A pipeline is one of those issues we never consider in our minds, until something disruptive happened.
They silently transport gas, oil, water and sewage over hundreds (at times thousands) of kilometers. However behind all that technological sorcery, there lurks another layer of coarse protection doing most of the work. It is not glamorous, not high-tech, but it is important. This layer is referred to as Rockshield Mesh and it is through this that our underground infrastructure will be living on the edge and with that layer, this is a time bomb.
It is time to take the layers down and see why Rock shield for pipeline is the unsung hero of the modern infrastructure and how many rock shield manufacturers play such an important role in keeping the globe on its tracks.
What Is Rockshield Mesh?
So here is a dummy question, what will be your first concern when you are laying down a pipeline worth a few crores underneath the ground?
Probably corrosive or pressure blow, is it? However, it is something closer, mechanical injury caused by protruding rocks, loose debris, moving ground or construction machinery. That is where Rockshield Mesh comes in.
Rockshield nets are actually long lasting elastic plastic plastic nets around the pipeline that covers them like chicken netting. It cushions the surface of the pipe against any rigid environment- rocks, roots, or even the strong vibrations.
It is the type of product that people do not pay attention to but as a result of no product, the result is disastrous.
Why Is Rockshield Mesh So Important?
So here is a dummy question, what will be your first concern when you are laying down a pipeline worth a few crores underneath the ground?
Probably corrosive or pressure blow, is it? However, it is something closer, mechanical injury caused by protruding rocks, loose debris, moving ground or construction machinery. That is where Rockshield Mesh comes in.
Rockshield nets are actually long lasting elastic plastic plastic nets around the pipeline that covers them like chicken netting. It cushions the surface of the pipe against any rigid environment- rocks, roots, or even the strong vibrations.
How Does Rockshield Mesh Work?
Rockshield Mesh acts through generating a boundary zone. The weight of a heavy soil or rocks that augers against a buried pipeline is absorbed into the mesh and distributed equally around. It performs the role of a shock absorber.
The visuals you can think of are when you wrap a bubble wrap on a glass bottle and ship it. The mesh does not totally remove pressure, but it diffuses it, and thus, no sharp edge leads to the localized damage.
This is particularly significant as far as PE or coated steel rungs are concerned where the layer can be scratched or gouged when burying the pipelines.
There are those who would say that it should satisfy contemporary coatings. Coatings can be great to prevent corrosion- but they cannot prevent a rock from cutting through. As much as it is like wearing sunscreen in a construction site, you know you are safe against UV rays, but what about falling things!
Applications: Where Is Rockshield Mesh Commonly Used?
Although oil and gas lines are the most obvious beneficiary of Rockshield Mesh, this is beginning to be applied in:
- Water pipelines
- Wastewater and sewage pipes
- Telecom ducts
- Irrigation canals
- Chemical pipelines of industry
In a nutshell, when a pipe is being installed underground, most especially on rocky or unstable soil, a rock shield or pipeline is a requirement.
Even municipal corporations of hilly regions such as Himachal and Uttarakhand have begun demanding rockshield protection of new set ups. Why? Since damage in the pipelines in the difficult terrains may inconvenience whole communities during days. That can be overcome by one preventive layer.
Versatility and Strength of Modern Rockshield Mesh
Contemporary rockshield mesh is produced through high density polyethylene (HDPE) that is light weight but very powerful. Majority of Rock shield manufacturers companies provide UV resistance, and therefore, in case the time to install the mesh requires the product to be left exposed in the open light in sunlight, it does not deteriorate that easily.
The flexibility is achieved by the mesh design: interlocking hexagons or dazzle. It follows the bend of the pipeline yet it does not lose its strength.
Is It Just for Oil Pipelines?
Absolutely. Actually, some municipalities have already secretly been implementing its application on the construction of water and sewage pipes, particularly in ancient cities whereby the underground conditions are highly random and they are filled with wreckage.
People are also realizing that even treated concrete or plastic pipes can be susceptible when backfilling the trench. Throw in heavy equipment, and the danger is enormous.
So yes, whether it be a 24 inch oil line or a small 6 inch city water line, rockshield mesh assists in protecting the investment – and the infrastructure.
Installation: More Simple Than You Think
The Rockshield Mesh is one of the easiest to install many things. Something like this in broad terms then:
- Mesh size – the size of the mesh, is relative to the size and the length of the pipe.
- Cover the mesh on the pipeline but make sure it is well covered.
- Fix it at regular intervals with zip ties or industrial tape, usually 12 meters or every 2 meters.
- Fill up the trench– do not have soil and rocks in direct contact with the pipe.
On long lines, pre-rolled rockshield sleeves are also preferred by some installers because of the speed of set up.
What is not so good? It is cheaper on time to install the pipeline because it takes a bit longer. However, when we compare that with the future maintenance cost, it is no brainier.
Conclusion
Whenever you use your tap next or flush the toilet or come across a pipeline project under the highway, keep in mind, silently and obscurely Rodshield Mesh is being engaged.
Pay attention to this whether you are a contractor, engineer, or you are a policymaker. Talk to Rockshield Manufacturers in india that have been verified, shoot the difficult questions, and do not corner cut. Since sometimes, it is the thing that prevents everything from going wrong… that you never even notice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How does Rockshield Mesh protect pipelines?
It works as a protective barrier and does not allow direct contact of sharp or heavy objects with the pipeline surface, which increases the chances of abrasions, dents, and punctures.
Q2. Where is Rockshield Mesh commonly used?
Water lines, sewer lines, telecommunications and industrial lines also were covered up underground in oil and gas lines (primarily).
Q3. Can it be used for water and sewage lines?
Yes. Contractors and municipalities employ it in protecting public utility lines against destruction during and after installation.
Q4. How is Rockshield Mesh installed on pipelines?
This was done by covering the plastic pipe with the mesh, holding the mesh with tapes then filling the trench back very carefully.
