Installation

Flexpipe Systems’ pipeline products are supplied on long-length continuous reels (up to 2100 meters or 6890 feet), and as such can be installed a number of ways. These include plowing, trenching and slip lining through existing failed pipelines.

Plowing - In a single-pass operation, a pipeline plow can trench, install FlexPipe or FlexPipe Linepipe, and cover the trench. This method is most beneficial when long continuous lengths of pipe are to be installed, and minimizes disturbance to the environment.

Trenching – FlexPipe and FlexCord Linepipe are supplied on continuous reels and therefore unspooling or stringing is very fast, requiring very little manpower and equipment. The pipe can be deployed using an ATV or truck. There is no joining of stick pipe (a joint is only required at the end of every reel), no x-ray, and no need to sand pad the ditch.

Rehabilitation of failed steel pipelines - Many existing steel pipelines are failing due to either internal or external corrosion. When this occurs the options are to repair the damage, replace the line, or pull another pipe through the existing failed pipeline. Pulling FlexPipe or FlexCord Linepipe through the failed line is a economically and operationally viable option. Some of the advantages to installing FlexPipe Linepipe through failed lines include:

• The existing failed pipeline is the conduit to pull FlexPipe or FlexCord Linepipe through.
• Pulling FlexPipe or FlexCord is fast; production gets back on sooner.
• Fewer landowner challenges. The construction involved in pulling pipe through existing lines is unobtrusive.
• No cost to repair the existing failed pipeline.
• No pressure test is required for the existing failed pipeline. FlexPipe Linepipe is now the new pipeline.

Surface Installations – FlexPipe Linepipe with a white jacket can be used above ground for permanent and temporary surface flow lines.  At this time, FlexCord’s lower maximum operating temperature precludes the product from use in this application.

Surface pipelines are subject to heating by solar radiation. A black jacket would potentially absorb solar radiation and reach excessively high temperatures very quickly when exposed to direct sunlight.  Flexpipe Systems offers FlexPipe Linepipe with a white jacket to mitigate this issue.  A white jacket is relatively resistant to solar heating. The temperature of the pipe and the fluid being transported must be considered in determining the maximum allowable operating pressure of the pipeline, and the temperatures must be prevented from exceeding 60˚C or 140˚F. 

During a FlexPipe surface installation, appropriate hazard control measures should be implemented in consideration of the elevated risk of injury or property damage inherent in surface installations. When used as a temporary surface line, the pipe and fittings can be re-spooled and reused.

The Flexpipe Systems Field Services department provides support services for the installation of the company’s products, including training courses, project coordination services, equipment rentals, onsite inspectors, and installation supervisors. Experienced managers and project coordinators are on call 24 hours per day, seven days per week.  Flexpipe Systems strives to ensure successful installation of its products on every project.