Vipel used in Melbourne Water Treatment Structure

Melbourne, Australia, is home to almost five million people and faces many challenges in managing infrastructure to serve its many residents and visitors. One recent challenge was the construction of a waste water treatment drop facility.
Located in Werribee, the historic Western Treatment Plant sustainably treats half of Melbourne’s sewage while providing an internationally recognized bird habitat for more than 280 bird species. The current plant covers 10,500 hectares (one hectare equals 100 acres)—the same size as Disney World; produces 40 billion liters of recycled water; and is energy self-sufficient, generating all its electricity from sewage gas.
Chemposite Inc., an international manufacturer of advanced composite products, was contracted to manufacture and supply corrosion-resistant fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) structures for the new facility. Chemposite chose to work with AOC for their excellent technical support and complete supply chain solutions.

Chemposite used AOC’ Vipel FO10, a bisphenol-A epoxy-based vinyl ester resin for its excellent corrosion resistance. F010 demonstrates outstanding mechanical properties and resistance to chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide and alkalis, while performing well in various stages of hypochlorite and chlorine production.

Finding a Solution
The new structure transfers wastewater from municipal pipes to a lower elevation where it can travel to the treatment plant. Before entering the structure, the wastewater flows through a large fiberglass vortex designed to neutralize noxious gases and reduce corrosion. The municipal pipes feed into large fiberglass channel liners that feed the vortex, and all three fiberglass components form a “set.” This project involved six sets of 3m x 3m vortex pieces, a seventh set of a slightly smaller size, plus 1.1m ID pipes and channel liners in varying dimensions. All of the sets work together to direct and accelerate flow into a smaller channel.

Overcoming Challenges
The fiberglass sets function as both corrosion-resistant conduits as well as forms supporting the surrounding concrete structures. So they were built to become a permanent part of the structure that is locked and reinforced with steel bars. Because the sets act as both a form and a corrosion-resistant liner to the concrete — the lead engineer had to demonstrate a detailed understanding of both concrete construction and FRP fabrication.

Building a Partnership
The Chemposite experts worked closely with the lead engineer through each stage of construction to optimize the fiberglass component design for the plant’s needs. The AOC team also provided customized solutions for this unique type of fabrication.

About Chemposite
Chemposite® is an industry leader in the design, engineering, manufacturing, and supply of
corrosion-resistant fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) and advanced composites for a wide range of industrial applications. For more information, visit www.chemposite.com.