Services contractor Clancy has invested in a new trenchless pipe-lining innovation seemingly capable of repairing faults up to five times more quickly than traditional solutions.
The compact no-dig system uses an integrated keyhole camera to identify defects within wastewater pipes. Operatives then remotely guide a resin-impregnated liner into place to patch the fault, before curing the material with LED technology.
The LED system uses the wavelength of blue light (450nm) to rapidly harden the vinylester repair patch at a rate of one meter per minute. Using the technology through its contracting partnership with Anglian Water, Clancy’s teams can complete repairs that would have previously taken twelve hours in as little as two hours.
As well as enabling Clancy to undertake multiple repairs daily, it also eliminates the risk of utility strikes during digging and the need for reinstatement.
Ronan Clancy, associate director at Clancy, said: “Our ‘keyhole surgery’ for pipes is a perfect example of innovation applied meaningfully to deliver real benefits, not only for Anglian Water’s customers but to members of the public who experience less disruption.
“It’s currently revolutionising our productivity in treating wastewater pipes, but we’re also supporting its approval for use on the water network where it has huge potential to increase resilience and tackle leakage.”
Paul Gibbs, director of water recycling at Anglian Water, added: “While our customers may not be able to see the trenchless pipe-lining system in action, they are certainly reaping the rewards of this latest innovation. We will continue to collaborate with Clancy to embrace technologies that are transforming the modern water industry by unlocking smarter, more efficient services.”
