Aging pressure pipelines come to life with innovative trenchless technology

Kilometres of aging water and pressure sewer pipelines across Australia and New Zealand are in need of renewal. Until recently, some of the more challenging pipelines have left asset owners in need of a practical, affordable, long-term solution.

Primus Line, a flexible liner reinforced with aramid fabric, is getting buzz for all the right reasons. The tried and tested lining technology provides a practical, high-quality lining solution for aging pressure pipelines that is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

Fergus Meyer, a Project Manager at Interflow, a leading provider of pipeline infrastructure solutions, understands the challenges many asset owners face when tackling the problem of aging infrastructure.

“A lot of projects have been sitting in ‘too hard’ baskets for years, waiting for the right technology and delivery partner to come along,” Mr Meyer said.

“Environmental constraints, budget limitations and delivery risk are all factors that can stop a project getting off the ground.

“The key is engaging suppliers early, and coming up with solutions together. So is keeping an open mind to alternate proposals at the time of tender. This can really open the door to affordable, and eco-friendly solutions, like Primus Line.”

Interflow has partnered with Primus Line to provide the innovative system to the Australia and New Zealand market. Leveraging their five-year exclusivity agreement, the two companies have made a significant impact throughout the year, rehabilitating some of Australia and New Zealand’s most challenging pressure pipelines.

PRIMUS LINE IN ACTION

In early 2022, Interflow was given the challenge of rehabilitating a deteriorating section of steel water pipe supplying the remote mining town of Paraburdoo. The pipeline runs through an area of environmental and cultural significance, so a non-invasive solution was needed. Using Primus Line, Interflow relined a kilometre of watermain in a single pull, meaning no digging or disturbance along the alignment.

The project took just over a week, and only a single truck was needed to transport the spool of liner and associated fittings – a significant benefit when the nearest major city is 1,500km away.

One of Interflow’s more challenging projects in 2022 involved 1.4km of pipeline that transports raw water from a dam to a nearby town. Located deep within a state park and traversing steep and rocky terrain, replacing the pipeline would have been a costly exercise with unacceptable risk to the environment.

Having access only to the ends of the line, Primus Line was installed in one continuous pull. This marked the longest single pull of Primus Line in Australia to date and opens the opportunity for longer pulls of a similar nature in the future. The project was recently recognised as the winner of an Infrastructure Project Innovation award from the Australian Water Association in Victoria.

Innovative technology like Primus Line presents an exciting opportunity for the water industry to overcome current challenges and extend the life of aging infrastructure for decades to come. With local supply right here in Australia, Interflow is ready to support high priority projects without supply-chain setbacks.