Work is currently underway on the installation of a 1600mm pipeline at the Alto Maipo hydropower complex in Chile, with completion expected in September 2017.
The supply line to the penstock of Alfalfal II power station – one of two that make up the Alto Maipo complex - was initially planned to be concrete pipework. However, contractor Strabag SE eventually opted for a solution by Hobas with glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) pipes with a diameter of 3000 to 3270mm. According to Hobas, thanks to the comparably small necessary outside diameter with the same inside diameter and the simple handling of the much lighter and smaller pipes, a lot of excavation and costs are being saved and the progress of the works is considerably accelerated.
The Alto Maipo hydropower complex is expected to be taken into operation in mid-2019.
