Stoppers - A Guide to Size and Use

Inflatable cylinder stoppers are used in construction during various phases of site preparation and in the building of long-distance supply lines. They can be used to test for both air and water leakage as well as to temporarily plug piping segments during repair.

Consider that in preparation for constructing a large building, there can be kilometres of pipelines run beneath the project. Once built, these systems are covered in earth and eventually covered by building foundations. Large-scale construction pipelines must be tested in segments, so as to be certain there is no leakage prior to construction moving on to the next phase. For that purpose, there are available a variety of inflatable cylinder stoppers.
 

Construction of Inflatable Stoppers

Inflatable cylinder stoppers are constructed of high quality Kevlar cord reinforced rubber sleeve, surrounding a heavy-duty steel core. Cores are fitted with steel end caps and fittings that allow them to be connected to a source of pressurised air. When deflated, pipe stoppers can be easily slid into an open pipe end, then pressurized to form a powerful plug. This allows water pressure to be applied to pipelines and the pipeline tested for leakage. These large pipe stoppers can also be used as temporary repair, dividing off sections of damaged pipeline.
 

Stoppers - A Range of Sizes

Inflatable cylinder stoppers are available for pipes as small in diameter as 200 MM and as large in diameter as that of a small car. These megaplugs can reduce in size to be easily handled and carried into a pipeline such as those used for sewers and water drainage. When not inflated they are small enough to pass through an opening the size of a manhole.
 

New Stoppers Protect Workers

New standards of safety for air testing often do not allow for workers to venture into potentially dangerous air environments. Stoppers are now available for remote air testing. These stoppers are capable of being lowered into a chamber and making a turn before being seated in a pipeline or cylinder. Paired usage of remote air testing stoppers allows for pressurization on opposite ends of a pipeline and subsequent gauging of leakage.
 

Groundforce Offers Stoppers and Other Specialised Construction Tools

From small inflatable stoppers to huge megaplugs, Groundforce has the equipment you need. Groundforce is one of the United Kingdom's major providers to the construction industry. They offer a unique range of specialty equipment and supplies, including survey equipment, piling equipment and stoppers. During their twenty years of experience serving the construction industry, Groundforce has developed a specialized selection of products and the accompanying support resources. These include large-scale shoring and forming equipment. For information on quotes, general pricing and the Groundforce range of services, call 0800 000 345 or email groundforce@vpplc.com.