In Summer 2014 GF Piping Systems supported the water company of Sardinia in fixing an underwater wastewater line. The steel pipe was repaired with MULTI/JOINT 3000 Plus fittings which met the high requirements of the harsh environment.
Just southwest of the coast of Sardinia you will find the small island Isola di San Pietro. All sewage and wastewater from the island is transported to the Abbanoa S.p.A. water treatment plant. After the sewage and wastewater have been processed, the treated water is discharged into the sea. This is done via a two kilometre long steel pipe line with an outer diameter of 429mm. In order to keep the pipes on the seabed, concrete anchors have been used on various locations. In July 2014 a part of the pipe line came loose from the seabed. Problems with the concrete anchors, in combination with air in the pipe line, caused parts of the pipes to break. As a result those parts floated on the water. The floating pipes needed to be removed as soon as possible to prevent accidents with boats and jet skis. Afterwards the damaged pipe line needed to be repaired as well; this required a very specific solution.
The fittings needed to compensate for the difference in the alignment of the pipes and an end load restraint fitting with a highly corrosion resistant coating was needed to withstand the harsh seawater.
High level solutions
To make these connections possible GF Piping Systems MULTI/JOINT 3000 Plus couplings in the size DN400 were used. Using thrust blocks or other anchoring materials to secure the connection was not necessary. The nominal angularity of eight degrees per coupling side compensated for the misalignment of the pipes below sea level. Besides a good product, the organisation behind the product needs to be on a high level as well. Georg Fischer S.p.A. responded quickly and effectively to that challenge. A quick delivery was possible, because the fittings were on stock in the distribution centre of Georg Fischer S.p.A. All requested certificates and a clear user manual could be provided on short notice as well. This gave the water company the necessary peace of mind that everything would go well.
