Tubular liner for the rehabilitation of a sewer pipe

Abstract

The invention relates to a tubular liner for the rehabilitation of an, in particular, underground sewer pipe, comprising at least an inner tubular film, a resin-carrier layer surrounding the inner tubular film, and comprising a mechanically protective outer film system. The outer film system comprises at least one outer film in the form of a UV-radiation- and short-wavelength, visible light-absorbing and/or -reflecting, single-layer or multi-layer film which contains, in one or more polymer layers, at least one short-wavelength, visible light-absorbing and/or—reflecting, organic or inorganic color pigment or a corresponding dye, and at least one organic or inorganic compound which absorbs and/or reflects the UV radiation. Moreover, the outer film system comprises at least one mechanically stable reinforcing web which rests on the aforementioned outer film. The outer film system has a transmittance for visible light at at least one wavelength in the range of 550 nm to 800 nm of at least 1%. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such an outer film system and to such an outer film system itself.

Claims

1. A tubular liner for rehabilitating the wall of a pipe, the tubular liner comprising: an inner tubular film extending in a longitudinal direction of the tubular liner; a resin-carrier layer extending in the longitudinal direction of the tubular liner and surrounding the inner tubular film, wherein the resin of the resin-carrier layer is curable with the aid of UV radiation; and an outer film system surrounding the resin-carrier layer and extending in the longitudinal direction of the tubular liner and configured for mechanically protecting the resin carrier layer, wherein the outer film system absorbs and/or reflects at least 97% of light having a wavelength in the range 350 nm to 450 nm, wherein the outer film system exhibits a transmittance of at least 3% for light at at least one wavelength in the range of 550 nm to 800 nm, wherein the outer film system includes a reinforcing web that is mechanically stable, and wherein the reinforcing web, in the installed situation of the tubular liner, faces outwards towards the pipe wall.

2. The tubular liner of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing web has one or more of the following mechanical properties: a) the tensile strength longitudinal to the machine direction in accordance with DIN EN ISO 527-3 (2013) is greater than 20 N/mm.sup.2; b) the tensile strength transverse to the machine direction in accordance with DIN EN ISO 527-3 (2013) is greater than 20 N/mm.sup.2; c) the tensile strength in accordance with DIN EN ISO 1421 (1998) is greater than 200 N/5 cm; d) the elongation at tear or break in a longitudinal direction (EB) and elongation at tear or break in a transverse direction (EB) in accordance with DIN EN ISO 527-3 (2013) and DIN EN ISO 527-3 (2013), respectively, is less than 200%; e) the resistance to further tears in a trapezoidal manner in a longitudinal direction or in a trapezoidal manner in a transverse direction in accordance with DIN 53363 (2003) and DIN 53363 (2003), respectively, is greater than 100 N; or f) the puncture resistance in accordance with ASTM E 154 (2008) is greater than 300 N.

3. The tubular liner of claim 1, wherein the outer film system exhibits a transmittance of at least 5% for light at at least one wavelength in the range of 550 nm to 800 nm.

4. The tubular liner of claim 1, wherein the outer film system absorbs and/or reflects at least 99% of light having a wavelength in the range 350 nm to 450 nm.

5. The tubular liner of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing web has a mesh size in the machine direction (MD) and/or in the cross direction (CD) of less than 5 mm.

6. The tubular liner of claim 5, wherein the reinforcing web is made of polyester yarn.

7. The tubular liner of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing web has an adhesive polymer coating that binds the reinforcing web to a film of the outer film system.

8. The tubular liner of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing web includes a carrier fabric and a layer of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

9. The tubular liner of claim 1, wherein the outer film system includes a connecting line that extends in the longitudinal direction of the tubular liner, and wherein the connecting line is arranged between the two longitudinal edges of the reinforcing web.

10. The tubular liner of claim 1, wherein the outer film system includes a compound with a yellow pigment, and wherein the compound with the yellow pigment absorbs and/or reflects at least 97% of light having a wavelength in the range 350 nm to 450 nm.

11. An outer film system for use in a tubular liner for the rehabilitating a pipe, the outer film system comprising: an outer film that absorbs and/or reflects at least 97% of light having a wavelength in the range 350 nm to 450 nm, wherein the outer film system exhibits a transmittance of at least 3% for light of at least one wavelength in the range of 550 nm to 800 nm, wherein the outer film system is configured for surrounding a resin-carrier layer of the tubular liner and for extending in a longitudinal direction of the tubular liner, and wherein the resin-carrier layer includes resin that is curable by UV light; and a reinforcing web that is mechanically stable and that surrounds and contacts the outer film, wherein the outer film surrounds and contacts the resin-carrier layer, and wherein the reinforcing web, in the installed state of the tubular liner in the pipe, is adjacent to the pipe wall.

12. The outer film system of claim 11, wherein the reinforcing web has a mesh size in the machine direction (MD) and/or in the cross direction (CD) of less than 5 mm.

13. The outer film system of claim 11, wherein the outer film system has a thickness of between 50 μm and 1000 μm.

14. A tubular liner comprising: an inner tubular film that extends in a longitudinal direction of the tubular liner; a resin-carrier layer that extends in the longitudinal direction of the tubular liner, wherein the resin-carrier layer surrounds and contacts the inner tubular film, and wherein the resin-carrier layer includes a resin that cures when exposed to UV radiation; and an outer film system that extends in the longitudinal direction of the tubular liner, wherein the outer film system surrounds and contacts the resin-carrier layer, wherein the outer film system is adapted to mechanically protect the resin-carrier layer, wherein the outer film system absorbs and/or reflects at least 97% of light having a wavelength in the range 350 nm to 450 nm, wherein the outer film system permits a transmission of at least 3% of light in at least one wavelength in the range of 550 nm to 800 nm, wherein the outer film system includes a reinforcing web that is mechanically stable, and wherein the reinforcing web, in an installed state of the tubular liner in a pipe, is adjacent to an inner wall of the pipe.

15. The tubular liner of claim 14, wherein the reinforcing web has a tensile strength longitudinal to the machine direction (MD) of greater than 20 N/mm.sup.2 and a puncture resistance in accordance with ASTM E 154 (2008) of greater than 300 N.

16. The tubular liner of claim 14, wherein the outer film system includes a connecting line that extends in the longitudinal direction of the tubular liner, and wherein the connecting line is arranged between the two longitudinal edges of the reinforcing web.

17. The tubular liner of claim 14, wherein the reinforcing web has an adhesive polymer coating that binds the reinforcing web to a film of the outer film system.

18. The tubular liner of claim 14, wherein the outer film system includes a compound with a yellow pigment, and wherein the compound with the yellow pigment absorbs and/or reflects at least 97% of light having a wavelength in the range 350 nm to 450 nm.

19. The tubular liner of claim 18, wherein the outer film system includes a UV absorber in addition to the compound with the yellow pigment.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Aspects and advantages of the invention are set forth below in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of embodiments of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of such embodiments, and others, upon review of the specification. A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof to one skilled in the art, is set forth more particularly in this specification, including reference to the accompanying figures, in which six different exemplary embodiments of the invention are schematically presented in the following figures:

(2) FIG. 1 a first embodiment of a tubular liner in accordance with the invention comprising an outer film system including two outer films and an only partially circumferential reinforcing web, in cross-section;

(3) FIG. 2 a second embodiment of a tubular liner in accordance with the invention comprising an outer film system including two outer films and an only partially circumferential reinforcing web, in cross-section;

(4) FIG. 3 a third embodiment of a tubular liner in accordance with the invention comprising a single circumferential outer film and an only partially circumferential reinforcing web, in cross-section;

(5) FIG. 4 a fourth exemplary embodiment of a tubular liner in accordance with the invention, in which both the outer film and the reinforcing web are circumferential, in cross-section;

(6) FIG. 5 a fifth exemplary embodiment of a tubular liner in accordance with the invention comprising two subsections, each of which includes one outer film and a reinforcing web, in cross-section; and

(7) FIG. 6 a sixth exemplary embodiment of a tubular liner in accordance with the invention comprising a wrapping of a reinforcing web including one outer film resting thereon, in cross-section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

(8) The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate at least one presently preferred embodiment of the invention as well as some alternative embodiments. These drawings, together with the written description, serve to explain the principles of the invention but by no means are intended to be exhaustive of all of the possible manifestations of the invention.

(9) Reference will now be made in detail to present exemplary embodiments of the invention, wherein one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Like or similar designations in the drawings and description have been used to refer to like or similar parts of the embodiments of the invention.

(10) Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

(11) It is to be understood that the ranges and limits mentioned herein include all sub-ranges located within the prescribed limits, inclusive of the limits themselves unless otherwise stated. For instance, a range from 100 to 200 also includes all possible sub-ranges, examples of which are from 100 to 150, 170 to 190, 153 to 162, 145.3 to 149.6, and 187 to 200. Further, a limit of up to 7 also includes a limit of up to 5, up to 3, and up to 4.5, as well as all sub-ranges within the limit, such as from about 0 to 5, which includes 0 and includes 5 and from 5.2 to 7, which includes 5.2 and includes 7.

(12) It is important to note that the geometric relations of the components of the tubular liner are not shown true to scale in all figures.

(13) Each of FIGS. 1 to 6 shows a tubular liner 1 in cross-section, represented in the installed state in each case. The tubular liners are flattened for storage and transport. After having been inserted lengthwise into a sewer pipe to be rehabilitated, the tubular liners are inflated with the aid of compressed air or are expanded with the aid of a fluid pumped through the central channel defined along the interior length of the liner 1.

(14) FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a tubular liner 1 in accordance with the invention for lining a sewer pipe to be rehabilitated. The tubular liner 1 extends in the longitudinal direction (into the image plane) usually across dozens or even hundreds of meters. The tubular liner 1 comprises a single-layer or multi-layer inner tubular film 2 consisting of plastic materials, a resin-carrier layer 3, and a protective or wrapping film 6. The resin-carrier layer 3 includes a carrier material 3a and a UV-reactive resin 3b. The protective or wrapping film 6 surrounds the resin-carrier layer 3 and likewise consists of plastic materials. The side of the protective or wrapping film 6 that is directed to the resin-carrier material 3a (see further below) also can comprise a material that is absorbent for liquids and resins, such as a fleece 5. If a wrapping film 6 is used for wrapping the resin-carrier layer 3 with a partial overlap of the wrapping layers, then this wrapping film 6 preferably also can be provided with a fleece 5 on both sides, i.e., interior and exterior.

(15) In principle, the inner tubular film 2, which preferably contains an olefin homo-polymer or copolymer at least in one layer, is known from the state of the art, whereas various versions exist. The inner tubular film 2 may contain different layers, whereas, in particular, there is a permeability for UV radiation, in order to lead a UV radiation source through the cavity in the longitudinal direction of the tubular liner 1 formed by the inner tubular film 2, and thereby dry the reactive resin 3b that is curable by UV radiation. After the tubular liner 1 has been installed and cured, the inner film 2 can be withdrawn in the sewer pipe to be rehabilitated and can be removed from the sewer pipe, or it can remain in the sewer pipe as part of the tubular liner 1 if it can bond with the resin-carrier system 3.

(16) Glass fibers, for example, are used as the carrier material 3a of the resin-carrier layer 3. UV-reactive plastic resins, which are known to the artisan in the field of pipe rehabilitation, are possible reactive resins 3b.

(17) The protective or wrapping film 6, preferably including fleece 5 laminated thereon, can be helically wrapped around the resin-carrier layer 3 in the longitudinal direction of the tubular liner 1 (i.e., into the image plane). Alternatively, the resin-carrier layer 3 is completely enclosed in the longitudinal direction of the tubular liner 1 (i.e., into the image plane) with a protective or covering film 6 and preferably a fleece 5, which has been laminated onto the protective film 6, wherein this composite made of protective film 6 and fleece 5 is closed with a longitudinal seam (extending in the longitudinal direction of the tubular liner 1). The fleece side can be sealed to the film side of the aforementioned composite.

(18) The protective or wrapping film 6 can be single-layer or multi-layer and can be based on at least one homo-polymer or at least one co-polymer, for example, a polyethylene or polypropylene. Preferably, a polyamide layer is contained in the protective or wrapping film 6.

(19) This protective or wrapping film 6 can be obtained, for example, by coating a non-woven material or a fleece with one or more polymers (the latter being layered, i.e., successively applied in the form of layers). This is carried out, for example, with the aid of extrusion coating.

(20) As mentioned, in accordance with FIG. 1, the protective or wrapping film 6 is laminated on its side directed to the resin-carrier layer 3 with a textile fleece 5. The fleece 5 facilitates the adhesion to the resin 3b and to the carrier system 3a impregnated with the resin 3b and ensures that excess air is expelled and, therefore, further increases the stability of the tubular liner 1. The protective or wrapping film 6 can comprise, in particular, one or more barrier layers, in particular a polyamide, in order to prevent the styrene derived from the resin 3b from escaping the resin-carrier layer 3. Moreover, additional barrier chemicals, for example EVOH, may be contained in the single-layer or multi-layer film 6.

(21) An outer film system 7, which in the present case comprises a lower outer film 8a, an upper outer film 8b, and a reinforcing web 9, is arranged around the protective or wrapping film 6. The lower outer film 8a extends, in accordance with the view in cross-section, in an angular range of approximately 190°, whereas the upper outer film 8b extends in an angular range of approximately 170°. The longitudinal edges 18a, 18b of the two outer films 8a, 8b, respectively, each protrude outwardly and rest on one another via their inner sides. These overlapping longitudinal edges 18a, 18b can be sealed together and then form a connecting point 15 in each case. This is readily possible, for example, when the layers to be sealed together contain, for example, an olefin homo-polymer or copolymer, for example, a polyethylene, optionally more than 50 weight percent thereof. The overlapping longitudinal edges 18a, 18b are preferably folded—after sealing—and are laid onto the upper outer film 8b (see arrow f1) and, optionally, are bonded thereto. Folding in the other direction with optional bonding is also possible.

(22) The two outer films 8a, 8b are designed in the form of translucent, UV-radiation- and short-wavelength, visible light-absorbing and/or -reflecting, single-layer or multi-layer films. The two outer films 8a, 8b preferably each comprise at least one layer based on at least one optionally modified thermoplastic olefin homo-polymer or copolymer, wherein this layer or multiple layers in the entire film comprises/comprise a combination of at least one short-wavelength, visible light-absorbing and/or reflecting, organic or inorganic color pigment or dye, and at least one UV radiation-absorbing and/or reflecting, organic or inorganic compound. In other words, the outer films 8a, 8b prevent the passage of UV radiation and short-wavelength, visible light, so that the resin 3b does not prematurely cure during storage of the tubular liner 1. On the other hand, the outer films 8a, 8b are designed in such a way that they are translucent to such an extent that the outer film system has a transmission of at least 1% for visible light at at least one wavelength in the range of 550 nm to 800 nm.

(23) A reinforcing web 9, which extends (as viewed in cross-section) up to underneath the bent edges of the lower outer film 8a in the present case, is applied from the outside onto the lower outer film 8a, at which bent edges the longitudinal edges 18a protrude. This embodiment is suitable, in particular, for the case in which the reinforcing web 9 is bonded onto the lower outer film 8a only after the remainder of the tubular liner 1 has been closed by applying and sealing the two outer films 8a, 8b.

(24) In accordance with an alternative that is not represented, the reinforcing web 9 terminates with the lower outer film 8a, i.e., is bent perpendicularly at its longitudinal edges away from the remainder of the tubular liner 1. Upon the sealing of the longitudinal edges 18a, 18b, sealing is then carried out across the reinforcing web, which is technically readily possible (see FIG. 2 which shows such an embodiment, although without the sealing or wrapping film 6).

(25) In the present case, the reinforcing web 9 comprises a fabric 10, which is provided with a polymer coating 11. The fabric 10 is made, for example, of a polyester yarn having a yarn count of more than 1000 dtex and forms a woven textile. The mesh size in both directions (MD and CD) is preferably less than 5 mm, for example, 3 mm. The fabric 10 comprises the aforementioned coating 11 on both sides in the present case, wherein, in accordance with one preferred embodiment, the coating 11 directed to the outer film 8a acts as an adhesive in order to bond the reinforcing web 9 to the lower outer film 8a with the aid of these adhesive properties. The polymer coating 11 is, for example, 200 μm thick. If the lower outer film 8a is, for example, likewise 200 μm thick, this results in a thickness of the outer film system 7 in the area of the reinforcing web 9 of approximately 460 μm.

(26) The reinforcing web 9 is designed to be mechanically stable, in particular, according to the features of claim 2, and therefore provides the tubular liner 1 with great durability in the reinforced area. In particular upon being drawn into a sewer pipe to be rehabilitated, the tubular liner 1 slides over the sewer pipe bottom, which is often uneven or even partially sharp-edged. Due to the mechanical durability, a tearing of the reinforcing web 9 and, therefore, the underlying layers, is avoided.

(27) Preferably, the coefficient of friction (COF) of the outer side of the reinforcing web 9 directed to the sewer pipe wall, measured against the outer side of an identical reinforcing web, is less than 1.5, preferentially less than 1.0, and most preferentially less than 0.7. Such a low coefficient of friction facilitates the sliding drawing-in of the tubular liner 1, which slips with the reinforcing web 9 on the sewer pipe bottom. These frictional properties also preferably apply for the following exemplary embodiments and preferentially, in general, for the outer film system 7 in accordance with the invention. The specialist is very familiar with the measurement of the frictional and sliding properties and with the measurement of the coefficient of friction of films and film surfaces and other flat materials.

(28) In accordance with the invention, the reinforcing web 9 is designed to be translucent, wherein the criterion in the present case is that the entire outer film system 7 has a transmission of at least 1% for visible light at at least one wavelength in the wavelength range of 550 nm to 800 nm. For this purpose, the polymer coating as well as the fabric are translucent, wherein the mesh openings in the fabric make it possible to see through the fabric.

(29) In general, the transmittances of the individual components arranged one behind the other, i.e., in the present case, the reinforcing web 9 (fabric 10 and polymer coating 11) and the outer film 8 (in the present case: 8a and 8b), multiply to form a total transmittance for the outer film system 7. Therefore, the transmittances of the aforementioned components (in coordination with their thickness, of course) are to be selected in such a way that the transmittance of the outer film system 7 for visible light at at least one wavelength in the wavelength range of 550 nm to 800 nm is at least 1%, preferentially at least 3%, and most preferentially at least 5%. The angle of incidence of the light waves is defined in the present case as perpendicular to the surface of the outer film system.

(30) Within the scope of this invention, upon fulfillment of the aforementioned criterion of a transmittance of at least 1%, the term “translucent” is used for the outer film system and the property of the “translucence” is used with respect to the outer film system.

(31) Overall, the outer film system 7 in accordance with the invention is therefore designed to be translucent. This embodiment in accordance with the invention of the outer film system 7 makes it possible for light to shine from the inside or the outside through the cured tubular liner 1 (translucence) and then, due to the radiation which has passed through, it can be detected, with the aid of a camera arranged on the other side of the tubular liner, where a branch, an inlet, or an outlet of the sewer pipe to be rehabilitated is located. If necessary, the camera can also be arranged next to the light source, in order to infer the presence of branch on the basis of a different reflection as compared to adjacent sections of the tubular liner. Thereafter, a robot can be moved to this point. The robot mills an appropriate recess into the tubular liner, so that a connection can be established from the interior of the rehabilitated sewer pipe, which is lined with the tubular liner, to this branch.

(32) The remaining components of the tubular liner 1, i.e., the optionally present protective or wrapping film 6, the fleece 5, which is impregnated with resin in the installed state of the tubular liner, the resin-carrier layer 3, and the inner film 2 have a—usually considerably—greater transmittance than the outer film system 7, and so the outer film system 7 is the decisive element with respect to the total transmission of the tubular liner 1.

(33) The outer films 8a, 8b are expandable as compared to the reinforcing web 9, and so, upon installation of the tubular liner 1 in the sewer pipe to be rehabilitated, the upper outer film 8b—in contrast to the lower outer film 8a, which is restricted in terms of its expansion due to the reinforcing web 9—can expand and come to rest on the upper sewer pipe wall.

(34) When the polymer coating 11 is adhesive, at least on one side, the coated fabric 10 can be adhered to the previously produced arrangement of inner film 2, resin-carrier layer 3, protective or wrapping film 6, and outer films 8a, 8b from the outside, onto the aforementioned outer film 8a.

(35) The above-described features also apply for the following exemplary embodiments, unless described otherwise. In addition, the same reference signs are used for the same or comparable structural features.

(36) The second exemplary embodiment of a tubular liner 1 comprising a translucent outer film system 7 in accordance with FIG. 2 differs from that from FIG. 1 in that a protective or wrapping film 6 is not provided here. Instead, two fleece sections 5a, 5b have been directly applied onto the inner side of the outer films 8a and 8b, respectively, preferably with the aid of an adhesive or a polymer (extrusion lamination). Moreover, in this exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal edges of the reinforcing web 9 terminate with the longitudinal edges 18a of the lower outer film 8a, wherein sealing is carried out across the reinforcing web 9 upon the sealing of the longitudinal edges 18a, 18b. In an alternative that is not represented, the longitudinal edges of the reinforcing web 9 extend up to underneath the longitudinal edges 18a of the lower outer film 8a (similar to FIG. 1)

(37) In one further variant, which is not represented, one or both fleeces 5a, 5b coextensively rests/rest on the inner side of the lower outer film 8a or the upper outer film 8b, respectively, and so the longitudinal edges of one fleece or both fleeces 5a, 5b is/are located between the two longitudinal edges 18a, 18b. In the latter case, the fleece 5a is sealed to the fleece 5b, which is readily possible, in particular, when the fleeces 5a, 5b consist of sealable LDPE or LLDPE.

(38) In the third exemplary embodiment of a tubular liner 1 comprising a translucent outer film system 7 in accordance with FIG. 3, only a single outer film 8 is provided, on the inner side of which a fleece 5 has been coextensively applied, and so, in the area of the longitudinal edges 18, the underside of the fleece 5 rests on the top side of the underlying outer film 8, wherein the fleece 5 and the outer film 8 can be sealed together at a connecting point 15 here. Moreover, as in FIG. 1, a protective film can be provided (not represented), which is arranged between the outer film 8 and the fleece 5.

(39) In one embodiment that is not represented, the fleece 5 surrounds the resin-carrier layer 3 about the entire circumference by 360°, while the outer film 8 not only surrounds the resin-carrier layer 3 all the way around, but additionally comprises an overlap area, in which the overlapping first section of the outer film 8 has been placed onto the section lying underneath it and the two are sealed together there, for example. Therefore, in this embodiment as well, no UV light and no short-wavelength light can reach the resin 3b, and so the resin 3b cannot prematurely cure.

(40) In one further embodiment that is not represented, the two opposed inner sides of the now overhanging longitudinal edges of the fleece 5 are sealed together, in order to fold the end, which has been sealed in this way, against the tubular liner 1 (cf. FIG. 1).

(41) The reinforcing web 9 is arranged, in accordance with FIG. 3, about a circumferential angle of approximately 210° around the lower side of the outer film 8. Moreover, the reinforcing web 9 is not designed as a coated fabric 10 (wherein this embodiment would also be readily possible). Instead, in the present case, the reinforcing web 9 is designed as a continuous, mechanically stable film, which is also designed to be translucent, so that the outer film system has the required transmittance. Transparent polyester, for example, is possible as a suitable material for the reinforcing web 9.

(42) In the fourth exemplary embodiment of a tubular liner 1 comprising a translucent outer film system 7 in accordance with FIG. 4, the reinforcing web 9, in particular, differs from the exemplary embodiment from FIG. 3. On the one hand, in the present case, a fabric 10 comprising a coating 11 on both sides is provided as the reinforcing web 9. On the other hand, this reinforcing web 9 extends around the entire circumference of the tubular liner 1. The end faces of the reinforcing web 9 are positioned directly opposite one another, wherein, in this exemplary embodiment, a narrow sealing strip 13 made of stable plastic and extending in the longitudinal direction of the tubular liner 1 is taped over the end-face abutting edges of the reinforcing web 9, wherein adhesive connecting points 25 are provided, which can expand or even act as a predetermined breaking point, so that the tubular liner 1 can expand upon inflation.

(43) In accordance with the fifth exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5, the translucent outer film system 7 is designed as two parts. An upper system 7b is placed onto a lower system 7a comprising a lower fleece 5a, a lower outer film 8a, and a lower reinforcing web 9a, which are all coextensively arranged one on top of the other and are connected to one another. While the lower system 7a extends around an angular range of approximately 270°, the upper system arches over the lower system 7b by approximately 120°. The upper system 7b comprises an upper fleece 5b, an upper outer film 8b, and an upper reinforcing web 9b, all of which are designed to be equal in area, i.e., coextensive. Here, the free longitudinal edges of the fleece 5b are connected to the underlying sections of the outer side of the lower reinforcing web 9a at connecting points 25. In FIG. 5, three longitudinal adhesive seams extending into the image plane are represented, by way of example, in each case, as an example for these connecting points 25. As can also be seen in FIG. 5, the two outer films 8a, 8b cover the entire circumference of the tubular liner 1, so that the resin 3b cannot prematurely cure.

(44) In the present case, the reinforcing webs 9a, 9b once again each comprise a fabric 10a or 10b, which is enclosed by a polymer coating 11a or 11b. An embodiment of the reinforcing webs 9a, 9b as full-area films (without fabric) is also possible (cf. FIG. 3).

(45) In order to establish the aforementioned connecting points 25 in FIGS. 4 and 5 (and also in FIG. 6; see below), many different bonding techniques (for example, double-sided adhesive tape) can be used. It is important that, upon the inflation of the tubular liner 1 (after having been inserted into the sewer pipe to be rehabilitated in an unpressurized state), the reinforcing web 9 can expand or the reinforcing webs 9a, 9b can shift with respect to one another; that is, that the connecting points 25 can elongate and possibly break. The connecting points 25 then act as predetermined breaking points.

(46) The elongation in the circumferential direction of the tubular liner 1 (upon the application of radial pressure from the inside during installation of the tubular liner 1), which is realized by the connecting points 25, is helpful, since the elongation of the reinforcing webs 9a, 9b themselves is very low or essentially not present. Due to this elongation, the tubular liner 1 can expand in the circumferential direction upon inflation and, even in its upper area, rest on the sewer pipe wall, whereby a more secure hold and a larger flow cross-section are achieved.

(47) When overlapped, the longitudinal edges 19a of the lower reinforcing web 9a can also be located above the longitudinal edges 19b of the upper reinforcing web 9b. It is also possible that one of the two longitudinal edges 19a of the lower reinforcing web 9a is located above the respective longitudinal edge 19b of the upper reinforcing web 9b, and that the other longitudinal edge 19a of the lower reinforcing web 9a is located below it.

(48) FIG. 6 finally presents a sixth exemplary embodiment of a tubular liner 1 in accordance with the invention, comprising a translucent outer film system 7 in accordance with the invention. Here, the outer film system 7 includes only one single outer film 8 and one single reinforcing web 9, both of which are coextensively arranged, wherein the longitudinal edges 19 of the outer film system 7 overlap in the circumferential direction. Due to this arrangement, it is ensured that the outer film system 7 is impermeable for UV light, resin, and air. In the present case as well, again by way of example, three adhesive seams are provided, which are perpendicular to the image plane and extend lengthwise along the tubular liner 1, and which upon the radial elongation of the tubular liner 1, elongate in the circumferential direction and possibly ultimately break; these form connecting points 25. The connecting points 25 are provided, in the present case, in the overlap area between the underside of the overhanging fleece 5 and the top side of the section of the reinforcing web 9 located directly under it. It is irrelevant in the present case as well as in the exemplary embodiments described above in conjunction with FIGS. 4 and 5 as to exactly how the connecting points 25 are geometrically designed; for example, planar connecting points 25 are also possible.

(49) As can also be seen in FIG. 6, a fleece 5, which is used for the adhesion of the resin 3b, is in turn laminated on the inner side of the outer film 8.

(50) The invention was explained in greater detail with reference to different exemplary embodiments. In some of these exemplary embodiments, the reinforcing web or the reinforcing webs is/are designed as a fabric comprising a polymer coating (single-sided or double-sided), preferably also having adhesiveness (wherein this polymer coating can be the same or different on the two surfaces), and in other exemplary embodiments as a full-area film (without inlaid fabric). It is readily possible to replace one type of reinforcing web with the other type of reinforcing web. Moreover, it is possible that the at least one reinforcing web and the at least one outer film are adhesively connected to one another, or that the two rest loosely and unconnected on one another. In one connection of the outer film(s) and the reinforcing web(s), for example, a conventional liner comprising inner film, resin-carrier layer, and outer film can be produced first, and the reinforcing web can then be applied. This is easy to realize, in particular, when the reinforcing web is adhesive, in particular in the form of an appropriate polymer coating on a fabric. After the adhesion of the reinforcing web(s), the tubular liner can be drawn into a sewer pipe. This method has the advantage that a sealing of the outer film(s) is easily possible, since no reinforcing web(s) is/are obstructive.

(51) If the outer film system, including at least one outer film and one reinforcing web, is initially produced independently as a separate, interconnected unit, it is advantageous to use this outer film system for sealing, i.e., for closing, the tubular liner. The specialist knows the different sealing techniques (for example, pulsed, touch, high-frequency, or ultrasonic sealing or welding).

(52) Here, for example, the composite or the outer film system made of the at least one outer film and the at least one reinforcing web (for example, in the form of a lower half shell, which is hardly able or not able to elongate) can be sealed to one further outer film (preferably then in the form of an upper half shell which is relatively well able to elongate), on which no reinforcing web rests. This embodiment is comparable to the embodiments from FIGS. 1 and 2.

(53) Finally, it is also conceivable that no fleece is used, but rather that the resin-carrier layer is also arranged in the tubular liner without such a fleece.