Tractive Pushers in the Pipeline for Murphys

Murphys Pipeline Construction recently enrolled the services of Tractive Power Ltd to help them with a large underground project in London installing gas pipelines into two, 1km long tunnels up to 20m underground. The logistics of handling these pipelines is complex and very time critical. The main issue was how to solve the problem of getting all the required building material into the 2.4m diameter tunnels, with minimal manual handling and maximum safety for the construction workers. Tractive Power was contacted because they manufacture the smallest pushers on the market for their power, and was subsequently able to offer two custom adaptations of the TP500 Tractive units. These Tractive units were designed to run on rails and be interchangeable between two different gauge tracks. The machines were also converted to be a ride on vehicle, so the operator could be seated and drive the Pusher through the long tunnels. The custom made TP500’s were also fitted with 6 tonne winches, to handle the steel gas pipelines and rails onto the rail carts; also designed and manufactured by Tractive Power. With the ability to work constantly during the long working days that this project necessitates, the Tractive units have given Murphys a safe and efficient handling system that works within a harsh environment with maximum reliability. Simon Greveson, Engineering Director of Tractive Power Ltd commented, “We pride ourselves on custom design products for unique applications like this. It was particularly challenging to keep the machines as compact as possible whilst meeting the criteria to perform all the necessary tasks. The most difficult challenge was to make both machines easily interchangeable between a 530mm gauge track and a 700mm gauge track. Not only this, the machines also had to have the ability to be driven off the rails and function normally on a flat concrete surface”

For more information on Tractive Pushers in the Pipeline for Murphys talk to Tractive Power Ltd