Versatile and cost-efficient stoppers bypass pipeline testing problems

Further downtime can be caused by the need to transport and install solid mechanical barriers with bracing to ensure safety during maintenance.

A solution to these issues is provided by rapidly deployed Pronal ORJT and ORJ inflatable elastomer stoppers from Air Springs Supply Pty Ltd, which give pipeline engineering and maintenance staff an easily transportable and secure way to conduct sealing and testing operations.

ORJT models feature bypasses that fulfil two important roles:

• Liquid and gas contents can continue to flow while maintenance work proceeds, with the bypasses in each stopper being connected by a conduit feeding through the secure void created between the two stoppers.
• Alternatively, the bypasses can be used to introduce pressurised liquid or gases into the void created between the stoppers, providing a testing media with which to detect leakage.

ORJ models, meanwhile, are designed for applications that don't require bypasses but which, like the ORJT models, can be rapidly deployed, easily transported and widely applied in remote, temporary and permanent industrial situations. They are suitable for all types of pipelines including concrete, cast iron, steel, stainless steel and PVC.

Each size of stopper can fit several pipe diameters between 45-1200mm. They feature flexible and strong vulcanised construction that moulds into the inside circumference of pipelines as the stoppers are pressurised, providing complete tightness and high safety thanks to large contact areas and circumferential rings.

"They are extremely strong and durable in service, being hot vulcanised in a mould to give outstanding service life," says Air Springs Supply National Marketing Manager James Maslin. "The big advantages of the technology also include simplicity, portability and re-use.

Maintenance staff don't need huge amounts of gear on site and the stoppers themselves are easy to transport around plants to remote locations, where they can be used, moved on, and used again and again. They are an ideal method by which to achieve compliance with statutory requirements in a cost-effective and efficient manner."