Client: Mr. Mbatha
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Project Date: June 2024
Service Provided: Borehole Pipe Replacement and Fitting

Project Overview:

A large-scale agricultural enterprise in Johannesburg, relies heavily on boreholes for irrigation. One of their key boreholes, installed a decade ago, started showing signs of inefficiency, with reduced water pressure and frequent pump malfunctions. The farm management contacted our team to inspect and replace the existing borehole pipes and fittings.

The objective of this project was to restore optimal water flow and ensure long-term functionality by upgrading the aging pipes and fittings that had become corroded and clogged over the years.

Challenges:

• Old, Corroded Pipes: The borehole had PVC pipes installed 10 years ago. These pipes had degraded, leading to water flow issues and contamination risks.
• Access Constraints: The borehole was located in a remote part of the farm, making access with large equipment difficult.
• Maintaining Water Supply: The borehole provided critical irrigation for the farm, so it was essential to complete the project without disrupting water supply for more than 48 hours.

Solution:

1. Initial Assessment: Our team conducted a camera inspection inside the borehole to assess the condition of the pipes. It was found that several sections of the PVC pipes were corroded and partially collapsed, causing blockage and inefficient water flow.
2. Selection of New Pipes: After consultations with the farm management, we recommended replacing the old PVC pipes with durable, corrosion-resistant High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes. These pipes have a longer lifespan, can withstand high pressures, and are less prone to scaling and sediment build-up.
3. Fitting and Replacement Process:
   • The old piping system was carefully removed using specialized extraction equipment.
   • We then installed the new HDPE pipes, ensuring they were fitted with proper sealing joints to prevent any future leakage or contamination.
   • The fittings were replaced with stainless steel couplings, valves, and connectors, further ensuring long-term durability and ease of future maintenance.
   • A pressure management system was integrated with the fittings to monitor and maintain consistent water pressure throughout the farm’s irrigation system.
4. Minimizing Downtime: Given the critical need for water at the farm, the team worked in shifts to complete the entire project within 36 hours, restoring water flow to the irrigation system ahead of schedule.

Results:

• Enhanced Water Flow: The new HDPE pipes and fittings resulted in a significant increase in water pressure, with flow rates improving by 25%.
• Reduced Maintenance: The upgraded materials required less frequent maintenance, reducing the overall downtime and costs for the farm.
• Water Quality Improvement: The replacement of the corroded pipes eliminated the risk of water contamination, ensuring cleaner water for crop irrigation.

Client Feedback:

“The new pipes and fittings have made a noticeable difference in our irrigation system. The water pressure is much better, and we no longer worry about leaks or breakdowns. The team was efficient and completed the job faster than we expected, with minimal disruption to our farm operations.” – Mr. Mbatha, Farm Manager

Conclusion:

This borehole pipe and fitting service case study demonstrates how replacing aging and corroded infrastructure with modern, durable materials can significantly improve the performance of a borehole system. By upgrading to HDPE pipes and stainless steel fittings, the farm now enjoys a more efficient and reliable water supply, crucial for their large-scale agricultural operations.