Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for supporting a pipeline in a trench. The disclosure is directed to the placement of urea-silicate sprayable or pumpable foams into trenches to provide pipeline pillow supports during placement of the pipeline and to form trench breakers in the trench prior to the trench being backfilled. The pillow supports and trench breakers inhibit erosion of the trench prior to and after being backfilled. The urea-silicate foam material has an open cell content of at least 50% to resist floatation, is non-flammable and electrically conductive. Also disclosed is use of supports for placement between the urea-silicate foam and the bottom of the trench to aid in utilization of the urea-silicate foams in cold weather conditions and in trenches with steeply sloped bottoms. Preferably the supports are biodegradable and electrically conductive when wet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for supporting a pipeline in a trench. The disclosure is directed to the placement of urea-silicate sprayable or pumpable foams into trenches to provide pipeline pillow supports during placement of the pipeline and to form trench breakers in the trench prior to the trench being backfilled. The pillow supports and trench breakers inhibit erosion of the trench prior to and after being backfilled. The urea-silicate foam material has an open cell content of at least 50% to resist floatation, is non-flammable and electrically conductive. Also disclosed is use of supports for placement between the urea-silicate foam and the bottom of the trench to aid in utilization of the urea-silicate foams in cold weather conditions and in trenches with steeply sloped bottoms. Preferably the supports are biodegradable and electrically conductive when wet.