The recent installation of SAERTEX-LINER® H20 in a busy street in Geelong, Victoria, marks a significant milestone for the water industry, offering a safe, clean, and cost-effective solution for renewing drinking water pipelines.
This watertight GRP liner, developed by SAERTEX multiCom®, not only restores the pipeline’s functionality while meeting the highest hygienic standards for potable water, but also extends its lifespan by an impressive 50 years.
“SAERTEX multiCom has developed a unique rehabilitation solution that allows for the construction of a new, independent, fully structural pipe within the existing host pipe,” Business Development Manager at SAERTEX multiCom, Katharina Helming, said.
The SAERTEX-LINER H2O Type S+XR has earned approvals for use in Australia and New Zealand, including a WSAA appraisal for renovating drinking water pipes and certification to AS/NZS 4020 standards by the Australian Water Quality Centre (AWQC).
Trenchless rehabilitation
Selecting the right solution was crucial for the trenchless rehabilitation of the heavily deteriorated DN463 feeder water main, which covered 388 meters through a busy street in central Geelong.
Surrounded by residential areas and a local shopping precinct, minimising costs, time, and disruption to the community was a top priority.
Ben Hochuli, Senior Supervisor at Total Plumbing Solutions (TPS), who helped oversee the project, emphasised the advantages of trenchless technology over traditional dig-and-replace methods.
“We’re only creating three excavation points on this road, allowing residents to continue using it,” he said.
“In the past, the entire road would have had to be excavated, causing extended closures.”
TPS was thoroughly prepared for the installation, having completed SAERTEX multiCom’s certified training for pressure and gravity systems through local distributor Pipe Core.
The project also benefited from on-site support provided by two SAERTEX multiCom application engineers, a representative from Rausch Rehab, and traffic management personnel.
“Pipe Core is deeply invested in the success of its customers, offering on-site assistance for high-risk and high-value projects,” Pipe Core CEO Jason Marshall said.
Ideal equipment
For this installation, TPS utilised their recently acquired RRcure 1500 Compact from Rausch Rehab, which proved to be the ideal equipment for the job.
“All pressure tests were successful, and we were extremely pleased with the outcome. This was a major milestone for our team,” Steve Nolan, TPS Owner/Operator said.
“This is a perfect example of a trenchless project done right—non-intrusive and executed in a tight location.
“This technology has given us the opportunity to renew an asset that would have otherwise been nearly impossible to access.”
Pipe Core continues to be proud of its exclusive partnership with SAERTEX multiCom in Australia and New Zealand, bringing the company’s leading trenchless solutions to the local market.
“This milestone demonstrates the durability and versatility of trenchless technology, showcasing the industry-leading approach our customers and suppliers bring to pipeline rehabilitation,” Marshall said.
For more information, visit the Pipe Core website or call 1800 747 326.
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