When the Coastal
Aruba Refining Company needed to extend their subaqueous cooling
water intake line at their San Nicolas, Aruba refinery, they chose
HOBAS Pipe USA, Inc., to supply the new 72 in. diameter fiberglass
pipes. Now, with the installation complete and their system in
operation, they couldn't be more pleased with their decision.
Numerous compliments for the HOBAS pipes and fabrications have
been expressed by all levels of the employees involved in the
Aruba operation.
Unique
Fabrications
HOBAS delivered 400 ft. of 36 psi stiffness, polyester resin pipe
in 20 ft. sections, a 72" x 72" 60 degree bifurcation
wye, 10 and 45 degree 72" elbows, and a custom-designed
rectangular intake box (10' x 8' x 17'). All of the pipes and
fittings were fabricated with a pair of steel lugs at each end
(180 apart), to facilitate the required submerged assembly of the
push-together, gasket-sealed FWC coupling joints. Each pipe now
rests on a pair of 8 ton concrete cradles sitting on the lagoon
floor. Stainless steel straps restrain the fiberglass pipes from
future movement.
HOBAS Best
Value
Many types of pipe were considered for the system extension.
Metallic and metallically reinforced pipes were not suitable
because of the corrosive seawater environment. HDPE was eliminated
because of flotation difficulties that would occur due to the
hollow wall construction in this diameter. Ultimately, only
fiberglass pipes were bid. Although not lowest in price, HOBAS
pipes were selected because of strong third party recommendations,
the superior joint, the best installation methods, and the
responsive, professional support provided during the design and
bidding process.
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Successful Project
All of the pipes, fittings, and structures arrived from Houston
without damage. The installation, which required a couple of weeks
with divers, was highly successful. Underwater assembly was
reported as "surprisingly easy." Like others before
them, Coastal personnel have labeled HOBAS pipes as high quality.
They were particularly pleased with the construction and
workmanship of the fiberglass intake box, which was detailed and
fabricated from a faxed conceptual sketch. Coastal conveyed that
HOBAS exceeded all expectations and will be considered for an
upcoming water distribution piping project at the refinery.
