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
MILD STEEL PIPES
1831
Wrought Iron
1850s
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Rivetted Steel
Several pipe types fit into this category, a consequence of method of steel manufacture and pipe fabrication.
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Early “steel” pipes are also known as “locking bar” and rivetted wrought iron pipes. These pipes are lead jointed using couplings, with tar type lining and coating. They are prone to leak.
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Modern steel pipe manufacture began in the 1920’s coinciding with spun factory cement mortar linings. They exhibit a range of coatings, and jointing techniques. The pipes are fabricated by welding plate steel into pipe lengths.
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Steel is tough and ductile, and modern steel pipes initially “fail” by leaking.
1905
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Locking-Bar
1930s ​
Welded Steel
Low carbon steel
Micrograph courtesy of University of Cambridge
