Articles

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...

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

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...

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. Understanding pipe fitting size is essential when gathering supplies for installation or repair. Learning how to measure pipe and fitting sizes—and how to measure pipe thread specifically—is crucial for accurate installations or repairs.

The success of any project hinges on having the right supplies on hand. When it comes to pipes...

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 testing is 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...

We know plumbing can be messy, but it can also be dangerous. From slips and falls to toxic chemicals to searing steam, plumbers may face a range of hazards. To keep you and your team safe, here are eight best practices on protective equipment for plumbing contractors...

A hydrostatic pipeline test is one of many procedures that allows pipeline workers to ensure a pipeline system is operating safely...

Pipeline breaks can be both disruptive and dangerous. Corroded metal, cracked pipes, and other damage can lead to a loss of resources and product leaks that can harm nearby people, wildlife, and environments. If your pipeline needs repair, it’s important to do the job quickly and effectively. The sooner you solve the problem, the sooner you can get your infrastructure up and running again. Learn more with our guide on how to fix broken portions of pipeline without severely disrupting service...

Hot tapping is a process that allows pipeline repairs or expansion to be completed without disrupting normal operations or depressurizing the system. The benefit of hot tapping is that sections of pipeline can be isolated and flow can be stopped with minimal downtime and without stopping production. Due to the nature of this repair there are inherent variables to consider to mitigate risks. It starts with a thorough knowledge of these types of repairs and experience followed by a good plan. When...

Hot tapping is a process used to attach a branch connection to a pipeline without needing to depressurize or disrupt normal operations. The technique is also used to isolate sections of pipe for maintenance by plugging or stopping the line. Hot tapping is also referred to as line tapping, pressure tapping, pressure cutting, and side cutting...

When installing pipe plugs, safety should be your top priority. Plugs and line stops are used in high pressure situations that can quickly become dangerous or even deadly if the proper procedures and precautions are not followed. To help avoid accidents or injuries, read this guide for tips and best practices to install pipe plugs in the safest way possible...

Inflatable pipe plugs are a staple in pipeline maintenance and operation. The right pipe plug allows you to hold inspections, make repairs, and perform other operations on a pipeline with minimal interruption. When you can perform maintenance on a section of pipeline without draining it or otherwise halting its operations, you can preserve your infrastructure and cause as little hassle as possible for everyone involved. Of course, not all pipe plugs are created equal. To get the job done, the plug...

Cameco Cigar Lake Uranium Mine

The Cigar Lake Mine, located in the Athabasca Basin of Northern Saskatchewan, Canada, is sitting on the world's largest undeveloped high-grade uranium deposit in the world. Operated and majority-owned by Cameco Corporation, Cigar Lake is expected to eventually provide more than 10% of the world's mined uranium.

But to extract the uranium ore, Cameco has to overcome significant technical challenges. For one thing, the main orebody is 430 to 480 meters...