Fluid conveyance products and solutions expert Incledon has successfully completed the supply of R1.8-million worth of pipeline materials for the replacement of a water pipeline in Tembisa, Gauteng.

The project, which took eight months to complete, entailed replacing a heavily corroded 1.1 km pipeline.

Incledon civils sales representative Robinson Patji says the company successfully supplied the project with more than 1.1 km of the specialised pipes over a six-month period to replace the existing underground concrete pipeline that was creating health and safety hazards, as a result of substantial leakages caused by corrosion.

He says that, with the addition of the 600-mm-diameter steel pipes, water infrastructure has been significantly improved for Tembisa residents.

“The pipes are 6 mm wall-thickness, bevel-ended three-layer poly- ethylene- (3LPE-) coated pipes,” he notes.

The 3LPE system coating involves the application of a primer to bare steel pipe, a fusion-bonded epoxy coat over the primer and then a finishing coat of poly- ethylene, adds Patji.

“The steel pipes feature a solvent-free epoxy lining to provide improved resistance against water. The lining also ensures greater strength and durability of the buried pipeline. The lining is also cost effective, without compromising performance,” he explains.

Patji says Incledon is known for supplying robust pipes in various materials that operate in harsh environments, and that the SANS 719-rated steel pipes used for this project are ideally suited to conveying water over an extended life cycle.

Owing to the predominantly residential infrastructure of the Tembisa water pipeline replacement project, he says, there were several challenges during the project.

“Gaining access to private homes and undertaking work across private properties did raise residents’ concerns, which ultimately resulted in challenges for the entire supply chain.”

Further, he notes that the new pipeline was installed parallel to the old one, which also presented a challenge to the contractor, as the company had to ensure they did not disrupt the residents’ water supply.

Despite these challenges, Patji says that the project was completed on time and within budget.

“An excellent working relationship between all parties involved in the project ensured that issues were communicated effectively and dealt with swiftly and promptly to ensure minimal disruptions.”

With continued investment in water and sewer upgrade projects nationwide, Patji is optimistic about the future outlook for Incledon in this sector.

“Incledon boasts a proven record in service delivery excellence in several national infrastructure upgrade projects. “This places the company in a strong position to be awarded future tenders,” he says.

Patji notes that Incledon has several projects in the pipeline, adding that the company is waiting for municipal approval on these projects.