**Inflatable Plug Warning: Maximum head pressures that a pipe
plug may restrain can only be estimated. Slippage is influenced
by many factors including fluid in the pipe, coefficient of
pipeline friction, pressure required to inflate the plug, and
accuracy of pressure gauges. Generally, a Multi-Flex™ Inflatable
Plug inserted fully into pipeline will begin slipping between
50% and 80% of the inflation pressure if it has an inflated pipe
contact length of 1 ˝ to 2 times the diameter, but even a head
pressure of 50% of the inflation pressure may cause slippage
with some liquids. The inflation pressure is also subject to
temperature change and debris or protrusions in the pipeline
that could rupture the plug. The inflation pressure should be
monitored and plugs anchored and/or mechanically blocked when
slippage could cause property damage or injury. NEVER use a test
pressure greater than the capacity of the weakest pipe or
component in the system. NEVER use an inflatable plug when its
failure could cause injury or catastrophic damage. NEVER use an
inflatable plug as the only means of protection for personnel
working down stream. |