Pipelines are not always straight. In fact, many systems, especially in older urban networks, contain multiple bends and angles. Whether it is a 45-degree deflection or a full 90-degree elbow, these curves can be a major challenge when repairs are needed. Traditional pipe repair tools, designed for linear sections, simply cannot conform to the geometry.
That is where Bendy Packers come into play. Designed to navigate and repair pipe bends from the inside, these tools allow contractors to perform targeted, trenchless point repairs in curved pipelines. .
What Are Bendy Packers and How Do They Work?
A Bendy Packer is an inflatable repair device specifically engineered for curved sections of pipelines. Unlike straight packers, which can lose contact with the pipe wall in a bend, Bendy Packers are made with flexible materials and a segmented body that allows them to adapt to pipe curvature.
Here is how the process works:
- A resin-saturated patch is wrapped around the Bendy Packer.
- The packer is guided into the pipeline and positioned precisely at the bend.
- The Bendy Packer is inflated, pressing the patch against the inner surface of the bend.
- Once the resin cures, the packer is deflated and withdrawn, leaving behind a strong, sealed repair.
PlugCo’s Bendy Packers
PlugCo’s Bendy Packers are made of double-layer reinforced rubber, giving them both the durability to hold up under pressure and the flexibility to move smoothly through tight angles. They are lightweight, easy to maneuver, and compatible with a wide range of pipe materials, including PVC, concrete, and clay.
What makes them stand out is their ability to maintain uniform contact with the pipe wall, even in tight turns. This ensures that the repair patch cures evenly and bonds reliably, without the gaps or weak spots that can occur when using rigid tools.
PlugCo manufactures several Bendy Packer models to accommodate different pipe diameters and patch lengths. PlugCo also manufactures custom sizes for projects requiring non-standard dimensions or patch lengths.
All Bendy Packer models offered by PlugCo are designed to repair 45° and 90° bends.
When to Use Bendy Packers?
Bendy Packers are a game changer in a number of situations:
- Tight urban infrastructure, where excavation around curves would be disruptive or impractical
- Older sewer systems, which often have non-standard bends and joint angles
- Emergency repairs, where speed and flexibility are essential
- Transition points, where two different pipe materials or diameters meet at an angle
In all of these cases, PlugCo’s Bendy Packers offer a non-invasive way to apply durable internal repairs without tearing up roads, sidewalks, or landscaping.
Simple, Yet Thorough Installation
Despite the complexity of curved pipe repairs, PlugCo has kept the installation process intuitive. The packer can be inserted manually or with a robotic tractor, inflated with air or water, and monitored via air control devices and/or CCTV inspection. And while the setup is user-friendly, the results are precise and reliable, ensuring that every repair is up to modern engineering standards.