"When we needed to clean the 60” diameter potable water main on the Dee LDTM (Large Diameter Trunk Main), we called in PMP to survey and clean a section of the main running under the River Weaver and the Weaver Navigation.
The pipeline has sections with 90 degree bends and vertical shafts which required specially trained teams to access this section of the main.
PMP’s technicians are trained in Confined Space working and in roped access to IRATA standards so we knew that they could carry out the works safely.
Prior to the 60” main being cleaned in July and August 2007, PMP carried out a pre-clean survey and a condition report with photographic evidence and sediment samples prepared. During the cleaning phase PMP cleaned the pipe using high pressure water lances via roped access. Heavy debris, including pieces of metal left behind during the original installation, was removed from the bottom section of pipe using roped buckets.
A defective pipe joint was repaired by PMP using an AMEX-10-Mono Seal because PU based repair solutions were not suitable.
We have worked closely with PMP on many projects and they are great to work with. We know that they will get the job done with the minimum of fuss and where problems do arise they find innovative solutions to them. I would be happy to recommend them."
Graeme Clarke LDTM, Design Manager, Balfour Beatty Utilities Limited
PMP demonstrated another aspect of its services with a roped access project recently. The versatile engineers were called at short notice to drill drainage holes into viaducts carrying the Thirlmere Aqueduct in Cumbria and Lancashire.
This project was high above ground, but with the usual stringent safety implications and access difficulties. The weep/relief holes were needed to enable any accumulated groundwater to drain away from the structures, following lining and repair works to the aqueduct. Stonbury Ltd carried out the lining and repairs for United Utilities, bringing PMP in to complete the work requiring roped access.
In order for the aqueduct to be returned to service as quickly as possible at the three locations, PMP was on site within 12 hours of the callout, ready to perform the drilling.
On each viaduct the procedure involved drilling 10 holes to 600mm depth using rotary percussive drills. As the holes were required at a level several metres below the parapet, IRATA-trained PMP engineers rigged a bosun’s chair, using three-point anchoring.
Stonbury’s project manager on the aqueduct, Graham Barnes, remarked: “Most of the work we specialise in doesn’t call for roped access procedures so it’s good to know there is a company with the correctly trained personnel and genuine experience of working with Water Industry infrastructure. They did a very satisfactory job in good time.”
The work is part of United Utilities £350 million programme to clean and repair its largest water mains and aqueducts. The eight-year project is the largest of its kind in Europe.
IRATA, the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association, was formed in the late 1980's, as the result of an initiative by a number of leading companies involved in industrial rope access techniques, to provide a safe working environment for the industry. Investment in training and equipment for roped access has boosted PMP’s proposition in internal pipe repairs and confined space working. Director Stephen Taylor, who initiated the company’s training last year commented: “As the Thirlmere Aqueduct work showed, having formal roped access training and equipment allows us to provide more professional inspection and offer more detailed solutions to our clients.”
Graham Barnes, Project Manager, Stonbury Limited
