Page 43 - Gi flipbook - November 2018

IGEM NEWS | Events

BRIDGING THE GAP

GORDON MCMILLAN, YPN AND SCOTTISH SECTION COMMITTEE MEMBER

IGEM DELEGATES from both the presented when there are obstacles across and 20m in depth. The
Scottish Section and its Young along the route. micro-tunnel will be used to install
Persons Network (YPN) were Sheila explained that although the the new pipeline under the railway.
welcomed in two separate visits to replacement pipeline was not long, it The group learned how the shaft was
view the construction of a was extremely challenging due to the constructed and the challenges
replacement high pressure pipeline environment in which it is being encountered on site.
across the River Clyde. constructed and the obstacles the The group then travelled to the
SGN, together with J Murphy & team has encountered. horizontal directional drill (HDD) site,
Sons and LMR, welcomed Scottish These have included a protected where they were welcomed by LMR
Section members for a technical visit Roman monument, a major road into Drilling UK. The drill process was
in June, followed by members of the Glasgow city, a dual-track electrified explained, including the use of
Young Persons Network in September. railway and a nature reserve. bentonite drilling fluid, plus how it is
Former IGEM President Sheila She gave examples of the analysed and recycled. The group
Lauchlan welcomed the members and information produced for the also learned how the drill head is
presented an overview of the project, project and how it was disseminated guided using a gyro, similar to the
which has been in development for a as it progressed. technology used in cruise missiles. ■
number of years. Members were then taken to the
Anyone involved in installing new two main construction sites. Firstly, a ■ To keep up-to-date with the
supplies or pipeline construction will visit to the micro-tunnel launch shaft progress of the project, visit sgn.co.
fully understand the challenges – something of a misnomer at 8m uk/roadworks/Erskine-Bridge

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