ADVERTORIAL FEATURE | STEVE VICK INTERNATIONAL
Branch saddle operation successful at Sellafield
PE Branch Saddles and Under Pressure Drill Technology used on new connections
Above: PE Branch Saddle In position
A NEW BUILDING AT THE Sellafield site had to be included in the site fire hydrant network in case of fire, so new connection was required. This meant a raw watermain diversion approximately 130m in length. It involved a requirement to install an 80NB diameter polyethylene (PE) saddle branch onto a 315mm HDPE pipe. Steve Vick International (SVI) was contracted by One Aim – Jacobs, on behalf of Sellafield, the Infrastructure Strategic Alliance (ISA) to take on the work. A branch saddle operation was chosen because it was deemed too high risk to fully shut down the hydrant network while a new connection was installed. The advantage of a PE branch saddle is that it can be installed under ‘live’ conditions. The PE branch saddle was clamped to the existing pipe and then electrofused, prior to the attachment of a full-
bore valve. The fitting and valve were pressure-tested in situ at 1.5 times network working pressure. Once the pressure testing was carried out successfully, the drilling operation was performed using SVI’s under pressure drill technology. The operation was completed within one working day. One Aim – Jacobs staff were then able to connect the new hydrant pipeline into the new PE branch connection valve at their own convenience. Ian Campbell, mechanical site engineer for One Aim
– Jacobs said, this had followed previously successful installations of branch connections at Sellafield. “The branch saddle technique they use alleviates any issues during the commissioning of the new raw water main diversion and ensures the main header pipework is fully purged and free of any trapped air before going into full operational service.” ■
Pipeline Decommissioning and New Connections
DECOMMISSIONING OF PIPES, DUCTS OR CHAMBERS
Our Foambag system seals pipes and ducts prior to sectioning/removal and encapsulates loose debris and contamination within the pipe
NEW CONNECTIONS
Using our bespoke under pressure systems we can make new connections to existing pipelines under live conditions
CCTV SURVEYS
Our CCTV surveys can assess pipe conditions, allow for remediation and for removal of a pipe wall sample for testing
Over 30 Years Experience | Cost Saving Solutions | Remote Application Solutions ALL APPLICATIONS CAN BE CARRIED OUT UNDER LIVE CONDITIONS
www.stevevick.com | 01225 864864
28 | May 2021 |
www.neimagazine.com
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