Power Handler proves its worth

Utility Innovation Services (UIS) is a UK-based specialist supplier of innovative technologies and services throughout the utility industry. Its UIS Power Handler™ is an innovative product that can shift heavy lengths of pipe both safely and efficiently around the work site with an ease not seen before.

Exclusively distributed by Blick in Australia and New Zealand, the Power Handler ranges from 250 to 900 mm and gives the operative full 360° control of the pipe in question, removing the risks associated with employing slings and manual handling. At a recent municipality project on New Zealand’s South Island, operators were required to move large sections of polyethylene (PE) pipe in order to complete the replacement of a collapsed tunnel system using horizontal directional drilling (HDD).

Contractor Hadlee & Brunton was to reline the first tunnel with a steel pipeline, while the second and third tunnels would then be piped with PE in order to complete the rehabilitation process. With torrential rain severely impeding the process of work and enhancing the dangers on site, the contractor made the decision to employ the use of the UIS Power Handler in order to safely move the large lengths of pipe.

Made tough

The product is capable of withstanding even the toughest pipelaying and handling environments, and is suitable for all types of pipe, including PE, steel, polyvinyl chloride and concrete. Hadlee & Brunton Director David Brunton says the Power Handler made the whole operation run smoothly.

“We have been working in periods of torrential rain in bushland, but with the Power Handler we’ve been moving lengths of STR 11 pipe, which is about 70 mm thick and weighs about 1.6 t,” says Mr Brunton.

“In these conditions, PE gets slippery very quickly, but using the handler has been excellent. It usually takes about half an hour to an hour to get a feel for it, but at that point and we can move pipes on a dime.”

Mr Brunton says preferencing a product that is safer and easier to use is a no brainer.

“From a safety aspect alone, the Power Handler is just incredible,” he says.

“I recommend it to anyone in the industry. I think it will actually become a standard. When people see how it performs on work sites, it won’t take long for it to become a recommendation that they should be on a site when you see just how safe they are.”

For more information visit the Blick website.

If you have news you would like featured in The Australian Pipeliner contact Managing Editor David Convery at dconvery@gs-press.com.au

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