Laying

Laying - A

Is PE pipe suitable for new supply or collection networks?

Yes. PE pipe is ideally suited for new supply networks. Applications in which PE pipe is widely used by our customers include:

Gas mains distribution networks
Gas service supply pipes
Water mains distribution systems
Water service supply pipes
Gravity sewer and drain networks
Pumped sewer mains
Irrigation systems
Industrial and process pipework

Below Ground
For below ground applications, for example gas and water distribution mains and gravity and pumped sewer mains, the use of PE has encouraged significant improvements by our customers in the design and performance of the equipment used for laying PE, particularly in congested urban environments. Techniques that have been developed include narrow trenching and directional drilling or guided boring which are particularly suitable for road, rail, river and similar crossings.

Above Ground
Where the pipe is laid above ground by our customers and the installers, for example industrial and process pipework, the relatively light weight of PE compared with other pipe materials minimises the amount of handling equipment required. Above ground pipes need to be suitably protected against mechanical damage and UV degradation.

Can PE pipe be used for replacement or rehabilitation of existing pipe networks?

Yes, The strength and flexibility of PE make it the preferred material by our customers for replacement and rehabilitation of existing pipe networks. Replacement of existing pipe networks in open trench can be carried out in a similar manner to the installation of new networks.

There is a wide range of trenchless or minimum excavation techniques that can be employed that are suitable for the rehabilitation of existing networks. Some of the techniques that can be employed are:

The use of trenchless techniques can significantly reduce the cost of pipe replacement or rehabilitation, as there are minimal excavation and reinstatement costs. The choice of the trenchless technique employed by our customers or the installer depends upon a number of factors, including:

Hydraulic capacity requirements
Soil type
Location of other underground utilities and plant
Sufficient clearance under roads, footpaths etc. to avoid damage
Condition of host pipe
External loading characteristics
Network operating needs: can pipe be taken out of service or is a live insertion technique necessary?

Is any special equipment needed to lay PE pipe?

No special equipment is required by our customers for the laying of PE pipe when compared with other pipeline materials.

Pipe diameters up to 200mm can generally be laid using manual techniques, depending on pipe lengths, so it is possible that some lifting plant may be eliminated from site operations.

Pipe supplied in coils is installed directly from the coil and where possible coil dispensers should be used. Care should be taken when cutting the bands securing PE coils and reference should be made to manufacturers' instructions or national or international codes of practice.

Larger diameters or longer lengths of pipe will require mechanical handling equipment. Reference again should be made to manufacturers' instructions Generally however it is recommended that non metallic slings are used. The use of pipe rollers is recommended when laying long pipe string lengths to prevent the pipe being dragged over stones and other sharp objects which could damage the pipe.

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