Advance Products and Systems manufactures stainless steel, carbon steel and polyethylene casing spacers for pipe diameters ranging from 25-3,658 mm.
Mechanically speaking, casing spacers ensure the integrity of a carrier pipe when installed in casing.
Mechanical problems associated with wooden skids:
- No long-term integrity;
- Wood rots and pipe will settle;
- Non-insulating;
- Easily dislodged;
- No casing filler needed;
- Contributes to point loading of carrier pipe; and,
- Allows bacterial corrosion.
Mechanical advantages of using casing spacers:
- Securely and uniformly supports casing pipe;
- Electrically insulates;
- Removable; and,
- No casing filler needed
- Difficult to install;
- Require several workers to attach;
- Are resistant to sliding, requiring more time to push;
- Require annulus space filler; and,
- Have a high failure rate.
- Install easily and quickly;
- Are installed by one person;
- Slide easily – low coefficient of friction;
- Require no backfill;
- Have a proven reliability; and,
- Provide long-term corrosion protection.
- In some areas where special hardwoods are specified, such as redwood in California, the growth of redwood trees has been rapidly diminishing; and,
- Treated wood has special chemicals to extend the life of the wood, which may have an effect on polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene or composite.
- Casing spacers use no wood and eliminate the need to cut down trees; and,
- Casing spacers are made from recycled metal, plastic and polyethylene.
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When comparing wood skids to casing spacers, the economic liability of wood skids is often found to be higher.
Economic problems associated with wooden skids:
Economic advantages of using casing spacers:
From an environmental perspective, it makes more sense to use manufactured spacers as it removes the need for wood.
Environmental considerations for wooden skids:
Environmental advantages of casing spacers:
