New inflatable pipeline stoppers introduced to Australia

The globally proven OPL and OPLT pipe plugs, with or without bypass as required, are designed for easy portability and perfect sealing of water, sewage, hydrocarbon and chemical process pipelines.

Made of high quality vulcanised rubber for enhanced quality and durability in sometimes aggressive environments, the stoppers are used by industries such as agribusiness processing, food and beverage manufacturing; mining, energy and bulk handling processes; oil and gas plants; construction and infrastructure projects; local authority water and waste water applications and process engineering procedures and safety testing.

The stoppers are designed for use in a wide variety of pipes, including steel, plastic and concrete, over diameters ranging from 30 - 2000 mm, with just four plug sizes covering the 100 - 2000 mm range. The stoppers permit sections of pipeline to be effectively and safely isolated for maintenance and leak testing.

Weighing from 200 g to 145 kg for the biggest model with bypass – the plugs are easily transported to remote infrastructure and construction sites, says James Maslin, Technical Product Manager for actuation, isolation and suspension specialists Air Springs Supply, which is national distributor for Pronal elastomer products through its nationwide sales and service network.

Pronal OLPT stoppers – optional accessories include single or double bypass for pipe testing and dewatering, handling wire, inflation line, remote inflation/deflation device and air/water exchange system.

“Rather than installing valves to shut down sections of pipelines, the stoppers are introduced and inflated to stop pipe flow during maintenance or to seal newly installed pipes for air-tightness tests,” he said.

OPL and OPLT stoppers are the latest additions to Air Springs Supply’s ranges of globally respected Pronal products, including lifting cushions and elastomer products used in demanding applications by major construction, infrastructure and utility industries, militaries, civil defence, emergency and rescue organisations, oil and gas producers and ports.

“Wherever outstanding quality and durability are required for reliability and safety, Pronal products are trusted to deliver outstanding results. Their latest OPL and OPLT stoppers complement a comprehensive range of sealing products, including stoppers custom-engineers to prevent environmental spills,” said Mr Maslin.