Amiblu relining pipes future proof sewer network from H₂S attacks
Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) is a gas commonly found in wastewater facilities and sewers. It leads to rapid corrosion of the reinforced concrete pipe systems used widely in sewers, meaning that pipes designed to last 50 plus years are corroding after as little as 10 to 20 years.
In December 2018, a section of the DN 1500 concrete sewer in Potters Way (housing estate in Peterborough) collapsed. A survey found that 
1.79km of the concrete pipework were severely damaged due to H₂S attack. Anglian Water @one Alliance was commissioned to find a solution.
There were a few challenges involved in the project: First, the high flow rate of the pipework with up to 4,000 litres per second in the event of a 30-year storm. Plus, the pipe featured several significant bends along the affected route that increased the difficulty of finding an adequate solution.
During 2020, the first phase of the project, a mix of CIPP (cured in place pipe) and Amiblu’s GRP relining pipes were the chosen pipeline rehabilitation methods. Amiblu’s GRP pipes relined a 48m section of 1500mm diameter sewer in live flow conditions of approximately 850 litres per second. It was the first time the @one Alliance had installed GRP lining in live flow.
Phase two was delivered in the summer months of 2023 and only Amiblu GRP relining pipes were used: 123 meters pipes DN1700, SN10,000 PN01 plus one bend, and 447 meters pipes DN1400, SN10,000, PN01 plus one bend. All pipes were supplied in 3-metre lengths. Two additional bespoke bends were manufacture with access shafts removing the need to replace manholes and ensured a continuous flow.
On a good day up to 40 pipes were installed – that’s 120 meters! All pipes were fitted on site with pipe spacers (spiders) for ease of install in live flowing sewage. Installation works began in August 2023 and the site was completed on time and within budget by late October 2023.
Huge programme and cost savings were made by not having to replace the existing decayed concrete pipe and installing over-pumping equipment. Local residents were not disrupted during the installation and will now not have the issue of foul odours rising from the failed sewers.
The relining of the sewer network has ensured the network in the Potters Way area is now protected from H₂S attacks for the next 50+ years. Colin Handley, Construction Manager @One Alliance said:
“There was fantastic team collaboration between our Tier 2 Supply Chain Partners, the Principal Contractor (Barhale) and the @one Alliance, making it one team delivering the programme.”
View project video on YouTube Amiblu Relining Pipes – Potters Way Peterborough
