Case Study: Pipeline and Infrastructure, Hydrants

Case Study: Pipeline and Infrastructure, Hydrants

Bell encapsulation sleeve used to repair new main

City makes flood mitigation improvements

Problem: In the summer of 2016, the city of Miami Beach, Florida, in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation, implemented a flood-mitigation program along the Indian Creek Drive/SR A1A corridor. The improvement included the installation of a pump station and elevation of the existing roadway and sidewalks to implement enhanced flooding solutions to the area. The pumping station required a 72-inch pipe to convey stormwater runoff from the pump station in Miami Beach to a nearby outfall. The project site was in a very tight construction space, located adjacent to a roadway on one side and a canal along the other side.

Solution: The consulting engineer, Ribbeck Engineering, and the general contractor, David Mancini & Sons, worked together to identify the most effective and cost-efficient solution. They selected 3,400 linear feet of 72-inch DuroMaxx SRPE pipe manufactured by Contech Engineered Solutions to convey the water from the pump station to the outfall. The pipe offers a watertight joint, laying lengths of 24 feet, a smooth interior for improved hydraulics, and durability. The drainage system included inline elbows, access risers, and lateral connections for 24-inch-diameter A-2000 PVC for an effective drainage solution.

Result: Both the city and Florida Department of Transportation were satisfied with the result as the surrounding community will greatly benefit from these flood-mitigation improvements to Indian Creek Drive. 800-338-1122; www.conteches.com. 


Swivel joint used to connect pipes buried at different depths

Problem: The city of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has a population of approximately 27,000 and is growing. A 12-by-6-inch tapping sleeve was being installed with a new valve, along with the replacement of a section of 6-inch AC pipe using new 6-inch C900 PVC. The 12-inch main was buried at a different height and angle to the new pipe, creating a connection issue.

Solution: Public Works Department crew supervisor Dean Roughton chose to use the HYMAX GRIP SWIVELJOINT from Krausz USA, a fitting that connects and restrains any two pipes at any angle from 0 to 90 degrees and allows dynamic deflection of up to 4 degrees per end. It connects and restrains piping materials including PVC, ductile iron and cast iron. Its hydraulic pressure-assisted gasket allows dynamic deflection of up to 4 degrees per end.

Result: It took the Myrtle Beach service crew less than an hour to install the joint and return water service to customers. The quick repair also reduced labor costs along with less time in the ditch while providing a long-term solution. 855-457-2879; www.krauszusa.com.


Butterfly valves provide uninterrupted water flow during servicing

Problem: The Foss Reservoir Master Conservancy District in southwestern Oklahoma had aging pipelines and no main valves in their distribution system to isolate the towns being served. Their water towers and storage tanks also required periodic maintenance, resulting in shutdown of their individual supply lines for emptying a tank. Drought also plagued the area, resulting in only one of the four intakes supplying water, which put more pressure on the reliability of that line. Over time, erosion of the concrete pipe caused leakages, and high pressure and reverse flows caused fittings failures. Whenever a leak occurred, standard operating procedure necessitated shutting down the entire system to make repairs. It was clear that greater control of water delivery within the system was critical. 

Solution: Class 150B 18-, 24- and 30-inch 150 psi Pratt butterfly isolation valves from Mueller were installed at each point where a line enters a city. These valves are rugged and reliable for buried service. The body-mounted elastomeric seat has ridges, which provide multiple sealing lines and permit higher levels of radial compression. Thus, stress in the seat material is reduced, allowing lower seating torques and optimal sealing action. The valves were also installed at tees within concrete vaults, where transmission lines lead to water towers and tanks. This arrangement permits continual flow of water throughout the rest of the system while supply lines to water tanks can be independently closed.

Result: Water is now flowing uninterrupted to consumers when maintenance is performed at any point within the water system. 800-423-1323; www.muellercompany.com.


Upgraded treatment plant calls for new valve configurations to maintain water pressure

Problem: Patoka Lake, Indiana, nearly doubled the size of its treatment plant’s capabilities with a complex network of pipes, booster pumping stations, elevated tanks and reservoirs. In order to keep the water flowing smoothly, they needed different control valve solutions to maintain the pressure in each district-metered area. 

Solution: Two bypass pump control valves from Singer were put in between the pump discharge and check valve to prevent surges when starting up the pumps and increase the pipeline flow. In addition, two 12-inch flowmetering valves with internal drop check were put in downstream of the pumps to prevent reverse flow situations and eliminate the need for a check valve downstream. Coupled with a Multi Process Control Panel, these valves have the ability to measure and control the flow, giving the user the ability to program varying set points of flows during the day. A 24-inch control valve partnered with an EPC-4XF control panel and X156 position transmitter for valve position indication was used to handle additional flows to multiple water plants equally.

Result: By choosing the right valves for each application and having the ability to tweak each valve with various backup features and remote control options, Patoka Lake gained the flexibility to manage their water distribution effectively. The upgrades will allow the city to grow and welcome new residents with reliable water flow. 888-764-7858; www.singervalve.com.


Bell encapsulation sleeve used to repair new main

Problem: The city of Olean, New York, needed to accept a new 6-inch-diameter ductile iron water main for immediate service. The line failed to pass the pressure test required for city acceptance due to a leaking push-on joint. The city could either replace the joint by performing a cut-in repair or encapsulate it.

Solution: The city decided on a bell encapsulation sleeve manufactured by Total Piping Solutions. The Quick-Sleeve allowed for the line to remain under pressure and eliminated the need for installation of two new joints and a section of pipe, and the need to disinfect the line. There was no disruption of service.

Result: In less than 30 minutes, the city repaired the leaking joint. The bell sleeve allows for 4 degrees of deflectional movement per end and is rated to 200 psi working pressure for water or sewer service conditions. 716-372-0160; www.tps.us. 



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