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CONSTRUCTION WORLD
JUNE
2017
us in 2013 to investigate the possibility of
rehabilitating the pipeline and utilising its
much needed capacity after many years of
being degraded beyond use.”
A CCTV inspection was the first and
vital step in the rehabilitation process that
ensued. The city conducted several viability
studies and finally appointed Aurecon
Consulting Engineers to manage the
trenchless rehabilitation project, comprising
the CIPP lining of more than 3 300 metres of
bulk sewer pipes ranging from 800 mm to
1 200 mm in diametre , crossing underneath
the N2 freeway and Baden Powell Drive.
Esor Tuboseal was awarded the project
at a competitive rate and immediately began
the careful logistical planning required in
an environmentally sensitive and often
inaccessible area.
The construction programme was
expedited to ensure cleaning, final design,
material manufacturing, shipping lead times
and installation happened concurrently. The
dovetail effect of these activities placed the
project firmly on track for completion well
ahead of the programme and the (hopefully)
rainy Cape Town winter.
Environmental integrity
The work itself was not without its
challenges, but it did vindicate the depth
of professionalism demonstrated by Esor
Tuboseal and its commitment to preserving
the natural environment.
“The rehabilitated pipeline runs alongside
an ecologically sensitive wetland and the
use of trenchless technology ensures that
the ecological impact of the project
is negilable. Already 40% complete, we
are on track to complete 3 300 metres of
pipeline renewal without any significant
excavations required.”
Esor Tuboseal also adapted its hot
water curing process to incorporate a high
performance water cooling system; enabling
water recycling and a saving of more than
three million litres of drinking water amid
critical water shortages in the Western Cape.
Apart from delivering a world class
product on this project, Esor Tuboseal set
some audasious goals of ‘safety first’, ‘first
time right’ and an unwaivering resolve to
maintain integrity with all stakeholders.
On the horizon
Research and development is a strategic
priority at Esor Tuboseal and 2018 is, quite
literally, expected to be a watershed year.
It will be introducing new high pressure
CIPP products using specially developed
resins and composite materials compatible
for safe use in potable water systems
and capable of withstanding pressures
of up to 40 bar. Municipalities and other
high volume users of water for domestic
consumption can now have ageing pipe
systems rehabilitated ensuring a clean,
safe and efficient flow of drinking water to
households and individuals.
“Esor Tuboseal’s ability to offer a one-
stop shop of tailored products and services
is what sets it apart in the marketplace,”
says Van Zyl.
Best in the business
“With services as varied as CCTV inspection,
pipe cracking, pipe cleaning, patch lining,
CIPP and robotic cutting, we provide a range
of options and methodologies under each
of these categories. Esor Tuboseal also pos-
sesses the skills and expertise of arguably
the best technical team in the business.
“Esor Tuboseal and Esor can think out
80% of the solution, but these are the people
who provide the all-important 20% which is
what makes things happen; and they have
done so over the past three decades.”
Invaluable components of the Esor
Tuboseal value chain are several overseas
manufacturers of lining materials and
associated equipment with which the
company has built sound relationships over
several years.
A valuable byproduct from these collab-
orations has been the refinement of CIPP
technology for the local market, which Van
Zyl rates as being the obvious way forward
in meeting rugged African conditions.
Pipeline after CIPP installation.
Pipeline before CIPP installation.
“Esor Tuboseal’s ability
to offer a one-stop
shop of tailored
products and services
is what sets it apart in
the marketplace”