Australasian Mining Review
Issue link: http://ebook.aprs.com.au/i/37922
CASE STUDY / WIMMERA MALLEE PIPELINE PROJECT The Wimmera Mallee Pipeline represents one of Australia’s most significant water-saving projects. Officially opened in April 2010, the project was completed in just under four years, well ahead of the ten year timeframe originally proposed and under the original $688 million budget. The project involved building almost 8,800 kilometres of reticulated pipeline to replace 17,000 kilometres of inefficient open channels, saving around 103 billion litres of water a year. The pipeline supplies stock and domestic water to approximately 9,000 farms and 34 townships across a region that covers almost 10 per cent of Victoria, from the Grampians to the Murray River. The system will supply the region with a sustainable water supply for over 100 years, provide reliable, good quality water, allow for economic expansion within the region and return some water for environmental flows to rivers, lakes and wet lands. PVC pipes have played a major role in this project, accounting for over 80% of the total length of the project. The PVC pipe was supplied primarily in pressure class PN12 but with some PN9. PVC was chosen because of its price competitiveness, ease of handling, rapid installation, reliability, absence of corrosion and ease of laying to grade. The magnitude of the project has facilitated the development of special pipe installation techniques compatible with the soil and terrain encountered. The major pipe material used in the project, in terms of length of pipe and mass of material, is PVC. PVC-U is used in diameters DN50 and DN80 and modified PVC (PVC-M) was used in the larger diameters. PVC-M is similar to PVC-U in many respects but contains an impact modifier which enhances the fracture toughness and allows the pipe to be operated at higher stresses than PVC-U. PVC pipes are simple and easy to assemble and gasketed joints can be filled, tested and placed in service immediately after assembly. The use of PVC pipes has aided the development of rapid, yet reliable installation techniques and contributed to the economic viability of the project. For more information visit www.thinkpipesthinkpvc.com.au 1300 THINKPVC (1300 844 657)