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FAQ
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How long can a PipeSak® Geotextile Pipeline Weight (GPW) sit in the sun?
PipeSak® GPW’s are manufactured using high-grade geotextile grade fabrics that have been treated for UV exposure.
When filled, PipeSak® GPW’s withstand direct sunlight for a minimum of 500+ hours (approx. 50 – 120 days, depending on conditions and time of year).
If filled PipeSak® GPW’s are expected to be exposed to the elements for extended periods, in excess of 6 months. We recommend they be covered by a tarp or silage wrap.
Empty PipeSak® GPW’s are packaged with a UV resistant cover designed to protect them from the elements for extended periods of time.
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Will a PipeSak® Geotextile Pipeline Weight (GPW) block cathodic protection?
No, PipeSak® GPW’s will not block or impede cathodic protection systems.
PipeSak® GPW’s are manufactured using a permeable geotextile fabric rated for underground use. When filled, PipeSak® GPW’s are as permeable as the ballast they are filled with.
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Can PipeSak® Geotextile Pipeline Weight’s (GPWs) be hand-filled? Why would I need a filling frame?
While PipeSak® GPWs can be filled by hand. For larger sizes and/or quantities, the volume of fill material required may make hand-filling impractical.
PipeSak® Filling Frames greatly increase the efficiency of filling PipeSak® GPW’s.
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Should PipeSak® Geotextile Pipeline Weights (GPWs) be filled with sand, stone, or another fill material?
PipeSak® generally recommends filling with a clean local aggregate, sand or gravel, whichever is most readily available.
In freezing conditions, PipeSak® recommends filling with a natural, screened stone aggregate with a consistent size, to reduce instances of freezing.
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Why do PipeSak® Geotextile Pipeline Weights (GPWs) ship empty?
It would not be economically viable to ship filled PipeSak® GPWs across large distances. Instead, PipeSak® GPWs are shipped empty and filled on-site with local aggregate.
PipeSak® does retain stockpiles of filled PipeSak® GPW’s in select locations across the continental U.S., allowing PipeSak® to fulfill time-sensitive orders. If you have an immediate requirement, please contact a PipeSak® representative.
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Why is there more than 1 size of PipeSak® Geotextile Pipeline Weight (GPW)?
Each PipeSak® GPW is exactly sized to ensure that the weight of the PipeSak® GPW rests on the bottom of the trench (as opposed to on the pipe), with the top fabric of the PipeSak® GPW tight to the the pipeline to restrict uplift.
Additionally, PipeSak® GPWs are designed such that, when filled, the width of the PipeSak® GPW is proportional to the outer diameter of the pipeline. This ensures there is no wasted expenses on unnecessary trench widening required.
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Can PipeSak® Geotextile Pipeline Weights be made to sit lower on the pipeline to reduce the required depth of cover?
PipeSak® GPWs are designed specifically to be extremely low-profile, with a minimal amount of protrusion above the top of the pipeline.
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Will PipeSak® Geotextile Pipeline Weights (GPWs) cause pipelines to sink in light soil?
No. PipeSak® GPWs are designed to rest on the bottom of the trench without placing pressure on the pipeline itself, restricting uplift.
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How many PipeSak® Geotextile Pipeline Weights (GPWs) can PipeSak® fill in a day?
Depending on size, location, and conditions, PipeSak® typically produces between 100 and 200 filled PipeSak® GPWs per day. Production per day can be greatly increased by adding additional filling crews.
PipeSak® filling crews are economical, safe, efficient and have decades of experience. Contact a PipeSak representative to inquire about our filling services and training services.
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How many filled weights can be hauled per load?
Filled PipeSak® Geotextile Pipeline Weights (GPWs) range in weight between 100kg (220lbs) to 5670kg (12,500 lbs), depending on size.
The number of PipeSak® GPWs which can be hauled per load fluctuates with size, weight, and mode of transportation. A PipeSak® representative would be happy to provide a detailed answer based on your exact requirements.
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Why is it important to have a woven fabric for geotextile pipeline weights?
The main reason for a woven non-coated fabric is to ensure an easy path for cathodic protection. In addition, todays woven fabrics are engineered to be extremely strong, long lasting and resist any tearing.
PipeSak® GPWs are designed to carry an immense amount of weight safely. To achieve a 5x safety factor, a strong woven material is required.
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What is the life expectancy of a PipeSak® Geotextile Pipeline Weight (GPW)?
PipeSak® GPWs are made from an inert, non-biodegradable, underground-rated material which ensures that when properly handled and installed to outlast the lifetime of the pipeline.