PlugCo Pipe Plugs are designed to provide a secure seal for pipes, for maintenance, testing or repair purposes. But, how to choose the correct Pipe Plug for your specific application?
Pipe Diameter
First of all, to choose the correct Pipe Plug Model, it is essential to know the inner diameters of the pipes in the site. PlugCo offers a wide range of multi-size pipe plugs allowing you to cover an entire range of pipe sizes using fewer plug models. You can refer to the technical table of inflatable pipe plug models to choose the correct one for your needs: Pipe Plug Models.
Pipe Media
PlugCo manufactures Pipe Plugs for different applications, from gravity wastewater pipelines to oil & gas pipelines. So, it is important to identify the media in the pipe when selecting the right model. While the pipe plugs made of SBR+NBR are suitable for wastewater pipelines, the Nitrile Pipe Plugs are the ideal models for oil & gas pipelines. PlugCo Team is available to assist you if you are confused about the suitable pipe plug to use in your application.
Back Pressure
The Back Pressure that the Pipe Plug must withstand is one of the key criteria when choosing the suitable pipe plug. The back pressure refers to the force that pushes the plug in the pipe. It is called water head too. 5 meters water head refer to 0.5 bar back pressure. Although the Pipe Plugs are typically used in low-pressure gravity pipelines, PlugCo provides High Pressure Plug option too.
Pipe Material
The Back Pressure ratings listed in PlugCo Catalog are defined based on dry concrete pipes. However, the pipe plugs of PlugCo are suitable for pipe materials. So, it is enough for you to mention the pipe material so that PlugCo team can choose for you the suitable Pipe Plug Model.
Pipe Shape
While Inflatable Pipe Plugs are suitable for Cylindrical Pipes, the Conical Models are used for other different shapes such as square, rectangular, egg-shaped pipes and other irregular shapes.
Access Point
Although the Cylindrical Pipe Plugs are multi-sized and flexible which make them suitable for different sizes of manhole, it is impossible in some cases to be used because of the small manhole or access point to the pipe. In such cases, conical plugs become the ideal solution due to their foldability feature.
Application
After considering all the above criteria, let’s not forget to consider the application purpose while choosing the suitable pipe plug. While the Inflatable Pipe Plugs are used for blocking the pipe, the Pipe Test Plugs are equipped with a Bypass line to test or to bypass the flow in the pipe.
Now that you know all the criteria, you can easily choose the suitable pipe plug for your application.