Page 38 - October 2019

igem news – yppc

Final design FIGURE 10 PRESSURE CONTAINMENT MODULE
After reviewing the concepts and
analysing the needs of the client,
Concept 3 (Figure 6) was selected to
be taken to prototype stage for further
development.

FIGURE 7 FINAL REALISED DESIGN (PNEUMATIC, HAND DRIVEN)

Figure 9 demonstrates its ‘clam shell’ Demonstrable excavation time/cost
design, utilising pins. This means it can reduction
attach/detach quickly from the PE ball Excavation size reduction of around
valve. This created strong field engineer 75-80 per cent
buy-in, due to its simplicity and lack of Smarter excavation design and
detailing required on-site. site utilisation (excavating into the
The drill was developed simply prospective site only – see Figure 11).
Figure 7 illustrates the final design to ensure a full intermediate system
solution – the PEmDrill: with no works required from the Cost/excavation saving
Pneumatically/hand driven GDN operatives. The existing slit trench is used to
Simple wheel and foldable handle to It contains: extend the network. This demonstrates
ensure a fast feed time to prepare for Gasket seals the efficient use of the excavation to
cutter engagement Energised lip seals. make it a functional space, not just a
Uses incremental feed winding wheel. required sacrificial space. Excavation
Tangible outputs is reduced by approximately 75-80
FIGURE 8 SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE DESIGN The PEmDrill offers the following per cent, leading to cost reductions of
benefits to the industry: approximately £2,300 per job on-site.
Reduced environmental impact
(logistically, weight saving) Conclusion
Smarter material choices (aluminium This project has really stretched my
6000 series) technical capabilities within the gas sector.
Packaging can be lifted by a It has been intriguing to learn more about
single operative new product development and the future
Lighter in operatives’ vehicles needs of the utilities industry. I look
(saves wear and tear on the vehicle, forward to taking this product to market
lowers fuel costs) and undertaking the next design venture.

FIGURE 11 SIZE IN EXCAVATION REQUIREMENTS
The PEmDrill also features a simple RED AREA = NOT REQUIRED TO EXCAVATE
one-way assembly system. This means GREEN AREA = REQUIRED EXCAVATION
the drill can be fully assembled within
10 minutes without calibration or
detailed works.

FIGURE 9 NON-INVASIVE ATTACHMENT AND DETACHMENT
ONTO PE NETWORK

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