Articles

The advantages of inflatable pipe plugs

When handling a line stop operation, you have two primary pipe plug variations to choose from: inflatable and mechanical. Both types can be effective at getting a workable seal, but there are certain conditions and situations when it makes the most sense to use an inflatable plug. In this article, we’ll cover what inflatable plugs are and when it makes the most sense to use them. 

What is an inflatable plug? 

Inflatable...

Drain flushers are an effective yet affordable way to unclog your drains. This handy tool can save you time, money, and stress and ensure that your plumbing is running smoothly!

There are two types of drain flushers - rubber bladders and blow bags or fabric drain flushers like the DrainJet® (industrial canvas). Deciding which one will work best for you depends...

Pipe plugs are used for un-isolatable pressure in pipelines. When plugging a pipe, there are multiple factors that you need to be aware of in order to isolate a pipeline safely and effectively. One of the most important factors to measure and consider is the force from pressure or pressure differential.

In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at the forces that affect a pipe plug and how to verify if safe to isolate with the pipe plug of choice. 

What force is created...

Whether for maintenance, testing, or a temporary isolation, the need for an isolation point to isolate, block or create a barrier can be done in-service or out of service. When it comes to creating a required isolation point, there are several different options available to you, including mechanical isolation plugs, mechanical and inflatable line stop pipe plugs thru hot tap, an ice plug, or a live insertion type valve. In this article, we’ll take a look at these different pipe isolation solutions...

One of the most overlooked aspects of any restaurant operation is the drains. And most restaurants have a lot of them, with multiple kitchen sinks, dishwashers, bar sinks, just to name a few. Food service operations are fast paced and almost always busy, so it makes sense that properly maintaining pipes and drains isn’t at the top of their to do list. 

But the problem is that restaurant drains and pipes take a beating every single day, and failure to properly clean them can lead to serious...

If your drain is slow or completely clogged, there are two overall solutions at your disposal: use a chemical drain cleaner or physical drain cleaning tools. Petersen Products offers a variety of drain flushers to clear household, business, industrial and municipal drains. They use water pressure to create a powerful jet action and high flow rate to clear debris and buildup from household sinks, plumbing pipes, pool skimmer lines, sewer mains...

When NASA has unique challenges, they reach out to Petersen Products in Fredonia, WI for solutions.

Over 10 years ago, Petersen designed inflatable landing pods for NASA to safely land a lunar lander (picture above).

The most recent project was on a much larger scale, with Petersen’s team designing, testing and building a highly customized annular torus (like a large donut). “The challenge was mostly for engineering and the shop people because of the size and complexity...

A lot of factors go into choosing the best pipe plug for your specific application. Whether mechanical or inflatable, every plug is used to block some type of media, whether water, air, sewage, or something else. Using the correct one allows you to make repairs, replace sections of pipe systems, and perform other jobs with minimal disruption to your operation.

To complete the project properly, you have to ensure your pipe plug fits the pipe and can handle the pressure, temperature, and media...

Petersen Products’ molded rubber inflatable test plugs are designed to test drain, vent, and waste systems for residential, commercial, and industrial piping systems. Our lineup easily fits test tees, closet bends, sanitary tees, floor drains, and roof vents.

Our single size and multi-size rubber plugs are one of the most popular pipe plugs for low pressure testing. The drain pipe plugs are available with and without...

Pipeline workers use different forms of pipeline testing to analyze the integrity of their pipes. Learn more about these testing methods with this guide.

Oil and gas companies must be diligent about the quality of their pipelines. Consistent monitoring and maintenance are crucial in preventing cracks, leaks, and other hazards throughout a pipeline’s lifespan. There are many different pipeline testing methods that pipeline operators can use to identify trouble areas before they become expensive...

Well maintenance prevents major damage and keeps water clean and healthy. Learn about the common forms of routine water system maintenance with this guide.

Many people across the country rely on well water to drink, bathe, do the dishes, and much more. As such, these homeowners need to know that their wells are both clean and operational. Preventative maintenance helps avoid dangerous problems such as contaminated water, corroded pipes, or disrupted water flow. Routine maintenance allows...

Excavation mistakes are the most common cause of pipeline damage. Keep your operation safe with these ways to protect pipelines from excavation damage.

When professionals and amateurs alike dig around pipelines, they pose a serious threat to your operation. A misguided shovel swing can strike buried lines, causing dangerous issues like dents or cracks. Irresponsible digging is the most common cause of pipeline damage. How can you prevent this from happening? Pipeline operators must work with...

Worker safety is an essential part of a successful pipeline operation. Learn how to stay safe on a pipeline construction site with these tips.

The oil and gas industry relies on safe and durable pipelines that stretch across the country. As such, installing, maintaining, and repairing these pipelines is a crucial job that requires dependable and vigilant employees. Workers in these types of construction settings must take extra care while on the job. Heavy machinery, dangerous products, and...

Proper pipeline maintenance protects equipment, workers, and end-users. Learn how to maintain a section of pipeline with these helpful tips and procedures.

Pipeline operators have an essential responsibility to their companies, their employees, and the general public. That responsibility is proper pipeline maintenance. Failure to keep a pipeline in good shape can lead to damaged equipment, destroyed environments, and injured personnel. That’s why proper maintenance must be a priority for...

Pipeline repair is an essential part of ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of oil and gas products across the nation. When cracks, corrosion, or other damages threaten a pipeline, operators must act quickly to address the issue and prevent hazardous leaks and spills. This is often easier said than done. How do you repair an underground pipeline quickly and without draining your budget? One solution is cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) point repair. From the necessary materials on how CIPP point repair...

Line stopping is useful, but there are certain considerations to make beforehand. Learn about the various requirements for executing a line stop with this guide.

Line stopping is a process that allows pipeline operators to install or repair a section of pipeline without halting service. By isolating and bypassing certain sections of pipe, workers can perform maintenance without shutting down the entire system. This can save operators a lot of hassle and money, but only if done correctly...

Which pipe plug is right for your pipeline and project? Always purchase the right products with this guide to the different pipe plug materials.
 
There are a few considerations to make when you purchase plugs, fittings, and other products for your pipelines. After all, you need to ensure the product is a reliable fit for the pressure, temperature, and product requirements of that specific pipeline system. One of the most important considerations to make when purchasing pipe plugs is the...

Line stopping allows operators to perform necessary work on their pipelines. Learn the importance of line stops in pipeline maintenance with this guide.

When planning pipeline maintenance, operators must balance the cost of shutting down service with the risk of performing repairs while the pipeline is live. While these methods can prove useful in some scenarios, there are times when neither seems like a good option. That’s where line stopping comes in. Line stop services provide a safer...

Accurate measurements are crucial to a successful project. Make sure you have the right supplies with this guide on how to measure pipe size and pipe fittings.

The success of any project hinges on having the right supplies on hand. When it comes to pipes and fittings, finding the right size is essential, but it can also be confusing. If you’re gathering supplies for a project, take care to find accurate sizes. You don’t want to get halfway through your work to realize that certain pieces...

The International Organization for Standardization strives to develop standards, solutions, and best practices for various industries across the globe. The standards the ISO puts forth focus less on individual business objectives and more on how to improve processes and products to achieve those goals. Petersen Products is proud to meet the ISO 9001:2015 standards, so we can provide the best service possible for our customers. Learn exactly what this means and how it benefits your company with these...

Pipeline leakage can be devastating to the environment, your productivity, and your reputation. That’s why oil and gas companies work diligently to prevent these accidents from occurring. Following best practices and performing routine maintenance can greatly reduce the risk of pipeline problems. Unfortunately, accidents can still happen. Pipeline operators must identify and understand the common reasons why pipelines leak. With this knowledge in hand, you can acquire the solutions, equipment, and...

Hydrostatic tests are a reliable way to ensure your pipeline is free of leaks and other disruptive damage. Operators can perform hydrostatic tests without completely disrupting service or causing damage to the pipeline system, making it an efficient and cost-effective method of testing. That said, hydrostatic tests are only effective when you perform them correctly. That’s why the American Society of Mechanical Engineers has the ASME B31 Pressure Piping Code for pressure and leak tests. This code...

Offshore pipelines play a key role in delivering products from ocean mining sites to factories, businesses, and homes. However, laying pipe along the seafloor can be challenging. Workers must ensure that the pipe reaches the ocean floor without taking or causing damage. Additionally, gas pipelines need extra weight to ensure that they continue to lay flat on the seafloor. To get around these obstacles, pipeline manufacturers utilize three main methods of installation: S-lay, J-lay, and tow-in installation...

Environmental concerns create some of the most significant challenges for the oil and gas industry. Pipeline constructors and operators must find a way to meet environmental codes and regulations while continuing to run efficient, cost-effective pipelines. Fortunately, there are a number of ways companies can avoid or offset the environmental impact of pipeline construction. With a little extra effort and innovation, operators can create pipeline systems that do their job while upholding environmental...

Every year brings new challenges and expectations for the oil and gas industry. Learn all about the industry’s 2020 trends with this overview.

No matter what part you play in the industry, it’s important to stay on top of news, trends, and other vital, ever-changing information. The oil and gas industry has its share of uncertainties, including economic fluctuations, trade agreements, and societal energy transitions. From contractors working with industrial pipeline products to the business...

When conducting pipeline inspections, you and your team need the right tools for the job. Using the wrong pipe plug can lead to ruined tests, cracked pipes, and a lot of time and money down the drain...