Herrenknecht has delivered its innovative E-Power Pipe machine to Heitkamp Construction Swiss, a key player in grid expansion projects. The technology will help overcome challenges such as crossing rivers and existing infrastructure during the installation of underground cable protection pipes in Germany.
The E-Power Pipe system enables the trenchless installation of cable protection pipes over distances exceeding 1 kilometer, ensuring faster and safer operations compared to traditional trenching methods. Heitkamp Construction Swiss will deploy this technology for major projects, including the SuedLink extra-high voltage direct current transmission line, with work set to begin in April 2025.
To support these efforts, Heitkamp has established a new subsidiary in Germany, Heitkamp Energy Infra. The projects will be executed across multiple construction lots and sections.
Herrenknecht, a Germany-based leader in tunnelling and drilling solutions, emphasized that trenchless technologies like the E-Power Pipe help protect environmentally sensitive areas, including nature reserves, groundwater zones, and agricultural land. The E-Power Pipe method allows for the precise installation of protective pipes at shallow depths, accommodating both pressure-resistant and non-pressure-resistant pipes over distances of up to 2 kilometers.
The system combines horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and pipe jacking techniques, making it highly versatile. Philipp Kohlschreiber, CEO of Heitkamp Construction Swiss, highlighted the precision required for the project, noting that some bores will have very low or high overburden, with the longest route spanning approximately 1,600 meters under challenging conditions.
At the core of the E-Power Pipe system is the AVNS350XB jacking machine, a fully remote-controlled device designed for lengths exceeding 1,000 meters and a drilling diameter of 505 millimeters. The machine can operate at minimal distances of just 1-2 meters, enabling the parallel installation of multiple lines.
The AVNS350XB features a jet pump and an integrated hydraulic unit, which enhance its efficiency in confined spaces. The jet pump allows for the effective removal of excavated material, extending jacking distances up to 10 times longer than conventional methods.
The installation process begins with a thrust unit pushing the jacking pipes and machine along a predetermined alignment. Once the machine reaches the target point, prefabricated cable protection pipes are attached and pulled back through the launch shaft, completing the installation.
Maximilian Bischoff, Herrenknecht’s E-Power Pipe product manager, stated, “The E-Power Pipe combines the strengths of micro tunnelling and HDD, enhancing our product portfolio and offering a robust solution for modern infrastructure challenges.”
This collaboration underscores the growing importance of advanced trenchless technologies in minimizing environmental impact while meeting the demands of large-scale grid expansion projects.
