|
 It's been weeks after Sandy, and gas companies are still feeling its effects. Many of the gas systems have been severely damaged and the cost to repair is enormous. PE pipe will replace much of the damaged gas mains. Given the magnitude of the task many gas utilities are opting to use coil pipe to achieve project savings due to the significant decrease in fusion activity, labor, and transportation costs.
 Traditionally PE pipe was installed using 40 ft. stick lengths. Although large diameter stick pipe may cost less per foot than PE coil pipe, straight lengths consume a substantial amount of time and labor to assemble them on site. The most obvious advantage of coil pipe is the drastic reduction in fusions needed during installation. Stick pipe requires a fusion at least every 40 ft. and each fusion takes around 20 minutes to complete when considering the overall moving, fusing and cooling times. PE pipe coils of up to 1,000 ft. are commonly available now and most installation can be completed with only two fuses, one at each end. Add it up, the savings are significant.
 Additional benefits using coil pipe vs. stick pipe: - Coil pipe takes up much less storage space and a large coil length can be easily mobilized to the job site safely using only a medium size pick-up.
- On a small project the coil is never removed from the trailer and does not need to be stored on site. If it is stored on site, it takes up little room and does not obstruct traffic.
- No long lengths of fused pipe lying in the roadway, obstructing driveways and risking damage when being dragged into the ditch. Coil pipe is uncoiled straight from the trailer into the ditch.
- No need for multiple trailers, one trailer can be used for 2" to 6" pipe.
- Coil pipe is especially suited to directional boring. No waiting for each fuse, no removing of outer beads, no internal beads and no potential leaks. The pipe can run as fast as the borer.
 A PLCS Coil Pipe Trailer is the perfect partner when installing 2"-6" PE coil pipe. The trailer is about the size of a pick-up truck making it invaluable in tight city streets, yet it can also lay high volumes of pipe at high speeds cross-country. The coil bay is equipped with a solar charged, battery/hydraulic power adjustment system for easy handling of every coil size. The pipe is automatically re-rounded and straightened by an integral mechanical "set and forget" combination of rollers. There is no gas engine to start on a cold morning (or to be stolen). The robust trailer construction is designed to stand up to site conditions and provide ultra safe coil pipe dispensing while requiring very little maintenance. The PLCS Coil Pipe Trailer is the preferred choice for any coil pipe project. Just ask our many repeat customers. In the NE these include National Grid, PSE&G and their contractors (37 trailers). Click to learn more about the PLCS Coil Pipe Trailer and other PE products. | 
Unique Products for the Gas Distribution Engineer
Even though Sandy is behind us, water in low pressure gas services not only make life difficult for the gas utility worker, but also for customers who rely on uninterrupted gas supply to heat their homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses. The rain, snow, ice and occasional water main break, can all contribute to the ingress of water into low pressure gas mains and service lines causing disruptions to supply.
