kwik-ZIP’s simple spacer solutions

Used extensively in production drilling, trenchless and ground engineering applications, kwik-ZIP centraliser and spacer systems have been developed by drilling professionals to solve all centralisation challenges.

kwik-ZIP products have been developed to support centralisation challenges in a number of industries. The products serve a range of applications across many different industries and projects.

Spacers and centraliser systems help contractors to comply with regulations outlined by the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA). Headedquartered out of Western Australia, the company endeavours to support projects nationally and abroad. kwik-ZIP’s products are made from a custom, high grade thermoplastic blend that’s flexible, tough and has low coefficient of friction. The thermoplastic composition means spacers are chemically resistant and impervious to oils, even if emersed for long periods of time.

Because kwik-ZIP products contain no metal parts, they are impervious to corrosion. Without any lead content, products are fully compatible with portable water applications. kwik-ZIP is currently the only Australian-owned spacer on the market, providing clients with simple solutions to their centraliser needs.

The HDX Spacer is the only spacer approved by WSAA against its product specifications, and kwik-ZIP spacers have been added to the Accepted Infrastructure Products and Materials (IPAM) list for the South East Queensland Water Supply and Sewerage Design and Construction Code.

As a result, its products are used and recommended by pipeline and civil contractors and more. kwik-ZIP has provided services on many high profile, large-scale water main upgrades and construction projects like the Melbourne Metro Tunnel and the Waiari Trunk watermain development.

Most recently, kwik-ZIP products were incorporated in upgrades to the Sunbury Line by the Rail Infrastructure Alliance. Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) specialist Jelmac was asked to deliver drilling services on the project, and kwik-ZIP HDX-90 spacers assisted in slip-lining a 35 mm HDPE carrier pipe over a 66 m run.

Spacers were placed at 1.5 m intervals along the length of the pipe. Because the pipes were not grouted after installation, the spaces also needed to support the weight of the pipe and water for the life of the installation.

The HDX’s unique load sharing design maximises the load bearing capacity of each runner, reducing point loading. The simple and

The 355 mm HDPE pipe being installed.

efficient installation process does not require any special tools.

The spacer grips the pipe surface with anti-slip rubber pads that prevent dislodgement during installation.

The Sunbury Line Upgrade project was delivered ahead of schedule thanks to the efforts of contracting partners. Jelmac Operations Manager Mick Hemer says kwik-ZIP’s simple spacers were essential to ensuring a efficient and successful sliplining process. kwik-ZIP says its spacers help to facilitate projects due to their ability to both protect and support the carrier pipe during the installation process. The company maintains a focus on competitive price and simplicity in on-site assembly, to ensure advantages to the end user.

The HDX casing spacer comes in four runner heights, 38 mm (1.5 inches), 65 mm (2.6 inches), 90 mm (3.6 inches) and 125 mm (5 inches).

The spacers were specified at 1.5 m intervals for this project.

kwik-ZIP HDX-38’s spacers on high-density polyethylene pipe.

To view the full range of kwik-ZIP products go to www.kwikzip.com