Steve Vick International Ltd products

Live Gas Mains Insertion is similar to normal insertion of polyethylene pipe (PE) into an old cast iron main with one very beneficial difference. By using a special gland box, the old main is kept live throughout the insertion process and the new PE is gassed up to maintain gas supplies to customers. Once insertion is complete, the main is still kept live to supply customers via the annular space until it is operationally convenient to transfer the services to the new main. Live Mains Insertion is used for the insertion of low pressure (up to 75mbar) cast iron mains from 3” upwards and a wide range of PE/cast iron diameter combinations are possible.

Some three decades ago, we developed a low-cost flow stopping system called FOAMBAG based on the use of expanding resin foam. The effective yet simple technique works on all types of pipe material including cast iron, steel and PE. Extremely versatile, it can be used on vertical or tapering pipes, bends and non-standard diameters.

Around 3,000 of our pipe coil trailers have now been sold throughout the world, evidence of their effectiveness and efficiency in assisting pipe laying activities. Safety considerations are paramount in the design of our trailers. The coil is restrained within a steel cage whilst the two ends of PE are secured. The central drum design ensures smooth dispensing. In 2008 we revised the design of the 180 trailer. The new design avoids the need for the operator to climb on the trailer to access the rear loading gate. Instead the gate can be opened from the ground using a lever mechanism.

DRAINBLOCK BAG™ is a system which allows a disused lateral to be sealed off, remotely, at the point where it joins the downstream drain or sewer.

Ductile iron mains are notoriously problematical because they cannot be broken out like cast iron; now there is a solution with The Rapid Window Cutter. The machine was developed in collaboration with Wales & West Utilities, who identified the need for a faster window cutting technique to allow them to extend their use of Live Mains Insertion onto their ductile network.

In the water industry, Keel Cutters are an essential tool when carrying out alterations and diversions – any instance where a circumferential cut is required on a main, whether or not it has already been slip lined with PE. When fitted on the main, minimum clearance is required to allow the blade to track around the pipe delivering a clean circumferential cut in minutes. The Keel Cutters can cut steel, cast iron, ductile iron, plastic, cement and other types of pipe up to 1500mm diameter. Two models are available – please click on the technical specification below. The Keel Cutter can also be used in preparation when welding by using a specialised bevelled angle blade. The Keel Cutter can also be used in preparation when welding by using a specialised bevelled angle blade. Available for hire or purchase. Pipe cutting is also offered as a contract service.

Breaking out cast iron mains has been a long standing health and safety concern across the utilities industry. This is largely due to the labour intensive tooling available, such as a sledge hammer or ‘podger’ bar, both of which have been associated with causing injury to operatives. Steve Vick International offers the solution with the ‘MACAW’ Pipe Cracker range, so called because its pipe cracking arms resemble the powerful beak of the South American bird! The MACAW attaches to the quick-hitch or bucket pins of a mini excavator. Controlled from the cab, and using the excavator’s hydraulic power, the operative manoeuvres the arms around the pipe and then applies sufficient pressure to crack the pipe.