Handling and Storage

Vinidex PE pipes are available in a range of sizes ranging from 16mm to 1000mm in configurations complying with AS/NZS4130. Pipes may be supplied to customer requirements in either small diameter pipe in coil lengths up to 9500m, or in straight lengths up to 25m. Vinidex PE pipes are robust, flexible, and offer the installer many cost saving advantages. Whilst they are resistant to site damage, normal care and good housekeeping practices are necessary to ensure trouble free operations.

Handling

Handling of Vinidex PE pipes is made easier due to the light weights of both coiled and straight length pipe. Care must be exercised however, to avoid damage to the pipe walls, pre-assembled end fittings, or sub assemblies.

Safety aspects need to be addressed, as the nature of PE pipes is such that in cold and wet weather the pipes become slippery and difficult to handle. In these circumstances, additional care should be exercised when handling coils or bundles of pipe. In hot weather, especially with black pipes, the pipe surface may reach 70°C, when the ambient temperatures reach 40°C. Handling PE pipes at these temperatures requires gloves, or other protection, to prevent the possibility of skin burns.In conditions approaching freezing, the impact resistance of PE reduces, and care must be exercised to prevent damage during handling.

Fabric slings are recommended for lifting and handling PE pipe in order to prevent damage. Wire ropes or chains should not be used. Where pipes are in coils, the slings must be placed evenly around the entire coil. Similarly, where coils or straight lengths are lifted by fork lift the contact points must be protected. When lifting coils, the lifting must be performed on the entire coil, and the fork lift tynes not inserted into the coil winding. When lifting packs of pipes, the tynes must be placed under the entire pack, and the tynes not pushed into the pack. Pipes must not be lifted by placing metal hooks into the ends of straight lengths.

Pipe lengths greater than 6 metres should be lifted using a spreader bar, and wide band slings. PE pipes will flex during lifting, and care needs to be exercised to prevent damage to pipes or end fittings arising from contact with the ground. Care needs to be taken to centre the pipe in the slings.

A reduction in the pipe wall thickness of up to 10% may be tolerated. However, sections with sharp notches should be rejected, or the damaged area buffed out to remove the sharp edges.

Transport

PE pipes stacked for transport must be evenly supported in order to prevent distortion. All bearing surfaces must be free from contact with sharp objects. Any projecting sections such as stub flanges must be supported to prevent damage.

For straight lengths of pipe, suitable support beneath the pipes is provided by beams of minimum width 75 mm, spaced horizontally at 1.5 m centres. For rectangular stacks, additional vertical supports at 3 metre spacing should be used. For pyramid stacks, the bottom pipe layers also need to be chocked to prevent stack collapse.

For large diameter pipes (DN 630 and above) it may be necessary to tom, or internally support the ends of the pipe in order to prevent distortion. Where end treatments such as flanges are applied in the factory, these treatments must be protected from damage.

Where coils are stacked vertically the stacks may need to be restrained in order to prevent the bottom section of the coil being flattened or distorted.

Storage

Pipes should be stored in an area that is flat and does not have any sharp objects or projections which may cause damage or distortion to the pipes. Stacks of straight length pipes are suitably supported by timber spacers of minimum width 75mm placed at 1.5 metre centres. The recommended maximum height of long term stacks is as listed in Table 5.1. Where pipes are crated, the crates may be stacked with the frames close together and alternating. The maximum height shall be such that the stacks are stable and the pipe is not permanently deformed.

PE pipes are capable of supporting combustion, and need to be isolated from ignition sources. PE pipes must be kept away from high temperature sources, and not be in contact with objects of temperature higher than 70°C. Storage of PE pipes in field locations may be subject to fire regulations, and the requirements of the local authorities must be observed.

Black pipes do not need protection from the effects of UV exposure, but coloured pipes, if potentially exposed for longer than 24 months, may need protection. In selecting the method of protection consideration may need to be given to temperature effects, as elevated temperatures may lead to pipe distortion.

Storage Heights

Straight Lengths

Coils

Note: Coils must be stacked flat, and evenly. The maximum height should be such that the bottom coil of pipes is not distorted.