When it comes to pipeline construction and maintenance, choosing the right support system is crucial. PipePillo® pipeline supports are an innovative solution designed to meet the unique challenges of trenching, particularly in difficult terrains.
Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about PipePillo® pipeline supports, also known across the industry as pipe pillows, pipe cones, or pipe stands, to help you understand why they are the perfect fit for your project.
What can I use PipePillo® pipeline supports for?
PipePillo® pipeline supports are highly versatile and suitable for various applications. They are primarily used as permanent in-trench pipeline supports, offering a reliable alternative to traditional methods such as sandbags, foam supports, and dirt padding. As they are stackable, PipePillos® are also highly effective for:
- Stringing and welding
- Supporting pipes during integrity digs
- Inspection and fabrication
- Pipe storage
This versatility makes PipePillo® an invaluable tool in any pipeline contractor’s arsenal.
Will PipePillo® support float?
No, PipePillo® pipeline supports will not float. They are specifically designed to stay in place and provide stable support for pipelines, even in environments where water is present. Their structure ensures that they remain anchored, preventing any unwanted movement or flotation.
How long do PipePillos® last?
PipePillos® are designed to outlive your pipeline, providing 90 degrees of support for the full-service life of the pipeline. Their inert material properties nature means they won’t degrade or break down over time, providing a permanent solution that outlasts the life of the pipeline. This longevity makes PipePillo® a cost-effective choice for long-term projects.
What are PipePillo® pipeline supports made of?
PipePillo® pipeline supports are manufactured from reinforced polypropylene. This unique composition is not only incredibly durable but also environmentally inert. Unlike traditional materials, PipePillo® is softer than pipeline coatings, ensuring your pipeline remains protected without causing damage during installation or over time.
Find out how PipePillo® provided support to the Mountain Valley Pipeline.
Found out how PipePillo® provided support to the Mountain Valley Pipeline.
Can I use PipePillo® pipeline supports on rocky terrain?
Yes – One of the standout features of PipePillo® pipeline supports is their design, which specifically accommodates uneven and rocky trench bottoms. The supports are engineered to remain stable, providing consistent and reliable support even in the most challenging trench conditions. This stability ensures that your pipeline maintains its integrity and alignment, regardless of the terrain.
How much does a PipePillo® pipeline support weigh?
The weight of a PipePillo® pipeline support varies depending on the size selected. The smallest size weighs just 0.4 kg (0.8 lbs), making it easy to handle and install, while the largest size weighs 19.4 kg (42.8 lbs), providing robust support for larger pipelines. For detailed information on the weight and capacity of all available sizes, it’s best to contact a PipeSak® sales representative who can guide you to the best option for your specific needs.
How many PipePillo® pipeline supports do I need?
Due to their extreme load-carrying capacity, PipePillos® can be spaced further apart than standard sandbag or foam configurations, reducing the number of supports needed. Indirectly, PipePillo® supports are significantly easier to install, leading to lower labor expenses and faster project completion times. Contact us for a spacing estimate.
Can PipePillos be used out of trench for stringing?
Yes, PipePillos can be used for stringing. PipePillos have stacking shoulders which add 6-8” of height per PipePillo. They also have a low stacking height which can further adjust the height requirements by 3”. PipePillos are significantly lighter than skids and can create skid towers in a fraction of the time as skids. They can also be used for low-level bevelling applications. For installation into the ditch, the top PipePillo can be tied to the pipe and simply lowered into the trench with proper support already there.
How do PipePillo® pipeline supports prevent pipeline ovality?
PipePillo® provides 90 degrees of permanent support to prevent pipeline ovality and provide stability. Their design ensures that the pipeline remains in its intended shape, reducing the risk of deformation and the need for expensive repairs. In third-party testing, PipePillos® provided better ovality protection at their standard spacing than any level of compacted sand bedding.
The flexibility of PipePillo® supports allows them to absorb stress without compromising the pipeline’s integrity.
Can PipePillo® pipeline support sink in soft soil conditions?
PipePillo® supports are designed with a generous bearing area to prevent sinking, providing excellent stability in most soil conditions. For extremely soft soils, you can easily enhance this stability by attaching the PipePillo® support to a plywood base, ensuring reliable performance even in the most challenging terrains.
What size pipe can I use PipePillos® for?
PipePillo® pipeline supports are stackable and available in a wide range of sizes, accommodating pipelines with outer diameters from 4 inches up to 48 inches, and everything in between. This versatility makes them suitable for a variety of pipeline projects, regardless of size.
How do I use PipePillos®?
PipePillo® supports are lightweight and designed for quick installation, requiring less labor and time compared to the manual effort needed to position and secure multiple sandbags. PipePillos® can be tossed into the trench and straightened, slid down a 2×4, tied to the pipe, or even installed with a hydraulic excavator accessory- a PilloPicker. This ease of installation not only saves time but also reduces overall project costs, as fewer resources are needed for setup and adjustments.
PipePillo® pipeline supports offer a reliable, durable, and versatile solution for pipeline projects of all sizes. Their unique composition, ability to perform in difficult terrains, and wide range of applications make them an excellent choice for any pipeline contractor. If you’re looking for a support system that will stand the test of time, PipePillo® is the answer.
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