Air Springs Supply has introduced new ranges of cost-effective Pronal Vari-Plug inflatable pipe stoppers designed for rapid and safe deployment in testing and maintenance of concrete, steel and cast iron pipes.
Each designed to fit several pipe diameters measuring 45-1200mm, the inflatable multi-size Vari-Plug stoppers feature flexible and strong vulcanised construction that moulds into the inside circumference of pipelines as the stoppers are pressurised, providing complete tightness and high safety thanks to large contact areas and circumferential rings.
Also available with bypass to keep pipelines functional during maintenance and testing, Vari-Plugs offer wide compatibility with most pipe contents and come in weights and shapes that allow rapid deployment for tasks such as intervention to prevent leaks; repair of pipeline sections; tests of seals; air tests; and downstream repair with continuous flow.
The latest Vari-Plugs ranges now being introduced to Australia build on the successful application of complementary Pronal stoppers by national companies concerned about spills of potentially hazardous or harmful liquids. Increasing volumes have reduced costs and increased cost-competitiveness, says Air Springs Supply National Marketing Manager Mr James Maslin.
Pronal stoppers are used for maintenance, testing and emergency tasks in applications as diverse as oil and gas delivery, industrial and municipal water and waste water, and pollution prevention in mining, energy and industrial projects where sealing and testing operations need to be conducted not only with complete safety and environmental security, but also with considerable speed to maintain flows of liquids and gases.
Mr Maslin explains that inflatable stoppers have for years, enabled professionals in many different industries to do their jobs both safely and effectively. When water flow needs to be stopped, inflatable stoppers offer the most efficient solution to resolve the issue by creating an airtight seal within the pipe. Additionally, the stoppers can also be used to test air and water pressure, locate leaks, and even allow the injection of chemicals into a pipeline without a hazardous backup.
The Vari-Plug range is purpose built and designed for multi sized pipe stopper applications, with just four models required to plug pipes ranging from 200mm to 1200mm. The smallest Vari-Plug inflatable pipe stopper weighs just half a kilogram with the greater part of the range weighing 0.9-19 kg for easy handling and rapid insertion. Even the larger models, fitting pipes up to 1200mm weigh less than 70kg.
With inflation pressure of 2.5 bar and back pressure capability of 1 bar (10m water column equivalent), Vari-Plug inflatable pipe stoppers are also used in the field of sanitation to test the water-tightness of pipes and for maintenance operations.
Pronal produces inflatable stoppers for varying applications with the range including inspection stoppers, joint testing stoppers, anti-pollution stoppers, medium and high pressure stoppers for offshore use and self-contained stoppers for hazardous and nuclear use.
