Pipe bursting is a one of the most popular trenchless replacement procedures used in for small and large pipes used for water, gas, sewage and other liquids. As a trenchless pipe replacement method, pipe bursting is considered as a great option when digging out and replacing the pipes will become too inconvenient or too expensive. Here are some of the basic concepts, techniques and equipment used in the procedure.
Basic Pipe Bursting Principles
The basic concept behind pipe bursting is relatively simple and easy to understand. The pipe bursting tool is placed on one end of a pipe and is pulled through it by a cable winch or rod. While it goes through the pipe, it disintegrates it and compacts it on the surrounding soil or rock and then replaces it with a new pipe. The new pipe that will be laid can come in a similar or larger size. Because only two access points are required, there is no longer a need to build a trench for the whole length of the pipe that will be replaced, reducing costs and down time. Pipe bursting is remarkably different to other Trenchless Pipe Replacement methods by the way it fractures and deals with the old pipe.
Requirements for Effective Pipe Bursting
The pipes that would be replaced as well as the material surrounding them needs to be compatible to ensure that pipe bursting will be the most effective way to replace it. First of pipes that are suitable for this kind of excavation method are often made with brittle material like clay, concrete, asbestos, plastics, and vitrified clay. Ductile iron, steel pipes, and heavily reinforced concrete pipes are not suitable for this kind of replacement procedure. The bursting is commonly carried out for particular lengths regularly 300 to 400 feet apart. Pipe Bursting Equipment might not be able to handle longer distances as effectively. Finally, the ground conditions around the pipe including the presence of expansive soils and proximity to drain machines and other service lines need to be considered as pipe bursting may cause some ground displacement that may affect adjacent buried pipes and surface structures.
Pipe Bursting Equipment
Because of the sensitive nature of the procedure the quality of the pipe bursting equipment that will be used should be unmatched. Continuous energy supplies through a Power Cable Feeder is needed because ground settlement on an inactive pipe bursting tool may hamper or even halt progress that could lead to bigger problems.
Pipe bursting is a novel yet effective way for businesses and home builders to replace worn out pipes and supply lines without additional major renovation and destruction. It is wise to consider it among other trenchless pipe replacement methods to ensure best results and maximum efficiency.