Gel Engineering encountered a challenging situation when tasked with removing an obstruction from a pipe. The obstruction, an inflatable bung (stopper) with a hose attached, had wedged itself into the opening of a smaller pipe, causing potential flow disruptions and blockages in the system. The contractor, needed a reliable solution to remove the obstruction efficiently and avoid costly shutdowns and excavations.
The inflatable bung (stopper) was located approximately 20 meters from the end of the pipework, posing accessibility and retrieval challenges. This obstruction also posed a significant threat to the facility's operations, risking further blockages and complications. Gel Engineering needed a solution that could reach and remove the obstruction without causing additional damage or disruptions to the system.
Gel Engineering opted to utilise the Picote Grabber, along with an additional extension piece, to effectively retrieve the obstructing inflatable bung (stopper). Picote is recognised for their innovative pipe cleaning and rehabilitation tools, and S1E Ltd were able to supply this crucial tool by working collaboratively with Keyline’s Reading Branch to have the Grabber ready for contractor collection. This tool was designed to reach deep into pipes, effectively grasping and removing obstructions without the need for extensive excavations. The combination of a jetter to clear debris and maneuvering the grabber behind the bung (stopper) proved instrumental in dislodging and removing the obstruction.
The coordinated efforts involving the Picote Grabber and extension piece, the Gel Engineering team achieved their goal of removing the obstruction swiftly and efficiently. By avoiding the need for excavation through a second filter bed, they minimized downtime and ensured minimal disruption to operations. The successful resolution of the pipe obstruction demonstrated the effectiveness of Picote's innovative solutions in overcoming challenging pipe maintenance issues, as well as S1E's commitment to provide quality customer service on time sensitive challenges.
"I'm incredibly grateful for the assistance provided by S1E Ltd and Keyline. The Picote Grabber, along with the extension piece, proved to be invaluable in removing a stubborn obstruction from our pipework. Without this innovative tool, we would have faced extensive downtime and costly excavations. Thanks to S1E, we were able to resolve the issue swiftly and resume normal operations, saving both time and money. I highly recommend the Picote Grabber for its efficiency and effectiveness in tackling complex pipe obstructions."
Andy Simpkins, Senior Project Manager at Gel Engineering.
