Buoyancy beyond floats

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For over a decade, liquid management specialists Coerco has engineered flotation solutions that ensure pipeline, hose, and cable stability in the most challenging industrial environments. From mining and dredging operations to marine infrastructure and water treatment facilities, Coerco’s purpose-built Multi-Float^® products have provided reliable, durable, and adaptable flotation systems for projects in Australia and abroad. 

No matter the technical requirements, liquid control application, remote locations, or rugged terrain, Coerco’s expertise extends beyond simply supplying floats—it serves as a technical partner and problem solver at every stage of the product development process. 

This niche expertise and deep understanding of the physics of fluid control and complex liquid management is evident in Coerco’s approach to projects utilising its Multi-Float^® products. The team help clients calculate and optimise buoyancy requirements for various applications by providing the methodology and engineering capabilities needed to determine precise buoyancy solutions for industrial pipelines, hoses, and cables.

Coerco’s team applies a precise methodology to determine the ideal number, type, and spacing of floats required for optimal buoyancy. With a range of Multi-Float^® hose floats, we provide flexible solutions tailored to specific project needs. By factoring in variables such as pipe size, fluid density, environmental conditions, and operational loads, we ensure pipelines and cables remain securely suspended without excess strain or instability. 

In straightforward applications, Coerco’s pipe float calculator enables clients to input project specifications and obtain an immediate flotation assessment. However, for more complex projects involving slurry lines, variable SGs (specific gravities), or mixed-use cable and pipe applications, the team leverages advanced engineering calculations and in-depth consultation to design the most effective flotation strategy.

Every Coerco float is manufactured from chemically resistant polyethylene that is capable of withstanding corrosive environments, extreme UV exposure, and heavy-duty industrial use. With float sizes ranging from 75mm to 1200mm, and the option of foam-filled redundancy, flotation integrity will be maintained, even in the unlikely event of a puncture. 

Coerco’s modular bush kits also allow for precise reductions to accommodate varying pipe and cable diameters, ensuring a secure grip that prevents movement or displacement under pressure.

A common cause of failure in liquid management projects is oversight of not only strict site requirements and design parameters, but also principles such as buoyancy. Coerco’s expertise in buoyancy engineering has been instrumental in major global infrastructure projects, notably Sydney Water’s Picton Water Resource Recovery Facility and the Grande Côte Mineral Sands Operation, as well as offshore mine dewatering systems such as Genesis Minerals’ Tower Hill Pit project. 

For the Sydney Water project, Coerco were contracted by Xylem to design, engineer and manufacture a fit-for-purpose pump, pontoon system, and access gangway at the Picton wastewater facility. 

Detailed drawings, FDA analysis, and buoyancy calculations were critical in manufacturing a modular floating structure capable of withstanding high wind loads and other harsh environmental conditions. This was further supported by site assessments of the lake topography, soil conditions, water density, submergence and fluctuations in water levels, and pump dimensions. The solution not only saved Sydney Water time and money, but the mix of design, materials, and engineering methodology contributed to increased safety and compliance with Australian standards. 

By choosing Coerco, clients benefit from an end-to-end service solution, spanning initial flotation analysis and design to manufacturing, delivery, and ongoing maintenance and technical support. As industries continue to demand higher precision and reliability in their liquid transport infrastructure, Coerco remains at the forefront, offering world-class flotation solutions that ensure stability, efficiency, and reliable long-term performance. 

For expert guidance on buoyancy requirements, connect with Coerco today. You can also download Coerco’s comprehensive product catalogue here.