Pipe Spacers

Bespoke pipe spacers for the gas sector

Pipe spacers are a requirement for many pipelines and, while we offer a range of standard options, we have developed some bespoke pipe spacers with the gas sector in mind. Originally developed for and in conjunction with Cadent, with guidance from Rosen (UK), we offer pipeline spacers for dead insertion of PE pipe over Weko Seals in cast iron mains. They have been successfully trialled in central London and allow large diameter PE pipe to be pushed into a cast iron mains without the need to remove Weko Seals from spigot and socket joints. The bespoke spacer is an encirclement band with wheeled ramps for installation onto PE pipe. The spacer simply rolls over the seals and brackets holding them in place.

Our bespoke product significantly streamlines the relining process by addressing key challenges and enhancing safety. The main benefits and features of these spacers include:

1. Safety and Efficiency: By allowing large-diameter PE pipes to be inserted without removing Weko Seals, the need for specialist operatives to enter the pipes is eliminated. This significantly reduces health and safety risks, including those related to ground failure and flooding from nearby water mains.
2. Bi-directional Functionality: Unlike standard one-directional roller systems, these spacers are designed to be bi-directional, which is crucial in environments with restrictive entry points, such as the trials conducted in central London.
3. Cost and Time Savings: Excavations require significant planning and, in addition to the environmental impacts of these activities, costs for road closures, soil removal, and reinstatement can total up to £60,000 per trench. Weko seal removal normally requires air flow trenches every 100m. By using spacers, these trenches are no longer required, reducing the overall timescale, disruption to customers and general public, and eliminating this cost from the operation.
4. Recognition and Validation: The product’s effectiveness and innovation were recognised by the industry, as evidenced by winning the ‘Product of the Year’ award at the IGEM gas awards in 2022.

This solution seems to have significant implications for the future of pipeline maintenance and installation in the gas sector, providing a safer, more efficient, and cost-effective method for managing PE pipe insertion over Weko Seals..

We offer spacers that accommodate large diameter, heavy-weight metallic pipework through to smaller plastic carrier pipes, and include in their range the ability to provide bundled solutions, or cluster spacers, as they are known.

All options can be utilised on the majority of requirements, but a combination of commercial and technical considerations need to be taken into account so as to come up with the best solution for the job. Please get in touch if you’d like more information by emailing enquiries@ftgascontrol.co.uk or calling 01543 416024.