Installation of Flowtite Pipe

 Long life and good performance characteristics for Flowtite pipe can be achieved by proper handling and installation of the pipe. It is important for the owner, engineer and contractor to understand that glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) pipe is designed to utilize the bedding and pipe-zone backfill support from recommended installation procedures. Together, the pipe and embedment material form a "pipe-soil system" that provides support for the installation.

Engineers have found through considerable experience that properly compacted granular materials are ideal for backfilling pipe, including GRP pipes. Despite this fact, in an effort to reduce the cost of installing pipes, very often the excavated trench soils are used as pipe zone backfill. Recognizing this need, Flowtite Technology engineers have developed burial limitations for Flowtite pipe based on the use of six different soil groups ranging from crushed stone to low plasticity fine grained soils.

Factors affecting installation

In general, there are a number of factors which combine to provide a quality installation:

Installation types

Two different types of buried installation are available for the engineer to consider.

Each of these factors is dealt with individually and collectively in the Flowtite Installation Instructions. Flowtite has also created a computerized specification program called SpecsOnDisk which assists in the proper selection of pipe stiffness and backfill soil, dependent primarily on burial depth and native soil type.

For complete instructions, consult Flowtite Pipe Installation Instructions for Buried Pipe.

Above Ground Installations

The design of an aboveground installation is highly dependent on the properties of the specific pipe used. Recognizing this, Flowtite Technology's engineers have developed very detailed aboveground installation instructions for Flowtite pipe, stiffness class (SN) 5000 or higher. These instructions cover cradle spacing and design, hold-down straps, allowable coupling rotation and other relevant information unique to Flowtite pipe. For the use of Flowtite pipe on steep slopes (over 20 degrees), we recommend that an aboveground installation be considered. Please refer to Aboveground Installation Instructions.

[Case history information also is available for aboveground installations.]

Sub-Aqueous Installations

Flowtite pipe and couplings, using the Reka sealing gaskets with marine harness lugs, are an excellent system choice for sub-aqueous installations. The outstanding internal and external corrosion resistance of the Flowtite products, together with their light weight and ease of joining are very effectively utilized. The standard 12-meter length of Flowtite pipe will reduce the number of underwater joints to be made and, depending on available transportation methods, special lengths up to 18 meters may be available. With proper design, long strings of Flowtite pipe can be assembled on shore, towed to their place of installation and sunk into a pre-dredged trench.

[Case history information also is available for sub-aqueous installations.]