The ideal pipe-end protection
As shown in Figure 2, a selection of Dhatec solutions were tested
and certified by TÜV. Divided in four categories, advantages and
disadvantages of each product were identified.
Bevel protection
Dhatec’s bevel protectors provide the best possible pipe-end
protection of any bevelled pipe. The design is based on a steel
ring with a buffer zone combined with a clamping clip. The bevel
protector can be supplied in a reusable or non reusable model.
Different materials such as steel, zinc plated steel and stainless
steel are commonly used to meet with the pipe qualities or
project requirements. Impact forces that frequently occur during
transportation and handling of pipes are absorbed by a rounded
buffer zone. When pipe-ends are straight, the bevel protector
can be customised to a 85˚ angle, which still provides a buffer
for impact forces. The strong clamping system is designed
to withstand vibrations during all transport and handling
procedures.
The pipe-end protection product is made based on the exact
diameter and wall thickness of the pipe, with an accuracy up
to a tenth of a millimetre. At the same time, the design allows
absorbance of large pipe diameter tolerances of +2/-2 mm. With
different lengths of clamping clips, even larger tolerances or
differences in wall thickness can be covered and the same bevel
protector can be used with a plastic plug for pipe closure. The
full circumference of the pipe-end is protected by this ingenious
design.
Application of the bevel protector is efficient and takes less
than one minute. Even on stacked pipes, this solution is easy
to apply as it fits on the inside of the pipe. For larger diameter
pipes, a processing tool that acts as a third hand can be used. The
solution is placed in the pipe-end by one simple push. The bevel
protector expands and forces itself strongly against the internal
pipe surface by installing the clamping clip.
During the tests, the advantages of the bevel protector were
identified. TÜV reported the high resistance against removal with
an average force of 4.897 N. In addition, the high quality solution
showed no damage when a 505 kg weight was dropped from an
impact tower when 9.908 J was measured. During the test period,
only minimal damage became visible at 18.578 J.
Besides a proven high quality solution for pipe-end protection,
the bevel protector can also be used as a sealing ring. Combined
with different types of plugs, sheets and other types of pipe
closure, it protects against dust, dirt, debris, rain and other
weather or environment influences.
Plugs
For effective pipe-end protection and pipe closure, the bevel
protector can be combined with a variety of materials. Dhatec
tested two types of plugs that need to be used with a bevel
protector, one made of polyethylene (PE) and the other made of
PVC. Both types can be customised based on pipe measurements
and project requirements. A wide range of PE plugs are available in
standard and non-standard sizes. A design for extreme conditions
to meet up with different climates is a standard option. The PVC
cap can be made with each required depth and for any diameter
and wall thickness. This results in the optimal choice for lower
quantities and non-standard sizes.
Recently, Dhatec extended its pipe closure programme
with a new generation of plugs. This high quality plug (Figure 1)
is designed with a breathable membrane. The micro-porous
membrane keeps water, dust, debris, rain, ice and snow from
entering the pipe. On the other hand, the membrane allows water
to evaporate from the pipe.
Based on the company’s experience, Dhatec believes the bevel
protector and plug combination to be the best possible solution.
Together with TÜV, the plugs were tested. The IP-rate for both
plugs resulted in IP-44, the highest result during these tests. Dhatec
considers this IP-rate sufficient to be dust and waterproof for the
purpose of the pipeline industry. A bevelled pipe, used for the
impact test, showed no damage with 9.908 J and minor damage at
18.578 J, due to the combination with the bevel protector. During
the last test, the PVC plug demonstrated a clamping force of
2.394 N. The PE plug illustrated the best combination with 3.855 N
against cap removal.
Sheets
Alternative for plugs, different types of sheet are often used
for pipe closure. This type of closure is a cost saving solution,
Figure 4.
Bevel protector combined with PE plug.
Figure 5.
Bevel protector and sheets, economically attractive
for short-term storage.
68
World Pipelines
/
SEPTEMBER 2014
