PERMALOK vs Welding

[NEQA]

Has anyone experience using Permalok? I have a 72" CS piping layout, underground, and contractor wants to use Permalok as opposed to welding.

Any thoughts?

 

[JStephen]

Looking at their website, looks like this is just big threaded pipe with silicone sealant in the joints?

The website talks about how much quicker and easier it is to put in- you might ask what the savings will be to you to allow it.

 

[metengr]

Yes, what is your application??????

 

[NEQA]

The application is a buried water main. Pipe dia. will 9 feet, installed in 40' lengths. If we choose to weld, what should be be most careful about?

 

[metengr]

I would review the AWWA (American Water Works Association) Standard for material options, in lieu of carbon steel. Also, if you search with Google you can find various Water Distribution specifications from various cities and the US government.

Using carbon steel pipe, without some type of barrier coating, encasement or cathodic protection system that is buried, will be asking for corrosion problems. In fact, most cities or counties in the US require conformance to AWWA Standards.

 

[metengr]

If we choose to weld, what should be be most careful about?

To answer your question above, you need to follow the requirements in AWWA regarding welding- see the following AWWA Standards;

for example

C200-97 Steel Water pipe 6" and larger
C206-03 Field Welding of Steel Water Pipe
C203-02 Coal-Tar Protective Coatings and Linings for steel water pipelines

 

[JStephen]

Also see AWWA Manual M11.

I notice on the Permalok site, they seem to be using this for casing pipe and whatnot, and not so much for just transmission pipeline- perhaps that is not its intended application.