Stop the Flow Without Shutting Down the Line: REED Squeeze-Off Technology
What Is Squeeze-Off?
Squeeze-off is the process of stopping the fluid inside a flexible polyethylene pipe (water or gas) by compressing the pipe between two mechanical bars. This makes it possible to carry out a repair without cutting into the pipeline or closing a valve. The most critical point of the operation, however, is not to damage the molecular structure of the pipe. Using the wrong tool can cause permanent cracks in the pipe. REED engineering protects the pipe against over-compression with "stop" mechanisms that can be set to the pipe wall thickness.
The Technical Superiority of REED Squeeze-Off Tools
REED offers a wide range of squeeze-off solutions, from manual to hydraulic models. Each device can be calibrated specifically to the pipe diameter and SDR (standard dimension ratio) value.
The Advantages of REED Squeeze-Off Tools
- Safety lock: Mechanical stoppers that prevent the pipe from being over-compressed.
- Hydraulic and manual options: A wide field of application from 1/2 inch up to 12 inch diameter.
- Fast response: In emergencies it seals the line within seconds, with no need to go looking for a valve.
- Pipe-friendly design: Thanks to rounded pressure bars it leaves no notch or damage on the pipe surface.
- Static electricity protection: Optional earthing kits for gas lines prevent the risk of sparks.
A Critical Role in Gas and Water Infrastructure
In ruptures on natural gas lines in particular, cutting off the gas quickly is vital. With their high-tonnage pressure capacity, REED's hydraulic squeeze-off machines close even large-diameter PE lines safely. Used in the field with the technical support of Habib Makina, these devices are the greatest helper of fire services and emergency response teams.
Quality of Application and Legal Responsibility
Trying to squeeze off a pipe with the wrong tool (with the bucket of an excavator, for example) leads to "stress cracking", which ends the life of the polyethylene. This can cause large ruptures at the same point months after the line has been repaired. Squeeze-off operations carried out with REED equipment comply with international ASTM standards and pass institutional inspections successfully. As we at Habib Makina have stressed for 15 years, using professional equipment eliminates future repair costs today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does the pipe return to its former state after the squeeze-off?
Yes, polyethylene pipes have a "shape memory". Because REED tools do not damage the pipe, it returns to more than 95% of its original shape shortly after the tool is removed.
2. Is squeezing off a gas line dangerous?
With the right equipment and earthing it is extremely safe. REED squeeze-off tools are designed to prevent a build-up of static electricity.
3. Up to what diameter can squeeze-off be carried out?
Manual models are for small service lines; hydraulic REED models are effective on lines up to 12 inches (315 mm) in diameter.
4. Does the pipe leak after being squeezed off?
A correctly chosen REED device stops the flow by 99.9% and provides a safe working environment.
