Hydraulics
Understand the whole system. Assess steady-state performance, transient pressures and the measures needed for controlled operation.
Discover the disciplineIndependent Swiss engineering · Pipelab GmbH
Zurich · SwitzerlandSWISSENGINEERING
Engineering the systems that move and store fluids. From hydraulic insight to reliable operation.
The Pipelab perspective · 01:13
Precision with a purpose
Fluids in motion.
Systems that work.
Complex infrastructure deserves a clear engineering approach. We connect hydraulics, pipe stress, control systems and process engineering to help clients design, build and operate reliable transport, storage and pumping systems for water, oil, gas and other process fluids.
From our headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, we support projects from the first feasibility assessment through detailed design and commissioning.
Pipe Stress
Translate operating loads into robust piping arrangements. Assess stresses, support requirements and equipment interfaces.
Discover the disciplineControl Systems
Connect design intent with plant behaviour. Define operating philosophies, functional descriptions and commissioning requirements.
Discover the disciplineProcess Engineering
Connect process requirements with practical plant design. Develop flow diagrams, heat and mass balances, and equipment concepts for thermal, oil, gas and other industrial systems.
Discover the disciplineSelected work
Engineering in context.
Real challenges. Defined scopes. Engineering that connects the details to the whole system.
01Site photograph © MAPA · AI-enhancedRiyadh Southern Ring
Connecting strategic storage, pumping stations and major transmission corridors to support Riyadh’s water security.
Process final design · Commissioning services
Explore the project
02Surge vessel plant · Site photograph © MAPA · AI-enhancedRas Al Khair–Riyadh
Station engineering for a twin-pipeline system designed to transport 1.2 million cubic metres of potable water per day.
Process & mechanical final design · Civil coordination
03Pump house · Site photograph © SWA · AI-enhancedNew Satellite Plants · Phase 2
Integrated water transport and storage infrastructure across multiple locations on Saudi Arabia’s western coast.
Piping, process & mechanical final design
04Engineering model · AI-enhanced visualisationNEOM · Mountain Water
Hydraulic, process and piping expertise for water delivery from the Lower Mountain Reservoir to Trojena’s Mountain Reservoir.
Design consultancy & commissioning
05Pipeline trench · Photo courtesy RTCC · AI-enhancedAbha · AM2bWTS
A gravity transmission extension integrating new storage, existing reservoirs and future interconnections in the Abha metropolitan region.
Complete final design · Civil & electrical subcontracted
From model to understanding
See the behaviour.
Design the response.
The operating point is only part of the story. We investigate what happens when pumps stop, valves move and operating conditions change—then turn those findings into practical design decisions.
Hydraulic behaviourPump-trip sequence
Hydraulic headPipeline profile
Watch the pressure wave travel.
A pump trip sets a pressure wave in motion. Follow the changing head along the pipeline profile — or pause the animation to explore a single moment.
Pump-trip visualisation · schematic, without scale. The clock shows playback time, not simulation time.
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One continuous engineering thread
From first question
to first flow.
01
Feasibility & tender
Test the options early. We investigate parameters, operating concepts and system configurations to support informed project decisions.
Parameter studies · Concept development · Bid support02
Detailed design
Resolve the interfaces. We connect hydraulic analysis, piping, equipment and control requirements in coordinated engineering documents.
Hydraulic studies · Pipe stress · P&IDs · Operating philosophy03
Review & verification
Challenge the assumptions. We review third-party designs and investigate specific issues with a focus on system behaviour and practical implementation.
Independent review · Design checks · Technical coordination04
Commissioning & operation
Carry the design into the field. We prepare procedures, support testing and help turn engineering intent into controlled operation.
Line fill · Start-up · Performance testing · O&M documentation
Sandro UsterGeneral Manager · ETH Zurich
The people behind the engineering
Specialist knowledge.
Shared responsibility.
Led by General Manager Sandro Uster, our team combines hydraulic, mechanical, process, piping and civil engineering expertise. We work across disciplines, with direct communication and close attention to the interfaces that make a system work.
2Hydraulic Experts
2Senior Mechanical Engineers
2Process Engineers
1Piping Draftsman
1Civil Engineer
Start a conversation
Your next challenge.
Our next conversation.
Discuss your projectPipelab GmbH · Swiss Headquarters
Zurich
Technoparkstrasse 1
8005 Zurich
Switzerland
Pipelab Middle East · Subsidiary
Riyadh
Servcorp · Olaya Towers, B, L25&28
Olaya St / Mohammed bin Abdul-Aziz St
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia