Savcor’s involvement with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) linings began in 2006. In recognition of this growth area, Savcor invested heavily in the industry by bringing a DVS-qualified thermoplastic welder from Germany to Australia for the Sydney Water Southern Western Suburbs Ocean Outfall Sewer project. This project was a benchmark for the use of HDPE linings in water industry structures in Australia, and set the highest standards for the use and welding of HDPE.

Through working in conjunction with Bluey Technologies and Humes, Savcor has now developed and site-implemented orbital welding equipment to mechanise the process of thermoplastic welding within reinforced concrete pipe HDPE-lined pipes. The orbital welding machine was purpose constructed in South Africa and then trialled and modified in Australia to suit difficult site conditions.

Since its use on the Derrimut Interceptor Pipeline in Victoria, the machine has been mobilised in southeast Queensland for the Woogaroo Sewer Trunk Project. Mechanising the process of extrusion welding within these typically 1 m diameter pipes allows for manual handling risks to be mitigated, which in turn increases the overall quality of the welds and production onsite.

All Savcor welders are suitably certified by Bluey Technologies, have undergone Savcor’s in-house training and have worked under direct supervision of Savcor’s DVS-qualified thermoplastic welder.