A few days ago, BRUGG Pipes completed a unique project for a renowned research institute in the Antarctic. The heated, insulated pipe system is specially designed for the extreme climatic conditions on site and ensures that the wastewater disposal into the ice field functions perfectly at all times.
Antarctica is both a dangerous and fascinating place. Without the right equipment, the icy desert is deadly, but it holds treasures of data that we can use to better understand our planet. The Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) is researching precisely such findings. It is a leading center for polar and marine research and one of the few institutions worldwide that is active in the Arctic and Antarctic. It coordinates German polar research and also investigates the North Sea and the German coasts. With modern research, excellent infrastructure and many years of experience, it investigates all areas of the Earth system – from the atmosphere to the seabed. There is an increasing focus on understanding climate change.
Wastewater disposal into the ice field
Operating a research center in Antarctica presents unique challenges, such as the disposal of wastewater. For example, “grey wastewater” with a comparatively low bacterial load from the kitchen, laundry and washrooms undergoes simple treatment before being discharged into a pit in the snow for infiltration. This disposal method is harmless to health and also causes no harmful effects on the snow or the environment. To prevent the wastewater from freezing on its way from the research station to the insurance pit, a heated, insulated flexible pipe system is required for extreme climatic conditions.
Special pipe with integrated heating wires
The customer’s requirements included a 50-metre-long FLEXWELL FHK pipe system with two integrated heating wires. To ensure a constant heat output, the pipe was equipped with a controller that limits the heat output to 30 watts per meter. Due to the extreme temperatures and the environment, the carrier pipe and all external components were made of stainless steel. At the end of the pipe, a welded connection was integrated with additional sealing using a shrink hose.
Assembly in the freezing cold
Martin Rigaud, Head of District Heating at BRUGG Pipes, adds: “The transportation to Antarctica was a real logistical challenge. The conditions on site were also unique. A trench around 50 meters long was dug on the snow-covered site of the research station, through which the pipe was later laid. Here in Europe, excavators normally dig out the ground to lay our pipes. In Antarctica, the Pistenbully had to take over this work and dig the trench in the snow. The Pistenbully was also used to lay the pipe. The pipe had to be pulled off the drum with the Pistenbully.” Martin Rigaud summarizes: “It is always impressive to see where our solutions are in demand. This project also demonstrates our expertise in the development and delivery of special solutions for demanding applications worldwide.”
More information about Neumayer Station III:
Neumayer Station III, operated by the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), was opened on February 20, 2009 and is already the third German research station in the Antarctic. It serves as both a research and residential building and also houses the technical infrastructure. The station is an important base for inland expeditions and polar aircraft. It consists of several levels and rests on 16 foundation slabs, which are anchored in an 8.20 meter deep trench in the snow. Above this is a platform with modules made of containers, which are surrounded by a protective outer shell. The main station stands six meters above the snow surface. The entire construction, from the garage to the roof of the balloon hall, reaches a height of 29.20 meters. Access is via a staircase from the garage. The containers are stacked on several levels and offer space for living, working, a kitchen with dining area and laboratories. Further information on the station: Neumayer Station III – AWI
