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Case Study:FLOWTITE® Pipe Safe for High Pressure/Temperatures and Saves Money

Fiberglass Pipe Saved Big Horn Project Nearly $2 Million

Press Embargo until May 1

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THE PROJECT DETAILS

The Big Horn Regional Joint Powers Board

consists of multiple cities, towns, counties

and other entities in the northern part of

Wyoming. The district was formed to inter-

connect separate water systems scattered

throughout the rural communities. One

major element of the interconnection in

Big Horn and Washakie counties is known

as the Northern Supply Pipeline.

THE PURPOSE

The purpose of the Northern Supply Pipeline was to effectively collect and treat water from wells that

were widely scattered throughout the area and distribute it via one pipeline. The job originally required

15 miles of 20 inch pipe that could handle the extreme conditions of the northern part of the state.

THE FACTS

The feasibility study, referenced above, noted the pipe material selection would have the biggest impact

to the cost and life of the proposed project. The following pipe options were originally considered for

the job. The ultimate solution for this project, fiberglass, was not initially considered for this project, as

noted below.

FEASIBILITY STUDY OF THE HOT SPRINGS RURAL – WORLAND REGIONAL WATER SUPPLY PROJECT*

* http://library.wrds.uwyo.edu/wwdcrept/Hot_Springs/Hot_Springs-Rural_Worland_Pipeline_Regional_Water_Supply_Project_Level_II-Final_Report-2004.pdf

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PVCPolyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipe was initially recommended in this study because it is used

extensively for water systems today. It was recommended as the material of choice on this

project because PVC pipe does not have the high corrosion potential of metallic pipe with

the corrosive soils typical to the Big Horn Basin. It was also anticipated that the working

pressure for this project would typically be below 150 pounds per square inch (psi). It was

also noted that PVC pipe is pressure rated for water temperatures up to 73.4° F. Allowable

working pressure is reduced for water of higher temperatures. No pressure ratings reduc-

tions were anticipated based on the Buffalo Creek Well temperature of approximately 66° F.

HDPEBecause High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is chemically inert and resistant to corrosion,

it was also recommend to be used on this project, but only at river crossings due to the

higher cost of the material as well. HDPE pipe required a pressure derating at 73° F.

DIPDuctile Iron Pipe (DIP) was evaluated because it has higher pressure ratings when com-

pared to PVC or HDPE pipe. However, it is susceptible to deterioration in corrosive soils

which are typical in the project area. Polywrapping ductile iron pipe would provide some

degree of protection from corrosion, although a cathodic protection system would be

required. Given the difficulties and expense of installing a cathodic system on ductile iron

pipe, and the long-term maintenance issues associated with this type of system, it is

recommended that the use of ductile iron pipe be avoided on this project.

SteelTeflon Tape-wrapped Steel pipe is similarly susceptible to corrosion as ductile iron pipe and

would also require the cost of installation and long-term maintenance issues associated

with this type of system. However, it is easier and more reliable to electrically bond and

cathodically protect steel pipe than ductile iron pipe. Steel pipe was recommended in areas

of pressure over 250 psi.

ADDITIONAL FINDINGS

According to the Big Horn Regional Joint Powers Board, further study of the geothermal activity in the

region revealed the water coming out of the ground is under higher pressures and hotter temperatures

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than originally thought. The temperatures of the water exceed 92° F and the water pressures are greater

than 200 psi, and can spike as high as 250 psi. These circumstances along with the naturally corrosive na-

ture of the soils (See Figure 1.0) required another evaluation of the most appropriate pipe for this applica-

tion because these conditions were not advantages to any of the four pipe materials previously evaluated

(PVC, HDPE, DIP and steel).

BIG HORN PROJECT AT A GLANCE

THE SOLUTION

The board determined the original pipe selections would

not be able to handle the requirements of the job, and

researched and reviewed opportunities for FLOWTITE®

fiber-glass pipe. FLOWTITE® was chosen because of its

corrosion resistant properties, its ability to handle fluids at

elevated temperatures and pressures, and the exceptional

cost savings it offered.

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additional benefits of FLOWTITE®Saved Big Horn Nearly $2 Million in Construction, Energy Costs andLong-Term Maintenance

FLOWTITE®’s ability to handle the elevated water temperature and pressure allowed Big Horn to elimi-

nate the need for a water pumping station that was called for in the original project design. Additionally,

engineers were able to reduce the pipe size from 20 inches to 18 inches because of the efficiency of FRP.

Also, fiberglass does not require cathodic protection and is less expensive to manufacture than steel and

PVC. This saved Big Horn thousands of dollars in estimated construction costs. The elimination of a pump-

ing station also reduced energy costs and long-term maintenance expenses.

BIG HORN PROJECT

FLOWTITE®’s Continued Commitment

The pipe required maintenance sooner than expected. Though Thompson Pipe Group – Flowtite was not

the original manufacturer of the pipe used in the project, the company kept its promise of providing a

quality product, and provided new pipe and the necessary resources when needed. Big Horn Regional

Joint Powers Board Director, John Joyce is a proponent of FLOWTITE® and recommends the product.

“FLOWTITE®’s product fills an important niche. It is hard to come up with an alternative.”

– John Joyce, Big Horn Regional Joint Powers Board DIRECTOR

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The Legacy

Since the company began manufacturing FLOWTITE®, they received ISO certification for

production and testing of GRP/GRE pipe products, and training, testing, research and development

of GRP/GRE products.

WHY FLOWTITE® IS THE BEST OPTION FOR THE GILLETTE - MADISON PROJECT

The conditions of the Gillette – Madison project are similar in scope. The job requires a durable pipe

that can handle the extreme conditions of Wyoming’s soil. FLOWTITE® is the most affordable option

that of-fers many short-term and long-term benefits including:

• less expensive to build

• custom design to specification

• lower maintenance costs

• durable enough to handle high temperatures and pressures

• no cathodic protection needed

• ISO certification

• new management has commitment to quality and customer service