Arundel Gate Network Renewal

Introduction

CPC Civils, as Principal Contractor, are currently undertaking the installation and renewal of 80m of District Heating pipework from Norfolk Street to Flat Street in Sheffield. The works are essential in maintaining the 44km long Sheffield District Energy Network which has been in operation since 1988.

The integrity of heat distribution pipes, which distribute pressurized hot water at 110°C, are key to ensure that the district heating scheme can deliver the low carbon energy to the communities and businesses in the city.

The First Installation in the UK

The pipeline runs beneath Arundel Gate through a tunnel of approximately 40m in length meaning replacement of the pipework would be extremely time consuming and expensive. The solution was to reline the pipework with a Carbon Fiber liner, CarboSeal®. A new product for District Heating pipelines and the site was the first installation of the product in the UK. CPC Civils and Colus attended training in Sweden to learn how to install the liner and subsequently installed the product successfully on the District Heating Network in Sheffield.

Andreas Martsman, Managing Director of Carboseal said:

“We are grateful for Veolia UK choosing to be first in the UK to install CarboSeal®. Synergi did a great job on the design work and it was a pleasure to train and work with CPC Civils and Colus to realise this install. Now we are well set up for helping the UK refurbishing their District Heating Networks in a fast, simple and sustainable way.”

Carbon lining, which has a minimal impact on system operation, now provides long term security and longevity of the pipe system as the material has exactly the same expansion, contraction, strength and durability properties as a steel pipe. The inherent strength of carbon lining makes it self-supporting and is designed to completely take over the workload of the host pipe, supporting the weight of the system water, and maintaining the integrity of the system.

There are many benefits to lining as listed below:

• Minimal Excavation required to install the liner. A launch and reception pit are all that is required.
• No excessive welding or weak spots within the network.
• No disruption to roads with closures or complex traffic management requirements.
• Design life is in excess of Steel Pipes (approximately 35 years).
• Cost savings based on alternative methods.
• Fast install process meaning disruption to the network is greatly reduced.
• Reduction in heavy civil engineering can have up to an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions during the construction process.

CPC Civils are the only contractor in the UK approved to install the Carboseal® product.