Pipe Technologies Conference

 

The Pipes Technologies Conference makes its annual return to the Emperors Palace Convention Centre, Johannesburg its 2018 edition on the 24th and 25th of May. The two-day conference ​will cover pipe systems and latest technologies used in infrastructure applications such as drinking water supply and distribution; gas transmission and distribution; drainage ​and sewerage; road and land drainage; cable protection; and district heating.

There is no doubt that pipelines lie at the heart of many a country’s infrastructure. The economic convenience of pipelines as a form of transportation are evidenced by the fact that, of the over 3,5million kilometres of pipelines in the world, 75 percent is shared by three of the most developed countries in the world – the USA (65 percent), Russia (eight percent) and Canada (three percent). Locally, Transnet controls almost 4,000km of pipelines, mainly in the oil and gas sector, and these add to the thousands more that transverse cities underground as they move water, sewerage and other material.

Needless to say, poorly constructed, negligently maintained, and leaking pipeline networks can be a major economic and environmental disaster. Moreover, in these tough drought times where some areas like the Western Cape need to conserve every drop of water they get, the call to install long-lasting, stress-resistant and leak-proof pipelines cannot be over-emphasized. According to USAID, closer analysis shows that nearly 4 million people still lack access to an improved water supply (in South Africa as a whole), and 18 million people lack access to improved sanitation. A 2013 internal assessment (conducted as part of a study known as the Green Drop Report by the Department of Water and Sanitation) of 824 municipal water systems indicated that 50 percent of water systems were in a “poor” or “critical” state, and 31 percent (248) were in such poor condition that they required regulatory action. Add to that the problems posed by rusty and old pipelines that have long gone past their sell-by date – blockages, corrosion and irreparable pipe breaks. Thus, the rehabilitation and expansion process of pipeline infrastructure needs a new dispensation of pipelines that last longer, are not a danger to the environment they are built in, and are better equipped to deal with soil movements and weather elements.

Latest plastic pipe technologies have seen the product being hailed for its non-corrosive qualities, low cost maintenance and that it does not require cathodic protection. With these and other innovations in the pipeline industry, the answer to rejuvenating the local pipeline infrastructure could be closer. Therefore, it is important that the systems of design, modelling, installation, maintenance, amongst others, are done properly – and it was for these reasons that the Pipes Technologies Conference was organised. The conference will, among other things, look at various pipes technologies that are being established across the industry, as it is crucial that these innovations adhere to quality and industry standards.

Topics to be discussed include development in production technology, technology in large-diameter pipes, inline inspection, maintenance and repair, trenchless technology, design, certification, regulations and standards expected on the technologies. On a larger and more commercial scale, the coming horizon of South Africa expanding exploration into gas as a source of energy has opened doors for players in the pipeline industry, as the expansion of pipeline transportation automatically translates to a bigger market for pipe products.

 

Objectives of the conference

  • To explore the technological innovations in the pipeline industry
  • To find out the best solutions to the aging and replacement of the old infrastructure
  • To assess the certification, regulations and standards in the production of plastic pipes
  • To check out the opportunities and prospects for growth on the pipeline market

 

Aspects to be covered

  • Pipe technologies
  • Inspection of challenging pipelines
  • Market issues
  • Plastic pipeline solutions
  • Innovation in materials
  • Lasts developments
  • Case studies
  • Materials
  • Trenchless installation
  • Maintenance and repair
  • In-line inspection
  • Pipe system and design modelling
  • Operating costs
  • Skills

 

Target Market (but not limited to)

  • CEOs
  • Directors
  • Technology Officers
  • Design Engineers
  • Integrity Engineers
  • Pipeline Original Equipment Manufacturers
  • Pipe specifiers
  • Installers
  • Structural and Stress Engineers
  • Pipe and fittings manufacturers
  • Additives
  • Piping engineers
  • Pipeline inspectors
  • Pipeline operators
  • Contractors
  • Civil engineers
  • Maintenance engineers
  • Technical engineers
  • Pump station owners
  • Process technicians
  • Environmental assessors
  • Venture capitalists and entrepreneurs
  • Health and Safety Specialists
  • Municipalities
  • State Enterprise Utilities
  • Government Departments

Speakers

Event Schedule
Event Speakers