project
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were used to visually inspect all inaccessible piping in
the walls and underground for any defects.
Relining and the timeline
The entire project took a total of six months on site to
complete all the pipe relining. Approximately 1Â 200m
of square galvanised down pipes, which were built into
the walls of the castle, were relined and about 100m of
below ground drainage and storm water pipes were also
relined. The sizes ranged from 80mm to 160mm.
Ensuring no weak links in the pipe system
for the future
The galvanised down pipes were corroded and rusted,
and the earthenware drainage was cracked. Due the
trenchless technologies being structural, it makes no
real difference on the condition of the original host
pipe, as long as the product could be pulled through
the line once it is inflated and cured. The new pipe
within the host pipe is now structurally sound with a
lifespan of at least 50 years.
An inflated bladder installed into pipe while it cures.
No diagrams or drawings
The city had no idea where the pipes ran or had any
indication of the network; pipe location equipment was
used to track and map all the pipework.
Trenchless technologies’ traction
in the market
This product has already been around for an extended
period, and educating the market is key, as the take-up
has been relatively slow. The Western Cape in particular
has been using trenchless technologies more than any
other province on municipal applications to rehabilitate
underground bulk services. There is technology
available to rehabilitate any size pipe within the
infrastructure of a building or compound where the bulk
technology cannot be applied due to the multiple bends
and small workspaces often found within a building
or complex. Pipe relining inside old body corporates,
hotels and heritage buildings is a lot quicker, safer, and
more cost-effective in most cases than traditional pipe
replacement. PA
There is technology available to
rehabilitate any size pipe within
the infrastructure of a building
or compound where the bulk
technology cannot be applied.
www.plumbingafrica.co.za
July 2017 Volume 23 I Number 5