How often should a pneumatic plug pressure be checked?
Inflation pressure should be checked a minimum of once every 4 hours while a pneumatic plug is in use.
What size plugs is repairable and which plugs are not repairable?
Generally speaking pneumatic plugs that do not have sealing rings may be eligible for patching. The damage to the plug cannot be any longer than 4 inches, or deep enough to penetrate the cording. Plugs cannot be patched more than 4 times. Other repairs can be made as well, like replacing inflatable bladders, bypass hoses, castings and fittings. When in doubt, ask the customer to take a few digital pictures of the damaged area and email it to you. Forward the pictures by email to the Cherne QA Department along with a brief description of the damage for final determination.
Can Cherne plugs be used on elliptical pipe?
Yes. Cherne publishes a chart that pairs up our pneumatic pipe plugs with some of the most popular sizes of elliptical pipes.
What is the difference between a Long Ball and a MS-2 Long Ball?
Both our original long ball and our MS2 Long Balls are designed to seal wye fittings while conducting a sewer test. The MS2 Long Ball is unique as it features a relief valve, is multi-size, and inflates and deflates in stages to keep the work area dry by keeping the water from coming up through the pipe riser during the deflation process.
Does Cherne offer chemical resistant plugs?
Cherne Urethane pillow plugs, Well Monitor plug and the Petro Econ-O-Grip can be used with most hydrocarbons. Contact Cherne engineering for specific applications.
How do I determine what size plug should be used?
The first step is to determine the ID (inside diameter) of the pipe that will be plugged, and then choose the plug that matches the ID of the pipe for that application. Some of our Cherne plugs can be used for multiple sizes of pipe, but they should only be used when the size range of the plug is being used on a pipe which falls within that range. When in doubt, call the customer service help desk.
What type of rubber is a Cherne pneumatic plugs made from?
All of Cherne’s pneumatic pipe plugs are made from natural rubber. The only exception is our yellow pillow plugs which are made from a polyurethane impregnated fabric.
What are the temperature limits for a Cherne pneumatic pipe plug?
Normal maximum temperature = 125° F. Normal minimum temperature = 0° F. Consult factory if you wish to use plug at temperatures outside this range.
How do I read the date code on Cherne test balls and plugs?
Date codes on small test balls/long balls are two digit numbers (ex. 14). Date codes are changed each year on July 1st. Plugs manufactured on/after July 1st will bear the last two digits of the next year (ex. Plug manufactured on July 1st, 2014 would have a date code of 15). Larger plugs have the date codes stamped on the front of the plug. It will begin with the year, followed by a letter indicating the month, followed by a number for the day, and a letter for the unit produced. Example for a plug manufactured on February 14th, 2015 would read 15B14A.
What is the shelf life for Cherne pneumatic plugs?
Cherne offers a 2 year warranty on all pneumatic plugs from date of manufacture, (plugs are post-dated by six months to allow for shelf time). If kept in controlled conditions (not exposed to sunlight and kept at temperatures between 0-125 degrees F) the pneumatic plugs remain in good condition for a longer period of time. Plugs should always be inspected for visual damage prior to every use.