When you are rehabilitating pipelines via CIPP (Cured-In‑Place Pipe) and relying on steam heat for curing, PlugCo’s Steam Process Plug (SPP series) ensures a tight downstream seal with no leaks and no compromise.
What Is the Steam Process Plug?
The Steam Process Plug is a Stainless‑steel core enrobed with a bladder. The bladder is SBR+NR rubber reinforced with nylon and Kevlar cords. This way, the Steam Process Plug is built tough for on-site handling and high-temperature environments.
Designed for CIPP steam curing, the Steam Process Plug acts as a temporary seal at the downstream end of a steam-cured liner, maintaining pressure and preventing escape of steam or resin.
PlugCo: Available Sizes
PlugCo offers both multi-size and single-size SPP options:
- Multi‑size (e.g., SPP100–200 up to 600 mm): Covers 4″–24″ pipes with 2.8 bar (40 psi) inflation, lengths from 560 mm to 622 mm, bypass outlets from 1″ to 4″.
- Single‑size units exist for each diameter (100 mm through 600 mm), with 2.8 bar (40 psi) inflation, 300 mm length, and 2″ bypass.
- Custom sizing available beyond standard ranges.
You can check the full table of offered models: https://www.plugco.net/steam-process-plug
Why SPP Is Essential in CIPP?
There are many reasons why the Steam Process Plugs are used in CIPP;
- Leak-free steam curing: The stainless-steel core and durable bladder maintain uniform sealing throughout high-pressure, high-temperature cures.
- Improved curing quality & shorter cycles: Proper steam pressure ensures full liner expansion with no wrinkles or cold spots, and faster cure times.
- Strong, damage-resistant construction: Kevlar reinforcement and steel core mean the plug holds up to rough manhole handling.
- Versatility & economy: Multi-size models fit multiple pipe diameters, lowering inventory needs. The durable design makes SPPs reusable, reducing long-term costs.
Installation & Operation of Steam Process Plugs
For a correct use of the Steam Process Plug, you need to follow some instructions;
- Preparing the pipe: Clean debris; ensure a smooth sealing surface.
- Insert & center the deflated SPP to the curing zone.
- Inflate to 2.8 bar using an air compressor and use the Air Control Device to monitor the inflation pressure.
- Connect the bypass/steam hose to the plug’s fitting and verify a secure, leak-free connection.
- Steam cure: Raise pressure/temperature per liner guidelines. SPP maintains the barrier, ensuring consistent cure quality.
- Deflate & remove the plug post-cure, then inspect the liner.
Real‑World Performance
PlugCo’s Steam Process Plug (SPP) answers key CIPP challenges; steam sealing, cure uniformity, durability, and cost-efficiency. Its proven design combines stainless steel construction, reinforced rubber sealing, and precise pressure control to elevate your steam curing reliability.
Considering steam-cured liner rehabilitation?
Contact PlugCo for sizing advice or custom SPP solutions for your pipeline needs.