Cement removal project wins UKSTT environment award

A project carried out by Lanes Group plc to clean a 22-metre-long pipe clogged with cement in just three days has won a UKSTT Award.

Specialist Picote millers were used to clear the cement in a way that had the smallest possible carbon footprint, prompting the Environment Award win.

Scott Norris, Commercial Director at Lanes, said: “We’re delighted that UKSTT has recognised our efforts to deliver the most sustainable services for our customers.

“Lanes is constantly innovating, in terms of both new equipment and techniques, to work in ways that are simpler, less disruptive and more resource and energy efficient.

“This project is a perfect example of the positive outcomes for customers created by this process, as it prevented the need for a much more invasive and costly solution.”

UKSTT (United Kingdom Society for Trenchless Technology) is dedicated to the promotion of remote access ‘no-dig’ technologies to solve engineering challenges, including those associated with maintenance of sewer systems.

Lanes carried out the pipe cleaning project as part of its work as Thames Water’s sole wastewater network service maintenance partner.

The 150mm diameter sewer in Ealing, West London, was blocked between 40% and 100% along its length.

It ran down the centre of a narrow passageway between buildings with a bus lane at one end and a building site at the other, making access and working conditions difficult.

Lanes worked with Thames Water network engineers and Picote to implement a cleaning solution that overcame these challenges.

A Picote Maxi Miller and Picote Maxi Miller Power+, powerful electric remote access pipe cleaning machines, were used to cut through the cement.

The highly compact machines were ideal for use in the restricted space. Also, they could be quickly moved out of the way to allow construction vehicles through.

The solution was much quicker than water jetting, used significantly less water, and about one-third of the vehicle fuel, resulting in CO₂ emissions being reduced by up to 80%.

Lanes is now looking at how it can use the Picote pipe cleaning, blockage removal and descaling system for other projects.

The UKSTT Awards 2022 celebrated the best technologies, innovations and projects involving no-dig solutions.

Winners were announced at a gala dinner held at the East of England Showground, Peterborough Arena, on Wednesday 14^th September.