allow for bladder  101  to be removed from a host pipe line while the main line liner  103  and CIPP lateral liner  104  remain in place. 
     By inserting CIPP liner  102  so that membrane  105  and CIPP lateral liner membrane  107  directly contact bladder  101 , unexpectedly superior results can be produced because installed CIPP liner  102  as described herein can have a resin saturated felt layer  106  positioned against a pipe line wall so that a resin saturated felt layer can directly contact a pipe line inner wall, which can also allow resin to enter cracks, openings, or other defects in a pipe line inner wall, which can result in a locking effect that adheres CIPP liner  102  to a pipe line and improves the reliability and strength of an installed CIPP liner. By positioning a cured CIPP liner so that its membrane faces the inside of a pipe line, flow disturbances caused by, e.g. water, are unexpectedly diminished, reducing the coefficient of friction resulting in unexpectedly enhanced flow characteristics of the repaired pipe line and an unexpectedly superior pipe repair. Positioning a CIPP liner so that a membrane makes contact with a bladder, can produce the unexpectedly superior results of extending the lifetime of a bladder because this arrangement can reduce or eliminate resin contacting the bladder. Contact with resin can cause a bladder to deteriorate or experience diminished lifespan. In some embodiments a bladder does not comprise a coating. A bladder may also comprise a coating that can allow a membrane to easily release from a bladder during installation. In some embodiments, a coating can be an oil, a silicone, a lubricant, a dish detergent, a gel, a protective liquid, a powder, a mold release, a grease, or any other suitable coating. 
     In certain embodiments, a CIPP liner assembly can also comprise a backing ring.  FIG.  8    shows an example of a backing ring  201 . Backing ring  201  can comprise bonded portion  202  and unbonded portion  203 . Backing ring  201  can comprise outer diameter  204  and inner diameter  205 . Unbonded portion  203  can form pocket  206 , in which a hydrophilic material can be positioned and/or inserted. 
       FIG.  9    shows one embodiment of positioning backing ring  201  on a CIPP liner assembly  100  prior to insertion and installation into a pipe line as shown in  FIG.  11   . 
       FIG.  9    also shows main line liner  103  and CIPP lateral liner  104  positioned in bladder  101 . Backing ring  201 , can be positioned on or around lateral opening  115 . CIPP lateral liner  104  can be attached to main line liner  103 . Backing ring  201  can be positioned on main line liner  103  so that a downward facing side is directly contacting a main line liner  103 . Backing ring  201  can be attached by bonding a portion of backing ring  201  to main line liner  103  forming bonded portion  202  as was shown in  FIG.  8   . In certain embodiments, backing ring  201  can be bonded to felt layer  106  of main line liner  103 . In certain embodiments, backing ring  201  can be directly bonded to felt layer  106  of CIPP liner  102 . In certain embodiments, backing ring  201  can be bonded to membrane  105 . In certain embodiments, backing ring  201  can be bonded directly to membrane  105  and/or CIPP lateral liner membrane  107 . Backing ring  201  comprising a bonded portion can comprise an unbonded portion  203 . In certain embodiments, unbonded portion  203  comprises pocket  206  that can also comprise a hydrophilic material. 
     In certain embodiments, CIPP liner assembly  100  may comprise a hydrophilic material. Hydrophilic material can be positioned at or near lateral opening  115  once a CIPP liner assembly  100  with backing ring  201  is positioned in a pipe line. A hydrophilic material can be a paste, liquid, gel, caulk, mastic, any combination thereof, a pre-formed shape comprised of any of these and combinations of these, and the like. An example of such a material is ULTRASEAL commercially available from OCM/ADEKA USA CORPORATION. In some embodiments, the hydrophilic material can swell when it is contact with water. In certain embodiments, CIPP liner assembly  100  may comprise backing ring  201  and hydrophilic material. In certain embodiments, a hydrophilic material may be substituted with a hydrophobic material, such as wax, hydrophobic rubber, hydrophobic paste, hydrophobic gel, and the like. 
     In certain embodiments, half of a surface area of backing ring  201  can be bonded to CIPP liner  102 . In certain other embodiments, less than half of a surface area of backing ring  201  can be bonded to CIPP liner  102 . A backing ring  201  can be configured so that it covers a portion of main line liner  103 , which can cover a pre-determined area of main line liner  103  and retain a hydrophilic material and cover a portion of a juncture to allow for adequate retention of hydrophilic material. Backing ring  201  can have inner and outer diameters that are sized to achieve this desired coverage. Depending on the specifications, a bonded surface area of backing ring  201  can be between about 5-10%, 5-20%, 5-20%, 5-30%, 5-40%, 5-50%, 5-60%, 5-70%, 5-80%, 65-85%, 60-90%, and ranges therebetween. In certain embodiments, backing ring can be positioned so that a portion of backing ring  201  overhangs liner opening  116 . Backing ring  201  can be positioned so that backing ring  201  contacts CIPP lateral liner  104  and main line liner  103  after CIPP lateral liner  104  has been inverted into lateral pipe line  114 . When backing ring  201  is used in this way, it can be positioned so that a first portion of backing ring  201  is contacting main line liner  103  and a second portion is contacting CIPP lateral liner  104 . 
     In certain embodiments backing ring  201  can comprise an unbonded portion. In certain embodiments an unbonded surface area of a backing ring can be between about 1-10%, 1-20%, 10-20% 5-20%, 5-30%, 5-40%, 5-50%, 5-60%, 5-70%, 5-80%, 15-35%, and ranges therebetween. 
       FIG.  10    shows an embodiment where backing ring  201  is positioned on CIPP liner  102  that is positioned on a bladder  101  as described herein. 
       FIG.  11    shows an embodiment where CIPP liner assembly  100  comprises backing ring  201  that is positioned inside of a pipe line to be repaired. A pipe line to be repaired can comprise a main pipe line  113  and a lateral pipe line  114 . CIPP liner assembly  100  is positioned so that liner opening  116  is aligned with lateral opening  115  of lateral pipe line  114 . By positioning liner opening  116  beneath lateral pipe line  114  and aligning it with lateral opening  115 , lateral installation bladder  110  and CIPP lateral liner  104  can be inverted into lateral pipe line  114  as shown in  FIG.  12    when bladder  101  is filled with air, steam, water, or the like. 
       FIG.  12    shows positioning of backing ring  201  on main line liner  103  after CIPP lateral liner  104  has been inverted into lateral pipe line  114 . During inversion, CIPP lateral liner  104  is positioned within lateral pipe line  114 , and CIPP liner  102  can seal juncture  117  and position backing ring  201  at or near juncture  117 . Backing ring  201  can be positioned so that pocket  206  is formed between the edge of an inner diameter  205  of backing ring  201  and inverted CIPP lateral liner  204 . Pocket  206  can allow hydrophilic material  207  to interact with any water that enters the pipe line, causing the hydrophilic material  207  to swell and seal the pipe line at juncture  117  or thereabout. 
     In certain embodiments, backing ring  201  can have an inner diameter  205  that is approximately equal, or slightly smaller to the diameter of lateral opening  115 , which can be approximately equal to an outer diameter of liner opening  116  of CIPP lateral liner  104 . An edge of an inner diameter of backing ring  201  can be flush with CIPP lateral liner  104  after inversion, thus positioning hydrophilic material  207  between main line liner  103  and backing ring  201 . Backing ring  201  can be compressed against the inner diameter of main pipe line  113  and/or lateral pipe line  114 . In certain embodiments, hydrophilic material  207  cannot make direct contact with a pipe line. In certain embodiments, hydrophilic material  207  can interact with water that enters a pipe line when the hydrophilic material  207  is held between main line liner  103 , CIPP lateral liner  104 , and backing ring  201 . Backing ring  201  can be resin-saturated or not resin-saturated. Backing ring  201  can comprise a material that dissolves after contact with liquids such as water. In certain embodiments, a backing ring  201  can comprise a material that dissolves when it contacts water and a dissolving backing ring  201  can be positioned on a main line liner  103  with a hydrophilic material, so that after backing ring  201  dissolves, hydrophilic material is left in place at a juncture. 
     In certain embodiments, backing ring  201  can comprise a felt material such as a needled felt. Backing ring  201  may comprise a felt material, a needled felt material, a knit material, a polyester, a glass material, a fiberglass material, and mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, backing ring  201  material may comprise a felt layer that may comprise a felt material comprising a fiberglass. In certain embodiments, backing ring  201  may comprise a membrane. In certain embodiments, backing ring  201  may comprise a water-permeable material. In certain embodiments, backing ring  201  may comprise a water-impermeable material. 
     In certain embodiments, hydrophilic material  207  can be positioned in pocket  206  of backing ring  201 . Placing hydrophilic material in this positioning can allow water that has entered into a leaking pipe to interact with the hydrophilic material, causing it to swell and create a seal in the damaged pipeline. 
     In certain embodiments, hydrophilic material  207  can be positioned on CIPP liner  102  without backing ring  201 . In certain embodiments, hydrophilic material  207  can be positioned at, near, or around liner opening  116  without backing ring  201 . 
     In certain embodiments, backing ring  201  can be positioned so that water may directly interact with a hydrophilic material  207  positioned in backing ring pocket  206 . In certain embodiments, backing ring  201  can be made of a water permeable material so that water may pass through backing ring  201  and interact with hydrophilic material  207  positioned in backing ring pocket  206 . By positioning hydrophilic material  207  in backing ring pocket  206 , hydrophilic material  207  remains in place and is not removed, altered, or wiped away when CIPP liner  102  is being positioned in a pipe line. The devices and methods described herein thus provide the unexpectedly superior results of forming a better seal at a pipe juncture. Positioning hydrophilic material  207  in backing ring pocket  206  also provides the unexpectedly superior results of being sized so that the optimal amount of hydrophilic material  207  is positioned at juncture  117 . In some embodiments, backing ring  201  can form a useful pocket  206  for delivering hydrophilic material to a juncture  117 . 
     Backing ring  201  can be positioned on main line liner  103  so that it will be at or around the juncture  117  after CIPP lateral liner  104  is inverted into lateral pipe line  114 . Backing ring  201  can be bonded to main line liner  103 . Bonding can be done via heat, resins, adhesives, stitching, epoxies, glue, tape, or the like. 
     Backing ring  201  can have an outer diameter of about 3 inches to about 14 inches and distances there between. Backing ring  201  may comprise an outer diameter of about 3-5 inches, 5-7 inches, 7-9 inches, 9-12 inches, 12-14 inches, 5-10 inches, and ranges therebetween, along with metric equivalents or approximations. 
     A main pipe line can have a diameter between about 4-6 inches, about 4-8 inches, about 4-12 inches, about 6-12 inches, about 8-10 inches, about 8-12 inches, about 12-24 inches, about 12-48 inches, greater than about 48 inches, and ranges therebetween. A lateral pipe line can be 4-6 inches, about 4-8 inches, about 4-12 inches, about 6-12 inches, about 8-10 inches, about 8-12 inches, about 12-24 inches, about 12-48 inches, greater than about 48 inches, and ranges therebetween, along with common metric equivalents or approximations. 
     Backing ring  201  can have an inner diameter of about 1.5 inches to about 8 inches and distances there between. Backing ring  201  may comprise an inner diameter of about 1.5-3 inches, 3-5 inches, 5-7 inches, 5-8 inches, 3-7 inches, 3.5-5 inches, and ranges therebetween, along with metric equivalents or approximations. 
     In certain embodiments, backing ring  201  is circular in shape. In certain embodiments, backing ring  201  is ovular in shape. In certain embodiments, backing ring  201  comprises an outer diameter having a circular shape and comprises an inner diameter having an ovular shape. In certain embodiments, backing ring  201  is configured to be used with a T-shaped liner assembly. In certain embodiments, backing ring  201  is configured for use with a Y-shaped liner assembly. 
     In certain embodiments, the CIPP liner assemblies as described herein can comprise a T-shaped or a Y-shaped CIPP liner. 
     Backing ring  201  can help strengthen CIPP liner  102  at the area around where main line liner  103  and CIPP lateral liner  104  are joined. Backing ring  201  can also help strengthen CIPP liner  102  at juncture  117  once CIPP liner  102  has been cured By strengthening CIPP liner  102 , hydrophilic material  207  can be more effectively positioned in this area. Backing ring  201  can stabilize lateral opening  115  so that, during inversion, CIPP lateral liner  104  is more likely to be properly inserted into lateral pipe line  114 . By incorporating a backing ring as disclosed herein, these unexpectedly superior results can be achieved. 
     As used herein, the term CIPP liner can mean a main line liner, a CIPP lateral liner, or the combination of these. The meaning of these terms will be clear to the skilled artisan when viewed in context. 
     As used herein, the term membrane can mean a membrane, a main line liner membrane, a CIPP lateral liner membrane, or the combination of these. The meaning of these terms will be clear to the skilled artisan when viewed in context. 
     As used herein, the term bladder can mean a main liner bladder, a lateral installation bladder, an inflation bladder, a calibration hose, or the combination of these. The meaning of these terms will be clear to the skilled artisan when viewed in context. 
     As used herein, the terms “invert” (and its other tenses) may be used interchangeably with “evert” (and its other tenses) depending on the perspective of that which is being described (e.g., inverting or everting a liner) and the meaning of these terms will be clear to the skilled artisan when viewed in context. 
     Although the foregoing description is directed to the preferred embodiments of the invention, it is noted that other variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Moreover, features described in connection with one embodiment of the invention may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above.