PRESS RELEASE: Since 2013, Syrah Resources, Australian industrial minerals and technology company, has represented multiple graphite projects at Balama in Mozambique. One such project is the recent construction of a new graphite mine, which involved the installation and commissioning of a 15km-long 315mm HDPE pipeline for the supply of water. 

The project, whose main stakeholders are IEPS, Tayanna Mozambique and Syrah Resources, required a reliable water supply pipeline, for which Plasti-Tech Piping Systems, provider of thermoplastic piping systems, was commissioned. 

“The water supply pipeline project had a very strict deadline for completion, which I am pleased to say was met by using the two Hürner ECO CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) 2.0 355mm butt-weld machines day and night until completion,” commented Bradley Chamont, Plasti-Tech managing member. 

“We had four teams of eight people each, including four butt-welders and four assistant welders working around the clock to complete our work on the project and have them and our top-quality equipment to thank for another job well done.” 

The Hürner CNC ECO 2.0 is a next-generation plastic butt-welder that is durable and manufactured in strict compliance with international standards. 

“The CNC ECO 2.0 comes in 12 basic machine chassis models, which can join pipes as wide as OD 1,600mm in diameter. The unit is easy to transport and comes with a fully encased CNC hydraulic and control box of ingress protection (IP) of 54, handling pressures of up to 220bar,” explained Chamont.

The heating element of the CNC ECO 2.0 is covered with an anti-stick coating and, along with the facing tool, is connected to the chassis of the unit on the hydraulic and control box. During the welding process, the heating element temperature and pressure control are implemented in line with applicable standards; all parameters for a good quality, reproducible joint are carefully monitored throughout the welding process and the related information is saved to the unit’s memory.

Hürner’s CNC ECO + 2.0 model also features the HDC, or Hürner Distance Control, which is a sensing system for accurate verification of proper welding and welding process preparation. 

Chamont noted: “Water supply is a key aspect of successful mining, because without it the mine cannot operate. At Plasti-Tech, we are pleased to have played our part in paving the way for a smooth and hassle-free transport network for the delivery of this resource to the graphite mine at Balama.”

Construction of the new mine commenced in June 2017, with operations set to commence by September.