Background
In a strategic effort to modernize gas infrastructure, SaskEnergy began a project in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to replace outdated galvanized gas services with advanced HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) pipes. The company wanted to enhance service reliability and safety while minimizing the environmental impact of replacement. To ensure the success of this project, SaskEnergy collaborated with Kobus Inc. and its engineers to capitalize on its innovative pipe pulling technology.
New service line is installed onto the KPP400 in preparation for pull
Pulling cable is attached
Old service line after pulling
Objective
The primary purpose of the collaboration was to train SaskEnergy crews on how to proficiently use Kobus Inc’s KPP400 (Kobus Pipe Puller 400). The training would ensure that SaskEnergy’s crews were fully competent with the technology and offer best practices for maintaining health and safety standards during operation. Additionally, the session was designed to provide practical insights and techniques our team had accumulated from global experiences in various soil conditions.
Process.
During the training, Kobus engineers demonstrated the replacement of old 5/8″ and 3/4″ galvanized steel pipes with new 3/4″ HDPE pipes. These service lines spanned 80 to 86 feet from the gas main to the household gas meter. The soil and substrate consisted of fine, loose black dirt with low moisture content at a depth of four feet.
Five gas services were replaced during the session, showcasing the remarkable efficiency of the pipe puller method. Unlike the directional drilling they were accustomed to, no potholing of surrounding utilities or labor-intensive trenching was required. The pipe puller quickly removed the existing steel pipe while simultaneously bringing the new HDPE behind. Moreover, the KPP400 eliminated the need for extensive ground disturbance and was easily maneuvered into tight spaces.
Each setup and completion cycle for pipe replacement took less than 15 minutes, with the actual pulling time ranging from only 4 to 8 minutes for service lines between 83 to 86 feet. The training utilized two types of cables from Kobus — the 10mm (⅜”) cable for 85-foot 5/8″ and 83-foot ¾” galvanized steel service lines and the 14mm (9/16”) cable for an 86-foot service line and two others. Together the demonstrations highlighted the equipment’s versatility and dependability.
Outcome
The training proved to be a resounding success. SaskEnergy crews quickly grasped the operational simplicity of the pipe puller while maintaining rigorous safety standards. Notably, the training session was devoid of cable failures, pipe puller malfunctions, or damage to adjacent utilities, highlighting the reliability and safety of the technology.
SaskEnergy expressed high satisfaction with the training outcomes and appreciated the advantages of the pipe puller method. The positive experience has prompted SaskEnergy to consider integrating the pipe puller into its routine operations and is now considering expanding its pipe puller fleet. As they continue with infrastructure renewal projects, the innovative approach is set to become a cornerstone of their strategy to modernize gas services efficiently and safely.
Conclusion
The successful training session by Kobus’s engineers underscores the potential of pipe-pulling technology in infrastructure projects. By reducing time, enhancing safety, and minimizing environmental impact, the pipe puller method presents an essential advancement in the much-needed replacement of aging gas service lines. We look forward to more opportunities to collaborate on training initiatives that improve operations and encourage the adoption of pipe-pulling technology.