Product Testing
The testing schedule for the range of Trenchless Supplies towing head was carried out using the facilities and guidance of local universities, together with the large capacity tensile testing machines of industry accredited test houses.
A comprehensive test programme was devised to ensure that a wide range of diameters as well as different wall thicknesses (SDR) and polymer density (PE80 and PE100) were tested.
Numerous tests were performed to prove the principle of the design. Repeatable results were gained of the classical “necking” as secondary bonding forces were overwhelmed and the polymer began to elongate. Together with the tensile test machine read out, this was proof of the Towing Head's success.
An important aspect of the testing was to ensure that the profile of the grippers was not too aggressive. In the industry it has been known for some time that incorrect geometry of the grip profile can lead to premature failure through excessive shear stress. The Trenchless Supplies Towing Head grip profile was comprehensively tested using a series of calculated and theorised profile changes. This resulted in the ultimate grip profile being achieved. It is this profile that has been incorporated into the range of Trenchless Supplies Duct Puller.
The conclusion of the comprehensive test programme is that the range of Trenchless Supplies Towing Head can pull P.E. pipe well in excess of the recommended towing load advised by polyethylene pipe manufacturers.
The achievements and knowledge gained during the test program, together with the analytical design process, have culminated in the production of an exceptional Standard Towing Head.
Standard Towing Heads
The Standard Towing Head is the most efficient way to allow the safe towing of polymer pipes into position. Also known as a “duct puller” or “pipe puller” this tool is now part of pipe manufacturers’ recommended practice
Metric Size (mm) |
Grip Range (mm) |
Sample Picture |
25mm |
18-22 |
 |
32mm |
24-29 |
|
40mm |
30-37 |
 |
50mm |
38-47 |
|
55mm |
42-49 |
|
63mm |
48-58 |
|
75mm |
56-70 |
 |
90mm |
66-84 |
|
110mm |
82-100 |
 |
125mm |
96-115 |
|
140mm |
105-130 |
 |
160mm |
124-148 |
Awaiting Picture |
180mm |
126-166 |
Awaiting Picture |
200mm |
151-185 |
|
225mm |
163-205 |
Awaiting Picture |
250mm |
187-225 |
|
280mm |
221-259 |
Awaiting Picture |
315mm |
238-290 |
Awaiting Picture |
| 355mm | 270-325 |
Awaiting Picture |
The Towing Head operates in a very similar way to an expanding bolt for anchoring into masonry.
Each Towing Head has a series of four grippers connected to the eyebolt via a tail cone. As the eyebolt is tightened the tail is pulled toward the nose and the grippers expand.
The Towing Head Key Features are:-
Single piece high tensile steel
forged eyebolt
Zinc coated components
Bullet/taper profiled nose
Researched gripper design
Rear locking nut/eyenut
Compatible with a range of wall thinkness
All these features culminate in making certain that Trenchless Supplies can provide a Towing Head that meets the demands of today’s modern contracting environment.