SMARTFLEX RE-TUBING SUCCESSFULLY CARRIED OUT IN HOLLAND

SMARTFLEX RE-TUBING SUCCESSFULLY CARRIED OUT IN HOLLAND

SMARTFLEX RE-TUBING SUCCESSFULLY CARRIED OUT IN HOLLAND

A successful re-tubing operation was carried out with SMARTFLEX pipe item code TSMA40 on a service station in Holland. The outside diameter of the existing piping was 1 1/2" with an inner diameter of only 48 mm. Neverthless, installers were able to insert the SMARTFLEX pipe and pull it through. The existing pipe was first cleaned with a jet nozzle. The SMARTFLEX pipe was heated up by the pipe conditioner to around 55°C to ensure sufficient flexibility. For pulling, a digitally controlled mobile winch was used. This winch was used to ensure an even and un-interrupted pulling process at a pull speed of ideally 8 m/min. The pull force was max. 60 kgf at the start. Once the SMARTFLEX pipe was moving, the required force dropped down to 20 kgf. To minimise the required pull force and create a path without damaging the existing copper pipe a bulb shaped stainless steel pull head was developed to pull the SMARTFLEX re-liner. In total, 8 suction lines were re-tubed. Flow measurements carried out prior to and after the re-lining process have shown that in most cases the flow capacity has even increased. Re-lining/re-tubing is a very cost effective and quick way to upgrade the suction pipe system for modern fuels as the fluid tight floor remains untouched. Soon, the relining operation will be carried out at another service station with longer suction lines that have more curves than the first site, a real challenge. Installers were surprised how smooth it all went in this first site. Another big succes for NUPI team and its products!