Page 34 - Gi flipbook May 2018

IGEM NEWS | Industrial Affiliates

NGN successfully trials pipe

rehabilitation technique

RadiusPLUS to further develop their
innovative Subline DR rehabilitation
technology, in which the polyethylene
(PE) pipe’s diameter is reduced as part
of the manufacturing process.
The reduced diameter pipe is then
coiled in one operation to facilitate
transport and is delivered to site ready
to be inserted into the main, allowing
the technique to be used as a time-
saver on smaller pipe diameter projects.
Once inserted, the pipe is
pressurised using cold water to revert
it back to its original diameter and
form a close-fit against the bore of
the original mains pipe, providing
maximum capacity within the pipeline.
NGN trials in Keighley An automated high-tech unit
specifically designed as part of this
CLEVER INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY Part of the site also incorporated the development with NGN, carries out the
is helping to minimise disruption to historic Keighley and Worth Valley reversion process, pumping water into
customers following a recent gas Steam Railway line, adding significant the new pipeline and recycling it
mains replacement project in West engineering complexities onto the through a self-contained closed system.
Yorkshire. project as the pipe being replaced runs Richard Hynes-Cooper, Head of
Northern Gas Networks (NGN) along the top of a 19th century bridge. Innovation at NGN said: “It’s a really
carried out a scheme in Keighley to In order to prevent any damage to clever solution and one that allows us
replace 250 metres of ageing metal the bridge, NGN chose to use the to reduce the length of the project,
main with new, more durable RadiusPLUS pipe insertion solution save costs, and minimise disruption to
polyethylene pipes. rather than the open trench technique. customers.
Completing the work around Traditional insertion involves either “It also reduces safety risk for our
Haincliffe Road would usually have pushing or pulling a new pipe of a workers, and minimises the amount of
involved digging metres of open smaller diameter to the host into the spoil that digging creates.”
trench, in order for engineers to main, reducing the capacity of the Dave Sykes, Head of Operations at
reach the main. new main. RadiusPLUS, added: “The trial was a
As the works were located at a Thanks to Network Innovation success and the development of an
busy junction, a three-way traffic light Allowance (NIA) funding, NGN worked off-the shelf reduced diameter coiled
system would normally have been in partnership with Derbyshire pipe pipe and equipment has saved NGN a
necessary, causing disruption to traffic, manufacturer Radius Systems and considerable amount of time and cost
residents and businesses. their pipeline engineering division on this project.” ■

WALES & WEST UTILITIES SCOOPS GOLD

IN WELSH CONTACT CENTRE AWARDS

WALES & WEST UTILITIES has been presenter Claudia Winkleman, at the which has grown significantly over the
named a joint winner of the Business Wales Millennium Centre. years, now contributes £650 million
Improvement Strategy award at the The 20th anniversary awards, annually to the Welsh economy.
Welsh Contact Centre Awards. organised by the Welsh Contact Centre The award recognises the success
Picking up an award alongside Forum, celebrate outstanding people of the strategy implemented by the
Virgin Media, the companies were and businesses for their contribution to company’s Customer Service Team,
crowned in front of a packed the industry over the previous 12 with particular emphasis on colleague
audience at a ceremony hosted by months. The contact centre industry, engagement to achieve a more

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