Centralising a pipe correctly can save time and money, as well as prolong the life and overall success of a pipeline installation. By following these top tips below, you can ensure that your future pipeline installations will withstand the test of time.

Specifications: Ensure that you are choosing the correct spacer for your particular installation and project specifications. This appears to be a straight-forward consideration, however, often spacers that ‘only just’ comply with project specifications are used due to cost requirements or more suitable products not being available.

Your type of pipe casing should also be considered when choosing a spacer system.

Metallic spacers have a track record of damaging plastic casings such as fibreglass or GRP casings and can greatly reduce the lifespan of the pipeline installation.

Finding a single spacing product that is versatile and flexible to suit a range of diameters and casing materials could mean that only one product is required for the entire job. This in turn will save on time, money and your contractor’s patience.

In terms of microtunnelling installations, contractors will assure you that precision is the number one priority. Therefore, choosing the correct spacer becomes crucial to the overall accuracy of the project.

Standards: There is currently no Australian standard for spacers used in pipelines, however ensuring that your pipe centralisation method complies with board and authority best practices is encouraged for successful pipeline installation. Water authorities such as the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) provide a list of codes available for purchase that will guide you toward complying with industry good practices.

Durability: The durability of a spacer is equally as important as the durability of the pipe, casing and other equipment. For projects such as Waterflood or Produced Water Injection Wells, in most cases, the water being re-injected is highly corrosive. Because of this, it is essential that inert spacers are considered.

Strength of the spacer also becomes more important as the size of the pipe increases. So ensuring that you are choosing a centralising system that supports the weight of your pipe is crucial to overall pipeline success.  

Speed: Experiencing delays during pipeline construction is never desirable, and setbacks during pipe centralisation can slow down overall installation of the pipe. When choosing a spacer or centralizer system, aim for one that can be easily packaged, transported and reassembled on site.

Delivery and time costs can be large, so be sure to check the packaging and delivery options of your spacer system to avoid delays either on-site or during transportation.

Technical Support: When using different products and equipment on a pipeline project, it is worth considering the availability of technical support for each.

The designers of the spacer and centralizer units at kwik-ZIP for example, have shown how effective it is for clients to work with a supplier that is Australian owned and based.

“As kwik-ZIP is Australian owned, clients and contractors are given the ability to directly contact the manufacturer to provide assistance and support throughout installation,” said Jason Linaker, Managing Director and kwik-ZIP.