THE PROCESS

To employ the process, there is some disturbance to the existing environment, but it is held to a minimum. The process involves only the digging of an insertion pit and very few "service access pits". Since the digging into the surface is limited to relatively small access pits, pipebursting is much less traumatic than traditional pipeline replacement. Long sections of pipe can be replaced without introducing open trenches and heavy equipment. The HDPE butt-fusion welding operation provides flexible and jointless string of pipe for any length. Where available, existing manholes can be used. Gas, water, sewer, and production lines, as well as communication ducts have all been replaced with pipebursting, even in crowded underground situations. Experience has shown that the operation of pipebursting heads does not damage other buried utilities, even when they are only a few feet away. The surrounding soil serves to absorb the vibrations created by the pneumatic heads, and pipe fragments are pushed far enough away to prevent damage to the new pipe. And, since, most pipelines are below the frost line, pipebursting operations can be carried out safely at any time of the year. click image to zoom

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Date of last update: December 4, 2000

© 2000 AFCO Technologies, Inc.