GROEBNER played an instrumental role in the PA12 project at Gas Utility District #1 in Zachary, Louisiana.
GROEBNER played an instrumental role in the PA12 project at Gas Utility District #1 in Zachary, Louisiana, which was recently honored as the 2023 Plastic Pipe Institute’s Project of the Year. This accolade reflects the collaborative efforts and innovative solutions provided by GROEBNER and its partners, Evonik and Teel Plastics, ensuring the project's success.
Project Background
The project took place right outside the entrance of the Baton Rouge Zoo. The existing steel Creek crossing, which was above ground, had multiple layers of cover and coatings. Over the years, natural deterioration and creek erosion made it necessary to replace the aging structure. Given the limited ditch space and complexities associated with another above-ground installation, Hydraulic Directional Drilling (HDD) was chosen as the best solution. PA12 was selected for its strength, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, eliminating the need for cathodic protection. Developed by Evonik, PA12 offers superior impact resistance, anti-corrosion properties, and resistance to chemicals and heavy hydrocarbons, ensuring long-term safety and reliability. The PA12 gas pipe was manufactured by Teel Plastics, ensuring high-quality production standards were met for this critical application.
“The primary benefit is the cost savings in both project and ownership compared to steel," GROEBNER Product Manager, Ryan Ellis said. "The ease of installation is a plus, as it eliminates the need for cathodic protection. Directional drilling reduces disruptions, such as avoiding the need to open ditches, disturb water supplies, or close roads, saving both time and costs. Moreover, customers find the product user-friendly since it uses the same tools as polyethylene, easing their transition and reducing the fear of adopting new technology.”
GROEBNER’s Multi-Layered Role
Master Distributor
This project would not have come to fruition without GROEBNER’s proactive approach and industry expertise. GROEBNER served as the distributor for the PA12 product and partnered with Evonik and TEEL Plastics on the project.
Technical Expertise and Support
The project originated from GROEBNER's presentations at the Louisiana Gas Association, showcasing PA12 as a new technology. GROEBNER and EVONIK worked closely with the customer to identify PA12 as the best solution and provided on-site training and support.
“We worked with the team, educated them on the product, and provided on-site consulting and support throughout the project. We looked at their fusions, helped to vet those fusions, and oversaw all of the pressure testing,” Ryan Ellis said.
Key Project Challenges and Solutions
Hydraulic Directional Drilling (HDD)
PA12 was chosen over steel due to its superior properties and suitability for HDD. The strength and flexibility of PA12, combined with its economic advantages, made it an ideal choice for this complex installation. The decision to use HDD allowed for a buried pipe solution, avoiding the costs and challenges associated with above-ground installations.
Overcoming Technical Challenges
One of the significant challenges was managing temperature fluctuations during pressure testing. The team had to demonstrate that the pressure drops were due to temperature changes fluctuating as high as 116 degrees during the day to 65 degrees at night and not actual leaks. GROEBNER’s expertise was crucial in guiding the customer through these technical aspects, ensuring the integrity and safety of the installation.
Partnerships and Collaboration
Stakeholder Coordination
GROEBNER’s close partnership with EVONIK provided the necessary technical data and regulatory compliance. Collaborating with TEEL Plastics ensured timely manufacturing and delivery of the pipes. Effective communication and project management were key to coordinating with all stakeholders, including state regulators who were present during the project.
“The partnership with EVONIK specifically is extremely important. Just because most of our data and most of our knowledge comes from information they've provided. We do a lot of work behind the scenes with their engineers, with the regulatory bodies, making sure that we're in compliance and knowing how to present the information correctly and how to do these projects right. So that's a very tight partnership,” Ryan Ellis said.
“Our experience with all involved in this project was top-notch. Particularly with GROEBNER, the technical and training support they offered GUD#1 was fantastic. I believe much of the success of the install of this project was the in-depth training GROEBNER provided. We have been and are very pleased with the partnership we have with GROEBNER. PA12 was a perfect choice for this application due to its ability to run at higher pressures (175psi for this project), ease of installation and its savings. These savings came from no cathodic protection, no expensive welding, and construction time. We look forward to working with GROEBNER on many projects to come!” Terry McConnell, Evonik Business Development Manager, said.
Importance of GROEBNER’s Expertise
GROEBNER’s comprehensive knowledge and hands-on approach were pivotal in the project’s success. From educating the customer on PA12 to providing on-site support, GROEBNER bridged the knowledge gap and ensured the project was executed correctly. This dedication to excellence sets GROEBNER apart from competitors, showcasing their commitment to quality and safety.
“We were impressed with the whole process, including the fact that all three parties (Evonik, Teel, and GROEBNER) took their time to come here and train and also be on site for the fusions and the installation and pressure test process,” Thomas Smith from Gas Utility District #1 said. “We chose PA12 for multiple reasons. Its 250psi rating and the fact that we didn’t have to use cathodic protection were the main reasons. But the cost-savings and time-savings with using PA12 vs. steel were incredible. We cut the welding time down by more than half and we didn’t have to work in the roadway or need to impede traffic.”
“The bottom line is everybody can move product, right? And some people move products better than we do. But if you want the right product moved the right way and installed the right way and have it done correctly, safely, all of those wonderful things, that's where our expertise comes in, right when it really matters,” Ellis said.
Recognition and Impact
The project’s recognition as the 2023 Plastic Pipe Institute’s Project of the Year highlights the innovative use of PA12 and the successful implementation using HDD. This award underscores the collaborative effort and technical expertise brought by GROEBNER. The project sets a benchmark for future projects, demonstrating GROEBNER’s value in strategic distributor partnerships.
Conclusion
GROEBNER’s contributions to the PA12 project at Gas Utility District #1 were vital to its success and recognition as Project of the Year. The project exemplifies the importance of innovation, technical expertise, and effective collaboration. GROEBNER’s role as a master distributor and technical expert showcases our ability to deliver high-quality solutions and support, ensuring the safety and efficiency of gas distribution systems. This accomplishment is a testament to the dedication and teamwork of all involved.