When a Victorian Water Board ran into a problem with corrosion of one of its primary water mains, it used some Lateral Technology to provide a solution. Corrosion is a common problem in pipes of all sizes, whether they carry water, oil or gas.

In the water industry various cathodic protection measures are used, with the preferred method a low-level electrical current which runs through the pipe. The current sets up a natural chemical reaction, which reduces corrosion.

In most settings, such protection can be obtained by hooking into an established power line and regulating the current. But in a bush setting in the middle of a State forest miles from the nearest power supply, the threat of damage to the environment and the cost of running a power cable convinced the Water Board to look for an alternative solution.

The site was found to be not suitable for solar. The answer was a simple but ingenious hydroelectric system designed and installed by Victorian Company Lateral Technology, run by Mr Terry Conway. “The hydro turbine is self-contained and uses the water from the main to provide the power, Terry said.

“It simply takes water from the pipe, which runs the turbine and creates the electricity needed. The water is not polluted in any way and it is returned via an outlet pipe to a small stream adjacent to the water main and water consumption is very low.”

It is believed to be the first time hydro power on this scale has been used to provide cathodic protection, and is being studied with great interest by other water boards around the country and overseas.

“The cost of running a power cable to that site, which is well away from any established power lines, was more than double the cost of providing the hydro turbine ” Terry said. “Then of course there was the issue of damaging the native forest to run a cable through the bush”.

The hydro turbine is made in Australia, constructed mostly from stainless steel, is a very efficient design. Vandal and weather proof housings are constructed from steel and hot dip galvanised. The turbine has an extremely low operating cost, reliably running for many years with virtually no maintenance required, reliability was a key factor in the decision to commission this particular turbine for this application.

In all a reliable low maintenance system which is truly environmentally friendly, and excellent value for money.

Lateral Technology designs & manufactures Hydro Turbine power systems for remote pipeline cathodic protection and other remote power applications.