The completion of a R2,3m project for the installation of lubrication pipework at a large paper mill carried out by Hytec marks the single largest stainless steel pipework project in southern Africa. The Walform method, a leak-free solution was used, which reduced installation time by 20%.
The highly corrosive nature of paper and pulp plants meant that stainless steel was the only suitable material for the pipework, requiring Hytec to import special tooling that would enable the company to carry out the installation using the Walform method. In addition, pipe benders and related equipment had to be plated so as not to contaminate the stainless pipework, ranging in size from 10 to 42 mm. The project also included 2 to 8-inch schedule piping installed using conventional welding methods.
Having to install 8 km of stainless steel pipework over eight weeks at the plant in the face of a local shortage of skilled labour, Hytec took charge of the full installation, management and supervision of the project in-house. This represents the first paper mill where the company has carried out a complete pipework installation.
"First of all, without the Walform method, we would not have been able to complete this task in only eight weeks," Hytec Group service manager, Stephen Ginley, points out. "But the fact that we controlled the entire process further contributed to improved communication between all parties involved and a smooth workflow."
Ferro Montagetechnik (FMT) of Germany, a project management specialist making strong headway in South Africa, contracted Hytec for the plant installation. Following the project's successful completion, everything is set for the partnership to grow its activities in Africa.
Using the Walform method, Hytec also installed R600 000 worth of cold drawn carbon steel pipework ranging between 12 and 42 mm in size at a copper mine in Zambia. This follows the successful supply of a hydraulic power pack by Hytec to the copper plant in 2005.
"We are confident we can complete the pipework installation within six weeks, as our extensive experience in dealing with factors like work permits, importing of equipment and the like will come in handy," says Ginley. Having secured the project via a local construction company in Zambia, Hytec is delighted to have started another positive relationship that could lead to further future business cooperation. The picture shows a section of the 8 km of pipework installed by Hytec.
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