PCA (Pipeline Condition Assessment) Group began, as a business unit within Tubemakers Water, in 1996 to provide expert consultancy services to Australian Water Industry. Initially, the group extensively utilised intelligent pig technology from Canada, and successfully assessed approximately 25km of cast and ductile iron water and sewer mains. Later the group expanded its technology offerings, based on experience prior to the formation of the group.
Since then the group has specialised in the condition assessment of pressurised water and wastewater mains, with a particular emphasis on buried ferrous metal mains, and has operated as a separate profit centre within major international businesses including Tyco Flow Control and Earth Tech Engineering. Today it is a Division of ADE Consulting Group Pty Ltd.
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PCA’s experience in this field has remained unmatched by any other service provider in Australia and has conducted genuine condition assessment (not leak detection on reticulation pipes) on thousands of kilometres of water mains in Australia and overseas. It is unique in operating as both a Consultant and Contractor.
Since its formation, PCA has trialed a number of techniques for assessing the condition of water mains and has during that time continued to develop and refine its approach. PCA has arguably grown be one of the leading world experts in the condition assessment of pressurised water mains.
Phone 1300-796-922 I Email: info@ade.group
ASBESTOS CEMENT PIPES
Asbestos Cement (AC) pipes are no longer produced, as a consequence of WHS issues concerning the mining of asbestos and production of the pipes. However, they are still found in abundance in North America, Asia and Australia.
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Two broad types of pipes exist – depending upon the period/s of manufacture. They are typically joined by collars, and use cast iron or ductile iron fittings, such as tees and tapping saddles.
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The material exhibits lower strength than metal pipes, but is relatively thick. It undergoes degradation by the leaching of cement matrix, leaving a softened and weakened pipe wall. It is prone to failure from impact loads, and in smaller diameters from beam loading.
