Trenchless pipelining technology specialist, Aqualiner, has completed the world’s first commercial installation its MIPPTM (Melt in Place Pipe) in a drinking water pipe for Hafren Dyfrdwy, a subsidiary of UK water giant Severn Trent Water. The work took place on a 9” cast iron pipe suffering from significant tuberculation. Once completed the result was equivalent to replacing the pipe but without requiring the old pipe to be dug up.
“This is a key achievement for Severn Trent Water and Aqualiner in the planned development of our MIPP process that offers the water companies a more efficient, less disruptive way of renewing their aging network of pipes by structurally lining them. We are extremely excited by the significant commercial implications having completed our first live drinking water installation.” stated Archie Adams, Aqualiner’s Managing Director, who added, “Aqualiner now plans to raise additional investment to rapidly focus on the expansion of its lining capabilities by producing “utility contractor ready” commercial equipment with 100mm-300mm diameter range capability, increase the lining length and develop associated lining materials. At the same time, Aqualiner plans to expand the business to meet the demands of global licensed contractors conducting commercial installations”
Pipe renewal options are currently limited to open cut replacement, pipe bursting or slip lining which all have an impact on the customer or the capacity of the network. The water industry is continually seeking new and innovative ways to reduce these issues. After many years of research and development, a novel structural liner has been developed by Aqualiner, in conjunction with Severn Trent, Yorkshire Water, Anglian Water and Wessex Water.
Aqualiner’s fully structural stand-alone liner, comprising of glass fibre reinforced Polypropylene, is environmentally friendly as it involves no hazardous chemicals/resins and uses minimal amounts of power to install. The liner is thin-walled (3mm), minimising any loss of hydraulic capacity, yet strong enough to withstand all the internal pressures and external ground loads thereby extending the life of the pipe for up to 60 years. Once the lining process is completed and cooled it can be rapidly returned to service and requires minimal future maintenance.
Aqualiner also recently announced a significant increase in its patent portfolio (excluding licensed patents) with the total issued patents in various countries increasing from 1 to 8 with a further 11 applications currently pending. The announcement also confirmed it had received confirmation from UK Patent Office of its patent covers its unique design necessary to achieve even air flow and temperature as it exits the heated pig.
