In the first half of 2023, the Swedish municipality of Östersund installed an 8 km water pipeline between the old ferry port in Frösön and Sunne. A complex project, as the pipeline had to be installed through the completely frozen Lake Storsjön. The pipe system used was the Extena pressure pipe made of polyethylene PE 100-RC, which is also approved according to DK VAND.
Decisive Factor: Weather Conditions
In addition to precise planning, the time factor also played a major role in the implementation of this construction project. The ice breakup occurred unusually early this year, on 27 April, so the installation of the water pipeline had to be completed beforehand. For the implementation of this ambitious project, the contracted construction company Jämtland UV chose Extena pressure pipes made of polyethylene PE 100-RC, SDR 11, and completed the project with the connection of the land connections in June exactly according to schedule.
During dry periods, the municipality of Östersund was recently unable to supply the areas in and around Fannbyn and Orrviken with sufficient drinking water. For this reason, a new water pipeline had to be built to connect these locations. “For the municipality of Östersund, it was important that the pipes we used were approved according to DK-VAND in addition to all normal approvals. This is to ensure that all requirements for drinking water pipes are met.
DK-VAND is a product certification system that ensures that certified products meet the strict requirements according to the regulations of the Danish Ministry of Environment and Food and the additional requirements for pipes for drinking water supply, i.e., that pipes used for the distribution of drinking water do not contain any substances hazardous to health. To date, there is no equivalent to the Danish DK-VAND in Sweden. Therefore, the pipes are also certified according to the Danish DK-VAND in Sweden. All pipes manufactured by Extena are certified according to DK-VAND.
Spectacular Installation Through Ice
Since the pipeline was to be installed on the bottom of Lake Storsjön, it was first welded on land, then pulled onto the ice, weighted down and filled with water to sink more easily to the bottom. The last step was undoubtedly the most exciting: after a narrow channel had been sawn into the ice along the pipe, the finished pipeline could be lowered through this opening to the bottom of the lake. This had previously been examined for possible damage risks to the pipes and prepared accordingly.
It was important that the pipes had minimal ovality so that we could create good and secure connections. It was equally important to choose a reliable pipe supplier so that delivery would be on time, which is particularly important for larger projects. This creates security for us as contractors”, says Johannes Håkansson, Contractor Jämtland UV.
Project Description
Installation of a new drinking water pipeline between the old ferry port in Frösön and Sunne (Sweden)
Challenges
Installation on the bottom of the frozen Lake Storsjön legislation and guidelines within the specified time
Solution
Extena pressure pipes made of polyethylene PE 100-RC, SDR 11
Installation
Welding on land, lowering to the lake bottom through a channel sawn into the ice
Pipe System
Extena pressure pipes made of polyethylene PE 100-RC, SDR 11;
Dimensions ø 160: 1,800 m, ø 200: 7,200 m
Project Participants
Client: Municipality of Östersund
Construction Company: Jämtland UV
Pipe Supplier: Extena AB
Approvals
Nordic Poly Mark (Nordic Quality Mark)
DK-VAND (Certification by the Danish Ministry of Environment and Food)
FI (Certification by the Finnish Ministry of the Environment)
