Page 12 - WWU Innovation Report 2019-2020

Case study
ESEAL
Seals in savings,
cuts disruption
FACT FILE
• ESEALs done since being
launched: 21.
• Cost avoided:
Almost £60k total, and approx. £3k average per job
• Speed/time needed vs conventional excavation: ESEAL has saved more than 60 days of customer disruption – and also the same number of days of traffic management avoided.
We are always looking for innovative ways of replacing mains efficiently and in the least disruptive way possible.
One of the latest is ESEAL (Enhanced Stub End Abandonment Live), initially developed by specialist contractor Steve Vick International with Northern Gas Networks (NGN) in an NIA- funded project (NIA_NGN_088).
Need
Current mains replacement methods often leave behind a one-metre section, known as the stub end, where it joins the parent supply. To fully remove – or abandon – the stub end, we dig a long trench so it can be taken out.
This type of work means disruption for our customers and local road users. With the connection between the mains often under a major highway or junction, extensive traffic management is needed during the work.
12 | Wales & West Utilities Innovation Report 2019/20
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