- Fifteen years ago, Eesti Energia replaced deteriorating steel pipes at Narva Power Plants.
- Krah Pipes OÜ used HDPE spiral-wound pipes made from BorSafe™ HE3490-LS.
- The project replaced 260 meters of old pipes in two months.
- BorSafe™ HE3490-LS offers a 100-year service life and eliminates corrosion-related maintenance.
Background
Fifteen years ago, Eesti Energia, Estonia's leading energy company, faced issues with deteriorating steel cooling water pipes at Narva Power Plants. The aging infrastructure led to leaks and efficiency losses, necessitating a modern replacement solution.
Solution
Krah Pipes OÜ, a specialist in large-diameter thermoplastic pipes, selected high-density polyethylene (HDPE) spiral-wound pipes made from Borealis BorSafe™ HE3490-LS. This material, based on Borstar® technology, is PE100-classified and offers an expected service life of 100 years. It supports advanced installation techniques like relining and electrofusion welding, which were crucial for the Narva project.
Implementation
The project involved replacing 260 meters of old pipes with ID1400 Krah Pipes OÜ pipes, completed in just two months. The new pipes have shown exceptional resistance to slow crack growth and strong joint integrity, ensuring uninterrupted performance and eliminating the need for corrosion-related maintenance and cathodic protection required for steel pipes.
Outcome
Fifteen years later, the HDPE pipes continue to perform reliably, demonstrating the long-term value of selecting the right materials for infrastructure projects. The success of this project highlights the importance of durable materials in ensuring infrastructure longevity and reducing maintenance costs.
