Download pdf - > United Kingdom Society for Trenchless Technology. · in this bulletin, please call the ... Andy Russell, WRc plc, Frankland Road, Blagrove, ... T/F: 0191 297 1977 [email protected]

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

Membership renewals fell due on 01 January 2008and all members should have received theirrenewal invoices.

If you have not received or maybe mislaid your invoice,please call Val on 01926 330935 for a duplicate, oremail [email protected] <

Scotland: 26 Feb 2008 at Livingstone FC.

Ireland: Belfast – 01 April 2008. Dublin – 03 April 2008.

Please keep an eye on the website (www.ukstt.org.uk)for more details. <

The Utility Networks division of SBGI and SBWWI are once again organising a joint one day UtilityConnections Seminar. The stimulating programme will share information, ideas and new technologyfrom companies with an interest in utility connections. <

Memberships UKSTT Roadshows

SUPPORTED EVENTSThe following event is being supported by UKSTT:-Utility Connections, Joined - Up WorkingTuesday 26 February 2008 – Hilton Hotel, Coventry.

> Newsletter> February 2008

> United Kingdom Society for Trenchless Technology.

> UKSTT Newsletter / February 2008 / Designed & Produced by Drain Trader Magazine / 01

UKSTT Awards Dinner25th April 2008

The closing date for award entries is Friday 29 February 2008.

TADrillinglimited

Astec Undergroundunleash the Astec Undergroundunleash the Call TA Drilling now on 01424 854112 or visit www.tadrilling.co.uk or email [email protected]

For more details visit our website at www.ukstt.org.uk <

LINEWATCHPromoting Safety & Awareness

Word spread and shortly Esso and Mainline were joinedby BPA and GPSS (Government Pipeline and StorageSystem). Since those early years the group has grownand now also represents Total, ConocoPhill ips,Manchester Jetline, Sabic, Shell, BP, E-On, Ineos and,most recently, Centrica. Promotion is via the usualavenues (presentations, literature, trade shows and theLinewatch website www.linewatch.co.uk) but, importantly,all the associated costs are met by the pipeline operatorsand not the third party recipients.

Over the past years, Linewatch has actively backed callsfor a ‘one-call’ system in this country. As a spin-off ofLinewatch’s desire to see such a system, Fisher Germaninitiated a free-to-user, web-based enquiry system callLinesearch – www.linesearch.org

In a short space of time this website has become wellused – current usage being in the region of 42,500enquiries a month. As the third party can input theinformation themselves and the response is immediate,this can cut down the time that a search takes. In the tighttimescales that many utility works are required to meet,this is very important. If the enquiry shows ‘not affected’no further action is required on the part of the third party.If the response shows ‘within the zone’ the third party is

prompted to contact the relevant pipeline operator whosecontact details are shown.

Historically, Linewatch’s approach has been reactive,normally contacting companies as a result of an incidentor near-miss situation. The group recognised that itwould be better to approach companies before they gotinto a potentially hazardous situation. Whereas thereactive approach will still play a part, the aim is todevote more time to working with organisations to assistin developing robust, safe systems for planning worksnear to these pipelines. By ensuring that the potentialhazards are recognised at the planning stage of works,these can be largely engineered out. The pipelineoperators all offer free support and request that theyhave a representative on site during any works in closeproximity to their pipelines. Our aim is to prevent anyincidents involving our pipelines and to ensure the safetyof people and the environment.

Pipelines in the UK have a very good safety record(pipelines are the safest and most efficient means oftransporting the fuels used in this country), and we striveto maintain this record at the highest standard. As theLinewatch strapline states, ‘Watch out, there’s a pipelineabout!’ <

In the early years of pipeline operation in this country, oil companies believed that the greatestthreat to the integrity of their pipelines came from sabotage. That was until 19th September 1987when a pipeline to Avonmouth was damaged by third party activity. A review of the situationshowed that third party damage posed a far greater threat. Esso launched Linewatch as aresult of this incident, with the intention to promote awareness of the existence of the Esso andMainline pipelines system. Armed with the knowledge of where the pipelines were and thepotential hazards associated with working in their vicinity, third parties could ensure the safetyof their workforce and the environment by planning around the pipeline.


> UKSTT Newsletter / February 2008 / Designed & Produced by Drain Trader Magazine02 /


> UKSTT Newsletter / February 2008 / Designed & Produced by Drain Trader Magazine / 03

NO-DIG ROOT CLEARANCE TECHNIQUESFor Drains and Sewers

CORPORATE MEMBER’S ANNOUNCEMENTGRUNDOPIT – Accuracy Beyond DoubtProject Overview

The investigation identified a number of lessons tobe learnt from the event, and these have beencommunicated to staff and operatives. In addition, anumber of the learning points are thought to berelevant to contractors undertaking root removalactivities of this nature, and these are:

1. Be aware that gas pipes and other moled utility servicesmay encroach on drains. Consider the possibility thatutilities plant may be causing the blockage.

2. Use water jets to clean the drain and the blockage priorto doing the camera survey, to improve the chances ofvisually identifying any pipes/cables that may be present.

3. At all stages of the clearance work, be alert to anyindications that plant may have been damaged – e.g. lossof gas, electric or water supply to any nearby properties, asmell of gas, evidence of clear water in the system, sounds

of electric arcing, evidence of pipe or cable fragmentswhen the clearance work is complete, etc.

4. Be aware of the tool operating in an unexpected manner– i.e. not consistent with root cutting. If you suspect thatthere is a gas/water pipe or electric cable in the drain do notuse the cutter. Excavate to expose the plant and call forassistance from the relevant utility. If the exposed pipe isyellow contact the gas emergency service (see numberbelow). If the pipe is blue or constructed of copper contactyour local water authority; and if it is a black or red cablethen contact the local electricity network operator.

If you have any queries regarding the information containedin this bulletin, please call the relevant gas plant enquiryteam. Consult local directories for other utility contactdetails. If you smell gas at any time, contact the NationalGas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. <

The Solution

TT-UK have a range ofsteerable pit launch machinesknown as Grundopit, one ofwhich is known as the

Grundopit Manhole and is dedicated to this preciseapplication. Following initial trials in the site compound, a liveapplication was selected. This trial was completed to withinthe design accuracy, despite being unable to prepare anadequate base on which to locate the Grundopit. As aresult, a further trial programme was arranged to test the

An explosion occurred at a domestic property resulting in burn injuriesto two members of the public. Investigations established that theexplosion happened a number of hours after a third-party drainagecontractor had attended site to clear a blocked sewer. The contractorhad completed a camera survey of the blockage ahead of deploying ano-dig clearance technique to remove what were perceived to be rootswithin the drain. The contractor was unaware that the drain had beenmoled through during a gas serviceinstallation approximately 18 yearspreviously, and that part of the rootblockage was actually a 20 mmpolyethylene low-pressure gas

service. The clearance work proceeded using a root cutter at whichpoint the contractors unwittingly severed and removed the section of thegas service pipe that was passing through the drain. The resulting gasescape passed through the drainage system and entered the property.The gas inside the building was ignited resulting in an explosion,significant property damage and injuries to two members of the public.

TT-UK Ltd were recently approached to assist with a trenchless solution toinstall 110 mm o.d. gravity lateral connections as part of a new sewerage scheme.Site constraints included 1050 mm diameter concrete rings and 600 mm squaremanhole covers – the manhole slabs and cover frames were already installed. Theproposed installation procedure was by open-trench and, even though thelocation was rural, this caused some disruption and it took approximately fourdays to complete an average 12 metre long road crossing. Due to the need tomaintain the specified gradients, the most crucial factor was the accuracy ofinstallation over the entire length.

Exposed Sewer

Typical Root Cutter

The Grundopit bore beingaccurately located

UKSTT Officers & Committee MembersChairman: Steve Kent

Technical Secretary: Peter Crouch

General Enquires and Newsletter Items

Administrator, UKSTT Secretariat38 Holly Walk, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 4LY

Tel: 01926 330935 Fax: 01926 330935

[email protected] www.ukstt.org.uk

For assistance please contact your local UKSTT Committee member

Russell Fairhurst, U-Mole LimitedUnit 11, Hardwick Ind. Park, Hardwick Road, Great Gransden,

Cambs, SG19 3BJT: 01767 677503 F: 01767 677827 [email protected]

Michael Flanagan, Advanced Sewer Products LtdDerwent Way, Dearne Valley, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S63 6EX

T: 01709 879400 F: 01709 879499 [email protected]

Shauna Herron, Environmental Techniques1 Flush Park, Knockmore Road, Lisburn, BT28 2DX

T: 028 92 673111 F: 028 92 660618 [email protected]

Norman Howell, Subterra LtdLancaster House, Centurion Way, Leyland, Preston, Lancashire,

PR26 6TXT: 01772 819841; F: 01772 819001 [email protected]

Steve Kaminik, Morrison Utility Services50 Baldock Road, Letchworth, Herts, SG6 2EE

T: 07903 988604 M: 07764 256715 [email protected]

John Kelly, C J Kelly AssociatesCoppice House, Hemington, Peterborough, Northamptonshire, PE8 5QJ


Steve Kent, Pipe Equipment Specialists Ltd66a Dukesway, Teesside Industrial Estate, Thornaby

Stockton-on-Tees, TS17 9LTT: 01642 769789 F: 01642 769456 [email protected]

Steve MacKellar, JacobsFairburn House, Ashton Lane, Sale, Cheshire, M33 6WP

T: 0161 962 1214 [email protected]

Les Metcalfe, South West WaterPeninsula House, Rydon Lane, Exeter, Devon, EX2 7HR


Steve Orchard, Charador Environmental ServicesEnviro House, PO Box 2415, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire,

CV37 7XUT: 01789 551188 F: 01789 551131 [email protected]

Ian Ramsey, Trelleborg/epros International LtdUnit 6, Gryphon Industrial Estate, Porters Wood, St. Albans, Hertfordshire,

AL3 6X2T: 01727 738670 F: 01727 738679 [email protected]

John Ritchie – Longbore TT Ltd.20, Caputhall Road, Deans Ind. Estate, Deans, Livingston, West Lothian,

EH54 8AST: 01506 461166 F: 01506 461188 [email protected]

Andy Russell, WRc plc,Frankland Road, Blagrove, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 8YF


Richard Swan, DynoRod PlcSutherland House, 143, Maple Road, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 4BY

T: 0208 481 2200 F: 0208 481 2288 [email protected]

Brian Syms39 Hawthorn Gardens, Whitley Bay, Tyne & Wear, NE26 3PQ

T/F: 0191 297 1977 [email protected]

Gary Fisher - Develop Training CentreAscot Drive, Derby, DE24 8GW

T 01332 253500 [email protected]

Keith Mole - McElroy833 North Fulton, Tulsa, OK74115. USA

T (0)1283 553304 Mobile 07798 816335 [email protected]

Colin Tickle - Drilline Products LtdFlat 5 Wooburn Court, 2A Winchmore Hill Road, London, N14 6PT

T 0208 8866700 [email protected]

Billy Turner - TT UKTT UK Ltd, 10 Windsor Road, Bedford, MK 42 9SU

[email protected]

WHO’S WHO?


> UKSTT Newsletter / February 2008 / Designed & Produced by Drain Trader Magazine04 /

Newsletter Sponsorship

Sponsorship of articles including your company detailsand logo can also be included at the following rates:Banner (max. 3cm high at the bottom of any page) £1001/4 page (Not on front page) £250

For more information, please contact Andy Russell at:[email protected]

application more fully and to gain data on accuracy. This started on22 August 2007 with the intention of completing bores ranging from10 to 17 metres long.

Day one involved induction,manufacturing and installingtemporary benching to allowthe Grundopit to sit both stablyand at the correct invert depthinside the 1050 mm diametermanhole chamber. A concretecore was drilled through thechamber wall to enable the pilotbore and pullback of the lateralconnection to be completed.

The next stage was to lower the Grundopit base frame into position,on which the drill rig was then located. All appropriate hydraulic andwater pipes were then connected. A polymer was selected for thedrilling fluid on this occasion, to enable the ground to be stabilisedwithin the bore and to assist with removal of cuttings from the boringprocess.

Drilling started with the pilot bore head being set to the requiredgradient. The 500 mm long drill rods were added progressively, andthe gradient was checked at one metre intervals to align with thepreviously surveyed terrain. The pilot bore took 45 minutes to drill, andwas checked for accuracy prior to widening the bore with a 130 mmdiameter backreamer. Accuracy of the pilot bore was within 10 mm ofdesign, although 50mm would have been acceptable. Backreamingstarted and the hole was widened and the lateral pipe pulled back tothe chamber in less than 30 minutes. The Grundopit was thendismantled and prepared for the next day’s drilling.

During days two and three, based on the experience gained during theprevious day the setup time was significantly reduced to just over 35minutes, allowing two bores to be completed on day three. Withcareful future planning this could be increased to three, subject to twoproperty connections being drilled from the same launch chamber.The accuracy of the bores was similar to day one, being between 3and 10 mm and well within design tolerances.

It was decided that day four would be the last day of the trial, due inpart to it being a Bank Holiday weekend. The trial had produceddecisive data with no aborted bores or failures. One bore was installedon the morning of day four, making a grand total of five installationsin the four days. Taking into account that two of these were halfdays, this made a total of three working days to install five roadcrossings between 10 and 13 metres long.

Conclusions

The expectations of accuracy, cost saving, minimized disruption andcustomer satisfaction of these trials were well proven based on fiveinstalled bores completed within three working days. Using traditionalopen cut methods this period could have been approximately 20days. On this basis alone, the cost savings would be seriouslyadvantageous – estimated to be approximately 1/6th of the open-cutcosts. The boring process itself, using the Grundopit Manhole, is awholly trenchless system that will allow manhole to manholeinstallations if used in conjunction with short section pipes. <

Grundopit working fromwithin the manhole