Pipe-pushing machines are employed in pipe-renovation projects, and are used widely in the utility industries to insert new PE pipe into existing metallic mains. The new machine is supplied with an hydraulic power unit delivering 100bar at 80li/min, or 200bar at 50li/min, resulting in a maximum pushing force of 11 tons. With an insertion speed of up to 4m/min, the machine will typically install 300 to 400m in one operation. By fitting insert shells, it will accommodate pipe down to 350mm diameter.
The company’s standard range includes a 125-mm pneumatic machine plus 180-mm, 315-mm, 350-mm, and 500-mm hydraulic models. Each machine can accommodate various smaller pipe diameters by fitting insert shells. Manual pushing machines are also available for inserting service pipes with diameters between 20mm and 40mm.
Pipe pushing machines are used as a safe and cost effective alternative to the use of winches or excavators and slings for inserting pipe. Steve Vick International’s machines work on the principle of grasping the pipe in a set of jaws, thrusting it forward, and holding it in that position whilst the jaws return to the start position ready to push the pipe again. Pneumatic and hydraulic machines are operated by a simple control lever and none requires specialist operator skills. The pushing action can be reversed should an obstruction be encountered, allowing the operator to withdraw the pipe a short way and try to insert it again. If the obstruction persists the problem can be investigated by excavating without having to remove the remainder of the inserted pipe. The new 630-mm pushing machine can be hired or purchased..
