When it comes to stopping flow in a pipeline, there are several different pipe plug options available to you. Which one you choose will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of substance you’re blocking, how much pressure there is, how you’re accessing the inside of the pipeline, how long you’re blocking the pipeline, and your purpose for stopping flow in the first place.
Hengyang supply professional and honest service.
In this article, we’re discussing which type of pipe plug is best for different applications, so you ensure you have the right one for your next project.
The two major pipe plug options to choose from are mechanical and inflatable. There are several advantages and disadvantages to each type:
This type of pipe plug works by inserting it into the line and then mechanically expanding it to create a tight seal. Mechanical plugs are used for blocking and testing pipelines, and they allow you to work on or test specific sections without shutting down the entire system.
Pros – Mechanical plugs don’t need to be inflated, so they do not require inflation equipment or media. Plus, they are ideal for long term pipeline blocking projects, because you don’t have to worry about them slowly deflating over time.
Cons – The largest disadvantage of mechanical plugs is that they are rigid, so they cannot form an effective seal when there are weld beads, corrosion, deposits, an out of round pipe shape, or other imperfections. Additionally, these types of pipe plugs aren’t able to fit through small hot tap holes.
Inflatable plugs are made from flexible material, allowing them to be inserted into a pipeline and then filled with gas or liquid. Once filled, they fit snugly within the interior of the pipe, creating an effective seal.
Pros – The advantages of inflatable plugs include the ability to fit through small openings and conform to almost any shape, they are easy to store and transport, and they are generally more cost effective than mechanical plugs.
Cons – The biggest drawback for inflatable plugs is they may not be used as the only means of protection of people downstream and they require a separate inflation pressure source. Also, most standard inflatable plugs have a lower pressure rating than a mechanical plug.
Within the categories of mechanical and inflatable plugs, there are several different options available. Here are some of the most common types:
Mechanical blocking plugs – Blocking plugs are used for stopping flow for maintenance in sanitary, storm sewer, and similar systems.
Mechanical bypass plugs – Bypass plugs are used for the installation and repair of residential or commercial piping systems. They are required when a repair or test is needed, but you are unable to shut down the entire system.
Inflatable test ball plugs – These inflatable plugs are used for blocking the flow during maintenance in sanitary or sewer systems, and can also be used as back plugs for sewer air tests. They don’t have a bypass and are designed specifically for sealing a pipe.
Inflatable bypass plugs – These bypass plugs are used for testing and monitoring pipe systems. Some inflatable bypass plugs are designed to handle high back pressure in applications such as water mains, force mains, and industrial lines.
T-Handle mechanical plugs – T-Handle plugs are a type of rigid plug that are ideal for long term blocking and bypassing operations.
If you have any questions about choosing the right pipe plug for your application, please reach out to the Petersen team today!
Disclaimer: The information may be used but with no warranty or liability. This information is believed to be correct but should always be double checked with alternative sources. Strictly adhere to and follow all applicable national and local regulations and practices.
For more Inflatable Sewer Pipe Plugsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
Regardless of these comments, it is always necessary to read and understand manufactures instructions and local regulations prior to using any item.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Inflatable plugs are an environmentally friendlier alternative, because they minimize the need for excavation or other disruptive activities that can damage the 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!
Disclaimer: The information may be used but with no warranty or liability. This information is believed to be correct but should always be double checked with alternative sources. Strictly adhere to and follow all applicable national and local regulations and practices.
Regardless of these comments, it is always necessary to read and understand manufactures instructions and local regulations prior to using any item.
For more information, please visit Steel Hydraulic Dam.