Georg Fischer (+GF+), iPlex and TAFE Queensland SkillsTech (SkillsTech) have been in partnership for two years and have developed a High-Density Polyethylene (PE 100) Centre of Excellence at Acacia Ridge Training Centre. This centre features first class facilities and modern PE 100 welding equipment with trade qualified teachers delivering practical, hands-on skills using industry’s best practice. +GF+ has over 14,000 staff worldwide and although headquartered in Switzerland has locations in 32 countries and 124 companies with half being production facilities.
Leveraging off the prestigious OZWATER International Water conference the Australian +GF+ Piping Systems division held a week long “Innovations Workshop for PE Piping Systems” at the Multiuser Terminal at the Port of Brisbane. The workshop showcased the very latest in industry themed GF product displays and PE Piping technologies. The workshop was set up to five stations each showcasing innovations High-Density Polyethylene (PE 100).
Station 1: Showed the +GF+ new generation large bore Electrofusion fittings, including the latest 630 Electro Fusion couplers, saddles and support PE (Polyethylene) peeling and tooling;
Station 2: Highlighted the QR codes for tracking of welds, welding protocol for reinforced QA and spatial mapping software and remote PE inventory management;
Station 3: Showcased the latest large diameter iJoint mechanical compression fittings for repairs and maintenance for PE pipelines and gather systems. One of the myths about PE compression joint is their failure under in-situ pressure. Perhaps one of the more impressive demonstrations was the red Ferrari totally suspended in air by the iJoints. This myth was further blustered by the 40 bar water test of the small joint.
Station 4: Included the new advancements on semi-automated CNC butt fusion welding machines. These trench size machines take the guess work and laborious calculations out of PE Butt welding.
Station 5: TAFE Queensland SkillsTech expanded on the certified welding training for Butt and Electro fusion Welding, Squeeze off and Hot Tapping both theory and practical programs.
The workshop attached visitors such as: Murphy Pipe and Civil , Brisbane City Council, Seqwater, Unity water, Queensland Urban Utilities, Thiess, John Holland, QGC, SANTOS GLNG, Origin Energy and others.
GF Piping Systems offers innovative plastic piping systems for water and gas supply in the areas of industry, utilities and building technology.
GF Automotive systems offer light weight cast parts for passenger and commercial vehicles that are both lightweight and safe.
GF Machining Solutions provides high-quality precision parts and sophisticated manufacturing technologies moulds, tools and parts.
Iplex Pipelines are the largest Australian owned and operated pipe and fittings manufacturing businesses in Australia with manufacturing and distribution capabilities in all States as well as New Zealand.
TAFE Queensland SkillsTech is the largest public provider of trade and technician training in Australia with in excess of 20,000 students annually undertaking studies in the automotive, building and construction, electrical and electronics, process control/instrumentation, mechanical, manufacturing, engineering, sustainable technologies industries and HDPE Welding.
