August 12th, 2024
ONTARIO, CANADA — Established in 2020, Miller Underground offers an array of sewer infrastructure solutions designed to enhance functionality and extend the lifespan of sewer systems for its clients. The company's services encompass catch basin cleaning, hydro excavation, CCTV inspections, and more, ensuring comprehensive support for all sewer maintenance needs.
Serving municipalities, businesses, and homeowners, Miller Underground assists its clients in making informed decisions about the maintenance, repair, and enhancement of sewer systems. The ultimate goal is to prevent expensive emergencies and extend the life span of the underground infrastructure.
Recognizing the importance of reliable equipment in its projects, Miller Underground has harnessed the benefits of Cherne pipe plugs, showcasing their effectiveness and indispensability in enhancing the efficiency and safety of their operations. They understand that even the smallest components of their operations can have a significant impact on project outcomes.
Samantha Da Silva, the Combo Truck Operator and Shop Manager at Miller Underground underscores the importance of safety in their operations, stating, "Each day presents a unique challenge that requires the use of diverse testing equipment. Strict adherence to a checklist for handling pipe plugs is crucial rather than going on autopilot, as neglect can lead to catastrophic mistakes."
Ensuring Pipeline Isolation During Sewer Inspections and Maintenance
Whether tackling a routine maintenance job on a smaller pipeline or an intricate infrastructure project involving larger sewer and water main systems, Miller Underground relies on Cherne Pipe Plugs for dependable and consistent performance.
"We own an assortment of Cherne plugs that cater to the varied pipe sizes we work with. Our stock includes plugs suitable for 200 millimeters up to the largest plug of 600 millimeters," Da Silva explains. Alongside this, they use the Cherne Air-Loc Low Pressure Air Testing Control Panel during testing to observe compressor pressure, plug pressure, and test pressure.
Blocking plugs provide a reliable method for temporarily halting wastewater flow, which is essential for various sewer system operations. This enables the inspection team to thoroughly and accurately assess sewer line conditions without disruption, ensuring detailed and accurate diagnostics that inform maintenance or repair recommendations.
Following an inspection, plugs are also employed during sewer maintenance to remove debris or obstructions from the sewer networks. These plugs help isolate sections of the sewer for targeted cleaning and maintenance, ensuring that the rest of the system continues to function smoothly. Additionally, bypass plugs are used to maintain an appropriate flow within the systems, allowing for continuous operation of the sewage network while maintenance is being carried out. This dual functionality of blocking and bypassing ensures that sewer systems remain efficient and reliable, minimizing downtime and disruption to service.
Miller Underground has been using the Cherne 6-10 in. I-Series Test-Ball Plug for air pressure testing as part of the Port Lands Flood Protection Project in Toronto. This project entails creating a naturalized river valley, constructing new public spaces, roads, bridges, and utilities, as well as installing structures to regulate water flow and handle sediment and debris. Upon its scheduled completion in 2024, the project will facilitate the development of new neighborhoods in the Port Lands area.
Ensuring Safety and Training for Test Plug Usage
To ensure the safe and effective handling of Cherne pipe plugs and testing equipment, Miller Underground places a strong emphasis on proper training procedures. Following the guidelines outlined in the Cherne safety instructions manual, employees undergo rigorous training to understand the correct selection, inflation, operation, maintenance, and storage of Cherne test plugs.
“During the company's initial stages, we had a Cherne representative come out to train us on proper use and safety guidelines of the various plugs and testing equipment,” Da Silva explains. This training covered back pressure determination, plug size selection, proper operation techniques, and the use of calibrated gauges to monitor pressure.
On the job site, employees adhere to their training by correctly selecting the appropriate plug size for the pipe being tested, cleaning and inspecting plugs and pipe openings, and maintaining a safe distance away from any potential hazards during testing. Once testing is finished and the plugs are depressurized, the crew can safely remove them from the pipe.
By following these safety protocols, Miller Underground ensures that its crew is capable of using Cherne pipe plugs and testing equipment safely and efficiently for all its underground infrastructure projects.
Miller Underground's experience has confirmed that they can consistently depend on Cherne Pipe Plugs for their durability, reliability, and exceptional performance, regardless of the project's size or complexity. Cherne's dedication to providing superior equipment has significantly enhanced the efficiency and safety of Miller Underground's operations.