14 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Whāriki Business Network: Pipe Medic PipeMedic started out providing the robotic technology to quickly diagnose problems in pipes and recommend the right fix solution. Trenchless repair - the smart solution Karen Phelps Trenchless repairing of an underground pipe is “like putting a stent in a vein as we form a new pipe inside of an existing pipe,” says PipeMedic owner Nathan Cowan. The methodology enables Pipe Medic to repair pipes while preventing the excavation of expensive above ground assets. Nathan and brother Joseph started PipeMedic in 2017. Joseph brings over twelve years experience in the drainage industry, holding a national certificate in drainlaying and also has 10 years experience installing Cured In Place Pipelining (CIPP) throughout Christchurch during the SCIRT rebuild. He is a former director and founder of Quikshot Ltd, which in its time was the leading supplier of small bore CIPP for the SCIRT works. Nathan brings the engineering nouse holding a BE(Hons.) in electrical and electronic engineering from the University of Auckland. He also has over five year experience in the CIPP industry. Prior to PipeMedic’s establishment, Nathan’s focus had also been directed at the remediation and removal of faulty pipe lining, during and left behind by the SCIRT legacy. Once many contractors bailed out of Christchurch after the bulk of the repair work had been completed the brothers knew there was still plenty of work to be done bubbling underneath the surface of Christchurch. PipeMedic started out providing the robotic technology to quickly diagnose problems in pipes and recommend the right fix solution. It was acting as a support for other companies who were actually doing the physical fix up work but quickly the brothers realised they were better to offer the complete service and maintain the quality control. Technology plays a huge part in the success of the business. Nathan says that PipeMedic’s C120 Cosmic™ Robot is a world leading, all in one investigation segment repair system fully adaptable to pipelines from 150-600mm in diameter. It can install UV cured TopHat and Patch repairs in 15 minutes preventing the need for a bypass and lengthy traffic management setups. Nathan says that once it starts an investigation if it sees something that needs remedying then it can be completed straight away as different attachments can be added to the camera for cutting, repair applicators etc saving clients time and often money. They system is compact and can be simply attached to the back of a van making it an accessible set up. The company also uses very high quality products such as Brawoliner as Nathan says that this allows PipeMedic’s certified installers to maintain a perfect track record for both commercial and residential applications. “Training is a very important aspect of what we do,” says Nathan. “We are certified installers for Brawoliner and Trelleborg and travelled overseas to train with those suppliers.” Nathan says the focus for PipeMedic is firmly on finding the best solution for the client. A lateral reconstruction job in Christchurch is a good example of what PipeMedic can achieve for clients. Earthquake activity had caused a trunk main to move around, smashing a 100mm lateral pipeline beneath. “The damaged area has been causing blockages and slowly deteriorating over time. it was determined that a trenchless solution would save both time and money for the Christchurch City Council. PipeMedic was then contracted to reconstruct this pipeline back to normal operating standards and increase its life expectancy. Precision robots were used to remove the dislodged pieces of earthenware and to reshape the pipeline back to its original size. A patch repair was then installed to provide structural support and reseal the pipeline from infiltration/exfiltration,” explains Nathan. Nearly all of PipeMedic’s work is for drainlayers with plumbers, architects and engineers with private residents making up the remainder. PipeMedic works New Zealand-wide. PipeMedic is a member of the Whariki Maori Business Network, Te Puni Kokiri, Amotai, HTK Group and Poutama Trust. With valuable support provided by these networks the brothers have great ambitions to expand and franchise their business nationally. It also owns sister company New Zealand Pipelining Supplies, which supplies of high quality CIPP equipment, training, assistance and material. “We want the legacy we leave behind to be that we have provided our customers with high quality cost-effective solutions. That’s our main priority.” • 100% NZ OWNED & OPERATED • BRANCHES THROUGHOUT NEW ZEALAND We are proud to support PIPE MEDIC Ltd QUALITY YOU CAN TRUST Auckland | Tauranga | New Plymouth | Napier | Hastings | Palmerston North | Wellington | Nelson | Christchurch 0800 747 272 Phone Brewers’ for Sewers Our experience saves you dollars! Trust the experienced team at G N Brewer Ltd Drainlayers to assist you with blocked drains, CCTV pipe inspections, stormwater pumps, sewerage pumps, repairs and alterations, new housing installation and much more. Proudly servicing the greater Christchurch region including Akaroa, Lincoln, Rangiora and Rolleston. Ph Vaughan Snowdon 0212207071 | Deane Brewer 021755142
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