An award that covers emerging and applied product/system/install/renovation to support the use of trenchless techniques and must demonstrate that it has been accepted for use in the utility industry. Innovative technologies must be trenchless and new to the UK market e.g. asset health inspection, underground mapping, installation equipment, new materials, and techniques. This list is illustrative only. (this category is about the technology rather than the application)
Other category finalists can be found here https://www.ukstt.org.uk/2024-finalists/
The winners & finalists for the Innovative Technology award are:
GLANVILLE ENVIRONMENTAL / SOUTH WEST WATER / REINERT-RITZ
Quick-Pig makes its UK debut on Tresco
Overall Innovative Contribution
Glanville Environmental were tasked with replacement of the Abbey Pit rising main on Tresco, Isles of Scilly. The 63mm rising main had been laid over 20 years ago as a private rising main which transferred to South West Water in 2020. The pass forward flow had reduced to a trickle resulting in premature spills to the environment even during dry weather periods.
The logistics of carrying out civil engineering works on the remote islands is extremely challenging and similarly, for SWW to carry out regular planned maintenance. Vehicle access is very limited so jetting and vactoring equipment would have to be shipped to the island with crane capacity restrictions ruling out most regularly used mainland plant.
In collaboration with South West Water, Glanville Environmental were required to restore the rising main to working order and seek a solution to maintain the line with minimal requirement relying on traditional methods. To achieve these outputs, seeking innovative technologies across the industry through IFAT, UKSTT etc allowed many options to be considered.
Replacement of sections of the rising main by traditional open cut were necessary to allow installation of air valves and washouts. Nick Blowey (SWW) and Geoff Willcocks (GE) attended a UK No-Dig event and were introduced to the Quick-Pig produced by Reinert-Ritz. The system had not previously been used in the UK, but as the product provided a solution to the logistical maintenance challenges whilst not increasing the construction programme it was decided this new cleansing system would be installed as part of the design.
The innovative product was embraced by SWW and the scheme purchased 5 units to use with the Glanville design. Quick pig is supplied as an integrated chamber, removing the requirement for concrete bases or rings.
Utilising the Quick pig system, we were able to retain 50% of the existing pipeline, integrating washouts/pigging stations, enabling the existing RM to be pigged/cleansed in sections to re-establish the functionality of the pipeline, avoiding unnecessary excavations within the SSSI where installation of valves and washouts were not possible.
Client Satisfaction
The product is an off-site build from Nordhorn, Germany built to high precision to suit the exact specifications of the pipeline in terms of pipeline diameter, depth and ground surface. Following drawing approval, the delivery to site was within 6 weeks, maintaining the tight contractor programme to complete prior to tourist season.
Simple installation of the Quick-Pig allowed all the works to be completed with a 5t excavator, 1t dumper and 2 personnel. The innovative use of recycled crushed glass as pipe bedding aggregate, a waste product produced on the island’s, enhanced the green credentials of the scheme.
As part of the Isles of Scilly network upgrades, SWW and their partners are looking at innovations across all disciplines, from construction work to operation and maintenance, to ease the unique challenges faced on the islands.
Reinert-Ritz worked closely with Glanvilles providing on site installation and commissioning support, returning to demonstrate and train operations teams in the Summer.
Planned maintenance using the Quick pig system will have no impact in terms of noise, vehicle use or pollution risk with the operation being completed in less than 15 minutes for each section by two operatives.
Health & Safety
The system provides a simple method to regularly cleanse & inspect the rising main using pumped flows, negating the use of tankers or jetters and extended periods of pumping downtime. All Quick-Pig locations are readily accessible, only requiring pedestrian access to facilitate a cleanse or RM internal inspection.
No requirement for heavy equipment, the sealed watertight covers are removeable by hand, the bayonet lock launcher weighing less than 10kg. Isolation valves either side ensure the system is unpressurised, to protect the user from unexpected pressure events.
A simple checklist / schedule of tasks is provided to personnel carrying out cleansing activities.
Sustainability
The Tresco Islanders pride themselves on their green credentials and the Quick-Pig system embraces that culture. SWW now have no requirement to use any mechanical plant to cleanse the line. The electric buggy takes operatives to the Quick Pig location, the pump is isolated, once the launcher and receiver are in place, pump flows propel the cleansing pig through the main to the receiver.
This process is repeated along the RM from the pump station to the discharge chamber.
Scoured material continues downstream and is finally removed at the treatment works. No material is transported outside of the network. Now the system is installed there is no risk of environmental impact across the length of the rising main from cleansing operations.
Due to the difficulty of logistics across the numerous islands on the Isles of Scilly, the system is likely to be installed to the remainder of the rising mains. The system will be monitored and will be a consideration as a regular installation on mainland lines where suitable.
PICOTE SOLUTIONS
Picote Xpress Coating System
An Alternative Solution for Trenchless Pipe Rehabilitation
The new Picote Xpress Coating System is a game-changer in the trenchless technology industry. This fast and cost-effective method allows for the rehabilitation of cast iron pipes DN32-300 and up to 40m in length from any access point without the need for disruptive and expensive digging. Whether it’s underground infrastructure or internal stack pipes, the Xpress Coating System with its 1:1 mix at tip 100% Solids Epoxy resin offers a versatile solution that adapts to various environments. Suitable as a corrosion barrier, for leakage to seal small cracks and pinholes or by building up layers to provide a semi-structural repair. Can also be used as a hybrid method alongside CIPP Lining or as a point repair. Designed to navigate multiple bends with a smooth finish for good flow. Soaks into the porous fabric of cast iron pipes for a stronger repair.
How Does it Work?
The Picote Xpress Coating System consists of an innovative Pump with dual hydraulic resin cylinders for the 1:1 ratio 100% Solids Epoxy resin. It has a built-in extended life battery and internal resin heater, ensuring several hours of working time and optimised resin temperature at the worksite. The System also includes a motorised delivery hose reel, for easy set-up, movement and storage, avoiding lengthy exposed cabling and reducing risk for operators.
The pipe is cleaned first with a Picote Miller, which also powers the brushes used to apply the resin inside the pipe. The resin delivery hose is taped to the outer casing of the Miller shaft, along with a CCTV camera to monitor progress while working.
The Brush system at the ‘business end’ of the Miller cable picks up the resin in the pipe, spreads it around the inner surface of the pipe. The thickness of the coating applied is controlled by the amount of resin pumped in and the speed of the brush rotation and the rate at which the brush is drawn through the pipe. The operation is monitored by the operator using CCTV so that the coating can be applied evenly around the pipe circumference. If the coating is too thin, the machine can be reversed over the site, more resin pumped in and smoothed into place. If the coat is too thick the resin pump can be stopped and the resin that is already in place brushed over to achieve the correct thickness. This ease of control greatly eliminates risk. The mix-at-tip technology ensures that there is no waste. Any resin not used can simply be capped off and utilised on the next job.
After the initial Pump setup, the setup for subsequent coats is almost instantaneous, providing a tangible time saving for contractors. Each layer of coating cures in around 1 hour, which can be accelerated by using the Picote Heater.
Laterals
One of the main benefits of the system is that access to lateral connections is not necessary, avoiding additional disruption as well as the timely and costly methods to open them. Additionally, as the system coats the horizontal or stack pipe, it brushes some resin into the lateral, providing some protection at the joint.
Innovative Features
1. Versatility: From swimming pools to hydroelectric dams, the Xpress Coating System has proven its adaptability across diverse applications in the U.K alone since its launch in January 2024.
2. Safety First: The system prioritises operator safety, significantly reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and minimising waste. The Miller Shaft rotates inside an outer casing which is safe for the operator to hold. The operator presence foot control and built-in clutch also make this a safe system for the operator.
3. Navigational Prowess: The Xpress Coating System effortlessly manoeuvres through multiple bends, ensuring smooth transitions and a flawless inner surface that enhances flow efficiency.
4. Error-Proof Operation: Human error is virtually eliminated. In the rare event of an issue, simply grind out the affected area with the Picote Miller and start again – no risk of significant failure.
5. Remote Control Capability: The innovative remote control feature allows the Coating Pump to be positioned away from the access point, offering unprecedented flexibility in challenging environments.
6. Hybrid Solution: The Xpress Coating System can be seamlessly integrated with CIPP lining or other alternatives, providing a comprehensive approach to pipe rehabilitation.
7. Customisable Strength: By building up layers, it can provide a semi-structural pipe repair, tailoring the solution to specific project requirements. The brushed-on application gets into the tiny pores of cast iron, sealing them for a stronger repair.
Addressing Industry Challenges Head-On
The Xpress Coating System doesn’t just introduce new technology; it solves real-world problems faced by the trenchless industry in the U.K. and worldwide:
• Reduced Downtime: Fast application means less disruption to services and quicker return to service and project completion. Virtually no set-up time, just plug in and go.
• Enhanced Safety: Minimised exposure to chemicals protects both operators and the environment.
• Cost Savings: By eliminating the need for excavation, the system significantly reduces project costs.
• Risk Mitigation: The ease of use and ability to quickly correct issues lowers the overall project risk.
• Chemical Resistance: The coating provides excellent protection against corrosive substances, extending the life of rehabilitated pipes.
• Environmental Responsibility: Less waste and resin with zero VOCs makes this system a more eco-friendly choice.
Real-World Impact for U.K. Contractors
The Picote UK Team recently worked with Lanes Group and S1E Ltd on a holiday park swimming pool project. Imagine a bustling public swimming pool, faced with the daunting prospect of extensive excavation to repair deteriorating pipes in the peak of holiday season! The Xpress Coating System stepped in, providing a swift, non-disruptive solution that allowed the facility to reopen quickly, much to the delight of the holiday-goers.
The Team are also working with a UK Contractor on a project with a critical hydroelectric dam, where traditional repair methods would be not just challenging but potentially risky; The Xpress Coating System’s ability to navigate complex pipe structures makes it the ideal choice for a high-stakes project of this nature.
The Future of Xpress Brush Coating
Picote has its own R&D facility and works with contractors around the world to improve and extend capabilities. There are many opportunities for the system in the U.K. offering contractors additional options for Trenchless pipeline rehabilitation. We believe it should win the Innovative Technology Award because it offers a low risk, virtually no waste, safe, environmentally conscious and Trenchless way to rehabilitate pipelines with many options and applications available to contractors.
WRC GROUP / OFWAT / UNITED UTILITIES / THAMES WATER / YORKSHIRE WATER / SCOTTISH WATER / SEVERN TRENT / DWR CYMRU / SOUTH WEST WATER / SPRINGW
AI Sewer CCTV Image Repository
The Water Research Centre (WRc) has supplemented its essential guide, the Manual of Sewer Condition Classification (MSCC) first published in 1980, with another world first, a free-to-download library of sewer images that can be used to instruct artificial intelligence (AI) software solutions to assess the condition of drains and sewers.
WRc, part of the RSK Group, worked on the Ofwat Innovation project with United Utilities as the lead water company partner and six other water companies along with Spring, who host the library on its platform. It is the first of Ofwat’s open data projects and has been designed to accelerate the development of AI software and to assist in the inspection of sewers, helping to prevent sewer collapses, flooding and overflow spills.
WRc Principal Consultant Peter Henley said: “The WRc manual has been an industry standard around the world since we introduced it in 1980, providing the first coding structure for sewer inspection. It has served the industry well, and we are justifiably proud of the significant contribution it continues to make. However, we recognised that the increasing demands on the water sector and its supply chain called for innovation to enable sewer condition assessment to become more efficient, consistent and effective. So with the development of AI as a tool in identifying sewer defects, it was clear that the biggest obstacle to its deployment was an absence of data to enable the AI software to reliably train its AI algorithms.
So the new library of images provides the water sector the ability to use all the skills at their disposal to help the water companies direct their teams effectively and efficiently to sewer issues requiring attention as quickly as possible, arming them with detailed and reliable information. We believe that this library will accelerate that process by making the inspection of sewers more accurate, efficient and effective through the use of AI software, enabling engineers to focus on developing solutions to proactively tackle issues to prevent failure. Studies have shown that the accuracy of CCTV surveys can be as low as 30%, so innovation is clearly needed to improve this.
Peter said that significant data was required to effectively train the AI software to recognise features found within sewer pipes.
The collaborative project between seven water companies (United Utilities, Thames Water, South West Water, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, Scottish Water, Severn Trent Water and Yorkshire Water), which operate 72% of the UK’s sewers or 560,000 km, saw WRc use previously coded CCTV survey footage.
Along with the accompanying metadata also provided, which included a video reference, the sewer material and diameter, a defect code, a defect description and the location of a defect in the frame.
Peter said: “This process gave us a total of 726,290 images, and from this we successfully developed a library of 27,262 images to act as the single benchmark dataset by checking and categorising each of the images for accuracy and clarity. For each defect, an optimum target of 1,000 images was sought from the original total of 726,290 images. This target was selected after discussion with current AI software providers concluded that it was the ideal number to train an AI solution. However, providing even a limited number of images for a defect type is beneficial in the improvement of AI accuracy.
WRc were able to identify sufficient images for 17 defect codes (with 1000 images each) and a further 55 defects having images identified and classified, which will still be useful in the development of AI solutions. The library now contains images of 72 defect codes – significantly more than the expected 60 defect codes identified at the onset of the project.
WRc had 15 water engineers and technical consultants from its technical consulting and catchment modelling teams assigned to this project over a period of three months completing the defect classification process to select the best images for the training library. These were then checked by colleagues to ensure the selected images were of sufficient quality.
WRc believes that this image library can be improved with the addition of more data to extend the range and quality of images to incorporate even more defects and, following initial feedback, even release the images not selected for initial inclusion so that the AI software can be trained using not only positive examples but also negative ones.
United Utilities Head of Innovation Kieran Brocklebank said: “I am very pleased with the outcome of this collaborative project which is one of the first delivered projects from the Ofwat Innovation Fund.
“I would like to congratulate WRc for their resilience in helping us deliver this great solution for the sector. Water companies are active in reviewing the dataset and seeing how they can use it effectively; for United Utilities, our AI provider has already uploaded the new data into their AI model and we’re seeing the benefits.”
Spring Innovation Knowledge Manager Chloe Tooth said: “We were delighted to work with United Utilities and WRc as a knowledge sharing partner on this project. It was great to see how open and honest this group of project partners were in sharing their lessons with the sector. It is critical that knowledge amassed from projects like this is shared across the sector to accelerate learning and ensure the Ofwat Innovation Fund is delivering innovation insights to benefit all customers.”
WRc said that feedback from the launch had been hugely positive, with ongoing discussions with current AI software providers demonstrating that the library has already been used by data specialists to improve their work.
The library is free to download from the Spring platform.
This library of images is a world’s first and is truly innovative through its collaborative use of shared water company CCTV data to create and open data source from which any AI solution provider can improve their algorithms leading to greater efficiency and accuracy in the condition assessment of sewer networks.
