PEX tubing is used in ShapeArray (SAA) construction to protect the communication cable from damage and to provide a secure way of retrieving the ShapeArray. The PEX tubing is resistant to twist and helps maintain azimuth control for the ShapeArray when the top of the ShapeArray is not visible at the surface. Each ShapeArray comes with 1.5 m of PEX attached at the top. The PEX Extension Kit is used in situations where this length is not enough to reach the surface or end of a borehole.


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Figure 1: PEX extension kit - (A) Extra PEX, (B) PEX couplers and crimp rings, and (C) PEX crimping tool



Step 1 - Gather the Parts


Gather the following items:


  • extra PEX 
  • 1 PEX coupler 
  • 4 PEX crimp rings 
  • ShapeArray



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Figure 2: A ShapeArray and a PEX extension kit




Step 2 - Put it Together  


Place crimp rings on PEX, two on each side of connection. Thread the PEX coupler and extra PEX over the communication cable. Push half of the PEX coupler into the PEX on one side of the connection.


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Figure 3: PEX extension kit assembled prior to crimping




Step 3 - Crimp Rings on One Section of PEX


Slip PEX crimp rings over the coupler and use the PEX crimping tool to secure them. When securing the crimp rings, first crimp the ring while holding the tool parallel to the ground and then crimp the same ring holding the tool perpendicular to the ground. Each crimp should be done on the same ring, but at 90 degrees from the previous crimp.


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Figure 4: Crimping the rings onto the PEX




Step 4 - Crimp Rings on the Other Section of PEX 


Slide the other piece of PEX over the exposed coupler. Repeat step 3 to crimp the last two crimp rings.


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Figure 5: Both sections of PEX over the coupler and crimped