With a primary objective of protecting the new water main during operations, a lower profile kwik-ZIP spacer model was used – demonstrating the manufacturer’s versatility.
kwik-ZIP® General Manager Paul Jeffreys said the project involved abandoned gas mains with numerous internal protrusions, such as joints and welds.
Because of this, there was significant concern that the PE carrier pipes for the new water main could be scratched and damaged during the slip lining operations.
However, thanks to kwik-ZIP’s wide range of spacer models, the lower profile HD-30 spacer was used on the project to help ensure the water main was protected.
Mr Jeffreys said the curved bow spring design ensures PE carrier pipes can easily ride over any protrusions and therefore be protected from damage.
“HD spacers are also fitted with grip pads to prevent spacers slipping on the carrier pipe during installation,” he said.
While HDPE pipe manufacturers generally advise that HDPE pipe needs to be de-rated in regard to its pressure if scratches exceed 10 per cent of the wall thickness of the pipe, kwik-ZIP’s spacers negate such need thanks to the inbuilt flexibility.
“This highlights the benefit of using kwik-ZIP spacers for slip lining applications both inside an enveloper, and in open boreholes,” said Mr Jeffreys.
“The runners ensure that the pipe can’t make contact with the enveloper during and after installation.”
Wide range of products and capabilities kwik-ZIP’s large array of spacers caters for a wide range of inner diameter and outer diameter combinations as well as providing flexibility to deal with various project requirements and alterations.
Site Engineer Jo McAnulty for the WA water main project said the kwik-ZIP spacers were a great solution for slip lining, alleviating the risk of potential damage to the PE pipe during the process.
“Thanks to PJ and the kwik-ZIP team for their excellent customer service, they were fantastic to deal with from start to finish and we’ll certainly keep them in mind for future projects.”
In addition to their proven success on this project, kwik-ZIP’s spacers are also often used on metro tunnel works, rail crossings and pipeline duplication projects thanks to the simple and efficient installation process that does not require any tools.
kwik-ZIP spacers have no metal parts and are made from the company’s engineered thermoplastic blend that is flexible, extremely tough and has a low co-efficient of friction.
For further information on kwik-ZIP® products and to discuss specific project requirements please contact the team at sales@kwikzip.com
This article was featured in the March 2021 edition of Trenchless Australasia. To view the magazine on your PC, Mac, tablet or mobile device, click here.