Inflatable pipe plugs are crucial tools on many line stop operations. They are flexible to conform to almost any shape, fast and simple to install, easy to store and transport, and are very cost effective. Before using an inflatable plug, it&#;s important to take the right steps to test it and ensure it isn&#;t damaged. However, many people make a critical mistake when testing these types of line stops: They inflate them outside of the pipe.
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Inflatable plugs should never be filled to their full inflation pressure unless they are properly installed inside of a pipeline. These plugs are designed to press against the inside of a pipe when filled with air or liquid and, without that containment, the inflatable plug could be damaged and fail, leading to serious bodily injury or death of those nearby. Similarly, inflatable plugs should never be allowed to protrude from the end of the pipeline during filling or operation.
If you want to test inflate your inflatable pipe plug outside of a pipe before use to ensure it will hold pressure, Petersen recommends you fill it to 5% of its Maximum PSI/bar or 5 PSI (0.34 bar) whichever is less. You should never inflate pipe plugs to their maximum inflation level outside of a pipeline.
Before installing your inflatable plug, you have to make sure it&#;s usable and in good condition. The first step is inspecting the surface to search for tears, cuts, or other visible damage. After checking the surface, you want to look at the inflation hoses and control and safety instruments. If anything looks broken or is not working properly, contact our team before using the pipe plug, so we can repair it or replace specific parts.
After visually inspecting your inflatable plug and checking its components, it&#;s time to test it. You don&#;t want to make the mistake of fully inflating it, but you can fill it slightly in order to determine if there are any punctures or leaks. Inflate it to a maximum of 5% maximum inflation or 5 PSI (0.34 bar) and brush it with soapy water. If you notice bubbles, then you have a sealing problem or a hole. In this case, contact Petersen before installing your plug, and we&#;ll handle the necessary repairs.
If you have any questions about testing your inflatable plug, what type of pipe plugs are right for your application, or you need to repair your line stop, contact our team today.
When handling a line stop operation, you have two primary pipe plug variations to choose from: inflatable and mechanical. Both types can be effective at getting a workable seal, but there are certain conditions and situations when it makes the most sense to use an inflatable plug. In this article, we&#;ll cover what inflatable plugs are and when it makes the most sense to use them.
Inflatable plugs are inserted into a pipe and filled with gas, liquid or grout. They are designed to fit snugly into the interior of any line and can be inflated to the required size, providing a tight seal. Inflatable plugs are an essential tool for maintenance activities, because they can fit through small openings and are effective even when a pipe has an odd shape or uneven surface.
The question is, when should you use an inflatable plug over a different type of pipe plug?
Cost effectiveness &#; Unlike mechanical plugs or other pipe maintenance solutions, inflatable plugs are typically less expensive, require minimal equipment to implement, and can be reused, making them much more cost effective than alternative methods.
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Flexibility to conform to almost any shape &#; Rigid mechanical plugs cannot create an effective seal when there are weld beads, corrosion, deposits, an out of round pipe shape, or other imperfections. An inflatable pipe plug is designed to fit all the contours of a pipe line and create a seal despite bumps, dips, or other obstructions.
Fast installation and removal &#; If your job requires speed, or if you are frequently installing and removing the pipe plug, then we recommend using inflatable plugs, because they can be added and taken out much more rapidly than a conventional mechanical plug.
Easier to store and transport &#; By deflating an inflatable plug when it&#;s not in use, even a very large one can take up less space during storage and transport than a smaller mechanical plug.
Heavy equipment not required &#; One of the benefits of using an inflatable pipe plug is that they don&#;t require any heavy equipment to install or use (for most sizes).
Tap near or at pipe bends &#; Because they are flexible and can conform to essentially whatever shape you place them in, inflatable plugs are the best solution when you are tapping the pipe and blocking the flow near or at a pipe bend.
Fit through small holes &#; With a narrow deflated diameter, an inflatable pipe plug can fit through a much smaller tap hole than mechanical plugs thus providing greater pipeline integrity.
Lower environmental risk &#; Inflatable plugs are an environmentally friendlier alternative, because they minimize the need for excavation or other disruptive activities that can damage the environment.
Limited Space Work Environment &#; Because inflatable plugs don&#;t require heavy equipment to install or use, they can accommodate almost any limited work space environment.
If you have any questions about choosing the right pipe plug for your application, please reach out to the Petersen team today!
For more information, please visit Inflatable Sewer Pipe Plugs.