SPRAY FOAM FOR PIPELINE TRENCH
BREAKERS

SPRAY FOAM FOR PIPELINE
TRENCH BREAKERS

Safer, Easier, and More Cost-Effective Erosion Control and Pipeline Support

PIPELINE TRENCH BREAKERS FOR EROSION CONTROL

Pipeline construction has traditionally turned to sandbags or clay-based materials to create ditch breakers for erosion control and pipeline support. These breakers are essentially small dams placed regularly along a trench that keep it from collapsing and provide non-abrasive support for pipelines. Conventional methods are difficult to maneuver, prone to leaking over time, and risk damaging pipelines, which has led to the adoption of new and improved solutions using technologies like spray polyurethane foam.

SPRAY FOAM
TRENCH BREAKING

Spray foam trench breakers offer a safer, easier, and more cost-effective means of installing pipeline trench breakers. Spray polyurethane foam, the same material technology used to insulate buildings and reinforce building elements, can be applied to create a durable seal and lasting support for pipeline systems. Today, spray polyurethane foam has become the industry’s choice for robust trench breaker installation, and is expected to continue to be a leading industrial solution for new and refurbished pipeline systems.

WHAT IS SPRAY POLYURETHANE FOAM?

Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) uses spray elastomer technology to apply a highly resistant and durable material for a range of applications. It’s known for its high spray foam R-value, seeing widespread use in building insulation, but has also found application in pipeline construction and other industrial applications. Spray foam compounds are mixed to create a rapidly expanding foam that fully fills the space around pipelines and forms a watertight seal for robust erosion control. The resulting foam has exceptional adhesive properties, forcing itself into loose soil to create a strong bond to the sides of the trench and the pipeline itself for maximum support and stability. SPF is non-abrasive, unlike traditional materials like sandbags which may scratch, weather, or critically damage pipelines, bringing support and structural reinforcement without introducing additional risks or operational complexities. Spray polyurethane foam offers numerous benefits that together make it the best solution for pipeline trench breakers.

THE BENEFITS OF SPRAY FOAM INSULATION
FOR PIPELINE TRENCH BREAKERS

THE BENEFITS OF SPRAY FOAM INSULATION FOR PIPELINE TRENCH BREAKERS

The popularity of spray foam trench breakers is thanks to its many benefits, especially compared to traditional solutions using sandbags, clays, or other methods. Polyurethane spray foam is a safer, easier, and more cost-effective means of protecting pipelines from erosion, and supporting their function and long-term operation.

Long-Lasting.

Unlike sandbags or other conventional methods of trench breaking, spray foam forms a highly durable and watertight barrier with robust resistance to both physical and chemical degradation. It’s typically rated for decades of reliable operation, saving time and money by avoiding costly repairs or replacements, and an easier solution from the start.

Safe & Easy Application

Spray polyurethane foam is easier to install, requiring only a small team and hardening and curing in mere minutes. Their procurement, transport, and application are far easier and less time-intensive, removing the need to enter potentially dangerous and sensitive trenches, and are themselves non-abrasive to avoid posing any risk of damaging pipelines.

High Flexibility

Conventional trench breakers may require adjustments to trench dimensions upon installation, adding another difficult and costly step to erosion control and pipeline support. Spray polyurethane foam will fit to the dimensions of almost any space, filling any gaps and bonding to trenches to avoid shifting from environmental stress or as a consequence of the pipeline’s operation.

Cost-Effective

While the cost of materials for installing spray foam trench breakers can be more than traditional methods using sandbags, they require smaller teams, have a faster installation time, and are much easier to source and transport. Paired with their improved performance and long lifetime, spray foam trench breakers have proven a more cost-effective solution for pipeline systems.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What Is A Pipeline Trench Breaker?

Pipeline trench breakers, often simply referred to as “trench breakers” or “ditch breakers,” are structures used in pipeline systems to control erosion and provide support. They’re used to prevent the flow of water through trenches that may be susceptible to water damage, and create a durable surface for pipelines to sit for stability and protection from environmental conditions and demanding operation.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Spray Foam Trench Breakers?

Spray foam trench breakers offer a superior solution to erosion control, but are vulnerable to several disadvantages. The cost of materials is typically higher than traditional alternatives like sandbags, and their installation is more complex. It requires a skilled application team, which may still pose a risk of improper application that can be more difficult to remedy.

Are Spray Foam Trench Breakers Worth It?

Spray foam trench breakers offer the best solution for pipeline systems. They’re long-lasting, cost-effective, highly flexible, and safer and easier to install compared to traditional methods. Spray foam trench breakers have become the industry’s choice for pipeline trench breakers, and are expected to continue to underpin future projects for years to come.

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FIND OR BECOME AN APPLICATOR

ArmorThane is your one-stop-shop for everything polyurea and polyurethane, ready to assist with anything you need for your next pipeline project. As full-service operators, we can provide you with the best materials and equipment in the industry, backed by over 35 years of experience and our customer satisfaction guarantee.

For those interested in expanding their current business, or starting something new, we also offer custom packages to help you increase revenue or begin your journey with spray elastomer technology. With only a small investment, we’ll provide all of the materials, equipment, training, and support needed to jumpstart your business or accelerate your path to success. Contact us today to speak with our expert team of professional applicators, and discover how ArmorThane can be your partner in the coatings industry!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TYLER GLECKLER

I am a chemist with a specialization in nanotechnology and applied materials chemistry. My work has focused on the characterization of optoelectronic materials, namely including semiconductor nanocrystals.

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