Choice of Spacer Solutions for Pipe in Pipe Applications
Posted on Apr 16, 2024FT Pipeline Systems has a range of spacer solutions for your pipe in pipe applications. Steel, DI or plastic pipes to be installed in a tunnel? We can accommodate all your requirements with bespoke or off-the-shelf solutions according to your preference and considering your specific requirements.
KwikZip – plastic segment solution
FTPS has been stocking and supplying KwikZip products since 2015 and has seen a significant uptick in sales in the last two years. The solution is a simple one using HDX or HDXT segments to make up a spacer, using the zip locks to joint the segments and integrated grub screws to tighten the segments together, enabling the antiskid pads to be in full contact with the surface of the pipe to be inserted.
Each spacer consists of 3 or 5 runners, with up to 10mm compression to ensure load shared bearing across several contact points. The PE spacers are made from KwikZip’s engineered thermoplastic blend, which provides high strength, low friction of between 0.15-0.20µ and high temperature resistance. The spacers can also be reinforced with load inserts which significantly increases the load carry capacity.
APS – wheeled and skid carbon steel or stainless steel solutions
FTPS can also provide a half moon solution for your spider requirements – available as FBE coated carbon steel with EPDM liner or stainless steel, with a set of fixings either side making for a straightforward installation. Available with standard skids or wheels, the latter solution can utilise the ApogeeAero™ anti-rotation design made from glass-filled polymer, with a flexural strength of 40,000 PSI and tensile strength of 27,000 PSI.
The wheeled solution significantly reduces the friction coefficient compared with skid solutions making this product ideal for heavy weight installations and the solutions are made bespoke to suit the length and material of the tunnel, and the diameter and weight of the carrier pipe. The pipe can be centrally placed, restrained if required and optics or multiple pipes accommodated.
