Patent Description:
The present invention relates generally to a method for rehabilitating, repairing, and replacing the tunnels or passageways that make up the sewer system, and more specifically, to reinforcing the concrete or brick walls that make up the manholes and corresponding sewer systems by inserting a liner and treating the surfaces of the manhole to protect the sewer system from further deterioration.

Deteriorating sewer systems is a significant problem in the United States and other countries across the globe. And the problem worsens as the sewer lines age and deteriorate. These sewer systems were originally built with brick and/or concrete walls and foundations that defined the sewer lines and manholes. Pipes may have been included for the sewer lines that connect the manholes throughout the sewer system. As the sewer systems age, the brick and concrete walls and foundations expand, compress, crack, and adjust, which creates holes and crevasses where water can enter, leak, or flow. Additionally, these adjustments in the walls and foundations can crack or break the pipes that make up the sewer lines. Gases and chemicals released from the sewage traveling therein can speed up this aging and deterioration process.

These deteriorating sewer systems create various problems for the cities and municipalities that are responsible for the upkeep of the sewer systems. Cities, municipalities, and utility companies are responsible for paying for sewer water to be processed and treated by a local treatment facility. And if a sanitary sewer system (sewers and storm drains are not combined) was installed, the costs of the treatment and processing of water can explode if storm water is infiltrating the sewer system because the city or municipality must pay for this additional water to be processed. Many cities built sanitary sewer systems and storm drains to funnel and direct storm water or water from a leak to the correct location because if it's not, the city has to pay for that water to be treated. Further, the cracking of the brick or concrete of the manholes and connected sewer lines leads to additional water seeping through the walls of the manholes and connected sewer lines, which leads to additional treatment costs.

These problems can also lead to flooding or overflow as the storm water backs up in the sewer system and fails to flow to the proper location for relief (i.e., storm drains). During this type of flooding, it can be difficult to funnel the water where it needs to go, and the manholes become impossible to access for relief or repairs. Sewage may back up into the streets of the city or municipality before the water can be treated. This can lead to an unfortunate situation where the storm water is mixed with sewage, which can lead to EPA problems, health concerns, and undesired smells.

The maintenance requirements vary with the type of sewer system involved, but all sewer systems deteriorate with age. The type of sewer system may also indicate a different level of maintenance required. Combined sewers and storm drains may require less maintenance, since the original water system was designed to carry both types of water, although sanitary sewer systems require additional maintenance due to the concerns mentioned above.

Prior methods of preventing the flow or entrance of water into the sewer system may include directly fixing the cracks or fissures in the brick or concrete walls and repairing or replacing any damaged pipes or liners.

In the past, when sanitary sewer pipes or manholes cracked or experienced damages, the only option was an expensive excavation, removal, and replacement of the damaged pipe or manhole. This process typically required street repairs afterwards. Then a method was created to apply and coat a cement mixture to the sewer pipe or manhole, which was designed to seal the cracks and breaks in the pipe or manhole. Other prior methods include using a resin to re-line aged or damaged pipes and manholes. Another method of repair is called pipe bursting, wherein a new pipe is drawn through the old pipe behind an expander head that breaks apart the old pipe as the new one is drawn in behind. However, these methods may not be sufficient to improve the leaks, holes, and crevasses in the walls of the sewer lines and corresponding manholes. Aside from total replacement, these conventional repair methods are not a long-term fix. A cost-effective method to repair, refurbish, and/or replace the pipes and manholes of sewer systems is required.

Hobas Group in their online video "<NPL> discloses a method of rehabilitating a manhole.

The present invention comprises a method for repairing, refurbishing, and/or replacing the pipes, tunnels, and corresponding manholes of a sewer system. The claimed method is designed to address the problems with aging and deteriorating sewer systems with an efficient solution that is superior and less expensive than prior methods.

In some embodiments, the initial step may include removing the existing corbel, including any prior liners that were located in the manhole. A compressed liner that will expand to fit in the manhole is inserted through an access hole or the connected sewer lines. Prior to insertion, the liner may be measured to fit properly in the manhole when expanded and then cut and/or folded to be compressed to a size that can fit through the manhole ring or the sewer lines. Once inserted in the manhole, the liner should be expanded and bonded together with a resin along the separation line to the desired fit. Apertures or holes can be made in the liner to account for sewer lines or inverts that need to pass water or sewage into the manhole or connected sewer lines. This bonding step may be unnecessary if the liner was compressed through other means (i.e., manipulation, folding, molding). Next, a bonding material is injected between the liner and the manhole surface to seal any cracks or fissures in the brick or concrete walls and to seal the liner against the existing manhole. A new corbel is then installed and bonded to the liner and concrete is poured over the corbel to grade. The new corbel can be bonded to the top of the liner. When expanded, the liner may have a larger internal volume than the compressed liner. This process may be used to repair or refurbish pipes or tunnels that make up the sewer lines.

In some embodiments, the bonding material may be applied to the manhole or sewer line surfaces initially to repair any cracks or fissures in the brick or concrete walls. Then the compressed liner is inserted into the manhole through the open top of the manhole or the open access for sewer lines. Once inserted, the liner is expanded and bonded together with a resin along the separation line. The expanded liner connects to the bonding material to seal the liner against the existing manhole or sewer lines and provides significant structural strength. A new corbel may then be installed and bonded to the liner.

A corbel liner may be applied to a manhole or sewer system in a similar fashion. A compressed corbel liner that will expand in the manhole is inserted through the open top of the manhole or connected sewer lines. Prior to insertion, the liner may be measured to fit properly in the manhole when expanded and cut and/or folded to be compressed to a size that can fit through the manhole ring or the sewer lines. Once inserted in the manhole, the liner should be expanded and bonded together with a resin along the separation line if necessary. A bonding material is injected between the liner and the old manhole to seal any cracks or fissures in the brick or concrete walls and to seal the liner against the existing manhole. When expanded, the corbel liner may have a larger internal volume than the compressed corbel liner.

In some embodiments, ports in the liner can be used to apply the bonding material between the liner and the surface of the manhole or sewer line. Apertures or holes can also be made in the liner to account for sewer lines or inverts that need to pass water or sewage into the manhole or connected sewer line. A container may also be used to deliver the compressed liner to the manhole or connected sewer line. More specifically, the compressed liner fits into the container for improved transportation through the manhole or the connected sewer lines.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:.

As mentioned above, a new method for repairing, refurbishing, and replacing existing manholes that have been aging and deteriorating is needed. The existing manholes and connected sewer systems are crumbling and cracking, which leads to high city and municipality costs for storm water entering the sewer system and expensive repairs to damaged manholes, lines, and pipes. A method that enables repair and replacement without expensive excavation and removal would be a vast improvement over the prior art. Further, a method is desired that would add structural strength to the manhole, repair the cracks and fissures in the walls, and create a water tight seal to prevent storm water from entering the sewer system. While this application focuses on manholes, sewer lines, and collection systems, the present invention could be used in other applications such as oil and gas delivery, chemical transportation, or water delivery.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of a manhole and connected sewer system <NUM>. Manholes <NUM> are crucial because they enable workers to access the sewer system to make repairs or adjustments without having to excavate or dig up the entire surface and area surrounding the sewer system. A surface or road <NUM> lays on top of the manhole <NUM>. When necessary, a worker can access the manhole <NUM> through a manhole cover <NUM> that covers an entrance to the manhole <NUM>. When the manhole cover <NUM> is removed, the worker may access the portion of the manhole <NUM> that is below the surface or road <NUM>. This area may be called the manhole access area and in some embodiments this area may be more open after removal of the corbel. As shown in <FIG>, a diameter of the manhole cover <NUM> is smaller than a diameter of the internal manhole <NUM>. A corbel <NUM> is a section of the manhole <NUM> that defines a transition from this smaller diameter to a larger diameter and provides support for the upper section of the manhole <NUM>. A manhole ring <NUM> outlines the access point for the manhole <NUM> and provides support for the manhole cover <NUM>. A reduced diameter lip <NUM> prevents the manhole cover <NUM> from dropping into the interior of the manhole <NUM>. The manhole <NUM> of <FIG> is shown with brick walls, but concrete walls may also support and outline the manhole <NUM>.

A diameter of the interior section of the manhole <NUM> is larger than the diameter of the manhole ring <NUM>. This larger space enables a worker to work on or repair the manhole <NUM> below the surface or road <NUM>. In some manholes like the one shown in <FIG>, an opening <NUM> may exist at the bottom of the manhole <NUM> for access to the connected sewer line. A first sewer line or pipe <NUM> may be supported or outlined by a concrete or brick wall <NUM>. A concrete base <NUM> may further support the manhole <NUM> and connected sewer system.

Conventionally, a sewer system may have numerous inverts and pipes to carry and deliver waste water for treatment. A second sewer invert or pipe <NUM> may be supported or outlined by a concrete or brick <NUM> wall. During operation, the second sewer invert or pipe <NUM> may provide waste water for treatment to the first sewer line or pipe <NUM> through the opening <NUM> in the manhole <NUM>. Then the first sewer invert or pipe <NUM> can deliver the waste water to the location for processing and treatment. The size of sewer inverts, pipes, or tunnels <NUM> can vary widely, and in certain sewer systems the pipes or tunnels <NUM> are large enough for workers to move through.

In many sewer systems the cost for treatment of waste water is calculated through a measurement in the pipes or tunnels that deliver the waste water to the treatment facility. For many applications, a sensor or sensor system is implanted in a primary invert, pipe, or tunnel leading to the treatment facility to measure the flow of water to the waste treatment facility. Then the city or municipality is contracted to pay a certain amount per volume of water to be treated at the treatment facility. Because the city or municipality would like to avoid paying treatment costs for storm water or water from a leak, it must prevent this water from entering the sewer system. Thus, a superior method for repairing, replacing, or refurbishing to prevent this leakage of storm water into the sewer system is desired.

<FIG> shows a top view of a conventional manhole <NUM> that is made of brick and <FIG> shows a top view of a conventional manhole <NUM> that is made of concrete. In the views of <FIG>, the manhole cover <NUM> (not shown) is removed to show an internal view of the manhole <NUM>. <FIG> show the manhole ring <NUM> that outlines the access point for the manhole <NUM> and provides support for the manhole cover <NUM>. Looking into the manhole <NUM> of <FIG>, the brick shows a wall of a brick covered corbel <NUM>, and looking into the manhole <NUM> of <FIG>, the concrete shows a wall of a concrete corbel <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of a manhole and connected sewer system <NUM> that is being treated by conventional methods. As mentioned above, the brick or concrete walls of aging manholes start to show cracks and deformations that can require repairs or refurbishment of the manhole. Conventional methods of repair have included applying a cementitious mixture to the interior portion of the manhole to seal or fill in this cracks or deformations. In the manhole <NUM> of <FIG>, a worker <NUM> has gained access to the lower portion of the manhole <NUM>. The worker <NUM> can access this area by removing the manhole cover <NUM> and entering the manhole <NUM> or by traveling through the sewer system in one or more sewer pipes or tunnels <NUM>. The worker <NUM> has a spray container <NUM> and a spray hose <NUM> to apply a cementitious mixture to the walls of the manhole <NUM>. After application by the worker <NUM>, the cementitious mixture will harden to create an additional layer to the manhole <NUM>. However, this may not improve the foundational problems because the cracking and deformation of the brick or cement walls may continue. This method also may fail to prevent water seepage into the sewer system. This is a temporary fix but not a great long-term solution.

<FIG> shows a liner with a cylindrical portion <NUM> and a corbel portion <NUM> that may be used with some embodiments of the claimed invention. A physical liner that can be inserted into the manhole or connected sewer pipe or tunnel can assist with integrity problems. The claimed invention covers other shapes and sizes of manholes and corresponding liners that will expand to the surfaces or edges of the manholes. The cylindrical portion <NUM> of the liner has a top side <NUM> and a bottom side <NUM>. If this liner was used in the manhole <NUM> of <FIG>, then the bottom side <NUM> would match up with the opening <NUM> and the top side <NUM> would match up with the corbel <NUM>. An opening or aperture <NUM> may be added to the liner of <FIG> to accommodate a sewer line or pipe <NUM> (<FIG>) once installed. The corbel portion <NUM> also has a top side <NUM> and a bottom side <NUM>. If the liner was used in the manhole <NUM> of <FIG>, then the bottom side <NUM> would line up with and may be bonded to the top side <NUM> of the cylindrical portion <NUM> and the top side <NUM> would line up with the manhole ring <NUM> (<FIG>). The corbel liner <NUM> may also have a flange <NUM> that is used for mounting the corbel liner <NUM> to the corbel. After the liner of <FIG> is inserted in manhole <NUM> and the cylindrical portion <NUM> and corbel portion <NUM> are bonded together, the liner should provide an additional protective layer to the manhole and connected sewer system <NUM>. The liner in the claimed invention may be made of various materials, but fiberglass or other plastic alternatives may be used in some embodiments. While <FIG> shows a cylindrical portion <NUM> of the liner, shapes such as a rectangular liner could be used if the manhole was designed with that shape.

With this basic understanding, the claimed invention focuses on a method for repairing or refurbishing aging manholes and connected sewer systems. This method may also be used to create or finish installation of manholes and connected sewer systems. Initially, the existing corbel of an aging manhole may be exposed and removed. This may involve excavating the surface or area around the corbel for access to the corbel. The manhole and connected sewer system that will be prepared may be pressure washed at this time. Then the cylindrical portion of the liner is inserted in the manhole. In some embodiments, this liner may be cut, divided, or compressed so that the liner can fit into the desired area of the manhole through the manhole access hole by way of the road or by way of the sewer pipes or tunnels. The liner shall then be expanded to align with and be adjacent to the features of the manhole. In some embodiments, this may include sealing or bonding the divided portions of the liner to achieve this expansion of the liner.

After the liner is expanded and in place within the manhole, a polymeric bonding elastomer may be injected between the liner and the manhole wall to bond the liner to the walls of the manhole. This injection may be done through ports in the liner or by injection through the top or bottom of the liner to create the bond between the liner and the walls of the manhole. Then the new corbel can be installed and bonded to the top of the cylindrical portion of the liner. This corbel may be new or the prior corbel may be reused. This process may include inserting a corbel portion of the liner, which is then bonded to the cylindrical portion of the liner. Installation of the new corbel may be in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations for required load ratings. Lastly, concrete can be poured over the new corbel to grade and ensure that the surface or road is repaired and flat. Sewer lines may be treated in the same manner.

In some embodiments, the polymeric bonding elastomer may be applied to the manhole wall before the liner is installed and expanded. The expanded liner will then begin to bond with the manhole wall after expansion. If the liner was cut or divided before insertion in the manhole, then the worker or user can bond the divided portions of the liner together. The polymeric bonding elastomer may be AV-<NUM>/CR Flex Polyurethane or other similar material.

This specific material has an average bond strength of <NUM>-<NUM> MPa (<NUM>-<NUM> psi). Other bonding materials are within the scope of the present invention, as define by the appended claims. In conventional methods, the liner couldn't expand to the surface of the manhole or the connected sewer lines and tunnels, so there was a space between the liner and the surface that needed to be filled. This space could be from <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to larger distances. Conventional methods filled this space with concrete, but that did not foster the improved bonding and support that a liner/bonding elastomer combination does. Thus, the use of the bonding material and the reduced space between the liner and the surface provide significant improvements over the prior art.

<FIG> shows a compressed liner for a manhole including a cylindrical portion <NUM>. In this embodiment, the cylindrical portion <NUM> is laterally compressed. The cylindrical portion <NUM> has been cut or divided down a first edge <NUM> and a second edge <NUM>.

Similar to <FIG>, the top side <NUM> of the cylindrical portion <NUM> aligns with the corbel, while the bottom side <NUM> would align with the opening <NUM> (not shown) at the bottom of the manhole <NUM>. By making this cut down the length of the cylindrical portion <NUM>, the diameter or width of the liner decreases significantly. The interior volume of the compressed cylindrical portion <NUM> is smaller than the interior volume of the expanded liner <NUM>. This will allow the cylindrical portion <NUM> to fit downward through the exposed corbel section or upward through the sewer pipes or tunnels. In some embodiments, the corbel will be exposed and removed to leave an open section in the manhole. An opening or aperture <NUM> may be added to the liner of <FIG> to accommodate a sewer line, invert, or pipe <NUM> (<FIG>) once installed. The liner in the claimed invention may be made of various materials, but fiberglass or other plastic alternatives may be used in some embodiments. The cylindrical portion <NUM> may also be compressed by cutting the liner into multiple portions. For example, two cuts down the length of the liner <NUM> would create two portions that could be compressed and then bonded within the manhole or sewer system. <FIG> shows how a worker may cut or divide this liner <NUM> for compression. Folding or manipulation may also be used to compress the liner. In other embodiments, a corbel liner may be cut and compressed in similar fashion to the cylindrical liner. Due to the shape of the corbel, it may be difficult to make a single cut to compress the corbel liner, so multiple cuts may be required. Folding or manipulation may be used to compress the corbel liner as well.

<FIG> shows a method for repairing and refurbishing a sewer system by transporting the compressed liner through the sewer pipes or tunnels and <FIG> shows an alternative method for repairing and refurbishing a manhole by transporting the compressed liner downward through the manhole access cover or removed corbel section. In this embodiment, the liner is laterally compressed. The compressed cylindrical portion <NUM> is shown in both <FIG>. In <FIG>, the compressed cylindrical portion <NUM> is rolled, carried, or slid through the sewer pipe or tunnel until it reaches the desired area of the sewer line. Once there, it can be expanded to fit snugly against the walls of the sewer line, pipe, or tunnel. The bottom side <NUM> fits against the walls of the sewer pipe or tunnel further away from the manhole and the top side <NUM> fits against the walls of the sewer pipe near the opening of the manhole. In <FIG>, the compressed cylindrical portion <NUM> is inserted into the desired manhole <NUM> where it can be expanded to fit snugly against the manhole wall. The bottom side <NUM> fits against the opening to the sewer pipe or tunnel and the top side <NUM> fits against the existing or new corbel (not shown). An opening or aperture <NUM> on the liner may accommodate a sewer invert or pipe <NUM> once installed. The liner <NUM> may not be drawn to scale in <FIG>, but when expanded these liners <NUM> should be adjacent to the surface of the manhole or sewer line. In some embodiments, the manhole and connected sewer system are pressure washed and evaluated before the liner is inserted. If there are any areas (bricks or concrete extending or protruding) in the manhole that would restrict or puncture the liner, then those areas may be prepared before the liner is dropped in the manhole. Insertion of a compressed corbel liner is not shown in <FIG>, but this method is within the scope of the present invention, as definde by the appended claims.

<FIG> shows a cross-section view of a repaired and refurbished manhole <NUM> according to some embodiments of the claimed invention. In this embodiment, a corbel portion <NUM> is shown on top of a cylindrical portion <NUM>. The bottom side <NUM> of the cylindrical portion <NUM> lines up with the bottom of the manhole <NUM> and the top side <NUM> of the corbel portion <NUM> lines up with the manhole access cover (not shown). The top side <NUM> of the cylindrical portion <NUM> may be bonded to the bottom side <NUM> of the corbel portion <NUM>. An opening or aperture <NUM> on the cylindrical portion <NUM> may accommodate a sewer line, invert, or pipe once installed. <FIG> also includes an exploded view of a cross section of the manhole <NUM>. In this exploded view, the existing concrete manhole <NUM> exists outside of a liner <NUM> for the cylindrical portion <NUM> or the corbel portion <NUM>. The liner <NUM> may be made of a fiberglass or other plastic material. The concrete <NUM> provides the wall for the manhole <NUM>, but cracks or spaldings <NUM> begin to show in an aging manhole. As discussed above, an elastomeric bonding material <NUM> may be applied between the liner <NUM> and the concrete wall <NUM> to fill in or plug these cracks or spaldings <NUM>. In some embodiments, the elastomeric bonding material <NUM> is applied before the liner <NUM> expands to the concrete wall <NUM>, and in other embodiments, the elastomeric bonding material <NUM> is applied after the liner <NUM> expands to the concrete wall <NUM>. In some embodiments, a void may be created between the liner <NUM> and the concrete <NUM> such that concrete or another bonding material may be applied to this void for a better fit between the liner <NUM> and the concrete <NUM>.

The claimed invention offers numerous advantages over prior art methods of repairing, refurbishing, and replacing existing manholes. This method provides water tight seals and prevents leaks in the existing manhole wall, which should prevent water from flowing to unintended locations. Cracks and voids within the original manhole should be sealed as the material is injected. The inserted liner and bonding material injected into the brick or cement manhole adds structural strength in both the vertical and horizontal directions. The outward pressure on expansion and the improved bonding between the bonding material and liner significantly improve the structural strength. The bonding material further prevents chemical deterioration to the cement materials and allows for movement or shifting of the wall. This bonding material should not be affected by waste water and/or gases produced by the sewage, which should assist at protecting the brick and cement wall of the manhole and connected sewer lines as time passes. In some embodiments, the flexible liner allows for movement or shifting of the wall without breaking or cracking.

Further, cost advantages will be realized by the city or municipality that adopts the claimed method. Infiltration of water, dirt, and debris in the repaired manhole and sewer pipes will be reduced or eliminated, which reduces or eliminates sewage overflow. Waste water treatment costs will be reduced because the storm water will not seep into the sewage lines forcing the city or municipality to pay for the treatment of storm water or water from a leak.

Solid waste disposal costs may also be reduced because any soil or sand that would be carried into the system by infiltration should be reduced. The claimed method should also reduce soil seepage caused by infiltration in the manhole and surrounding wall. Further, the claimed method can be accomplished during normal operation of the sewage system without the need for expensive excavation.

The claimed process may improve the life span of the manhole and corresponding sewer lines, thus requiring less repair and replacement in the future. The liner, which may consist of fiberglass or other plastic material, in combination with the elastomeric bonding material, provides a more flexible material that reduces cracks and spaldings in the concrete wall. The claimed invention may lead to up to <NUM>% savings in repairing, refurbishing, and replacing aging manholes.

<FIG> shows a method for repairing or refurbishing a manhole <NUM> according to certain embodiments of the claimed invention. The surface or road <NUM> leads to a manhole ring <NUM> and a manhole cover <NUM> that can be removed to access the manhole <NUM> below. In <FIG>, a worker <NUM> has gained access to the lower portion of the manhole <NUM>.

The worker <NUM> can access this area by removing the manhole cover <NUM> and entering the manhole <NUM> or by traveling through the sewer system in one or more sewer pipes or tunnels <NUM>. An opening <NUM> at the bottom of the manhole <NUM> connects to a sewer pipe or tunnel <NUM>, which is outlined by a concrete wall or pipe <NUM>. An invert or pipe <NUM> and corresponding concrete wall or pipe <NUM> is connected to the manhole. The worker <NUM> has a spray container <NUM> and a hose <NUM> to apply a mixture to the walls of the manhole <NUM>. In some embodiments, the mixture may be an elastomeric bonding material. The spray container <NUM> may also be outside of the manhole <NUM> and connected to a hose <NUM>. The spray container <NUM> may also consist of two containers that mix the materials before it is applied to the manhole. An expanded cylindrical portion <NUM> (<FIG>) abuts the concrete wall of the manhole <NUM>. In this embodiment, the liner <NUM> has already been expanded and the two sides have been bonded together and the elastomeric bonding material must be applied to improve the structural integrity of the wall and bond the liner thereto. In contrast to <FIG>, an expanded liner is adjacent to the manhole or sewer line wall in <FIG>.

To apply the elastomeric bonding material, ports <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are created or drilled in the liners <NUM>, <NUM> (corbel liner). A corbel liner <NUM> is also shown in Fig. This may be done before or after insertion and expansion of the liners <NUM>, <NUM>. The worker <NUM> can then use the hose <NUM> to apply the elastomeric bonding material in between the concrete wall and the liners <NUM>, <NUM>. The elastomeric bonding material will fill the voids in the wall and voids between the liner and the wall until it spills back out of the port <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. At this point, the worker <NUM> can seal that port <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and move to the next port to apply the elastomeric bonding material. Once the material has been applied to all the ports, the liner <NUM>, <NUM> will be bonded to the concrete wall and the manhole will be repaired and refurbished after the bonding material dries and sets.

<FIG> shows a method <NUM> for cutting or dividing a liner <NUM> according to some embodiments of the claimed invention. In <FIG>, a saw <NUM> is set up on a horizontal surface for cutting or dividing the liner <NUM>. In this figure, the liner <NUM> is the cylindrical portion, but the corbel portion can also be cut or divided in this fashion. In an exploded view, the saw blade <NUM> is shown cutting through the liner <NUM> to create a first edge <NUM> and a second edge <NUM>. In some embodiments, the cut between the first edge <NUM> and the second edge <NUM> may be a <NUM>° to <NUM>° cut. A <NUM>° cut will provide less surface area for bonding the first edge <NUM> to the second edge <NUM> than a <NUM>° cut. Thus, in some embodiments a lower degree cut may provide additional surface area for bonding the first edge <NUM> to the second edge <NUM>, which may lead to a stronger bond when the liner <NUM> is expanded and reattached. The claimed invention covers other methods for dividing or cutting the liner, and in some embodiments, the liner is compressed when created. Folding or manipulation may also be used to compress the liner.

<FIG> shows a method <NUM> for transporting a compressed liner <NUM> according to some embodiments of the claimed invention. The liner may be cut and compressed on site and can be compressed by using several methods. In <FIG>, a compressed liner <NUM> fits into a container or jig <NUM> for transportation. The container or jig <NUM> may have wheels or rollers <NUM> for making the container or jig <NUM> easy to transport. The container or jig <NUM> can also compress the liner <NUM> to the desired width or size. In <FIG>, the container or jig <NUM> is open on the top and the front side, but other embodiments are within the scope of this invention. With this type of container or jig <NUM>, the compressed liner <NUM> can be delivered to the manhole (not shown) through the manhole access cover or through the sewer pipes or tunnels. Delivery of the compressed liner <NUM> to the manhole may improve with this container or jig <NUM>. The container or jig <NUM> can be various sizes and shapes but should be adapted for the manhole or sewer pipe or tunnel that will be repaired for refurbished. In some embodiments, the container or jig <NUM> can be easily adjusted or sized based upon the desired length, width, and depth required. A pulley system or other means may also be used to transport the liner <NUM> and/or the container or jig <NUM> to the desired location.

Claim 1:
A method of improving a sewer system comprising the steps of:
inserting a compressed liner (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) into said sewer system, said compressed liner (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) having a first edge (<NUM>,<NUM>) and a second edge (<NUM>,<NUM>); characterized in that the method comprises the steps of:
expanding said liner (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) to be adjacent to a surface (<NUM>) of said sewer system;
connecting said first edge (<NUM>,<NUM>) of said expanded liner (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) to said second edge (<NUM>,<NUM>) of said expanded liner (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) by bonding said first edge (<NUM>,<NUM>) to said second edge (<NUM>,<NUM>); and
injecting a bonding elastomer (<NUM>) between said expanded liner(<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) and said surface (<NUM>) of said sewer system to connect said expanded liner (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) to said surface (<NUM>) of said sewer system.