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Overview
Kingairloch is a remote part of Scotland in the United Kingdom. Located on the western coast of Scotland, this area is sparsely inhabited with the largest town at Fort William, some 45 km away.
At Kingairloch is located a power station with a turbine house. In 2006, SSE realized the need to rehabilitate over four kilometers of pipeline..
In 2006, a team of PMP© installers headed to Kingariloch to install 25 Amex-10© seals. Amex-10© seals were chosen by the end client for the the ability to individually test each installed seal for pressure leaks, as well as the ability of PMP© to enter the pipe safely.
Challenges
Given the location of the pipe and its usage, there were multiple challenges facing the installation team.
First, due to the incline of the pipe, access and installation was conducted by rope access (IRATA). Additionally, the pipe was coated with PEAT, which is a residue found in both water and whiskey, which makes the pipe slippery and dangerous for entry and working in.
Due to the pressure change from 0 bar at the intake to 25 bar at the turbine house, the end client wanted the ability to pressure test each seal after installation and every 5 years after.
Pressure checking seals
In certain situations, end clients want to be sure that the seals are tight on the host pipe. In this case, Amex Sanivar© can place a nipple into each seal that is then used after the seal is in place to check that the seal has properly and fully sealed to the host pipe.
This is done by using some soap and water and going over the connection between host pipe and seal. Then, pressure is inserted through the nipple, causing the seal to inflate. If bubbles are noticed where the soap and water was rubbed, then the seal needs to be refit. If no bubbling occurs, then the seal is leak-proof.
Outcome
After several days of work, 25 seals were successfully placed and each individually tested. Since the original installation, the PMP© team has returned every 5 years to re-test the seals and has also placed 30 new seals.
Amex Mono© Specifications
How it works
● Amex© Seals are composed of EPDM rubber providing both flexibility and endurance
● With a size range from 180mm to 6000mm, there is something for almost every job
● Depending on the damage, the width of the seal ranges from 180mm to 600mm
● Tested to withstand internal pressures of up to 25 bar and external pressure up to 8 bar
● The seals can be installed in any type of pipe material and most shapes
Main advantages
● Use of hydraulic tool allows for quick and easy installation
● Design life of over 50 years!
● More than 30 years of experience between our technicians
● Own production and service
● No resin, no impregnation, and no curing needed
● Can be custom made to fit your specifications