After a leak of approximately 20 ML per day was discovered on a large diameter concrete pipe at Melbourne Water’s Western Treatment Plant, GEM was engaged by Melbourne Water and John Holland to construct a single 1800 mm pipeline to run adjacent to the lagoon and act as a bypass line for the failed pipe.
GEM imported a 24 t McElroy Talon from Tulsa, Oklahoma to Victoria for the job, while Iplex Pipelines was tasked with producing the pipe and the fittings.
GEM said the project was successful because of the high quality work of all involved.
“Always pushing the boundaries and up for a challenge, Iplex not only met, but exceeded everyone’s expectations,” said GEM.
“The mobility of the track-able McElroy Talon made the task of welding simple, and almost effortless, the assurance provided to our clients via the on board DataLogging was also an invaluable asset.
“We were typically achieving on average 7-8 welds per day.”
The flexibility of HDPE pipe allowed for numerous construction possibilities, GEM said, including horizontal directional drilling (HDD) or sending dual lines across the lagoon and sinking them.
Due to the narrow construction space, two separate lines were constructed – one towards the north of the project and one towards the south, with each section tied-in in place.
Pipe was placed “end to end” in preparation to weld with a total of 90 lengths of pipe required.
For more information visit the GEM Industrial website.
If you have project news you would like featured in The Australian Pipeliner contact Managing Editor David Convery at dconvery@gs-press.com.au