flexpipe systems comments for trenching

Flexpipe Systems (US) LLC 1155 North Dairy Ashford St., Ste. 450, Houston, TX 77079 Main: +1-281-670-2105 Fax: +1-281-670-2164

www.flexpipesystems.com

August 14, 2013 Flexpipe Systems comments for trenching:

Re: Total Project

For conventional trenching activities, Flexpipe Systems has no limitations in terms of depth and

width of the trench unlike those specified by local regulations. In case of road, railway and

highway crossings Flexpipe Systems recommends to follow certain guidelines explained below.

In addition to trenched pipeline applications, Flexpipe Systems endorses the use of our

spoolable Products in temporary or permanent surface pipelines.

Recommendations and guidelines for conventional trenching:

Trenches must be wide enough to accommodate FPLP. Use proper bell hole sizes wherever work has to be done. (i.e.: crossing, tie-in points, etc.)

Where the trench follows a curve, the bend should be gradual and must not be smaller than the operational bend radius for that particular pipe size.

Ensure that trench floor is as uniform as possible so that it does not cause any unnecessary point loads on FPLP.

Typically Flexpipe Systems Spoolable Products are strung out beside the trench and lowered into the trench manually. Normal lowering procedures can be followed (Flexpipe Systems Spoolable Products can be lowered using a sling or a cradle).

When lifting Flexpipe Systems Spoolable Products in close proximity to a fitting, lift the fitting, rather than directly lifting the pipe



Recommendations and guidelines for crossings:

Installation of Flexpipe Systems Spoolable Products is well-suited to a variety of crossings. Design of road, railway, and highway crossings must be in accordance with the regulations of the governing body, local authority, railway company, or highway department.

Where applicable, depth of cover shall not be less than the applicable requirements of 0.60 meters for rock excavations and 1.20 meters for excavation on normal ground.

Recommendations and guidelines for crossings using casing:

Flexpipe recommends casings for crossings of all public roads, highways and railways.

Crossings of lease roads and general areas where only light weight traffic is expected (cars and pick-up trucks) wherever the minimum burial depth is shallower than 1.2 meters (4 ft).

Crossings of lease roads and general areas where heavy weight traffic is expected (heavy trucks, cranes) wherever the minimum burial depth is shallower than 2 meters (6.6ft).



Recommendations and guidelines for Surface Installation:

Where permitted by the appropriate regulatory body, Flexpipe Spoolable Products can be used above ground for permanent and temporary surface flow lines.

Appropriate hazard control measures should be implemented in consideration of the elevated risk of injury or property damage inherent in surface installations.

Surface pipelines are subject to heating by solar radiation. Flexpipe Spoolable Products with white jacket reduces solar heating and is required for surface lines. The operating temperature of the pipe, including the effect of solar heating, must be prevented from exceeding 60C (140F) for FP and FC and 82C (180F) for FPHT

Secure the line at all corners or bends, and at intervals no greater than 150 meters (500 feet) and/or at every coupling fitting in long straight stretches. The line should be secured by covering the pipe to a depth of 0.60 to 1.20 meters (2 to 4 ft) over a length of 3 to 8 meters (10 to 25 feet), or by other restraints such as sandbags, dirt piles, or anchors at corners and bends and at intervals along straight stretches, or as deemed appropriate by field personnel. Where trenching is used, a gradual slope should be used for entry and exit to avoid shear loading

flexpipe systems comments for trenching

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