12" CISBOT: Robotic Internal Cast Iron Joint Sealing in Live Mains

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ULC has Expanded CISBOT's Capabilities to Seal Live 12" Cast Iron Gas Mains

Gas distribution utilities that operate and maintain 12” medium diameter cast iron mains face the high costs and disruption associated with replacing the pipe and challenges around leak response. There are hundreds of miles of 12″ leak-prone pipe still operating in the U.S. and UK with degrading joint conditions.

ULC Technologies has expanded the capabilities of our industry-leading CISBOT technology to conduct live, internal joint sealing in 12” cast iron gas mains. From one point of entry, our robot can internally seal up to 110 bell and spigot or mechanical joints from one small entry point to stop existing leaks, prevent new leaks from forming and support methane emission reduction goals.

Talk to our team to learn more or discuss a CISBOT project:

Looking for our 15″-48″ CISBOT Robotic Cast Iron Joint Sealing Technology?

Key Benefits

Trenchless Solution Reduces Costs

CISBOT has been working under the streets of New York, Boston, London and other cities since 2010 to reduce excavation and restoration costs in urban and suburban environments.

Reactive and Proactive Leak Response

Leak repairs on 12” cast iron gas mains require costly excavations over each joint. CISBOT seals any active joint leaks and proactively seals all other joints in the main from a one entry point.

All Work Performed in Live Mains

The entire CISBOT internal joint remediation process is performed in live mains. This avoids the need to perform, main shutdowns and relights and also enables work in months when customers’ gas demands are higher.

Field-Proven Technology

Since 2010, our robotic technology has sealed over 60,000 12″-48″ cast iron gas main joints in the most challenging locations and environments.

Capitalize Joint Sealing Work

Due to the proactive nature of CISBOT, gas network customers are able to capitalize on internal joint sealing and include CISBOT joint sealing in rate case budgets.

Why CISBOT?

CISBOT’s internal joint repair process supports leak response and methane emissions reduction goals while extending the life of critical gas infrastructure at a much lower cost.

Computer-Controlled Joint Remediation Process

From inside the gas main, CISBOT seals every accessible joint by delivering an industry-proven sealant directly into the joint material to extend the life of critical underground infrastructure.

Each joint is injected in targeted locations with a prescribed volume of sealant to ensure success
Onboard cameras and sensors enable ULC’s highly trained field teams to monitor the entire injection process
CISBOT can seal multiple joint types including bell and spigot jute joints, mechanical joints, and innertite joints.

Small Site Footprint

CISBOT can seal up to 1,400ft (426m) of cast iron gas distribution mains from one entry point. Launch of the robot generally requires a small excavation and the operation is run out of a small utility truck.

Reduced construction, excavation, restoration, and permit costs
Instead of excavating over the leak location, entry points can be planned in more convenient locations
Smaller work sites = safer work sites

Minimize Disruption to the Public

As a trenchless robotic solution, CISBOT greatly reduces disruption to communities, businesses, commuters and cyclists—especially when compared to direct burial replacement and other remediation or repair techniques.

Small site footprint reduces disruption to roads and avoids road closures
Minimal noise during joint sealing operations enables work in sensitive locations as well as night work
There is no disruption of gas flow to customers and businesses; ideal for year-round joint remediation

Support Methane Emissions Reduction

Gas distribution networks continue to prioritize strategies and technologies to reduce methane emissions. While leak-prone pipe will eventually be replaced, CISBOT is a leading solution to address leakage until the asset is replaced.

Minimize leak response activity
Protect against future leaks
Extend the life of 12″+ diameter gas mains

Delivering Value to Leak Response

Deployment of CISBOT supports leak response, pipeline safety, distribution integrity, customer satisfaction and methane emissions reduction.

Address multiple leaks from one excavation
Seal hard-to-reach leaks under intersections or railroad tracks or leaks in front of sensitive areas such as schools or hospitals
Proactively address mains with a history of leakage
Minimize joint leaks and leak repair or monitoring costs until the main is replaced

Ready to See CISBOT Deployed in Your Gas Network?

Connect with our team today to discuss your upcoming project.

More Information

CISBOT Project Planning

From inside the live cast iron gas main, CISBOT remediates each joint using a precisely controlled drilling and sealant injection process. A 12″ CISBOT project is simple to deploy on your gas network:

Site Selection: Our robot travels in straight sections of pipe free of bends and drip pots
Fittings: Entry fittings should be ordered well ahead of the project
Permits: Approach stakeholders before applying for permits or lane rentals. Our teams prefer extended work hours to maximize project efficiency

The ULC field operations team is here to help with site selection, pit placement, and stakeholder engagement.

Entry Requirements for 12" CISBOT

ULC Technologies’ CISBOT launch tube adapts to the main using a fitting and valve combination. The same fitting and valve will be used for hot tapping and main completion.

Excavation Size: ULC recommends an excavation size of 6ft x 10ft (2m x 3m) including an exposed joint. Smaller excavations are feasible.
Fitting: CISBOT typically launches through a split-style sleeve with a 12″ flange from TDW or Dresser in the U.S. Our UK CISBOT operations utilize a sleeve custom manufactured in the UK.
Valve: ULC’s operations team recommends a TDW ShortCutt valve
Tap Size: CISBOT requires an 12″ tap for robot entry

15"-48" CISBOT

Since 2009, CISBOT has sealed tens of thousands of large-diameter joints under the streets of New York, Boston, London, Baltimore, and other cities.

Learn more about our 15″-48″ joint sealing capabilities:

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Hear From Real Customers

Clint W.

– Chief Construction Inspector, Orange & Rockland Utilities

Before we excavate for replacement of Aldyl-A pipe, we always call ULC to help us avoid third party damages in the field. We won’t dig until ULC marks the main using their long range cameras. Their marks are spot-on, which means fewer holes in the street for our community.

Brett Fisher

– Supervisor of Construction, Elizabethtown Gas

Before we brought in ULC, we had to rely on old records and some of the curb lines have changed or streets have widened, making it challenging to locate the stubs. In-Pipe Locating is a good program to bring in to help us locate the stubs and possibly prevent damages when we’re installing our new gas main.