Yorkshire Water employs dig-free pipeline repair technology
22 Apr 2009
Leeds, UK -Yorkshire Water has introduced a new technology that allows it to replace damaged sewer pipes without having to dig up the road and disrupt customers. The technology, which was unveiled last year, has already been put into action at a site in North Yorkshire.
The system, developed by drain repair specialist Dyno-Rod, allows sections of sewer to be completely replaced via manholes or small excavations. The technology works by splitting the existing pipe using specialist equipment and then pulling a replacement pipe of a slightly narrower diameter through the old sewer, thereby creating a completely new channel which sewage can flow down freely.
An example of where this technology has benefitted customers included a repair carried out in the garden of the North Yorkshire home of former cricketer Ian Botham. In2 technology was used to replace a pipe without damaging an ornamental pond or risking the lives of the fish that live in it.
"We're always searching for new technology that will enable us to carry out repairs to our sewers in the least disruptive way, whilst also being more environmentally friendly," said Colin Sinclair, project engineer at Yorkshire Water.
"By using the In2 system we will be able to reduce the number and size of holes we have to dig and will be able to carry out repairs on pipes underneath roads, gardens and potentially even ponds without causing any disruption or damage to the surroundings."
Sewer maintenance is an essential part of Yorkshire Water's job in the region. Each year the company carries out approximately 2,000 reactive excavations to repair damaged sewers and over 400 proactive maintenance investigations. These range from significant desilting operations to full sewer refurbishment.
No-Dig technology, such as In2, allows repairs to be carried out without the disruption to customers and traffic that can occur when an excavation is made, and will be used throughout the region wherever possible to minimise our impact.
Dyno-Rod's utilities sales manager Jim Lowe commented: "Our In2 Pipe Replacement System was developed over a number of years using Dyno-Rod's experience in sewer & drain repairs, in conjunction with Exeter University.
"It is a unique piece of pipeline technology that, added to the simple no-dig installation method, produces an effective, efficient, customer friendly and environmentally sound rehabilitation system for failed pitch fibre and clay sewers."
