Page 41 - Gi flipbook_May 2019

igem news – events

THE RIVER CROSSING PUZZLE

PHIL CROFT, DETAILING THE ENGINEERING AND
LOGISTICAL CHALLENGES OF THIS VITAL PROJECT

TOMMY KNOTT (LEFT) THANKING PHIL CROFT (CENTRE)
WITH YORKSHIRE GAS PRESIDENT BARNEY DANIELS (RIGHT)

PHIL TAKING QUESTIONS FROM AN AUDIENCE OF
THE FIRST SECTION OF ‘MARY’ BEING DELIVERED TO SITE AROUND 50 IGEM AND YGA MEMBERS

By Roy Peary, North West flooded segmental tunnel option was per hour, to an incredible level of
Section Treasurer chosen over other possible methods, accuracy), how air, power, water and
a technique not unique to this project, personnel are delivered to the cutting
THE NORTH WEST SECTION co- but at 4.86km long would be the world’s head, and how the slurry is removed,
hosted a technical paper evening with longest tunnelled pipeline river crossing. fully treated on site, compacted and
the Yorkshire Gas Association, on the He then went on to explain the type taken off site for reuse.
13 March, at the Gomersal Park Hotel. of contract National Grid used, how the Throughout the presentation, Phil
Phil Croft, National Grid’s Senior contractor selection process worked detailed the safety, environmental and
Project Manager for Capital Delivery, and details of the partnership that won ecological considerations being made at
gave a presentation on the topic of the contract. In fact, the contract was each stage. Phil also suggested one of the
National Grid’s multi-million pound awarded, and other preliminary work greatest successes of the project has been
project to replace a gas pipeline which complete under planning approvals, the early and continuous engagement of
stretches 5km, 35m beneath the River before the Development Consent Order other stakeholders, enforcement agencies
Humber. Consent for the work was was approved, both to ensure the and the local community.
granted in August 2016 and the project earliest possible commissioning date. This community engagement is
is expected to be complete by 2020. Phil went on to describe the traffic typified by the competition held to
On a peak winter day, this 42in steel management arrangements needed name the TBM. Kacey Doney, a local
pipeline transports around 20 per cent to deliver the massive logistical pupil won by suggesting the TBM be
of the UK’s gas. The existing pipeline challenge of material delivery and spoil named ‘Mary’, after Mary Fergusson,
crossing lies in the bed of the river and disposal. Phil described the pipe string the first woman Fellow of the Institution
is at risk of being exposed by strong area and the bespoke pipe handling of Civil Engineers.
tidal currents. Phil explained the work equipment built to deal with such Tommy Knott, IGEM North West
carried out a few years ago to keep the a unique project. He explained the Section Chair, said: “Phil’s presentation
pipeline buried on the river bed, but a insertion and reception pits, plus how was one of the most engaging and
long-term solution was needed. the tunnel boring machine (TBM) was interesting I have ever heard.”
He started by outlining several manufactured and delivered to site in
alternative routes that had been 16 sections. Mary is now over halfway to reaching
considered and why they were He also explained how the 4m the world record. Check her progress at
discounted. He also explained why the diameter bore is cut (a few centimetres www.riverhumberpipeline.com

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