How to Use the Pipe Packer

Pipe Packers are a group of products including Flexible Packer, Flow Through Packer, Bendy Packer and Flexible Pillow Packer. The main purpose is repairing damages or cracks in the pipelines without digging, as it is a trenchless solution.

These packers are an easy to apply and cost-effective solution for the contractor and for the client. They create adaptable solutions for different problematic pipeline damages and hard to reach joints and places. The packer system is a sectional repair method for all types of drainage and sewer pipes.

How to select suitable pipe packer type?

Flexible Packer: It is cheapest model among the packers. They are suitable for repairing pipeline joints or short pipeline sections along with chemical repair patches. PlugCo calls it FPP model and recommend its use for standard application.

Flow Through Packer: It includes a flow-through (Bypass) connection to bypass flow during repairing application. This model is recommended to be used for live pipeline to be able to allow fluid pass through the bypass. On each side of the packer there are wheels attached at an angle of 120 degrees to prevent bend over while transported along the pipeline. PlugCo calls it FTP model.

Bendy Packer: It is flexible double layer reinforced rubber used to repair 45-degree and 90-degree elbows. Its deflated shape is plane and it becomes like snake once it is inflated. PlugCo calls it BP model.

Flexible Pillow Packer: It has a foldable and has a flat shape. This makes installation of the packer easy, especially if the access opening or manhole is relatively small. Also, PlugCo’s pillow packer are approximately 35% lighter than standard packers of equivalent size, making them easy to carry on the job site, very maneuverable, and quick to install. PlugCo calls it FP-P model.

The main question;

How to use the pipe packer?

Below instructions should be followed for it.

The exact position of the repair and size of repair point should be determined beforehand through the use of a CCTV system.
1. If the damages or cracks are not mentioned and are not known by the contractor, CCTV system should be used to see the damaged are.
Packer patch kit should be prepared.
1. Patch kit is main course for this repairing job. It includes two materials;
  1. Resin mixture made up of two components, resin and hardener. Mixing ratio depends on repair method and outdoor temperature. They should be mixed thoroughly by blender/mixer.
  2. A fiberglass mat is impregnated with resin mixture according to repair method.
Chemical mixture should be applied on the fiberglass mate.
Pull the packer protection foil completely over the packer and secure at each end with the cable’s ties provided.
Fold and wrap the impregnated fiberglass with resin around prepared foil-protected packer and center it.
Install the packer and patch into pipe.
Push the preassembly packer with the help of air push rods or pull it with a rope or with robot to the point of repair, determined beforehand.
Once it has reached the correct position in the pipeline, it is gradually inflated using the air supply up to the working pressure. (It is indicated on the packer)
1. We highly recommend cleaning the pipe prior to repair with a high-pressure water jet to remove grease, roots and other deposits. The pipe surface does not need to be dry; the patch can be installed without any problem even if the pipe is full of water.
The packer with resin impregnated fiberglass mat can then be cured at ambient temperatures according to the information provided in the method statement or technical datasheet.
1. Wait for the required time for curing.
2. The required cure time depend on the climatic condition within sewer and resin type-refer to table.
After the resin is completely cured, the packer is deflated and removed from the pipe.