Radius Systems UPLUS team flow-stops gas main

UPLUS, working in partnership with Flowstop Services has successfully carried out what it believes to be a 'world first' in isolating a damaged 630mm polyethylene city centre gas main.

UPLUS are the field installation team from Radius Systems (formerly Uponor).

The project provided an effective flow-stop solution for the SDR 21 ProFuse polyethylene gas main, when part of the pipe was damaged by a mechanical excavator.

Supplies downstream were uninterrupted and repairs carried out, using an inflatable bag system developed by ALH-Systems and saddle technologies developed by Radius Systems.

Traditionally, this technique had been restricted to 315mm pipe diameters, so the operation represented a step change in the acceptance of this technology, providing a practical and cost-effective solution at large diameters to ease the process of making repairs and new connections to gas distribution systems.

UPLUS offers a full service for flow-stopping gas mains, including fitting access saddles and providing and deploying flow-stop bags.

UPLUS is also able to cut out a length of isolated pipe, connect and commission a replacement piece, and tee or cap it as required.

Flow-stopping provides a viable alternative to squeeze-off techniques for large diameter mains, reducing the size of the excavation needed, and thereby improving the streetworks management environment.

More information on flow-stopping techniques at larger diameters is available from UPLUS at Radius Systems on 01773 582312, or by emailing enquiries@radius-systems.co.uk.

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