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Lesedauer: Berechne...
To improve network stability in its own gas network, the network operator, SWS Netze GmbH in Stralsund, decided to invest into a new high pressure supply pipeline which connects the Stralsund West and East transferstations and serves the purpose of ensuring a more evenly distributed capacity between the two in the future. For this high pressure pipeline which is approx. 6 km long and the bulk of which is laid using trenchless installation by HDD, the commissioned construction company, Beermann, relies on egeplast HexelOne® SLM pipes.
“Despite the complexity of this construction project, proper planning and the highly professional co-operation between everyone involved guaranteed a smooth workflow in all stages of the project.”
Project Manager Oliver Dranss from Beermann Bohrtechnik
Plastic pipe replaces steel pipe
Construction started as early as in 2022 (phase 1). Phase 2 started on 6th September, and the challenging project is expected to be completed by Q4/2023. The main reason why planning and implementing the construction project was complex is the fact that the contractor had not yet been able to accumulate much experience with plastic pipe systems, since this used to be a segment in which steel was used. egeplast is the only manufacturer who provides a DVGWcertified high pressure gas pipe system made of polyethylene.
Another challenge to be mentioned is that any part of the works can only be initiated once the fields had been harvested. In addition, the junctions in the interim trenches were complex, since the open pipe ends are facing each other. Under these circumstances, an elegant solution consisted in using compression fittings from the egeplast HexelOne® system plus the corresponding hydraulic pressing tool.
The installation is carried out almost entirely with the help of the trenchless HDD method, thus ensuring fast installation. In doing so, another focus remains on environmentally friendly and also economic aspects, since long delivery lengths of the coils (which imply a relatively small number of pipe connections) allow for rapid progress of the works. At the same time, the commissioned contractor, Beermann Bohrtechnik, implements maximum pipe insertion lengths by use of state of the art technology and an extensive knowledge base.
Smooth projct process
The intended compensation of the problematic deviations of capacity utilisation of the preexisting transfer stations was achieved. Another major advantage: thanks to the new connection links, it will be possible for the operator to schedule major renovation and repair works at the transfer stations without any supply disruptions in the future. “The recently created high pressure supply pipeline enables us to utilise our gas network in a significantly more efficient way while at the same time fully meeting its intended use”, according to Olaf Lemke, the responsible project manager at SWS Netze GmbH.
egeplast
HexelOne ® SLM
| egeplast HexelOne® SLM pipe is a self-reinforced high pressure pipe, a monocomposite only from polyethylene. |
| This reinforcement enables new areas of application in the “raised pressure“ area, in other words, operating pressures above applications previously covered using PE pipes. |
| The reason: It indicates twice as high a strength compared to the previous PE pipes. |
| Project description | Construction of a new gas high pressure supply pipeline for the purpose of connecting two transfer stations |
| Challenges | Any kinds of works can only be performed once the fields have been harvested; connection of the pipe strings in the pits |
| Solution | Compression fittings (HexelPress®), large delivery lengths in coils, thus keeping connection work “short” |
| Installation | Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) |
| Pipe system | HexelOne® SLM DA 160 (around 6,000 m, practical delivery in the form of coils); connection of the coils by means of “combination welding” in conformity with DVS 2207; connection of the various pipe strings installed using HDD by means of HexelPress® fittings (stainless steel V4A) |
| Parties involved in the project | Client: SWS Energie GmbH, Stralsund Commissioned construction company: Fa. Beermann, NDL Demmin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Trading company handling settlement: Gebr. Hansen, Velgast, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Monitored by TÜV Nord |
Oliver Zachhuber
Technical Field Service, egeplast international GmbH
E-Mail: oliver.zachhuber@egeplast.de
Tel.: +49 1512 7567 537
