Conventional installation
High imported material dependency
Method
How HydroFoamer works
HydroFoamer uses engineered sprayed PU foam, installation control and as-built evidence to do the same buried pipeline job with less imported material, fewer hidden assumptions and more visible control.
Engineering comparison
Same buried pipe function - different installation logic
Conventional buried composite pipe installation relies heavily on imported bedding and embedment material. HydroFoamer replaces much of that dependency with engineered sprayed PU foam keyhole support geometry and native backfill.
HydroFoamer installation
Engineered keyhole support geometry
Illustrative sections based on HydroFoamer engineering principles and Eikeelva / HYWER geometry. Final geometry is project-specific and depends on pipe diameter, cover, soil conditions and required support behaviour.
Video
See the HydroFoamer method in action
The 2026 video shows the controlled application of sprayed PU foam around a composite pipe section, illustrating the support geometry and practical execution logic behind the HydroFoamer method.
The problem
Conventional installation hides too much value and too much risk
Traditional buried pipeline installation depends on trench geometry, imported bedding, compaction, access, workmanship and inspection quality. The work is heavy and much of the proof comes late. Once the trench is backfilled, the real installed condition is difficult to verify directly.
- Imported bedding and embedment can dominate logistics, truck movements, site storage and plant activity.
- Pipe movement, settlement and coupling deflection can be difficult to observe after backfill.
- Installation quality depends on execution conditions that vary along the route and across crews.
- Evidence is often fragmented between survey, QA/QC, construction records and handover material.
- Open-trench duration can increase exposure to weather, access constraints and HSE risk.
The method
Put engineered support where it creates value
HydroFoamer applies structural PU foam around the pipe in a controlled keyhole support geometry. The method provides support and restraint while allowing native backfill to replace much of the imported bedding and embedment material normally required. The method moves value from bulk handling into designed support and measured control.
- The support geometry is designed around restrained pipe behaviour and project conditions.
- Foam support and restraint are installed as part of a controlled sequence.
- Pipe position, alignment and installation geometry can be checked before and during foam application.
- The near-term focus is composite pipe systems, with wider applications requiring project-specific qualification.
Field workflow
A controlled installation sequence
The sequence is designed so the pipe is positioned, checked, supported, verified and handed over with records. The buried asset should not become unknowable the moment backfill is placed.
Installation steps
1. Prepare trench and pipe alignment
Confirm trench context, working access, pipe specification and target alignment before installation begins.
2. Place pipe
Position the composite pipe section according to the installation plan and project tolerances.
3. Verify pipe position and geometry
Check pipe position, angular alignment, coupling deflection and geometry before support is locked in.
4. Spray controlled PU foam keyhole support
Apply structural PU foam to create the defined keyhole support and restraint geometry.
5. Confirm installation geometry and data
Record measured installation data and check that the installed condition aligns with the project method.
6. Place native backfill
Place native backfill where the design allows, reducing dependency on selected imported aggregate.
7. Handover as-built evidence
Carry installation records into the as-built package for technical review, asset handover and future understanding.
What should become visible before backfill
The practical test is simple: before the pipe disappears, the team should know what has been installed, what has been measured and what assumptions remain.
Position
Pipe location and alignment are checked against the installation plan before support is locked in.
Geometry
Support sector, keyhole depth, pipe diameter and cover assumptions stay tied to the project method.
Movement
Movement, settlement and coupling deflection are treated as installation-control questions, not only post-event concerns.
Material quantities
Imported aggregate, native backfill, foam volume and spoil handling can be recorded as project quantities.
Hold points
QA checks can be attached to the sequence: place, measure, support, verify, backfill and hand over.
Handover
The as-built record should help the owner understand the buried asset, not simply close the construction file.
Key technical concepts
HydroFoamer is not foam instead of gravel. It is a controlled restrained installation method built around support geometry, measurement and evidence.
Keyhole support geometry
A defined support sector and minimum keyhole depth provide controlled support and restraint around the pipe.
Restrained pipe behaviour
The method is focused on restrained buried pipelines where movement control, bends and coupling behaviour are important.
Pipe position control
Pipe alignment and geometry are checked as part of the installation sequence, not only after the fact.
Installation data
Measured records connect field checks, installation state, QA/QC and handover evidence.
Reduced imported aggregate
Native backfill can replace much of the imported bedding and embedment material where project design allows.
Composite pipe systems
The near-term focus is composite pipe systems; broader pipe applications require qualification.
From alignment check to digital handover
PGMS makes control practical. It supports standalone alignment checks, integration with Leica / total station survey workflows, and handover into BIM and digital twin environments.
Level 1: standalone alignment check
PGMS can be used directly in the trench to check pipe alignment, angular position, coupling deflection and installation geometry before and during foam application.
Level 2: Leica / total station integration
PGMS data can connect with Leica / total station survey workflows to link pipe geometry, measured position and construction control.
Level 3: BIM / digital twin handover
Installation data can feed into the BIM and digital twin layer, creating a verified as-built record of the buried pipeline installation.
Request a technical briefing
Bring the pipe system, route constraints and evidence requirements. The useful question is whether this installation method changes the project, not whether foam can be sprayed in a trench.