Thomas
Additional Applications # 1972 Southampton
This paper describes the application of uPVC pipe on a large irrigation contract. The project is known as the Sadova Corabia Irrigation System and is located in south-west Romania. It is the largest technically advanced irrigation scheme to be undertaken anywhere in the world.
Taylor Woodrow International Limited are Managing Partners of a consortium known as TWIG which is carrying out the work. The consortium includes GEC, Vickers and Sigmund Pulsometer Pumps. The project involves the irrigation by water from the Danube of approximately 80,000 hectares (300 square miles) of predominantly sandy soil at three levels, the flood plain at approximately river level, and two terraces. The irrigation system is automatic, water being supplied on demand from the field hydrants by means of a system of underground uPVC pipelines.
At the date of this paper the first phase of the project - 30,000 hectares (1 10 square miles) - is completed and operating, and the paper describes the design considerations which led to the choice of uPVC pipe, together with a review of experience in its application in this first phase. The uPVC pipe was supplied from the United Kingdom and represents one of the largest supply contracts placed with the British plastic pipe industry.