Aulendorf Herrenmühle: Pressure pipeline sustainably renovated

Author: Dipl.-Ing. Christian Mfchlhf6fer, Branch Manager, Swietelsky-Faber GmbH, Landsberg

In the listed Herrenmfchle in Aulendorf, Ravensburg district, the repair-needing pressure pipeline had to be urgently rehabilitated and as far as possible without interfering with the historic building fabric. The Landsberg branch of Swietelsky-Faber GmbH relied on a trenchless liner system from NordiTube and restored the water power supply to operation within just two days.

Hydropower with tradition

The Herrenmfchle in Aulendorf looks back on a centuries-old history: as early as 1606, the mill has been driven by hydropower. In 1949, an Ossberger cross-flow turbine was installed, which has since operated the mills via belt drive. On grinding days, master miller Mr. Vogel opens the sluice at the dam pond around 170 liters of water per second then set the turbine in motion.  

Need for rehabilitation after 76 years of operation

After 76 years of continuous operation, however, increasing rehabilitation needs became apparent in the water supply line: according to the current TV inspection, the ageing steel pipe showed clear corrosion damage and cracks. In addition, with prolonged use, water seeped through the pipe bedding into the turbine house.
The Landsberg branch of Swietelsky-Faber GmbH responded immediately and was able to offer the mill operator an efficient solution: the trenchless rehabilitation of the line with a liner system from NordiTube Technologies SE.

Technically demanding framework conditions

The internal lining of the steel pipe posed particular requirements: the pipe route led over several 45 bends and ended directly in the turbine room a sensitive area with open access to flour production. To exclude any contamination, the entire work area in the turbine house was hermetically sealed off with foil.

Rehabilitation in just two days

After the removal of deposits and obstacles as well as a final condition assessment, the line was released for rehabilitation. In total, a section of approx. 110 meters with a diameter of 300 mm was rehabilitated.

The pressure-resistant liner was impregnated directly on site with epoxy resin using a mobile impregnation unit and then installed by steam curing. Installation took place via the existing water lock. After just two working days, the measure was completed the turbine could be reassembled and flour production resumed as planned.

Trenchless technology for special locations

The successful rehabilitation of the pressure line under demanding conditions shows how modern trenchless technologies can be used effectively and sustainably even in sensitive areas such as historic mills without major interventions in the building fabric and with minimal operational interruptions.

Special thanks go to the committed team at the Landsberg branch, which implemented the rehabilitation with a high level of professional expertise and great care. We also thank the client and the system manufacturer NordiTube for the trusting cooperation a successful project that once again shows how technical expertise and cooperative partnership lead to success.