The str ength of steel

Kenny van Rooyen

Managing Director

Hall Longmore

The strength of steel

Upgrading and maintaining pipelines is a key priority. Do you feel this is an area getting enough attention?

KvR Maintenance is a key priority and should be done better. Having said that, I do believe that interference with pipeline infrastructure through theft and vandalism is difficult to control and does make proper maintenance very difficult.

Applying new technologies might be a cost-effective way to address and improve current ageing pipeline infrastructure. Pipeline surveys using drone technology for example would open many new opportunities to assist in infrastructure monitoring assessment. I believe proper budget allocation and funding is a crucial building block that needs to be addressed. As a key focus, we could do more to keep existing infrastructure maintained and operational.

What are the benefits of steel pipes in terms of longevity and ease of upgrade,

It is well known that South Africa is not blessed with an abundance of water and many areas critical to the future sustainability of the country’s economy are situated a long way from natural water sources, particularly the Northern Cape, Limpopo and Gauteng. This means water will have to be transported vast distances to keep these mining and industrial hubs operational.

Steel is infinitely adaptable, so you are able to match plate thicknesses and steel grades, enabling you to design specifically for the requirements. An established network of steel pipelaying specialists, inspection services, etc. gives the end-user a great deal of confidence in the installed product.

How does steel measure up to alternatives like GRP, PVC and concrete when it comes to life-cycle costing?

Steel pipeline infrastructure has a design life of 50-plus years. Correctly installed and maintained, steel pipelines still offer the lowest life-cycle cost available. The high-pressure bulk infrastructure

maintenance and replacement?

pipelines installed in particular give credibility to this statement.

Can you comment on the importance of coatings and linings for both internal and external protection?

Coatings and linings do extend the life of

steel pipe infrastructure exponentially. The right product for the specific requirement is key in extending the life of steel pipe infrastructure.

Potable water pipelines need accredited linings that are approved to ensure safe water for human consumption coupled with protecting the steel from corrosion. The external coating range needs to be selected based on the ground variables and other external variables to ensure optimal corrosion protection.

Hall Longmore – as the oldest supplier of steel pipes, linings and coatings in South Africa – offers the widest range of coating and linings. We offer a full range of solutions to the consulting engineer, no matter what the challenges or variables are.

What role do you see steel pipes playing as South Africa expands its pipeline infrastructure to unserved areas?

South Africa and, in fact, Southern Africa as a region will be required to move massive volumes of water to sustain mining, industry, agriculture and an everincreasing domestic requirement. Steel is the only practical solution for these types of large-bore transfer pipelines.