“If I ever have a question, I can call and speak directly to the manufacturer at kwik-ZIP. I can have one of their people out on site to provide any required assistance- that is one of the major benefits of using an Australian made, quality spacer system.”

– Joe Pezzimenti, Director at Pezzimenti Trenchless.

The production of kwik-ZIP spacers and centralizers was certainly no accident. Designed by industry drilling professionals, the lack of quality spacing systems on the market drove the kwik-ZIP creators to design a product that would not only solve the common problems faced by pipeline contractors, but also revolutionise the pipe spacing industry within Australia. In fact, kwik-ZIP spacers are the only centralizers that are 100 per cent Australian owned, allowing contractors to have the ability to be in close contact with the manufacturer at every step of the way.

Joe Pezzimenti, Director at Pezzimenti Trenchless, has used kwik-ZIP spacers across a wide range of trenchless projects for a number of years, including his team’s most recent installations as part of the Victorian North Interconnect Expansion project (VNIE) . According to Mr Pezzimenti, not only do they comply with spacing standards and codes, they are one of the most flexible, practical and cost-effective options on the market.

“The lack of suitable spacing products available led me to use kwik-ZIP spacers and centralizers. They are flexible enough to suit even the most challenging of specifications and are strong enough to last.  Choosing kwik-ZIP over other spacers was an easy decision – to put it simply, other products are just not strong enough, are impractical or too expensive,” said Mr Pezzimenti.

kwik-ZIP vs other centralising methods

Using metallic spacers or ‘home made’ or self made centralising methods such as timber inserts have proven to pose higher risks of failure when it comes to installation.

“Before kwik-ZIP came onto the market, metallic spacers or timber supports were often used by contractors for pipe centralisation. These methods – especially the use of wood – can be impractical or unreliable, as the timber can become loose over time. Using wooden inserts to space a pipe also does not comply with most current standards. kwik-ZIP spacers on the other hand, do comply, and offer contractors like myself a practical and safe alternative,” said Mr Pezzimenti.

The kwik-ZIP advantage

The kwik-ZIP spacer and centralizer range can be fitted on all forms of pipeline installations, from oil and gas, civil pipelines, water pipelines to trenchless drilling. Being made wholly from thermoplastic materials, kwik-ZIP spacers and centralizers are easy to install and gentle on all types of pipe casing.

According to Mr Pezzimenti, when it comes to trenchless installations, kwik-ZIP offers yet another advantage.

“Microtunneling is all about accuracy. Lines and grade require the utmost in precision and kwik-ZIP spacers simply add an extra measure of accuracy to the process.”