FuturePath Flex Installation - Dura-Line

Transcription

TECHNICAL BULLETIN
FUTUREPATH® FLEX INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS
CONTENTS:
1.0
General Information
2.0
Installation Recommendations
3.0
Splicing Recommendations
4.0
Contact Information
While this information is presented in good faith and believed to be accurate, A-D Technologies does not, however,
guarantee satisfactory results from reliance on such information due to the many variables attendant with every situation.
Persons or parties utilizing this publication are solely responsible for the proper selection, installation, operation,
maintenance and utilization of all products. Nothing contained herein is to be construed as a warranty or guarantee,
express or implied, regarding the performance, merchantability, fitness, or any other matter with respect to the
products, nor as a recommendation to use any product in conflict with the intellectual property rights of any third
party. A-D Technologies reserves the right, without notice, to alter or improve the design or specifications of the products
described herein. [All sales are pursuant to A-D Technologies’ terms and conditions of sale] Reproduction of this
document, in part or in whole, is permitted solely for the purpose of distribution to other persons within your organization
or contractors doing work for your company. All other distribution will require written consent from A-D Technologies.
Technical Bulletin: DCEB-10001
Issue: A
Date: April 1, 2010
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1.0
GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1
FuturePath® Flex is a configuration of MicroDucts designed to provide
installation pathways for MicroFiber and fiber optic drop cable, and is
designed for buried and MicroTrenching applications. MicroTrench
Technology provides limited disruption during excavation when installing
fiber optic pathways, especially for FTTx implementation. A MicroTrench
may be a specified narrow saw cut or could be defined as a shallow trench
where depth limitations minimize placing options. Available as a 2-way, 4way, or 6-way structure, FuturePath® Flex can be adapted for nearly any
FTTx installation (Figure 1).
Figure 1
1.2
FuturePath® Flex was developed by A-D Technologies for use as a
backbone pathway or last mile deployment of FTTx networks. It can be direct
buried where the only option for placing a fiber optic pathway is a narrow slit
trench excavation, or it can be used in traditional trenching operations.
Issue: A
Date: April 1, 2010
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Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), plow installations, or pulling into
existing conduit can also be accomplished. MicroTrenching can be an
economical alternative when placing an FTTx pathway; especially where
limited space is available for excavation, and restoral to original conditions
needs to be completed in a timely fashion. Municipalities as well as property
owners may also require MicroTrenching as a condition for installation.
MicroTrenching may provide additional routes for supplying customers with
the most up-to-date technologies, and cause designers of
telecommunications facilities to consider MicroTrenching the primary choice
in many situations. FuturePath® Flex provides a highly flexible application for
installation of multiple MicroDucts, providing easy access to the ducts and
fiber, and requires minimal accessories and no special tools for a successful
installation. Routing branch pathways or branch-offs does not require the use
of branching closures, although they can be used if desired for additional
mechanical protection. FuturePath® Flex can be used for many other
applications besides a fiber network build. It can be used for IMSA
(International Municipal Signal Association) low voltage street light signal
wiring, signal loop wiring, coax, and various other low voltage copper
communication wire and DOT applications.
1.3
Equipment manufacturers have developed an array of trenchers and saws to
facilitate the use of MicroTrenching. This Technical Bulletin does not
recommend any equipment type, but serves as an overall guideline to the
MicroTrenching and installation for FuturePath® Flex MicroDucts. Photo
references to equipment are used as examples only, and not an
endorsement of any type or manufacturer. Users of FuturePath® must
decide on equipment choices, but should consider trenching requirements
and equipment limitations in the decision. Installers should consider design
requirements such as trench width and depth before employing any
equipment type.
1.4
FuturePath® Flex is a MicroDuct bundle that is arrayed in a flat
configuration, and may be inserted into a narrow slit trench when standard
FuturePath® or innerduct installation is not be possible. It may also be
placed in conjunction with other duct structures to increase route capacity
and maximize installation expenditures (Figures 2-3).
Issue: A
Date: April 1, 2010
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Figure 2
1.5
Figure 3
When a shipment of FuturePath® Flex is received, it is important to inspect
the duct and reel for any shipping damage. A-D Technologies uses thirdparty shipping companies, whose operators may not be as familiar with reel
handling as an A-D Technologies employee or field construction forces.
When using a forklift for unloading FuturePath® Flex from the truck, lift the
reel from the side placing the forks under the reel flanges. DO NOT lift the
reel with the forks under the FuturePath® Flex (Figure 4).
Figure 4
When using a boom truck to unload the FuturePath® Flex, place a bar though
the reel arbor then attach a chain to the bar. DO NOT wrap a chain around
the FuturePath® Flex in order to lift the reel.
1.6
FuturePath® Flex MicroDucts are thick walled and tangentially joined with
bridges in a side-by-side flat bundle (Figure 5). The bridges allow the folding
of the bundle and enable the duct structure to conform to multiple shapes
(Figure 6).
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FuturePath® Flex specifications are listed in Table A.
MicroDuct
Size
(mm)
Number Of
MicroDucts
Outside
Diameter
(in.)
MDPE
Oversheath
Thickness
(in.)
Total
Weight
(#/ft.)
Bend
Radius
(in.)
Tensile
Strength (lbs.)
18/14
18/14
18/14
6
4
2
5.365/0.779
3.649/0.779
1.637/0.779
0.020
0.020
0.020
0.693
0.460
0.225
12
12
12
3908
2564
1272
Table A
Figure 5
1.7
Figure 6
The MicroDuct “Stack” has a thin oversheath, and joined together by a thin
HDPE webbing, which increases the flexibility and enables easy separation
when branching to a service location. FuturePath® Flex is produced from
high-quality HDPE providing the maximum rigidity and mechanical
parameters. The interior of each MicroDuct has a permanent lining of
Silicore®, providing a super-slick, permanently lubricated pathway for fiber
installations. The MicroDuct lining also is equipped with longitudinal ribbing,
providing a very low co-efficient of drag for cables that are blown-in or pulled.
If desired, FuturePath® Flex can be ordered with pull-lines pre-installed
should that method of installation be desired.
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Date: April 1, 2010
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Designed primarily for small cables and drops, the flat configuration allows
easy separation and routing of the MicroDuct pathways, while providing
excellent protection for the fibers within (Figure 7).
Figure 7
2.0
INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS
2.1
FuturePath® Flex can be used for direct-bury applications as well as for use
in Horizontal Directional Drilling implementation (for HDD, see section 2.10).
For successful FuturePath® Flex installations, it is recommended that
trenches be constructed in such a way as to provide a consistent, highquality surround for the FuturePath®. The trench bottom should be as level
and flat as possible, and free of rocks or other protuberances that could
distort the HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) over time (Figure 8). For rocky
soil, a 2-inch layer of sand is recommended prior to laying the FuturePath®
into the trench. It is recommended to tamp the base layer of soil to provide a
flat, straight path for the FuturePath® Flex After placement of the duct
(Figure 9), backfill with sand and cover with a minimal two-inch layer before
backfilling the trench with native soil. Should additional pathways be
required, FuturePath® Flex can be stacked one upon another, or side-byside. Ordering it with different color stripes can aid in easy identification
should this be necessary. When placing into a trench, pull the MicroDucts
tight at intervals to minimize bending or “snaking” of the product.
Issue: A
Date: April 1, 2010
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Figure 8
Figure 9
Maintain the minimum bend radius (Table A) for all FuturePath® Flex
installations. If possible, turn the FuturePath® Flex at 90-degrees or standing
upright when making a turn. This makes it easier to change directions and
allows for a tighter bend radius (Figure 10).
Figure 10
2.2
Backfilling with a finer grade of material such as sand will cause the
FuturePath® Flat to gain additional strength because the voids between the
ducts will be more easily filled. When compacted, the fine grain fill will
provide superior strength to the MicroDucts and allow maximum compaction
of the fill. The fine-grain backfill will deliver insulating properties around the
FuturePath® prior to hot asphalt applications (Figure 11). See Section 2.4
and 2.6 for cold climate applications. As in all MicroDuct installations, it is
recommended to maintain as straight of a route as possible (Figure 12).
Issue: A
Date: April 1, 2010
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Figure 11
Figure 12
2.3
While FuturePath® Flex can be installed into a trench, saw cut, underground
conduit, or Horizontally Directionally Drilled, this work should be performed
only by individuals trained in the operation of the machinery and procedures
for placing FuturePath® Flex, as outlined by this document. Equipment
should be verified that it is in proper working order before beginning any
installation.
2.4
Frost heave occurs when moisture-retaining soils are exposed to subfreezing temperatures for a prolonged period. As freezing extends deeper
into the soil, retained moisture expands. Since the moisture cannot expand
downwards, and lateral expansion is somewhat contained, it follows the path
of least resistance, which is generally upwards. Any object embedded in soil
subject to these conditions will also be lifted. This includes buried conduit.
Factors determining the degree of lift include the amount of retained water,
depth of any insulating snow cover, the sub-zero temperature levels, and the
duration of exposure. During a typical northern winter, accompanied by
normal snowfall (which acts as an insulating blanket) only a very small
percentage of surface area actually freezes. When the snow blanket is
absent, plowed away (as in roads, walkways), or prevented from
accumulating (under bridges or other protected areas), the ground may
freeze and subsequent frost heave can be severe. To help minimize frost
heave after installing the FuturePath® Flex, ensure that restoration of
Issue: A
Date: April 1, 2010
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walkways or road surfaces is complete and properly compacted so as to
avoid surface water penetration into the area around the duct. It is suggested
that soil used to backfill be of a low moisture level initially in order to
minimize this effect in colder climates. Due to the behavior of an object when
subjected to frost heave, the object (in this case, the duct structure)
continues to be pushed upward as each freeze cycle causes soil to migrate
below the duct. Eventually, these cycles can break up the surface restoration
(potholes), and even allow the duct to become exposed. Proper restoration
with asphalt, cement, or grout will help limit moisture migration into the softer
soil layers, minimizing frost heave.
2.5
FuturePath® Flex can be plowed into soils if desired (Figures 13-14). Soft or
sandy soils will be best for this application, as rocky soil may interfere with
the installation.
Figure 13
Figure 14
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2.6
While most trenching, HDD, and conduit installations are fairly common
practices, saw cutting or slit trench applications are relatively new
procedures. This section outlines some points to consider when placing
FuturePath® Flex into saw cuts. Cutting equipment should be selected
based upon the requirements of the product placed and the job parameters.
For instance, if vehicular traffic is to travel over the duct system, it is
recommended that a minimum cover 6” be placed. Governing bodies may
have certain requirements that would override these recommendations.
Where extreme temperatures are involved, and where the soil may be
subject to ice shifting or frost heave, it is suggested that additional depth of
cover be placed. Cutting a path 3” wide and 24” deep would provide room for
a 2” bed layer of fine composite, 6” for the FuturePath® Flex to stand upright,
and 16” of cover. In areas not typically affected by ice shifting or frost heave,
6”-8” of cover is adequate (Figure 15).
Figure 15
2.7
Cutting equipment used for MicroTrenching should be capable of delivering a
cleanly cut trench through the material being displaced (Figure 16). Blades
should be sized to provide the desired width and depth so adequate cover
can be obtained. Do not stand directly in front of or behind the cutting blades,
as the blades can throw debris. Trench size depends upon the actual
dimensions of the product being installed, but it is recommended to cut a
minimum of 2” wide by 16” deep pathway for the 6-way FuturePath® Flex. If
the pathway will be exposed to vehicular traffic, careful consideration should
be given to the depth of cover required, as the road bed construction will
need to be restored to original values. Check with local authorities to
ascertain and verify requirements.
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Figure 16
It is recommended that all saw cuts should be performed in lines, keeping as
straight as possible, and curved routes should staged on gradual 450 cuts
(Figures 17-18). Where tighter turns are required, take care to ensure that
the minimum bend radius of the duct is maintained. When possible, perform
cuts in long straight lines, which provide a clean look after restoral (Figure
19).
Figure 17
Figure 18
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Figure 19
2.8
Transitioning from a conduit or borehole is facilitated by the flexible design of
the FuturePath® Flex. Placing the duct into the saw cut is fast and requires
no special equipment (Figures 20-21).
Figure 21
Figure 22
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2.9
It is recommended to backfill the area around the MicroDucts with sand so
compaction around the surface area of the duct will equalize in all directions.
Place a two-inch minimum layer of sand over the ducts, while still allowing
for the final resurfacing. Concrete slurry or cold patch asphalt provide good
resurfacing materials. Proper installation and compaction of cold patch
should restore the MicroTrench with minimal impact to foot or light vehicular
traffic (Figures 22-24).
Figure 22
Figure 23
Figure 24
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2.10
When it is necessary to pull FuturePath® Flex into conduit, for vibratory
plowing, or when Horizontal Directional Drilling is employed, there needs to
be a way to grip the duct system prior to pulling-in. A steel mesh cable grip
can be employed to attach to the front of the MicroDucts. A 36”-48” grip is
recommended so adequate gripping power is attained. The following
recommendations outline the using a hook blade or razor knife equivalent to
slit the webbing between the MicroDucts for the length of the pulling grip.
Remove 2/3 the length of the oversheath on each MicroDuct. See the
recommended oversheath removal procedure in sections 3.5-3.6. Place
several layers of duct tape around the MicroDucts, beginning at the end and
covering the openings of the duct to keep out debris (Figure 25), and at
intervals of 8-10 inches along the length of where the grip will rest. Form the
MicroDucts into a compact round shape with the tape. Place the pulling grip
over the end of the ducts, installing the full length onto the MicroDucts. Place
several layers of tape over the end of the grip, overlapping the tape about 6inches either side of the oversheath and the grip (Figure 26).
Figure 25
Figure 26
2.11
Connect a ball-bearing swivel to the front of the pulling grip between the
MicroDucts and the pulling line or rod. This will help keep the FuturePath®
Flex from twisting during placement. It is highly recommended to use a backreamer during HDD operations that is at least two inches larger in diameter
than the product being placed. When placing a 6” wide Flex product, an 8”
back-reamer should be placed ahead of the swivel and pulling grip. Over-pull
the FuturePath® Flex to account for any stabilization of the HDPE as
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stretching may occur during the application of pulling tensions. Remove and
discard the section of MicroDucts below the pulling grip, as they may
become distorted during the pulling operation.
2.12
After the FuturePath® Flex has been placed into a trench or MicroTrench,
the next step is to restore the work location to original conditions. If the soil
removed from the trench was of a rocky nature, a fine grain aggregate
should be used to cover the MicroDucts. A minimum layer if six inches over
the top of the ducts is suggested. Tamp the fill layer on both sides of the
MicroDuct prior to tamping the soil directly over the duct stack. Once the 6inches of backfill has been installed, the remainder of the trench can be
restored to original conditions. Remove any excess soil or material not used,
and lay concrete or asphalt surfacing if required. Proper restoral is important
to limit costly repair visits at a later date.
2.13
FuturePath® Flex can be placed into conduit alone, or as an override
situation (Figure 27), as in placing the MicroDuct bundle into an already
occupied conduit. The flat configuration can form to available space in an
occupied conduit. Adequate lubrication is needed so the FuturePath® Flex
rides over the existing cable easily.
Figure 27
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3.0
SPLICING RECOMMENDATIONS
3.1
Splicing FuturePath® Flex is a simple process, made easier by the use of
push-fit quick-connect, air and watertight couplers. Due to the accessibility of
each duct, it is possible to cut an individual duct past the turn-off location, cut
along the webbing, and make a single continuous pathway to the serving
location. If this procedure is not possible, then a coupler can be used to
extend the MicroDuct to its final destination (Figures 28-30). Strip back the
oversheath layer several inches before trying to install the coupler. Separate
enough MicroDuct from the bundle so that the minimal bend radius (10 times
the diameter of the duct) can be maintained. For 14mm MicroDuct, for
instance, the minimum bend radius would be 140mm, or 280mm diameter.
This equates to about a 6” radius or 12” diameter. Long sweeping bends are
preferred, however, in order to maximize placement of the fiber, and reduce
drag.
Figure 28
3.2
Figure 29
Figure 30
A-D Technologies couplers are manufactured and tested to 10 bar, or about
150 P.S.I. (Figure 31).
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Figure 31
3.3
It is recommended to use an end cap on all unused sections of duct, to keep
out dirt and debris should the MicroDuct ever be needed in the future, as in a
restoration procedure. MicroDuct couplers and end caps can be installed and
removed up to 10 times without degrading the performance of the coupler.
To remove, press in firmly on the outer release rings or collets, and
simultaneously pull back on the MicroDucts.
3.4
To begin a splice with FuturePath® Flex, mark the oversheath with a marker
at two locations from each end, at 5” and 20”. Mark the sheath perpendicular
to the direction of the MicroDucts at each location, for the full width of the
FuturePath® (Figures 32-33).
Figure 32
Figure 33
Using a razor knife or hook blade knife, make longitudinal slits in the
webbing between each MicroDuct until the mark at 20”. Slit and separate
each MicroDuct for the next procedure (Figures 34-35).
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Figure 34
3.5
Using a razor knife, gently score each MicroDuct sheath at the 5” mark. Be
careful not to cut all the way through the sheathing, as the MicroDuct do not
need to be cut. Just inward of the 5” mark on each MicroDuct, carefully slit
through the oversheath at an angle to the MicroDucts, and slide the knife
blade along the top of the actual MicroDuct to the end of the FuturePath®
Flex. Peel away just enough of the oversheath to expose the MicroDuct
below (Figures 36-37). Repeat this procedure for each of the MicroDucts.
Figure 36
3.6
Figure 35
Figure 37
Peel away the oversheath after lightly scoring around each MicroDuct on the
oversheath. Using a twisting motion, the oversheath will peel away easily,
exposing the color-coded MicroDucts. Repeat this procedure until all the
MicroDucts are exposed for a length of 5” (Figures 38-39).
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Figure 38
3.7
Using the marker, measure and mark every other MicroDuct in the row at 3”
from the end (Figures 40-41). Start measuring at one side of the array, and
mark every other duct. Staggering the couplers will make a neat splice and
minimize the space required.
Figure 40
3.8
Figure 39
Figure 41
With a MicroDuct straight cutter, cut each duct that has been marked at the
3” location (Figures 42-43). The straight cutter will make a smooth
perpendicular cut on the duct and allow for easy installation and sealing of
the couplers.
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Figure 42
3.9
After cutting every other duct on one side, discard the section of MicroDuct
removed (Figure 44). Continue until the first end of the FuturePath® Flex to
be spliced looks like the following (Figure 45).
Figure 44
3.10
Figure 43
Figure 45
Perform the same procedure on the other end of the FuturePath® Flex to be
spliced, marking and removing 3” of MicroDuct from the opposite alternating
colors. The ends of each duct should align like the following (Figure 46).
Start at one side, and install a coupler between the first MicroDuct (Figure
47). It is advised to lay the coupler alongside each MicroDuct and hold the
center of the coupler over the center gap in each MicroDuct. Mark the
outside of the MicroDuct where the end of the coupler will be if properly
installed. An internal center stop helps verify that the MicroDuct has been
inserted fully.
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Figure 46
3.11
Place, mark, and install the second coupler, creating a staggered formation
with the couplers (Figure 48). Continue until all the couplers have been
installed (Figure 49). The splice is now complete. It is not recommended to
pull FuturePath® Flex after the couplers have been installed. The
MicroDucts have been designed for installation only in continuous lengths,
with the oversheath in place.
Figure 48
3.12
Figure 47
Figure 49
FuturePath® Flex provides the versatility needed for many OSP FTTH or
FTTB pathway construction, along with the capability to create backbone
fiber structures when needed. The accessibility to each MicroDuct and the
fiber that is housed within, allows installers to supply service to customers
promptly, and with less disruption to living environments when
MicroTrenching can be employed. The compatibility with other traditional
installation materials, procedures, versatility, and user friendliness makes
FuturePath® Flex the right choice for building fiber optic pathways.
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4.0
CONTACT INFORMATION
4.1
Customer Service 1-800-847-7661 or 1-865-218-3460,
Fax 1-865-218-3461
4.2
Web: www.adtechnologies.com
4.3
Email: [email protected]
4.4
For further information on this product, contact Customer Service who can
arrange for a Field Support Engineer to contact you directly.
4.5
A-D Technologies has a library of Technical Bulletins that are for use by our
customers and their placing crews.
Issue: A
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FuturePath Flex Installation - Dura-Line

Transcription

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