Aging Pressure Pipelines & Trenchless Rehabilitation

Overview

As pressure pipelines across industries continue to age, operators are facing growing challenges around access, disruption, and long-term reliability. Trenchless rehabilitation has become an increasingly important part of the conversation, offering ways to extend pipeline service life while working within today’s operational and environmental constraints. For aging pressure pipelines, close-fit rehabilitation approaches are shaping how operators think about performance, predictability, and system longevity.

The Challenge of Aging Pressure Pipelines

Across the country, pressure pipelines installed decades ago are reaching a critical point in their service life. Many of these systems were designed for operating conditions and demands that

look very different today. As a result, operators are increasingly focused on rehabilitation approaches that extend pipeline life, work within existing infrastructure, and limit disruption to surrounding operations.

As pressure pipelines age, operators are often balancing:

· Restricted access within active facilities or developed areas

· The time and disruption required for full pipe replacement

· Cost and risk management alongside operational reliability

· Minimizing downtime while maintaining system performance

Why Trenchless Rehabilitation Is Gaining Momentum

In these situations, trenchless rehabilitation has become an important option for addressing pipeline deterioration without the impacts associated with large-scale excavation. Trenchless approaches allow operators to rehabilitate pipelines from within, restoring performance while minimizing surface disruption and reducing construction timelines.

As utilities continue to navigate aging systems and evolving demands, rehabilitation strategies that balance longevity, constructability, and operational continuity are becoming essential. Trenchless rehabilitation is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it is increasingly part of the conversation for managing aging pressure pipelines in a practical and forward-looking way.

Why Fit Matters in Pressure Pipe Rehabilitation

In pressure pipe applications, liner fit plays an important role in how the rehabilitated system performs over time. The BulletLiner System is designed as a close-fit trenchless solution, allowing the liner to closely conform to the existing pipe and work either independent of the host pipe or in combination with it dependent upon the type of limit state the design is looking to achieve. Taking advantage of the remaining structural capability of the host pipe is critical in maximizing the life of both the original host pipe and the liner rehabilitation system.

Because installation requires only limited access points and the liner can navigate bends and alignment changes, this approach can reduce surface disruption and make trenchless rehabilitation a practical option for aging pressure pipelines in active or constrained environments.

Next Steps

· Explore the BulletLiner System to understand how close-fit trenchless rehabilitation supports aging pressure pipelines.

· Connect with the BulletLiner System team to discuss your project needs.

· Follow BulletLiner System on LinkedIn for updates on trenchless rehabilitation projects and industry insights.