Live Gas Mains Insertion
Steve Vick International is a world leader in developing techniques for the 'live' insertion of iron gas mains, a replacement technique that offers maximum operational flexibility.
Live Mains Insertion is normal insertion - that is to say insertion of an old low pressure iron pipe with a new polyethylene (PE) pipe - with two very beneficial differences: the old cast iron pipe is kept live to maintain gas supplies to customers during the insertion process. The new PE is also gassed up. When insertion is complete, the old iron main is again kept live to supply customers via the annular space until it is operationally convenient to transfer the services to the new PE main.
As well as maximum operational flexibility, the benefits of this cost-effective technique include minimum time off gas for customers, minimum excavation at any one time and minimum impact on the environment.
Benefits
- Services can be transferred in line with labour & customer availability
- Minimum time off gas for consumers
- Only one purge and re-light per customer
- Minimum excavation open at any one time
- Low capital investment
Flow Stopping & Pipe Sealing
Some two decades ago we developed a flowstopping system called FOAMBAG™ based on the use of expanding resin foam. The effective yet simple technique works on all types of pipe material including cast iron, steel and PE. Extremely versatile, it can be used on vertical or tapering pipes, bends and non- standard diameters. Although developed for flow stopping natural gas pipes, FOAMBAG™ can also be used to seal pipes carrying other gases and fluids.
The major advantage of using FOAMBAG™ over conventional flow stopping bags is that far less pipe needs to be exposed resulting in considerably smaller excavations and reduced reinstatement costs.
The technique works by inserting a semi-porous bag into the pipe to hold the foam in place as it expands. At full expansion, some of the foam seeps through the semi-porous material to adhere to the pipe wall.
The technique is suitable for the use on low pressure gas services and mains from ¾ up to 36’’ diameter and on medium pressure from ¾ to 8”. Above this diameter, pressure must be reduced.
Pipe Handling Equipment
Since the introduction of coiled PE pipe at the beginning of the nineties, Steve Vick International has been at the forefront of developing equipment for its safe, easy handling.
Pipe Coil Trailers
Almost 1500 of our pipe coil trailers have now been sold throughout the world, evidence of their effectiveness and efficiency in assisting pipe laying activities.
Safety considerations are paramount in the design of our trailers. The coil is restrained within a steel cage whilst the two ends of PE are secured. The central drum ensures smooth dispensing.
Pipe Pushing Machines
Our pipe pushing machines are a safer and efficient alternative to winches when insesrting or sliplining new pipes into old or cables into ducting. Their use can save considerable time as only one excavation is necessary to push the pipe in. Pushing also prevents stretching of the PE or cable and so avoids the required relaxation time.
