Business profile
their loading requirements. The project, which formed part of a multi-million pound investment by Charnwood Borough Council to re-develop the area, also called for a bespoke distribution inlet for one of the Polystorm structures.
‘In this particular project, a 600mm diameter pipe could not connect directly into one of the Polystorm structures as this would have affected the hydraulics, so we overcame this by designing and fabricating a bespoke one piece pipe fitting from a four metre length of 600mm pipe with 6 x 300mm and 1 x 225mm outlets,’ Shingleton explains. Manufacturers with specialist proven rail product ranges like Polypipe provide added design flexibility to large and small rail maintenance and redevelopment projects.
A key offering from Polypipe’s proven modern drainage systems is the innovative Ridgidrain product line, which is a durable track drainage solution with a structured wall design, and fewer joints allowing for faster installation. It is up to 94 per cent more lightweight than traditional concrete, impact and abrasion resistant with a lower inner wall for superior hydraulic performance. Ridgidrain, for example, was specified for the redevelopment of the Victorian Bramhope Tunnel, deemed one of the wettest Victorian-era railway tunnels ever built in England, as part of works to replace the stone-built Victorian box culvert. The Ridgidrain system provided a modern alternative to traditional drainage methods and a much quicker installation. It reduced the overall construction programme and importantly, minimised the need for heavy plant in and around the tunnel.
‘Modernising a Victorian system comes
with an array of challenges, not least when the work in question at Bramhope was not only damaged and blocked with ballast, but is also situated in one of the UKs wettest areas. However, with detailed designing and detailing of the agreed system, our technical experts were able to ensure the time spent completing the installation on site was kept to a minimum. Although Ridgidrain involves relatively low maintenance, the system was, in this instance, devised with maintenance access at 30-metre intervals along the pipeline for added ease of accessibility.
Such product innovations demonstrate the time, cost and logistical benefits that can be brought to a whole range of rail
infrastructure improvement projects. With Network Rail announcing an £80m reduction in its operating cost within its 2012 annual report, the use of effective innovations like the low maintenance drainage solutions which reduce labour costs in both installation and maintenance processes are a step in the right direction in generating cost savings. Furthermore, manufacturer advice is free, so it makes perfect sense to utilise their technical knowledge and experience of similar projects at the outset of your next rail project.
For more information contact Polypipe Tel: +44 (0)1709 770000
www.polypipe.co.uk
EMC shielding range extended T
he Icotek range of EMC cable shielding products, available from M Buttkereit, has been extended to include the PFS/SCL shield clamps. This new range is designed with a quick attachment clip for easy mounting onto busbars, and also features a slim profile that is ideal for higher density cable mounting within a limited space. Adequate shielding and earthing of cabling is becoming increasingly important, particularly where higher levels of protection are required against equipment failure due to EMC emissions. Typically, process measurement and other control equipment can be adversely affected in this manner. To achieve the positive and protective shielding, a small section of the cable outer insulation is stripped off, and the exposed cable shielding layer then simply pushed-into and securely located within the shield clamps. These clamps also provide cable strain relief in accordance with VDE. In large frequency fields, these shield clamps provide low
PAGE 64 DECEMBER 2012
resistance, greatly reducing high frequency interference, to ensure an outstanding solution for EMC shielding. When the cable has been suitably stripped, this ensures a fast, tool-free assembly with the cable simply pressed into a positive clamped location to provide effective bonding and grounding. Other cable clamps available from M Buttkereit also include
the SKL range, designed for cable shield diameters ranging from 1.5 to 29mm diameter. No special tooling is required for assembly and numerous flexible mounting options are available. Collectively, the range of products available include screw fixed, snap-on and clip-in assembly, suitable for both C or H rail mounting. Large contact areas are achieved, up to 50 per cent greater than other conventional shield clamps. Custom designed clamp arrangements can also be provided, even for small quantities. Contact: +44 (0)161 969 5418; email:
info@buttkereit.co.uk or visit the website:
www.buttkereit.co.uk
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