Amiblu is a global leader in glass fibre reinforced plastics pipe systems (GRP). With over 60 years’ experience, Austria-based Amiblu produces and supplies customised solutions for sustainable water management worldwide with Flowtite and Hobas GRP pipe technologies.
The business has developed manufacturing processes to offer a full range of compliant systems to relevant EN and ISO standards giving customers the confidence to deliver sustainable solutions with long-term asset values. Amiblu’s mission is to speed up the
world’s transition to sustainable water solutions with environmentally sympathetic systems for sewage, drinking water, hydropower, water storage, relining and trenchless applications and is challenging an established market with the inherent corrosion-free characteristics
together with high abrasion resistance synonymous to Amiblu’s GRP pipes.
Trenchless technology is a growing global market for the installation of new, or
replacement or rehabilitation of existing underground pipes and culverts with minimal
disruption caused to the environment or surrounding infrastructure. Amiblu provides a
strong offering to the trenchless market in both pipe jacking and rehabilitation systems
for existing networks whether they circular or non-circular.
Relining Pipes
Amiblu’s relining pipes are manufactured in both circular and non-circular options.
Circular and non-circular structural sliplining systems are installed the world over, with
many benefits including high strength performance from light weight pipes, abrasion
and corrosion resistance, optimal hydraulics, minimal maintenance and a remarkably
long, design life exceeding 150 years offering both sustainable and resilient solutions to
asset owners.
The pipes are manufactured from inherently corrosion-resistant materials, thereby
outperforming steel, and steel reinforced pipes that require corrosion protection. The
pipes are also resistant to UV light and have an extraordinary resistance against acid
and chemicals making them an ideal choice to combat failing pipelines subject to H2S
attack, ground salts and saltwater conditions. The smooth internal veil to Amiblu’s
relining pipes is abrasion resistant and offers excellent and continuous, hydraulic
performance (k= 0.01 – 0.016 mm (Colebrook-White)) throughout the life of the pipe.
These lining pipes are applicable where there are failing pipes which need renovation or
where pipes their strength increasing in situations such as sewers, culverts, stormwater
systems and attenuation systems. If a concrete, brick-built or cast-iron pipe is failing
it must either be replaced or relined. These assets common amongst the owners and
operators of Water Companies, Rail Networks, Environment Agencies and various local
government authorities.
Amiblu’s circular relining pipe is made bespoke for each project, to the required
performance and dimensional criteria. These pipes are available in pipe diameters
from DN250 up to DN3500 in lengths of 1 m, 2 m, 3 m and 6m in stiffness classes from
SN5,000 to SN1,000,000.
Non-Circular Liners
The Amiblu NC Line has been developed by researchers and scientists at Amiblu
culminating in a pipe with a long, estimated service life, increased acid resistance and
with an impact resistance making it easier and safer to handle and perform to ISO
16611, the international standard for non-circular pipes.
The non-circular profiles are produced using filament winding technology. They can be
customised according to project requirements and easily adapted to different types of
shapes and geometries. The non-circular range is available in sizes from 300 mm wide x 500 mm high up to 4 m diameter.
Structural performance
Amiblu offers a full support service to ensure that all relining pipe systems are designed to be project specific in respect of the shape or pipe diameter, pipe lengths to suit access and most importantly structural capability. So customers should not be surprised when detailed information is asked for. Amiblu’s engineers work with clients at all times.
The annulus between the host and liner pipes is usually filled with pumped grout, securing the liner in position, and assisting with the structural load.
Why GRP structural relining systems?
According to the manufacturer of these systems, there are several advantages in using this technology for pipeline rehabilitation including:• Delivered to site preformed and ready to install.
• Provide structural stability immediately for man entry teams to work within
the pipe safely.
• Push-fit jointing system for ease installation, the joints can be glued on site
or supplied with an EPDM gasket.
• Over-pumping is not always necessary as the pipes can be installed in wet
conditions
and the flow can be directed through the pipe to allow for the anulus to be
grouted.
• Pipe lengths can be manufactured in accordance with the site access.
• No curing time or equipment
In addition to the relining pipes, Amiblu is also able to manufacture access chambers or manholes to fit to the systems to complete the pipeline, again these can be either circular or no-circular or both.
