Pipe Express is an innovative semi-trenchless technology which makes it possible to construct pipelines more quickly. Pipe Express is also an environmentally friendly and economically beneficial construction method. Visser & Smit Hanab constructed a pilot pipeline using the Pipe Express method along the Odiliapeel-Melick route.
Over a length of approximately 500 metres, Visser & Smit Hanab | Drilling Technologies successfully used the so-called Pipe Express method.
During this first joint practice test in cooperation with Herrenknecht, Pipe Express installed a 48" pipe over a length of approximately 500 metres. This section is a small part of the total 60 km route between Gasunie Odiliapeel and Melick. Visser & Smit Hanab constructed 36 kilometres of this route.
By using Pipe Express, Visser & Smit Hanab is convinced that it can construct a pipeline route more quickly and in an economically beneficial way. The advantage of this semi-trenchless construction method is a narrow strip of work; the space required is less than 9 m long. Moreover, considerably less equipment and staff are needed to build the pipeline, plus there is no dewatering required along the route either, all of which makes Pipe Express an environmentally friendly construction method.