Although leak detection is a growing field, pipe rehabilitation is an ultimately necessary solution when infrastructure begins to fail – a challenge faced across the globe. Fortunately for the industry, Kobus has continued to develop its high-value methods in this area with products and equipment applicable across water, gas and other service pipe sectors.
Australian reception
Since its first sale in the Australasian market, Kobus has seen an increase in volume of enquiries. As water and gas service lines are being upgraded and current infrastructure is being rehabilitated in many parts of the region, the works and subsequent demand Kobus is receiving are well aligned.
Kobus hopes that the Australasian market will take the technology on board as strongly as the US has, where after introducing the Kobus Pipe Puller a mere 18 months ago, the strong and consistent demand led Kobus to officially set up and open a facility in Michigan.
While the technology still on its first steps in the new Australasian market, Kobus President Tom Atienza says all reports from its current customers have been positive.
“We are in talks with a few medium and large contractors throughout Australia, who are working in large rehabilitation projects where we have pitched our technology and they are strongly considering the KPP400 as the technology of choice,” says Mr Atienza.
KPP400
The KPP400 is an all-in-one pipe pulling unit specifically designed for ease when moving around the job site; the machine can be mounted on most 35/45 series compact excavators while the puller generates 27,000 kg driven from the auxiliary hydraulics of the excavator.
The KPP400 can replace lead, galvanised iron, copper or poly pipe and can tow in new copper or polyethylene pipe in a single operation. These services can be quickly and safely pulled out of the ground, replacing old pipes for new installations of up to 36 mm in diameter and of lengths up to 25 m.
Both time and cost efficient, the KPP400 can complete a replacement in a mere three minutes – for a typical 12 m line – and is an affordable solution for pipe replacement as maintenance costs are kept to a minimum.
As a low maintenance machine, Kobus says the KPP400 is deigned to give contractors the edge against other trenchless or conventional technologies due to an advantage on costs, speed and safety.
Additional services and support
Last year, Kobus opened its new US facility to not only support the American market but also the Australasian market through supplying machines, accessories, consumables and technological support.
“We are working hard to complete in full our [Michigan] facility, where we are already assembling machines. We also are gearing up on all fronts to ensure we can fully support current customers and new ones,” says Mr Atienza.
“We are looking to establish working relationships with local companies and build bonds within the local communities, so we can grow together.”
To establish these bonds locally and internationally, all customers who purchase a Kobus Pipe Pulling machine receive additional services such as a package that includes pulling cables to allow pulling to commence from day one.
Additionally, comprehensive training from qualified Kobus engineers is also provided to help train crews to use the machine, therefore optimising the success of the pipe replacements and ensuring the crew are working safely.
For more information visit the Kobus website.
If you have news you would like featured in Trenchless Australasia contact Journalist Sophie Venz at svenz@gs-press.com.au
