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PLCS is dedicated to providing quality products that work to solve your problems from people who understand the gas industry. We like to keep you aware of any new developments or products PLCS has to offer. |
 | The Safe and Simple Solution to Gas-Free Bagging-Off: The ALH PSI Bagging-Off System |
 In natural gas distribution systems it is frequently necessary to isolate and shut down a portion of a main to perform some type of maintenance, renewal, or emergency work. Procedures for performing the shutdown can differ slightly depending on location, system pressure, equipment and company procedures. With today's increasing demands for safer Gas-Free* operations the PSI Bagging-Off System helps tackle these demands. The ALH System-One tapping machine and valve provide the platform from which PSI bags can be launched Gas-Free* into mains operating at pounds pressure**. No expensive sleeves or fittings are required or remain on the main upon shutdown completion; all that remains is a NPT plug or one of our Low-Profile completion plugs. Two types of bags are currently available; Sensor and Flowstop. Both are cylindrical in shape for improved sealing and have a flexible back bone for smooth effortless insertion/retraction. The Sensor bag has the added feature of allowing mains pressure ahead of the bag to be read without an additional tap hole. The PSI Bagging-Off System is so simple to operate that minimal training is required for your crews. No more waiting for specialized crews or fittings and no delays due to scheduling conflicts.
*In a controlled gas environment.
**Consult PLCS, Inc Bag Inflation and Location Matrix |
| PLCS Improves the System-One Operation with a Magnetic Plug Carrier and a Vulcanized Saddle |
For more than 20 years the ALH System-One tapping machine has proven itself to be a reliable, versatile and safe platform for Gas-Free* drilling and tapping. It is also used for tee, bag and plug installation/removal, live camera insertion etc. and we haven't finished there. As a result of customer comments we have recently made two improvements to the System-One to make its operation even easier.
 System-One Saddles: The metal saddle with its rubber gasket is the foundation of the system providing a gas tight seal between the valve and the pipe. During typical use the saddles are exposed to harsh field conditions and over time the rubber gasket can exhibit signs of wear and tear and even complete disbondment. Normally these saddles are returned to PLCS for repair. However, rather than continue to repair we investigated the cause and looked for a solution. After many trials to establish the best method for bonding the gasket to the saddle it became came clear that permanently vulcanizing them was the most efficient answer. The vulcanizing process generates an extraordinary bond that is many times greater than the original design and as a result the saddles now have a much longer service life.
 Plug Insertion: The System-One plug insertion tooling relied upon the quality of the largest diameter of the plugs tapered thread to be loaded into the carrier. Unfortunately plug threads have become more inconsistent with foreign manufacturers and the top threads are also more vulnerable to damage. To overcome this issue we completely changed the mechanism for holding the plugs. The new tool engages the square head of the plug in its square hole for a much more positive drive and the plug is securely held in place by a powerful rare-earth magnet attached to the plug fitting shaft.
Needless to say both improvements dramatically increase the tools overall adaptability to various project conditions, making the system better and safer.
Magnetic Plug Fitting Shafts and associated plug carriers are now available.
*In a controlled gas environment |
Unique Products for the Gas Distribution Engineer
