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PVC and Trenchless Techniques: Slip-lining Applications

Picture of Patrick van Bezouw Patrick van Bezouw Jun 10, 2025 12:37:26 PM

Applications of PVC Pipes
PVC and Trenchless Techniques: Slip-lining Applications
PVC and Trenchless Techniques: Slip-lining Applications
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Jointing Methods for PVC Pipes

Traditionally, PVC pipe connections are commonly made using a rubber seal joint. This method is widely used due to its ease of handling and reliability in many applications. However, for certain applications, particularly those requiring the pipe to withstand tensile forces, such as long pipelines subject to the Poisson effect under pressure, tensile-resistant end-joints are necessary.

Polyolefin (PO) pipes are typically joined using electrofusion couplers or butt welding. While historically less common for PVC, PVC butt welding is being increasingly promoted for specific trenchless applications.

Trenchless Applications: Slip-lining

Trenchless techniques, such as directional drilling and slip-lining, allow for pipe installation or rehabilitation with minimal disruption to the surface. Slip-lining involves inserting a new, smaller pipe into an existing pipeline.

For these trenchless methods, particularly slip-lining, the ability to create long, continuous sections of pipe is highly beneficial. This necessitates strong, tensile-resistant joints that can withstand the pulling forces during installation and the potential longitudinal stresses during operation.

PVC butt welding has recently been promoted for use in directional drilling and slip lining applications. This highlights the increasing suitability and acceptance of PVC for these demanding installation methods when joined using a technique that provides a robust, tensile-resistant connection. The development and promotion of PVC butt welding for these applications signifies an expansion of PVC's utility beyond traditional open-trench installation methods.

Technical Considerations for Trenchless PVC

Although the focus is on the jointing method, successful use in trenchless techniques also depends on factors such as the pipe’s external abrasion resistance and flexibility, which are inherent material properties. The specific butt welding process for PVC (referred to as "Fusible PVC" in Photo 2) requires specialized equipment and skilled operators, similar to PO butt welding.

 

FAQ Section 

Why is butt welding becoming important for PVC in trenchless applications like slip-lining?

Trenchless techniques like slip-lining require the pipe string to withstand significant tensile forces during installation. Standard rubber ring joints, commonly used for PVC, are not tensile-resistant. Butt welding creates a fused joint that is strong and tensile-resistant, making it suitable for these demanding pulling applications.

Are there specific PVC materials or jointing methods recommended for directional drilling and slip-lining?

 

PVC butt welding is recently being promoted for directional drilling and slip lining applications. This method creates the necessary tensile-resistant end-joints required for pulling pipe strings over distance. The photo caption also refers to "Fusible PVC" in the context of butt welding, suggesting specific materials or formulations may be optimized for this jointing technique.