Pipe Pigging Safety

Pigging requires an experienced operator hand. There are reports every year from OSHA of incidents which detail operators sustaining injuries, both minor and those requiring hospitalization, that occurred while performing a pigging operation. Some of the most common causes of these events are:

• opening of the main process valve while the closure door is not fully closed
• opening of the closure door while the vessel is still pressurized
• opening of the closure door while a high concentration of H₂S or other toxins remains inside the vessel
• leaving the vent valve open while the vessel is being pressurized with its medium

These causes all relate directly back to improper operation, due to inexperience or miscalculation, of the closure door(s) and the process valves. These kinds of incidents can be avoided by adding valve interlocks to the systems and most importantly by hiring experienced professionals like the ones at Professional Piping Services.

Pigging safety relies on knowing, and a strict adherence to, safety procedures which detail safe valve operating sequences. Though not intended to replace professional operators, valve interlocks can help enforce such sequences by physically blocking incorrect operations. Once permanently mounted to their respective valves or the closure door, valve interlocks block the operation of said door or valve unless the correct keys are inserted.The idea behind valve interlocking is the transfer of keys. Each lock comes with two uniquely coded keys: one for the locked open position and one for the locked closed position. During a pigging operating procedure, only the key that belongs to the valve or door next in sequence is free at a time.

Don’t risk employee safety and potential system damage to the possibility of saving a few dollars. Getting the job done safely and done right the first time is worth more than the minimal additional costs. Hire industry professionals with the experience and knowledge to provide you and your piping system excellent service. For service in Florida, call Professional Piping Services at 800-780-6098 to discuss how they can assist you.

Cleaning Process for Force Mains

Of all the types of piping systems that are cleaned and restored to their maximum flow capacity, force mains usually provide the most dramatic impact.

One method for determining a force main’s efficiency is comparing its current volume of flow energy consumption with previously pumped flow volumes per kilowatt hour of energy used. If the pumps are working properly but the system is now pumping 800 gallons per kilowatt hour instead of 1200 that is was pumping a couple of years ago, it is likely the system has gotten and will continue to get dirty.

The force main system will continue to remain online and in service during the cleaning process.  NO downtime! (The only exception to this, is if it becomes necessary to create an access port into the system. In this case, a brief planned shutdown period may be required or a tapping sleeve and valve may be used.)

Some factors involved in the cleaning process:

• Existing connections to the system, i.e., manifolds, headers, clean outs, modifications of inline fittings and designed access ports are used to enter the system.
• All of the flow and contents of the system are discharged into the normal operating end of the system, i.e., manhole, wet well, other force mains, bar screen, etc. Sometimes special consideration must be given to handling the cleaning load resulting from the cleaning operation
• The cleaning is planned after the station and systems particulars are carefully reviewed and is done with close coordination with the systems management and operators.
• Supplemental flow may be required to augment the cleaning of a force main. Both to insert the cleaning poly pigs into the system and, as required, for systems that do not develop a discharge volume sufficient for the cleaning process.
• The cleaning process is safely multidimensional, therefore it can be used to clean systems of varying inline diameters, typically smaller to larger, as well as enter and exit the system at points with different diameters.
• A properly operating inline plug, check or gate valves pose no difficulties for the cleaning procedure.
• There is no restriction on the length of a system that can be cleaned nor one that has severe changes in its profile.
• The cleaning is always done carefully and incrementally. This allows the systems hydraulic capacity to purge itself and not put the operation of the system in jeopardy or at risk.

As with any job of this importance, it should be left in the hands of skilled professionals, like the people at Professional Pipings Services. Contact them today toll free at 800-780-6098 or local at 813-994-0032 if you suspect your force mains are in need of cleaning. They’ll walk you through a cleaning process designed specifically for you and help you schedule a maintenance routine to avoid reduced flow in the future

Trees offer a lifetime of benefits

We see trees every day and everywhere. Their existence a tribute to their strength amidst the urban jungles of our cities and the sprawl of suburbia  We see them alongside the roads and streets during our commute to work, driving the kids to school or just running errands. We see them standing tall in city parks where people gather to walk their dogs and take their kids to play. Trees can appear as close as those in our yards surrounding or homes and far away as the distant hills of nearby town.

Trees are everywhere, making the work that's required to keep them healthy of high importance.

In order to enjoy the trees in our yards and neighborhoods for a lifetime, action should be taken now.  Just think about taking the opportunities to relax under their generous canopy, reading a good book, having a picnic with friends and family, or taking a long mid-day nap in the shade.

Tree care however, does not have to be a chore. You can easily make it a springtime/summer family activity or hobby. Your trees will thank you for the time spent by providing you with visual and overall property benefits for many years.

It’s time now to begin preparing for the coming warmer spring and summer weather. It’s time to have your tree care needs looked at and tended to so they are healthy and prepared for the next season.

• You can use this basic spring checklist to keep up with your tree care needs this season:
• Inspect trees and shrubs for any injury they may have incurred during the winter months
• Have removed trees that are found to be at critical risk.
• Cut back any diseased, unsafe or dead limbs and branches
• Brace or cable weak limbs in advance of the often severe weather during the summer. You may even consider lightning protection installation on more mature and treasured trees..
• Inspect trees and other foliage for insects and treat as necessary.
• Mulch, fertilize, cut back perennials, prune shrubs, weed bed and plant new trees and shrubs

It's important to understand what needs to be done, how to do the work that goes into tree care and why the effort makes a difference. If you have any questions about your tree care needs, you should contact a local tree service company with professional and certified arborists on staff, like the experts at Mid Florida Tree Service.  Let them determine the next steps to better trees,and better landscapes for you.

Caring for Fruit Trees in Florida

Florida is well known for many things. Sunshine, temperate climate, beach life, theme parks and world famous citrus and strawberries are among a few.

In fact, the Mid-Florida region offers many fruits that grow well in our climate. There are the obvious citrus like Oranges, Grapefruit, Limes and Lemons but there are also Avocado, Bananas, Figs, Guava, Jackfruit, Loquats, Lychee, Mangoes, Mulberries, Papayas, Peaches, and Tamarind that all grow well in Florida’s temperate climate.

Growing fruit trees can be a valuable asset to home gardeners who want to save money, enjoy health benefits of freshly picked fruit, and like to have a wider variety than is typically found in most grocery stores. Picking your own fruit allows you to enjoy the full flavor that only fruit fresh from the tree can offer. Commercially grown and distributed fruit is often times picked long before it’s ready so it “looks” ripe by the time it reaches the store. This means that the fruit hasn’t fully developed and will be lacking in both flavor and nutrients.

While a lot of trees can take years to grow from seed before producing fruit, there are many options available for getting a harvest much sooner. You might consider buying a grafted tree that will produce fruit in the first year or buying mature trees that are already producing. It’s advantageous to take into considering the schedule for mature fruit and plan a garden that will produce nearly year round.

• Some basic guidelines to planting fruit trees are:
• Allow ten to fifteen feet of space between fruit trees.
• Plant where your fruit trees will receive at least six hours of sun a day during the growing season.
• Sun should not be blocked by buildings, fences or other obstacles.
• Plant at least three feet from sidewalks and driveways and six feet away from buildings, as roots will spread wider than the tree crown.

Once you know what kind of fruit you want to grow and have determined that there is enough sun and space, your next step is to select varieties and rootstocks that are appropriate for your situation. The idea is to choose varieties that are suitable for your climate to maximize your success.

After the trees are planted, there will be general maintenance required.  The amount will depend on what kind of trees you have planted.  Watering, mulching to help retain soil moisture, fertilizing, insect and disease control and pruning or removing damaged and dead wood.

Since every tree comes with its own strategy for success, we strongly recommend contacting a professional, like the ones at Mid Florida Tree Service, to assist you in making the most out of each tree. Call them today at 813-986-2258.

The Importance of Disinfecting Water Supply Pipelines

Whatever the source of water for a piped system, regular treatment and disinfection is in order to ensure safe drinking water to communities. Below are a couple of the main reasons for disinfecting your lines.

• When a pipeline is repaired, upgraded, freshly pigged or even after it is newly laid, some contamination almost always gets into the pipes from the water, mud, and soil in and around the trench or access point to the piping and form the boots or feet or the workers who are repairing or laying the pipeline.
• When the source of the water is a spring. Most all springs contain germs from latrines and animal excreta that seep into the spring even from long distances away from the water. In most cases it is difficult to pinpoint where the contamination is coming from making it necessary to disinfect much more frequently. 

Just as there are many reasons to disinfect, there are options in methods to keep water distribution systems clean.

• Chemical Disinfectant: Chemical disinfection is the primary method to disinfect. It consists of utilizing a strong solution and introducing it into the water system for a predetermined amount of time to efficiently make any microorganisms inactive. Chemical disinfectants include combined chlorine, chlorine dioxide and free chlorine. There are steps prior to and following the disinfecting process that need to be evaluated and determined to make the process successful.
• Ultraviolet Disinfection: Although its not documented in use to inactivate microorganisms in water mainlines, based on its success in many areas UV systems have the potential to be an effective point of use for water with none of the disinfectant residue that can linger. 

Keeping your water mainlines clean and disinfected is a primary goal and concern, and should be handled by trained professionals like the ones at Professional Piping Services. They have the experience and the knowledge to keep your community’s water supply safe to drink. Contact them today to talk over your options and to set up an appointment.

Pipeline Leak Detection

Pipeline networks are the safest and most cost effective mode of transporting gases, oil, water and other fluid products.  Pipelines have to maintain high demands of reliability, safety and efficiency due to the long-distance transport required of them. When pipelines are properly maintained, they can last indefinitely without leaks. Regularly scheduled inspections and maintenance can often identify corrosion, particularly at low points where moisture collects, locations of imperfection in the pipes, or at construction joints. Early leak detection can increase system reliability and productivity due to reduced inspection time and downtime. Other and sometimes more significant leaks are often a result of damage from nearby excavation, accidents, possible sabotage or other movement of the earth such as seismic activity or storms and require immediate attention.

Pipeline leak detection is used to determine if and oftentimes where a leak has occurred. The primary purpose of leak detection system is to assist those who control the pipelines localize and detect leaks. There are various methods of detection, including laser technology, infrared and hydrostatic testing.

No matter the situation, whether a suspected leak needs investigation or you would like to set up a scheduled maintenance plan, Professional Piping Services is there for you with the experience and expertise to do the job right. Contact them today to discuss the best course of action for all your piping needs.