Manual vs. Electric Calibration Roller Systems

A calibration roller system is used to evenly distribute resin in the liners used in CIPP repairs. It works by feeding the liner onto a roller while the resin simultaneously fills the liner. This process is known as the “wet-out” stage of CIPP rehabilitation. While the new manual and electric rollers from PRT both fulfill this purpose, they operate in slightly different ways. 

Differences in CIPP Roller Systems

The main feature that differentiates the two models is how the roller drive itself works: The manual roller is controlled by a hand crank, while the electric roller has an electric drive that is controlled by a foot pedal. The manual roller’s hand crank is more physically demanding to operate than the electric motor is. The electric system’s foot pedal, connected with a cable, can be used to maintain a consistent, steady pull-through speed. 

Another major variance is the ideal liner diameter for each product. The manual roller comes in one size and is meant for liners up to 8” in diameter, while the electric model has multiple sizes: 12” or 16” in diameter. In addition, the manual system costs slightly less than the electric system.

The electric model has a tickered gauge, so users don’t need to use gap setting gauges to get their ideal liner thickness. It also has fully integrated control elements and an emergency shutdown feature.

The manual system is highly portable and weighs a total of 55 pounds, making it easier for more remote wet out. At a weight of 77+ pounds, the electrical models are less ideal for jobs in tight or out of the way areas.

Benefits of Calibration Rollers

The importance of calibration rollers cannot be overstated. Without rollers, it’s nearly impossible to evenly distribute resin. When it comes to ensuring a clean, consistent cure for CIPP, resin must be distributed evenly throughout the liner. Ensuring that liners are uniform helps operators refrain from overusing or spilling resin and helps with quality control. It also makes sure that the resulting pipe within a pipe allows liquid to flow smoothly. Calibration rollers are essential for reliable CIPP, and a key weapon in any rehab pro’s arsenal. 

Contact us for a free calibration roller demo today.