Accurate gas line locating and mapping is an integral step in the construction and maintenance of polyethylene pipe systems. Most of the time traditional locating techniques are sufficient, but what happens when those methods fail due to absent or faulty tracer wire connections, or from incorrect or non-existent mapping? This can result in a loss of time and money due to unnecessary excavation, or even worse, accidental damage to the system resulting in a gas leak. Thankfully there are numerous products available that can help you accurately locate and map these “unlocateable” gas mains and service lines! With these tools, you’ll be able to easily trace any hard to locate pipelines and ensure future locates go smoothly.
Insertable Tracers
Tracer wire is usually placed along buried PE pipe to assist in locating the system prior to future digs. A signal is transmitted through the wire, and through the use of a locator, allows the pipe to be traced and marked in order to avoid damage during excavation. Unfortunately accidents happen, and oftentimes that wire can be become severed or disconnected, resulting in the pipe path becoming untraceable. That’s where the Jameson Live Gas Main Line Tracer Kit comes in!
By tapping into the pipe with an insertion tee, the Main Line Tracer Kit is capable of inserting a rod into the line without blow-by up to 125 psi. The rod’s internal copper wire can then be energized to radiate a signal to the surface for tracing with a proper locator along a continuous path with minimal or no excavation. With up to 600 feet of rod to insert, a good length of pipe can now be located, properly marked, and digging can begin.
Directional Entry Tool
If you’re looking to tap into the system in order to insert a camera head into the line, or if you just want more control of your insertion, we recommend using the Jameson Directional Entry Tool. Also allowing no blow-by up to 125 psi, the tool’s vertical insertion makes the rod entry easier by facilitating that difficult first bend while also providing a 360° rotation that allows it to be fed in either direction of the pipe. The Directional Entry Tool fits most camera heads 1-3/8” in diameter or smaller and works on PVC, PE, steel and ductile iron mains.
Hot-Tapping System
Whether you’re in need of a one-time, reusable or permanent port for future access, the Georg Fischer Central Plastics Surtap Tapping System and VersaTap Electrofusion Insertion Fittings work in conjunction with the Jameson Directional Entry Tool to provide exactly that. Once installed, these access ports help aid the insertion of the Main Line Tracer, inspection cameras, shut off bags, bladders and butterfly valves, and can also be used as a siphon or purge point.
Key-Hole Gas Camera System
If you need to inspect a pipeline’s internal condition or pinpoint a specific segment of damage without excavating the entire area, a Key Hole Gas Camera System can provide those answers. Like the Main Line Tracer, the camera system can be easily inserted with the Directional Entry Tool through GFCP VersaTap fittings, allowing you to easily feed the rugged camera head through the system and internally inspect up to 400 feet of pipe to reveal any damage that needs repairing.
Electronic Marking System Technology
Once the pipeline system has been traced and repairs have been made, permanently mark those lines so they can be easily located in the future. This can be accomplished by dropping in an electronic marking system along the pipe path. 3M’s Electronic Marking System (EMS) consists of multiple options dependent on the system’s depth. These range from near-surface markers for a max depth of 2 feet, ball markers for depths down to 5 feet, and full-range markers that can be placed down to 8 feet.
RFID models are also available. These can be programmed to include customer-specific information such as facility data, type of application, material type and size, & placement date. Once placed, future locates can be performed quickly and accurately with the use of a 3M EMS locator.
Another virtually maintenance free solution for marking and locating the path of underground PE pipe and conduits is 3M’s EMS path marking tape and rope. Both options can be used to provide pinpoint locating accuracy at depths down to 4 feet.
Save time and money
If you’re looking to increase production and avoid the expense and headache of extensive excavating due to untraceable pipe systems, EGW Gas Solutions can help. Our knowledgeable Territory Managers are here to answer any questions you may have and you can even schedule a demonstration for a first-hand look at how easy locating unlocatable pipe systems can be.
For more information on any of the products described above, don’t hesitate to contact us! Give us a call today at 972.446.1655 or send us an email at sales@egwusa.com.
