Pipe Bursting
New HDPE pipe displaces old pipe. Increases diameter & flow rates.
When Pipe Lining Is Impossible, Pipe Bursting Is The Only Alternative
There are certain instances when cured in place pipe lining or epoxy pipe lining cannot be used for pipe rehabilitation. Examples would be if the pipe has partially collapsed, or the pipe is located so deep that the outside pressure from the ground water would not allow for the inflation of the cured in place pipe lining. In such cases pipe bursting is the only viable trenchless pipe rehabilitation method.
Pipe Bursting – How It Works
Sections Of HDPE Pipe Fused Together Ready To Be Pulled Into the Old Pipe
Unlike other pipe rehabilitation techniques, the initial step of cleaning the pipeline is not so important. What is critical however is that a video camera or jetter hose or some other tool can pass through the pipe from one end to the other so that a strong cable can be attached to it.
Steel Cable Attached To Pipe Bursting Head Attached To New HDPE Pipe
The strong cable is then attached to a pointed conical “bursting” head, which in turn is attached to the new pipe that will be pulled into place behind the bursting head. Sections of new pipe are attached to one another using heat to fuse the pipes permanently. Generally High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe is used.
Two Sections Of HDPE Pipe Being Fused Together
The pipe bursting head, which can be of larger diameter than the old pipe, is then pulled through the old pipe, breaking it apart and pushing it aside. the new larger diameter pipe follows behind in the void created by the bursting head.
Benefits Of Pipe Bursting Over Pipe Lining
First of all, the host pipe condition is not important. Any pipe can be pipe bursted. Secondly, the new pipe can be made to have a larger diameter than the old pipe, so flow can be increased. Thirdly, the new HDPE pipe is stronger than pipe lining. And last of all, the pipe does not have to be clean to be pipe bursted.
