- Aarhus replaced an old concrete water tank with a 2000m³ capacity plastic pipe system.
- The pipes use BorSafe™ HE3490-LS-H and HE3493-LS-H, both PE100-RC-classified materials.
- The new system's dual-wall design enhances security and reduces maintenance needs.
- The pipes are expected to last at least 100 years, supporting sustainability.
Project Overview
An aging underground concrete water tank in Aarhus, Denmark, has been replaced with a modern solution using polyethylene (PE) materials. The project involved manufacturing six segments of giant plastic pipes, each 3000mm in diameter, to store 2000m³ of drinking water. This initiative is part of a long-standing partnership aimed at delivering high-performance pipe systems for modern water infrastructure.
Challenges of Aging Infrastructure
The old concrete tank required divers for inspection and cleaning every five years, with cracks and leaks often going unnoticed until urgent repairs were needed. These issues posed contamination risks. The new system addresses these challenges with a pressurized dual-wall design for enhanced security and a tilted layout that allows sediment to wash away naturally, reducing manual cleaning needs. Pressure monitoring also eliminates the need for deep diving inspections.
Material and Design Advantages
The pipes are constructed using two advanced PE grades based on Borstar® polymerization technology. The main pipe body uses BorSafe™ HE3490-LS-H, a high-density PE100-RC-classified compound offering resistance to slow crack growth and rapid crack propagation. The yellow inner layer, made of BorSafe™ HE3493-LS-H, facilitates visual inspections by camera due to its light color. The system is designed for a service life of at least 100 years, supporting sustainability by reducing material use and environmental impact.
Scalable Solution
This approach has proven effective, with another old tank in Aarhus already replaced using the same concept and materials. The project exemplifies how advanced PE solutions can improve long-term performance and simplify maintenance in water infrastructure.
